bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New phenomena in the nanospace of single-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shi Z.J. , Gu Z.N.
Published: August 2017

This article describes the new phenomena of chemical substances encapsulated in the hollow spaces of carbon nanotubes, with particular emphasis on the nanospace of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that have nanospaces of about 1 nm in diameter. It begins with a brief introduction to the filling methods and the filling of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, followed by a discussion of the structures, phase transitions and chemical reactions of some typical fullerenes, endohedral metallofullerenes, fullerene derivatives, and inorganic and organic compounds, in the nanospace of SWNTs. The electron transfer between dopants and SWNTs is also examined. The article also considers the filling of double-walled carbon nanotubes.
Nanostructured crystals: An unprecedented class of hybrid semiconductors exhibiting structure-induced quantum confinement effect and systematically tunable properties
Authors: Li Jing , Huang Xiao-Ying
Published: August 2017

This article describes the structure-induced quantum confinement effect in nanostructured crystals, a unique class of hybrid semiconductors that incorporate organic and inorganic components into a single-crystal lattice via covalent (coordinative) bonds to form extended one-, two- and three-dimensional network structures. These structures are comprised of subnanometer-sized II-VI semiconductor segments (inorganic component) and amine molecules (organic component) arranged into perfectly ordered arrays. The article first provides an overview of II-VI and III-V semiconductors, II-VI colloidal quantum dots, inorganic-organic hybrid materials before discussing the design and synthesis of I-VI-based inorganic-organic hybrid nanostructures. It also considers the crystal structures, quantum confinement effect, bandgaps, and optical properties, thermal properties, thermal expansion behavior of nanostructured crystals.
Properties and potential of protein–DNA conjugates for analytic applications
Authors: Adler M.
Published: August 2017

This article examines the properties of protein-DNA conjugates and their potential for analytic applications. It begins with a discussion of DNA as a rigid construction tool for protein networks, reducing its functionality to the molecular equivalent of a steel bar in 'large-scale' architecture. It then describes DNA functionality in protein-DNA conjugates, like specific recognition of nucleotide sequences or its unique use as an amplification template. It also considers a range of applications for protein-DNA conjugates, including the use of artificial DNA-protein nanostructures as supramolecular building blocks and DNA-antibody conjugates for ultrasensitive antigen detection. Finally, it evaluates DNA-directed immobilization of protein-DNA adaptor molecules for flexible protein arrays. It shows that protein-DNA conjugates can be used as analytical targets for challenging and calibrating the properties of high-resolution atomic force microscopy, as well as analytical reagents for ultrasensitive target detection in immuno-PCR and related techniques.
Nanostructured probes to enhance optical and vibrational spectroscopic imaging for biomedical applications
Authors: Kodali Anil K. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: August 2017

This article describes the use of nanostructured probes to enhance optical and vibrational spectroscopic imaging for biomedical applications. Engineered probes and surfaces are promising tools for enhancing signals for ultrasensitive detection of diseases like carcinoma. Two methods of interest are surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for IR and Raman modalities, respectively. SERS and SEIRA can be broadly categorized under a common modality termed surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy. This article first reviews various breakthrough findings reported in SERS and SEIRA, along with different types ofsubstrates and contrast agents used in realizing the enhancement and theories proposed to explain these findings. It then considers the configurations of nano-LAMPs and presents example results demonstrating their optical resonances and tunability. Finally, it evaluates a few techniques for fabricating multilayered nanoparticles and highlights some issues with respect to fabrication.
Si/SiGe heterostructures in nanoelectronics
Authors: Paul Douglas J.
Published: August 2017

This article describes the applications of Si/SiGe heterostructures in nanoelectronics. Silicon-germanium is now a mature field with heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) and complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) products in the market place. In the research field there are many areas where Si/SiGe heterostructures are being used to bandgap engineer nanoelectronic devices resulting in significant improvements in device performance. A number of these areas have good potential for eventually reaching production, while thereare also many that allow fundamental research on the physics of materials anddevices. This article begins with an overview of the growth of silicon-germanium alloys, followed by a discussion of the effect of strain on the band structure and properties of Si/SiGe devices. It then considers two mainstream nanoelectronic applications of Si/SiGe heterostructures, namely HBTs and CMOS. It also looks at resonant tunnelling diodes and SiGe quantum cascade emitters.
Nanoionics and its device applications
Authors: Hasegawa T. , Terabe K. , Sakamoto T. , Aono M.
Published: August 2017

This article discusses nanoionics phenomena and their applications for making new types of electronic devices. It begins with an overview of ionic conductive materials, which are classified into two categories in terms of the charged particles: solid electrolytes in which only ions contribute to the current flow, and mixed electronic and ionic conductors in which bothelectrons and ions contribute to the current flow. It then describes the solid electrochemical reaction that controls metal-filament growth and shrinkage in an atomic switch, along with the fundamentals of an atomic switch. It also considers new types of atomic switches and several applications of atomic switches. Finally, it highlights some novel characteristics of the atomic switch such as small size, low power consumption, non-volatility, and low on-resistance. These characteristics enable us to improve the performance of present-day electronic devices.
Molecular Characterization and Distribution of Two Strains of Dasheen mosaic virus on Taro in Hawaii
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wu Beilei , Borth Wayne B. , Hamim Islam , Green James C. , Melzer Michael J. , Hu John S.
Published: August 2017

Dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV) is one of the major viruses affecting taro (Colocasia esculenta) production worldwide. Whole genome sequences were determined for two DsMV strains, Hawaii Strain I (KY242358) and Hawaii Strain II (KY242359), from taro in Hawaii. They represent the first full-length coding sequences of DsMV reported from the United States. Hawaii Strains I and II were 77 and 85% identical, respectively, with other completely sequenced DsMV isolates. Hawaii Strain I was most closely related to vanilla mosaic virus (VanMV) (KX505964.1), a strain of DsMV infecting vanilla in the southern Pacific Islands. Hawaii Strain II was most closely related to a taro DsMV isolate CTCRI-II-14 (KT026108.1) from India. Phylogenetic analysis of all available DsMV isolates based on amino acid sequences of their coat protein showed some correlation between host plant and genetic diversity. Analyses of DsMV genome sequences detected three recombinants from China and India among the six isolates with known complete genome sequences. The DsMV strain NC003537.1 from China is a recombinant of KJ786965.1 from India and Hawaii Strain II. Another DsMV strain KT026108.1 is a recombinant of Hawaii Strain II and NC003537.1 from China. The third DsMV strain KJ786965.1 from India is a recombinant of Hawaii Strain II and NC003537.1 from China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of recombination events in DsMV. Both Hawaii Strains I and II of DsMV were found widespread throughout the Hawaiian islands.
Modulation of social space by dopamine in
Drosophila melanogaster,
but no effect on the avoidance of the
Drosophila
stress odorant
Authors: Fernandez Robert W. , Akinleye Adesanya A. , Nurilov Marat , Feliciano Omar , Lollar Matthew , Aijuri Rami R. , O'Donnell Janis M. , Simon Anne F.
Published: August 2017

Appropriate response to others is necessary for social interactions. Yet little is known about how neurotransmitters regulate attractive and repulsive social cues. Using genetic and pharmacological manipulations in
Drosophila melanogaster
, we show that dopamine is contributing the response to others in a social group, specifically, social spacing, but not the avoidance of odours released by stressed flies (dSO). Interestingly, this dopamine-mediated behaviour is prominent only in the day-time, and its effect varies depending on tissue, sex and type of manipulation. Furthermore, alteration of dopamine levels has no effect on dSO avoidance regardless of sex, which suggests that a different neurotransmitter regulates this response.
Very weak oscillating magnetic field disrupts the magnetic compass of songbird migrants
Authors: Pakhomov Alexander , Bojarinova Julia , Cherbunin Roman , Chetverikova Raisa , Grigoryev Philipp S. , Kavokin Kirill , Kobylkov Dmitry , Lubkovskaja Regina , Chernetsov Nikita
Published: August 2017

Previously, it has been shown that long-distance migrants, garden warblers (Sylvia borin), were disoriented in the presence of narrow-band oscillating magnetic field (1.403 MHz OMF, 190 nT) during autumn migration. This agrees with the data of previous experiments with European robins (Erithacus rubecula). In this study, we report the results of experiments with garden warblers tested under a 1.403 MHz OMF with various amplitudes (∼0.4, 1, ∼2.4, 7 and 20 nT). We found that the ability of garden warblers to orient in round arenas using the magnetic compass could be disrupted by a very weak oscillating field, such as an approximate 2.4, 7 and 20 nT OMF, but not by an OMF with an approximate 0.4 nT amplitude. The results of the present study indicate that the sensitivity threshold of the magnetic compass to the OMF lies around 2–3 nT, while in experiments with European robins the birds were disoriented in a 15 nT OMF but could choose the appropriate migratory direction when a 5 nT OMF was added to the stationary magnetic field. The radical-pair model, one of the mainstream theories of avian magnetoreception, cannot explain the sensitivity to such a low-intensity OMF, and therefore, it needs further refinement.
Characterization of columnar inertial modes in rapidly rotating spheres and spheroids
Authors: Maffei Stefano , Jackson Andrew , Livermore Philip W.
Published: August 2017

