bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast-moving finite and infinite trains of solitons for nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Le Coz Stefan , Li Dong , Tsai Tai-Peng
Published: November 2015

We study infinite soliton trains solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equations, i.e. solutions behaving as the sum of infinitely many solitary waves at large time. Assuming the composing solitons have sufficiently large relative speeds, we prove the existence and uniqueness of such a soliton train. We also give a new construction of multi-solitons (i.e. finite trains) and prove uniqueness in an exponentially small neighbourhood, and we consider the case of solutions composed of several solitons and kinks (i.e. solutions with a non-zero background at infinity).
A pulmonary tuberculosis outbreak in a long-term care facility
Authors: LAI C.-C. , HSIEH Y.-C. , YEH Y.-P. , JOU R.-W. , WANG J.-T. , PAN S.-L. , CHEN H.-H.
Published: November 2015

In long-term care facilities (LTCFs), the elderly are apt to be infected because those with latent tuberculosis infections (LTBIs) are at an increased risk for reactivation and post-primary TB disease. We report an outbreak of TB in staff and residents in a LTCF. An outbreak investigation was conducted after two TB cases were reported from the LTCF. A tuberculin skin test (TST), bacteriological examination and chest radiograph were administered to all facility staff and residents. An outbreak is defined as at least two epidemiologically linked cases that have identicalMycobacterium tuberculosisgenotype isolates. This outbreak infected eight residents and one staff member, who were confirmed to have TB in a LTCF between September 2011 and October 2012. Based on the Becker method, the latent and infectious periods were estimated at 223·6 and 55·9 days. Two initial TST-negative resident contacts were diagnosed as TB cases through comprehensive TB screening. Observing elderly people who have a negative TST after TB screening appears to be necessary, given the long latent period for controlling a TB outbreak in a LTCF. It is important to consider providing LTBI treatment for elderly contacts.
Hunting of migratory birds in North Sinai, Egypt
Authors: EASON PERRI , RABIA BASEM , ATTUM OMAR
Published: November 2015

During autumn migration, people set trammel nets along most of the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, with migrating Common Quail Coturnix coturnix as their primary target. These nets capture large numbers of quail, but also illegally capture other birds, which are then killed. We present the results of surveys from 2008 to 2012 along these lines of nets on the coast of North Sinai, Egypt. In desert scrub, which covers most of the Sinai coast, the mean number of quail killed reached a high of 357.1 per km per day in 2012, with a grand mean over the study period of 191.9 per km per day. Trammel nets also captured 54 other bird species in 28 families. Species captured at the highest rates in desert scrub included Corncrake Crex crex, Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina and Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla. Based on mean rates of capture from 2008 to 2012 in desert scrub and sand bar habitats, we estimate 2.0 million quail and 0.5 million birds of other species are killed annually in North Sinai during the 45 days of peak migration. In 2012, however, after the use of MP3 players to attract quail became widespread, we estimate that 3.3 million quail and 0.5 million other birds were captured. Hunters near the coast have recently begun covering shrubs and trees with mist nets to catch passerines. From 2010 to 2012, mist nets along our survey routes caught birds of 17 species in three families, with seven of these species caught only in this type of net. Hunting is likely to be a contributing factor to population declines for some species that migrate across Egypt and further studies of migratory bird hunting along the southern Mediterranean shore are badly needed.
Israeli Civilians under Heavy Bombardment: Prediction of the Severity of Post-Traumatic Symptoms
Authors: Somer Eli , Zrihan-Weitzman Aviva , Fusé Tiffany , Parker Holly , Dickstein Ben , Maguen Shira , Litz Brett T.
Published: November 2015

Context:

The military conflict that occurred between Lebanon and Israel in July and August of 2006 was characterized by the heavy bombardment of specific geographic regions in Israel, resulting in considerable civilian casualties and property damage.

Objective:

Israeli civilians directly and indirectly exposed to bombardment were compared on exposure to the recent bombardment, trauma history, perceived life threat and peritraumatic dissociation during the recent bombardment, and current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Following the conflict, data were collected by telephone from 317 Israeli residents randomly selected from two towns that were subject to differing levels of exposure to the bombardment.

Intervention(s):

None

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Exposure to trauma during the Second Lebanon War, prior trauma exposure, PTSD symptom severity, perceived life threat, and peri-traumatic dissociation.

Results:

The residents directly affected by the bombardment (Kiryat Shmona; KS) endorsed more trauma exposure, (p <0.01); more prior trauma, (p <0.01); more life threat, (p <0.01); and greater PTSD symptomatology (12 % of KY participants and 38% of KS participants had probable PTSD), compared to residents in the comparison town (Kfar Yona; KY). Both groups reported a similar degree of peri-event dissociation (KS: M = 7.2 ±3.7; KY: M = 7.3 ±3.0). Perceived life threat mediated the relationship between exposure to bombardment and PTSD symptomatology. Time spent in bomb shelters was not associated with PTSD symptom severity. Prior shelling-related trauma negatively predicted PTSD.

