bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry into working life: Internal migration and the job match quality of higher‐educated graduates
Authors: Venhorst Viktor A. , Cörvers Frank
Published: May 2017

We estimate the impact of internal migration on job‐match quality for recent Dutch university and college graduates. We find positive yet modest wage returns. After controlling for the self‐selection of migrants with an IV approach, this effect is no longer significant for university graduates and all graduates from peripheral areas. We also find that, for our alternative job‐match measures, where there is evidence of migrant self‐selection, controlling for self‐selection strongly reduces the effect of internal migration on job‐match quality. In some cases, the returns on internal migration are found to be negative, which may signal forced migration.
A new high‐precision40Ar/39Ar age for the Rochechouart impact structure: At least 5 Ma older than the Triassic–Jurassic boundary
Authors: Cohen Benjamin E. , Mark Darren F. , Lee Martin R. , Simpson Sarah L.
Published: May 2017

The Rochechourt impact structure in south‐central France, with maximum diameter of 40–50 km, has previously been dated to within 1% uncertainty of the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, at which time ~30% of global genera became extinct. To evaluate the temporal relationship between the impact and the Triassic–Jurassic boundary at high precision, we have re‐examined the structure's age using multicollectorARGUS‐V40Ar/39Ar mass spectrometry. Results from four aliquots of impact melt are highly reproducible, and yield an age of 206.92 ± 0.20/0.32 Ma (2σ, full analytical/external uncertainties). Thus, the Rochechouart impact structure predates the Triassic–Jurassic boundary by 5.6 ± 0.4 Ma and so is not temporally linked to the mass extinction. Rochechouart has formerly been proposed to be part of a multiple impact event, but when compared with new ages from the other purported “paired” structures, the results provide no evidence for synchronous impacts in the Late Triassic. The widespread Central Atlantic Magmatic Province flood basalts remain the most likely cause of the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction.
Sovereign ratings, macroeconomic dynamics, and fiscal policy. Interactions within a stock flow consistent framework
Authors: Ioannou Stefanos
Published: May 2017

Operating in the context of deregulated financial markets, credit rating agencies do not only ‘provide an opinion’, but also affect macroeconomic dynamics. By utilizing a two‐country stock flow consistent model that provides a representation of the Eurozone, the paper connects the movements of sovereign ratings with the dynamics of the financial market and the constraints on fiscal policy. With endogenous fiscal expenditure and an endogenous credit rating mechanism the model shows how following a recessionary shock, a rating downgrade can influence the financial constraints that surround a government, pushing it toward fiscal austerity and thereby deepening the already ongoing recession.
Lymph node effective vascular permeability and chemotherapy uptake
Authors: Meijer Eelco F. J. , Blatter Cedric , Chen Ivy X. , Bouta Echoe , Jones Dennis , Pereira Ethel R. , Jung Keehoon , Vakoc Benjamin J. , Baish James W. , Padera Timothy P.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Lymph node metastases are a poor prognostic factor. Additionally, responses of lymph node metastasis to therapy can be different from the primary tumor. Investigating the physiologic lymph node blood vasculature might give insight into the ability of systemic drugs to penetrate the lymph node, and thus into the differential effect of therapy between lymph node metastasis and primary tumors. Here, we measured effective vascular permeability of lymph node blood vessels and attempted to increase chemotherapy penetration by increasing effective vascular permeability.

Methods

We developed a novel three‐dimensional method to measure effective vascular permeability in murine lymph nodes in vivo. VEGF‐A was systemically administered to increase effective vascular permeability. Validated high‐performance liquid chromatography protocols were used to measure chemotherapeutic drug concentrations in untreated and VEGF‐A‐treated lymph nodes, liver, spleen, brain, and blood.

Results

VEGF‐A‐treated lymph node blood vessel effective vascular permeability (mean 3.83 × 10−7  cm/s) was significantly higher than untreated lymph nodes (mean 9.87 × 10−8  cm/s). No difference was found in lymph node drug accumulation in untreated versus VEGF‐A‐treated mice.

Conclusions

Lymph node effective vascular permeability can be increased (~fourfold) by VEGF‐A. However, no significant increase in chemotherapy uptake was measured by pretreatment with VEGF‐A.
Blood pressure normalization via pharmacotherapy improves cutaneous microvascular function through NO‐dependent and NO‐independent mechanisms
Authors: Craighead Daniel H. , Smith Caroline J. , Alexander Lacy M.
Published: May 2017

Hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling.

Objective

To assess effects of antihypertensive pharmacotherapy on eNOS‐ and iNOS‐dependent mechanisms and maximal vasodilator capacity in the cutaneous microvasculature.

Methods

Intradermal microdialysis fibers were placed in 15 normotensive (SBP 111±2 mm Hg), 12 unmedicated hypertensive (SBP 142±2 mm Hg), and 12 medicated hypertensive (SBP 120±2 mm Hg) subjects. Treatments were control, iNOS‐inhibited (1400w), and NOS‐inhibited (l‐NAME). Red cell flux, measured during local heating (42°C) and ACh dose‐response protocols, was normalized to CVC (flux MAP−1) and a percentage of maximal vasodilation (%CVCmax).

