bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma proteomics identifies a ‘chemokine storm’ in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Pierson Sheila K. , Stonestrom Aaron J. , Shilling Dustin , Ruth Jason , Nabel Christopher S. , Singh Amrit , Ren Yue , Stone Katie , Li Hongzhe , van Rhee Frits , Fajgenbaum David C.
Published: April 2018

Human Herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8)‐negative/idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a poorly understood disease involving polyclonal lymphoproliferation with dysmorphic germinal centers, constitutional symptoms, and multi‐organ failure. Patients can experience thrombocytopenia, anasarca, reticulin fibrosis, renal dysfunction, organomegaly, and normal immunoglobulin levels, – iMCD‐TAFRO. Others experience thrombocytosis, milder effusions, and hypergammaglobulinemia, –iMCD‐Not Otherwise Specified (iMCD‐NOS). Though the etiology is unknown in both subtypes, iMCD symptoms and disease progression are believed to be driven by a cytokine storm, often including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). However, approximately two‐thirds of patients do not respond to anti‐IL‐6 therapy; alternative drivers and signaling pathways are not known for anti‐IL‐6 nonresponders. To identify potential mediators of iMCD pathogenesis, we quantified 1129 proteins in 13 plasma samples from six iMCD patients during flare and remission. The acute phase reactant NPS‐PLA2 was the only significantly increased protein (P = .017); chemokines and complement were significantly enriched pathways. Chemokines represented the greatest proportion of upregulated cytokines, suggesting that iMCD involves a chemokine storm. The chemokine CXCL13, which is essential in homing B cells to germinal centers, was the most upregulated cytokine across all patients (log2 fold‐change = 3.22). Expression of CXCL13 was also significantly increased in iMCD lymph node germinal centers compared to controls in a stromal meshwork pattern. We observed distinct proteomic profiles between the two iMCD‐TAFRO patients, who both failed anti‐IL‐6‐therapy, and the four iMCD‐NOS patients, in whom all three treated with anti‐IL‐6‐therapy responded, suggesting that differing mechanisms may exist. This study reveals proteomic differences between flare and remission and the potential to molecularly define iMCD subgroups.
Genetic counselors as social and behavioral scientists in the era of precision medicine
Authors: Biesecker Barbara B.
Published: April 2018

In the era of precision medicine, translating genomics into clinical care will involve answering key questions in social and behavioral research. The scope of this research addresses assessing how clients perceive and use genomic information, and how effectively genetic counseling is meeting clients’ needs. Outcomes are central to enhancing practice effectiveness, improving patient outcomes, and informing cost effective services to address workforce challenges. While genetic counseling is generally thought of as a clinical practice, genetic counselors contribute to research in several ways. Counselors are actively involved in interpretation of sequence data, collaborate in clinical research teams, and serve as lead investigators. This commentary highlights genetic counselors as social and behavioral scientists and reviews evidence generated by genetic counselors, describes advanced training in research, and posits key social and behavioral research questions for genetic counseling in translating genomic science in the era of precision medicine.
Molecular Insight into the Mg2+‐Dependent Allosteric Control of Indole Prenylation by Aromatic Prenyltransferase AmbP1
Authors: Awakawa Takayoshi , Mori Takahiro , Nakashima Yu , Zhai Rui , Wong Chin Piow , Hillwig Matthew L. , Liu Xinyu , Abe Ikuro
Published: April 2018

AmbP1 is a cyanobacterial aromatic prenyltransferase and a dedicated synthase for (R)‐3‐geranyl‐3‐isocyanovinyl indolenine (2), the biogenetic precursor for hapalindole‐type alkaloids. The regioselective geranylation of cis‐indolyl vinyl isonitrile (1) by the standalone AmbP1 to give 2 has been shown to require a magnesium ion (Mg2+) to suppress the formation of cis‐2‐geranylindolyl vinyl isonitrile (3). Here, we report high‐resolution crystal structures of AmbP1 in complex with 1 and geranyl S‐thiodiphosphate (GSPP) in the presence and absence of a Mg2+ effector. The comparative study of these structures revealed a unique allosteric binding site for Mg2+ that modulates the conformation of 1 in the active site of AmbP1 for its selective geranylation. This work defines the structural basis for AmbP1 catalysis in the biogenesis of hapalindole‐type alkaloids and provides the first atomic‐level insight to the allosteric regulation of prenyltransferases.
Engineering the Band Gap States of the Rutile TiO2(110) Surface by Modulating the Active Heteroatom
Authors: Yu Yaoguang , Yang Xu , Zhao Yanling , Zhang Xiangbin , An Liang , Huang Miaoyan , Chen Gang , Zhang Ruiqin
Published: April 2018

