bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of needle‐stick injuries among active duty police officers in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Mittal María Luisa , Beletsky Leo , Patiño Efraín , Abramovitz Daniela , Rocha Teresita , Arredondo Jaime , Bañuelos Arnulfo , Rangel Gudelia , Strathdee Steffanie A
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Police officers are at an elevated risk for needle‐stick injuries (NSI), which pose a serious and costly occupational health risk for HIV and viral hepatitis. However, research on NSIs among police officers is limited, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Despite the legality of syringe possession in Mexico, half of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana report extrajudicial syringe‐related arrests and confiscation by police, which has been associated with needle‐sharing and HIV infection. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of NSIs among Tijuana police officers to inform efforts to improve occupational safety and simultaneously reduce HIV risks among police and PWID.

Methods

Tijuana's Department of Municipal Public Safety (SSPM) is among Mexico's largest. Our binational, multi‐sectoral team analyzed de‐identified data from SSPM's 2014 anonymous self‐administered occupational health survey. The prevalence of NSI and syringe disposal practices was determined. Logistic regression with robust variance estimation via generalized estimating equations identified factors associated with ever having an occupational NSI.

Results

Approximately one‐quarter of the Tijuana police force was given the occupational health survey (N=503). Respondents were predominantly male (86.5%) and ≤35 years old (42.6%). Nearly one in six officers reported ever having a NSI while working at SSPM (15.3%), of whom 14.3% reported a NSI within the past year. Most participants reported encountering needles/syringes while on duty (n=473, 94%); factors independently associated with elevated odds of NSIs included frequently finding syringes that contain drugs (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56–5.67) and breaking used needles (AOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.29–3.91), while protective factors included being willing to contact emergency services in case of NSIs (AOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22–0.69), and wearing needle‐stick resistant gloves (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.91).

Conclusions

Tijuana police face an elevated and unaddressed occupational NSI burden associated with unsafe syringe‐handling practices, exposing them to substantial risk of HIV and other blood‐borne infections. These findings spurred the development and tailoring of training to reduce NSI by modifying officer knowledge, attitudes and enforcement practices (e.g. syringe confiscation) – factors that also impact HIV transmission among PWID and other members of the community.
Barriers to community‐based drug dependence treatment: implications for police roles, collaborations and performance indicators
Authors: Ma Yi , Du Chunhua , Cai Thomas , Han Qingfeng , Yuan Huanhuan , Luo Tingyan , Ren Guoliang , Mburu Gitau , Wang Bangyuan , Golichenko Olga , Zhang Chaoxiong
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Worldwide, people who use drugs (PWUD) are among the populations at highest risk for HIV infection. In China, PWUD are primarily sentenced to compulsory detainment centres, in which access to healthcare, including HIV treatment and prevention services, is limited or non‐existent. In 2008, China's 2008 Anti‐Drug Law encouraged the development and use of community‐based drug dependence rehabilitation, yet there is limited evidence evaluating the efficacy and challenges of this model in China. In this study, we explore these challenges and describe how cooperation between law enforcement and health departments can meet the needs of PWUD.

Methods

In 2015, we conducted semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with all four staff members and 16 clients of the Ping An Centre No. 1 for community‐based drug treatment, three local police officers and three officials from the local Centre for Disease Control. Interviews explored obstacles in implementing community‐based drug dependence treatment and efforts to resolve these difficulties. Transcripts were coded and analyzed with qualitative data analysis software (MAXQDA 11).

Results

We identified three challenges to community‐based drug treatment at the Ping An Centre No. 1: (1) suboptimal coordination among parties involved, (2) a divergence in attitudes towards PWUD and harm reduction between law enforcement and health officials and (3) conflicting performance targets for police and health officials that undermine the shared goal of treatment. We also identified the take‐home methadone maintenance treatment model at the Ping An Centre No. 1 as an example of an early successful collaboration between the police, the health department and PWUD.

Conclusions

To overcome barriers to effective community‐based drug treatment, we recommend aligning the goals of law enforcement and public health agencies towards health‐based performance indicators. Furthermore, tensions between PWUD and police need to be addressed and trust between them fostered, using community‐based treatment centres as mediators. The preliminary success of the take‐home methadone maintenance treatment pilot can serve as an example of how collaboration with the police and other government agencies can meet the needs of PWUD and contribute to the success of community‐based treatment.
Pre‐incarceration police harassment, drug addiction and HIV risk behaviours among prisoners in Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan: results from a nationally representative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Polonsky Maxim , Azbel Lyuba , Wegman Martin P , Izenberg Jacob M , Bachireddy Chethan , Wickersham Jeffrey A , Dvoriak Sergii , Altice Frederick L
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The expanding HIV epidemic in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), who comprise a third of prisoners there. Detention of PWID is common but its impact on health has not been previously studied in the region. We aimed to understand the relationship between official and unofficial (police harassment) detention of PWID and HIV risk behaviours.

