bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithography‐Free, Omnidirectional, CMOS‐Compatible AlCu Alloys for Thin‐Film Superabsorbers
Authors: Dias Mariama Rebello Sousa , Gong Chen , Benson Zackery A. , Leite Marina S.
Published: December 2017

Superabsorbers based on metasurfaces have recently enabled the control of light at the nanoscale in unprecedented ways. Nevertheless, the sub‐wavelength features needed to modify the absorption band usually require complex fabrication methods, such as electron‐beam lithography. To overcome the scalability limitations associated with the fabrication of metallic nanostructures, engineering the optical response of superabsorbers by metal alloying is proposed, instead of tuning the geometry/size of the nanoscale building blocks. The superior performance of thin film AlCu alloys as the metallic component of planar bilayer superabsorbers is numerically demonstrated. This alloy outperforms its pure constituents as well as other metals, such as Ag, Au, and Cr. As a model system, a Si/AlCu structure is analyzed that presents >99% absorption at selected wavelength ranging from the visible to the near‐infrared regions of the spectrum, depending on the subwavelength thickness of the semiconductor. The multi‐wavelength near‐unity absorption behavior of Si/AlCu persists even for oblique angle of incidence, up to 70°. Additionally, the findings are validated by fabricating and testing a‐Si/AlCu superabsorbers, where good agreement is found between the numerically and experimentally determined optical response. The system investigated here is relevant for integration in complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technologies.
Identifying the Emergency Medicine Personality: A Multisite Exploratory Pilot Study
Authors: Jordan Jaime , Linden Judith A. , Maculatis Martine C. , Hern H. Gene , Schneider Jeffrey I. , Wills Charlotte P. , Marshall John P. , Friedman Alan , Yarris Lalena M.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to understand the personality characteristics of emergency medicine (EM) residents and assess consistency and variations among residency programs.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a convenience sample of residents (N = 140) at five EM residency programs in the United States completed three personality assessments: the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)—describing usual tendencies; the Hogan Development Survey (HDS)—describing tendencies under stress or fatigue; and the Motives, Values, and Preferences Inventory (MVPI)—describing motivators. Differences between EM residents and a normative population of U.S. physicians were examined with one‐sample t‐tests. Differences between EM residents by program were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance tests.

Results

One‐hundred forty (100%), 124 (88.6%), and 121 (86.4%) residents completed the HPI, HDS, and MVPI, respectively. For the HPI, residents scored lower than the norms on the adjustment, ambition, learning approach, inquisitive, and prudence scales. For the HDS, residents scored higher than the norms on the cautious, excitable, reserved, and leisurely scales, but lower on bold, diligent, and imaginative scales. For the MVPI, residents scored higher than the physician population norms on altruistic, hedonistic, and aesthetics scales, although lower on the security and tradition scales. Residents at the five programs were similar on 22 of 28 scales, differing on one of 11 scales of the HPI (interpersonal sensitivity), two of 11 scales of the HDS (leisurely, bold), and three of 10 scales of the MVPI (aesthetics, commerce, and recognition).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the personality characteristics of EM residents differ considerably from the norm for physicians, which may have implications for medical students’ choice of specialty. Additionally, results indicated that EM residents at different programs are comparable in many areas, but moderate variation in personality characteristics exists. These results may help to inform future research incorporating personality assessment into the resident selection process and the training environment.
Regioselective Chlorination of Aryl C−H bonds with Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagent 1‐Chloro‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3‐one
Authors: Parvathaneni Sai Prathima , Perumgani Pullaiah C.
Published: December 2017

We describe a copper(I) catalyzed ortho‐chlorination of aromatic compounds via direct C−H activation by using hypervalent iodine reagent 1‐chloro‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3‐one. This reaction showed high regioselectivity for the monochlorination of the C−H bonds of 2‐phenyl pyridines and was compatible for a wide range of nitrogen‐containing aromatics. Furthermore, the synthesized iodine(III) reagent was highly stable, recyclable, and can be employed in large‐scale syntheses of halo‐heteroarenes.
Control for the New Harsh sea Conditions Salvage Crane Based on Modified Fuzzy PID
Authors: Liu Xiangyong , Li Wanli , Wang Wenjia , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: December 2017

The new salvage crane for harsh sea conditions is a salvage and rescue device that is used for the space launch capsule. The wave compensation algorithm can improve search and rescue ability at sea, and can also provide wave compensation guidance for other sea vessels under harsh sea conditions. Firstly, compared with the traditional fuzzy PID algorithm, the wave compensation algorithm is improved in three aspects: fuzzy rules, fuzzy inputs, and fuzzy outputs. For the fuzzy rules, E and EC are used separately. E plays a main role and EC plays an auxiliary role. For the fuzzy inputs, the angle deviation is the sum of current angle and angle's changing rate. For the fuzzy outputs, the cylinder's inertia and the electro‐hydraulic valve's reverse dead zone factors are taken into account, and the PID output value is set with upper limit, lower limit, and dead zone. Secondly, the control valve and the hydraulic system's model are established in AMESim. The improved algorithm is established in SIMULINK. Combining the hydraulic model with the algorithm model, we do the co‐simulation analysis. Thirdly, the improved algorithm's verification experiments are carried out on a rocky platform, which can simulate the ship's instability in different sea conditions. Finally, the simulation and experimental results verify that the improved fuzzy PID algorithm enhances the salvage crane's response and robustness, and also improves the salvage effect.
Vibration‐Attenuation Controller Design for Structural Systems with Multi‐Rate Sampled Data
Authors: Weng Falu , Guo Yi , Ding Yuanchun , Han Shuren , Geng Feiyue
Published: December 2017

