bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agrarian policies in Nicaragua: From revolution to the revival of agro‐exports, 1979–2015
Authors: Martí i Puig Salvador , Baumeister Eduardo
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we question whether the attainment by the FSLN of power in 2007 represented any changes with respect to the neoliberal agenda implemented since 1990. In order to address this, the paper is divided into three main sections. In the first section, we analyse the transformation of agriculture under the Sandinista Revolution (1979–1990) to establish what the agricultural policies of the early FSLN had been. In the second section, we present the policies that have been implemented since 1990 to privatize land, commercial, and banking activities, and the new role of agricultural producers' and wage workers' organizations, which have remained unchanged until now despite the return of the FSLN to power. In the third section, we describe the social policies implemented by the administration of Daniel Ortega and the changes made to the productive model. Finally, in the conclusions, we explain why the policies implemented since the new Sandinista government have been so similar to the model developed between 1990 and 2007, and highlight the most significant changes that have been introduced since 2007.
Registered nurses’ perception of self‐efficacy and competence in smoking cessation after participating in a web‐based learning activity
Authors: Rosvall Annica , Carlson Elisabeth
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe how registered nurses having undergone a web‐based learning activity perceive their self‐efficacy and competence to support patients with smoking cessation in connection with surgery.

Background

Smoking cessation in connection with surgery reduces postoperative complications, and the support patients get from registered nurses may be important in helping them become smoke‐free in connection with their surgery. Therefore, registered nurses are in need of enhanced understanding about which kind of counselling is the most effective for smoking cessation. Educating large groups of registered nurses in a digital environment appears to be a flexible and cost‐effective way.

Design and methods

A convergent mixed‐method design with data collection was done using questionnaires (n = 47) and semistructured interviews (n = 11). Inclusion criteria were registered nurses in surgical wards. The samples were nonprobability and modified nested. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for data analysis.

Results

After completing the web‐based learning activity, the registered nurses perception was that of good self‐efficacy and increased competence in supporting patients with smoking cessation in connection with surgery. They improved their understanding of how to talk about smoking cessation with patients in dialogue using open‐ended questions. Nevertheless, the registered nurses requested opportunities for dialogue and interaction with colleagues or topic experts.

Conclusions

The results indicate that registered nurses can enhance their competence in supporting patients to embrace smoking cessation by learning in a digital environment. Self‐efficacy and understanding of the topic seems to motivate registered nurses to counsel patients about smoking cessation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings from this study will be of particular interest to educators in healthcare settings who can devise further development of web‐based learning activities.
cpsA regulates mycotoxin production, morphogenesis and cell wall biosynthesis in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Feng Xuehuan , Ramamoorthy Vellaisamy , Pandit Sandesh S. , Prieto Alicia , Espeso Eduardo A. , Calvo Ana M.
Published: March 2017

The model fungus Aspergillus nidulans synthesizes numerous secondary metabolites, including sterigmatocystin (ST). The production of this toxin is positively controlled by the global regulator veA. In the absence of veA (ΔveA), ST biosynthesis is blocked. Previously, we performed random mutagenesis in a ΔveA strain and identified revertant mutants able to synthesize ST, among them RM1. Complementation of RM1 with a genomic library revealed that the mutation occurred in a gene designated as cpsA. While in the ΔveA genetic background cpsA deletion restores ST production, in a veA wild‐type background absence of cpsA reduces and delays ST biosynthesis decreasing the expression of ST genes. Furthermore, cpsA is also necessary for the production of other secondary metabolites, including penicillin, affecting the expression of PN genes. In addition, cpsA is necessary for normal asexual and sexual development. Chemical and microscopy analyses revealed that CpsA is found in cytoplasmic vesicles and it is required for normal cell wall composition and integrity, affecting adhesion capacity and oxidative stress sensitivity. The conservation of cpsA in Ascomycetes suggests that cpsA homologs might have similar roles in other fungal species.
Asystole during pacemaker magnet application
Authors: Ip James E. , Liu Todd J. , Chen Carol L. , Lerman Bruce B.
Published: March 2017

Pacemaker magnet application during surgery for patients who are pacemaker‐dependent is often utilized to avoid perioperative inhibition from electromagnetic interference. We present a case during which such routine magnet use resulted in an unexpected response and discuss the limitations and nuances of this common practice.
Relationship Between Using Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pain Treatment and Physicians' Training and Attitudes Toward Patients and the Effects on Patient Care
Authors: Dueñas María , Salazar Alejandro , Sánchez Modesto , De Sola Helena , Ojeda Begoña , Failde Inmaculada
Published: March 2017

Aims

To determine the use of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for chronic pain (CP) management; analyze the effects of training in pain and the attitudes of physicians toward pain and CP patients on the adherence to these CPGs; and assess the impact of adherence to CPGs on patient care.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study in a sample of physicians involved in CP patient management. Information on the use of CPGs for CP management, their training in pain, and their attitudes toward pain, patients, and patient care was collected. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, and a multinomial logistic regression model was constructed to analyze factors associated with the use of CPGs.