Introducing band gap states to TiO2 photocatalysts is an efficient strategy for expanding the range of accessible energy available in the solar spectrum. However, few approaches are able to introduce band gap states and improve photocatalytic performance simultaneously. Introducing band gap states by creating surface disorder can incapacitate reactivity where unambiguous adsorption sites are a prerequisite. An alternative method for introduction of band gap states is demonstrated in which selected heteroatoms are implanted at preferred surface sites. Theoretical prediction and experimental verification reveal that the implanted heteroatoms not only introduce band gap states without creating surface disorder, but also function as active sites for the CrVI reduction reaction. This promising approach may be applicable to the surfaces of other solar harvesting materials where engineered band gap states could be used to tune photophysical and ‐catalytic properties.
Equilibrium and kinetic study of novel methyltrimethoxysilane magnetic titanium dioxide nanocomposite for methylene blue adsorption from aqueous media
Authors: Alizadeh Eslami Parvin , Kamboh Mohammad Afzal , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini
Published: April 2018

Novel magnetic titanium dioxide nanoparticles decorated with methyltrimethoxysilane (Fe3O4@TiO2‐MTMOS) were successfully fabricated via a sol–gel method at room temperature. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. The removal efficiency of the adsorbent was evaluated through the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from water samples. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics were evaluated using various models. The Langmuir model indicated a high adsorption capacity (11.5 mg g−1) of Fe3O4@TiO2‐MTMOS. The nanocomposite exhibited high removal efficiency (96%) and good regeneration (10 times) compared to Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@TiO2 at pH = 9.0. Based on the adsorption mechanism, electrostatic interaction plays a main role in adsorption since MB dye is cationic in nature at pH = 9, whereas the adsorbent acquired an anionic nature. The newly synthesized Fe3O4@TiO2‐MTMOS can be used as a promising material for efficient removal of MB dye from aqueous media.
Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions mediated by poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐stabilized magnetically separable palladium catalyst
Authors: Arghan Maryam , Koukabi Nadiya , Kolvari Eskandar
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this work was to synthesize and characterize a new magnetic polymer nanosphere‐supported palladium(II) acetate catalyst for reactions requiring harsh conditions. In this regard, an air‐stable, moisture‐stable and highly efficient heterogenized palladium was synthesized by the coordination of palladium(II) acetate with poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐grafted modified magnetic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure. The structure of the newly developed catalyst was characterized using various techniques. The catalytic activity of the resultant nano‐organometallic catalyst was evaluated in Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions to afford the corresponding coupling products in good to excellent yields. High selectivity as well as outstanding turnover number (14 143, 4900) and turnover frequency (28 296, 7424) values were recorded for the catalyst in Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck reactions, respectively. Magnetic separation and recycling of the catalyst for at least six runs became possible without any significant loss of efficiency or any detectable palladium leaching.
New dimeric Schiff base quinoline complexes: Synthesis, spectral characterization, electrochemistry and cytotoxicity
Authors: Ammar Reda A. , Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M.A. , Alturiqi Amani S.
Published: April 2018

A novel Schiff base ligand (H‐DPPMHQ) derived from 2‐hydrazineylquinoline and 1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐5‐carbaldehyde and its dimeric complexes with compositions [Cr(DPPMHQ)Cl]2⋅2Cl and [M(DPPMHQ)Cl]2 (where M = Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) have been synthesized and characterized using physicochemical methods like elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity measurements, multispectral techniques and electrochemical studies. The molar conductance data reveal that all metal chelates are non‐electrolytes, except the Cr(III) complex which shows a ΛM value of 146.82 Ω−1 cm2 mol−1, indicating that it is a 1:2 electrolyte. Infrared spectral results show that the metal is organized through four nitrogen atoms (azomethine and deprotonated imine groups, pyrazole and quinoline rings) besides chlorine atoms. The NH proton is also displaced during complexation, as indicated by 1H NMR spectral data. Based on the electron spin resonance and ligand field parameter data, the bonding parameters of these complexes have been calculated. Using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations, thermodynamic parameters were determined. The spectral data indicate that the dimeric complexes have octahedral geometry around the central metal ions. The cytotoxic activities of all compounds were evaluated towards human breast cancer (MCF‐7) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines.
How will the field of gene therapy survive its success?
Authors: Kaemmerer William F.
Published: April 2018

In August 2017, for the first time, a gene therapy was approved for market release in the United States. That approval was followed by two others before the end of the year. This article cites primary literature, review articles concerning particular biotechnologies, and press releases by the FDA and others in order to provide an overview of the current status of the field of gene therapy with respect to its translation into practice. Technical hurdles that have been overcome in the past decades are summarized, as are hurdles that need to be the subject of continued research. Then, some social and practical challenges are identified that must be overcome if the field of gene therapy, having survived past failures, is to achieve not only technical and clinical but also market success. One of these, the need for an expanded capacity for the manufacturing of viral vectors to be able to meet the needs of additional gene therapies that will be coming soon, is a challenge that the talents of current and future bioengineers may help address.
Vitamin D3 regulates steroidogenesis in granulosa cells through AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bakhshalizadeh Shabnam , Amidi Fardin , Shirazi Reza , Shabani Nashtaei Maryam
Published: April 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder in reproductive‐aged women. Hormonal abnormality caused by steroidogenesis disturbances appears to be the main culprit of the clinical picture in PCOS. Vitamin D3 could regulate steroidogenesis in granulosa cells, but the mechanism of action of vitamin D3 on steroidogenesis remains unknown. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a modulating role in steroid hormone production. We investigated the effect of vitamin D3 on steroidogenesis in cultured granulosa cells of dehydroepiandrosterone‐induced PCOS mice and studied the involvement of AMPK signalling pathway in the current process. Immunoblotting assay showed that vitamin D3 could increase phosphorylation of AMPK alpha and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, main substrate of AMPK. Vitamin D3 and 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐riboside or Aicar (AMPK activator) not only reduced gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc or Cyp11a1, StAR, Cyp19a1 and 3B‐HSD), but also reduced production of progesterone and 17B‐estradiol assessed by radioimmunoassay. Pretreatment with compound C (AMPK inhibitor) decreased APMK phosphorylation and eliminated the effects of vitamin D3 and Aicar on steroidogenic enzymes expression and estradiol and progesterone production. This study showed that vitamin D3 has the main role in regulating of steroidogenesis in granulosa cells of mouse polycystic ovary through activation of the AMPK signalling pathway.