Methods

In a nationally representative cross‐sectional study, soon‐to‐be released prisoners in Kyrgyzstan (N=368) and Azerbaijan (N=510) completed standardized health assessment surveys. After identifying correlated variables through bivariate testing, we built multi‐group path models with pre‐incarceration official and unofficial detention as exogenous variables and pre‐incarceration composite HIV risk as an endogenous variable, controlling for potential confounders and estimating indirect effects.

Results

Overall, 463 (51%) prisoners reported at least one detention in the year before incarceration with an average of 1.3 detentions in that period. Unofficial detentions (13%) were less common than official detentions (41%). Optimal model fit was achieved (X2=5.83, p=0.44; Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) GFI=0.99; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) CFI=1.00; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) RMSEA=0.00; PCLOSE=0.98) when unofficial detention had an indirect effect on HIV risk, mediated by drug addiction severity, with more detentions associated with higher addiction severity, which in turn correlated with increased HIV risk. The final model explained 35% of the variance in the outcome. The effect was maintained for both countries, but stronger for Kyrgyzstan. The model also holds for Kyrgyzstan using unique data on within‐prison drug injection as the outcome, which was frequent in prisoners there.

Conclusions

Detention by police is a strong correlate of addiction severity, which mediates its effect on HIV risk behaviour. This pattern suggests that police may target drug users and that such harassment may result in an increase in HIV risk‐taking behaviours, primarily because of the continued drug use within prisons. These findings highlight the important negative role that police play in the HIV epidemic response and point to the urgent need for interventions to reduce police harassment, in parallel with interventions to reduce HIV transmission within and outside of prison.
Policing practices as a structural determinant for HIV among sex workers: a systematic review of empirical findings
Authors: Footer Katherine HA , Silberzahn Bradley E , Tormohlen Kayla N , Sherman Susan G
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Sex workers are disproportionately infected with HIV worldwide. Significant focus has been placed on understanding the structural determinants of HIV and designing related interventions. Although there is growing international evidence that policing is an important structural HIV determinant among sex workers, the evidence has not been systematically reviewed.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies to examine the effects of policing on HIV and STI infection and HIV‐related outcomes (condom use; syringe use; number of clients; HIV/STI testing and access) among cis and trans women sex workers. Databases included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, Popline, Global Health (OVID), Web of Science, IBSS, IndMed and WHOLIS. We searched for studies that included police practices as an exposure for HIV or STI infection or HIV‐related outcomes.

Results

Of the 137 peer‐reviewed articles identified for full text review, 14 were included, representing sex workers' experiences with police across five settings. Arrest was the most commonly explored measure with between 6 and 45% of sex workers reporting having ever been arrested. Sexual coercion was observed between 3 and 37% of the time and police extortion between 12 and 28% across studies. Half the studies used a single measure to capture police behaviours. Studies predominantly focused on “extra‐legal policing practices,” with insufficient attention to the role of “legal enforcement activities”. All studies found an association between police behaviours and HIV or STI infection, or a related risk behaviour.

Conclusions

The review points to a small body of evidence that confirms policing practices as an important structural HIV determinant for sex workers, but studies lack generalizability with respect to identifying those police behaviours most relevant to women's HIV risk environment.
Topographic effects on coseismic gravity change for the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake and comparison with GRACE
Authors: Li Jin , Chen J. L. , Wilson C. R.
Published: July 2016

We estimate gravity changes due to coseismic horizontal deformation and inclined bathymetry (referred to as topographic effects in this study) associated with the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, using a layered half‐space dislocation model. As an approximation, we represent inclined topography with ramp‐body models in the near field of the earthquake and calculate topographic effects from both an inclined seafloor and Moho. The Moho effect partly compensates that from the seafloor. An additional contribution comes from seawater column variations as the sloped seafloor moves trenchward. Topographic effects are first‐order contributions to coseismic gravity changes for the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake. After 300 km Gaussian smoothing, comparable to the spatial resolution of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), topographic effects create a dominantly negative gravity pattern with amplitudes up to 1.1 μGal for oceanic areas surrounding the epicenter. There are discrepancies between model predictions (−10.4 to +6.9 μGal) and GRACE observations (10.1 to +1.7 μGal). Errors in the adopted fault slip model and difficulties in separating coseismic and postseismic deformation may contribute to these, but topographic effects, currently neglected in dislocation models, are also responsible. Topographic effects ought to be included in coseismic fault slip and related gravity modeling for the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake and similar events in regions of steep topography.
Origin of geochemical mantle components: Role of subduction filter
Authors: Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Gill James B. , Skora Susanne , van Keken Peter E. , Kawabata Hiroshi
Published: July 2016

