bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homozygous α‐thalassemia: Challenges surrounding early identification, treatment, and cure
Authors: Pecker Lydia H. , Guerrera Michael F. , Loechelt Brett , Massaro An , Abraham Allistair A. , Fasano Ross M. , Meier Emily Riehm
Published: August 2016

The prognosis for homozygous α‐thalassemia is changing. Prenatal diagnosis and intrauterine transfusions (IUT) reduce maternofetal morbidity and mortality; hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is curative. Empiric evidence to support IUT and HSCT to treat homozygous α‐thalassemia is lacking. The first case of curative HSCT for homozygous α‐thalassemia was reported in 1997. Nearly 20 years later, five additional reports are published. We review the literature and report an institutional experience with three homozygous α‐thalassemia patients. The first died shortly after birth. The second underwent HSCT after years of chronic transfusion therapy. The third benefited from IUT and HSCT. These cases exemplify the varied outcomes associated with this condition.
Germacrone Inhibits Estrogen Receptor α‐Mediated Transcription in MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Lim Mi‐Sun , Choung Se‐Young , Jeong Kwang Won
Published: August 2016

Estrogen receptor (ER)α‐positive breast cancer cells regulate the expression of estrogen‐responsive genes, which are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell cycle progression. Clinically, the inhibition of ERα‐mediated gene expression in breast cancer cells has long been considered an effective way to prevent the development and progression of cancer. Germacrone, a terpenoid compound isolated from Rhizoma curcuma, has been known to have antitumor activity in various human cancer cell lines. However, the mechanism by which germacrone inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that germacrone inhibits ERα‐mediated gene expression at the transcriptional level in MCF‐7 cells. Germacrone inhibits the recruitment of ERα to the estrogen response element on chromatin and consequently compromises the binding of switch/sucrose non‐fermentable chromatin remodeling complex and RNA polymerase II to target gene promoter, thereby inhibiting the estrogen‐induced chromatin accessibility. In addition, germacrone efficiently potentiates the antitumor activity of methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil. Our results not only provide substantial molecular mechanism of germacrone on ERα‐mediated signaling in breast cancer cells but also demonstrate the benefits of germacrone as a combination therapy with other drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive psychology school‐based interventions: A reflection on current success and future directions
Authors: Chodkiewicz Alicia R , Boyle Christopher
Published: August 2016

An increased focus on youth development has led to an understanding of the importance of the wellbeing, resilience and mental health of children and young people. As a result there is a growing body of research, especially over the last two decades, which increasingly recognises the complexities of learning and development across the years spent at school. Alongside this trend is the rise of positive psychology, which is changing our conceptions of youth, education and development. Support for a new era of student‐centric teaching practices dedicated to enhancing student wellbeing has come not only from researchers and psychologists, but also from school and education authorities, who are showing an increased appetite for integrating positive psychology‐based programs into the learning curriculum. While researchers are beginning to express cautious optimism about the effectiveness of such interventions, there is a large disparity between the initiatives being researched and what is being taught in classrooms. A set of key constraints relating to limited resources, an overcrowded curriculum, accessibility of information, teacher factors and quality training all play a role in shaping the effectiveness with which an intervention is implemented. This article reflects on the recent development of positive psychology school‐based programs and offers insights into how these initiatives can be enhanced to reach a wider range of young people and translated more effectively into classroom practice.
Dependence and phase changes in random m‐ary search trees
Authors: Chern Hua‐Huai , Fuchs Michael , Hwang Hsien‐Kuei , Neininger Ralph
Published: August 2016

We study the joint asymptotic behavior of the space requirement and the total path length (either summing over all root‐key distances or over all root‐node distances) in random m‐ary search trees. The covariance turns out to exhibit a change of asymptotic behavior: it is essentially linear when , but becomes of higher order when . Surprisingly, the corresponding asymptotic correlation coefficient tends to zero when , but is periodically oscillating for larger m, and we also prove asymptotic independence when . Such a less anticipated phenomenon is not exceptional and our results can be extended in two directions: one for more general shape parameters, and the other for other classes of random log‐trees such as fringe‐balanced binary search trees and quadtrees. The methods of proof combine asymptotic transfer for the underlying recurrence relations with the contraction method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 353–379, 2017
Bridging disciplines with training in remote sensing for animal movement: an attendee perspective
Authors: Clark Bethany L. , Bevanda Mirjana , Aspillaga Eneko , Jørgensen Nicolai H.
Published: August 2016