Results

Compared to normotensives, ACh‐mediated vasodilation was attenuated in the hypertensive (P<.001), but not in medicated subjects (P=.83). NOS inhibition attenuated ACh‐mediated vasodilation in normotensives compared to hypertensive (P<.001) and medicated (P<.001) subjects. With iNOS inhibition, there was no difference in ACh‐mediated vasodilation between groups. Compared to the normotensives, local heat‐induced vasodilation was attenuated in the hypertensives (P<.001), but iNOS inhibition augmented vasodilation in the hypertensives so this attenuation was abolished (P=.31). Compared to normotensives, maximal vasodilator capacity was reduced in the hypertensive (P=.014) and medicated subjects (P=.004).

Conclusions

In the cutaneous microvasculature, antihypertensive pharmacotherapy improved endothelial function through NO‐dependent and NO‐independent mechanisms, but did not improve maximal vasodilator capacity.
TetR‐dependent gene regulation in intracellular Listeria monocytogenes demonstrates the spatiotemporal surface distribution of ActA
Authors: Schmitter Sibylle , Fieseler Lars , Klumpp Jochen , Bertram Ralph , Loessner Martin J.
Published: May 2017

To enable specific and tightly controlled gene expression both in vitro and during the intracellular lifecycle of the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, a TetR‐dependent genetic induction system was developed. Highest concentration of cytoplasmic TetR and best repression of tetO‐controlled genes was obtained by tetR expression from the synthetic promoter Pt17. Anhydrotetracycline (ATc) as inducer permitted concentration‐dependent, fine‐tuned expression of genes under control of the tetO operator and a suitable promoter. The actin‐polymerizing ActA protein represents a major virulence factor of L. monocytogenes, required for actin‐based motility and cell‐to‐cell spread in infected host cells. To be able to observe its spatial and temporal distribution on intracellular L. monocytogenes cells, conditional mutants featuring actA placed under TetR control were used to infect PtK2 epithelial cells. Following induction at different time intervals, the subsequent recruitment of actin by L. monocytogenes could be monitored. We found that cells displayed functional ActA after approximately 15 min, while formation of polarized actin tail was complete after 90–120 min. At this point, intracellular motility of the induced mutants was indistinguishable from wild‐type bacteria. Interestingly, de novo ActA synthesis in intracellular Listeria also demonstrated the temporal, asymmetric redistribution of the membrane‐anchored proteins from the lateral walls toward the cell poles.
NmeA, a novel efflux transporter specific for nucleobases and nucleosides, contributes to metal resistance in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Balaska Sofia , Myrianthopoulos Vassilios , Tselika Martha , Hatzinikolaou Dimitris G. , Mikros Emmanuel , Diallinas George
Published: May 2017

Through Minos transposon mutagenesis we obtained A. nidulans mutants resistant to 5‐fluorouracil due to insertions into the upstream region of the uncharacterized gene nmeA, encoding a Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporter. Minos transpositions increased nmeA transcription, which is otherwise extremely low under all conditions tested. To dissect the function of NmeA we used strains overexpressing or genetically lacking the nmeA gene. Strains overexpressing NmeA are resistant to toxic purine analogues, but also, to cadmium, zinc and borate, whereas an isogenic nmeAΔ null mutant exhibits increased sensitivity to these compounds. We provide direct evidence that nmeA overexpression leads to efflux of adenine, xanthine, uric acid and allantoin, the latter two being intermediate metabolites of purine catabolism that are toxic when accumulated cytoplasmically due to relevant genetic lesions. By using a functional GFP‐tagged version we show that NmeA is a plasma membrane transporter. Homology modeling and docking approaches identified a single purine binding site and a tentative substrate translocation trajectory in NmeA. Orthologues of NmeA are present in all Aspergilli and other Eurotiomycetes, but are absent from other fungi or non‐fungal organisms. NmeA is thus the founding member of a new class of transporters essential for fungal success under specific toxic conditions.
Measuring Spot Variance Spillovers when (Co)variances are Time‐varying – The Case of Multivariate GARCH Models
Authors: Fengler Matthias R. , Herwartz Helmut
Published: May 2017

We propose global and disaggregated spillover indices that allow us to assess variance and covariance spillovers, locally in time and conditionally on time‐t information. Key to our approach is the vector moving average representation of the half‐vectorized ‘squared’ multivariate GARCH process of the popular BEKK model. In an empirical application to a four‐dimensional system of broad asset classes (equity, fixed income, foreign exchange and commodities), we illustrate the new spillover indices at various levels of (dis)aggregation. Moreover, we demonstrate that they are informative of the value‐at‐risk violations of portfolios composed of the considered asset classes.
Coevolution of policy sectors: A comparative analysis of healthcare and public health
Authors: Trein Philipp
Published: May 2017