We consider fluid-filled spheres and spheroidal containers of eccentricity
ϵ
in rapid rotation, as a proxy for the interior dynamics of stars and planets. The fluid motion is assumed to be quasi-geostrophic (QG): horizontal motions are invariant parallel to the rotation axis
z
, a characteristic which is handled by use of a stream function formulation which additionally enforces mass conservation and non-penetration at the boundary. By linearizing about a quiescent background state, we investigate a variety of methods to study the QG inviscid inertial wave modes which are compared with fully three-dimensional (3D) calculations. We consider the recently proposed weak formulation of the inviscid system valid in spheroids of arbitrary eccentricity, to which we present novel closed-form polynomial solutions. Our modal solutions accurately represent, in both spatial structure and frequency, the most
z
-invariant of the inertial wave modes in a spheroid, and constitute a simple basis set for the analysis of rotationally dominated fluids. We further show that these new solutions are more accurate than those of the classical axial-vorticity equation, which is independent of
ϵ
and thus fails to properly encode the container geometry. We also consider the effects of viscosity for the cases of both no-slip and stress-free boundary conditions for a spherical container. Calculations performed under the columnar approximation are compared with 3D solutions and excellent agreement has been found despite fundamental differences in the two formulations.
Spectral derivation of the classic laws of wall-bounded turbulent flows
Authors: Gioia Gustavo , Chakraborty Pinaki
Published: August 2017

We show that the classic laws of the mean-velocity profiles (MVPs) of wall-bounded turbulent flows—the ‘law of the wall,’ the ‘defect law’ and the ‘log law’—can be predicated on a sufficient condition with no manifest ties to the MVPs, namely that viscosity and finite turbulent domains have a depressive effect on the spectrum of turbulent energy. We also show that this sufficient condition is consistent with empirical data on the spectrum and may be deemed a general property of the energetics of wall turbulence. Our findings shed new light on the physical origin of the classic laws and their immediate offshoot, Prandtl’s theory of turbulent friction.
Dynamic Phase Synchrony based Ranked Spatio-Temporal Clustering for Tracking Time-Resolved Functional Brain Networks
Authors: Aggarwal Priya , Gupta Anubha
Published: August 2017

Of late, there has been a growing interest in studying brain networks, particularly, for understanding spontaneous temporal changes in functional brain networks. Recently, phase synchrony based methods have been proposed to track instantaneous time-resolved functional connectivity without any need of windowing the data. This paper extends one such recently used phase synchrony measure in two steps. First, multiple temporal models are built from four-mode tensor that are further clustered to detect dynamic brain network communities. This clustering is based on spatio-temporal data and hence, is named as Spatio-Temporal Clustering (STC). Second, a method is proposed to rank all the communities allowing the proposed model to deal with multiple communities of differing time evolution. This helps in the comparison of network communities, especially, when available communities are too dense to provide relevant information for comparison. The ranking of communities allows for the dimensionality reduction of communities, while still maintaining the key brain networks. Intrinsic time-varying functional connectivity has been investigated for large scale brain networks, including default-mode network (DMN), visual network (VN), cognitive control network (CCN), auditory network (AN), etc. The proposed method provides a new complementary tool to investigate dynamic network states at a high temporal resolution and is tested on resting-state functional MRI data of 26 typically developing controls (TDC) and 35 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subjects. Simulation results demonstrate that ASD subjects have altered dynamic brain networks compared to TDC.
Role of Immune Checkpoint Proteins in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Habiel David M , Espindola Milena , Kitson Chris , Azzara Anthony , Coelho Ana Lucia , Hogaboam Cory M
Published: August 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease, with unknown etiopathogenesis and suboptimal therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical efficacy of standard immuno-suppressants in IPF, the role of the immune response in this disease remains elusive. Nevertheless, previous reports have shown that increased T cell numbers and phenotype is predictive of prognosis in IPF, suggesting that these cells might have a role in this disease. Transcriptomic analysis of CD3+T cells isolated from IPF lungs removed prior to lung transplant (i.e. explant lung) revealed a loss of CD28 expression and both elevated checkpoint and lymphocyte activation pathways. Flow cytometric analysis of a mixture of immune and non-immune cells isolated from explanted IPF lungs showed elevated PD-1 and CTLA4 protein expression on CD4-lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression on EpCAM+and CD45-EpCAM-cells. Lung remodeling and loss of BAL surfactant protein C were observed in NOD SCID IL-2Rγ-/-(NSG) mice that received an intravenous injection of a mixture of IPF cells, including purified IPF T cells. Finally, in humanized NSG mice, anti-CTLA4, but not anti-PD1, mAb treatment induced an expansion of CD3+T cells and accelerated lung fibrosis. Together, these results demonstrate that IPF T cells are profibrotic but the immune checkpoint protein, CTLA-4, appears to limit this effect in IPF.
Tau directs intracellular trafficking by regulating the forces exerted by kinesin and dynein teams
Authors: Chaudhary Abdullah R. , Berger Florian , Berger Christopher L. , Hendricks Adam G.
Published: August 2017