Remote sensing and animal movement datasets are increasingly used to answer key questions in ecology and conservation. Collecting and accessing this data is becoming ever cheaper and easier, but limited analytical expertise limits its wider use. Working at the interface between these two disciplines is challenging as there are no standard techniques for handling the complex spatial data, so specific and in‐depth training is required. Higher education programs rarely cover remote sensing for animal movement, so external courses play a major role in training newcomers and creating a more unified global community. We conducted an online survey to investigate the views of previous attendees of four training courses that involve remote sensing and animal location data. These courses provided subject‐specific knowledge, practical and coding skills, networking, collaboration opportunities, insightful discussions and transferable research skills. Our survey highlighted the importance of real‐world examples, practical sessions, time for participants to work with their own data, preparatory material and open source software. Despite the value of interdisciplinary training in remote sensing and animal movement, it reaches few ecology and conservation practitioners outside of academia. We advocate more funding for underrepresented participants to attend existing course and the development of new courses.
Bio‐Waste Corn–cob Cellulose Supported Poly(amidoxime) Palladium Nanoparticles for Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Sultana T. , Mandal Bablu Hira , Rahman Md. Lutfor , Sarkar Shaheen M.
Published: August 2016

Waste corn‐cob cellulose supported poly(amidoxime) palladium nanoparticles (PdNs@PA) were prepared by the surface modification of waste corn‐cob cellulose through graft co‐polymerization and subsequent amidoximation. The supported nanoperticles showed high catalytic activity (45‐400 mol ppm) towards Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling of aryl bromides/chlorides with organoboronic acids to give the corresponding biaryl products up to 99 % yield with high turnover number (TON) 19777 and turnover frequency (TOF) 4944 h−1. The PdNs@PA was easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Benzaldehyde for Selective Synthesis of Benzyl Alcohol: A Review
Authors: Bhanushali Jayesh T. , Kainthla Itika , Keri Rangappa S. , Nagaraja Bhari Mallanna
Published: August 2016

In the recent past, various catalysts have been used for hydrogenation of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol and the efficiency of the catalysts observed is found to be less.This review focuses on catalytic hydrogenation and their parameters associated with supports, methods of preparation, solvents involved, reaction conditions in converting benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol. Critical aspect of review is to evaluate activities of various heterogeneous catalysts that can selectively reduce benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol. The catalysts include various transition (Ni, Cu, Co) and noble metals (Au, Pt, Pd, Ru), monoliths and metal oxides (MgO, CaO, BaO, Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, etc.,), which are all active in the reaction. Among the transition metals, cobalt‐based catalysts depicted promising activity, while ruthenium‐based systems demonstrated spectacular activity among noble metal series. Hydrogenation by electrochemical reduction using platinum, palladium, nickel has also been reviewed.
Excitable Oil Droplets ‐ FRET Across a Liquid‐Liquid Phase Boundary
Authors: Gruner L. J. , Bahrig L. , Ostermann K. , Hickey S. G. , Eychmüller A. , Rödel G.
Published: August 2016

FRET forms the basis for energy transfer in biological systems and organisms and it has become an investigative tool in the analysis of protein‐protein interactions and in the study of semiconductors (SC). Until now, FRET has been restricted to the simultaneous presence of both components in the same phase. Here, we report on the first successful prototype demonstrating interfacial FRET. This innovative FRET between inorganic SC‐nanoparticles and illuminating protein chimeras takes place across an oil/water interface. As a ′proof of concept′ oil droplets were stabilized by hydrophobin‐derivatives in aqueous solution. These proteins possess the ability to attach fused functional domains close to an interface. Moreover, an optically active nanostructure directly docks to the hydrophobin at the oil/water interface. Due to its modular design, this signal amplification array has the potential to be exploited in numerous fields ranging from biosensors, biotechnology to medical applications.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks as curing accelerators for benzoxazines
Authors: Sharma Pratibha , Srivastava Manju , Lochab Bimlesh , Kumar Devendra , Ramanan Arunachalam , Roy Prasun Kumar
Published: August 2016

Benzoxazine resins, although exhibiting attractive properties; particularly high thermal stability and near zero‐ shrinkage, suffer from a major drawback associated with its high curing temperature. In view of the Lewis acidity associated with the Zn4O nodes in a zinc based metal organic framework [Zn4O(BDC)3, MOF5], we considered it of interest to explore its potential as a curing accelerator for a representative biobased benzoxazine resin. MOF 5 was solvothermally synthesized and characterized using different techniques including powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and Nitrogen physisorption measurements. Bio‐based benzoxazine resin was synthesized by mannich type condensation of cardanol and aniline with formaldehyde under solventless conditions, the structure of which was confirmed using FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR. The curing behavior of the synthesized resin was systematically investigated using non‐isothermal Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Introduction of MOF 5 led to a shift in the curing profile to lower temperature, the extent of which was proportional to the amount of MOF 5 in the formulation. DSC studies were performed at different heating rates to establish the kinetic parameters associated with the curing of the resin. Activation energy, as calculated using Kissinger Akahira Sunose method, was found to concomitantly decrease from 98 kJ/mol to 58 kJ/mol upon addition of MOF 5 (5 % w/w).
Performance of High Energy Density Symmetric Supercapacitor Based on Sputtered MnO2 Nanorods
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Sanger Amit , Kumar Arvind , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Chandra Ramesh
Published: August 2016

Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of binder free and very efficient supercapacitor electrodes based on MnO2 nanorods on silver (Ag) coated porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate in a very simple way by DC magnetron sputtering. The Ag coated porous AAO substrate acts as excellent current collector and also enhances high specific capacitance of MnO2 up to ∼796 F/g. A symmetric supercapacitor device in form of α‐MnO2 nanorods/Ag/AAO electrode has been fabricated, characterized and its performance has been investigated in detail. The binder free supercapacitor device delivered a high capacitance (132 F/g), good cycling ability (95.52 % capacitance retention after 3000 cycles), high energy density (26.4 Wh/kg), and also a high power density (∼36 kW/kg at 6 Wh/kg) in a voltage range of 1.3 V. These observed excellent electrochemical performances of the present MnO2 nanorods based device, suggest it tremendous potential as supercapacitor electrodes in energy storage applications.
Fluorescein‐Based ‘‘Turn On’’ Fluorescence Detection of Zn2+ and Its Applications in Imaging of Zn2+ in Apoptotic Cells
Authors: Vidya Balasubramanian , Sivaraman Gandhi , Sumesh Remani Vasudevan , Chellappa Duraisamy
Published: August 2016

Fluorescein dye bearing imidazole has been designed and synthesized as an effective colorimetric and ‘‘turn on’’ fluorescent sensor for Zn2+. The probe FI‐1 shows selective and dramatic colour change from colourless to yellow and fluorescence turn‐on response for Zn2+ with greater sensitivity. 1H NMR titration experiments confirms that the binding of Zn2+ ions leads to the spirolactam ring opening that causes change in absorbance and fluorescence. Density functional theory calculations also support the observed photophysical changes. The applicability of the probe for Zn2+ detection was shown by the live cell imaging in HeLa cells. Further the probe utilized for imaging of Zn2+ ions liberated during apoptosis.
High‐Performance LiCoO2 Sub‐Micrometer Materials from Scalable Microparticle Template Processing
Authors: Qi Zhaoxiang , Koenig Gary M.
Published: August 2016

One attribute that has limited performance for some lithium‐ion battery active material systems is large particle size. While many methods have been reported in the literature for producing high‐performance sub‐micrometer sized battery particles, often these procedures are difficult to adapt to large battery electrode powder production and/or the processing is relatively expensive compared to traditional methods. We report a highly scalable process to produce high performance sub‐micrometer battery active material using an initial demonstration cathode chemistry, LiCoO2 (LCO). We adopted a template‐based process which took advantage of a cobalt oxalate precursor material with a rod morphology. Lithiation of the precursor via calcination produced loosely connected sub‐micrometer sized LCO particles which were easily dispersed into individual particles through a low energy mechanical method. The sub‐micrometer sized LCO particulates exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as lithium‐ion battery cathode active materials, including high discharge capacity, rate capability, and coulombic efficiency.
Evolution of Cobalt Catalysis for Catalytic Construction of Si‐H ‐Containing Semi‐Penetrating Networks: Updated Application in Nanosilver‐Catalyzed Alkynylation of Paraformaldehyde
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Yun , Gao Ling‐Xiang , Zhang Wei‐Qiang , Cui Yu‐Ming , Yang Ke‐Fang , Gao Zi‐Wei , Xu Li‐Wen
Published: August 2016

The detailed procedure and mechanistic analysis for the synthesis of polymethylhydrosiloxane‐based semi‐interpenetrating networks (PMHS‐SIPNs) with Si−H and other functional groups under mild reaction conditions was presented in this work. And the Si−H –containing organosilicon materials was proved to be a useful support in the construction of nanosilver catalyst according to the previous reported strategy that with the concept of titanium‐promoted reduction of ester with hydrosilane for well‐distributed dispersion of titanium and nanosilver on cross‐linked PMHS‐SIPNs supporter (Ag@TiO2@PMHSIPN). Furthermore, a highly efficient method for the synthesis of primary propargylic alcohols has been developed using PMHS‐based semi‐interpenetrating networks –supported nanosilver (Ag@TiO2@PMHSIPN) as catalyst.
Intermolecular Aurophilic versus Intramolecular Au⋅⋅⋅N Secondary Interactions in Two‐Coordinate Gold(I) Selenolate Complexes
Authors: Kole Goutam Kumar , Wadawale Amey P. , Nigam Sandeep , Majumder Chiranjib , Jain Vimal K.
Published: August 2016

