bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient readmission for orthopaedic surgical site infection: an hermeneutic phenomenological approach
Authors: Torres Lilian Machado , Turrini Ruth Natalia Teresa , Merighi Miriam Aparecida Barbosa
Published: January 2017

Aim and objective

To explore the individual experience of being readmitted for surgical site infection resulting from orthopaedic surgery.

Background

Surgical site infection has been a cause of concern worldwide and contributes to the greatest number of hospital readmission occurrences. Health professionals must understand the meaning of these readmissions for the individual, as an understanding of these exclusive experiences improves the quality of surgical care.

Design

Qualitative research based on the existential phenomenology of Martin Heidegger.

Method

Eleven individuals who were readmitted because of surgical site infection participated in the study. The testimonials were obtained over an 11‐month period in 2014–2015 based on the following leading question: What has it been like for you to be readmitted because of orthopaedic surgical site infection? The phenomenological analysis identified the sentiment units of the testimonials and their interrelation, revealing the meanings.

Results

The revealed contents were fear and insecurity of the unknown, frustration, and the sense of time passing them by and being unable to live their lives. The individuals felt neglected, and they experienced their social relationality as impaired and sometimes approaching a breakdown. The patients connected with God as an attempt to avoid complications and death.

Conclusion

We urge healthcare professionals to deepen their knowledge of the dimensions of care by developing competencies that consider the subjectivity of experiences of the health–disease process. When the only listening that takes place is qualified listening, the professional's attitudes compromise his or her ability to provide true care, which transcends the knowledge of doing and reaches the knowledge of doing with sensitivity.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing care requires an attitude that considers the patient as more than a carrier of illness and should not be limited to what is described and prescribed, although the latter cannot be excluded in an organisational point of view.
Ecological genomics of tropical trees: how local population size and allelic diversity of resistance genes relate to immune responses, cosusceptibility to pathogens, and negative density dependence
Authors: Marden J. H. , Mangan S. A. , Peterson M. P. , Wafula E. , Fescemyer H. W. , Der J. P. , dePamphilis C. W. , Comita L. S.
Published: January 2017

In tropical forests, rarer species show increased sensitivity to species‐specific soil pathogens and more negative effects of conspecific density on seedling survival (NDD). These patterns suggest a connection between ecology and immunity, perhaps because small population size disproportionately reduces genetic diversity of hyperdiverse loci such as immunity genes. In an experiment examining seedling roots from six species in one tropical tree community, we found that smaller populations have reduced amino acid diversity in pathogen resistance (R) genes but not the transcriptome in general. Normalized R gene amino acid diversity varied with local abundance and prior measures of differences in sensitivity to conspecific soil and NDD. After exposure to live soil, species with lower R gene diversity had reduced defence gene induction, more cosusceptibility of maternal cohorts to colonization by potentially pathogenic fungi, reduced root growth arrest (an R gene‐mediated response) and their root‐associated fungi showed lower induction of self‐defence (antioxidants). Local abundance was not related to the ability to induce immune responses when pathogen recognition was bypassed by application of salicylic acid, a phytohormone that activates defence responses downstream of R gene signalling. These initial results support the hypothesis that smaller local tree populations have reduced R gene diversity and recognition‐dependent immune responses, along with greater cosusceptibility to species‐specific pathogens that may facilitate disease transmission and NDD. Locally rare species may be less able to increase their equilibrium abundance without genetic boosts to defence via immigration of novel R gene alleles from a larger and more diverse regional population.
Teaching peritoneal dialysis in Australia: An opportunity for improvement
Authors: Boudville Neil , Cho Yeoungjee , Equinox Keri‐Lu , Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , Hawley Carmel M , Howard Kirsten , Johnson David W , Jose Matthew , Lee Anna , Maley Moira Alison , Moodie Jo‐Anne , Pascoe Elaine M , Steiner Genevieve Z , Tomlins Melinda , Voss David , Chow Josephine
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Up to a 10‐fold difference in clinical outcomes between Australian peritoneal dialysis (PD) units exists. There is an international focus on the harmonization of educational practices in PD to determine whether this may lead to improved patient outcomes.

Aims

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current teaching practices of nurses and patients in Australian PD units.

Methods

An online survey with questions on nurse and patient training was made available to PD units in Australia.

Results

Thirty‐eight (70%) of 54 PD units in Australia completed the survey. A written standardized curricula was utilized in 21 units (55%) for nursing staff and 30 units (79%) for patients, with 23% and 12% including an electronic delivery component for each group, respectively. Universal teaching of adult learning principles was not demonstrated. The hours spent on teaching nursing staff ranged from <15 h in 24% to >100 h in 21% of units. The average number of hours spent by nurses each day to train patients ranged from <2 h in 14% to >6 h in 11% of units, with the average total training days ranging from 2 to 3 days in 14% to over 7 days in 14% of units. Staff and patient competency assessments were performed routinely in 37% and 74% of units, respectively.