Organelles, proteins, and mRNA are transported bidirectionally along microtubules by plus-end directed kinesin and minus-end directed dynein motors. Microtubules are decorated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) that organize the cytoskeleton, regulate microtubule dynamics and modulate the interaction between motor proteins and microtubules to direct intracellular transport. Tau is a neuronal MAP that stabilizes axonal microtubules and crosslinks them into bundles. Dysregulation of tau leads to a range of neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau reduces the processivity of kinesin and dynein by acting as an obstacle on the microtubule. Single-molecule assays indicate that kinesin-1 is more strongly inhibited than kinesin-2 or dynein, suggesting tau might act to spatially modulate the activity of specific motors. To investigate the role of tau in regulating bidirectional transport, we isolated phagosomes driven by kinesin-1, kinesin-2, and dynein and reconstituted their motility along microtubules. We find that tau biases bidirectional motility towards the microtubule minus-end in a dose-dependent manner. Optical trapping measurements show that tau increases the magnitude and frequency of forces exerted by dynein through inhibiting opposing kinesin motors. Mathematical modeling indicates that tau controls the directional bias of intracellular cargoes through differentially tuning the processivity of kinesin-1, kinesin-2, and dynein. Taken together, these results demonstrate that tau modulates motility in a motor-specific manner to direct intracellular transport, and suggests that dysregulation of tau might contribute to neurodegeneration by disrupting the balance of plus- and minus-end directed transport.

Synopsis and Graphical Table of Contents

We isolated endogenous cargoes, along with a complement of kinesin-1, kinesin-2, and dynein motors, and reconstituted their bidirectional motility in vitro. We find that tau, a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes microtubules in neuronal axons, directs bidirectional cargoes towards the microtubule minus end by tuning the balance of forces exerted by kinesin and dynein teams. These results suggest a general mechanism for regulating the transport of intracellular cargoes through modulating the relative activity of opposing motor teams.
An eco asset ontology towards effective eco asset management
Authors: Zeb Jehan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an ontology of eco or natural assets to represent eco asset knowledge at two levels: eco asset metal model and eco asset ontology (EA_Onto). The three objectives of this paper are to: define eco assets explicitly to reach a common understanding of the terms; evaluate the ontology; and discuss a potential area of application.

Design/methodology/approach

A seven-step methodology was used to develop the proposed ontology: define the scope; develop the eco asset meta model (EA_MM), define taxonomy, code ontology, capture ontology, evaluate ontology and document ontology.

Findings

The EA_MM was developed to represent eco asset domain knowledge, which was further extended to develop the EA_Onto, explicitly defining the eco asset knowledge in asset management. As a part of evaluation, it was found that the knowledge representation is consistent, concise, clear, complete and correct.

Practical implications

Theoretically, the proposed ontology is a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in asset management. Practically, the knowledge representation provides a common understanding of eco assets for asset management experts. In addition, it will be used in applications for effective eco asset management.

Originality/value

The current literature lacks explicit declaration of eco assets, how they are related to built environment for effective integration and how asset management functions are to be applied to accomplish effective eco asset management. Presently, eco assets are managed on an ad hoc basis, which need to be explicitly defined through developing an EA_Onto for implementation in applications for effective eco asset management.
Photoperiodic cues regulate phenological carry‐over effects in an herbivorous insect
Authors: Salis Lucia , van den Hoorn Erik , Beersma Domien G. M. , Hut Roelof A. , Visser Marcel E.
Published: August 2017

To maximise their fitness, organisms need to synchronise their phenology with the seasonal variation in environmental conditions. Most phenological traits are affected by environmental abiotic cues such as photoperiod, temperature and rainfall. When individuals with complex life cycles fail to match one of the stages with the favourable environment, the negative conditions experienced may lead to carry‐over effects and, thus, influence fitness in subsequent stages.

In the winter moth, an herbivorous insect with an annual life cycle, timing of egg‐hatching in spring is strongly influenced by temperature and varies from year to year. To investigate whether the phenological variation in egg‐hatching date affects subsequent stages, we analysed data on egg‐hatching date and adult catching date (considered here to be a proxy for adult eclosion date) from our long‐term study (1994–2014). Furthermore, we experimentally manipulated the photoperiod experienced by newly hatched larvae and recorded the phenology of their subsequent life cycle stages.

In the long‐term field study, we found that the timing of winter moth egg‐hatching in spring varied strongly from year to year. Interestingly, however, the timing of adult eclosion date in winter showed little inter‐annual variation. In line with these findings, our experimental data showed that the winter moth shortened the duration of their pupal development when they experienced a late spring photoperiod as a larva, and prolonged pupal development when experiencing early spring photoperiod. The effects of the larval photoperiodic treatments persisted during egg development in the following generation.