Results

Of the 257 physicians surveyed, 46.6% were physiatrists, 26.7% were general practitioners, and 26.7% were medical oncologists. Although 96.5% claimed to have received training in pain, only 10.1% had received college training, and 76.3% expressed having gaps in their knowledge; 53.9% stated they applied CPGs often/always, and 12.5% rarely/never. Limited knowledge on pain, reduced involvement in training activities, more negative attitudes toward patients, and having experienced CP were the factors related to reduced adherence to CPGs, especially among the youngest respondents. The greater the use of CPGs, the better the patient care was.

Conclusions

Access to scientific information and specialized training are factors related to the use of CPGs for pain treatment. Therefore, the inclusion of CP training in university and during medical specialty training will be essential measures to improve adherence to CPG, thereby improving patient care and pain control.
Interaction and developmental activation of two neuroendocrine systems that regulate light‐mediated skin pigmentation
Authors: Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Song Yi N. , Atkinson‐Leadbeater Karen , Yang Jung‐Lynn J. , McFarlane Sarah
Published: March 2017

Lower vertebrates use rapid light‐regulated changes in skin colour for camouflage (background adaptation) or during circadian variation in irradiance levels. Two neuroendocrine systems, the eye/alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and the pineal complex/melatonin circuits, regulate the process through their respective dispersion and aggregation of pigment granules (melanosomes) in skin melanophores. During development, Xenopus laevis tadpoles raised on a black background or in the dark perceive less light sensed by the eye and darken in response to increased α‐MSH secretion. As embryogenesis proceeds, the pineal complex/melatonin circuit becomes the dominant regulator in the dark and induces lightening of the skin of larvae. The eye/α‐MSH circuit continues to mediate darkening of embryos on a black background, but we propose the circuit is shut down in complete darkness in part by melatonin acting on receptors expressed by pituitary cells to inhibit the expression of pomc, the precursor of α‐MSH.
Infection rates in tacrolimus versus cyclosporine‐treated pediatric kidney transplant recipients on a rapid discontinuation of prednisone protocol: 1‐year analysis
Authors: Kizilbash Sarah J. , Rheault Michelle N. , Bangdiwala Ananta , Matas Arthur , Chinnakotla Srinath , Chavers Blanche M.
Published: March 2017

AR is lower in pKTx recipients on Tac vs CsA. Data comparing infection outcomes for children treated with these agents are limited. We retrospectively studied infection outcomes in 96 pKTx recipients on a RDP. PS, DCGS, AR, and infection‐free survival were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier/log‐rank tests and proportional hazards models. There were no differences in 1‐year PS, DCGS, or AR between Tac and CsA recipients. After adjusting for AR, the hazard of CMV viremia was 4.0 times higher (95%CI: 1.04, 15.5; P = .044) and that of BK viremia was 3.8 times higher (95%CI: 1.5, 10.2; P = .007) in Tac recipients. The incidence of EBV viremia was similar between the groups (P = .56). PostTx lymphoproliferative disease was only observed in Tac recipients (3%). There was no difference in the incidence of pneumonia, urinary tract, or Clostridium difficile infections between Tac and CsA recipients. Among KTx recipients on RDP, the hazards of CMV and BK viremia within 1 year post‐KTx were significantly higher in Tac recipients compared to CsA. Regular assessment for infections and lower Tac trough levels may be warranted in Tac recipients.
Impact of post‐transplant minimal residual disease on the clinical outcome of pediatric acute leukemia
Authors: Umeda Katsutsugu , Iwai Atsushi , Kawaguchi Koji , Mikami Masamitsu , Nodomi Seishiro , Saida Satoshi , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Heike Toshio , Ohmori Katsuyuki , Adachi Souichi
Published: March 2017

This retrospective study examined the clinical significance of FCM‐MRD in 36 patients with ALL and 29 patients with AML after their first allogeneic HSCT. Hematological (FCM‐MRD ≥5.0%) and molecular relapse (FCM‐MRD <5.0%) were first detected in 10 and two patients with ALL and in seven and eight patients with AML, respectively. Eight of 10 patients with molecular relapse eventually progressed to hematological relapse, although most were treated with immunological intervention by aggressive discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy or donor lymphocyte infusion. Among these 12 patients, four of seven patients that obtained MRDneg CR following post‐transplant chemotherapy remain alive and disease‐free after their second HSCT; however, all five patients who underwent a second HSCT in non‐CR died of disease or treatment‐related complications. As the FCM‐MRD monitoring system used in the current study was probably not sensitive enough to detect MRD, which could be elucidated by immunological intervention, more sensitive diagnostic tools are mandatory for post‐transplant MRD monitoring. Additional studies are required to address the impact of presecond transplant MRD on the clinical outcome of second HSCT.
Disorder of sex development in a cat with chromosome mosaicism 37,X/38,X,r(Y)
Authors: Szczerbal I , Stachowiak M , Nowacka‐Woszuk J , Dzimira S , Szczepanska K , Switonski M
Published: March 2017