Significance of the Study

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder of women in reproductive age. This disorder is partly related to disruption in steroidogenesis pathway and dysregulation of estradiol and progesterone production in granulosa cells of polycystic ovaries. Previously, we have shown that vitamin D3 could modulate steroidogenesis pathway in PCOS granulosa cells. In this study, we investigate the molecular mechanism of vitamin D3 in regulation of steroidogenesis pathway. We have shown that vitamin D3 has a modulating role in steroidogenesis pathway of granulosa cells by regulation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) as an underlying molecular mechanism in mouse polycystic ovary.
Biocatalytic Preparation of Chiral Sulfoxides through Asymmetric Reductive Resolution by Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A
Authors: Peng Liaotian , Wen Yuanmei , Chen Yu , Yuan Zhimei , Zhou Yang , Cheng Xiaoling , Chen Yongzheng , Yang Jiawei
Published: April 2018

Here we report an environmentally friendly method for the preparation of chiral sulfoxides under high substrate concentration using recombinant methionine sulfoxide reductase A from Pseudomonas monteilii (pmMsrA) as a biocatalyst. Our results show that this enzyme can effectively accomplish the preparation of (R)‐sulfoxides with approximately 50 % yield and 94–99 % enantiomeric excess through asymmetric reductive resolution of racemic sulfoxide. With the establishment of the enzyme regeneration system, the initial substrate concentration could be increased 40–100 times compared to our original report. The (R)‐sulfoxides were obtained with high enantioselectivity under the substrate concentration up to 200 mm (approximately 32 g L−1), representing a quite high substrate concentration in biocatalytic preparation of chiral sulfoxides. Moreover, this system showed fairly good activity and enantioselectivity towards a series of ortho‐ and para‐substituted phenyl methyl sulfoxides under high substrate concentration.
Bistetrazine‐Cyanines as Double‐Clicking Fluorogenic Two‐Point Binder or Crosslinker Probes
Authors: Kormos Attila , Koehler Christine , Fodor Eszter A. , Rutkai Zsófia R. , Martin Madison E. , Mező Gábor , Lemke Edward A. , Kele Péter
Published: April 2018

Fluorogenic probes can be used to minimize the background fluorescence of unreacted and nonspecifically adsorbed reagents. The preceding years have brought substantial developments in the design and synthesis of bioorthogonally applicable fluorogenic systems mainly based on the quenching effects of azide and tetrazine moieties. The modulation power exerted by these bioorthogonal motifs typically becomes less efficient on more conjugated systems; that is, on probes with redshifted emission wavelength. To reach efficient quenching, that is, fluorogenicity, even in the red range of the spectrum, we present the synthesis, fluorogenic, and conjugation characterization of bistetrazine‐cyanine probes with emission maxima between 600 and 620 nm. The probes can bind to genetically altered proteins harboring an 11‐amino acid peptide tag with two appending cyclooctyne motifs. Moreover, we also demonstrate the use of these bistetrazines as fluorogenic, covalent cross‐linkers between monocyclooctynylated proteins.
CO2‐Assisted Conversion of Crystal Two‐Dimensional Molybdenum Oxide to Amorphism with Plasmon Resonances
Authors: Liu Wei , Xu Qun
Published: April 2018

Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of ultra‐thin two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have opened up a new regime in plasmonics in the last several years. 2D plasmonic materials are currently concentrated on the crystal structure, with amorphous materials hardly being reported because of their limited preparation methods rather than undesired plasmonic properties. Taking molybdenum oxides as an example, herein, we elaborate the 2D amorphous plasmons prepared with the assistance of supercritical CO2. In brief, we examine the reported characteristic plasmonic properties of molybdenum oxides, and applications of supercritical CO2 in formations of 2D layer materials as well as introduced phase and disorder engineering based on our research. Furthermore, we propose our perspective on the development of 2D plasmons, especially for amorphous layer materials in the future.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4‐Sulfamoylphenyl/Sulfocoumarin Carboxamides as Selective Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase Isoforms hCA II, IX, and XII
Authors: Angapelly Srinivas , Angeli Andrea , Khan Arbaj Jabbar , Sri Ramya P. V. , Supuran Claudiu T. , Arifuddin Mohammed
Published: April 2018