The problem of vibration‐attenuation controller design for structural systems with multi‐rate sampled data is investigated in this paper. The objective of designing controllers is to guarantee the stability and anti‐disturbance performance of closed‐loop systems. Firstly, based on matrix transformation, the state‐space model of structural systems with multi‐rate sampled data and uncertainties appearing in the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices is established. Secondly, in terms of the Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques, a sufficient condition is established for the system without uncertainties to be stabilizable. If the condition is solvable, the controller can be obtained such that the closed‐loop system is stable with a prescribed level of disturbance attenuation performance. Furthermore, the condition is also extended to its uncertain case. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed theorems.
New Metabolites Produced by Cylindrocarpon sp. SY‐39 from a Driftwood
Authors: Suzuki Takuma , Yoshida Seiya , Koseki Takuya , Aboshi Takako , Murayama Tetsuya , Supratman Unang , Shiono Yoshihito
Published: December 2017

Four novel compounds, cylindropyrone A (1), 10′‐hydroxyilicicolinic acid D (3), cylindrolactones A (4) and B (5), together with known dihydroinfectopyrone (2) were isolated from the culture of Cylindrocarpon sp. SY‐39 from a driftwood. Their structures were elucidated using 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy. Compound 3 showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 5.0 μg/mL.
The Role of Metallic Copper in the Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Glycerol to 1,2‐Propanediol over Cu/ZrO2
Authors: Gabrysch Thomas , Peng Baoxiang , Bunea Sorin , Dyker Gerald , Muhler Martin
Published: December 2017

A series of Cu/ZrO2 catalysts with nominal CuO loadings of 5, 10, 18 and 31 wt.% was synthesized by co‐precipitation, characterized and applied in the hydrodeoxygenation of glycerol under mild reaction conditions (200 °C, 25 bar H2). These catalysts were highly selective for the cleavage of C−O bonds while preserving C−C bonds leading to 95 % selectivity to 1,2‐propanediol. The conversion of glycerol was observed to be linearly correlated with the specific copper surface area derived from N2O frontal chromatography. The reaction was found to occur through the dehydration of glycerol to acetol followed by its hydrogenation to 1,2‐propanediol. Metallic copper was identified as the active site for both reactions suggesting the acid ZrO2 sites to be blocked by water. Reusability studies showed that the catalyst was relatively stable and the conversion decreased by only 18 % after three cycles.
Transport of reactive X‐3B dye at the interface between cationic surfactant‐modified water‐quenched blast furnace slag and aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Zhe , Huang Guohe , An Chunjiang , Li Weiping , Chen Lirong , Zhang Sisi
Published: December 2017

There is an emerging interest in the utilization of low‐cost industrial wastes in sustainable pollution control. This study investigated the use of water‐quenched blast furnace slag modified by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide as a low‐cost adsorbent for the removal of reactive brilliant red X‐3B from an aqueous solution. The results showed that the removal efficiency increased with an increasing slag dosage and an appropriate dosage for adsorption was 8 g/L. The adsorption efficiency of X‐3B onto modified slag decreased when the pH increased from 2 to 12. The amount of dye uptake per unit of modified slag also increased with an increase in ionic strength, contact time, temperature, and initial dye concentration. The Freundlich isotherm model showed a good fit to the equilibrium adsorption data. Thermodynamic studies suggested the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo‐second‐order model and the rate constant increased with increasing temperature. These results can help understand the migration patterns of dye molecules at a modified slag‐water interface. It also has important implications for developing wastewater treatment techniques using low‐cost adsorbents.
INSAR AND GPS EARTHQUAKE SOURCE PARAMETER INVERSION FOR THE 2016 Mw6.4 MEINONG, TAIWAN EARTHQUAKE
Authors: Le‐Yang WANG , Hua GAO , Guang‐Cai FENG
Published: December 2017

On February 6, 2016, an Mw6.4 earthquake struck the Meinong District of Kaohsiung city in Taiwan, China. Various researches have been conducted on the earthquake. Most of these researches are based on seismic data and no consensus has been reached on the fault structure and focal parameters yet. Surface displacement obtained by interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is widely used in earthquake studies because of its high resolution and accuracy with large and continuous coverage. Therefore, this study selects InSAR and GPS data to investigate the focal mechanism and slip distribution of the 2016 Meinong earthquake. Using the dual‐track differential InSAR (D‐InSAR) technology, we extract the coseismic deformation field of this earthquake with SAR data (both the ascending and descending) from satellite ALOS2 and the ascending data from satellite Sentinal‐1A. The results show that the maximum deformation occurs in the west of the epicenter, with an uplift around 11.2 cm.