This article analyses the institutional coevolution of policy sectors – in other words, the mutual influence and adaptation of the institutional connection between related policy areas. The article proposes a two‐dimensional analytical space ranging from separation to unity on one axis and from superiority/subaltern to equality on the other. The article argues that the overall governance framework behind the coevolving sectors affects the institutional relationship between the sectors. In its empirical part, the article focuses on the healthcare and public health sectors. Based on a comparative historical examination of three countries with different healthcare systems – Australia, Germany, and the United States – the article shows that healthcare and public health coevolve differently depending on the type of national healthcare system. Further research can transfer the concepts introduced in this article to the analysis of other policy challenges, such as immigration or environmental protection.
The impact of high‐quality workplace relationships in public organizations
Authors: Caillier James Gerard
Published: May 2017

Research has long found that high‐quality workplace relationships have a beneficial impact on employees and organizations. Although these studies have developed elaborate models to examine high‐quality workplace relationships, none were found to explore the association between high‐quality workplace relationships and job stress/exhaustion, commitment, and social impact. To fill this void in the literature, models were developed to explain the expected association that these employee attitudes have with one another. These models were then tested on full‐time, public employees. Several important findings emerged. First, high‐quality workplace relationships were positively related to social impact. Next, social impact was found to positively mediate the relationship between high‐quality workplace relationships and commitment. Finally, social impact was found to positively mediate the relationship between high‐quality workplace relationships and job stress/exhaustion. This latter finding was contrary to expectations.
Engineering heat tolerance in potato by temperature‐dependent expression of a specific allele of HEAT‐SHOCK COGNATE 70
Authors: Trapero‐Mozos Almudena , Morris Wayne L. , Ducreux Laurence J. M. , McLean Karen , Stephens Jennifer , Torrance Lesley , Bryan Glenn J. , Hancock Robert D. , Taylor Mark A.
Published: May 2017

For many commercial potato cultivars, tuber yield is optimal at average daytime temperatures in the range of 14–22 °C. Further rises in ambient temperature can reduce or completely inhibit potato tuber production, with damaging consequences for both producer and consumer. The aim of this study was to use a genetic screen based on a model tuberization assay to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with enhanced tuber yield. A candidate gene encoding HSc70 was identified within one of the three QTL intervals associated with elevated yield in a Phureja–Tuberosum hybrid diploid potato population (06H1). A particular HSc70 allelic variant was linked to elevated yield in the 06H1 progeny. Expression of this allelic variant was much higher than other alleles, particularly on exposure to moderately elevated temperature. Transient expression of this allele in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in significantly enhanced tolerance to elevated temperature. An TA repeat element was present in the promoter of this allele, but not in other HSc70 alleles identified in the population. Expression of the HSc70 allelic variant under its native promoter in the potato cultivar Desiree resulted in enhanced HSc70 expression at elevated temperature. This was reflected in greater tolerance to heat stress as determined by improved yield under moderately elevated temperature in a model nodal cutting tuberization system and in plants grown from stem cuttings. Our results identify HSc70 expression level as a significant factor influencing yield stability under moderately elevated temperature and identify specific allelic variants of HSc70 for the induction of thermotolerance via conventional introgression or molecular breeding approaches.
Score of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis Predicts the Outcomes of Pediatric Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Sorrell Jennifer , Anthony Lisa , Rademaker Alfred , Belknap Steven M. , Callahan Shields , West Dennis P. , Paller Amy S.
Published: May 2017

Background/Objectives

Epidermal necrolysis (Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) includes immune‐mediated, life‐threatening inflammatory blistering disorders that can affect children. The Score of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) tool has accurately predicted the outcome of these disorders in adults but has not been tested in children.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review to compare the accuracy of the adult SCORTEN tool with that of two modifications tailored to children in predicting disease outcome.

Results

The longer the patient's median length of hospital stay was, the higher the adult and two proposed pediatric SCORTENs were. In addition, all patients who died had SCORTENs greater than 4.

Conclusion

The pediatric‐modified tools were not superior to the adult SCORTEN, which accurately predicted outcome.
Markers of enteral adaptation in pediatric short bowel syndrome
Authors: Chiba Masahiro , Sanada Yutaka , Toki Akira
Published: May 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to ascertain if prospective determination of specific gut hormones and growth factors could predict bowel adaptation in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS).

Methods

We studied independence from parenteral nutrition (PN) as the short‐term result and discontinuation of enteral nutrition (EN) as the long‐term result from a retrospective chart review of seven patients with SBS, who were managed in the absence of growth retardation. The correlation between increased number of enteral feeds or enteral nutrients and fasting serum gastrin, glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2), citrulline, and D‐amino acid oxidase (DAO) activity was analyzed. Five patients were weaned from PN, and two from EN.

Results

Fasting serum gastrin was significantly higher and serum GLP‐2 lower in the PN‐dependent patients than in the patients weaned from EN. The upper limit of fasting serum gastrin for PN independence and for EN independence was 300 and 200 pg/mL, respectively. The lower limit of fasting serum citrulline for PN independence was 15 μmol/L. The relationship between serum citrulline and DAO and the course of bowel adaptation, however, was poor.