Conclusions

Considerable differences exist amongst Australian PD units in the education of staff and patients. There is a general lack of delivery and competency assessment to meet educational standards. It remains to be seen if harmonization of educational curricula can translate to improved clinical outcomes.
Well‐formed cerebellum and brainstem‐like structures in a mature ovarian teratoma: Neuropathological observations
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Sakuma Toshiko , Ohbayashi Chiho , Maruo Motoyoshi
Published: January 2017

In the surgical case of a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary that arose in a 16‐year‐old girl, a large amount of well‐differentiated and highly organized cerebellar tissue was found. Three layers of the cerebellar cortex were well formed, and synaptophysin‐positive “glomeruli” were found in the granule cell layer. Some Purkinje cells exhibited focal expansion and a dysmorphic appearance of the dendrites. Adjacent to the cerebellar tissue, a large space lined by the ependymal layer and a club‐shaped CNS tissue mass resembling the brainstem were found, and structures reminiscent of the midbrain tectum and pontine nuclei were distinguished within this mass. The CNS tissue was surrounded by the leptomeninges and a skull‐like, bony shell. Structures consistent with the supra‐tentorial CNS tissue were not found. This case represents an example of infra‐tentorial CNS tissue that was well‐differentiated and organized to an exceptionally high degree in an ovarian mature teratoma. Various degenerative changes have been documented in CNS tissue in ovarian teratomas, but the dendritic abnormalities of Purkinje cells seen in the present case are novel findings.
Could the peristaltic transition zone be caused by non‐uniform esophageal muscle fiber architecture? A simulation study
Authors: Kou W. , Pandolfino J. E. , Kahrilas P. J. , Patankar N. A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Based on a fully coupled computational model of esophageal transport, we analyzed how varied esophageal muscle fiber architecture and/or dual contraction waves (CWs) affect bolus transport. Specifically, we studied the luminal pressure profile in those cases to better understand possible origins of the peristaltic transition zone.

Methods

Two groups of studies were conducted using a computational model. The first studied esophageal transport with circumferential‐longitudinal fiber architecture, helical fiber architecture and various combinations of the two. In the second group, cases with dual CWs and varied muscle fiber architecture were simulated. Overall transport characteristics were examined and the space‐time profiles of luminal pressure were plotted and compared.

Key Results

Helical muscle fiber architecture featured reduced circumferential wall stress, greater esophageal distensibility, and greater axial shortening. Non‐uniform fiber architecture featured a peristaltic pressure trough between two high‐pressure segments. The distal pressure segment showed greater amplitude than the proximal segment, consistent with experimental data. Dual CWs also featured a pressure trough between two high‐pressure segments. However, the minimum pressure in the region of overlap was much lower, and the amplitudes of the two high‐pressure segments were similar.

Conclusions & Inferences

The efficacy of esophageal transport is greatly affected by muscle fiber architecture. The peristaltic transition zone may be attributable to non‐uniform architecture of muscle fibers along the length of the esophagus and/or dual CWs. The difference in amplitude between the proximal and distal pressure segments may be attributable to non‐uniform muscle fiber architecture.
Atypical Surface ECG Complicating the Diagnosis of Bundle Branch Reentry Tachycardia
Authors: REITHMANN CHRISTOPHER , HERKOMMER BERNHARD , REMP THOMAS , FIEK MICHAEL
Published: January 2017

Background

Typical left bundle branch block (LBBB) during ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a diagnostic criterion of bundle branch reentry tachycardia (BBRT) with activation of the right bundle in the anterograde direction.

Methods and Results

Eleven patients (seven male, 60 ± 12 years) with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction 37 ± 16%) presenting with BBRT were successfully treated by ablation of the right bundle. Among them, five patients had atypical surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) differing from a typical LBBB during the VT. Three patients with severe enlargement and dysfunction of the left ventricle had broadened irregular QRS complexes with rR or RS configuration in lead V6 during the BBRT. Two patients with enlargement and/or hypokinesia of the right ventricle had entirely or almost entirely negative complexes (QS) in the chest leads (V1–V6) during the VT. Activation mapping in these two patients revealed that the exit site of the BBRT was in the anterior right ventricle generating a negative concordance in the precordial leads.

Conclusions

Atypical surface ECGs with broadened irregular QRS complexes or negative concordance in the precordial leads can complicate the correct diagnosis of BBRT in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and involvement of the right ventricle.
Lumbopelvic Core Stabilization Exercise and Pain Modulation Among Individuals with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Paungmali Aatit , Joseph Leonard H. , Sitilertpisan Patraporn , Pirunsan Ubon , Uthaikhup Sureeporn
Published: January 2017

Background

Lumbopelvic stabilization training (LPST) may provide therapeutic benefits on pain modulation in chronic nonspecific low back pain conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of LPST on pain threshold and pain intensity in comparison with the passive automated cycling intervention and control intervention among patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods

A within‐subject, repeated‐measures, crossover randomized controlled design was conducted among 25 participants (7 males and 18 females) with chronic nonspecific low back pain. All the participants received 3 different types of experimental interventions, which included LPST, the passive automated cycling intervention, and the control intervention randomly, with 48 hours between the sessions. The pressure pain threshold (PPT), hot–cold pain threshold, and pain intensity were estimated before and after the interventions.

