bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quad‐band bandpass filter using split‐ring based on T‐shaped stub‐loaded step‐impedance resonators
Authors: Gan Decheng , He Songbai , Dai Zhijiang , Wang Jinchen
Published: May 2017

In this article, a novel design method of multiband bandpass filters (BPFs) which have flexibly tunable center frequencies is presented by using T‐shaped stub‐loaded step‐impedance resonators (SLSIRs)’ multimode characteristics. By controlling the impedance ratios and the length ratios of the T‐shaped open stubs, the center frequencies of a multiband BPF can be decided. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a 1.34/2.2/3.3/4.5 GHz quad‐band filter using split‐ring based on SLSIRs is designed, fabricated, and measured. The proposed filter is composed of a pair of tri‐section T‐shaped open stubs transmission lines, which form a folded split‐ring. By controlling the impedance ratios, the length ratios of the open stubs and the width of the gap of the folded split resonance loop, the quad‐band center frequencies are flexibly tunable. Owing to the 0° feed structure, seven transmission zeros can be realized near the pass‐band for enhancing the selectivity. The measured results show good agreement with the theory and the EM simulation.
Period Prevalence and Reporting Rate of Needlestick Injuries to Nurses in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Zandian Hamed , Fathi Afshin , Nouri Bijan
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to provide a precise estimate of the period prevalence of needlestick injuries (NSI) among nurses working in hospitals in Iran and the reporting rate of NSI to nurse managers. We searched both international (PubMed, Scopus and the Institute for Scientific Information) and Iranian (Scientific Information Database, Iranmedex and Magiran) scientific databases to find studies published from 2000 to 2016 of NSI among Iranian nurses. The following keywords in Persian and English were used: “needle‐stick” or “needle stick” or “needlestick,” with and without “injury” or “injuries,” “prevalence” or “frequency,” “nurses” or “nursing staff,” and “Iran.” In a sample of 21 articles with 6,480 participants, we estimated that the overall 1‐year period prevalence of NSI was 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35–53%) among Iranian nurses. The overall 1‐year period prevalence of reporting NSI to nurse managers was 42% (95% CI, 33–52%). In meta‐regression analysis, sample size, mean age, years of experience, and gender ratio were not associated with prevalence of NSI or reporting rate. The year of data collection was positively associated with period prevalence of NSI (p < .05), but not with the period prevalence of reporting NSI to nurse managers. Results indicated a high NSI period prevalence and low NSI reporting rate among nurses in Iran. Thus, effective interventions are required in hospitals in Iran to reduce the prevalence and increase the reporting rate of NSI. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inflammatory potential of diet, weight gain, and incidence of overweight/obesity: The SUN cohort
Authors: Ramallal Raúl , Toledo Estefanía , Martínez J. Alfredo , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Martínez‐González Miguel A. , Ruiz‐Canela Miguel
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study prospectively assessed the association of the inflammatory potential of a diet using the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with average yearly weight changes and incident overweight/obesity.

Methods

Seven thousand and twenty‐seven university graduates with body mass index <25 from the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) cohort were followed up during a median of 8.1 years. The DII, a validated tool based on scientific evidence to appraise the relationship between dietary parameters and inflammatory biomarkers, was used. A validated food‐frequency questionnaire was used to assess intake of total energy, food, and nutrients, from which DII scores were calculated at baseline and after 10 years of follow‐up.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 8.1 years, 1,433 incident cases of overweight or obesity were observed. Hazard ratios for overweight/obesity were calculated, including multivariable time‐dependent Cox regression models with repeated measures of diet. The hazard ratio for subjects in the highest quartile (most pro‐inflammatory diet) was 1.32 (95% confidence interval 1.08‐1.60) compared with participants in the lowest quartile (most anti‐inflammatory diet), with a significant linear dose‐response relationship (P = 0.004). Consistently, increases in average yearly weight gains were significantly associated with proinflammatory diets.

Conclusions

A proinflammatory diet was significantly associated with a higher annual weight gain and higher risk of developing new‐onset overweight or obesity.
Randomized trial reveals that physical activity and energy expenditure are associated with weight and body composition after RYGB
Authors: Carnero Elvis Alvarez , Dubis Gabriel S. , Hames Kazanna C. , Jakicic John M. , Houmard Joseph A. , Coen Paul M. , Goodpaster Bret H.
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study investigated the associations of both physical activity time (PA) and energy expenditure (EE) with weight and fat mass (FM) loss in patients following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

Methods

Ninety‐six nondiabetic patients were included in this analysis. Post‐RYGB patients were randomized in one of two treatments: A 6‐month exercise training program (RYBG+EX) or lifestyle educational classes (RYGB). Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Components of PA and EE were quantified by a multisensory device. Dose‐response relationships of both PA and EE with weight loss and body composition were explored according to quartiles of change in steps per day.