Contents

An 18‐month‐old European shorthair cat was subjected to genetic studies due to ambiguous external genitalia (underdeveloped both penis and scrotum). Further anatomic and histopathological studies revealed the presence of abdominal, atrophic testes and uterus. Cytogenetic analysis showed two cell lines, one with X monosomy—37,X [90% of the analysed metaphase spreads], and other line had 38 chromosomes with normal X chromosome and abnormally small Y‐derived chromosome—38,X,der(Y) [10%]. Further fluorescence in situ hybridization study with telomeric probe revealed a ring structure of the der(Y). Eight Y chromosome‐specific genes, SRY, TETY1, TETY2, CUL4BY, CYORF15, HSFY, FLJ36031Y and ZFY, were detected. We conclude that the described abnormality of the reproductive system, leading to sterility, was caused by a very rare type of chromosomal mosaicism—37,X/38,X,r(Y).
Determinants of annual change in physical activity in COPD
Authors: Clarenbach Christian F. , Sievi Noriane A. , Haile Sarah R. , Brack Thomas , Brutsche Martin H. , Frey Martin , Irani Sarosh , Leuppi Jörg D. , Thurnheer Robert , Kohler Malcolm
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Daily physical activity (PA) is reduced in patients with COPD. Previous cross‐sectional analyses indicate various predictors for a low level of PA including airway obstruction, exacerbations and co‐morbidities. However, information from longitudinal studies evaluating PA in the context of disease progression, survival and co‐morbidities is scant.

Methods

In a heterogeneous cohort of COPD patients, we annually assessed the number of steps per day over 1 week and potential determinants including lung function, exacerbations and co‐morbidities. Univariable and multivariable mixed effect models were used to investigate associations between the change in steps per day (dependent variable) and possible predictors and their annual changes.

Results

A total of 177 COPD patients (46% GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) stage 1/2, 38% stage 3 and 16% stage 4) with a mean (min/max) follow‐up time of 2.7 (1/5) years were annually assessed. The number of steps per day decreased significantly over time (P < 0.001) with a mean annual change of −508 steps. The decrease in activity was significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) % predicted (P = 0.020) but not with annual changes in FEV1
. Hyperinflation, exacerbations, co‐morbidities and their annual changes, and survival did not significantly affect change in PA.

Conclusion

COPD patients have a substantial decrease of PA over time. This decrease seems to be determined by the degree of airflow limitation. However, patients with a greater annual decline in lung function did not show a greater decrease in PA. The rate of decline in PA did not differ between survivors and non‐survivors in this cohort.
Employment expectations and uncertainties ahead of the new German minimum wage
Authors: Bossler Mario
Published: March 2017

This article analyzes announcement effects of the new statutory minimum wage on employment expectations and uncertainties in Germany. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach applied to the IAB Establishment Panel, employers affected by the minimum wage show an increased employment uncertainty and a 0.9% points drop in their expected employment growth. Using the same identification strategy with data from 2015, the treatment effect on actual employment growth of affected employers matches the employers' expectation. Hence, an analysis of employer expectations seems to be promising to detect employment effects of policy changes before they come into force.
The Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide in Adolescents: A Preliminary Report of Changes Following Treatment
Authors: King Jessica D. , Horton Sarah E. , Hughes Jennifer L. , Eaddy Michael , Kennard Betsy D. , Emslie Graham J. , Stewart Sunita M.
Published: March 2017

This study investigated change in suicide risk in the framework of the interpersonal theory of suicide. Fifty‐four adolescents completed measures of interpersonal needs, acquired capability, depressive symptoms, and suicide risk at entry and exit from treatment. There was a significant drop following treatment in unmet interpersonal needs but not in acquired capability, consistent with the theory. Both change in the interaction between interpersonal needs and in depressive symptoms contributed unique prediction to change in suicide risk. These findings extend the research in understanding changes in suicide risk and inform treatment by suggesting cognitive targets for intervention.
Blood safety implications of donors using HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Seed C. R. , Yang H. , Lee J. F.
Published: March 2017

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of one or more antiretroviral medications (in combination) to prevent HIV infection. The most commonly used PrEP medication (Truvada®, Gilead Sciences, Inc.) acts by inhibiting HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase. If someone who is using PrEP unknowingly becomes HIV infected (termed ‘PrEP breakthrough infection’), there may be suppressed viral replication resulting in a virus level undetectable by the most sensitive HIV NAT. Failure to seroconvert and seroreversion (loss of previously detectable HIV antibodies) have also both been observed with 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation screening immunoassays, as well as Western blot assays. If such a person was tested in the course of donating blood, the results may therefore be difficult to interpret. The index of suspicion for possible PrEP ‘interference’ should be highest in the context of concomitant low‐level positive or ‘greyzone’ reactivity on HIV NAT and serological tests, which is an unusual pattern in acutely HIV‐infected blood donors. Another possibility is detectable HIV RNA with negative HIV serology (i.e. a potential ‘NAT yield’ case) but without subsequent HIV seroconversion (or disappearance of HIV RNA). Excluding antiretroviral therapy or PrEP use by the donor in such circumstances would be important. The current rarity of PrEP breakthrough infection indicates that any potential safety risk is likely very small. However, considering the increasing use of PrEP we feel it is prudent for those interpreting HIV donor screening test results to consider the potential for PrEP interference.
Sizing optimization of skeletal structures using teaching-learning based optimization
Authors: Toğan Vedat , Mortazavi Ali
Published: March 2017

Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) is one of the non-traditional techniques to simulate natural phenomena into a numerical algorithm. TLBO mimics teaching learning process occurring between a teacher and students in a classroom. A parameter named as teaching factor, TF, seems to be the only tuning parameter in TLBO. Although the value of the teaching factor, TF, is determined by an equation, the value of 1 or 2 has been used by the researchers for TF. This study intends to explore the effect of the variation of teaching factor TF on the performances of TLBO. This effect is demonstrated in solving structural optimization problems including truss and frame structures under the stress and displacement constraints. The results indicate that the variation of TF in the TLBO process does not change the results obtained at the end of the optimization procedure when the computational cost of TLBO is ignored.
Experimental and Numerical Verification of an Optimization of a Fast Rotating High-Performance Radial Compressor Impeller
Authors: Elfert M. , Weber A. , Wittrock D. , Peters A. , Voss C. , Nicke E.
Published: March 2017

An optimization has been performed on a well-proven radial compressor design known as the SRV4 impeller (the Krain impeller), which has been extensively tested in the past, using the autoopti tool developed at DLR's Institute of Propulsion Technology. This tool has shown its capability in several tasks, mainly for axial compressor and fan design as well as for turbine design. The optimization package autoopti was applied to the redesign and optimization of a radial compressor stage with a vaneless diffusor. This optimization was performed for the SRV4 compressor geometry without fillets using a relatively coarse structured mesh in combination with wall functions. The impeller geometry deduced by the optimization had to be slightly modified due to manufacturing constraints. In order to filter out the improvements of the new so-called SRV5 radial compressor design, two work packages were conducted: The first one was the manufacturing of the new impeller and its installation on a test rig to investigate the complex flow inside the machine. The aim was, first of all, the evaluation of a classical performance map and the efficiency chart achieved by the new compressor design. The efficiencies realized in the performance chart were enhanced by nearly 1.5%. A 5% higher maximum mass flow rate was measured in agreement with the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations during the design process. The second work package comprises the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The numerical investigations were conducted with the exact geometries of both the baseline SRV4 as well as the optimized SRV5 impeller including the exact fillet geometries. To enhance the prediction accuracy of pressure ratio and impeller efficiency, the geometries were discretized by high-resolution meshes of approximately 5 × 106 cells. For the blade walls as well as for the hub region, the mesh resolution allows a low-Reynolds approach in order to get high-quality results. The comparison of the numerical predictions and the experimental results shows a very good agreement and confirms the improvement of the compressor performance using the optimization tool autoopti.
Quasiatomic layer etching of silicon oxide selective to silicon nitride in topographic structures using fluorocarbon plasmas
Authors: Wang Mingmei , Ventzek Peter L. G. , Ranjan Alok
Published: March 2017

The precision etch of dielectric materials (SiO2, Si3N4) in self-aligned contacts and self-aligned multiple patterning at the 10 nm technology node and beyond is required to solve/mitigate the trade-offs of selectivity, profile, and aspect ratio independent etching. Atomic layer etching (ALE) has significant potential to solve the trade-offs challenge. Unlike the halogenation step of atomic layer etching of silicon using chlorine (e.g., chlorine adsorption on c-Si), the fluorocarbon deposition step of ALE of nitride and oxide is not a self-limiting process. The argon ion bombardment step used to remove CF polymer layer and activated layer of oxide and nitride can be self-limiting if ion energy is kept below the sputter threshold. In this paper, the authors will discuss concurrent engineering approaches including both modeling and experimentation that can provide visibility to the parameters characterizing a viable process. The core of the approach is a new integrated chamber hybrid plasma equipment model-feature scale Monte Carlo feature profile model for silicon dioxide etch experiments intended to be selective to organic planarization layer masked silicon nitride structures. The experiments were conducted on a dual frequency capacitively coupled plasma source using a benchmark Ar/C4F6 chemistry for adsorption and an argon plasma step for desorption in the cyclic etch process. The concurrent engineering approach comprises stages of simulation development and prediction tests using both blanket wafer and patterned wafer data, and finally, process parameter optimization. Plasma parameters for each of the fluorocarbon layer adsorption and desorption etch steps are presented. The authors show how nitride/oxide etch selectivity can be optimized using saturation, “S”-curves, and detail pattern top clogging and its correlation with mask topography. S-curves describe etch/deposition rate trends as a function of desorption time in cyclic etch processes. The results show that clogging margin is a sensitive function of desorption time and feature topography.
Insights to scaling remote plasma sources sustained in NF3 mixtures
Authors: Huang Shuo , Volynets Vladimir , Hamilton James R. , Lee Sangheon , Song In-Cheol , Lu Siqing , Tennyson Jonathan , Kushner Mark J.
Published: March 2017