Conclusions:

The terror of bombardment is a risk factor for PTSD among civil-ians. Although there is considerable resilience in chronically threatened commu-nities, it is prudent to develop and implement public health approaches to prevent those most distressed during and after attacks from developing PTSD. Because, to a small degree, prior trauma exposure buffers the response to bombardment, interventions should consider leveraging citizens' past successful coping.
Protection Against Cold in Prehospital Care—Thermal Insulation Properties of Blankets and Rescue Bags in Different Wind Conditions
Authors: Henriksson Otto , Lundgren J. Peter , Kuklane Kalev , Holmér Ingvar , Bjornstig Ulf
Published: November 2015

Introduction:

In a cold, wet, or windy environment, cold exposure can be considerable for an injured or ill person. The subsequent autonomous stress response initially will increase circulatory and respiratory demands, and as body core temperature declines, the patient's condition might deteriorate. Therefore, the application of adequate insulation to reduce cold exposure and prevent body core cooling is an important part of prehospital primary care, but recommendations for what should be used in the field mostly depend on tradition and experience, not on scientific evidence.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal insulation properties in different wind conditions of 12 different blankets and rescue bags commonly used by prehospital rescue and ambulance services.

Methods:

The thermal manikin and the selected insulation ensembles were setup inside a climatic chamber in accordance to the modified European Standard for assessing requirements of sleeping bags. Fans were adjusted to provide low (< 0.5 m/s), moderate (2–3 m/s) and high (8–9 m/s) wind condi-tions. During steady state thermal transfer, the total resultant insulation value, Itr (m2 °C/Wclo; where °C = degrees Celcius, and W = watts), was calculated from ambient air temperature (°C), manikin surface temperature (°C), and heat flux (W/m2).

Results:

In the low wind condition, thermal insulation of the evaluated ensembles correlated to thickness of the ensembles, ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 clo (1 clo = 0.155 m2 °C/W), except for the reflective metallic foil blankets that had higher values than expected. In moderate and high wind conditions, thermal insulation was best preserved for ensembles that were windproof and resistant to the compressive effect of the wind, with insulation reductions down to about 60–80% of the original insulation capacity, whereas wind permeable and/or lighter materials were reduced down to about 30–50% of original insulation capacity.

Conclusions:

The evaluated insulation ensembles might all be used for prehospital protection against cold, either as single blankets or in multiple layer combinations, depending on ambient temperatures. However, with extended outdoor, on-scene durations, such as during prolonged extrications or in mul-tiple casualty situations, the results of this study emphasize the importance of using a windproof and compression resistant outer ensemble to maintain adequate insulation capacity.
Are Belgian Senior Medical Students Ready to Deliver Basic Medical Care in Case of a H5N1 Pandemic?
Authors: Mortelmans Luc J.M. , Cauwer Harald G. De , Dyck Evi Van , Monballyu Pieter , Giel Roel Van , Turnhout Ellen Van
Published: November 2015

Medical care systems will be overwhelmed if a human H5N1 pandemic should occur. Several national disaster plans, including that of Belgium, focus on maximal treatment at home with senior medical students supporting frontline care. To evaluate the knowledge and preparedness of Belgian senior medical students, an e-mail survey of senior medical students (last two years of education) attending Flemish universities was conducted.

A total of 243 students (30%) replied. Only 21.8% of them were aware of the possibility of being involved in this planning. A total of 77.4% estimated H5N1 to be a possible threat to national health. Seventy percent of respon-dents reacted positively towards the idea of being involved in implementing primary care, and only 9.5% were absolutely opposed to the idea. A total of 82.3% would care for pandemic patients if necessary, but only 41.2% would do so if these patients were children. Only 18.9% estimated themselves to be suf-ficiently educated regarding H5N1. Ninety-one percent were convinced that care for H5N1-influenza patients should be incorporated into their regular curriculum. Several antiviral products were reported by the students to be effi-cient for treating H5N1, but only 34.6% correctly chose oseltamavir and/or zanamavir and 35.4% replied “I don't know”. A total of 95.5% correctly answered that the regular influenza vaccination doesn't protect against H5N1. The risk for human-to-human transmission was rated to be small by 50.6% (none 21%, high 27.6%). The human infection risk was rated to be small by 74.1% (none 1.6%, high 23%).

There is a high level of willingness to participate among senior medical students. However, in the case of pediatric patients they're more reserved. It would be useful to incorporate a focused session on preparedness in the regular teaching program. A legal base for their actions should also be provided. Ethical guidelines on rights and duties in case of a pandemic should be prepared by an international, multidisciplinary group of experts.
Unintentional Injury Outcomes Secondary to Pedestrian Traffic Crashes: A Descriptive Analysis from a Major Medical Center
Authors: Ifesanya Adeleke O. , Afuwape Dolapo , Okoje Victoria N. , Agunloye Atinuke , Odole Olusola , Okolo Clement A. , Alonge Temitope O.
Published: November 2015

Introduction:

An environment in which traffic regulations are not strictly enforced often is characterized by carnage from motor vehicular crashes resulting in severe injuries with unacceptably high mortality. The descriptive demographics and injury characteristics of pedestrian road crash victims presenting to a tertiary medical center in southwestern Nigeria are presented in order to provide baseline epidemiology as a first step in determining areas of potential mitigation for care of unintentional injuries.