Results

Patients in the highest quartiles of steps per day change lost more FM (3rd = −19.5 kg and 4th = −22.7 kg, P < 0.05) and abdominal adipose tissue (4th = −313 cm2, P < 0.05), maintained skeletal muscle mass (3rd = −3.1 cm2 and 4th = −4.5 cm2, P <  0.05), and had greater reductions in resting metabolic rate. Decreases in sedentary EE and increases in light EE and age were significant predictors of both Δweight and ΔFM (R2 = 73.8% and R2 = 70.6%, respectively).

Conclusions

Nondiabetic patients who perform higher, yet still modest, amounts of PA following RYGB have greater energy deficits and lose more weight and FM, while maintaining higher skeletal muscle mass.
Identifying metrics of success for transitional care practices in childhood cancer survivorship: A qualitative study of survivorship providers
Authors: Sadak Karim Thomas , Neglia Joseph P. , Freyer David R. , Harwood Eileen
Published: May 2017

Background

Long‐term survival in childhood cancer is excellent. Most survivors will have a therapy‐related chronic condition, yet very few receive survivor‐focused care as they transition from adolescence to young adulthood. The purpose of this study is to identify indicators of success in current transitional care practices for young adult survivors of childhood cancer as defined by all members of survivorship care teams.

Procedure

An exploratory, phenomenologic qualitative study was conducted with key informants from medical teams involved in transitional care of childhood cancer survivors. Data were collected through phone interviews with providers from both pediatric and adult care settings.

Results

A multidisciplinary study sample of 29 participants from three institutions identified two major themes with multiple subthemes. The first major theme was that providers must be good communicators, and it emphasized the importance of having good relationships throughout the transition of care to optimize effective communication. The second major theme was that models of care must include well‐established partners throughout the healthcare system that promote accessible subspecialty care with streamlined referrals and patient navigation services.

Conclusions

From the perspective of experienced pediatric‐ and adult‐centered providers at three different institutions delivering life‐long transitional care for childhood cancer survivors, the optimal model of care must be built around facilitating communication among all key stakeholders and emphasizing patient‐friendly services that minimize patient stressors.
TiO2 Nanobelts Decorated with In2S3 Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts with Enhanced Full‐Solar‐Spectrum (UV–vis–NIR) Photocatalytic Activity toward the Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Li Yujie , Li Tong , Tian Jian , Wang Xinzhen , Cui Hongzhi
Published: May 2017

Herein, ultradispersed In2S3 nanoparticle (NP)/TiO2 nanobelt (NB) heterostructures with an intimate interfacial coupling effect are synthesized from the consideration of combining the visible/near‐infrared photoabsorption property of In2S3 with the excellent UV photocatalytic property of TiO2. In this process, the 1D TiO2 NBs not only perform as the support to form the heterostructure, but are also employed as a dispersant to confine the aggregation of In2S3 NPs. As expected, the obtained In2S3 NP/TiO2 NB heterostructure gives rise to a prominently strong optical absorption in the full solar region of 300–1800 nm, and thus displays a desired photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline in full utilization of all solar energy, compared with that of pristine In2S3 and TiO2. Besides, the In2S3 NP/TiO2 NB heterostructure photocatalysts have no selectivity and can effectively degrade other different kinds of organic pollutants, including cationic dyes (methyl blue and rhodamine B) and colorless chemical pollutants (phenol and salicylic acid). The exceptional photocatalytic enhancement is due to the synergistic interactions of heterojunction with the strong interfacial coupling effect, the In2S3 extended light absorption, efficient photogenerated e−/h+ pair separation, and fully exposed reactive sites induced by uniform packing of the ultrasmall In2S3.
Predicting frequent emergency department visits among children with asthma using EHR data
Authors: Das Lala T. , Abramson Erika L. , Stone Anne E. , Kondrich Janienne E. , Kern Lisa M. , Grinspan Zachary M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

For children with asthma, emergency department (ED) visits are common, expensive, and often avoidable. Though several factors are associated with ED use (demographics, comorbidities, insurance, medications), its predictability using electronic health record (EHR) data is understudied.

Methods

We used a retrospective cohort study design and EHR data from one center to examine the relationship of patient factors in 1 year (2013) and the likelihood of frequent ED use (≥2 visits) in the following year (2014), using bivariate and multivariable statistics. We applied and compared several machine‐learning algorithms to predict frequent ED use, then selected a model based on accuracy, parsimony, and interpretability.

Results

We identified 2691 children. In bivariate analyses, future frequent ED use was associated with demographics, co‐morbidities, insurance status, medication history, and use of healthcare resources. Machine learning algorithms had very good AUC (area under the curve) values [0.66‐0.87], though fair PPV (positive predictive value) [48‐70%] and poor sensitivity [16‐27%]. Our final multivariable logistic regression model contained two variables: insurance status and prior ED use. For publicly insured patients, the odds of frequent ED use were 3.1 [2.2‐4.5] times that of privately insured patients. Publicly insured patients with 4+ ED visits and privately insured patients with 6+ ED visits in a year had ≥50% probability of frequent ED use the following year. The model had an AUC of 0.86, PPV of 56%, and sensitivity of 23%.