With the aim to develop potent and selective human carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (hCAIs), we synthesized 4‐sulfamoylphenyl/sulfocoumarin benzamides (series 5 a–r and series 7 a–q) and evaluated their inhibition profiles against five isoforms of the zinc‐containing human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1): cytosolic hCA I and II, and the transmembrane isozymes hCA IV, IX, and XII. Compounds 5 a–r were found to selectively inhibit hCA II in the nanomolar range, while being less effective against the other hCA isoforms. As noted from the literature, sulfocoumarin (1,2‐benzoxathiine 2,2‐dioxide) acts as a “prodrug” inhibitor and is hydrolyzed by the esterase activity of hCA to form 2‐hydroxyphenylvinylsulfonic acid, which thereafter binds to the enzyme in a manner similar to that of coumarins and sulfoxocoumarins. All these sulfocoumarins (compounds 7 a–q) were found to be very weak or ineffective as inhibitors of the housekeeping off‐target hCA isoforms I and II, and effectively inhibited the transmembrane tumor‐associated isoforms IX and XII in the high nanomolar to micromolar ranges. Further structural modifications of these molecules could be useful for the development of effective hCA inhibitors used for the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer.
An efficient low‐rank Kalman filter for modern SIMD architectures
Authors: Cámpora Pérez Daniel Hugo , Awile Omar
Published: April 2018

The Kalman filter is a fundamental process in the reconstruction of particle collisions in high‐energy physics detectors. At the LHCb detector in the Large Hadron Collider, this reconstruction happens at an average rate of 30 million times per second. Due to iterative enhancements in the detector's technology, together with the projected removal of the hardware filter, the rate of particles that will need to be processed in software in real‐time is expected to increase in the coming years by a factor 40. In order to cope with the projected data rate, processing and filtering software must be adapted to take into account cutting‐edge hardware technologies. We present Cross Kalman, a cross‐architecture Kalman filter optimized for low‐rank problems and SIMD architectures. We explore multi‐ and many‐core architectures and compare their performance on single and double precision configurations. We show that under the constraints of our mathematical formulation, we saturate the architectures under study. We validate our results and integrate our filter in the LHCb framework. Our work will allow to better use the available resources at the LHCb experiment and enables us to evaluate other computing platforms for future hardware upgrades. Finally, we expect that the presented algorithm and data structures can be easily adapted to other applications of low‐rank Kalman filters.
Improved video streaming using MSVC and nonoverlapping zone routing multipath propagation over MANETs
Authors: Badhusha S. Mohideen , Geetha B.G. , Prabhu Punitha , Vasanthi R.
Published: April 2018

Providing real‐time video streaming in mobile ad hoc networks is difficult because of the time‐dependent channel status and stringent service requirements. The currently existing route request‐reply–based multihop overlay networks cause considerable control overheads in video transmission resulting in loss of data and communication breakdown. Such networks are more suitable to nonstreaming video applications rather than to time‐sensitive video streaming applications. Therefore, a powerful mechanism needs to be adopted to handle the channel failures amicably and reduce latency effectively in time critical video streaming applications over mobile ad hoc networks. In order to be resilient to the channel failures and reduce latency in such applications, 2 strategies, namely, multistate video coding and 2‐tier–based nonoverlapping zone routing multipath propagation through directional antennas have respectively been incorporated. The performance of the proposed nonoverlapping zone routing multipath propagation system is compared with those of the existing multicast zone routing and zone‐based hierarchical link state routing protocols with parameters average end‐to‐end delay, routing overhead and packet delivery ratio using NS 2.34. The simulation results show that latency and resilience get considerably improved. Finally, the video quality of the proposed work has been verified by subjective and objective video testing methods.
Sometimes you do less with less
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: April 2018

For the past several years in higher education, we've been asked to do “more with less.” And we did it. Year after year, our state budget allocations have been cut and we've had to rely more and more on local tuition and fees funding to make up the difference. Yet we continued to provide the same quality and quantity of programs as we did in the past. We just did it with less “everything.”
Spatial processes decouple management from objectives in a heterogeneous landscape: predator control as a case study
Authors: Mahoney Peter J. , Young Julie K. , Hersey Kent R. , Larsen Randy T. , McMillan Brock R. , Stoner David C.
Published: April 2018