The uniform dislocation model and multiple peak particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm are employed to determine the fault geometry parameters of this earthquake based on the InSAR and GPS data. The results show that the rupture is a reverse fault with sinistral strike‐slip with the average slip angle of 51.5°. The seismic source is at 22.920°N, 120.420°E, and a depth of 12 km. The rupture plane is about 15 km long with a strike angle of 307° and a dip angle of 16.5°. The optimal dip angle (15.7°), weighting ratio (18:1) between GPS and InSAR and the smoothing factor (0.06) obtained by the grid iteration method together with the non‐uniform model and the non‐negative least squares method are used to obtain the detailed slip distribution. The results show that the maximum value of dip slip and strike slip are 51.7 cm and 55.3 cm, respectively. The moment magnitude of the non‐uniform model is Mw6.38, slightly smaller than the result of GCMT (Mw6.4). The comparison between our research and previous research and the analysis of the regional faults indicate that a single fault geometry is more reasonable and it can fit both the GPS and InSAR data well. We also find that the ruptured fault is a blind fault located in the area among Zouchen fault and Chishan fault with an ES‐WN strike and dipping toward ES. So we believe this fault should have some relation with the 2010 Mw6.3 Jiashian earthquake.
VALIDATION OF FY‐3 MWTS CHANNEL 4 MEASUREMENTS USING COSMIC RADIO OCCULTATION DATA
Authors: Wen‐Ying HE , Hong‐Bin CHEN
Published: December 2017

With high accuracy and stability of GPS radio occultation (RO) data in the stratosphere, COSMIC data is used to validate the Microwave Temperature Sounder (MWTS) channel 4 (ch4) measurements on serial FY‐3 satellite platforms. A 2‐year comparison between the simulated and observed Tb for MWTS ch4 shows that both MWTS observed Tb on FY‐3A/3B in lower stratosphere are overestimated, especially in the tropics and summer of high‐latitude region. The trends of Tb bias are more consistent on both FY‐3A/3B satellites in the two years. The variations of Tb bias for MWTS ch4 in four latitude‐zones are quite different: the Tb bias is obviously positive about 2∼4 K in the tropics, and is stably positive about 1 K in the mid‐latitude, while the Tb bias is evidently varied with seasons from negative in winter to positive in summer in high‐latitude, particular in southern high‐latitude the difference of Tb bias among seasons is about 5 K, such strong dependence on environment temperature for Tb bias is not mainly caused by the shifted central frequency. In the tropics the difference of the observed and simulated Tb is more significant, and the influence of matching samples in the tropics on the global Tb bias is more than 20%, which implies that it should be cautious to use the validating results derived from COSMIC in the tropics.
Thermoregulatory behavior and high thermal preference buffer impact of climate change in a Namib Desert lizard
Authors: Kirchhof Sebastian , Hetem Robyn S. , Lease Hilary M. , Miles Donald B. , Mitchell Duncan , Müller Johannes , Rödel Mark‐Oliver , Sinervo Barry , Wassenaar Theo , Murray Ian W.
Published: December 2017

Knowledge of the thermal ecology of a species can improve model predictions for temperature‐induced population collapse, which in light of climate change is increasingly important for species with limited distributions. Here, we use a multi‐faceted approach to quantify and integrate the thermal ecology, properties of the thermal habitat, and past and present distribution of the diurnal, xeric‐adapted, and active‐foraging Namibian lizard Pedioplanis husabensis (Sauria: Lacertidae) to model its local extinction risk under future climate change scenarios. We asked whether climatic conditions in various regions of its range are already so extreme that local extirpations of P. husabensis have already occurred, or whether this micro‐endemic species is adapted to these extreme conditions and uses behavior to mitigate the environmental challenges. To address this, we collected thermoregulation and climate data at a micro‐scale level and combined it with micro‐ and macroclimate data across the species’ range to model extinction risk. We found that P. husabensis inhabits a thermally harsh environment, but also has high thermal preference. In cooler parts of its range, individuals are capable of leaving thermally favorable conditions—based on the species’ thermal preference—unused during the day, probably to maintain low metabolic rates. Furthermore, during the summer, we observed that individuals regulate at body temperatures below the species’ high thermal preference to avoid body temperatures approaching the critical thermal maximum. We find that populations of this species are currently persisting even at the hottest localities within the species’ geographic distribution. We found no evidence of range shifts since the 1960s despite a documented increase in air temperatures. Nevertheless, P. husabensis only has a small safety margin between the upper limit of its thermal preference and the critical thermal maximum and might undergo range reductions in the near future under even the most moderate climate change scenarios.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain in European older adults: Cross‐national and gender differences
Authors: Cimas M. , Ayala A. , Sanz B. , Agulló‐Tomás M.S. , Escobar A. , Forjaz M.J.
Published: December 2017

Background

In an ageing Europe, chronic pain is a major public health problem, but robust epidemiological data are scarce. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence of and factors associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain by gender in older adults of 14 European countries.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed from wave 5 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The study included people ≥50 years residing in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Chronic pain was defined as being bothered by joint and/or back pain for the previous 6 months. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were performed to analyse prevalence ratio by covariates, stratified by sex.