Conclusion

Among children with asthma, prior frequent ED use and insurance status strongly predict future ED use.
Population Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Exploratory Exposure–Response Analyses of Apixaban in Subjects Treated for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Byon W , Sweeney K , Frost C , Boyd RA
Published: May 2017

Apixaban is approved for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrence. Population pharmacokinetics, pharmacokinetics–pharmacodynamics (anti‐FXa activity), and exposure–response (binary bleeding and thromboembolic endpoints) of apixaban in VTE treatment subjects were characterized using data from phase I–III studies. Apixaban pharmacokinetics were adequately characterized by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination. Age, sex, and Asian race had less than 25% impact on exposure, while subjects with severe renal impairment were predicted to have 56% higher exposure than the reference subject (60‐year‐old non‐Asian male weighing 85 kg with creatinine clearance of 100 mL/min). The relationship between apixaban concentration and anti‐FXa activity was described by a linear model with a slope estimate of 0.0159 IU/ng. The number of subjects with either a bleeding or thromboembolic event was small, and no statistically significant relationship between apixaban exposure and clinical endpoints could be discerned with a logistic regression analysis.
Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Catha edulis F. (Khat)
Authors: Engidawork Ephrem
Published: May 2017

Khat chewing is deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of communities in khat belt countries, and its consumption is spread to other countries through the suitcase trade. The aim of this article is to review current knowledge on the chemistry, social, pharmacology and toxicology of khat and its use. Khat produces effect invariably in every system, which is harmful or beneficial in some instances. Harmful effects are observed in heavy users, although firm evidence is lacking. Chewing khat acutely elicits states of euphoria, which is followed by low mood. Khat contains alkaloids with psychostimulant properties, but the effect cannot be totally explained by these alkaloids. It is also not clear whether the effect produced in some organs like liver could be attributed to khat or pesticides sprayed during farming. Although the evidence indicates that khat has adverse effects in most organs, our understanding of the complex interaction between use and effect is incomplete, and causal relationships have not yet been described. Moreover, khat has positioned itself well in the social, economic and political arena. Thus, a multidisciplinary research is required to understand the different dimensions and come up with ways that maximize the benefit while minimizing the risk. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Do Packaging Material, Colour and Environmental Claim Influence Package, Brand and Product Evaluations?
Authors: Magnier Lise , Schoormans Jan
Published: May 2017

The success of environment‐friendly packages is highly dependent on consumers' understanding and acceptance of these packages. In an experiment using a 3 × 2 between‐subject design, this study tests how style elements (i.e. the material and the colour) influence perceptions of packaging environment‐friendliness when an environmental claim is either absent from or displayed on the package. Next, the study tests the effects of the style elements and environmental claim on the evaluation of the social responsibility of the brand as well as on the inferences about product environment‐friendliness. Based on the responses of 207 participants from a Dutch consumer panel, the results show that the style elements and environmental claim influenced both the evaluations of packaging eco‐friendliness and the social responsibility of the brand. When an environmental claim about the package was displayed on the package, the results show that the material is worth a thousand words as the credibility of the claim was always significantly higher when the package was made of a fibre‐based material. Finally, the effect of the material on the inferences about product environment‐friendliness is underlined and implications for designers, managers and policy‐makers are highlighted. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Use of Tenax® as a Simulant for the Migration of Contaminants in Dry Foodstuffs: A Review
Authors: Van Den Houwe K. , Van Loco J. , Lynen F. , Van Hoeck E.
Published: May 2017

Packaging materials are found to represent a source of contamination through the migration of substances from the packaging into the foodstuff. As a response to an increasing number of food‐safety issues, research on the migration of chemicals from packaging materials into foodstuffs is being conducted. Moreover, packaging materials are tested for the migration of chemicals through migration experiments, using food simulants. EU Regulation N°10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food specifies the use of the adsorbent poly(2,6‐diphenylphenylene oxide) or Tenax® as a simulant for dry foodstuffs. Already in 2010, Tenax® migration profiles in the temperature range between −18 and 40°C were modelled for some compounds. Since then, numerous studies have been reported on the migration and migration kinetics of a series of contaminants such as alkylbenzenes, antioxidants, fatty acid esters, isothiazolinone biocides, photo‐initiators, mineral oil and phthalates in Tenax®. In some of these studies, the migration to Tenax® has been compared to real foodstuffs or alternative simulants. In this contribution, the performance of Tenax® as food simulant for dry foodstuffs will be discussed, thereby comparing its performance with real foodstuffs and other potential adsorbents that can be used as simulant such as Porapak.
Midlatitude Rossby wave modulation of the Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Yadav Ramesh Kumar
Published: May 2017