Methods:

Consecutive pedestrian road traffic crash patients treated in the Accident and Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital were prospective-ly reviewed from March 2007 to February 2008 to determine baseline demo-graphics and clinical outcomes.

Results:

A total of 184 patients with a mean value of the ages of 31.4 years were studied; 27% of the patients were <11 years of age. The male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Fifty-four percent of the victims were struck by automobiles and 29% were struck by motorcycles. Sixty-five percent were struck while crossing common thoroughfares. Head injury was sustained in 61% of patients. The mortality rate was 31.0% (n = 57). The clinical course leading to death showed 22.8% of the patients who died initially experienced hemorrhagic shock, 17.5% suffered a severe head injury, and 17.5% suffered aspiration. Autopsy confirmed brainstem herniation in 28.1% of the patients who died. The average interval between injury and death was 5.5 ±13.6 days (range: 0–77 days). In this setting, three out of every ten patients experienc-ing pedestrian vehicular trauma will die before leaving the hospital.The elder-ly are most at risk, with two-thirds of victims dying from injuries sustained.

Conclusions:

This raises serious questions about the prehospitaland hospi-tal-based emergency services for vehicular road crash victims in this environ-ment, and confirms the World Health Organization findings that Africa has the highest rate overall for unintentional injury deaths. A system-wide program must be put in place that addresses proven prevention measures across all sectors of the community.
KAMEDO Report No. 93 The Power Failure at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 07 April 2007
Authors: Angantyr Lars-Göran , Häggström Eskil , Kulling Per
Published: November 2015

A sudden and extensive power failure occurred at Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge on Easter Saturday, 07 April 2007. The power failure lasted one hour and 22 minutes, but it took a longer time for activities to return to normal. It put many patients at great risk, particularly in the intensive care unit and other departments with critically ill patients. This report details the conditions and response at Karolinska University Hospital during the power failure and provides lessons learned for future events.
Public Health Preparedness of Post-Katrina and Rita Shelter Health Staff
Authors: Brahmbhatt Daksha , Chan Jennifer L. , Hsu Edbert B. , Mowafi Hani , Kirsch Thomas D. , Quereshi Asma , Greenough P. Gregg
Published: November 2015

Introduction:

During 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the US Gulf Coast, displacing approximately two million people. With >250,000 evacuees in shelters, volunteers from the American Red Cross (ARC) and other nongovernmental and faith-based organizations provided services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition, pre-deployment training, and recognition of scenarios with outbreak potential by shelter health staff.

Methods:

A rapid assessment using a 36-item questionnaire was conducted through in-person interviews with shelter health staff immediately following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Data were collected by sampling at shelters located throughout five ARC regions in Texas. The survey focused on: (1) public health capacity; (2) level of public health awareness among staff; (3) public health training prior to deployment; and (4) interest in technical support for public health concerns. In addition, health staff volunteers were asked to manage 11 clinical scenarios with possible public health implications.

Results:

Forty-three health staff at 24 shelters were interviewed. Nurses comprised the majority of shelter health volunteers and were present in 93% of shelters; however, there were no public health providers present as staff in any shelter. Less than one-third of shelter health staff had public health training, and only 55% had received public health information specific to managing the health needs of evacuees. Only 37% of the shelters had a systematic method for screening the healthcare needs of evacuees upon arrival. Although specific clinical scenarios involving case clusters were referred appropriately, 60% of the time, 75% of all clinical scenarios with epidemic potential did not elicit proper notification of public health authorities by shelter health staff. In contrast, clinical scenarios requiring medical attention were correctly referred >90% of the time. Greater access and support from health and public health experts was endorsed by 93% of respondents.

Conclusions:

Public health training for sheltering operations must be enhanced and should be a required component of pre-deployment instruction. Development of a standardized shelter intake health screening instrument may facilitate assessment of needs and appropriate resource allocation. Shelter health staff did not recognize or report the majority of cases with epidemic potential to public health authorities. Direct technical support to shelter health staff for public health concerns could bridge existing gaps and assist surveillance efforts.
Personal Protection during Resuscitation of Casualties Contaminated with Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents—A Survey of Medical First Receivers
Authors: Brinker Andrea , Prior Kate , Schumacher Jan
Published: November 2015

Introduction:

The threat of mass casualties caused by an unconventional terrorist attack is a challenge for the public health system, with special implications for emergency medicine, anesthesia, and intensive care. Advanced life support of patients injured by chemical or biological warfare agents requires an adequate level of personal protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the personal protection knowledge of emergency physicians and anesthetists who would be at the frontline of the initial health response to a chemical/biological warfare agent incident.