Conclusions

Serum citrulline is a predictor of PN independence in children with SBS. Fasting serum gastrin and GLP‐2 are indicators for adaptation of the residual intestine, but this was a small study and further larger prospective trials are required to confirm these results.
Novel ZnS/Carbon Nanofiber Photocatalyst for Degradation of Rhodamine 6G: Kinetics Tracking of Operational Parameters and Development of a Kinetics Model
Authors: Mehrizad Ali , Gharbani Parvin
Published: May 2017

A novel nanocomposite in the role of photocatalyst was prepared by composition of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and was characterized. The XRD, EDX, and FE‐SEM analysis revealed that ZnS is successfully embedded in CNFs matrix. The DRS results indicated that supporting of ZnS by CNFs led to a decrease of the band gap energy. The photocatalytic degradation of a hazardous xanthine dye, Rhodamine 6 G (Rh‐6G), by the prepared ZnS/CNFs composite was examined from the kinetics point of view. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to develop a mathematical kinetics model based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, and an empirical equation was obtained for the estimation of apparent pseudo‐first‐order rate constant (kap) as a function of operational parameters (viz. initial dye concentration, ZnS/CNFs content, pH, and irradiation intensity). Based on the results, kap increased with an increase ZnS/CNFs content, pH, and UV light intensity, whereas it decreased by increasing the initial Rh‐6G concentration. Moreover, a new kinetics model was obtained based on proposed elementary steps to determine kap. In the final stage of the work, intermediate materials produced within photocatalytic degradation of Rh‐6G dye were detected by GC‐MS analysis.
The degree of satisfaction of in‐hospital medical patients with nursing care and predictors of dissatisfaction: findings from a secondary analysis
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Gonella Silvia , Fontanive Anna , Guarnier Annamaria , Barelli Paolo , Zambiasi Paola , Allegrini Elisabetta , Bazoli Letizia , Casson Paola , Marin Meri , Padovan Marisa , Picogna Michele , Taddia Patrizia , Salmaso Daniele , Chiari Paolo , Frison Tiziana , Marognolli Oliva , Canzan Federica , Ambrosi Elisa , Saiani Luisa ,   ESAMED Group
Published: May 2017

Background

Patient satisfaction with nursing care (NC) is an important predictor of overall satisfaction with the hospital experience. However, the concept of patient satisfaction has been criticised both at the theoretical and at the methodological levels, and more attention on patient dissatisfaction has been called for with the aim of identifying strategies to improve the quality of care.

Aims

To describe dissatisfaction with NC as perceived by acute medical patients and identify predictors.

Design and methods

A secondary analysis of longitudinal data involving 12 Italian medical units was performed. A consecutive sample of 1016 patients ≥65 years (2012–2013) was included, and their satisfaction with NC was assessed, administering the Italian version of the Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS) at the day of discharge. The scale was based on 11 items evaluated on a four‐point Likert scale (score ranging from 11 – very dissatisfied to 44 – very satisfied). Patients were defined as ‘satisfied with NC’ when the score was ≥33, whereas they were considered as ‘dissatisfied with NC’ when the score was <33. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of patient dissatisfaction with NC.

Results

There were 788 (77.6%) patients satisfied (≥33 at the PSS) and 228 (22.4%) dissatisfied with NC (<33). The risk of dissatisfaction was likely to be higher in female patients (RR 1.883, 95% CI 1.359–2.609), in those who developed pressure sores during the in‐hospital stay (RR 1.555, 95% CI 1.021–2.368), who received NC with high skill mix (RR 1.072, 95% CI 1.034–1.111) and those who were admitted to a large hospital (RR 1.001, 95% CI 1.001–1.002). In contrast, increased age (RR 0.987, 95% CI 0.975–0.998), increased amount of care offered by Registered Nurses (RR 0.984, 95% CI 0.974–0.994), a higher proportion of baccalaureate nurses on staff (RR 0.975, 95% CI 0.958–0.993) and being admitted to a teaching hospital (RR 0.497, 95% CI 0.130–0.910) all decreased the likelihood of being dissatisfied with NC.

Conclusions

Dissatisfaction with NC was affected by individual, NC and hospital variables, such as the amount of staff resources, nurses education and skill mix. The findings emerged may inform clinicians, managers and policymakers regarding strategies that should be designed and implemented to prevent patient dissatisfaction.
Changes in biomechanics of skiing at maximal velocity caused by simulated 20‐km skiing race using V2 skating technique
Authors: Ohtonen O. , Lindinger S. J. , Göpfert C. , Rapp W. , Linnamo V.
Published: May 2017