Predator control is often implemented with the intent of disrupting top‐down regulation in sensitive prey populations. However, ambiguity surrounding the efficacy of predator management, as well as the strength of top‐down effects of predators in general, is often exacerbated by the spatially implicit analytical approaches used in assessing data with explicit spatial structure. Here, we highlight the importance of considering spatial context in the case of a predator control study in south‐central Utah. We assessed the spatial match between aerial removal risk in coyotes (Canis latrans) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) resource selection during parturition using a spatially explicit, multi‐level Bayesian model. With our model, we were able to evaluate spatial congruence between management action (i.e., coyote removal) and objective (i.e., parturient deer site selection) at two distinct scales: the level of the management unit and the individual coyote removal. In the case of the former, our results indicated substantial spatial heterogeneity in expected congruence between removal risk and parturient deer site selection across large areas, and is a reflection of logistical constraints acting on the management strategy and differences in space use between the two species. At the level of the individual removal, we demonstrated that the potential management benefits of a removed coyote were highly variable across all individuals removed and in many cases, spatially distinct from parturient deer resource selection. Our methods and results provide a means of evaluating where we might anticipate an impact of predator control, while emphasizing the need to weight individual removals based on spatial proximity to management objectives in any assessment of large‐scale predator control. Although we highlight the importance of spatial context in assessments of predator control strategy, we believe our methods are readily generalizable in any management or large‐scale experimental framework where spatial context is likely an important driver of outcomes.
Low genetic diversity contrasts with high phenotypic variability in heptaploid Spartina densiflora populations invading the Pacific coast of North America
Authors: Castillo Jesús M. , Gallego‐Tévar Blanca , Figueroa Enrique , Grewell Brenda J. , Vallet Dominique , Rousseau Hélène , Keller Jean , Lima Oscar , Dréano Stéphane , Salmon Armel , Aïnouche Malika
Published: April 2018

Species can respond to environmental pressures through genetic and epigenetic changes and through phenotypic plasticity, but few studies have evaluated the relationships between genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity of plant species along changing environmental conditions throughout wide latitudinal ranges. We studied inter‐ and intrapopulation genetic diversity (using simple sequence repeats and chloroplast DNA sequencing) and inter‐ and intrapopulation phenotypic variability of 33 plant traits (using field and common‐garden measurements) for five populations of the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora Brongn. along the Pacific coast of North America from San Francisco Bay to Vancouver Island. Studied populations showed very low genetic diversity, high levels of phenotypic variability when growing in contrasted environments and high intrapopulation phenotypic variability for many plant traits. This intrapopulation phenotypic variability was especially high, irrespective of environmental conditions, for those traits showing also high phenotypic plasticity. Within‐population variation represented 84% of the total genetic variation coinciding with certain individual plants keeping consistent responses for three plant traits (chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents, and dead shoot biomass) in the field and in common‐garden conditions. These populations have most likely undergone genetic bottleneck since their introduction from South America; multiple introductions are unknown but possible as the population from Vancouver Island was the most recent and one of the most genetically diverse. S. densiflora appears as a species that would not be very affected itself by climate change and sea‐level rise as it can disperse, establish, and acclimate to contrasted environments along wide latitudinal ranges.
Modelling of R/C members accounting for shear failure localisation: Hysteretic shear model
Authors: Zimos Dimitrios K. , Mergos Panagiotis E. , Kappos Andreas J.
Published: April 2018

Reinforced concrete (R/C) frame buildings designed according to older seismic codes represent a large part of the existing building stock worldwide. Their structural elements are often vulnerable to shear or flexure‐shear failure, which can eventually lead to loss of axial load resistance of vertical elements and initiate vertical progressive collapse of a building. In this study, a hysteretic model capturing the local shear response of shear‐deficient R/C elements is described in detail, with emphasis on post‐peak behaviour; it differs from existing models in that it considers the localisation of shear strains after the onset of shear failure in a critical length defined by the diagonal failure planes. Additionally, an effort is made to improve the state of the art in post‐peak shear response modelling, by compiling the largest database of experimental results for shear and flexure‐shear critical R/C columns cycled well beyond the onset of shear failure and/or up to the onset of axial failure, and developing empirical relationships for the key parameters defining the local backbone post‐peak shear response of such elements. The implementation of the derived local hysteretic shear model in a computationally efficient beam‐column finite element model with distributed shear flexibility, which accounts for all deformation types, will be presented in a companion paper.
Implementation of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist at a teaching hospital in India and evaluation of the effects on perioperative complications
Authors: Shankar Raghavendra
Published: April 2018

Background

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist was developed to help operating teams reduce the occurrence of patient harm. The Checklist is a simple, practical tool that any surgical team in the world can use to ensure that the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative steps that have been shown to benefit patients are undertaken in a timely and efficient way.

Methods

This study was carried out at Rajarajeswari Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India, to study the effects of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist on mortality and morbidity in surgical patients, to identify the potential problems in the long‐term implementation of the same, and to document the complications in patients undergoing a major surgery during the study period. Data collection followed patients prospectively until discharge or for 30 days, whichever came first, for complications and death.

Results

There were a total of 73 complications during the period of the study (4.1%). Of these, more than half (44) were surgical wound infections. The proportion of patients who received prophylactic antibiotics was 100% during the period of the study and the checklist identified a deficit and corrected the same in 27 patients.