Remote plasma sources (RPSs) are being developed for low damage materials processing during semiconductor fabrication. Plasmas sustained in NF3 are often used as a source of F atoms. NF3 containing gas mixtures such as NF3/O2 and NF3/H2 provide additional opportunities to produce and control desirable reactive species such as F and NO. In this paper, results from computational investigations of RPS sustained in capacitively coupled plasmas are discussed using zero-dimensional global and two-dimensional reactor scale models. A comprehensive reaction mechanism for plasmas sustained in Ar/NF3/O2 was developed using electron impact cross sections for NF2 and NF calculated by ab initio molecular R-matrix methods. For validation of the reaction mechanism, results from the simulations were compared with optical emission spectroscopy measurements of radical densities. Dissociative attachment and dissociative excitation of NFx are the major sources of F radicals. The exothermicity from these Franck–Condon dissociative processes is the dominant gas heating mechanism, producing gas temperatures in excess of 1500 K. The large fractional dissociation of the feedstock gases enables a larger variety of end-products. Reactions between NFx and O atom containing species lead to the formation of NO and N2O through endothermic reactions facilitated by the gas heating, followed by the formation of NO2 and FNO from exothermic reactions. The downstream composition in the flowing afterglow is an ion–ion plasma maintained by, in oxygen containing mixtures, [F−] ≈ [NO+] since NO has the lowest ionization potential and F has the highest electron affinity among the major neutral species.
Properties of sputtered ZnS and ZnS:A (A = Er, Yb) films grown at low substrate temperatures
Authors: Ortiz Carlos A. , Giraldo-Betancur Astrid L. , Hernández-Landaverde Martín A. , Ramírez-Cardona Marius , Mendoza-Galván Arturo , Jiménez-Sandoval Sergio
Published: March 2017

Radio-frequency magnetron sputtering was used to deposit ZnS thin films doped with rare earth elements (Er and Yb) on glass substrates at two different temperatures (room temperature and 180 °C). The crystal structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of the deposited films were studied as a function of the deposition variables as a first step in the possible application of lanthanide-doped ZnS as buffer layer and/or window layer in thin film photovoltaic devices. From the x-ray diffraction patterns, it was found that the samples have preferred orientation depending on the substrate temperature and on the doping level. Moreover, optical constants were determined from spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements and found that samples of undoped ZnS, in particular, exhibit optical constants that are in good agreement with those reported in the literature for the two ZnS crystalline phases. The band gap (Eg) was calculated using the extinction coefficient  (k), which was reduced according to the degree of doping. Also, based on ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy measurements, it was determined that the films have a transmittance of 80% for wavelengths above 350 nm, and a shift of the absorption edge to longer wavelengths when the degree of doping was increased. Finally, photoluminescence measurements were performed at room and low temperature using below bandgap excitation to probe defect states within the gap, as well as the luminescent characteristics of the Er3+ and Yb3+ ions in the ZnS host.
Surface degradation of uranium tetrafluoride
Authors: Tobin J. G. , Duffin A. M. , Yu S.-W. , Qiao R. , Yang W. L. , Booth C. H. , Shuh D. K.
Published: March 2017

A detailed analysis of a single crystal of uranium tetrafluoride has been carried out. The techniques include x-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray emission spectroscopy. Evidence will be presented for the presence of a uranyl species, possibly UO2F2, as a product of, or participant in the surface degradation.
Colloidally prepared La-doped BaSnO
3
electrodes for efficient, photostable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shin Seong Sik , Yeom Eun Joo , Yang Woon Seok , Hur Seyoon , Kim Min Gyu , Im Jino , Seo Jangwon , Noh Jun Hong , Seok Sang Il
Published: March 2017

Transporter layers for greater stability

Although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can have power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%, they can have limited stability under ultraviolet irradiation. This is in part because the mesoporous TiO
2
used as an electron-transporting layer can photocatalyze unwanted reactions in the perovskite layer. Shin
et al.
report a low-temperature colloidal method for depositing La-doped BaSnO
3
films as a replacement for TiO
2
to reduce such ultraviolet-induced damage. Solar cells retained over 90% of their initial performance after 1000 hours of full sun illumination.

Science
, this issue p.
167
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Cellulolytic Bacillus licheniformis Strains Isolated from Imperial Geyser, Amphitheater Springs, and Whiterock Springs inside Yellowstone National Park
Authors: O' Hair Joshua A. , Li Hui , Thapa Santosh , Scholz Matthew , Zhou Suping
Published: March 2017

Novel cellulolytic microorganisms are becoming more important for rapidly growing biofuel industries. This paper reports the draft genome sequences of
Bacillus licheniformis
strains YNP2-TSU, YNP3-TSU, and YNP5-TSU. These cellulolytic isolates were collected from several hydrothermal features inside Yellowstone National Park.
Whole-Genome Sequence and Fosfomycin Resistance of
Bacillus
sp. Strain G3(2015) Isolated from Seawater off the Coast of Malaysia
Authors: Chan Xin-Yue , Chen Jian-Woon , Adrian Tan-Guan-Sheng , Hong Kar-Wai , Chang Chien-Yi , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: March 2017