Results

Repeated‐measures analysis of variance showed that LPST provided therapeutic effects as it improved the PPT beyond the placebo and control interventions (P < 0.01). The pain intensity under the LPST condition was significantly better than that under the passive automated cycling intervention and controlled intervention (P < 0.001). Heat pain threshold under the LPST condition also showed a significant trend of improvement beyond the control (P < 0.05), but no significant effects on cold pain threshold were evident.

Conclusions

Lumbopelvic stabilization training may provide therapeutic effects by inducing pain modulation through an improvement in the pain threshold and reduction in pain intensity. LPST may be considered as part of the management programs for treatment of chronic low back pain.
A single point mutation in Ms44 results in dominant male sterility and improves nitrogen use efficiency in maize
Authors: Fox Tim , DeBruin Jason , Haug Collet Kristin , Trimnell Mary , Clapp Joshua , Leonard April , Li Bailin , Scolaro Eric , Collinson Sarah , Glassman Kimberly , Miller Michael , Schussler Jeff , Dolan Dennis , Liu Lu , Gho Carla , Albertsen Marc , Loussaert Dale , Shen Bo
Published: January 2017

Application of nitrogen fertilizer in the past 50 years has resulted in significant increases in crop yields. However, loss of nitrogen from crop fields has been associated with negative impacts on the environment. Developing maize hybrids with improved nitrogen use efficiency is a cost‐effective strategy for increasing yield sustainably. We report that a dominant male‐sterile mutant Ms44 encodes a lipid transfer protein which is expressed specifically in the tapetum. A single amino acid change from alanine to threonine at the signal peptide cleavage site of the Ms44 protein abolished protein processing and impeded the secretion of protein from tapetal cells into the locule, resulting in dominant male sterility. While the total nitrogen (N) content in plants was not changed, Ms44 male‐sterile plants reduced tassel growth and improved ear growth by partitioning more nitrogen to the ear, resulting in a 9.6% increase in kernel number. Hybrids carrying the Ms44 allele demonstrated a 4%–8.5% yield advantage when N is limiting, 1.7% yield advantage under drought and 0.9% yield advantage under optimal growth conditions relative to the yield of wild type. Furthermore, we have developed an Ms44 maintainer line for fertility restoration, male‐sterile inbred seed increase and hybrid seed production. This study reveals that protein secretion from the tapetum into the locule is critical for pollen development and demonstrates that a reduction in competition between tassel and ear by male sterility improves grain yield under low‐nitrogen conditions in maize.
S‐locus diversity and cross‐compatibility of wildPrunus aviumfor timber breeding
Authors: Cachi Ariana M. , Wünsch Ana , Vilanova Antoni , Guàrdia Merce , Ciordia Marta , Aletà Neus
Published: January 2017

Prunus aviumis primarily cultivated for its fruit, sweet cherries. However, it is also used to produce high‐quality timber. In aP. aviumseed orchard, gametophytic self‐incompatibility is a restriction for free pollen flow and should be considered when establishing basic forest materials. In this study,S‐locus diversity and cross‐incompatibility of wild cherry individuals in clonal banks established for breeding for timber production were investigated. Wild cherry trees (140) with outstanding forest growth habit, collected in northern Spain, grafted and planted in two clonal banks, were genotyped at theS‐locus. The self‐incompatibilityS‐locus genes,S‐RNaseandSFB, were analysed byPCR. Twenty‐twoS‐haplotypes, resulting in 72 differentS‐genotypes, were identified. The genotypes were grouped into 33 incompatibility groups and 39 unique genotypes. This initialS‐locus analysis revealed large genetic diversity of wild cherry trees from the Spanish northern deciduous forest, and provides useful information for seed orchard design. WildP. aviumdisplays significantly more genetic diversity than what is detected in local cultivars, revealing a narrowing of genetic diversity during local domestication.
Does ozone increase ABA levels by non‐enzymatic synthesis causing stomata to close?
Authors: McAdam Erin L. , Brodribb Timothy J. , McAdam Scott A. M.
Published: January 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are widely recognized as important regulators of stomatal aperture and plant gas exchange. The pathways through which stomata perceive ROS share many common linkages with the well characterized signalling pathway for the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), a major driver of stomatal closure. Given reports that ABA receptor mutants have no stomatal response to ozone‐triggered ROS production, as well as evidence that all steps in the ABA biosynthetic pathway can be non‐enzymatically converted by ROS, here we investigated the possibility that ozone closes stomata by directly converting ABA precursors to ABA. In plants where stomata were responsive to ozone, we found that foliar ABA levels rapidly increased upon exposure to ozone. Recovery of gas exchange post‐exposure occurred only when ABA levels declined. Our data suggest that stomatal closure in response to ozone exposure occurs as a result of direct oxidation of ABA precursors leading to ABA production, but the importance of this ROS interaction remains uncertain under normal photosynthetic conditions.
Identification of mega‐environments in Europe and effect of allelic variation at maturity E loci on adaptation of European soybean
Authors: Kurasch Alena K. , Hahn Volker , Leiser Willmar L. , Vollmann Johann , Schori Arnold , Bétrix Claude‐Alain , Mayr Bernhard , Winkler Johanna , Mechtler Klemens , Aper Jonas , Sudaric Aleksandra , Pejic Ivan , Sarcevic Hrvoje , Jeanson Patrice , Balko Christiane , Signor Marco , Miceli Fabiano , Strijk Peter , Rietman Hendrik , Muresanu Eugen , Djordjevic Vuk , Pospišil Ana , Barion Giuseppe , Weigold Peter , Streng Stefan , Krön Matthias , Würschum Tobias
Published: January 2017