Conclusions

The checklist was successfully implemented in the said hospital, and the appropriate processes were studied. The use of the checklist was successful in drawing the attention of the personnel to the issue of patient safety, its magnitude, and the appropriate steps to be taken in this regard. The number of omissions in the operation rooms was significantly reduced.
Developing the enterprise architecture for the Namibian government
Authors: Shaanika Irja , Iyamu Tiko
Published: April 2018

The Namibian government strive to use the enterprise architecture (EA), to address the incidents of disparities, such as obsolesce, incompatibility, duplications, lack of uniformity, and integration challenges that hampers processes and activities in providing socioeconomic services to the communities of the country. Through its domains, the aim of the EA is to facilitate services towards transformation, development, and growth of socioeconomic activities in the country. However, the deployment of the EA is a challenge because there are implications of practice, which are constraints to the aim of the concept. The objective of this study was therefore to develop a framework, which can be used to guide the deployment of the EA. Based on the framework, we examine the implications of practice, which is intended to improve service delivery through the deployment of the EA. The qualitative methods were used in the study. The semi‐structure technique was applied to collect qualitative data. Based on the findings from the data analysis, a framework was developed, which depicts how the EA is influenced by interactions and relationships that happens between the involved actors, and draws on the implications for services delivery. This study is important to both academic and government, as it reveals on how certain factors manifests themselves, to enable, and at the same time, constrain processes and activities of information systems and technologies.
Biomaterial granules used for filling bone defects constitute 3D scaffolds: porosity, microarchitecture and molecular composition analyzed by microCT and Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Arbez Baptiste , Kün‐Darbois Jean‐Daniel , Convert Thierry , Guillaume Bernard , Mercier Philippe , Hubert Laurent , Chappard Daniel
Published: April 2018

Biomaterials are used in the granular form to fill small bone defects. Granules can be prepared with a grinder from trabecular bone samples or provided as synthetic biomaterials by industry. Granules occupy the 3D‐space and create a macroporosity allowing invasion of vascular and bone cells when the inter‐granular pores are larger than 300 µm. We compared the 3D‐porosity of granule stacks obtained or prepared with nine biomaterials Osteopure®, Lubboc®, Bio‐Oss®, CopiOs®, TCP Dental®, TCP Dental HP®, KeraOs®, and TCH® in comparison with that of human trabecular bone. For each biomaterial, two sizes of granules were analyzed: 250–1000 and 1000–2000 µm. Microcomputed tomography determined porosity and microarchitectural characteristics of granular stacks and Raman microspectroscopy was used to analyze their composition. Stacks of 250–1000 µm granules had a much lower porosity than 1000–2000 µm granules and the maximum frequency of pores was always centered at 200–250 µm. One biomaterial contained substantial amount of cortical bone (Bio‐Oss®). The highest porosity and pore size was obtained with TCP Dental HP. Raman spectroscopy found differences in biomaterials of the same composition. Stacks of granules represent 3D scaffolds resembling trabecular bone with an interconnected porous microarchitecture. Small granules have created pores <300 µm in diameter; this can interfere with vascular colonization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 415–423, 2019.
Bioremediation of nitrogen‐containing organic pollutants using phenol‐stimulated activated sludge: performance and microbial community analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuwang , Qu Yuanyuan , You Shengnan , Ma Qiao , Zhou Hao , Zhang Lizhi , Zhang Lihang , Jing Jiawei , Liu Lifen
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Coking wastewater generally contains high levels of phenolics and nitrogen‐containing organic pollutants, thus seeking an appropriate wastewater treatment strategy is necessary. In this study, the triplicate phenol‐stimulated activated sludges (group C) were constructed for aerobic treatment of nitrogen‐containing organic pollutants (indole, pyridine and quinoline), and glucose‐stimulated sludges (group B) were used as control.

RESULTS

Both groups maintained high efficiency (>90%) for removal of nitrogen‐containing organic pollutants after long‐term operation (90 days). Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed that alpha diversity decreased after receiving nitrogen‐containing pollutants. Glucose exerted protective effects on sludge microbes, but phenol‐stimulated microbial consortia showed greater stability when without supplementation of stimulated substrates. Canonical correspondence analysis and Mantel tests indicated that the microbial community structure was significantly associated with indole and quinoline (P < 0.05). Among the dominant genera, Comamonas was the core genus in both groups for pollutants removal, while Thauera and Sphingomonas should be key functional taxa in glucose‐stimulated sludges, with Pseudoxanthomonas, Brevundimonas and Shinella in phenol‐stimulated sludges. PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) analysis suggested that the important functional metabolic capabilities should be those related to Cytochrome P450 enzymes and naphthalene degradation, which were significantly correlated with the nitrogen‐containing organic pollutants (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that phenol‐stimulated microbial consortia could be used for efficient removal of nitrogen‐containing organic pollutants, and therefore could have potential for the bioremediation of coking wastewater. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlations between histopathologic and dermoscopic findings in Korean actinic keratosis
Authors: Lee Dong Won , Kim Dae Yeon , Hong Ji Hyuck , Seo Soo Hong , Kye Young Chul , Ahn Hyo Hyun
Published: April 2018