Bacillus
sp. is a Gram-positive bacterium that is commonly found in seawater. In this study, the genome of marine
Bacillus
sp. strain G3(2015) was sequenced using MiSeq. The fosfomycin resistant gene
fosB
was identified upon bacterial genome annotation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus pumilus Strain GM3FR, an Endophyte Isolated from Aerial Plant Tissues of Festuca rubra L
Authors: Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Liesegang Heiko , Vidal Stefan , Wemheuer Franziska
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus pumilus
GM3FR, an endophytic bacterium isolated from aerial plant tissues of
Festuca rubra
L. The draft genome consists of 3.5 Mb and harbors 3,551 predicted protein-encoding genes. The genome provides insights into the biocontrol potential of
B. pumilus
GM3FR.
Draft Genome Sequence of Caenibacillus caldisaponilyticus B157
T
, a Thermophilic and Phospholipase-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Acidulocompost
Authors: Tsujimoto Yoshiyuki , Saito Ryo , Sahara Takehiko , Kimura Nobutada , Tsuruoka Naoki , Shigeri Yasushi , Watanabe Kunihiko
Published: March 2017

Caenibacillus caldisaponilyticus
B157
T
(= NBRC 111400
T
= DSM 101100
T
), in the family
Sporolactobacillaceae
, was isolated from acidulocompost as a thermophilic and phospholipid-degrading bacterium. Here, we report the 3.36-Mb draft genome sequence, with a G+C content of 51.8%, to provide the genetic information coding for phospholipases.
Key Ecological Roles for Zoosporic True Fungi in Aquatic Habitats
Authors: Gleason Frank H. , Scholz Bettina , Jephcott Thomas G. , van Ogtrop Floris F. , Henderson Linda , Lilje Osu , Kittelmann Sandra , Macarthur Deborah J.
Published: March 2017

The diversity and abundance of zoosporic true fungi have been analyzed recently using fungal sequence libraries and advances in molecular methods, such as high-throughput sequencing. This review focuses on four evolutionary primitive true fungal phyla: the Aphelidea, Chytridiomycota, Neocallimastigomycota, and Rosellida (Cryptomycota), most species of which are not polycentric or mycelial (filamentous), rather they tend to be primarily monocentric (unicellular). Zoosporic fungi appear to be both abundant and diverse in many aquatic habitats around the world, with abundance often exceeding other fungal phyla in these habitats, and numerous novel genetic sequences identified. Zoosporic fungi are able to survive extreme conditions, such as high and extremely low pH; however, more work remains to be done. They appear to have important ecological roles as saprobes in decomposition of particulate organic substrates, pollen, plant litter, and dead animals; as parasites of zooplankton and algae; as parasites of vertebrate animals (such as frogs); and as symbionts in the digestive tracts of mammals. Some chytrids cause economically important diseases of plants and animals. They regulate sizes of phytoplankton populations. Further metagenomics surveys of aquatic ecosystems are expected to enlarge our knowledge of the diversity of true zoosporic fungi. Coupled with studies on their functional ecology, we are moving closer to unraveling the role of zoosporic fungi in carbon cycling and the impact of climate change on zoosporic fungal populations.
Antimitochondrial antibodies-positive myositis accompanied by cardiac involvement
Authors: Yamanaka Tetsuo , Fukatsu Toru , Ichinohe Yoshimaro , Hirata Yasunobu
Published: March 2017

We report a 55-year-old man who experienced proximal muscle weakness accompanied by the atrial flutter (AFL) with 1:1 conduction. Detailed examination revealed elevated antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and creatine kinase (CK). AFL was converted to sinus rhythm by cardioversion. He was diagnosed as AMA-positive myositis-associated AFL and was treated by prednisolone. Although his muscle weakness and CK level improved, AFL with 1:1 conduction reappeared. Therefore, radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) was needed to treat the AFL, resulting in maintenance of sinus rhythm. This case report describes cardiac involvement in a patient with AMA-positive myositis.
Public health surveillance of automated external defibrillators in the USA: protocol for the dynamic automated external defibrillator registry study
Authors: Elrod JoAnn Broeckel , Merchant Raina , Daya Mohamud , Youngquist Scott , Salcido David , Valenzuela Terence , Nichol Graham
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Lay use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) before the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS) providers on scene increases survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). AEDs have been placed in public locations may be not ready for use when needed. We describe a protocol for AED surveillance that tracks these devices through time and space to improve public health, and survival as well as facilitate research.

Methods and analysis

Included AEDs are installed in public locations for use by laypersons to treat patients with OHCA before the arrival of EMS providers on scene. Included cases of OHCA are patients evaluated by organised EMS personnel and treated for OHCA. Enrolment of 10 000 AEDs annually will yield precision of 0.4% in the estimate of readiness for use. Enrolment of 2500 patients annually will yield precision of 1.9% in the estimate of survival to hospital discharge. Recruitment began on 21 Mar 2014 and is ongoing. AEDs are found by using multiple methods. Each AED is then tagged with a label which is a unique two-dimensional (2D) matrix code; the 2D matrix code is recorded and the location and status of the AED tracked using a smartphone; these elements are automatically passed via the internet to a secure and confidential database in real time. Whenever the 2D matrix code is rescanned for any non-clinical or clinical use of an AED, the user is queried to answer a finite set of questions about the device status. The primary outcome of any clinical use of an AED is survival to hospital discharge. Results are summarised descriptively.