Soybean cultivation holds great potential for a sustainable agriculture in Europe, but adaptation remains a central issue. In this large mega‐environment (MEV) study, 75 European cultivars from five early maturity groups (MGs 000–II) were evaluated for maturity‐related traits at 22 locations in 10 countries across Europe. Clustering of the locations based on phenotypic similarity revealed six MEVs in latitudinal direction and suggested several more. Analysis of maturity identified several groups of cultivars with phenotypic similarity that are optimally adapted to the different growing regions in Europe. We identified several haplotypes for the allelic variants at the E1, E2, E3 and E4 genes, with each E haplotype comprising cultivars from different MGs. Cultivars with the same E haplotype can exhibit different flowering and maturity characteristics, suggesting that the genetic control of these traits is more complex and that adaptation involves additional genetic pathways, for example temperature requirement. Taken together, our study allowed the first unified assessment of soybean‐growing regions in Europe and illustrates the strong effect of photoperiod on soybean adaptation and MEV classification, as well as the effects of the E maturity loci for soybean adaptation in Europe.
Ratoon rice generated from primed parent plants exhibit enhanced herbivore resistance
Authors: Ye Mao , Song Yuan‐Yuan , Baerson Scott R. , Long Jun , Wang Jie , Pan Zhiqiang , Lin Wen‐Xiong , Zeng Ren‐Sen
Published: January 2017

Rice ratooning is practiced in many rice‐growing countries for achieving increased rice production with limited labour input. Here, we report that attack by insect herbivores, or treatment with a defense signaling compound in parent plants, can prime anti‐herbivore defense responses in subsequent ratoon plants. We compared the defense responses of rice ratoons generated from parent plants that had been either infested by Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (rice leaffolder, LF) caterpillars or treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) during vegetative growth, with ratoons generated from control parent plants. Ratoon plants generated from parents receiving prior LF infestation or MeJA treatment exhibited higher jasmonic acid (JA) levels, as well as elevated levels of transcripts of defense‐related genes associated with JA signaling. In addition, elevated activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and trypsin protease inhibitor were observed, as well as enhanced resistance towards subsequent LF infestation. Pre‐priming of ratoon defense responses was significantly reduced in plants where expression of OsAOS (allene oxide synthase, involved in JA biosynthesis) or OsCOI1 (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1, involved in JA perception) was inhibited by RNA interference. Our results indicate that herbivore exposure or MeJA treatment in rice parent plants enhances anti‐herbivore resistance in subsequently generated ratoons through priming of JA‐mediated defenses.
Effect of UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism on prognosis in pediatric cancer
Authors: Ishimaru Sae , Yuza Yuki , Kaneko Takashi , Urashima Mitsuyoshi
Published: January 2017

Background

UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2 family, polypeptide B17 (UGT2B17) encodes for an enzyme that modifies carcinogens, C19 steroids, xenobiotics, and anticancer chemotherapeutic agents by glucuronidation. Pediatric cancers are much more sensitive to anticancer agents than adult cancers. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the effects of UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism on prognosis in pediatric cancer.

Methods

A total of 145 DNA samples were collected from children with malignant disease. UGT2B17 copy number variant was determined on polymerase chain reaction. Survival analysis was carried out to analyze the effects of UGT2B17 deletion on relapse‐free rate in lymphoblastic and non‐lymphoblastic malignancy.

Results

UGT2B17 was deleted in 64% of children with lymphoblastic malignancy, but in 83% of children with non‐lymphoblastic malignancy. Moreover, in non‐lymphoblastic malignancy, children without UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism had significantly higher relapse rates than those with the deletion polymorphism (HR, 16.1; 95%CI: 1.67–154; P = 0.016), which remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, underlying disease, advanced stage, and adverse events (HR, 22.4; 95%CI: 1.10–454; P = 0.043). There was a significant interaction between UGT2B17 deletion and non‐lymphoblastic malignancy. In the early subgroup, that is, stages 1–3 or standard/intermediate risk, children without UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism had a higher relapse rate than children with more advanced disease (log‐rank test: P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism may improve the relapse‐free rate in children with non‐lymphoblastic malignancy.
Early and late neurological complications of liver transplantation in pediatric patients
Authors: Gungor Serdal , Kilic Betul , Arslan Mujgan , Selimoglu M. Ayse , Karabiber Hamza , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: January 2017

NCs occur commonly after solid organ transplantation and affect 15%‐30% of liver transplant recipients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the type and incidence of neurologic events in pediatric patients following LT. Between May 2006 and June 2015, 242 patients (118 females, 124 males) requiring LT for different etiologies at the İnönü University Liver Transplantation Institute were included. The incidence, types, and risk factors of NCs that occurred following LT were evaluated retrospectively. Neurologic events occurred in 57 (23.5%) of the patients. Early NCs were encephalopathy (12.4%), seizures (11.5%), and PRES (7%). Of 57 patients, five (8.7%) experienced NCs at least 1 month after LT; these late NCs included tremor, headaches, encephalopathy, ataxia, and neuropathy. The psychiatric symptoms after LT were noted in 42 patients (17.4%). The mortality rate after LT in those with or without neurological events was not significantly different (P=.73). There was a high incidence of serious neurologic events after LT. The major neurologic manifestation in our patients was encephalopathy followed by seizures.
Drought responses, phenotypic plasticity and survival of Mediterranean species in two different microclimatic sites
Authors: Bongers F. J. , Olmo M. , Lopez‐Iglesias B. , Anten N. P. R. , Villar R.
Published: January 2017