Results

A total of 61,157 participants were included. Overall prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain was 35.7% (28.8–31.7), ranging from 18.6% (17.1–20.1) for Switzerland to 45.6% (43.3–47.8) for France. Prevalence was higher in women than in men: 41.3% (40.2–42.4) versus 29.1% (28.0–30.3). Chronic musculoskeletal pain was lower in men aged >75 years (PR = 0.82; 0.72–0.92) than the younger (50–59) group. Separated/divorced status presented opposite effects among men (PR = 0.85; 0.76–0.96) and women (PR = 1.12; 1.03–1.21) compared with married, and unemployment was a significant factor in men (PR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.02–1.43) compared with employed.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal pain in older European adults is very frequent, especially in women, with large differences depending on the country of residence. Health policy makers should prioritize strategies aimed at improving the prevention and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in Europe.

Significance

This study provides epidemiological data of chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Reported differences contribute to highlight the relevance of considering a gender perspective in chronic musculoskeletal pain research. Cross‐national comparison also offers a map of differences that improves the knowledge of this chronic condition in Europe.
A Graphene Oxide‐DNA Electrochemical Sensor Based on Glassy Carbon Electrode for Sensitive Determination of Methotrexate
Authors: Chen Jincheng , Fu Bo , Liu Tailin , Yan Zhihong , Li Kang
Published: December 2017

Methotrexate (MTX) was used as an anti‐cancer drug, but its excessive use can cause serious side effects, it was necessary to monitor MTX in vivo. In this report, DNA was immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide (GO) to develop an electrochemical sensor for sensitive determination of MTX for the first time. The adsorptive voltammetric behaviors of MTX on DNA sensor were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The peak current response of guanine in DNA was used as a determination signal of MTX in acetate buffer solution pH 4.6. Voltammetric investigations revealed that the proposed method could determine MTX in the concentration range from 5.5×10−8 to 2.2×10−6 mol L−1 with a lower detection limit of 7.6×10−9 mol L−1 (S/N=3). The method was applied to detect MTX in human blood serum and diluted urine samples with excellent recoveries of 97.4–102.5 %. Compared with the previous studies, the DNA/GO/GCE electrode constructed by us based on the change rate of guanine current (R%) in DNA, proportionally reflecting the MTX concentration, is simple and sensitive.
1‐Ethyl‐3‐Methyl‐Imidazolium Bis (Trifluoromethane‐ sulfonyl) Imide as an Electrolyte Additive in LiFePO4‐ Based Batteries for Suppressing Aluminum Corrosion
Authors: Shangguan Xuehui , Jia Guofeng , Li Faqiang , Liu Suqin , Yang Guowei , Wu Kang , Wu Zhijian
Published: December 2017

Lithium bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) is a potentially useful electrolyte salt for use in Li‐ion batteries. LiTFSI, however, is associated with severe corrosion of Al current collectors. This study investigates the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (EMITFSI) as an Al corrosion inhibitor in LiTFSI electrolytes. Different concentrations of EMITFSI are used as additives in 1 m LiTFSI‐based electrolytes to systematically assess the performance of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathodes. The results from electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Cyclic voltammetry (CV) indicate that adding EMITFSI into LiTFSI‐based electrolytes can effectively prevent severe corrosion of Al caused by LiTFSI‐based electrolytes. The LiFePO4 cells that use 1 m LiTFSI+11 % EMITFSI‐based electrolytes demonstrate a superior rate capability and cycling stability when compared to cells that use the LiTFSI‐based electrolyte.
Experimental Design for Modeling and Multi‐response Optimization of Catalytic Cyclohexene Epoxidation over Polyoxometalates
Authors: Boudjema Souheyla , Zerrouki Mostapha , Choukchou‐Braham Abderrahim
Published: December 2017

An experimental design methodology was applied to optimize cyclohexene epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of acid‐activated montmorillonite clay supported on 11‐molybdovanado‐phosphoric acid, with the Keggin structure H4[PVMo11O40] · 13H2O (PVMo) as catalyst. The statistical study of the process was achieved through a two‐level, full‐factorial experimental design with five process parameters. The significant input variables (key factors) that influenced the performance of cyclohexene oxidation are the catalyst weight, catalyst loading, temperature, H2O2 concentration, and the reaction time. The effect of the individual parameters and their interaction effects on the cyclohexene conversion, as well as the selectivity of cyclohexane‐1,2‐diol, was determined, and a statistical model of the process was developed. The process was optimized by considering the two responses simultaneously, which allows defining the optimal regions for the significant process variables. The optimal conditions were obtained for the catalyst weight of 0.05 g, temperature of 70°C, and reaction time of 9 h, with 20% PVMo as the active phase and hydrogen peroxide as oxidant.
Numerical Simulation of the Crack Formation in the Quenched Poly(l‐lactic acid) Spherulites
Authors: Liu Yanping , Wei Hanghang , Wang Junli , Li Qian
Published: December 2017