Ethics and dissemination

These activities are conducted under a grant of authority for public health surveillance from the Food and Drug Administration. Results are provided periodically to participating sites and sponsors to improve public health and quality of care.
Release of urinary extracellular vesicles in prostate cancer is associated with altered urinary N-glycosylation profile
Authors: Vermassen Tijl , D'Herde Katharina , Jacobus Dominique , Van Praet Charles , Poelaert Filip , Lumen Nicolaas , Callewaert Nico , Decaestecker Karel , Villeirs Geert , Hoebeke Piet , Van Belle Simon , Rottey Sylvie , Delanghe Joris
Published: March 2017

Aim

Nowadays, extracellular vesicles are of great interest in prostate cancer (PCa) research. Asparagine (N)-linked glycosylation could play a significant role in the pathological mechanism of these vesicles. We investigated if prostatic protein N-glycosylation profiles were related to urinary vesicle-associated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) extractability and if this parameter showed diagnostic potential for PCa.

Methods

Urinary extracellular vesicles were visualised using transmission electron microscopy. Urinary extracellular vesicles extraction by means ofn-butanol allowed determination of urinary vesicle-associated PSA extractability. Diagnostic value was assessed between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH; n=122) and patients with PCa (n=85). Additionally, correlation with urine N-glycosylation was assessed.

Results

Urinary extracellular vesicles with a diameter of approximately 100 nm were more abundantly present in urine of patients with PCa versus patients with BPH resulting in a higher vesicle-associated PSA extraction ratio (p<0.001). Next, vesicle-associated PSA extraction ratio was correlated to biantennary core-fucosylation (p=0.003). Finally, vesicle-associated PSA extraction ratio proved beneficial in PCa diagnosis, next to serum PSA and the urinary glycosylation marker (p=0.021).

Conclusions

The urinary vesicle-associated PSA extraction ratio is increased in PCa which is a direct result of the abundant presence of extracellular vesicles in urine of patients with PCa. The urinary vesicle-associated PSA extraction ratio was associated with changes in N-glycoforms and showed diagnostic potential. Further research is warranted to unravel the pathological link between N-glycosylation and extracellular vesicles in cancer, as well as to assess the prognostic value of this biomarker.
Optical coherence tomography evaluation of tissue prolapse after carotid artery stenting using closed cell design stents for unstable plaque
Authors: Harada Kei , Oshikata Shogo , Kajihara Masahito
Published: March 2017

Background and purpose

During carotid artery stenting (CAS) with the use of closed cell design stents for unstable plaques, tissue prolapse between stent struts was evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

14 carotid stenosis lesions diagnosed as unstable plaques by MRI were evaluated by OCT imaging during CAS using closed cell stents. Cross sectional OCT images within the stented segment were evaluated at 1 mm intervals. The slice rate for the presence of tissue prolapse between the struts was calculated.

Results

No intra-procedural complications occurred. After single stent placement, plaque prolapse was observed in all cases. Slices with any and >500 µm tissue prolapse were seen in 30% and 7.8% of cases, respectively. In 5 of 7 lesions with tissue prolapse >500 µm, additional stents were overlapped. In cases with overlapping stents, slices with any tissue prolapse were significantly decreased from 26% to 16% (p=0.008); in particular, the occurrence of tissue prolapse >500 µm was significantly decreased from 15% to 2.3% (p<0.001). In one case of >500 µm tissue prolapse without an overlapping stent, delayed embolization due to an in-stent thrombus occurred 9 months after the procedure.

Conclusions

OCT during CAS using closed cell stent for unstable plaques frequently revealed tissue prolapse between struts. Placement of overlapping stents significantly reduced tissue prolapse, particularly tissue prolapse >500 µm. However, closed cell stents used for unstable plaques may not solve the problem of tissue prolapse.
Fat metaplasia on MRI of the sacroiliac joints increases the propensity for disease progression in the spine of patients with spondyloarthritis
Authors: Maksymowych W P , Wichuk S , Chiowchanwisawakit P , Lambert R G , Pedersen S J
Published: March 2017

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that fat metaplasia on MRI of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) increases the propensity for new bone formation in the spine of patients with spondyloarthritis.

Methods

We assessed baseline T1-weighted and short τ inversion recovery SIJ MRIs from patients in the Follow Up Research Cohort in Ankylosing Spondylitis (FORCAST). Radiographic progression was assessed using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Structural and inflammatory lesions were scored using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) SIJ structural and SPARCC SIJ inflammation scores, respectively. Radiographic progression was compared in cases with and without definite MRI lesions (score ≥2 or <2) and the extent of MRI lesions at baseline was compared in patients with and without radiographic progression. The predictive capacity of MRI SIJ lesions for radiographic progression in the spine was assessed in univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

The extent of MRI structural lesions in the SIJ at baseline was significantly greater in those patients who had spinal radiographic progression on follow-up (p=0.003, 0.02, 0.003 for fat metaplasia, backfill and ankylosis, respectively). Also, radiographic progression was significantly greater in cases with definite baseline SIJ ankylosis (p=0.008). In multivariate regression that included all types of MRI lesions and was adjusted for age, sex, symptom duration, duration of follow-up, CRP, baseline mSASSS and treatment, the extent of SIJ fat metaplasia and ankylosis at baseline were independently associated with radiographic progression.