Climate models predict a further drying of the Mediterranean summer. One way for plant species to persist during such climate changes is through acclimation. Here, we determine the extent to which trait plasticity in response to drought differs between species and between sites, and address the question whether there is a trade‐off between drought survival and phenotypic plasticity.

Throughout the summer we measured physiological traits (photosynthesis – Amax, stomatal conductance – gs, transpiration – E, leaf water potential – ψl) and structural traits (specific leaf area – SLA, leaf density – LD, leaf dry matter content – LDMC, leaf relative water content – LRWC) of leaves of eight woody species in two sites with slightly different microclimate (north‐ versus south‐facing slopes) in southern Spain. Plant recovery and survival was estimated after the summer drought period.

We found high trait variability between species. In most variables, phenotypic plasticity was lower in the drier site. Phenotypic plasticity of SLA and LDMC correlated negatively with drought survival, which suggests a trade‐off between them. On the other hand, high phenotypic plasticity of SLA and LDMC was positively related to traits associated with rapid recovery and growth after the drought period.

Although phenotypic plasticity is generally seen as favourable during stress conditions, here it seemed beneficial for favourable conditions. We propose that in environments with fluctuating drought periods there can be a trade‐off between drought survival and growth during favourable conditions. When climate become drier, species with high drought survival but low phenotypic plasticity might be selected for.
Plant adaptations to the combination of drought and high temperatures
Authors: Zandalinas Sara I. , Mittler Ron , Balfagón Damián , Arbona Vicent , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio
Published: January 2017

Under field conditions crops are routinely subjected to a number of different abiotic stress factors simultaneously. Recent studies revealed that the response of plants to a combination of different abiotic stresses is unique and cannot be directly extrapolated from simply studying each of the different stresses applied individually. These studies have also identified specific regulatory transcripts, combinations of metabolites and proteins, and physiological responses that are unique to specific stress combinations, highlighting the importance of studying abiotic stress combination in plants. Here we describe the interactions between drought and other abiotic stresses with emphasis on drought and heat stress. We compile new data about the different molecular, physiological and metabolic adaptations of different plants and crops to this stress combination and we highlight the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and stomatal responses for plant acclimation to drought and heat stress combination. We further emphasize the need for developing crops with enhanced tolerance to drought and heat stress combination in order to mitigate the negative impacts of predicted global climatic changes on agricultural production worldwide.
Neogene exhumation and relief evolution in the eastern Betics (SE Spain): Insights from the Sierra de Gador
Authors: Janowski Marianne , Loget Nicolas , Gautheron Cécile , Barbarand Jocelyn , Bellahsen Nicolas , Van Den Driessche Jean , Babault Julien , Meyer Bertrand
Published: January 2017

The Betics are a key area to study an orogenic landscape disrupted by late‐orogenic extension. New low‐temperature thermochronology (LTT) data (AHe and AFT) coupled with geomorphic constraints in the Sierra de Gador (Alpujarride complex) are used to reconstruct the cooling history and evolution of relief during the Neogene. We document three stages: (1) a fast cooling event between 23 and 16 Ma associated with the well‐known extensive tectonic exhumation of the Alpujarride unit, (2) a period of slow cooling between 16 and 7.2 Ma related to a planation event and (3) a post‐7.2 Ma surface uplift associated with the inversion of the Alboran domain undetected by LTT. The planation event followed by this late uplift can explain the occurrence of inherited low‐relief surfaces overlain by Tortonian–Messinian platform deposits at the top of the range. Finally, we propose that the Sierra de Gador is a more transient landscape than the nearby Sierra Nevada.
Liver transplantation is associated with good clinical outcome in patients with active tuberculosis and acute liver failure due to anti‐tubercular treatment
Authors: Bartoletti Michele , Martelli Giulia , Tedeschi Sara , Morelli Mariacristina , Bertuzzo Valentine , Tadolini Marina , Pianta Paolo , Cristini Francesco , Giannella Maddalena , Lewis Russell E. , Pinna Antonio D. , Viale Pierluigi
Published: January 2017

Background

Active tuberculosis (TB) is commonly considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). However, in patients with TB who develop acute liver failure (ALF) due to toxicity induced by anti‐tubercular treatment (ATT), LT could be the only opportunity for treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of LT in this scenario.

Methods

We described 2 cases and comprehensively reviewed the literature finding 26 cases of LT performed in patients having a concomitant active TB and liver failure secondary to ATT toxicity.