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, knowledge of personal protection measures among emergency medicine (n = 28) and anesthetics (n = 47) specialty registrars in the South Thames Region of the United Kingdom was surveyed using a standardized questionnaire. Participants were asked for the recommended level of personal protection if a chemical/biological warfare agent(s) casualty required advanced life support in the designated hospital resuscitation area.

Results:

The best awareness within both groups was regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome, and fair knowledge was found regarding anthrax, plague, Ebola, and smallpox. In both groups, knowledge about personal protection requirements against chemical warfare agents was limited. Knowledge about personal protection measures for biological agents was acceptable, but was limited for chemical warfare agents.

Conclusions:

The results highlight the need to improve training and education regarding personal protection measures for medical first receivers.
The October 2005 Earthquake in Northern Pakistan: Pattern of Injuries in Victims Brought to the Emergency Relief Hospital, Doraha, Mansehra
Authors: Sami Fahad , Ali Fahad , Zaidi Syed Habib Haider , Rehman Hiba , Ahmad Tashfeen , Siddiqui M. Irfanullah
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Knowledge of injuries of earthquake victims is important to plan relief efforts. This cross-sectional study was conducted following the 08 October 2005 earthquake in Northern Pakistan to determine the pattern of injuries sustained and their relationship with age and gender in order to identify the medical needs in an earthquake-affected zone.

Methods:

The study was conducted between 13 October and 23 October 2005 at the Emergency Relief Hospital, Doraha, Mansehra. From the 1,700 patients registered in the hospital, 310 were sampled randomly for the study. Demography and details of the patients' injuries were noted by history and physical examination. Twelve cases were omitted due to incomplete data.

Results:

Of the cases, 54% were female. Children ≤10 years old formed the largest age group. Isolated bone injuries were present in 41%, soft tissue injuries in 36%, and mixed injuries in 23% of the patients.The most common bone injury was lower limb fracture (52%), while the most common non-bone injury was non-infected, soft tissue wounds on the limbs (33%). Among patients with soft tissue injuries, gangrenous wounds were present in 9%, and grossly infected wounds in 30% (20% on limbs and 10% on rest of the body).

Conclusions:

The population injured during the earthquake showed a higher proportion of females and children ≤10 years old, and lower limb bone injuries. The data highlight the need to address orthopedic, pediatric, and women's health issues, and for logistic arrangement of relevant diagnostic and therapeutic facilities at the initial stages of relief activities after earthquakes.
Overview of the treatment of binge eating disorder
Authors: McElroy Susan L. , Guerdjikova Anna I. , Mori Nicole , Munoz Maura R. , Keck Paul E.
Published: November 2015

We performed a qualitative review of treatment studies of binge eating disorder (BED), focusing on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Limited effectiveness has been demonstrated for self-help strategies, and substantial effectiveness has been shown for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT and IPT may each be more effective than behavior weight loss therapy (BWLT) for reducing binge eating over the long term. The stimulant pro-drug lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is the only drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of BED in adults based on 2 pivotal RCTs. Topiramate also decreases binge eating behavior, but its use is limited by its adverse event profile. Antidepressants may be modestly effective over the short term for reducing binge eating behavior and comorbid depressive symptoms, but are not associated with clinically significant weight loss. A RCT presented in abstract form suggests that intranasal naloxone may decrease time spent binge eating. There is no RCT of obesity surgery in BED, but many patients with BED seek and receive such surgery. While some studies suggest patients with BED and obesity do just as well as patients with obesity alone, other studies suggest that patients with BED have more post-operative complications, less weight loss, and more weight regain. This evidence suggests that patients with BED would benefit from receiving highly individualized treatment.
Length and height percentiles for children in the South-East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS)
Authors: Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Bao Khanh Le Nguyen , Sandjaja Sandjaja , Poh Bee Koon , Boonpraderm Atitada , Huu Chinh Nguyen , Soekatri Moesijanti , Wong Jyh Eiin , Deurenberg Paul , Manios Yannis
Published: November 2015

Objective

Health and nutritional information for many countries in the South-East Asian region is either lacking or no longer up to date. The present study aimed to calculate length/height percentile values for the South-East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS) populations aged 0·5–12 years, examine the appropriateness of pooling SEANUTS data for calculating common length/height percentile values for all SEANUTS countries and whether these values differ from the WHO growth references.

Design

Data on length/height-for-age percentile values were collected. The LMS method was used for calculating smoothened percentile values. Standardized site effects (SSE) were used for identifying large or unacceptable differences (i.e.
$\mid\! \rm SSE \!\mid$
>0·5) between the pooled SEANUTS sample (including all countries) and the remaining pooled SEANUTS samples (including three countries) after weighting sample sizes and excluding one single country each time, as well as with WHO growth references.

Setting

Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Subjects

Data from 14202 eligible children were used.