The quenching process of poly(l‐lactic acid) spherulites obtained by isothermal crystallization is simulated by ANSYS software in order to study the mechanism of crack formation. Regular concentric circular or hexagon crack is found by polarizing optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The rapid temperature variation which brings large thermal stress is considered to be the main reason for the crack, so a spherulite with diameter of 160 µm is modeled by ANSYS to compute the transient change of thermal stress. According to the temperature nephogram, it is found that the spherulites temperature almost reduces to zero during 1 s, also the thermal stress dropped by five orders of magnitude. The stress fluctuation of 35 nodes, which are equally spaced from spherulite center to outer, present regular attenuation of vibration periodically from 10−6 to 10−4 s while the peak values are different from each other. Furthermore, the differential result of the peak value shows a bell‐shaped curve while the maximum difference between two adjacent nodes reaches 0.12 MPa. Although insufficient of boundary condition will introduce error of calculation, this research is still an important attempt for simulation technique to solve problem in polymer crystallization.
Dysregulation of microRNA biogenesis machinery and microRNA/RNA ratio in skeletal muscle of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice
Authors: Russell Aaron P. , Ghobrial Lobna , Ngo Shyuan , Yerbury Justin , Zacharewicz Evelyn , Chung Roger , Lamon Séverine
Published: December 2017

Introduction: The pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with impaired RNA processing and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation. Here we investigate the regulation of the members of the miRNA biogenesis pathways and total miRNA levels at different stages of the disease. Methods: Muscle, brain, and spinal cord tissue were obtained from presymptomatic, symptomatic, and end‐stage superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)G93A mice. miRNA and transcript levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: As the diseases progresses, several genes involved in miRNA biogenesis as well as the miRNA/total RNA (totRNA) ratio increased in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle but not in the soleus or in neural tissue. Discussion: We propose that a dysregulation in the miRNA/totRNA ratio in the TA muscle from SOD1G93A mice reflects a pathological increase in miRNA biogenesis machinery. Alterations in the miRNA/totRNA ratio influence the levels of reference noncoding RNAs and may therefore potentially compromise the accuracy of commonly used miRNA normalization strategies. Muscle Nerve 57: 838–847, 2018
Happy (re)New Year: How to reset and rejuvenate
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: December 2017

If you're like a lot of people, 2017 has been a trying year personally and professionally. Although it sounds cliché, the new calendar year is a fine time to check in on ourselves. Rather than focus on enrollment goals, this month's column is going to focus on you, fellow marketing professional.
Create a powerful morning routine in 5 steps
Authors: Costa Karen
Published: December 2017

Do you frequently hit snooze when your morning alarm sounds, then feel harried and rushed? When you contemplate waking up earlier, do you counter the idea with a firm “I'm not a morning person”?
Disaster Preparedness: Biological Threats and Treatment Options
Authors: Narayanan Navaneeth , Lacy Clifton R. , Cruz Joseph E. , Nahass Meghan , Karp Jonathan , Barone Joseph A. , Hermes‐DeSantis Evelyn R.
Published: December 2017

Biological disasters can be natural, accidental, or intentional. Biological threats have made a lasting impact on civilization. This review focuses on agents of clinical significance, bioterrorism, and national security, specifically Category A agents (anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, and smallpox), as well as briefly discusses other naturally emerging infections of public health significance, Ebola virus (also a Category A agent) and Zika virus. The role of pharmacists in disaster preparedness and disaster response is multifaceted and important. Their expertise includes clinical knowledge, which can aid in drug information consultation, patient‐specific treatment decision making, and development of local treatment plans. To fulfill this role, pharmacists must have a comprehensive understanding of medical countermeasures for these significant biological threats across all health care settings. New and reemerging infectious disease threats will continue to challenge the world. Pharmacists will be at the forefront of preparedness and response, sharing knowledge and clinical expertise with responders, official decision makers, and the general public.
Association of Higher Daptomycin Dose (7 mg/kg or Greater) with Improved Survival in Patients with Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Timbrook Tristan T. , Caffrey Aisling R. , Luther Megan K. , Lopes Vrishali , LaPlante Kerry L.
Published: December 2017

Study Objective

Current guidelines recommend higher daptomycin doses than the daptomycin label dose of 6 mg/kg for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia; however, the evidence supporting this recommendation is from in vitro and case series studies. This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of the daptomycin label dose versus higher daptomycin doses in patients with MRSA bacteremia.

Design

Retrospective national cohort study.

Setting

Veterans Affairs medical centers.

Patients

A total of 371 adults with MRSA bacteremia who were admitted between 2002 and 2015 and treated initially with vancomycin within 24 hours of initial culture collection and then switched to daptomycin therapy within 7 days; 138 patients (37.2%) received daptomycin doses higher than the daptomycin label dose (7 mg/kg or greater), and 233 (62.8%) received the daptomycin label dose (6 mg/kg).