Results

TB was classified as pulmonary in 18/26 (69%), nodal in 3/26 (11%) TB cases, while the remaining 5/26 cases included disseminated, pleural, renal, ovarian, and vertebral TB localization (1 case each). ATT following LT consisted mainly of isoniazid or rifampin (RIF)‐sparing regimens and included primarily fluoroquinolones and ethambutol. Rejection episodes and liver toxicity were reported in 19% and 8% of patients respectively. Graft rejection was more frequent among patients treated with RIF‐containing regimens (P<.001). Mortality rate was 15% after a median follow up of 12 months. In only one case was death attributed to uncontrolled TB infection.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that LT is an effective therapeutic option for patients with active TB developing ALF following ATT and should be considered for patients failing medical treatment.
IMPROVING CONSPICUITY OF THE CANINE GASTROINTESTINAL WALL USING DUAL PHASE CONTRAST‐ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Fitzgerald Ella , Lam Richard , Drees Randi
Published: January 2017

Gastrointestinal (GI) disease is a common clinical complaint in small animal patients; computed tomography (CT) examinations enable a global overview of the GI tract and associated structures. Previously, the GI wall has been reportedly identified from serosa to mucosa in 77% of standard postcontrast CT studies and wall layers seen in ultrasound have not been distinguished. Inconsistent strong contrast enhancement of the inner layer of the GI mucosal surface was noted on dual phase CT studies acquired in our institution, which increased the visibility of the GI tract and disease processes. The aim of this retrospective, observational, cross‐sectional study was to determine the optimal portal vein attenuation for maximizing GI wall conspicuity using dual phase contrast‐enhanced CT. Patients with abdominal CT for a non‐GI related disease were included. In a pilot study, 175 GI segments from 35 CT studies were graded for presence of mucosal surface enhancement (MSE). The strongest mucosal surface enhancement grade correlated with portal vein attenuation of 43–150 HU; this value was used as inclusion criterion in the main study. A total of 441 GI segments were evaluated in 42 CT studies postcontrast for GI wall conspicuity. The GI wall was conspicuous in 56.7% precontrast, 84.5% at 30s, and 77.3% late postcontrast; 4.7% of segments were removed due to motion blur. At 30 s distinct mucosal surface enhancement was seen in the small intestine and gastric mucosal surface enhancement was poor. Findings supported the use of dual phase contrast‐enhanced CT for improving conspicuity of the GI wall.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: January 2017

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 1 Angela LeeBrenda L. ShookCagla AtmacaCarmen Pérez-SabaterEbrahim MohammadpourErica D. Shifflet-ChilaHanan Mohamed SolimanHoiyung LeungJeyavel SundaramoorthyJiao JiLois TangLorna T. EnervaMarcie ZahareeMarieke van der SchaafMin GuiNele KampaNicole CelestineNiveen M. ZayedRichard H. MartinRichard PennySamad Mirza SuzaniSuzan KavanozVeronica RosaYalçın DilekliZachary Wahl-Alexander        Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Adjoint-Based Optimization Procedure for Active Vibration Control of Nonlinear Mechanical Systems
Authors: Pappalardo Carmine M. , Guida Domenico
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a new computational algorithm for the numerical solution of the adjoint equations for the nonlinear optimal control problem is introduced. To this end, the main features of the optimal control theory are briefly reviewed and effectively employed to derive the adjoint equations for the active control of a mechanical system forced by external excitations. A general nonlinear formulation of the cost functional is assumed, and a feedforward (open-loop) control scheme is considered in the analytical structure of the control architecture. By doing so, the adjoint equations resulting from the optimal control theory enter into the formulation of a nonlinear differential-algebraic two-point boundary value problem, which mathematically describes the solution of the motion control problem under consideration. For the numerical solution of the problem at hand, an adjoint-based control optimization computational procedure is developed in this work to effectively and efficiently compute a nonlinear optimal control policy. A numerical example is provided in the paper to show the principal analytical aspects of the adjoint method. In particular, the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed adjoint-based numerical procedure are demonstrated for the reduction of the mechanical vibrations of a nonlinear two degrees-of-freedom dynamical system.
On the Modeling of Fibers Embedding in Aluminum Using Ultrasonic Consolidation
Authors: Abubakar Abba A. , Khan Shafique M. A. , Mekid Samir
Published: January 2017

Ultrasonic consolidation of fiber optics in metals is of major importance allowing surface embedding and protecting the fibers from exposure to open environment. The paper investigates the computational modeling of this process of embedding fibers at the aluminum subsurface. This new method provides an opportunity to develop sensory materials (Mekid et al., 2015, “Towards Sensor Array Materials: Can Failure be Delayed?” Sci. Technol. Adv. Mater., 16(3), p. 034607) and new types of nervous materials (Mekid and Kwon, 2009, “Nervous Materials: A New Approach for Better Control, Reliability and Safety of Structures,” Sci. Adv. Mater., 1(3), pp. 276–285) for structural health monitoring applications. A thermo-mechanical analysis of embedding SiC fiber in aluminum substrate has been conducted. The temperature distribution was obtained using a thermal model with process-dependent heat flux at the sonotrode/foil interface, which is coupled to the structural model in an iterative manner for simulating fiber embedment. The structural model uses a process-dependent plastic flow rule with an isotropic hardening model. A ductile damage model is employed for the first time in simulating such problems in addition to the use of real material properties of the fiber, which has resulted in better numerical results. Both of these factors help in determining the extent of damage particularly to the fiber/sensor being embedded. The experimental test has shown good agreement.
Hyalomma marginatum in Tübingen, Germany
Authors: Oehme Rainer , Bestehorn Malena , Wölfel Silke , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia
Published: January 2017