Results

From pair-wise comparisons of percentile values between the pooled SEANUTS sample and the remaining pooled SEANUTS samples, the vast majority of differences were acceptable (i.e.
$\mid\! \rm SSE \!\mid$
≤0·5). In contrast, pair-wise comparisons of percentile values between the pooled SEANUTS sample and WHO revealed large differences.

Conclusions

The current study calculated length/height percentile values for South East Asian children aged 0·5–12 years and supported the appropriateness of using pooled SEANUTS length/height percentile values for assessing children’s growth instead of country-specific ones. Pooled SEANUTS percentile values were found to differ from the WHO growth references and therefore this should be kept in mind when using WHO growth curves to assess length/height in these populations.
Assessment of Self-Adhesive Resin Composites: Nondestructive Imaging of Resin–Dentin Interfacial Adaptation and Shear Bond Strength
Authors: Makishi Patricia , Pacheco Rafael R. , Sadr Alireza , Shimada Yasushi , Sumi Yasunori , Tagami Junji , Giannini Marcelo
Published: November 2015

Shear bond strength (SBS) and the interfacial adaptation (IA) of self-adhesive resin (SAR) composites to dentin were evaluated. Two SARs [Vertise Flow (VTF) and Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD)] were evaluated and compared with a conventional restorative system [adhesive: OptiBond FL and composite: Herculite Précis (OBF/HP)]. Human third molars were used for SBS testing and IA imaging (n=7) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Flattened dentin disks were prepared and the composites were applied into molds (2.4 mm diameter) that were positioned on dentin. Samples were subjected to SBS testing and OCT analysis, which considered an increase in signal intensity at the bonded interface as evidence of internal gaps. SBS data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test and IA data (% distribution of high brightness values) by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s test (p≤0.05). No statistically significant difference in SBS was observed between VTF (13.9±3.6 MPa) and FLD (11.3±3.2 MPa), whereas OBF/HP showed higher average strength (27.3±6.1 MPa). However, there was a statistically significant difference in IA when VTF (33.3%) was compared with FLD (1.2%) and OBF/HP (1.5%). The conventional restorative system exhibited superior SBS performance compared with SARs. However, the IA of FLD to dentin had values that were not significantly different from OBF/HP.
Spiritual care in the training of hospice volunteers in Germany
Authors: Gratz Margit , Paal Piret , Emmelmann Moritz , Roser Traugott
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Hospice volunteers often encounter questions related to spirituality. It is unknown whether spiritual care receives a corresponding level of attention in their training. Our survey investigated the current practice of spiritual care training in Germany.

Method:

An online survey sent to 1,332 hospice homecare services for adults in Germany was conducted during the summer of 2012. We employed the SPSS 21 software package for statistical evaluation.

Results:

All training programs included self-reflection on personal spirituality as obligatory. The definitions of spirituality used in programs differ considerably. The task of defining training objectives is randomly delegated to a supervisor, a trainer, or to the governing organization. More than half the institutions work in conjunction with an external trainer. These external trainers frequently have professional backgrounds in pastoral care/theology and/or in hospice/palliative care. While spiritual care receives great attention, the specific tasks it entails are rarely discussed. The response rate for our study was 25.0% (n = 332).

Significance of results:

A need exists to develop training concepts that outline distinct contents, methods, and objectives. A prospective curriculum would have to provide assistance in the development of training programs. Moreover, it would need to be adaptable to the various concepts of spiritual care employed by the respective institutions and their hospice volunteers.
Assessing heat stress tolerance and genetic diversity among exotic and Indian wheat genotypes using simple sequence repeats and agro-physiological traits
Authors: Ramya K. T. , Jain Neelu , Gandhi Nikita , Arora Ajay , Singh P. K. , Singh Anju M. , Singh Gyanendra P. , Prabhu K. V.
Published: November 2015

Genetic diversity and relationship of 92 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes from India and exotic collections were examined using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and phenotypic traits to identify new sources of diversity that could accelerate the development of improved wheat varieties better suited to meet the challenges posed by heat stress in India. Genetic diversity assessed by using 82 SSR markers was compared with diversity evaluated using five physiological and six agronomic traits under the heat stress condition. A total of 248 alleles were detected, with a range of two to eight alleles per locus. The average polymorphic information content value was 0.37, with a range of 0.04 (cfd9) to 0.68 (wmc339). The heat susceptibility index was determined for grain yield per spike, and the genotypes were grouped into four categories. Two dendrograms that were constructed based on phenotypic and molecular analysis using UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) were found to be topologically different. Genotypes characterized as highly heat tolerant were distributed among all the SSR-based cluster groups. This implies that the genetic basis of heat stress tolerance in these genotypes is different, thereby enabling wheat breeders to combine these diverse sources of genetic variability to improve heat tolerance in their breeding programmes.
Which Passenger Emotions Mediate the Relationship Between Type of Pilot Configuration and Willingness to Fly in Commercial Aviation?
Authors: Rice Stephen , Winter Scott R.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. There have been a few studies that have examined how different pilot configurations affect aviation consumer perceptions about trust, comfort, and willingness to fly (e.g., Rice et al., 2014, Int J Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 1, 1–12; Winter et al., in press , J Air Transp Management); however, to date, no study was found that has examined how the relationship between pilot configuration and willingness to fly might be mediated by different emotions. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap by examining how affect (emotion) mediates this relationship, and more specifically, which emotion(s) mediate. In two studies, participants were presented with different pilot configurations and asked to rate how they felt about them and how willing they would be to fly under those circumstances. Both studies revealed strong evidence that affect was a mediator in this relationship, and that anger, fear, and happiness were the significant emotions in play. The findings from this study provide information on how consumers view modifying the number of pilots that may be on board the aircraft compared with controlling the aircraft remotely. It also identifies that emotions play a significant role in these relationships.
The Motivational Theory of Role Modeling: How Role Models Influence Role Aspirants’ Goals
Authors: Morgenroth Thekla , Ryan Michelle K. , Peters Kim
Published: November 2015