The dominant mode of July–August seasonal variability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall obtained by performing an empirical orthogonal function analysis over India, excluding northeast India, for the period 1979–2014 is highly correlated to the quasi‐stationary midlatitude Eurasian Rossby wave train, known as the ‘Silk Road’ pattern. A new hypothesis has been proposed and tested using observed Indian rainfall and the ERA‐Interim dataset, by which the positive feedback between the midlatitude Rossby wave and the Indian summer monsoon circulation has been established. A Rossby wave train features successive upper‐tropospheric negative and positive geopotential height anomalies over the northeast of the Mediterranean and northwest of India, respectively. The negative height anomaly decreases the sum of the vertical integral of potential and internal energy, while this increases in the region of positive geopotential height anomalies. This is associated with middle to lower tropospheric midlatitude descent and ascent anomalies at 40°E and 50°E, which cause negative surface temperature anomalies over Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and a positive surface temperature anomaly over Iran, respectively. The negative and positive surface temperature anomalies are associated with positive and negative surface pressure anomalies over Saudi Arabia and Iran, respectively, which generate anomalous northwesterly winds over eastern Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Further downstream this anomalous northwesterly wind combines with the climatological background cross‐equatorial southwesterly flow in the Arabian Sea. The flow further converges towards central and northwest India. The flow also acts as a source of moisture supply from the warm Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf for the deep convection over the Western Ghats, northwest and central India and hence reinforces active Indian summer monsoon conditions.
Über die Anpassung eines fortschrittlichen Stützwirkungsansatzes für das Kerbspannungskonzept
Authors: Lang Robert , Ladinek Markus , Lener Gerhard
Published: May 2017

Der Nachweis der Betriebsfestigkeit für geschweißte Verbindungen nach dem Kerbspannungskonzept erfordert vor der Berechnung der Spannungen eine fiktive Ausrundung der Geometrie im Bereich des Nahtüberganges und der Wurzel. Diese Ausrundung verhindert einerseits die sonst zwangsläufig auftretende Spannungssingularität und modifiziert gleichzeitig die Spannung um die Kerbempfindlichkeit. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Verfahren vorgestellt, das auf die Ausrundung verzichtet und dennoch alle erforderlichen Aspekte der Beurteilung der Betriebsfestigkeit nach dem Kerbspannungskonzept beinhaltet.
Numerical strategy for developing a probabilistic model for elements of reinforced concrete
Authors: Nader Christian , Rossi Pierre , Tailhan Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2017

This paper introduces a new approach to model cracking processes in large reinforced concrete structures, like dams or nuclear power plants. For these types of structures it is unreasonable, due to calculation time, to explicitly model rebars and steel–concrete bonds. To solve this problem, we developed, in the framework of the finite element method, a probabilistic macroscopic cracking model based on a multiscale simulation strategy: the probabilistic model for (finite) elements of reinforced concrete (PMERC).

The PMERC’s identification strategy is case‐specific because it holds information about the local behavior, obtained in advance via numerical experimentations. This information is then projected to the macroscopic finite element scale via inverse analysis.

The numerical experimentations are performed using a validated cracking model allowing a fine description of the cracking processes.

The method used in the inverse analysis is inspired from regression (supervised learning) algorithms: data on the local scale—the training data coupled with working knowledge of the mechanical problem—would shape the macroscopic model.

Although the identification phase can be relatively time‐consuming, the structural simulation is as a result, very fast, leading to a sensitive reduction of the overall computational time.

It is proposed a first validation of this multiscale modeling strategy on a reinforced concrete slab‐beam subjected to three‐point bending. We achieved promising results in terms of global behavior and macrocracking (mainly crack openings), and an important reduction in calculation time—up to 99% reduction! So we believe this is a promising approach to solve bigger and more complex structures in shorter time.
Can Tetrylone Act in a Similar Fashion to Tetrylene in Ni(CO)2 Complexes? A Theoretical Study based on a Comparison using DFT Calculations
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung , Tran Duc Sy , Huynh Thi Phuong Loan , Le Thi Hoa , Duong Tuan Quang , Nguyen Tien Trung , Vo Thanh Cong , Pham Van Tat , Dang Tan Hiep
Published: May 2017

A comparison was made to investigate the structures and bonding of nickel complex that carry tetrylone and tetrylene ligands [(CO)2Ni‐{E(PH3)2}] (Ni1E) and [(CO)2Ni‐{NHEMe}] (Ni2E) (E = C to Pb) using quantum chemical calculations at the BP86 level with various basis sets (SVP, TZVPP, TZ2P+). The nature of the Ni–E bonds was analyzed with charge‐ and energy decomposition methods. The structures of tetrylone complexes Ni1E exhibit an interesting trend with the ligands E(PH3)2 are bonded in a tilted orientation relative to the fragment Ni(CO)2. In contrast, the calculated equilibrium structures of complexes Ni2E exhibit the NHEMe ligands (E = C to Sn) bonded in a head‐on way to the Ni(CO)2 fragment, while the bending angle gives the strongest side‐on bonded ligand NHPbMe when E = Pb. The interesting trend of the bond dissociation energy (BDE) is observed for the tetrylone, which has the same trend BDEs compared with tetrylene complexes. The EDA‐NOCV results indicate that the tetrylone ligands {E(PH3)2} in complexes are similar to the tetrylene ligands NHEMe as strong σ‐donors and weak π‐acceptors. The BDEs calculated for the Ni–E bonds in Ni1E and Ni2E show that the effect of bulky ligands may obscure the intrinsic Ni–E bond strength. The bonding analysis shows that the tetrylone ligands in Ni1E may act in a similar fashion to the tetrylene ligands in Ni2E. All complexes Ni1E and Ni2E are suitable targets for synthesis.
Biological Implant for Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Single Institution Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Limura Elsa , Giordano Pasquale
Published: May 2017

Aim

To present our single institution and surgeon’s complex abdominal wall reconstructions (CAWR) experience with Permacol™ mesh through a non‐randomized study.