Hyalomma marginatum, a two-host tick, is found in North Africa and southern Europe. In July 2016, an ixodid tick female was found on a man’s trousers in a garden of the city of Tübingen, (State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany). The tick was identified by morphologic and molecular methods to be H. marginatum. The 16S rRNA sequence of H. marginatum from Germany was identical to corresponding 16S rRNA sequences of H. marginatum from Romania and from the NCBI database. Real-time PCRs carried out to test for rickettsiae and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus were negative.
A new species and a new record of the genus Tycherobius (Acari: Camerobiidae) for the Turkish Fauna
Authors: Akyol Mustafa , Koç Kamil
Published: January 2017

A new species Tycherobius izmirensis sp. nov., collected from soil and litter under Quercus sp. in Turkey is described and illustrated based on adult females. Additionally, T. farsiensis Khanjani, Yazyanpanah, Ostovan and Asali Fayaz 2012 is recorded for the first time in Turkey. A key to all known species of Tycherobius is provided.
Time-domain versus frequency-domain effort weighting in active noise control design
Authors: Friot Emmanuel
Published: January 2017

Active noise control is often designed by minimizing an error index which includes a penalty on the actuator inputs. In this way, an effort-weighting parameter allows one to monitor the maximum voltages applied to the control sources. Two effort-weighting techniques have been widely implemented in previous studies, Tikhonov regularization for frequency-domain simulations and the leaky filtered-reference least mean square algorithm for real-time feedforward control. This paper introduces the formal connection between the weighting parameters of these two techniques. Simulations of a simple set-up show that, with these two connected parameters, the control performances are indeed very close.
Industrial biomanufacturing: The future of chemical production
Authors: Clomburg James M. , Crumbley Anna M. , Gonzalez Ramon
Published: January 2017

The next era of chemical manufacturing

Producing mass quantities of chemicals has its roots in the industrial revolution. But industrial synthesis leads to sizeable sustainability and socioeconomic challenges. The rapid advances in biotechnology suggest that biological manufacturing may soon be a feasible alternative, but can it produce chemicals at scale? Clomburg
et al.
review the progress made in industrial biomanufacturing, including the tradeoffs between highly tunable biocatalysts and units of scale. The biological conversion of single-carbon compounds such as methane, for example, has served as a testbed for more sustainable, decentralized production of desirable compounds.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aag0804
SOX2
promotes lineage plasticity and antiandrogen resistance in
TP53
- and
RB1
-deficient prostate cancer
Authors: Mu Ping , Zhang Zeda , Benelli Matteo , Karthaus Wouter R. , Hoover Elizabeth , Chen Chi-Chao , Wongvipat John , Ku Sheng-Yu , Gao Dong , Cao Zhen , Shah Neel , Adams Elizabeth J. , Abida Wassim , Watson Philip A. , Prandi Davide , Huang Chun-Hao , de Stanchina Elisa , Lowe Scott W. , Ellis Leigh , Beltran Himisha , Rubin Mark A. , Goodrich David W. , Demichelis Francesca , Sawyers Charles L.
Published: January 2017

Evading cancer drugs by identity fraud

Prostate cancer growth is fueled by male hormones called androgens. Drugs targeting the androgen receptor (AR) are initially efficacious, but most tumors eventually become resistant (see the Perspective by Kelly and Balk). Mu
et al.
found that prostate cancer cells escaped the effects of androgen deprivation therapy through a change in lineage identity. Functional loss of the tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1 promoted a shift from AR-dependent luminal epithelial cells to AR-independent basal-like cells. In related work, Ku
et al.
found that prostate cancer metastasis, lineage switching, and drug resistance were driven by the combined loss of the same tumor suppressors and were accompanied by increased expression of the epigenetic regulator Ezh2. Ezh2 inhibitors reversed the lineage switch and restored sensitivity to androgen deprivation therapy in experimental models.

Science
, this issue p.
84
, p.
78
; see also p.
29
Highly stretchable polymer semiconductor films through the nanoconfinement effect
Authors: Xu Jie , Wang Sihong , Wang Ging-Ji Nathan , Zhu Chenxin , Luo Shaochuan , Jin Lihua , Gu Xiaodan , Chen Shucheng , Feig Vivian R. , To John W. F. , Rondeau-Gagné Simon , Park Joonsuk , Schroeder Bob C. , Lu Chien , Oh Jin Young , Wang Yanming , Kim Yun-Hi , Yan He , Sinclair Robert , Zhou Dongshan , Xue Gi , Murmann Boris , Linder Christian , Cai Wei , Tok Jeffery B.-H. , Chung Jong Won , Bao Zhenan
Published: January 2017

Trapping polymers to improve flexibility

Polymer molecules at a free surface or trapped in thin layers or tubes will show different properties from those of the bulk. Confinement can prevent crystallization and oddly can sometimes give the chains more scope for motion. Xu
et al.
found that a conducting polymer confined inside an elastomer—a highly stretchable, rubber-like polymer—retained its conductive properties even when subjected to large deformations (see the Perspective by Napolitano).