Measurements and Main Results

Clinical outcomes were compared among those who received the daptomycin label dose and those who received the higher dose using propensity score–matched Cox proportional hazards regression models. To identify dose partitioning associated with optimal survival, classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used among patients, controlling for confounding with a 30‐day mortality disease risk score. Propensity score–matched 30‐day mortality was 8.6% (6/70 patients) among the higher dose group versus 18.6% (13/70 patients) among the label dose group (hazard ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.94). No significant differences were observed in inpatient mortality, length of stay, 30‐day readmission, or 30‐day S. aureus reinfection between groups. CART analysis resulted in doses of 7 mg/kg or greater providing benefit only among patients with higher (more than 51%) predicted probabilities of 30‐day mortality (p<0.001).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first comparative effectiveness study of daptomycin doses in patients with MRSA bacteremia. Survival benefits were observed with doses higher than the daptomycin label dose (7 mg/kg or greater) for the treatment of MRSA bacteremia. These data suggest that higher doses than the daptomycin label dose may be preferred over the label dose for improving clinical outcomes in patients with MRSA bacteremia.
Structural analysis of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B reveals potentially druggable allosteric binding sites
Authors: Kumar Ammu Prasanna , Nguyen Minh N. , Verma Chandra , Lukman Suryani
Published: December 2017

Catalytic proteins such as human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), with conserved and highly polar active sites, warrant the discovery of druggable nonactive sites, such as allosteric sites, and potentially, therapeutic small molecules that can bind to these sites. Catalyzing the dephosphorylation of numerous substrates, PTP1B is physiologically important in intracellular signal transduction pathways in diverse cell types and tissues. Aberrant PTP1B is associated with obesity, diabetes, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Utilizing clustering methods (based on root mean square deviation, principal component analysis, nonnegative matrix factorization, and independent component analysis), we have examined multiple PTP1B structures. Using the resulting representative structures in different conformational states, we determined consensus clustroids and used them to identify both known and novel binding sites, some of which are potentially allosteric. We report several lead compounds that could potentially bind to the novel PTP1B binding sites and can be further optimized. Considering the possibility for drug repurposing, we discovered homologous binding sites in other proteins, with ligands that could potentially bind to the novel PTP1B binding sites.
Assessment of data‐assisted prediction by inclusion of crosslinking/mass‐spectrometry and small angle X‐ray scattering data in the 12th Critical Assessment of protein Structure Prediction experiment
Authors: Tamò Giorgio E. , Abriata Luciano A. , Fonti Giulia , Dal Peraro Matteo
Published: December 2017

Integrative modeling approaches attempt to combine experiments and computation to derive structure‐function relationships in complex molecular assemblies. Despite their importance for the advancement of life sciences, benchmarking of existing methodologies is rather poor. The 12th round of the Critical Assessment of protein Structure Prediction (CASP) offered a unique niche to benchmark data and methods from two kinds of experiments often used in integrative modeling, namely residue‐residue contacts obtained through crosslinking/mass‐spectrometry (CLMS), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. Upon assessment of the models submitted by predictors for 3 targets assisted by CLMS data and 11 targets by SAXS data, we observed no significant improvement when compared to the best data‐blind models, although most predictors did improve relative to their own data‐blind predictions. Only for target Tx892 of the CLMS‐assisted category and for target Ts947 of the SAXS‐assisted category, there was a net, albeit mild, improvement relative to the best data‐blind predictions. We discuss here possible reasons for the relatively poor success, which point rather to inconsistencies in the data sources rather than in the methods, to which a few groups were less sensitive. We conclude with suggestions that could improve the potential of data integration in future CASP rounds in terms of experimental data production, methods development, data management and prediction assessment.
Brain biopsy performed with the RONNA G3 system: a case study on using a novel robotic navigation device for stereotactic neurosurgery
Authors: Dlaka Domagoj , Švaco Marko , Chudy Darko , Jerbić Bojan , Šekoranja Bojan , Šuligoj Filip , Vidaković Josip , Almahariq Fadi , Romić Dominik
Published: December 2017

Background

Robotic neuronavigation is becoming an important tool for neurosurgeons. We present a case study of a frameless stereotactic biopsy guided by the RONNA G3 robotic neuronavigation system.

Methods

A 45 year‐old patient with a history of vertigo, nausea and vomiting was diagnosed with multiple periventricular lesions. Neurological status was unremarkable. A frameless robotic biopsy of a brain lesion was performed.

Results

Three tissue samples were obtained. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Histological analysis showed a B‐cell lymphoma. After merging the preoperative CT scan with the postoperative MRI and CT scans, the measured error between the planned and the postoperatively measured entry point was 2.24 mm and the measured error between the planned and postoperatively measured target point was 2.33 mm.