This study investigated how the fatigue caused by a 20‐km simulated skating cross‐country skiing race on snow affects the final spurt performance from a biomechanical perspective. Subjects performed a 100‐m maximal skiing trial before and at the end of the simulated race. Cycle characteristics, ground reaction forces from skis and poles, and muscle activity from eight muscles were recorded during each trial. Results showed that subjects were in a fatigued state after the simulated race manifested by 11.6% lower skiing speed (P<.01). The lower skiing speed was related to an 8.0% decrease in cycle rate (P<.01), whereas cycle length was slightly decreased (tendency). In temporal patterns, relative kick time was increased (10.9%, P<.01) while relative poling time was slightly decreased (tendency). Vertical ski force production decreased by 8.3% while pole force production decreased by 26.0% (both, P<.01). Muscle activation was generally decreased in upper (39.2%) and lower body (30.7%) (both, P<.01). Together these findings show different responses to fatigue in the upper and lower body. In ski forces, fatigue was observed via longer force production times while force production levels decreased only slightly. Pole forces showed equal force production times in the fatigued state while force production level decreased threefold compared to the ski forces.
Can serological methods help distinguish between prophylactic and alloimmune anti‐D?
Authors: Irving C. , Crennan M. , Vanniasinkam T.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Enzyme indirect antiglobulin test (EIAT) and polyethylene glycol IAT (PIAT) were evaluated for their potential use as tests to distinguish between prophylactic and alloimmune anti‐D in plasma by comparing with a tube variation of the standard low ionic strength solution‐IAT (LISS‐IAT).

Background

Laboratories performing the screening of RhD‐negative pregnant women are required to provide clinicians with guidance as to the source of detected RhD antibodies. Currently, this is derived from RhIg immunoprophylaxis history, agglutination scores and titration results, where performed. A serological test that can differentiate between prophylactic and alloimmune anti‐D would be useful in the diagnosis of RhD alloimmunisation in pregnant women.

Materials and Methods

Plasma samples (n = 273) [fresh (collected from April 2014 to February 2015) and frozen (up to 2 years)] from antenatal females, preoperative males and females over child‐bearing age were used in this study. Samples were identified as containing anti‐D by routine column agglutination (CAT) and were tested by tube LISS‐IAT, EIAT and PIAT, and a score difference was calculated.

Results

A total of 32% of alloimmune anti‐D samples demonstrated an increase in agglutination score (+2 or +3) when tested by EIAT. A significant increase in agglutination score for alloimmune samples using EIAT compared with LISS‐IAT was observed. EIAT had a sensitivity (Sn) of 59%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and specificity (Sp) of 100% for alloimmune anti‐D.

Conclusion

EIAT is capable of confirming but not excluding the presence of alloimmune anti‐D in samples where anti‐D is detected in routine antibody screening.
Perioperative nutrition management as an important component of surgical capacity in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Nakahara Shinji , Nguyen Do Huy , Bui An Tho , Sugiyama Michiko , Ichikawa Masao , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Nakamura Teiji
Published: May 2017

Needs for surgical care are growing in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Existing surgical care capacity indicators, focusing on the availability of equipment, personnel, and operation and anaesthetic skills, are not intended to evaluate perioperative nutrition management, which influences surgical outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe the prevalence of malnutrition and its clinical consequences among surgical patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries, suggest potential measures to improve nutrition management and discuss the necessity of considering nutrition management as a component of surgical care capacity.
Improved detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei from non‐blood clinical specimens using enrichment culture and PCR: narrowing diagnostic gap in resource‐constrained settings
Authors: Tellapragada Chaitanya , Shaw Tushar , D'Souza Annet , Eshwara Vandana Kalwaje , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of enrichment culture and PCR for improved case detection rates of non‐bacteraemic form of melioidosis in limited resource settings.

Methods

Clinical specimens (n = 525) obtained from patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital of South India with clinical symptoms suggestive of community‐acquired pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, superficial or internal abscesses, chronic skin ulcers and bone or joint infections were tested for the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei using conventional culture (CC), enrichment culture (EC) and PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CC and PCR were initially deduced using EC as the gold standard method. Further, diagnostic accuracies of all the three methods were analysed using Bayesian latent class modelling (BLCM).

Results

Detection rates of B. pseudomallei using CC, EC and PCR were 3.8%, 5.3% and 6%, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of CC and PCR were 71.4, 98.4% and 100 and 99.4%, respectively in comparison with EC as the gold standard test. With Bayesian latent class modelling, EC and PCR demonstrated sensitivities of 98.7 and 99.3%, respectively, while CC showed a sensitivity of 70.3% for detection of B. pseudomallei. An increase of 1.6% (95% CI: 1.08–4.32%) in the case detection rate of melioidosis was observed in the study population when EC and/or PCR were used in adjunct to the conventional culture technique.

Conclusions

Our study findings underscore the diagnostic superiority of enrichment culture and/or PCR over conventional microbiological culture for improved case detection of melioidosis from non‐blood clinical specimens.
Impact of m‐health application used by community health volunteers on improving utilisation of maternal, new‐born and child health care services in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Prinja Shankar , Nimesh Ruby , Gupta Aditi , Bahuguna Pankaj , Gupta Madhu , Thakur Jarnail Singh
Published: May 2017

Objective

To raise the quality of counselling by community health volunteers resulting in improved uptake of maternal, neonatal and child health services (MNCH), an m‐health application was introduced under a project named ‘Reducing Maternal and Newborn Deaths (ReMiND)’ in district Kaushambi in India. We report the impact of this project on coverage of key MNCH services.