Patients and method

Data of 51 consecutive patients were prospectively collected between 2003 and 2015. Patients had a median of 3 comorbidities (range 0–10) and 68% were Center for Disease Control class II–IV. The mean previous repair was 1.3 (range, 0–12), and 25 (44%) had a mesh in situ. The median defect size was 625 cm2.

Results

Among the 56 CAWR procedures, in 16 (29%) bowel resection/anastomosis was performed. The overall post‐operative complication rate was 45%, and it was wound‐related except from 1 patient dead for myocardial infarction. One was lost at follow‐up. Five were re‐operated for recurrence with a second Permacol mesh, leading to 14 (26%) overall recurrences at a mean follow‐up of 44 months (range, 4–123). In 33 (59%) cases, fascial closure was achieved. The mesh placement was intraperitoneal in 89%, retro‐muscular in 9% and supra‐fascial in 1% of cases. A multivariate analysis showed that predictor risk for recurrence was more than 3 previous repairs, wound class III–IV, whereas age, type of comorbidities, defect size and fascial closure did not influence the recurrence. Median post‐operative performance status was 0 (range; 0–3). A satisfaction questionnaire was obtained in 43 patients, and 86% of them were satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusions

Biological materials have the potential to reduce morbidity and improve outcome of definitive repair of CAWR.
Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disorders: recent advances for metachromatic leukodystrophy and mucopolysaccaridosis I
Authors: Penati Rachele , Fumagalli Francesca , Calbi Valeria , Bernardo Maria Ester , Aiuti Alessandro
Published: May 2017

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are rare inherited metabolic disorders characterized by a dysfunction in lysosomes, leading to waste material accumulation and severe organ damage. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have been exploited as potential treatments for LSDs but pre‐clinical and clinical studies have shown in some cases limited efficacy. Intravenous ERT is able to control the damage of visceral organs but cannot prevent nervous impairment. Depending on the disease type, HSCT has important limitations when performed for early variants, unless treatment occurs before disease onset. In the attempt to overcome these issues, gene therapy has been proposed as a valuable therapeutic option, either ex vivo, with target cells genetically modified in vitro, or in vivo, by inserting the genetic material with systemic or intra‐parenchymal, in situ administration. In particular, the use of autologous haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transduced with a viral vector containing a healthy copy of the mutated gene would allow supra‐normal production of the defective enzyme and cross correction of target cells in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system. This review will provide an overview of the most recent scientific advances in HSC‐based gene therapy approaches for the treatment of LSDs with particular focus on metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS‐I).
MERS‐CoV papain-like protease (PLpro): expression, purification, and spectroscopic/thermodynamic characterization
Authors: Malik Ajamaluddin , Alsenaidy Mohammad A.
Published: May 2017

Within a decade, MERS-CoV emerged with nearly four times higher case fatality rate than an earlier outbreak of SARS-CoV and spread out in 27 countries in short span of time. As an emerging virus, combating it requires an in-depth understanding of its molecular machinery. Therefore, conformational characterization studies of coronavirus proteins are necessary to advance our knowledge of the matter for the development of antiviral therapies. In this study, MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PLpro) was recombinantly expressed and purified. Thermal folding pathway and thermodynamic properties were characterized using dynamic multimode spectroscopy (DMS) and thermal shift assay. DMS study showed that the PLpro undergoes a single thermal transition and follows a pathway of two-state folding with T
m and van’t Hoff enthalpy values of 54.4 ± 0.1 °C and 317.1 ± 3.9 kJ/mol, respectively. An orthogonal technique based on intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence also showed that MERS-CoV PLpro undergoes a single thermal transition and unfolds via a pathway of two-state folding with a T
m value of 51.4 °C. Our findings provide significant understandings of the thermodynamic and structural properties of MERS-CoV PLpro.
Short post‐weaning social isolation induces long‐term changes in the dopaminergic system and increases susceptibility to psychostimulants in female rats
Authors: Lampert Carine , Arcego Danusa Mar , de Sá Couto‐Pereira Natividade , dos Santos Vieira Aline , Toniazzo Ana Paula , Krolow Rachel , Garcia Emily , Vendite Deusa Aparecida , Calcagnotto Maria Elisa , Dalmaz Carla
Published: May 2017