We quantitatively explore element redistribution at subduction zones using numerical mass balance models to evaluate the roles of the subduction zone filter in the Earth's geochemical cycle. Our models of slab residues after arc magma genesis differ from previous ones by being internally consistent with geodynamic models of modern arcs that successfully explain arc magma genesis and include element fluxes from the dehydration/melting of each underlying slab component. We assume that the mantle potential temperature (Tp) was 1400–1650°C at 3.5–1.7 Ga and gradually decreased to 1300–1350°C today. Hot subduction zones with Tp ∼1650°C have a thermal structure like modern SW Japan where high‐Mg andesite is formed which is chemically like continental crust. After 2.5–1.7 Gyr of storage in the mantle, the residual igneous oceanic crust from hot subduction zones can evolve isotopically to the HIMU mantle component, the residual base of the mantle wedge to EMI, the residual sediment becomes an essential part of EMII, and the residual top of the mantle wedge can become the subcontinental lithosphere component. The Common or Focal Zone component is a stable mixture of the first three residues occasionally mixed with early depleted mantle. Slab residues that recycled earlier (∼2.5 Ga) form the DUPAL anomaly in the southern hemisphere, whereas residues of more recent recycling (∼1.7 Ga) underlie the northern hemisphere. These ages correspond to major continental crust forming events. The east‐west heterogeneity of the depleted upper mantle involves subcontinental mantle except in the Pacific.
Multimodel comparison of the ionosphere variability during the 2009 sudden stratosphere warming
Authors: Pedatella N. M. , Fang T.‐W. , Jin H. , Sassi F. , Schmidt H. , Chau J. L. , Siddiqui T. A. , Goncharenko L.
Published: July 2016

A comparison of different model simulations of the ionosphere variability during the 2009 sudden stratosphere warming (SSW) is presented. The focus is on the equatorial and low‐latitude ionosphere simulated by the Ground‐to‐topside model of the Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy (GAIA), Whole Atmosphere Model plus Global Ionosphere Plasmasphere (WAM+GIP), and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model eXtended version plus Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (WACCMX+TIMEGCM). The simulations are compared with observations of the equatorial vertical plasma drift in the American and Indian longitude sectors, zonal mean F region peak density (NmF2) from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites, and ground‐based Global Positioning System (GPS) total electron content (TEC) at 75°W. The model simulations all reproduce the observed morning enhancement and afternoon decrease in the vertical plasma drift, as well as the progression of the anomalies toward later local times over the course of several days. However, notable discrepancies among the simulations are seen in terms of the magnitude of the drift perturbations, and rate of the local time shift. Comparison of the electron densities further reveals that although many of the broad features of the ionosphere variability are captured by the simulations, there are significant differences among the different model simulations, as well as between the simulations and observations. Additional simulations are performed where the neutral atmospheres from four different whole atmosphere models (GAIA, HAMMONIA (Hamburg Model of the Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere), WAM, and WACCMX) provide the lower atmospheric forcing in the TIME‐GCM. These simulations demonstrate that different neutral atmospheres, in particular, differences in the solar migrating semidiurnal tide, are partly responsible for the differences in the simulated ionosphere variability in GAIA, WAM+GIP, and WACCMX+TIMEGCM.
On the predominance of unstable atmospheric conditions in the marine boundary layer offshore of the U.S. northeastern coast
Authors: Archer Cristina L. , Colle Brian A. , Veron Dana L. , Veron Fabrice , Sienkiewicz Matthew J.
Published: July 2016

The marine boundary layer of the northeastern U.S. is studied with focus on wind speed, atmospheric stability, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), the three most relevant properties in the context of offshore wind power development. Two long‐term observational data sets are analyzed. The first one consists of multilevel meteorological variables measured up to 60 m during 2003–2011 at the offshore Cape Wind tower, located near the center of the Nantucket Sound. The second data set comes from the 2013–2014 IMPOWR campaign (Improving the Modeling and Prediction of Offshore Wind Resources), in which wind and wave data were collected with new instruments on the Cape Wind platform, in addition to meteorological data measured during 19 flight missions offshore of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. It is found that, in this region: (1) the offshore wind resource is remarkable, with monthly average wind speeds at 60 m exceeding 7 m s−1 all year round, highest winds in winter (10.1 m s−1) and lowest in summer (7.1 m s−1), and a distinct diurnal modulation, especially in summer; (2) the marine boundary layer is predominantly unstable (61% unstable vs. 21% neutral vs. 18% stable), meaning that mixing is strong, heat fluxes are positive, and the wind speed profile is often nonlogarithmic (~40% of the time); and (3) the shape of the wind speed profile (log versus nonlog) is an effective qualitative proxy for atmospheric stability, whereas TKE alone is not.
Imprinting of Local Metallic States into VO2 with Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Tian , Guo Lu , Stone Greg , Zhang Lei , Zheng Yuan‐Xia , Freeman Eugene , Keefer Derek W. , Chaudhuri Subhasis , Paik Hanjong , Moyer Jarrett A. , Barth Michael , Schlom Darrell G. , Badding John V. , Datta Suman , Gopalan Venkatraman , Engel‐Herbert Roman
Published: July 2016