The results show that a phenological shift that occurs during an early life stage is partially compensated during subsequent stages and suggest that the mechanism underlying this compensation is mediated by photoperiod. Winter moths regulated their phenology in such a way that the variation in the egg‐hatching stage was not carried over to the next life cycle stages. This has strong effects on fitness as it (1) ensures the synchronisation of adult eclosion during the mating period and (2) is likely to reduce potentially negative fitness consequences of phenological mismatches in egg‐hatching in the following generation. Overall, these findings stress the importance of understanding phenological carry‐over effects to forecast the impact of global change in species with complex life cycles.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
In situ split liver transplantation for two adult recipients from one donation after brain death liver graft
Authors: Zang Yun‐Jin , Guo Yuan , Fan Ning , Wang Xin , Guan Ge , Sun Yan‐Dong , Xin Yang
Published: August 2017

Split liver transplantation (LT) provides two functional partial grafts from one deceased donor liver. Split liver grafts are most commonly shared by a child and an adult. In the present study, we present our technique of in situ split LT for two adult recipients. In the right lobe graft, V5 and V8 were reconstructed using the donor's iliac vein to drain the anterior segment. In the second recipient, the inferior vena cava was incised and connected to three hepatic veins to create greater outflow. The middle hepatic artery was reconstructed with gastroduodenal artery to make one artery branch in the left lobe. In situ split LT for two adults is safe and feasible in select donor–recipient‐matching cases.
A randomized blinded comparative study of clinical response to surface anatomy guided injection versus sonography guided injection of hyaloronic acid in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kianmehr Nahid , Hasanzadeh Atefeh , Naderi Farrokh , Khajoei Sholeh , Haghighi Anousheh
Published: August 2017

Background and aim

Comparison between the effect of sonographic guided and blind knee injection of hyaluronic acid has been evaluated in this study.

Methods and materials

Sixty‐one patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated into two groups and received intrabursal injection of hyaloronic acid over 3 weeks. The difference between baseline amounts of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score and these amounts after 6 and 12 weeks were calculated and subsequently compared between the two groups.

Results

Among all scores and indices, WOMAC pain and function subscales changed significantly (both in the short‐term and long‐term follow‐up). The mean differences of WOMAC subscale pain in those who had received intra‐articular injection under the guidance of sonography were significantly higher than those in patients who had received blind injections after 6 and 12 weeks. The mean differences of WOMAC subscale function in those who had received ultrasonography guided intra‐articular injection were significantly higher than those in patients, who had received blind injections after 6 and 12 weeks. The mean in differences of the 10‐cm VAS (both at rest and after 50‐feet walk) in the two groups was statistically significant after 6 weeks, but did not remain significant after 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Application of sonography might improve the response of patients to intra‐articular injection of hyaloronic acid, at least in certain clinical indices.
Comparison of a paediatric emergency ruler with a digital algorithm for weight and age estimation
Authors: Both Ch. , Schmitz A. , Buehler P. K. , Wittwer J. , Weiss M. , Schmidt A. R.
Published: August 2017

Background

Emergency tapes like the “Paediatric‐Emergency‐Ruler” (PaedER) provide drug dosing and recommend medical airway equipment based on estimated patient bodyweight and age. Previous studies have revealed unsatisfactory accuracy in bodyweight estimation, due to the tapes′ length‐based weight categories. Therefore, we developed a digital algorithm allowing continuous length‐based estimation of weight and age. The aim of this study was to compare the new algorithm with the PaedER regarding accuracy in estimating bodyweight and recommendation of medical airway equipment.

Methods

Patients with a body length suitable for the PaedER were included in this single centre, prospective clinical observation trial after obtaining informed written parental consent. Bodyweight estimations by the algorithm and PaedER within ± 10% and ± 20% of the actual bodyweight were compared. Furthermore, medical airway equipment suggested by the PaedER and algorithm were compared with the equipment actually used for anaesthesia. Wilcoxon‐ and McNemar‐Tests were used for statistical analysis. Results are median (interquartiles), P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In total, 489 patients aged 2.0 years (0.4–5.9), with a body length of 89.0 cm (63.5–114.5), weighing 12.8 kg (6.3–19.6), were included. The algorithm′s precision of bodyweight estimation within ± 10%/± 20% was significantly higher at 64.0%/91.6% than the PaedER at 55.4%/81.8% (P < 0.001). Compared to PaedER the algorithm showed a higher incidence of correctly recommended medical airway equipment based on its accuracy for age and bodyweight estimation.

Conclusion

The new digital algorithm is an alternative to conventional emergency tapes, showing improved accuracy regarding length‐based estimation of bodyweight and recommendation of medical airway equipment.
Acute calming effects of alcohol are associated with disruption of the salience network
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M. , Phan K. Luan , Childs Emma
Published: August 2017