Childhood and adolescence are sensitive periods of development, marked by high brain maturation and plasticity. Exposure to early life stress, such as social isolation, is able to prompt changes in sensitive brain circuitries, essentially in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and increase the risk for addictive behaviors later in life. Post‐weaning social isolation can stimulate the consumption of rewarding substances, like drugs of abuse and palatable foods. However, most studies analyze long periods of social isolation and very little is known about the effects of a brief social isolation in a sensitive period of development and its association with palatable food on the reward system sensitization. Furthermore, females are more susceptible to the reinforcing effect of drugs than males. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a short post‐weaning social isolation combined with a free access to a chronic high sugar diet (HSD) on the dopaminergic system, oxidative status and behavioral response to an amphetamine‐like drug in adulthood. We used female Wistar rats that were socially isolated from post‐natal days (PD) 21 to 35 and received free access to a HSD until PD 60. On PD 65, animals were submitted to a challenge with diethylpropion (DEP), an amphetamine‐like drug and different responses were analyzed: locomotor activity, immmunocontent of dopamine related proteins, and the oxidative status in the striatum, before and after the DEP challenge. We showed that a short post‐weaning social isolation (SI) increased the locomotor response to DEP, when compared with previous saline administration. Social isolation also increased dopamine transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase, and decreased dopamine D2 receptor immunocontent. Additionally, SI increased the overall oxidative status parameters after the challenge with DEP. Interestingly, the exposure to a HSD prevented the SI effects on locomotor response, but did not interfere in the dopaminergic parameters evaluated, despite having modified some oxidative parameters. This study showed for the first time that a short post‐weaning social isolation was able to induce long‐term changes in the striatal dopaminergic system and increased the response to psychostimulants. These results emphasize the importance of stressful experiences during a short period of development on programming susceptibility to psychostimulants later in life.
Emission prediction in conceptual design of the aircraft engines using augmented CRN
Authors: Saboohi Z. , Ommi F.
Published: May 2017

The semi-analytical prediction of pollutants emissions from gas turbines in the conceptual design phase is addressed in this paper. The necessity of this work arose from an urgent need for a comprehensive model that can quickly provide data in the conceptual design phase. Based on the available inputs data in the initial phases of the design process, a chemical reactor network (CRN) is defined to model the combustion with a detailed chemistry. In this way, three different chemical mechanisms are studied for Jet-A aviation fuel. Furthermore, the droplet evaporation for liquid fuel and the non-uniformity in fuel-air mixture are modelled. The results of a developed augmented modelling tool are compared with the pollutants data of two annular engine's combustors. The CRN results have good agreement with the actual engine test rig emissions output. In conclusion, the augmented CRN has shown to be efficient in predicting engine emissions with a very short executing time (few seconds) using a small CPU requirement such as a personal computer.
AN ECONOMIC PREMIUM PRINCIPLE UNDER THE DUAL THEORY OF THE SMOOTH AMBIGUITY MODEL
Authors: Fujii Yoichiro , Iwaki Hideki , Osaki Yusuke
Published: May 2017

This study considers a pure exchange economy with insurance against ambiguous loss. Ambiguity preferences are represented by the dual theory of the smooth ambiguity model from Iwaki and Osaki (2014). The economic premium principle of Bühlmann (1980, 1984) is extended to ambiguity. We also perform some comparative statics and present sufficient conditions under which an increase in ambiguity aversion increases insurance demand and insurance premiums. Contrary to the result in Tsanakas and Christofides (2006), the optimal demand for insurance is not always comonotonic, because our model permits an economy comprising both ambiguity averse and ambiguity loving agents.
Crowd Simulations and Determining the Critical Density Point of Emergency Situations
Authors: Khademipour Gholamreza , Nakhaee Nouzar , Anari Seyed Mohammad Saberi , Sadeghi Maryam , Ebrahimnejad Hojjat , Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat
Published: May 2017

Objective

In modern societies, crowds and mass gatherings are recurrent. A combination of inadequate facilities and inefficient population management can lead to injury and death. Simulating people’s behavior in crowds and mass gatherings can assist in the planning and management of gatherings, especially in emergency situations.

Methods

We aimed to determine the crowd pattern and the critical density point in the grand bazaar of Kerman in Iran. We collected data by use of a census method with a questionnaire. To determine the critical density point, height and weight data were placed in the equation$\,s\,{\equals}\,\sqrt {{{L{\vskip -1.5pt \,\,\asterisk\,\,}M} \over {3600}}} $and the outer body surface of all the individuals in the bazaar was calculated. The crowd was simulated by use of flow-based modeling. Flow rate was determined by using the equation (flow rate=density * speed). By use of SketchUp Pro software (version 8; Trimble, Sunnyvale, CA), the movement of each person and the general flow rate were simulated in the three-dimensional environment of Kerman bazaar.

Results

Our findings showed that the population critical density point in Kerman bazaar would be 6112 people. In an accident, the critical density point in Kerman bazaar would be created in about 1 minute 10 seconds after the event.