Role models are often suggested as a way of motivating individuals to set and achieve ambitious goals, especially for members of stigmatized groups in achievement settings. Yet, the literature on role models tends not to draw on the motivational literature to explain how role models may help role aspirants achieve these outcomes. In this paper, we introduce role aspirants and their motivational processes into an understanding of role modeling by drawing on expectancy–value theories of motivation to bring together the disparate literatures on role models to form a cohesive theoretical framework. We first integrate different definitions of role models into a new conceptualization where we propose that role models serve 3 distinct functions in which they influence goals and motivation: acting as behavioral models, representing the possible, and being inspirational. We then build a theoretical framework for understanding not only when, but also how, role models can effectively influence motivation and goals. This new theoretical framework, the Motivational Theory of Role Modeling, highlights ways in which the power of role models can be harnessed to increase role aspirants’ motivation, reinforce their existing goals, and facilitate their adoption of new goals.
Rescue of neonatal cardiac dysfunction in mice by administration of cardiac progenitor cells in utero
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Hall Sean R. R. , Wang Zhihong , Huang He , Ghanta Sailaja , Di Sante Moises , Leri Annarosa , Anversa Piero , Perrella Mark A.
Published: November 2015

Striated preferentially expressed gene (Speg) is a member of the myosin light chain kinase family. We previously showed that disruption of the Speg gene locus in mice leads to a dilated cardiomyopathy with immature-appearing cardiomyocytes. Here we show that cardiomyopathy of Speg−/− mice arises as a consequence of defects in cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) function, and that neonatal cardiac dysfunction can be rescued by in utero injections of wild-type CPCs into Speg−/− foetal hearts. CPCs harvested from Speg−/− mice display defects in clone formation, growth and differentiation into cardiomyocytes in vitro, which are associated with cardiac dysfunction in vivo. In utero administration of wild-type CPCs into the hearts of Speg−/− mice results in CPC engraftment, differentiation and myocardial maturation, which rescues Speg−/− mice from neonatal heart failure and increases the number of live births by fivefold. We propose that in utero administration of CPCs may have future implications for treatment of neonatal heart diseases.
Extinction risk of soil biota
Authors: Veresoglou Stavros D. , Halley John M. , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: November 2015

No species lives on earth forever. Knowing when and why species go extinct is crucial for a complete understanding of the consequences of anthropogenic activity, and its impact on ecosystem functioning. Even though soil biota play a key role in maintaining the functioning of ecosystems, the vast majority of existing studies focus on aboveground organisms. Many questions about the fate of belowground organisms remain open, so the combined effort of theorists and applied ecologists is needed in the ongoing development of soil extinction ecology.
Extremely stretchable and conductive water-repellent coatings for low-cost ultra-flexible electronics
Authors: Mates Joseph E. , Bayer Ilker S. , Palumbo John M. , Carroll Patrick J. , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: November 2015

Rapid advances in modern electronics place ever-accelerating demands on innovation towards more robust and versatile functional components. In the flexible electronics domain, novel material solutions often involve creative uses of common materials to reduce cost, while maintaining uncompromised performance. Here we combine a commercially available paraffin wax–polyolefin thermoplastic blend (elastomer matrix binder) with bulk-produced carbon nanofibres (charge percolation network for electron transport, and for imparting nanoscale roughness) to fabricate adherent thin-film composite electrodes. The simple wet-based process produces composite films capable of sustained ultra-high strain (500%) with resilient electrical performance (resistances of the order of 101–102 Ω sq−1). The composites are also designed to be superhydrophobic for long-term corrosion protection, even maintaining extreme liquid repellency at severe strain. Comprised of inexpensive common materials applied in a single step, the present scalable approach eliminates manufacturing obstacles for commercially viable wearable electronics, flexible power storage devices and corrosion-resistant circuits.
TRIM33 switches off Ifnb1 gene transcription during the late phase of macrophage activation
Authors: Ferri Federica , Parcelier Aude , Petit Vanessa , Gallouet Anne-Sophie , Lewandowski Daniel , Dalloz Marion , van den Heuvel Anita , Kolovos Petros , Soler Eric , Squadrito Mario Leonardo , De Palma Michele , Davidson Irwin , Rousselet Germain , Romeo Paul-Henri
Published: November 2015