A series of gold(I) selenolates viz., [Au(Sepy‐2)(PPh3)] (1), [Au(Sepy‐4)(PPh3)] (2) (py=pyridyl), [Au(Sepyz‐2)(PPh3)] (3) (pyz=pyrazinyl), [Au(Sepym‐2)(PPh3)] (4) (pym=pyrimidyl) and [Au{Sepym(Me2‐4,6)‐2}(PPh3)] (5) {pym‐2‐(Me2‐4,6)=4,6‐dimethyl‐2‐pyrimidyl} have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The gold atom acquires a two‐coordinate linear geometry with Au−Se distance of ∼ 2.41 Å. The existence of aurophilic interactions are determined by the nature of substituent on selenium. It was observed that the complexes derived from selenolate ligand with pyridyl moiety (one hetero‐N atom in the ring) could exhibit aurophilicity; whereas, the complexes derived from ligands containing pyrazinyl and pyrimidyl moieties (two hetero‐N atoms) are devoid of such interaction but show secondary Au⋅⋅⋅N interaction. The complex [Au(Sepy‐4)(PPh3)] shows polymorphism and the two polymorphs differ in the relative orientations of linear molecules. There are competing secondary intramolecular Au⋅⋅⋅N interaction which plays crucial role on intermolecular aurophilic interaction and overall structure. Theoretical calculations at DFT and MP2 levels have been carried out to rationalize the experimental findings.
Synthesis of Medium‐Sized 2,ω‐cis‐Disubstituted Cyclic Ethers by Reductive Cyclization of Hydroxy Ketones
Authors: Hernández‐Torres Gloria , Mateo Julio , Colobert FranÇoise , Urbano Antonio , Carreño M. Carmen
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of 7‐, 8‐ and 9‐membered cyclic ethers isolaurepan, lauthisan and obtusan was achieved through the cis‐stereoselective TMSOTf/Et3SiH promoted reductive cyclization of the corresponding saturated hydroxy ketones, available in three steps from commercial starting materials: oxirane opening with lithium acetylide, Rh‐catalyzed conjugate addition of the terminal alkynes to the corresponding unsaturated ketones and triple bond hydrogenation.
Amino Acid Metabolism Abnormity and Microenvironment Variation Mediated Targeting and Controlled Glioma Chemotherapy
Authors: An Sai , Lu Xiuhong , Zhao Weili , Sun Tao , Zhang Yu , Lu Yifei , Jiang Chen
Published: August 2016

Energy metabolism abnormity is one of the most significant hallmarks of cancer. As a result, large amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is remarkably overexpressed in both blood‐brain‐barrier and glioma tumor cells, leading a rapid and sufficient substrate transportation. 3CDIT and 4CDIT are originally synthesized by modifying the existing most potent LAT1 substrate. 3CDIT is selected as its higher glioma‐targeting ability. Since the microenvironment variation in tumor cells is another important feature of cancer, a great disparity in adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (GSH) levels between extracellular and intracellular milieu can provide good possibilities for dual‐responsive drug release in tumor cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) is successfully intercalated into the ATP aptamer DNA scaffolds, compressed by GSH‐responsive polymer pOEI, and modified with 3CDIT to obtain 3CDIT‐targeting pOEI/DOX/ATP aptamer nanoparticles (NPs). Enhanced NP accumulation and rapid GSH & ATP dual‐responsive DOX release in glioma are demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. More efficient therapeutic effects are shown with 3CDIT‐targeting pOEI/DOX/ATP aptamer NPs than free DOX and no systemic toxicity is observed. Therefore, glioma‐targeting delivery and GSH & ATP dual‐responsive release guarantee an adequate DOX accumulation within tumor cells and ensure a safe and efficient chemotherapy for glioma.
Hydrogels based on starch‐g‐poly(sodium‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonate‐co‐methacrylic acid) as controlled drug delivery systems
Authors: Clara I. , Natchimuthu N.
Published: August 2016

Novel hydrogel systems based on starch‐g‐poly(sodium‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonate‐co‐methacrylic acid) [starch‐g‐poly(AMPSNa‐co‐MAA)] has been prepared through graft copolymerization of AMPSNa and MAA onto starch chains. Characterization of these hydrogels is carried out using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrogels with maximum swelling capacity have exhibited better drug absorption suggesting that they are suitable as carriers for controlled drug delivery. The capability of these hydrogels as drug delivery vehicles has been evaluated at pH values 4.0, 7.0, and 9.2 using amoxicillin trihydrate as the model drug and these hydrogels have shown more drug release in basic medium when compared to acidic or neutral media.
Myelin Basic Protein Regulates Primitive and Definitive Neural Stem Cell Proliferation from the Adult Spinal Cord
Authors: Xu Wenjun , Sachewsky Nadia , Azimi Ashkan , Hung Maurita , Gappasov Andrew , Morshead Cindi M.
Published: August 2016

The adult mammalian forebrain comprises two distinct populations of neural stem cells (NSCs): rare, Oct4 positive, primitive NSCs (pNSCs) and definitive NSC (dNSC) which are more abundant and express GFAP. The pNSCs are upstream of the dNSCs in the neural stem cell lineage. Herein we show that pNSC and dNSC populations can also be isolated from the developing and adult spinal cord. Spinal cord derived pNSCs are similarly rare, Oct4 expressing cells that are responsive to leukemia inhibitory factor and dNSCs are 4-5X more abundant and express GFAP. We demonstrate that myelin basic protein (MBP) is inhibitory to both pNSC and dNSC derived colony formation. Similar to what is seen in the adult forebrain following injury, spinal cord injury results in a significant increase in the size of the dNSC and pNSC pools. Hence, both primitive and definitive neural stem cells can be isolated from along the embryonic and adult neuraxis in vivo and their behavior is regulated by MBP and injury.
Dynamics of Mechanosensitive Neural Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Rammensee Sebastian , Kang Michael S. , Georgiou Katerina , Kumar Sanjay , Schaffer David V.
Published: August 2016