Skin biopsy for AK diagnosis is usually performed on only a limited part of the whole lesion. Therefore, a clinical diagnosis is important. According to a study, there is no significant correlation between histopathological and clinical classification system. We examined the correlation between microscopic information and dermoscopic findings to deduce if dermoscopic information reflects histopathologic grade severity. Forty seven patients with histologically confirmed AK were enrolled and positive ratio of red pseudonetwork, rosette, red background and targetoid signs, white‐to‐yellow scale, white structureless area, and pigmentation from dermoscopic findings were investigated. Furthermore, viable epidermal thickness, vessel lumen dimensions, existence and thickness of ortho‐ and parakeratosis, degree of sola elastosis, flag sign existence, and Roewert‐Huber classification were measured as histologic findings. Red background did not show a significant correlation with vascular dimension or viable epidermal thickness. When targetoid sign was present, vascular dimension was significantly larger but showed no correlation with viable epidermal thickness, parakeratosis or orthokeratosis. Solar elastosis level was significantly higher when white‐to‐yellow scale was present. According to Spearman's correlation analysis, ortho/parakeratotic thickness showed correlations with each other. The negative correlation between viable epidermal thickness and vascular dimension was also shown. Roewert‐Huber histologic AK classification showed no correlation with any factors we checked. Factors considered to be characteristic features of AK in dermoscopy seemed unassociated with histologic AK classification and additional research is needed to determine degree of dysplasia of AK lesions using dermoscopy.
The 2016 HIV diagnosis and care cascade in New South Wales, Australia: meeting the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets
Authors: Keen Phillip , Gray Richard T , Telfer Barbara , Guy Rebecca , Schmidt Heather‐Marie , Whittaker Bill , Holden Jo , Holt Martin , Kelleher Anthony , Wilson David , Callander Denton , Cooper David A , Prestage Garrett , Selvey Christine , Grulich Andrew E ,   the NSW HIV Prevention Partnership Project
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The HIV Strategy in New South Wales (NSW) Australia aims to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2020. We estimated the 2016 HIV diagnosis and care cascade for the state of NSW, with a focus on introducing population‐based data to improve data quality and assess progress towards the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets.

Methods

To estimate the number of people living with diagnosed HIV (PLDHIV) we used NSW data from the Australian National HIV Registry, enhanced by surveillance among people recently diagnosed with HIV to improve migration estimates. The number of undiagnosed PLHIV was estimated using back‐projection modelling by CD4 count at diagnosis. De‐duplicated prescription claims data were obtained from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and were combined with an estimate for those ineligible, to determine the number of PLDHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data from a clinic network with 87% coverage of PLDHIV in NSW enabled the estimation of the number on ART who had HIV suppression.

Results and discussion

We estimated that 10,110 PLHIV resided in NSW in 2016 (range 8400 to 11,720), among whom 9230 (91.3%) were diagnosed, and 8490 (92.0% of those diagnosed) were receiving ART. Among PLDHIV receiving ART, 8020 (94.5%) had suppressed viral load (<200 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL). Overall, 79.3% of all PLHIV had HIV virological suppression.

Conclusion

NSW has met each of the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets. The enhanced surveillance methods and data collection systems improved data quality. Measuring and meeting the 90‐90‐90 targets is feasible and could be achieved in comparable parts of the world.
The first Taxus rhizosphere microbiome revealed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Hao Da‐Cheng , Zhang Cai‐Rong , Xiao Pei‐Gen
Published: April 2018

In the present study, the shotgun high throughput metagenomic sequencing was implemented to globally capture the features of Taxus rhizosphere microbiome. Total reads could be assigned to 6925 species belonging to 113 bacteria phyla and 301 species of nine fungi phyla. For archaea and virus, 263 and 134 species were for the first time identified, respectively. More than 720,000 Unigenes were identified by clean reads assembly. The top five assigned phyla were Actinobacteria (363,941 Unigenes), Proteobacteria (182,053), Acidobacteria (44,527), Ascomycota (fungi; 18,267), and Chloroflexi (15,539). KEGG analysis predicted numerous functional genes; 7101 Unigenes belong to “Xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism.” A total of 12,040 Unigenes involved in defense mechanisms (e.g., xenobiotic metabolism) were annotated by eggNOG. Talaromyces addition could influence not only the diversity and structure of microbial communities of Taxus rhizosphere, but also the relative abundance of functional genes, including metabolic genes, antibiotic resistant genes, and genes involved in pathogen‐host interaction, bacterial virulence, and bacterial secretion system. The structure and function of rhizosphere microbiome could be sensitive to non‐native microbe addition, which could impact on the pollutant degradation. This study, complementary to the amplicon sequencing, more objectively reflects the native microbiome of Taxus rhizosphere and its response to environmental pressure, and lays a foundation for potential combination of phytoremediation and bioaugmentation.
Regulate the coupling reaction of 4‐nitrothiophenol to 4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene by organic alkali
Authors: Ma Caiqing , Liu Yu , Wang Jing , Wu Shiwei , Zhang Qian , Song Peng , Xia Lixin
Published: April 2018