Despite its importance during viral or bacterial infections, transcriptional regulation of the interferon-β gene (Ifnb1) in activated macrophages is only partially understood. Here we report that TRIM33 deficiency results in high, sustained expression of Ifnb1 at late stages of toll-like receptor-mediated activation in macrophages but not in fibroblasts. In macrophages, TRIM33 is recruited by PU.1 to a conserved region, the Ifnb1 Control Element (ICE), located 15 kb upstream of the Ifnb1 transcription start site. ICE constitutively interacts with Ifnb1 through a TRIM33-independent chromatin loop. At late phases of lipopolysaccharide activation of macrophages, TRIM33 is bound to ICE, regulates Ifnb1 enhanceosome loading, controls Ifnb1 chromatin structure and represses Ifnb1 gene transcription by preventing recruitment of CBP/p300. These results characterize a previously unknown mechanism of macrophage-specific regulation of Ifnb1 transcription whereby TRIM33 is critical for Ifnb1 gene transcription shutdown.
Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy with reconstruction of vertical interaction
Authors: Wang Le , Xu Xiaoji G.
Published: November 2015

Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy provides access to super-resolution spectroscopic imaging of the surfaces of a variety of materials and nanostructures. In addition to chemical identification, it enables observations of nano-optical phenomena, such as mid-infrared plasmons in graphene and phonon polaritons in boron nitride. Despite the high lateral spatial resolution, scattering-type near-field optical microscopy is not able to provide characteristics of near-field responses in the vertical dimension, normal to the sample surface. Here, we present an accurate and fast reconstruction method to obtain vertical characteristics of near-field interactions. For its first application, we investigated the bound electromagnetic field component of surface phonon polaritons on the surface of boron nitride nanotubes and found that it decays within 20 nm with a considerable phase change in the near-field signal. The method is expected to provide characterization of the vertical field distribution of a wide range of nano-optical materials and structures.
Structure and substrate selectivity of the 750-kDa α6β6 holoenzyme of geranyl-CoA carboxylase
Authors: Jurado Ashley R. , Huang Christine S. , Zhang Xing , Zhou Z. Hong , Tong Liang
Published: November 2015

Geranyl-CoA carboxylase (GCC) is essential for the growth of Pseudomonas organisms with geranic acid as the sole carbon source. GCC has the same domain organization and shares strong sequence conservation with the related biotin-dependent carboxylases 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) and propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC). Here we report the crystal structure of the 750-kDa α6β6 holoenzyme of GCC, which is similar to MCC but strikingly different from PCC. The structures provide evidence in support of two distinct lineages of biotin-dependent acyl-CoA carboxylases, one carboxylating the α carbon of a saturated organic acid and the other carboxylating the γ carbon of an α-β unsaturated acid. Structural differences in the active site region of GCC and MCC explain their distinct substrate preferences. Especially, a glycine residue in GCC is replaced by phenylalanine in MCC, which blocks access by the larger geranyl-CoA substrate. Mutation of this residue in the two enzymes can change their substrate preferences.
Atomistic Design of Favored Compositions for Synthesizing the Al-Ni-Y Metallic Glasses
Authors: Wang Q. , Li J. H. , Liu J. B. , Liu B. X.
Published: November 2015