The mood‐altering properties of alcohol are a key motivation for drinking, and people commonly report that they drink alcohol to alleviate stress or to relax. To date, the neural processes associated with the self‐reported calming effects of alcohol are not well understood. Existing data imply that alcohol may target and disrupt activity within anterior insula (aINS) and amygdala‐based neural networks, which are regions implicated in threat detection and anxious responding. The aims of the current study were (1) to examine the acute effect of alcohol upon functional connectivity within aINS and amygdala circuits and (2) to assess relationships between alcohol effects on functional connectivity and self‐reported subjective mood. Healthy men and women (N = 39) who reported regular binge drinking completed a within‐subjects, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment with i.v. infusions of either alcohol or placebo. Infusion profiles were personalized for each participant and raised breath alcohol concentration to 80 mg percent. Before, during and after infusions, participants rated their subjective mood (stimulation, sedation and calm). Results showed that alcohol dampened functional connectivity between bilateral aINS seed‐regions‐of‐interest and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), key nodes of the salience network. Additionally, the more that alcohol reduced right aINS‐dACC functional connectivity, the calmer participants felt during alcohol administration. Alcohol had no effect on amygdala functional connectivity. These findings suggest that alcohol disrupts aINS‐dACC functional connectivity, which may impair detection and appraisal of emotionally salient information and relate to acute relaxing effects of the drug.
Dried blood spots from finger prick facilitate therapeutic drug monitoring of adalimumab and anti‐adalimumab in patients with inflammatory diseases
Authors: Kneepkens Eva L. , Pouw Mieke F. , Wolbink Gerrit Jan , Schaap Tiny , Nurmohamed Michael T. , de Vries Annick , Rispens Theo , Bloem Karien
Published: August 2017

Aims

Development of a self‐sampling method for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of biologicals will enhance TDM implementation in routine care and pharmacokinetic knowledge. The aim of this study was to compare adalimumab and anti‐adalimumab antibody (ADA) concentration measurements in dried blood spots (DBS) obtained from finger prick with measurements in serum obtained via venepuncture, from patients with rheumatic inflammatory diseases.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 161 consecutive patients were included. For clinical validation, DBS from finger prick and serum from venepuncture were collected simultaneously and adalimumab and ADA concentration were assessed by ELISA and antigen binding test (ABT), respectively. To convert DBS eluate results to values which can be compared to serum concentrations, five different methods were investigated, using a marker protein or a volumetric approach.

Results

Adalimumab and ADA concentrations obtained from the finger prick/DBS method correlated well with serum results from the same patient (correlation coefficient > 0.87). Interestingly, antibody concentrations (either adalimumab, ADA or total immunoglobulin G) in DBS from finger prick, but not albumin, were systematically lower compared to serum. Spike experiments demonstrated a quantitative recovery for all tested proteins in DBS, suggesting a slightly different protein composition of blood collected via finger prick vs. venepuncture. We established a correction factor to relate finger prick/DBS values with serum values (approximately 1.2).

Conclusions

We show here for the first time that adalimumab and ADA serum concentrations can be satisfactorily estimated by measuring concentrations in DBS eluates, collected by finger prick. This method offers great opportunity to simplify TDM of adalimumab.
N‐substituted hydroxynaphthalene imino‐oxindole derivatives as new class of PI3‐kinase inhibitor and breast cancer drug: Molecular validation and structure–activity relationship studies
Authors: Rajesh Kumar M. , Alagumuthu Manikandan , Violet Dhayabaran V.
Published: August 2017

N‐substituted hydroxynaphthalene imino‐oxindole derivatives (5a–g) were emerged as the inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), which is a crucial regulator of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Electron donor‐/acceptor‐substituted indole‐imine (5a–g) was achieved, and the structures were elucidated by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. Inhibition potency of PI3Ks was assessed by competitive ELISA. Subsequently, an anticancer activity against breast cancer (MCF‐7) cell lines was evaluated. In both activities, compounds 5c, 5d and 5f showed most potent activities. Percentage inhibition for anticancer activity was 78.22 ± 1.02 (5c) and 78.98 ± 1.08 (5f), and the IC50 was 2.02 ± 0.92 μm (5c) and 1.98 ± 0.18 μm (5f). Compounds 5a and 5g were found inactive for both activities, and rest all showed a moderate activity. To get more insight into the binding mode and inhibitor binding affinity, 5a–g were docked into the active site of PI3Ks p110α (PDB ID: 2ENQ). Results suggested that the hydrophobic interactions in the binding pockets of PI3Ks conquered affinity of the most favourable binding ligands (5c and 5f: inhibitory constant (ki) = 102.4 and 128.23 nm). The SAR studies demonstrate the efficiency of 5a–g as the PI3Ks precise inhibitors with the impending to treat various cancers.
Utilization of eye health‐care services in Australia: the National Eye Health Survey
Authors: Foreman Joshua , Xie Jing , Keel Stuart , Taylor Hugh R , Dirani Mohamed
Published: August 2017

Importance

National data on eye health‐care service utilization will inform Australia's eye health policy.

Background

To investigate the utilization of eye health‐care services by Australians.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Participants

Indigenous Australians aged 40 years and older and non‐Indigenous Australians aged 50 years and older.

Methods

One thousand seven hundred thirty‐eight Indigenous Australians and 3098 non‐Indigenous Australians were recruited from 30 randomly selected sites, stratified by remoteness. Sociodemographic, ocular history and eye health‐care service utilization data were collected, and an eye examination was conducted.

Main outcome measures

Recentness of eye examinations, types of providers used and associated risk factors.