The coupling reaction of 4‐nitrothiophenol to 4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene was investigated by surface enhancement Raman scattering method. The reaction was found to be controlled by the compatibility of organic alkalis and silver nanoparticles. The effect of hot electron–hole pairs on the reaction was evaluated. Furthermore, the mechanism of organic alkalis affecting hot electron–hole pairs to achieve regulation of the coupling reaction of 4‐nitrothiophenol to 4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene was studied. A comprehensive analysis of the different surface enhancement Raman scattering signals collected was conducted. The forward‐looking view of capturing holes through the hydrolysis of organic alkalis to ensure the integrity of the substrate was also presented.
Control efficacy of Ca‐containing foliar fertilizers on bitter pit in bagged ‘Fuji’ apple and effects on the Ca and N contents of apple fruits and leaves
Authors: Yu Xian‐Mei , Wang Jin‐Zheng , Nie Pei‐Xian , Xue Xiao-Min , Wang Gui‐Ping , An Miao
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The preharvest application of Ca‐containing foliar fertilizers can reduce the incidence of bitter pit (BP) in apples and improve fruit quality by increasing the Ca content and decreasing both the N content and the N/Ca ratio in fruits. In this study, we aimed to investigate the control efficacy of Ca‐containing fertilizers on the incidence of BP and their effects on the Ca and N contents in bagged ‘Fuji’ apples by spraying foliar fertilizer containing calcium chloride (CaCl2), calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] or calcium formate [Ca(HCOO)2] at an early stage, five days after full bloom (DAFB) and 40 DAFB, and at a late stage, 80 DAFB and 125 DAFB.

RESULTS

The incidences of BP were reduced significantly by 43.2–73.0%, and the efficacy of spraying at an early stage was significantly higher than that of spraying at a late stage. The Ca content of bagged apple fruits increased whereas the N content and N/Ca ratio decreased after spraying Ca‐containing foliar fertilizers; however, the Ca content, N content and N/Ca ratio of apple leaves were differentially influenced.

CONCLUSION

Foliar fertilizer containing CaCl2, Ca(NO3)2 or Ca(HCOO)2 can be used at an early stage to control BP in apple and improve the quality of bagged apple fruits. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
SonoGames: Effect of an Innovative Competitive Game on the Education, Perception, and Use of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound
Authors: Liteplo Andrew S. , Carmody Kristin , Fields Matt J. , Liu Rachel B. , Lewiss Resa E.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Gamification is a powerful tool in medical education. SonoGames is a competitive games‐based event designed to educate and inspire emergency medicine (EM) residents about point‐of‐care ultrasound. We sought to describe: (1) the perceived effectiveness of a competitive event on both immediate learning and long‐term education; and (2) the resultant attitudes of participants and program directors regarding ultrasound training.

Methods

The SonoGames Organizational Committee designed 2 surveys: 1 for SonoGames V EM resident participants and a second for EM program directors. Survey questions used a 5‐point Likert scale to assess overall perceptions and attitudes about ultrasound, changes in self‐reported content knowledge and competency, effects on clinical use, and perceived impacts of a competitive game format on education.

Results

Seventy‐three resident participants and 42 program directors responded to the survey. Ninety‐four percent of participants thought that the competitive gaming format of SonoGames was effective in making the event an educational experience. Participants reported that their ultrasound knowledge increased (81%), their enthusiasm for ultrasound increased (87%), and their clinical use of ultrasound increased (61%). Residency program directors reported similar increases to a lesser degree. Greater advancement through the event was associated with more positive responses. Residencies that participated in the event saw greater increases in the use of ultrasound by residents than those that did not.

Conclusions

A competitive games‐based educational event focused on point‐of‐care ultrasound is an effective educational tool. SonoGames increases EM residents' knowledge, enthusiasm, and clinical use of ultrasound both during and after the event.
The sheep in wolf's clothing? Recognizing threats for land degradation in Iceland using state‐and‐transition models
Authors: Barrio Isabel C. , Hik David S. , Thórsson Jóhann , Svavarsdóttir Kristín , Marteinsdóttir Bryndís , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg Svala
Published: April 2018

Land degradation and extensive soil erosion are serious environmental concerns in Iceland. Natural processes associated with a harsh climate and frequent volcanic activity have shaped Icelandic landscapes. However, following human settlement and the introduction of livestock in the ninth century, the extent of soil erosion rapidly escalated. Despite increased restoration and afforestation efforts and a considerable reduction in sheep numbers during the late 20th century, many Icelandic rangelands remain in poor condition. A deeper understanding of the ecology of these dynamic landscapes is needed, and state‐and‐transition models (STMs) can provide a useful conceptual framework. STMs have been developed for ecosystems worldwide to guide research, monitoring, and management but have been used at relatively small spatial scales and have not been extensively applied to high‐latitude rangelands. Integrating the best available knowledge, we develop STMs for rangelands in Iceland, where sheep grazing is often regarded as a main driver of degradation. We use STMs at a countrywide scale for 3 time periods with different historical human influence, from presettlement to present days. We also apply our general STM to a case‐study in the central highlands of Iceland to illustrate the potential application of these models at scales relevant to management. Our STMs identify the set of possible states, transitions and thresholds in these ecosystems, and their changes over time and suggest increasing complexity in recent times. This approach can help identify important knowledge gaps and inform management efforts and monitoring programmes, by identifying realistic and achievable conservation and restoration goals.