Stem cell differentiation can be highly sensitive to mechanical inputs from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Identifying temporal windows during which lineage commitment responds to ECM stiffness, and the signals that mediate these decisions, would advance both mechanistic insights and translational efforts. To address these questions, we investigate adult neural stem cell (NSC) fate commitment using an oligonucleotide-crosslinked ECM platform that for the first time offers dynamic and reversible control of stiffness. “Stiffness pulse” studies in which the ECM was transiently or permanently softened or stiffened at specified initiation times and durations pinpoint a 24-hour window in which ECM stiffness maximally impacts neurogenic commitment. Overexpression of the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP) within this window suppressed neurogenesis, and silencing YAP enhanced it. Moreover, ablating YAP-β-catenin interaction rescued neurogenesis. This work reveals that ECM stiffness dictates NSC lineage commitment by signaling via a YAP and β-catenin interaction during a defined temporal window.
H/ACA Box Small Nucleolar RNA 7A Promotes the Self-Renewal of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xu Chen , Gu Daolan , Wu Minjuan , Yan Binghao , Xu Zhenyu , Wang Yue , Liu Houqi
Published: August 2016

Human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (uMSC) are pluripotent cells that have been now considered as a promising candidate for various cell-based therapies. However, their limited in vitro proliferation ability and the gradual loss of pluripotency set barricades for further usages. Emerging evidence suggests that small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA) are actively involved in cell proliferation especially in tumor cells, but their roles in stem cells are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that H/ACA box small nucleolar RNA 7A (SNORA7A) is inversely correlated to the decreased proliferation rate during in vitro passaging of uMSC. Further investigations indicate that SNORA7A overexpression can promote uMSC proliferation and self-renewal. The inhibition of SNORA7A using antisense oligonucleotides significantly reduces the expression and the binding of SNORA7A to DKC1, core protein that essential to form small nucleolar ribonucleo-particles (snoRNP) complex and catalyze pseudouridines in 28S RNA. And the inhibition also significantly suppresses uMSC proliferation and self-renewal. Moreover, overexpression of SNORA7A transcripts with mutations of binding regions for snoRNP core proteins and 28S RNA did not induce proliferation and self-renewal. Besides, SNORA7A also suppresses both the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, strengthening its self-renewal maintaining roles in uMSC. Taken together, our study for the first time showed that H/ACA box snoRNAs are actively involved in MSC proliferation as well as pluripotency control, and we identify SNORA7A as one of the critical snoRNAs that regulate the proliferation and self-renewal of uMSC through snoRNP recruiting.
Spent lead shot availability and ingestion by ring‐necked pheasants in South Dakota
Authors: Runia Travis J. , Solem Alex J.
Published: August 2016

Lead is toxic to all vertebrate species and ingestion of lead ammunition has been reported in >130 avian species. Research has primarily focused on the effects and exposure of spent lead shot on waterfowl with little information about effects on upland game species, such as ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). We collected 1,450 soil samples to estimate the availability of lead shot on 2 licensed shooting preserves in South Dakota, USA, 2012–2013. We concurrently collected gizzards from 660 hunter‐harvested wild male pheasants from the shooting preserves and compared lead ingestion rates with those of 1,301 gizzards collected from nonpreserve areas. Spatial modeling showed the distribution of spent lead shot was associated with the systematic hunting pattern of each study site and, to a lesser extent, land‐use type. Prevalence of ingested lead shot was 4.9 times greater for birds harvested on shooting preserves (3.9%, 95% CI = 2.7–5.7%) when compared with nonpreserve areas (0.8%, 95% CI = 0.4–1.4%) where lead shot availability was presumed less. Wild pheasants inhabiting areas of artificially high hunting intensity and lead deposition are at elevated risk of lead exposure and poisoning, although the consequences of lead ingestion in wild pheasants are unknown. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Landscape design: Integrating ecological, social, and economic considerations into conservation planning
Authors: Bartuszevige Anne M. , Taylor Kyle , Daniels Alex , Carter Michael F.
Published: August 2016

Landscape design is a conservation planning process, described in the landscape ecology literature, proposed to rectify the knowledge and implementation gap in planning that have limited the effectiveness of many conservation planning efforts. Use of landscape design bridges this gap through increased emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of conservation planning and engagement of a stakeholder advisory team to create a conservation plan that resonates with biological, cultural, social, and economic realities of the area concerned. We define landscape design as a conservation planning process that integrates societal goals and values with established biological conservation goals, using science grounded in landscape ecology to describe future scenarios where specific and measurable biological goals can be attained. First, we describe a landscape design process and provide examples from the literature and partnerships such as Connect the Connecticut and the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative. We follow by discussing a case study of a landscape design effort to conserve playa wetlands to support waterfowl goals for migrating waterfowl established in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. We further highlight characteristics of a successfully completed landscape design. We conclude that landscape design is a powerful process that goes beyond identifying high‐priority conservation assets and intended to be an action‐oriented process. Landscape design provides a framework for ensuring that conservation planning does not occur in a vacuum by ensuring social, cultural, and economic needs of people are recognized before valuable conservation dollars are expended. It provides a mechanism for understanding the effects of future landscape drivers on natural resources and engages stakeholders in proactive discussions regarding conservation. The final result is a commitment by a partnership to a set of actions that will achieve the stated conservation goal. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Ribbon and Self‐Penetrated Hybrid Copper Molybdates with Ancillary Bis(4‐pyridylmethyl)piperazine Ligands
Authors: Qiblawi Sultan H. , LaDuca Robert L.
Published: August 2016