Results

Approximately 67.0% of Indigenous Australians and 82.5% of non‐Indigenous Australians underwent an eye examination within the previous 2 years. Indigenous status (P < 0.001), male gender (P < 0.001), Outer Regional (P < 0.001) and Very Remote (P < 0.001) residence were associated with less recent examinations. Participants with >self‐reported eye disease or diabetes were most likely to have been examined within the past year (P < 0.001). For Indigenous Australians, older age was associated with recent eye testing (P = 0.001). Those with retinal disease and cataract were more likely to see an ophthalmologist (P < 0.001), and those with refractive error were more likely to see an optometrist (P < 0.001). In Regional Australia, non‐Indigenouspeople were more likely to see optometrists (P < 0.001), and Indigenous Australians were more likely to utilize other, non‐specialistservices (P < 0.001).

Conclusions and relevance

Eye examination frequency has improved in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians compared with previous population‐based research. Further improvements are required in risk groups including Indigenous Australians and those living in Regional and Remote areas.
Analysing news media coverage of the 2015 Nepal earthquake using a community capitals lens: implications for disaster resilience
Authors: Dhakal Subas P.
Published: August 2017

South Asia is one of the regions of the world most vulnerable to natural disasters. Although news media analyses of disasters have been conducted frequently in various settings globally, there is little research on populous South Asia. This paper begins to fill this gap by evaluating local and foreign news media coverage of the earthquake in Nepal on 25 April 2015. It broadens the examination of news media coverage of disaster response beyond traditional framing theory, utilising community capitals (built, cultural, financial, human, natural, political, and social) lens to perform a thematic content analysis of 405 news items. Overall, financial and natural capital received the most and the least emphasis respectively. Statistically significant differences between local and foreign news media were detected vis‐à‐vis built, financial, and political capital. The paper concludes with a discussion of the social utility of news media analysis using the community capitals framework to inform disaster resilience.
Perceptions of food quality: Evidence from a survey in Shanghai
Authors: Hansstein Francesca , Keqiang Wang , Hongmei Liu
Published: August 2017

Recent food scandals in China significantly decreased the level of consumer trust toward the food chain, and, at the same time, increased the demand for food quality and safety. This paper investigated perceptions and determinants of food quality among a sample of households in Shanghai. Survey questionnaires were collected between June and December 2014, and a total of 509 interviews were completed. Questions asked about food purchasing behaviours, dietary habits, and the importance of food quality when food shopping. Socio‐demographic and socio‐economic variables were also collected. We used ordered logit regressions to investigate the most significant factors associated with food quality. We found that respondents who frequently bought vegetables were 31% more likely to look for quality attributes (p < .1) and respondents who often bought rice 28% more (p < .01). Branding was also positively associated with the demand for food quality. In particular, consumers considering brand an important element were 25% more likely to believe that the product was of high quality (p < .05). Among socio‐economic variables, higher income and education were significantly associated with food quality demand. Our results indicated that consumers in Shanghai paid increasing attention to food quality, and they especially associated it with traditional foods and brand. We suggested that policy makers and stakeholders in the food chain should strengthen food quality certification systems, and help consumers make better and more informed choices.
Skin diseases in indigenous population: retrospective epidemiological study at Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP) and review of the literature
Authors: Wu Jenifer S. A. , Florian Marcos C. , Rodrigues Douglas A. , Tomimori Jane
Published: August 2017

Background

Skin diseases among indigenous populations have been poorly described in the literature. Risk factors linked to habits, cultural practices, genetics, and environmental characteristics can influence the frequency and clinical presentation of these diseases.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted through a review of dermatological medical records. Data were obtained over three visits to Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP). Main dermatoses were compared by gender, age, ethnicity, and village. Diseases were classified into four groups: infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and other.

Results

Of the 398 patients included in the study, 54.2% were female. The participants ranged in age from 1 to 75 years (median, 10 years). The predominant ethnic group was Caiabi (49.7%), followed by Ikpeng (14.3%) and Kamaiurá (10.0%). The primary village studied was Diauarum, followed by Moigú and Morena. Infectious dermatoses were the most frequent (43.8%), followed by inflammatory (33.7%), neoplastic (15.5%), and other skin diseases (7.0%). Infectious diseases were predominant in Caiabi and Kamaiurá Indians, whereas inflammatory skin diseases were more frequent in Ikpeng and Juruna populations. We also observed a high frequency of malignancy in the Ikpeng and Trumai ethnic groups. Infectious skin diseases, except for fungal infections, were frequent in younger age groups. This trend was not replicated for neoplastic skin diseases. Uncommon dermatoses such as Heck's disease, lichen striatus, and aquagenic urticaria were also observed. Jorge Lobo's disease was not included in this analysis.

Conclusion

Improved knowledge of the distribution of common dermatoses among different ethnic groups and villages in XIP will aid in the prevention of skin infections and skin cancer. This improved knowledge will also allow the development of skin disease guidelines that can help local indigenous health professionals.
Professional identity and the Clinical Research Nurse: A qualitative study exploring issues having an impact on participant recruitment in research
Authors: Tinkler Linda , Smith Victoria , Yiannakou Yan , Robinson Lisa
Published: August 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Clinical Research Nurses, with an emphasis on factors that may have an impact on successful study delivery.