Conclusions

The RONNA G3 robotic system was used to navigate a Sedan brain biopsy needle to take tissue samples and could be a safe and precise tool for brain biopsy.
Zirconia‐Supported Cobalt Catalysts: Activity and Selectivity in NO Reduction by CO
Authors: Lima Thiago M. , Pereira Cristiane A. , Castelblanco William N. , Santos Camila M. B. , da Silva Sebastião W. , Santana Ricardo C. , Urquieta‐González Ernesto A. , Sartoratto Patrícia P. C.
Published: December 2017

Cobalt catalysts supported on tetragonal and monoclinic zirconia were prepared using a one‐pot procedure through the incorporation of a Co3O4 colloidal suspension during the support synthesis and evaluated in the reaction of NO reduction by CO. A better dispersion of the active phase was obtained by this method when compared to the conventional impregnation one. Furthermore, the crystalline phase of zirconia in the supports had a crucial effect in the dispersion of the cobalt species, being that the pure tetragonal phase led to a higher dispersion of the active phase. The one‐pot prepared tetragonal zirconia led to cobalt active species that consisted in well‐dispersed small agglomerates of Co3O4 and Co2+ species as oxo‐ions which displayed the best catalytic performance among the studied catalysts, with the highest NO conversion (75%) and high selectivity to N2 (85%) at 300 °C. These results show that the one‐pot methodology employed in this work has a strong potential to produce suitable catalysts for the abatement of NOx emissions.
MVP and College Success for First‐Year Students
Authors: Becker Karen A.
Published: December 2017

This chapter describes a Reading and Study Skills program and course that are offered to first‐year students who are underprepared or reluctant and who may be at risk for failure in other courses as well as at risk for long‐term retention and graduation. The course is discussed with respect to its parallels to the MVP model, and initial evidence of its success is provided. The MVP cycle is reflected in course design and process and in a textbook created specifically to accompany the course.
Assessing Motivation to Improve Learning: Practical Applications of Keller's MVP Model and ARCS‐V Design Process
Authors: Angelo Thomas A.
Published: December 2017

This chapter applies John Keller's MVP model and, specifically, adapts the ARCS‐V components of that model—defined and described in Chapter 1 of this issue of New Directions for Teaching and Learning—as a frame for exploring practical, research‐based assessment, and feedback strategies and tools teachers can use to help students enhance, manage, and sustain their own motivation to learn.
Regional Cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe and its Implications for the EU
Authors: Jančošekovà Viktória
Published: December 2017

Regional cooperation is mutually beneficial collaboration between neighbouring countries. This holds regardless of whether it is a matter of cooperation between the Benelux countries, the Nordic–Baltic states, France and Germany, or the Visegrad countries. The last-mentioned countries' dismissive attitude to tackling the migration crisis has thrust them into the limelight. The most recent cooperative forums in the Central Eastern Europe region, such as the Slavkov Triangle and the Three Seas Initiative, evidence a new dynamic and a regrouping of forces on the basis of national interests and EU themes. Western and Eastern Europe have different approaches to the most pressing challenges, such as migration. These differences have caused deep divisions between their respective leaders. However, the disagreements on the migration issue and the future of the EU notwithstanding, regional cooperation among the Central and Eastern European countries remains valuable in areas that include the integration process, security and defence.
The effect of turbulence on mass transfer rates of small inertial particles with surface reactions
Authors: Haugen Nils Erland L. , Krüger Jonas , Mitra Dhrubaditya , Løvås Terese
Published: December 2017

The effect of turbulence on the mass transfer between a fluid and embedded small heavy inertial particles that experience surface reactions is studied. For simplicity, the surface reaction, which takes place when a gas phase reactant is converted to a gas phase product at the external surface of the particles, is unimolar and isothermal. Two effects are identified. The first effect is due to the relative velocity between the fluid and the particles, and a model for the relative velocity is presented. The second effect is due to the clustering of particles, where the mass transfer rate is inhibited due to the rapid depletion of the consumed species inside the dense particle clusters. This last effect is relevant for large Damköhler numbers, where the Damköhler number is defined as the ratio of the turbulent and chemical time scales, and it may totally control the mass transfer rate for Damköhler numbers larger than unity. A model that describes how this effect should be incorporated into existing simulation tools that utilize the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes approach is presented.
On the hydrodynamic and acoustic nature of pressure proper orthogonal decomposition modes in the near field of a compressible jet
Authors: Mancinelli Matteo , Pagliaroli Tiziano , Camussi Roberto , Castelain Thomas
Published: December 2017

In this work an experimental investigation of the near-field pressure of a compressible jet is presented. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the pressure fluctuations measured by a linear array of microphones is performed in order to provide the streamwise evolution of the jet structure. The wavenumber–frequency spectrum of the space–time pressure fields re-constructed using each POD mode is computed in order to provide the physical interpretation of the mode in terms of hydrodynamic/acoustic nature. Specifically, non-radiating hydrodynamic, radiating acoustic and ‘hybrid’ hydro-acoustic modes are found based on the phase velocity associated with the spectral energy bumps in the wavenumber–frequency domain. Furthermore, the propagation direction in the far field of the radiating POD modes is detected through the cross-correlation with the measured far-field noise. Modes associated with noise emissions from large/fine scale turbulent structures radiating in the downstream/sideline direction in the far field are thus identified.
Phyllis M. Tookey Kerridge and the science of audiometric standardization in Britain
Authors: VIRDI JAIPREET , MCGUIRE COREEN
Published: December 2017