Methods

A pre‐ and post‐quasi‐experimental design was undertaken to assess the impact of intervention. This project was introduced in two community development blocks in Kaushambi district in 2012. Two other blocks from the same district were selected as controls after matching for coverage of two indicators at baseline – antenatal care and institutional deliveries. The Annual Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2011 served as pre‐intervention data, whereas a household survey in four blocks of Kaushambi district in 2015 provided post‐intervention coverage of key services. Propensity score matched samples from intervention and control areas in pre‐intervention and post‐intervention periods were analysed using difference‐in‐difference method to estimate the impact of ReMiND project.

Results

We found a statistically significant increase in coverage of iron–folic acid supplementation (12.58%), self‐reporting of complication during pregnancy (13.11%) and after delivery (19.6%) in the intervention area. The coverage of three or more antenatal care visits, tetanus toxoid vaccination, full antenatal care and ambulance usage increased in intervention area by 10.3%, 4.28%, 1.1% and 2.06%, respectively; however, the changes were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Three of eight services which were targeted for improvement under ReMiND project registered a significant improvement as result of m‐health intervention.
New‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients receiving HIV care at Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe: retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Chimbetete Cleophas , Mugglin Catrina , Shamu Tinei , Kalesan Bindu , Bertisch Barbara , Egger Matthias , Keiser Olivia
Published: May 2017

Objective

To assess the incidence and associated factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Zimbabwe.

Methods

We analysed data of all HIV‐infected patients older than 16 years who attended Newlands Clinic between March 1, 2004 and April 29, 2015. The clinic considers patients whose random blood sugar is higher than 11.1 mmol/l and which is confirmed by a fasting blood sugar higher than 7.0 mmol/l to have T2DM. T2DM is also diagnosed in symptomatic patients who have a RBS >11.0 mmol/l. Risk factors for developing T2DM were identified using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for confounding. Missing baseline BMI data were multiply imputed. Results are presented as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Data for 4,110 participants were included: 67.2% were women; median age was 37 (IQR: 31–43) years. Median baseline CD4 count was 197 (IQR: 95–337) cells/mm3. The proportion of participants with hypertension at baseline was 15.5% (n=638). Over a median follow‐up time of 4.7 (IQR: 2.1–7.2) years, 57 patients developed T2DM; the overall incidence rate was 2.8 (95% CI: 2.1–3.6) per 1000 person‐years of follow‐up. Exposure to PIs was associated with T2DM (HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.04–3.09). In the multivariable analysis, obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) (aHR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.17–4.36), age >40 years (aHR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.22–3.83) and male gender, (aHR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.22–3.72) were independently associated with the risk of T2DM. HIV‐related factors (baseline CD4 cell count and baseline WHO clinical stage) were not independent risk factors for developing T2DM.

Conclusion

Although the incidence of T2DM in this HIV cohort was lower than that has been observed in others, our results show that risk factors for developing T2DM among HIV‐infected people are similar to those of the general population. HIV‐infected patients in sub‐Saharan Africa need a comprehensive approach to care that includes better health services for prevention, early detection and treatment of chronic diseases especially among the elderly and obese.
Reconstitution of the plant ubiquitination cascade in bacteria using a synthetic biology approach
Authors: Han Yufang , Sun Jianhang , Yang Jun , Tan Zhaoyun , Luo Jijing , Lu Dongping
Published: May 2017

Ubiquitination modulates nearly all aspects of plant life. Here, we reconstituted the Arabidopsis thaliana ubiquitination cascade in Escherichia coli using a synthetic biology approach. In this system, plant proteins are expressed and then immediately participate in ubiquitination reactions within E. coli cells. Additionally, the purification of individual ubiquitination components prior to setting up the ubiquitination reactions is omitted. To establish the reconstituted system, we co‐expressed Arabidopsis ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitination substrates with E1, E2 and E3 enzymes in E. coli using the Duet expression vectors. The functionality of the system was evaluated by examining the auto‐ubiquitination of a RING (really interesting new gene)‐type E3 ligase AIP2 and the ubiquitination of its substrate ABI3. Our results demonstrated the fidelity and specificity of this system. In addition, we applied this system to assess a subset of Arabidopsis E2s in Ub chain formation using E2 conjugation assays. Affinity‐tagged Ub allowed efficient purification of Ub conjugates in milligram quantities. Consistent with previous reports, distinct roles of various E2s in Ub chain assembly were also observed in this bacterial system. Therefore, this reconstituted system has multiple advantages, and it can be used to screen for targets of E3 ligases or to study plant ubiquitination in detail.
Maintenance and repair beyond the perimeter of the plant: linking industrial labour and the home
Authors: Carr Chantel
Published: May 2017