Background

The Clinical Research Nurse workforce is pivotal to improving health outcomes through supporting research‐active health economies. Investment in research infrastructure has led to nurses and midwives increasingly undertaking extended roles to deliver clinical research. Despite such opportunities, the recruitment of sufficient participants into research studies remains problematic. A growing body of literature is exploring barriers to successful study delivery, indicating the emergence of a caring‐recruiting dichotomy in clinical research staff.

Design

This qualitative study investigates the experiences of Clinical Research Nurses delivering research in the United Kingdom National Health Service.

Methods

Four Focus groups (total 19 participants) were conducted in a large North East National Health Service Foundation Trust from November 2015 ‐ February 2016.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified perceptions of the role in the wider context of professional identity. Role transition, altered relationships and workload complexity, affected participants’ practice, leading to inconsistency between core clinical values and perceived identities as research delivery staff. A duty of care as patient advocates contrasted elements of the work reflecting that of salespeople. The emotional labour of approaching patients and unease regarding peer perceptions of the Clinical Research Nurse role, affected the positive aspects of research delivery.

Conclusion

Professional‐identity and self‐concept appear to have an impact on practice in a research delivery role. Further research should explore these issues further, to enlighten the basis on which such feelings are positioned and to work towards practical solutions.
Problems and solutions for patients with fibromyalgia: Building new helping relationships
Authors: Montesó‐Curto Pilar , García‐Martinez Montserrat , Romaguera Sara , Mateu María Luisa , Cubí‐Guillén María Teresa , Sarrió‐Colas Lidia , Llàdser Anna Núria , Bradley Stephen , Panisello‐Chavarria María Luisa
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the main biological, psychological and sociological problems and potential solutions for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia by use of Group Problem‐Solving Therapy.

Background

Group Problem‐Solving Therapy is a technique for identifying and solving problems, increasing assertiveness, self‐esteem and eliminating negative thoughts.

Design

Qualitative phenomenological interpretive design: Group Problem‐Solving Therapy sessions conducted with patients suffering fibromyalgia were studied; participants recruited via the Rheumatology Department at a general hospital and associations in Catalonia, Spain with sessions conducted in nearby university setting.

Methods

The study included 44 people diagnosed with fibromyalgia (43 female, 1 male) from 6 Group Problem‐Solving Therapy sessions. Data collected from March–June 2013.

A total of 24 sessions were audio recorded, all with prior informed consent. Data were transcribed and then analysed in accordance with established methods of inductive thematic analysis, via a process of reduction to manage and classify data.

Findings

Five themes were identified: (1) Current problems are often related to historical trauma; (2) There are no “one size fits all” solutions; (3) Fibromyalgia is life‐changing; (4) Fibromyalgia is widely misunderstood; (5) Statistically Significant impacts on physical, psychological and social are described.

Conclusion

The majority of patients’ problems were associated with their previous history and the onset of fibromyalgia; which may be related to trauma in adolescence, early adulthood or later. The solutions provided during the groups appeared to be accepted by the participants.

These findings can improve the self‐management of fibromyalgia patients by helping to enhance adaptive behaviours and incorporating the female gender approach.
Peripheral perfusion and oxygenation in areas of risk of skin integrity impairment exposed to pressure patterns. A phase I trial (POTER Study)
Authors: García‐Mayor Silvia , Morilla‐Herrera Juan Carlos , Lupiáñez‐Pérez Inmaculada , Kaknani Uttumchandani Shakira , León Campos Álvaro , Aranda‐Gallardo Marta , Moya‐Suárez Ana Belén , Morales‐Asencio José Miguel
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyse the change in peripheral oxygenation and microvascular flow in tissues subjected to different pressure regimes in healthy subjects and in hospitalized patients.

Background

The presence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients is a common complication that has a negative impact on health and often prolongs hospital stay and increases healthcare costs.

Design

Experimental non‐controlled, non‐randomized study in two phases: pre‐clinical and clinical.

Methods

The pre‐clinical phase will be conducted in healthy volunteers and the clinical phase, in patients at risk of impaired skin integrity. Vascular flow, tissue oxygenation and local temperature in areas at risk of pressure ulcers will be evaluated by Doppler laser in subjects lying on a capacitive surface to measure pressure at 10,249 points. Different levels of pressure will be generated by changes in body position and changes in tissue perfusion and oxygenation will be monitored for up to 4 hours, to determine the implications for repositioning interventions in patients at risk. This study was funded in July 2015. The protocol is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02736838).

Discussion

Pressure ulcer is a significant and complex health problem in long‐term bedridden patients and there is currently no effective treatment or efficient prevention method. The information provided by our study will provide an accurate assessment of different thresholds for the onset of damage to the skin, associated with different body positions and pressure levels.

Trial Registration

The protocol is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02736838).