Conclusions

SIJ ankylosis and fat metaplasia but not inflammatory lesions increase the propensity for radiographic progression in the spine.
Canine synovial fluid biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of osteoarthritis
Authors: de Bakker E. , Stroobants V. , VanDael F. , Van Ryssen B. , Meyer E.
Published: March 2017

Secondary, non‐inflammatory osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disorder in dogs. Its silent onset prevents early diagnosis and delays treatment. Synovial fluid biomarkers can detect OA at an early stage, before the presence of radiographic signs. In addition, these local biomarkers can aid prognosis of the disease, monitor the response to treatment and can be used to assess the degree of OA. Currently three groups of canine synovial fluid biomarkers have been the focus of research: proinflammatory mediators, enzymes and their inhibitors, and extracellular cartilage degeneration products. These have been investigated in the elbow, hip and stifle joints of both normal dogs and dogs with naturally occurring and experimentally induced OA. None of these biomarkers are currently used in practice for the detection of canine OA at an early stage. A positive relationship between canine synovial fluid biomarkers and OA has been demonstrated, yet no molecular diagnostic test has been developed so far.
Global existence criteria for Sisko fluid in annular region
Authors: Rahman S. , Khan N. , Hayat T. , Ahmad B.
Published: March 2017

The aim of present paper is to establish the global regularity criteria for flow of Sisko fluid in an annular pipe. This work is an extension of our previous work[ 27 ]. In this paper we consider unsteady flow of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Sisko fluid and obtain the existence criteria for higher norm.
Anticancer Properties and Pharmaceutical Applications of Plumbagin: A Review
Authors: Liu Yuling , Cai Yuee , He Chengwei , Chen Meiwan , Li Hui
Published: March 2017

It has been shown that plumbagin, a bioactive naphthoquinone isolated from three major plant families viz. Plumbaginaceae, Ebenceae and Droseraceae, definitively exhibits anticancer potential in diverse cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Plumbagin shows antineoplastic effects via multi-channel molecular mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, the disruption of the cell cycle, the inhibition of invasion and metastasis, and anti-angiogenesis. Plumbagin inhibits the growth of cancer cells mainly through the modulation of the signals of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AMPK, Ras, and so on. The pharmaceutical applications of plumbagin combined with nanocarriers to achieve better therapeutic efficiency are discussed in this review Among them, liposomes, nanoparticles, microspheres, micelles, and nisosomes are used in cancer treatment. The anticancer study of plumbagin in vivo is also summarized in this review. On the whole, we aim to review the research progress of plumbagin both in pharmacological and pharmaceutical filed, which may provide some reference for further research of plumbagin.
Investigating magnetic properties of Co68Fe4B15Si13 amorphous alloy by molecular dynamics and DFT calculations
Authors: Mardani R. , Kazerani M. R. , Shahmirzaee H.
Published: March 2017

Cobalt-based amorphous alloys, in particular CoFeBSi, have been widely used to study the response of ac-impedance to the external dc magnetic field, i.e., the so-called Giant Magneto Impedance (GMI) effect. The utility of CoFeBSi in different applications such as field-sensitive sensors is known and practiced. Despite the wealth of experimental studies on GMI properties of CoFeBSi alloys, no computational approach has yet been addressed on electronic and magnetic properties of these systems at nanoscales. In this study, we have computed electronic and magnetic properties of amorphous CoFeBSi alloys using a combined Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach. MD is used to provide a physically realistic sampling of different atomic configurations while the properties such as dipole moments and magnetic susceptibilities are computed using DFT. Our study shows a wide spectrum of electronic as well as magnetic properties for nanoclusters of different sizes having implications for rational design of Co-based ferromagnetic alloys.
Some comparisons of the Weyl conformal tensor and its classification in 4-dimensional Lorentz, neutral or positive definite signatures
Authors: Hall Graham
Published: March 2017

This work is a study of the Weyl conformal tensor on manifolds of dimension [Formula: see text] and for each of the three possible signatures [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In it, the properties of the Weyl tensor and its algebraic classification will be compared and contrasted.
Lamb Waves in a Perpendicularly Cracked, Poroelastic Plate
Authors: Gilbert Robert P. , Bauingenier Fachbereich , Lee Doo-Sung
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we continue our work on the propagation of Lamb waves in a poroelastic infinite strip containing a linear crack. In the previous work, the crack was placed horizontal to the upper and lower surfaces and moreover, there was zero pressure on the upper and lower surfaces, a physically impossible situation. In the present paper, the crack is situated perpendicular to the side and situated at the origin. A step stress is applied to the crack surface resulting in transient behavior. By using the Fourier transform and Laplace transform methods, we arrive at dual integral equations. From this formulation, we subsequently obtain, by reduction, a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. This equation is solved numerically, and the dynamic stress intensity factor is shown graphically.