Hybrid copper molybdates containing the long‐spanning bis(4‐pyridylmethyl) piperazine (bpmp) ligand were prepared via hydrothermal synthesis and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The reduced copper phase and major product [Cu4(MoO4)2(bpmp)4]n (1) shows 1D ribbon motifs with embedded {CuI2O2} dimeric units, built from the bpmp pillaring of [Cu4(MoO4)2] linear clusters. The oxidized copper phase and minor product {[Cu2(MoO4)2(bpmp)4]·24H2O}n (2) displays [Cu(bpmp)2]n2n+ mutually inclined interpenetrated cationic layers cross‐pillared by molybdate tetrahedra into an unprecedented 6‐connected self‐penetrated network with 485265 topology.
Tachycardia detection in modern implantable cardioverter–defibrillators
Authors: Brüggemann Thomas , Dahlke Daniel , Chebbo Amin , Neumann Ilka
Published: August 2016

Implantable cardioverter–defibrillators (ICD) have to reliably sense, detect, and treat malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Inappropriate treatment of non life-threatening tachyarrhythmias should be avoided. This article outlines the functionality of ICDs developed and manufactured by BIOTRONIK. Proper sensing is achieved by an automatic sensitivity control which can be individually tailored to solve special under- and oversensing situations. The programming of detection zones for ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and zones to monitor other tachyarrhythmias is outlined. Dedicated single-chamber detection algorithms based on average heart rate, cycle length variability, sudden rate onset, and changes in QRS morphology as used in ICDs by BIOTRONIK are described in detail. Preconditions and confirmation algorithms for therapy deliveries as antitachycardia pacing (ATP) and high energy shocks are explained. Finally, a detailed description of the dual-chamber detection algorithm SMART is given. It comprises additional detection criteria as stability of atrial intervals, 1:1 conduction, atrial–ventricular (AV) multiplicity, AV trend, and AV regularity to differentiate between ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Analysen epigenetischer Marker aus Liquid Biopsies: Informationen von jenseits des Genoms
Authors: Ammerpohl Ole , Scheufele Swetlana , Siebert Reiner
Published: August 2016

Die Analyse epigenetischer Marker aus Liquid Biopsies erlaubt Einblicke in physiologische und pathologische Prozesse im Körper einer Person, die über die reine Sequenzinformation hinausgehen. Insbesondere das DNA-Methylierungsmuster sowie die Expressionsmuster von mRNA und ncRNA sind aus Liquid Biopsies erfassbar. Damit werden ganze Gruppen neuer potenzieller Biomarker einer nicht invasiven und ökonomischen Diagnostik zugänglich. Darüber hinaus und im Gegensatz zur reinen DNA-Sequenzanalyse von Liquid Biopsies erlaubt die hohe Gewebespezifität epigenetischer Marker auch die Bestimmung der Herkunft der analysierten Nukleinsäuren z. B. in Bezug auf ein betroffenes Organ. Angesichts der fallenden Kosten für Sequenzierungen und des technologischen Fortschritts, der die Nachweisgrenzen immer weiter zu immer sensitiveren Anwendungen verschiebt, könnten epigenetische Untersuchungen aus Liquid Biopsies den Trend zu einer Individualisierung in der Medizin weiter forcieren.
Basic Biostatistical Concepts for the Fetal Physician—I: The 2 ⅹ 2 Table and Its Derivatives
Authors: Manikandan K. , Suresh Sudarshan , Seshadri Suresh
Published: August 2016

In the field of fetal medicine, correct interpretation and optimal utilization of diagnostic tests and signs have a major impact on the pregnancy outcome. The attributes of a diagnostic test, such as sensitivity and specificity, and the attributes of a test result such as positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios are important yet poorly utilized concepts in clinical practice. This paper explains these concepts using simple language and examples from the fetal medicine literature.
How Effective Are Federally Mandated Information Disclosures?
Authors: Fraas Arthur G. , Lutter Randall
Published: August 2016