Dominant political economic accounts of manufacturing labour draw on an intellectual heritage that has tended to over‐emphasise production culture within the industrial workplace, at the expense of other work cultures such as maintenance and repair. When the latter are foregrounded, new links emerge between work undertaken within the paid workplace, and that undertaken in the home and community. Work that occurs outside the bounds of an industrial site is co‐constituted by materials and skills engendered within, raising timely political and geographical questions around the visibility and mobility of these prosaic restorative cultures. Empirically, the paper brings together two perspectives to illustrate: first, an auto‐ethnographic account of the author's experience as an apprentice industrial electrician in an Australian steel mill in the early 1990s. Emboldened by the work of feminist geographers, I reflect on the spaces occupied by maintenance and repair workers, with an interest in how they cultivate socio‐material cultures that transpire across the bounds of paid and unpaid work. Second, qualitative interviews conducted two decades later, in the homes of retired maintenance trades workers from the same plant. Throughout long careers, these workers have embraced – in both attitude and praxis – the labour of maintenance and repair both at work and at home. Their case demonstrates modes of living thoughtfully with materials that have the potential to reanimate the industrial city as a site of geographical enquiry. The paper urges labour researchers to return to the industrial city and to look beyond the production paradigm, to explore more deeply the heterogeneity of shop‐floor cultures, in order to account for the full value, and thus the potential, of industrial life.
The effect of prazosin on outcome in feline urethral obstruction
Authors: Reineke Erica L. , Thomas Emily K. , Syring Rebecca S. , Savini Jennifer , Drobatz Kenneth J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine whether prazosin administration following urethral obstruction (UO) reduces the risk for recurrent urethral obstruction (rUO) or lower urinary tract signs, and to document adverse effects associated with prazosin use in cats.

Design

Double‐blinded, prospective, interventional study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

A population of 47 consecutive male cats with UO not associated with urinary tract calculi >2 mm in diameter.

Interventions

Cats were randomized to receive either prazosin (0.25 mg/cat PO q 12 h,n= 27) or placebo (n= 20) for 1 month following UO.

Measurements and Main Results

Cats were monitored for rUO, severity of lower urinary tract signs, and medication adverse effects during hospitalization and through weekly conversations with the owner during the 1‐ month study period and once more at 6 months following discharge. There was no difference in the rUO rate among cats that received prazosin or placebo prior to hospital discharge (2/26 (7%) versus 1/19 (5%),P= 1.00), during the 1‐ month medication period (4/26 (15%) versus 3/18 (17%),P= 0.776), or at 6 months following treatment for UO (7/19 (37%) versus 4/13 (31%),P= 0.811). There was no difference in the severity of lower urinary tract signs reported by the owners at the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, or 4‐week follow‐up periods among the cats in either group (P= 0.62, 0.68, 0.33, 1.00, respectively). Reported adverse effects from prazosin administration included lethargy, ptyalism, diarrhea, anorexia, and malodorous stool.

Conclusions

Although our study results failed to find a difference in the incidence of rUO and severity of lower urinary tract signs among cats receiving prazosin and those receiving placebo, these study results should be interpreted cautiously as our study was underpowered to identify such differences. Larger placebo‐controlled, prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of prazosin in prevention of rUO.
Keratitis due to microfilariae in dogs: a newly recognized disease
Authors: Morales Adriana , Perlmann Eduardo , Abelha Aline Nayara Vechiato , Levy Carlos Emilio , de Goes Ana Carolina Almeida , Safatle Angélica M. V.
Published: May 2017

Parasitic agents have been associated with keratitis, but a diagnosis of parasitic keratitis has not been commonly made in domestic animals. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and histopathological findings in seven dogs with chronic keratitis caused by microfilariae diagnosed in Brazil. All dogs presented with superficial corneal opacities of varying degrees affecting the perilimbal and central regions of the cornea, with other opaque areas appearing as crystalline deposits and corneal vascularization. The lesions were bilateral and were associated with mild‐to‐moderate conjunctival hyperemia. There was no history of blepharospasm or pruritus, and no subjects presented with epithelial erosions. Corneal biopsy revealed free microfilariae in the corneal stroma, with varying degrees of inflammation and collagen fiber destruction. The microfilariae were also found in skin lesions by skin snip technique. No adult worms were found in these dogs, and no dogs were on heartworm preventative before diagnosis. Monthly doses of oral ivermectin improved ocular and dermal lesions. One dog showed complete remission with the treatment. The species of the microfilariae was not identified.
Development, Application, and Validation of a Quick Optimization Method for the Class of Axial Fans
Authors: Bamberger Konrad , Carolus Thomas
Published: May 2017

This article discusses the development, application, and validation of an optimization method for the impellers of axial fans. The method is supposed to be quick, accurate, and applicable to optimization at an extensive range of design points (DPs). Optimality here means highest possible total-to-static efficiency for a given design point and is obtained by an evolutionary algorithm in which the target function is evaluated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-trained artificial neural networks (ANN) of the multilayer perceptron (MLP) type. The MLPs were trained with steady-state CFD (i.e., Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)) results of approximately 14,000 distinct impellers. After this considerable one-time effort to generate the CFD dataset, each new fan optimization can be performed within a few minutes. It is shown in this article that the MLPs are reliably applicable to all typical design points of axial fans according to Cordier's diagram. Moreover, an extension of the design space toward the classic realm of mixed-flow or even centrifugal fans is observed. It is also shown that the optimization method successfully handles geometrical and operational constraints proving the high degree of universality of the method. Another focus of this article is on the application of the newly developed optimization method to numerous design points. This yields two major findings: the estimation of maximum achievable total-to-static efficiency as a function of the targeted design point (with and without geometrical constraints) as well as a quantification of the improvement over fans designed with classic methods. Both investigations are supported by flow field analyses to aerodynamically explain the findings. Experimental validation of the method was performed with a total of nine prototypes. The positive correlation between MLP, CFD, and experiment successfully validates the methodology.
The effect of different diet on life history parameters and growth of Oppia denticulata (Acari: Oribatida: Oppiidae)
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Słowikowska Mariola , Paluszak Zbigniew
Published: May 2017