Conclusion

It seems necessary to identify and provide solutions for reducing the risk of disasters caused by overcrowding in Kerman bazaar. It is suggested that researchers conduct studies to design safe and secure emergency evacuation of Kerman bazaar as well as proper planning for better and faster access of aid squads to this location. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:674–680)
Mental health provision in schools: approaches and interventions in 10 European countries
Authors: Patalay P. , Gondek D. , Moltrecht B. , Giese L. , Curtin C. , Stanković M. , Savka N.
Published: May 2017

Background.

The role of schools in providing community-based support for children's mental health and well-being is widely accepted and encouraged. Research has mainly focused on designing and evaluating specific interventions and there is little data available regarding what provision is available, the focus and priorities of schools and the professionals involved in providing this support. The current study presents these data from schools in 10 European countries.

Methods.

Online survey of 1466 schools in France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, UK and Ukraine. The participating countries were chosen based on their geographical spread, diversity of political and economic systems, and convenience in terms of access to the research group and presence of collaborators.

Results.

Schools reported having more universal provision than targeted provision and there was greater reported focus on children who already have difficulties compared with prevention of problems and promotion of student well-being. The most common interventions implemented related to social and emotional skills development and anti-bullying programmes. Learning and educational support professionals were present in many schools with fewer schools reporting involvement of a clinical specialist. Responses varied by country with 7.4–33.5% between-country variation across study outcomes. Secondary schools reported less support for parents and more for staff compared with primary schools, with private schools also indicating more staff support. Schools in rural locations reported less student support and professionals involved than schools in urban locations.

Conclusion.

The current study provides up-to-date and cross-country insight into the approaches, priorities and provision available for mental health support in schools; highlighting what schools prioritise in providing mental health support and where coverage of provision is lacking.
Are Cultural and Economic Conservatism Positively Correlated? A Large-Scale Cross-National Test
Authors: Malka Ariel , Lelkes Yphtach , Soto Christopher J.
Published: May 2017

The right–left dimension is ubiquitous in politics, but prior perspectives provide conflicting accounts of whether cultural and economic attitudes are typically aligned on this dimension within mass publics around the world. Using survey data from ninety-nine nations, this study finds not only that right–left attitude organization is uncommon, but that it is more common for culturally and economically right-wing attitudes to correlatenegativelywith each other, an attitude structure reflecting a contrast between desires for cultural and economicprotection vs. freedom. This article examines where, among whom and why protection–freedom attitude organization outweighs right–left attitude organization, and discusses the implications for the psychological bases of ideology, quality of democratic representation and the rise of extreme right politics in the West.
Social structure of a population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the oceanic archipelago of Madeira, Portugal
Authors: Dinis Ana , Alves Filipe , Nicolau Cátia , Ribeiro Cláudia , Kaufmann Manfred , Cañadas Ana , Freitas Luís
Published: May 2017

In order to investigate social structure, 11 years of individual photo-identification data of bottlenose dolphin were analysed. We examined the type of association indices between pairs of identified individuals; the patterns of affiliation between individual dolphins and the probabilities of association between individuals over time. Between 2001 and 2012, there were 272 encounters which resulted in the identification of 501 individuals. The discovery curve resulting from the photo-identification analysis indicated an open population with regular recruitment of new individuals. All individuals were found to be associated at an association index of <0.05. A total of 291 individuals recorded from 2004 to 2012 were used to assess the temporal pattern of the social structure. The model fit to the Standardized Lagged Association Rate (SLAR) that best described the studied bottlenose dolphin population was ‘casual acquaintances’, and the analysis of associations over time showed a decreasing SLAR curve that falls until reaching the null rate, confirming random associations. The decline of the SLAR curve after ~500 days (1.4 years) suggests disassociation over that time period which can be explained by demographic events such as mortality or emigration. In an open ocean habitat like Madeira this is not unexpected, as there are neither geographic boundaries nor enclosed environments. This population presented a dynamic and fluctuating social structure, where groups change in size and composition. In future conservation efforts this population should be considered as one large community, where individuals associate, disassociate and reassociate with each other over time.
Intertidal habitat use of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Antonio, Argentina
Authors: Vermeulen Els
Published: May 2017

Very little information is available on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat use in the South-western Atlantic. It is, however, essential in understanding their ecology and to improve conservation management. In this study, habitat use of bottlenose dolphins was examined in Bahía San Antonio, an area frequented by the species. Given the large tidal amplitude and extended intertidal zone in this bay, special focus was given to the intertidalvssubtidal habitat use patterns. Bottlenose dolphins were observed in only half of the surveyed area, with on average 1 dolphin group encountered per 100 km surveyed. All dolphin groups were seen in shallow waters <10 m deep. GLM analyses showed that especially during high tide, depth had an important effect on the dolphin encounter rate, with most dolphin groups encountered in the intertidal zone. While in the intertidal zone, most dolphin groups were observed to be engaged in surface feeding activities. The presented data indicate dolphins remained in shallow waters, and moved to the intertidal zone during high tide where they appear to find feeding opportunities. This information is believed to be of high value in understanding this population's ecological needs, and essential when aiming to improve marine conservation efforts at times of increased anthropogenic pressures in the area.
ASSESSING VALUE, BUDGET IMPACT, AND AFFORDABILITY IN ASIA
Authors: Hampson Grace , Henshall Chris , Towse Adrian
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore definitions of value and the use of budget impact and affordability considerations in health technology assessment (HTA) in the Asia region, particularly in relation to high cost technologies.