Government mandates to disclose information are a standard response to problems of asymmetric information. We examine recent major U.S. regulations issued between 2008 and 2013 to identify disclosure mandates and look for quantitative assessments of their effectiveness in improving comprehension. We also reviewed the retrospective regulatory review reports of four federal agencies – prepared pursuant to Executive Orders 13563 and 13579 – for analyses of existing mandates. We find that although mandated disclosures underpin a number of major federal regulatory initiatives, agencies infrequently issue such mandates based on scientifically valid, controlled studies of the improvements in comprehension from such disclosure. We also conduct four case studies drawn from the relatively few instances where federal agencies have evaluated improvements in comprehension, to identify current best practices. Finally, we recommend reforms to improve federally mandated information disclosure.
Neuropsychological Outcome and its Predictors Across the First Year after Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Barker-Collo Suzanne , Krishnamurthi Rita , Feigin Valery , Jones Amy , Theadom Alice , Barber P. Alan , Starkey Nicola , McPherson Kathryn , Rush Elaine , Bennett Derrick
Published: August 2016

Background: Neuropsychological deficits occur in over half of the stroke survivors and are associated with the reduced functioning and a decline in quality of life. However, the trajectory of recovery and predictors of neuropsychological outcomes over the first year post stroke are poorly understood.

Method: Neuropsychological performance, assessed using the CNS-Vital signs, was examined at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after ischaemic stroke (IS) in a sample drawn from a population-based study (N = 198).

Results: While mean scores across neuropsychological domains at each time-point fell in the average range, one in five individuals produced very low-range scores for verbal memory, attention and psychomotor speed. Significant improvements were seen for executive functioning, psychomotor speed and cognitive flexibility within 6 months post stroke, but no gains were noted from 6 to 12 months. Stroke-related neurological deficits and depression at baseline significantly contributed to the prediction of neuropsychological function at 12 month follow-up.

Conclusions: In a significant minority of IS survivors, focal deficits are evident in psychomotor speed, verbal memory, executive functions and attention. Significant improvements in these domains were only evident in the first 6 months post stroke. Initial stroke-related neurological deficits and concurrent depression may be the best predictors of later cognitive functioning.
Clinical Update on Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika: What We Know at the Time of Article Submission
Authors: Liu Liang E. , Dehning Meaghan , Phipps Ashley , Swienton Ray E. , Harris Curtis A. , Klein Kelly R.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a threat to individual health and population health on both a local and a global level. The threat is even more exaggerated during disasters, whether manmade or environmental. With the recent Zika virus outbreak, it is important to highlight other infections that can mimic the Zika virus and to better understand what can be done as public health officials and health care providers.

Methods

This article reviews the recent literature on the Zika virus as well as chikungunya virus and dengue virus.

Results

The present findings give a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the 3 infections in terms of their characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis methodology, and treatment and what can be done for prevention. Additionally, the article highlights a special population that has received much focus in the latest outbreak, the pregnant individual.

Conclusion

Education and training are instrumental in controlling the outbreak, and early detection can be lifesaving. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:290–299).
What Affects Voter Turnout? A Review Article/Meta-Analysis of Aggregate Research
Authors: Stockemer Daniel
Published: August 2016

For more than 40 years, studies trying to explain macro-level electoral turnout have been one of the pillars of political behavioural research. From January 2004 to December 2013 alone, more than 130 articles were published in peer-reviewed journals using turnout at the national, regional or local level as the dependent variable. This meta-analysis tries to synthesize the results of these studies. I find there is a strong consensus in the literature that turnout is higher under compulsory voting, if the election is important, and if it is held in a small country. I also find that the influence of most other predictor variables, including the type of electoral system, the number of parties, development, income inequalities and electoral closeness is inconclusive at best. These results hint at the fact that the determinants of turnout might be more complex than the current theory suggests and is rather more context dependent.
Research Methods in Healthcare Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Stewardship: Use of Administrative and Surveillance Databases
Authors: Drees Marci , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Morgan Daniel J. , Lee Grace M.
Published: August 2016

Administrative and surveillance data are used frequently in healthcare epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship (HE&AS) research because of their wide availability and efficiency. However, data quality issues exist, requiring careful consideration and potential validation of data. This methods paper presents key considerations for using administrative and surveillance data in HE&AS, including types of data available and potential use, data limitations, and the importance of validation. After discussing these issues, we review examples of HE&AS research using administrative data with a focus on scenarios when their use may be advantageous. A checklist is provided to help aid study development in HE&AS using administrative data.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–10
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections Following Adult Spine Operations
Authors: Haleem Ambar , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Vodela Ravindhar , Behan Andrew , Pottinger Jean M. , Smucker Joseph , Greenlee Jeremy D. , Clark Charles , Herwaldt Loreen A.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine operations.

DESIGN

Case-control study of SSIs among patients undergoing spine operations.

SETTING

An academic health center.