Science
, this issue p.
59
; see also p.
24
The fragility of distant Cooper pairs
Authors: Behnia Kamran
Published: January 2017

The discovery of superconductivity in bismuth is a challenge to standard theory
Novel Bioengineered Three-Dimensional Human Intestinal Model for Long-Term Infection of Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: DeCicco RePass Maria A , Chen Ying , Lin Yinan , Zhou Wenda , Kaplan David L. , Ward Honorine D.
Published: January 2017

Cryptosporidium
spp. are apicomplexan parasites of global importance that cause human diarrheal disease.
In vitro
culture models that may be used to study this parasite and that have physiological relevance to
in vivo
infection remain suboptimal. Thus, the pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis remains poorly characterized, and interventions for the disease are limited. In this study, we evaluated the potential of a novel bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) human intestinal tissue model (which we developed previously) to support long-term infection by
Cryptosporidium parvum
. Infection was assessed by immunofluorescence assays and confocal and scanning electron microscopy and quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. We found that
C. parvum
infected and developed in this tissue model for at least 17 days, the extent of the study time used in the present study. Contents from infected scaffolds could be transferred to fresh scaffolds to establish new infections for at least three rounds. Asexual and sexual stages and the formation of new oocysts were observed during the course of infection. Additionally, we observed ablation, blunting, or distortion of microvilli in infected epithelial cells. Ultimately, a 3D model system capable of supporting continuous
Cryptosporidium
infection will be a useful tool for the study of host-parasite interactions, identification of putative drug targets, screening of potential interventions, and propagation of genetically modified parasites.
Osmoregulation in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Abee T , Palmen R , Hellingwerf K J , Konings W N
Published: January 2017

Betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) functioned most effectively as an osmoprotectant in osmotically stressed Rhodobacter sphaeroides cells during aerobic growth in the dark and during anaerobic growth in the light. The presence of the amino acids L-glutamate, L-alanine, or L-proline in the growth medium did not result in a significant increase in the growth rate at increased osmotic strengths. The addition of choline to the medium stimulated growth at increased osmolarities but only under aerobic conditions. Under these conditions choline was converted via an oxygen-dependent pathway to betaine, which was not further metabolized. The initial rates of choline uptake by cells grown in media with low and high osmolarities were measured over a wide range of concentrations (1.9 microM to 2.0 mM). Only one kinetically distinguishable choline transport system could be detected. Kt values of 2.4 and 3.0 microM and maximal rates of choline uptake (Vmax) of 5.4 and 4.2 nmol of choline/min.mg of protein were found in cells grown in the minimal medium without or with 0.3 M NaCl, respectively. Choline transport was not inhibited by a 25-fold excess of L-proline or betaine. Only one kinetically distinguishable betaine transport system was found in cells grown in the low-osmolarity minimal medium as well as in a high-osmolarity medium containing 0.3 M NaCl. In cells grown and assayed in the absence of NaCl, betaine transport occurred with a Kt of 15.1 microM and a Vmax of 3.2 nmol/min . mg of protein, whereas in cells that were grown and assayed in the presence of 0.3 M NaCl, the corresponding values were 18.2 microM and 9.2 nmol of betaine/min . mg of protein. This system was also able to transport L-proline, but with a lower affinity than that for betaine. The addition of choline of betaine to the growth medium did not result in the induction of additional transport systems.
Two genes that regulate exopolysaccharide production in Rhizobium sp. strain NGR234: DNA sequences and resultant phenotypes
Authors: Gray J X , Djordjevic M A , Rolfe B G
Published: January 2017

Two closely linked genes involved in the regulation of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in Rhizobium sp. strain NGR234, exoX and exoY, were sequenced, and their corresponding phenotypes were investigated. Inhibition of EPS synthesis occurred in wild-type strains when extra copies of exoX were introduced, but only when exoY had been deleted or mutated or was present at a lower copy number. Normal EPS synthesis occurred in Rhizobium sp. when both exoX and exoY were introduced on the same replicon. Surprisingly, the presence of multiple copies of exoY in exoY:: Tn5 mutants of NGR234 adversely affected cellular growth. This was apparent when exoY was introduced into exoY mutants on IncP1 vectors, where the copy number was approximately 10, but was not apparent when present on much larger R-prime plasmids with lower copy numbers (approximately 3 per cell). Multiple copies of exoX did not adversely affect cellular growth of any strain. The exoX gene appeared analogous, in size and phenotype, to a previously described Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli EPS gene, psi (D. Borthakur and A.W.B. Johnston, Mol. Gen. Genet. 207:149-154, 1987), and the deduced ExoX and Psi shared strikingly similar secondary structures. Despite this, ExoX and Psi showed little homology at the primary amino acid level, except for a central region of 18 amino acids. The interaction of ExoX and ExoY could form the basis of a sensitive regulatory system for EPS acids. The interaction of ExoX and ExoY could form the basis of a sensitive regulatory system for EPS biosynthesis. The presence of a multicopy exoX in Rhizobium meliloti and R. fredii similarly abolished EPS biosynthesis in these species.