Methods: Issues were debated by senior representatives from HTA and payer systems in Asian countries, delegates from industry, and invited experts at the 2016 meeting of the HTAi Asia Policy Forum (HAPF). A premeeting survey was used to gather data on how value is assessed and budget impact calculations are used within current processes, as well as current approaches to managing affordability.

Results: All systems consider health benefit to be the key component of value. There is little consensus around “wider” elements of value that should be included. All systems use budget impact in decision making, although meeting attendees noted the challenges in making accurate estimates. The most common strategies used to address affordability concerns to date have been: restricting coverage, for example, to patients who are likely to get the highest value; discounts; and revenue caps. It was noted that these “solutions” may have unintended consequences of creating inequitable access to therapies and failing to provide adequate rewards for innovation.

Conclusions: Decision makers, HTA agencies, and industry need to continue to work together to find mutually agreeable solutions to ensure that patients continue to get equitable access to effective therapies at costs that can be afforded throughout the Asia region.
From the field: A participatory approach to assess labor inputs on organic diversified vegetable farms in the Upper Midwestern USA
Authors: Silva E.M. , Hendrickson J. , Mitchell P.D. , Bietila E.
Published: May 2017

Consumer interest in locally grown produce continues to increase in the USA. Small, diversified vegetable farms, including those managed organically, have been important contributors to meet this growing demand for local product. To be profitable in these markets, farmers must be able to appropriately price their products to cover production costs and provide themselves and their employees a living wage. Questions remain, however, as to the most effective method of assessing the cost of production of specific crops on these farms, in part due to the variability in labor inputs associated with diversified farming strategies. This study used a participatory approach to investigate both methodologies for varied widely, with high coefficients of variation calculated for all values, indicating high farm-to-farm variability in labor required for seasonal activities. Farmers reported both challenges with data collection, as well as successes in using data analysis to guide management decisions. This ongoing work highlights the value of collecting farm-specific data for use in cost-of-production determinations.
CoLiTec software - detection of the near-zero apparent motion
Authors: Khlamov Sergii V. , Savanevych Vadym E. , Briukhovetskyi Olexandr B. , Pohorelov Artem V.
Published: May 2017

In this article we described CoLiTec software for full automated frames processing. CoLiTec software allows processing the Big Data of observation results as well as processing of data that is continuously formed during observation. The scope of solving tasks includes frames brightness equalization, moving objects detection, astrometry, photometry, etc. Along with the high efficiency of Big Data processing CoLiTec software also ensures high accuracy of data measurements. A comparative analysis of the functional characteristics and positional accuracy was performed between CoLiTec and Astrometrica software. The benefits of CoLiTec used with wide field and low quality frames were observed. The efficiency of the CoLiTec software was proved by about 700.000 observations and over 1.500 preliminary discoveries.
Mol-D a Database and a Web Service within the Serbian Virtual Observatory and the Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre
Authors: Srećković Vladimir A. , Jevremović Darko , Vujčić Veljko , Ignjatović Ljubinko M. , Milovanović Nenad , Erkapić Sanja , Dimitrijević Milan S.
Published: May 2017

In this contribution we report the current stage of the MOLecular Dissociation (MOL-D) database which is a web service within the Serbian virtual observatory (SerVO) and node within Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Center (VAMDC). MOL-D is an atomic and molecular (A&M) database devoted to the modelling of stellar atmospheres, laboratory plasmas, industrial plasmas etc. The initial stage of development was done at the end of 2014, when the service for data connected with hydrogen and helium molecular ions was done. In the next stage of the development of MOL-D, we include new cross-sections and rate coefficients for processes which involve species such as XH+, where X is atom of some metal. Data are important for the exploring of the interstellar medium as well as for the early Universe chemistry and for the modeling of stellar and solar atmospheres. In this poster, we present our ongoing work and plans for the future.
Pan-STARRS1 as pilot-survey for panoptic time-domain science
Authors: Hernitschek Nina , Rix Hans-Walter , Sesar Branimir , Schlafly Edward F.
Published: May 2017

For examining possibilities and challenges in doing science with multi-band and non-simultaneous data from upcoming surveys like LSST, the Pan-STARRS1 (PS1) 3π can be used as a pilot survey. This is especially important to explore the possibilities in detection and classification of variable sources within the first years of LSST’s 10-year baseline. We had explored the capabilities of PS1 3π for carrying out time-domain science in a variety of applications. We had used structure function fitting as well as period fitting, to search for and classify high-latitude as well as low-latitude variable sources, in particular RR Lyrae, Cepheids and QSOs.