For a ternary alloy system promising for obtaining the so-called bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), the first priority issue is to predict the favored compositions, which could then serve as guidance for the appropriate alloy design. Taking the Al-Ni-Y system as an example, here we show an atomistic approach, which is developed based on a recently constructed and proven realistic interatomic potential of the system. Applying the Al-Ni-Y potential, series simulations not only clarify the glass formation mechanism, but also predict in the composition triangle, a hexagonal region, in which a disordered state, i.e., the glassy phase, is favored energetically. The predicted region is defined as glass formation region (GFR) for the ternary alloy system. Moreover, the approach is able to calculate an amorphization driving force (ADF) for each possible glassy alloy located within the GFR. The calculations predict an optimized sub-region nearby a stoichiometry of Al80Ni5Y15, implying that the Al-Ni-Y metallic glasses designed in the sub-region could be the most stable. Interestingly, the atomistic predictions are supported by experimental results observed in the Al-Ni-Y system. In addition, structural origin underlying the stability of the Al-Ni-Y metallic glasses is also discussed in terms of a hybrid packing mode in the medium-range scale.
Mechanistic analysis of a synthetic inhibitor of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasI quorum-sensing signal synthase
Authors: Lidor O. , Al-Quntar A. , Pesci E. C. , Steinberg D.
Published: November 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen responsible for many human infections. LasI is an acyl-homoserine lactone synthase that produces a quorum-sensing (QS) signal that positively regulates numerousP. aeruginosavirulence determinants. The inhibition of the LasI protein is therefore an attractive drug target. In this study, a novelin silicotoin vitrocomplementation was applied to screen thiazolidinedione-type compounds for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation at concentrations not affecting bacterial growth. The compound (z)-5-octylidenethiazolidine-2, 4-dione (TZD-C8) was a strong inhibitor of biofilm formation and chosen for further study. Structural exploration ofin silicodocking predicted that the compound had high affinity for the LasI activity pocket. The TZD-C8 compound was also predicted to create hydrogen bonds with residues Arg30 and Ile107. Site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) of these two sites demonstrated that TZD-C8 inhibition was abolished in thelasIdouble mutant PAO-R30D, I107S. In addition,in vitroswarming motility and quorum sensing signal production were affected by TZD-C 8, confirming this compound alters the cell to cell signalling circuitry. Overall, this novel inhibitor ofP. aeruginosaquorum sensing shows great promise and validates our mechanistic approach to discovering inhibitors of LuxI-type acyl-homoserine lactone synthases.
Plant phenolics are detoxified by prophenoloxidase in the insect gut
Authors: Wu Kai , Zhang Jie , Zhang Qiaoli , Zhu Shoulin , Shao Qimiao , Clark Kevin D. , Liu Yining , Ling Erjun
Published: November 2015

Plant phenolics are a group of important secondary metabolites that are toxic to many animals and insects if ingested at high concentrations. Because most insects consume plant phenolics daily, they have likely evolved the capacity to detoxify these compounds. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori and Helicoverpa armigera as models to study the metabolism of plant phenolics by prophenoloxidases. We found that insect foreguts release prophenoloxidases into the lumen and that the survival of prophenoloxidase-deletion mutants was impaired when fed several plant phenolics and tea extracts. Using l-DOPA as a model substrate, biochemical assays in large Lepidopteran insects demonstrated that low levels of l-DOPA are rapidly metabolized into intermediates by phenoloxidases. Feeding with excess l-DOPA showed that the metabolic intermediate 5,6-dihydroxyindole reached the hindgut either by passing directly through the midgut, or by transport through the hemolymph. In the hindgut, 5,6-dihydroxyindole was further oxidized by prophenoloxidases. Intermediates exerted no toxicity in the hemocoel or midgut. These results show that plant phenolics are not toxic to insects unless prophenoloxidase genes are lost or the levels of phenolics exceed the catalytic activity of the gut prophenoloxidases.
Remote influence of Atlantic multidecadal variability on Siberian warm season precipitation
Authors: Sun Cheng , Li Jianping , Zhao Sen
Published: November 2015

The time series of 20th century Siberian warm season (May to October) precipitation (SWP) shows variations over decadal timescales, including a wetting trend since the 1970s. Here, it is shown that the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) can be implicated as a remote driver of the decadal-scale variations in SWP. Observational analysis identifies a significant in-phase relationship between the AMV and SWP and the SWP decadal variability can be largely explained by the AMV. The physical mechanism for this relationship is investigated using both observations and numerical simulations. The results suggest that North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) warming associated with the positive AMV phase can excite an eastward propagating wave train response across the entire Eurasian continent, which includes an east–west dipole structure over Siberia. The dipole then leads to anomalous southerly winds bringing moisture northward to Siberia; the precipitation increases correspondingly. The mechanism is further supported by linear barotropic modeling and Rossby wave ray tracing analysis.
Engraftment of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes in immunocompetent mice via 3D co-aggregation and encapsulation
Authors: Song Wei , Lu Yen-Chun , Frankel Angela S. , An Duo , Schwartz Robert E. , Ma Minglin
Published: November 2015

Cellular therapies for liver diseases andin vitromodels for drug testing both require functional human hepatocytes (Hum-H), which have unfortunately been limited due to the paucity of donor liver tissues. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent a promising and potentially unlimited cell source to derive Hum-H. However, the hepatic functions of these hPSC-derived cells to date are not fully comparable to adult Hum-H and are more similar to fetal ones. In addition, it has been challenging to obtain functional hepatic engraftment of these cells with prior studies having been done inimmunocompromisedanimals. In this report, we demonstrated successful engraftment of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iPS-H) inimmunocompetentmice by pre-engineering 3D cell co-aggregates with stromal cells (SCs) followed by encapsulation in recently developed biocompatible hydrogel capsules. Notably, upon transplantation, human albumin and α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) in mouse sera secreted by encapsulated iPS-H/SCs aggregates reached a level comparable to the primary Hum-H/SCs control. Further immunohistochemistry of human albumin in retrieved cell aggregates confirmed the survival and function of iPS-H. This proof-of-concept study provides a simple yet robust approach to improve the engraftment of iPS-H and may be applicable to many stem cell-based therapies.