PATIENTS

We studied patients undergoing spinal fusions or laminectomies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from January 1, 2007, through June 30, 2009. We included patients who acquired SSIs meeting the National Healthcare Safety Network definition. We randomly selected controls among patients who had spine operations during the study period and did not meet the SSI definition.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients acquired SSIs after 2,309 spine operations (2.3 per 100 procedures). SSIs were identified a median of 20 days after spinal fusions and 17 days after laminectomies; 90.7% were identified after discharge and 72.2% were deep incisional or organ-space infections.Staphylococcus aureuscaused 53.7% of SSIs. Of patients with SSIs, 64.9% (fusion) and 70.6% (laminectomy) were readmitted and 59.5% (fusion) and 64.7% (laminectomy) underwent reoperation. By multivariable analysis, increased body mass index, Surgical Department A, fusion of 4–8 vertebrae, and operation at a thoracic or lumbar/sacral level were significant risk factors for SSIs after spinal fusions. Lack of private insurance and hypertension were significant risk factors for SSIs after laminectomies. Surgeons from Department A were more likely to use nafcillin or vancomycin for perioperative prophylaxis and to do more multilevel fusions than surgeons from Department B.

CONCLUSIONS

SSIs after spine operations significantly increase utilization of healthcare resources. Possible remediable risk factors include obesity, hypertension, and perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1458–1467
Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Care Bundle to Improve the Management of Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Collins Curtis D. , Kabara Jared J. , Michienzi Sarah M. , Malani Anurag N.
Published: August 2016

Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program bundle for urinary tract infections among 92 patients led to a higher rate of discontinuation of therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria (52.4% vs 12.5%; P =.004), more appropriate durations of therapy (88.7% vs 63.6%; P =.001), and significantly higher overall bundle compliance (75% vs 38.2%; P < .001).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1499–1501
Supercritical dead water: effect of nonlinearity and comparison with observations
Authors: Grue John , Bourgault Daniel , Galbraith Peter S.
Published: August 2016

Supercritical ship internal wave wakes with$Fr=U/c_{0}\sim 4{-}12$(where$U$is the ship speed and$c_{0}$is the linear internal long-wave speed) are calculated by a strongly nonlinear two-layer model in three dimensions, accounting for the complex ship geometry, and compared with field measurements. The degree of nonlinearity, defined by the ship draught ($d_{0}$) to average depth of pycnocline ($h_{0}$) ratio, is explored in the range$d_{0}/h_{0}\sim 0.1{-}1.2$, comparing nonlinear and linear calculations. For$d_{0}/h_{0}\sim 1$, the wave amplitude far downstream is overpredicted by up to 50 % by the linear method. The nonlinear trough amplitudes decay algebraically in the lateral coordinate with decay exponents in the range 0.16–0.61. The nonlinear leading trough is systematically somewhat ahead of the classical asymptotic pattern, and its amplitude and forerunning slope are appreciable, while the linear counterparts are very small. The calculated and asymptotic patterns are close for large$Fr$. Field measurements in a Canadian fjord of the internal wave wake of a 221 m long cargo ship of dead weight 43 000 tonnes moving at$Fr=6.6$document a series of waves of 1–2 m isopycnal displacements at an off-track distance of 700 m. The nonlinear computations of a similar ship predict a wave train of height 1.5 m at a similar position, matching the field observation, whereas linear calculations give a wave train of height 2.3 m. Two- and three-layer theoretical models predict speeds that match the observed speeds of the second and third wave troughs. The observed leading signature of the diverging wave wake is moving at supercritical speed. This may be explained by the position and speed of the nonlinear wave slope moving ahead of the leading trough. Nonlinear computations of the surface velocity and strain rate compare well with measurements in the Loch Linnhe experiment of Watsonet al.(J. Geophys. Res., vol. 97 (C6), 1992, pp. 9689–9703). The calculated nonlinear wave resistance of the observed cargo ship is comparable to the frictional force for$Fr\sim 4{-}6$, exceeds the surface wave resistance and increases the total drag by 40 %. A linear force prediction is useless when$d_{0}/h_{0}\sim 1$. The results show that nonlinearity of the dead water wake depends on the relative ship volume as well as the relative ship draught, with the pycnocline depth as the relevant length scale.
Getting the ball rolling: the cross-linguistic conceptualization of caused motion
Authors: MONTERO-MELIS GUILLERMO , BYLUND EMANUEL
Published: August 2016

abstract

Does the way we talk about events correspond to how we conceptualize them? Three experiments (N= 135) examined how Spanish and Swedish native speakers judge event similarity in the domain of caused motion (‘He rolled the tyre into the barn’). Spanish and Swedish motion descriptions regularly encode path (‘into’), but differ in how systematically they include manner information (‘roll’). We designed a similarity arrangement task which allowed participants to give varying weights to different dimensions when gauging event similarity. The three experiments progressively reduced the likelihood that speakers were using language to solve the task. We found that, as long as the use of language was possible (Experiments 1 and 2), Swedish speakers were more likely than Spanish speakers to base their similarity arrangements on object manner (rolling/sliding). However, when recruitment of language was hindered through verbal interference, cross-linguistic differences disappeared (Experiment 3). A compound analysis of all experiments further showed that (i) cross-linguistic differences were played out against a backdrop of commonly represented event components, and (ii) describing vs. not describing the events did not augment cross-linguistic differences, but instead had similar effects across languages. We interpret these findings as suggesting a dynamic role of language in event conceptualization.