The effect of different diet on Oppia denticulata was studied during a 4-month laboratory experiment, based on daily observations. This species is known as microphytophagous (i.e. feeding on bacteria and/or fungal hyphae and/or algae), like other species of Oppiidae, but our observations show its wider diet. We tested 11 types of food, including homogenous diet [green algae, lichens, fungi (dry yeasts, Trichoderma viride, Penicillium chrysogenum), nematodes], and combined diet [green algae and nematodes, lichens and nematodes, dry yeasts and nematodes, T. viride and nematodes, P. chrysogenum and nematodes]. The basic population parameters (fertility, mortality, sex ratio), time of development, population growth in four months and body length were compared between all groups. Observations on biology of O. denticulata were also made. The most favourable diet for O. denticulata was a combination of T. viride and nematodes, which allowed the highest population growth (about 50 times higher than the least favourable food, a combination of P. chrysogenum and nematodes), due to highest fertility and shortest development. Good population parameters and largest size were obtained on yeasts (served alone or with nematodes). This species did not do well on P. chrysogenum, probably because it produces penicillin.
Transcontinental dispersal, common ancestry or convergent evolution? New phyllocoptines (Eriophyidae) from American and South African relict conifers
Authors: Chetverikov Philipp , Craemer Charnie , Neser Stefan , Peralta Lourdes , Amrine Jr. James W.
Published: May 2017

One new genus, three new species and two records of previously described phyllocoptines are reported from American and South African relict conifers. A new monotypic genus Costolobus n. gen. (Epitrimerus-like phyllocoptines with large ridged frontal lobe and bv I missing) is erected for the new species, Costolobus widdringtonis n. gen., n. sp., from South African endemic Widdringtonia wallichii Endl. ex Carrière (Cupressaceae). Two new species, Epitrimerus papillatus n. sp. and Glossilus calocedris n. sp., are described from Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) from Chile and Calocedrus decurrens (Cupressaceae) from USA. Two other phyllocoptine species, Calepitrimerus convergens (Keifer 1966) and Phyllocoptes libocedri (Keifer 1939), are recorded from relict North American cupressacean hosts Calocedrus decurrens and Sequoiadendron giganteum collected in California. The genus Glossilus Navia & Flechtmann 2000 is recorded from North America for the first time; a rediagnosis of this genus is provided. Morphological similarity of the Epitrimerus-like phyllocoptines from gymnosperms is briefly discussed. Contemporary distribution of morphologically similar phyllocoptines on relic conifers in geographically remote regions can be explained by 1) their possible common ancestry followed by transcontinental dispersal and coevolution with hosts or by 2) multiple host-shifts from dicots in different continents and convergent morphological evolution. Comparative studies of the whole complex of eriophyoids inhabiting conifers are necessary to reveal phylogenetic structure of this ecological group of mites. Considering that numerous independent host-shifts from dicots to conifers happened in the past in different clades of Eriophyidae s.l., the mites from conifers might be used as “islands” around which their relatives from angiosperms could be grouped using various phylogenetic tools. Such an approach may be useful for future phylogenetic studies of Eriophyoidea.
Vacuum properties and operation stability of the radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex linac
Authors: Morishita Takatoshi , Kondo Yasuhiro , Oguri Hidetomo , Hasegawa Kazuo
Published: May 2017

The Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex accelerator comprises an injector linac, a 3-GeV rapid-cycling synchrotron (RCS), and a 30-GeV main ring. The linac provides a 400-MeV negative hydrogen ion beam to the RCS. For beam power upgrade, a new radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) was designed to increase the peak beam current from 30 to 50 mA. This RFQ was fabricated and installed in the front end of the linac beam line in the summer of 2014. Since then, the RFQ has been operated without serious problems for more than two years. However, operational stability of the RFQ can be improved further. The RFQ operation trips occasionally owing to sparking between vane tips. An increase in residual gas components is observed during beam operation. A part of the beam lost in the RFQ hits the inner surface of the cavity, which induces outgassing from the surface. Moreover, the trip rate depends on the beam operating condition. Under a higher trip rate, a larger increase in the carbon-related residual gas components was observed. Therefore, the authors concluded that the sparking occurred at the high-voltage vane tip, which had been contaminated by the carbon-related contaminants.
2017 Oersted Medal Presentation: The changing face of physics and the students who take physics
Authors: Tobochnik Jan
Published: May 2017

I have never found teaching physics to be as interesting as it is now for two reasons. Students are changing rapidly and it is an intellectual challenge to figure out the best way to work with them. Simultaneously, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a major disconnect between what we teach, which has barely changed since I started teaching, and what physicists and other scientists are actually doing in their research. I will discuss these changes and what is being done at Kalamazoo College and elsewhere to address these challenges.