The provision of standardized hearing aids is now considered to be a crucial part of the UK National Health Service. Yet this is only explicable through reference to the career of a woman who has, until now, been entirely forgotten. Dr Phyllis Margaret Tookey Kerridge (1901–1940) was an authoritative figure in a variety of fields: medicine, physiology, otology and the construction of scientific apparatus. The astounding breadth of her professional qualifications allowed her to combine features of these fields and, later in her career, to position herself as a specialist to shape the discipline of audiometry. Rather than framing Kerridge in the classic ‘heroic-woman’ narrative, in this article we draw out the complexities of her career by focusing on her pursuit of standardization of hearing tests. Collaboration afforded her the necessary networks to explore the intricacies of accuracy in the measurement of hearing acuity, but her influence was enhanced by her ownership of Britain's first Western Electric (pure-tone) audiometer, which she placed in a specially designed and unique ‘silence room’. The room became the centre of Kerridge's hearing aid clinic that, for the first time, allowed people to access free and impartial advice on hearing aid prescription. In becoming the guardian expert and advocate of the audiometer, Kerridge achieved an objectively quantified approach to hearing loss that eventually made the latter an object of technocratic intervention.
The Politics of Commemoration: Patronage of Monk-General Shrines in Late Chosŏn Korea
Authors: Stiller Maya
Published: December 2017

Previously unexamined written, visual, and performative channels of communication between central government officials and local Buddhist monks call for a nuanced understanding of sociopolitical connections between the capital and the provinces of late Chosŏn Korea (1392–1910). Via a multidisciplinary approach, this article addresses the patronage of three shrines dedicated to meritorious Buddhist monk-generals and martyrs who fought during the Japanese invasions (1592–98). Male and female members of the central elite supported the construction of the shrines in order to advance their respective political ambitions. Discontented with court factionalism, the central elite wielded their support of the shrines as a shaming device against their opponents and/or corrupt officials, while Buddhist monks sought to gain social recognition and enhance their respective monastery's political caché by maintaining the shrines, and by performing Confucian commemoration rituals with royal support.
Population dynamics of Atlantic seabob Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Decapoda: Penaeidae) off the state of Sergipe, north-eastern Brazil
Authors: Reis Josafá José Do Carmo , Freire Kátia Meirelles Felizola , Da Rosa Leonardo Cruz , Barreto Thaíza Maria Rezende Da Rocha , Pauly Daniel
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse the population dynamics of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in Sergipe, Brazil. Four samples were collected monthly from shrimp trawlers based in the municipality of Pirambu from March 2015 to May 2016. Carapace length (CL), total length (TC), live weight (LW), sex and maturity stages were obtained for each specimen. A total of 13,035 individuals were analysed with an overall sex ratio of 1:1. However, this ratio favoured females in larger sizes, which reflects a reproductive strategy, as their larger size allows for larger gonads, higher fertility and production of more eggs. An inflexion point was observed in the relationship between total and carapace length, probably related to reproduction, as this occurred after first maturity. A reproduction peak was observed in August–September, which does not correspond to the closed season. The parameters estimated for a seasonally oscillating version of the von Bertalanffy growth function were CL∞ = 33 mm and K = 1.5 year−1 for females, and CL∞ = 31 mm and K = 1.7 year−1 for males (C = 0.6 and WP = 0.8 for both sexes). These estimates do not support the latitudinal rule in terms of larger sizes in higher latitudes, which may be associated to methodological differences, occurrence of more than one species along the South-western Atlantic coast, sampling bias, exploitation status and unbalanced availability of studies. The instantaneous total mortality rate was high and should be further investigated to allow for the definition of the exploitation status of seabobs in Sergipe.
Revisiting the genetic diversity and population structure of the critically endangered leatherback turtles in the South-west Atlantic Ocean: insights for species conservation
Authors: Vargas Sarah M. , Lins Luana S. F. , Molfetti Érica , Ho Simon Y. W. , Monteiro Danielle , Barreto Jonathan , Colman Liliana , Vila-Verde Lucas , Baptistotte Cecília , Thomé João Carlos Alciati , Santos Fabrício R.
Published: December 2017

The worldwide population of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) encompasses seven subpopulations among the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It has experienced declines across parts of its distribution, with the subpopulation of the South-west Atlantic listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The main threats to this subpopulation include its interaction with fisheries, coastal development, pollution and climate change. In this study, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA from 52 leatherback turtles in Brazil and combined these with published data from other Atlantic Ocean rookeries. The haplotype diversities of the Atlantic population rookeries ranged from 0.112 to 0.533 and are not directly proportional to current rookery sizes. The Brazilian rookery, despite recording low nest numbers per year, had the second-highest haplotype diversity among all Atlantic rookeries (h = 0.532). A mixed-stock analysis revealed that the South American pelagic aggregate is primarily composed of individuals from West Africa (84%), with contributions from the North Atlantic rookeries (14%). Leatherback turtles appear to have a complex phylogeographic pattern, showing evidence of multiple colonization events and a lack of isolation by distance. Our novel dataset, based on DNA sequences of 695 base pairs, will provide baseline data needed to understand population dynamics in the region, building comprehensive population assessments to support and develop management strategies. Having both the only known regular rookery in the South-west Atlantic, and a mixed-origin foraging area for the species along its coast, Brazil has a key role in the conservation of the leatherback turtle.