Materials exhibiting electronic phase transitions have attracted widespread attention. By switching between metallic and insulating states under external stimuli, the accompanying changes in the electrical and optical properties can be harnessed in novel electronic and optical applications. In this work, a laterally confined conductive pattern is inscribed into an otherwise insulating VO2 thin film using ultraviolet light, inducing an almost four orders of magnitude decrease in electrical resistivity of the exposed area. The metallic imprint remains in VO2 after ultraviolet light exposure and can be completely erased by a short low temperature anneal. The ability to optically pattern confined metallic structures provides new opportunities for reconfigurable photonic and plasmonic structures, as well as re‐writable electric circuitry.
Printing Ultrasensitive Artificially Intelligent Sensors Array with a Single Self‐Propelled Droplet Containing Nanoparticles
Authors: Homede Ekhlas , Abo‐Jabal Mohammad , Ionescu Radu , Haick Hossam
Published: July 2016

The fabrication and implementation of artificially intelligent sensor arrays has faced serious technical and/or cost‐effectiveness challenges. Here, a new printing method is presented to produce a fully functional array of sensors based on monolayer‐capped gold nanoparticles. The proposed printing technique is based on the so‐called self‐propelled antipinning ink droplet, from which evaporative deposition takes place along the path of motion. By applying actuating forces, different deposition line patterns with different thicknesses and morphology from a single droplet are generated. The functionality of the produced sensors is demonstrated by their ability to detect different representative volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to different chemical families, including alcohols, alkanes, ethers, and aromatics, and under extremely different humidity levels resembling those encountered in real‐world conditions. The results show that the sensors exhibit ultrasensitive sensing features, with an ability to detect and differentiate between different VOCs at low ppb levels. Additionally, the results show that the sensors are able to accurately predict VOC concentrations, viz. enable quantification capabilities, while nevertheless being inexpensive, do not need complicated and expensive printing equipment and prepatterning processes, allow low voltage operation, and provide a platform for multifunctional applications.
High‐Performance Flexible Solid‐State Ni/Fe Battery Consisting of Metal Oxides Coated Carbon Cloth/Carbon Nanofiber Electrodes
Authors: Guan Cao , Zhao Wei , Hu Yating , Ke Qingqing , Li Xin , Zhang Hua , Wang John
Published: July 2016

Aqueous Ni/Fe batteries have great potential as flexible energy storage devices, owing to their low cost, low toxicity, high safety, and high energy density. However, the poor cycling stability has limited the widely expected application of Ni/Fe batteries, while the use of heavy metal substrates cannot meet the basic requirement for flexible devices. In this work, a flexible type of solid‐state Ni/Fe batteries with high energy and power densities is rationally developed using needle‐like Fe3O4 and flake‐like NiO directly grown on carbon cloth/carbon nanofiber (CC–CF) matrix as the anode and cathode, respectively. The hierarchical CC–CF substrate with high electric conductivity and good flexibility serves as an ideal support for guest active materials of nanocrystalline Fe3O4 and NiO, which can effectively buffer the volume change giving rise to good cycling ability. By utilizing a gel electrolyte, a robust and mechanically flexible quasi‐solid‐state Ni/Fe full cell can be assembled. It demonstrates optimal electrochemical performance, such as high energy density (5.2 mWh cm−3 and 94.5 Wh Kg−1), high power density (0.64 W cm−3 and 11.8 KW Kg−1), together with excellent cycling ability. This work provides an example of solid‐state alkaline battery with high electrochemical performance and mechanical flexibility, holding great potential for future flexible electronic devices.
Risk of solid cancer, cardiovascular disease, anaphylaxis, osteoporosis and fractures in patients with systemic mastocytosis: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Broesby‐Olsen Sigurd , Farkas Dóra Körmendiné , Vestergaard Hanne , Hermann Anne Pernille , Møller Michael Boe , Mortz Charlotte Gotthard , Kristensen Thomas Kielsgaard , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Frederiksen Henrik
Published: July 2016

In patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM), several aspects of morbidity remain poorly understood. We assessed the risk of solid cancers, cardiovascular disease, anaphylaxis, osteoporosis, and fractures in SM patients. Using Danish medical registries, we conducted a nationwide population‐based cohort study including 687 adult (≥15 years) SM patients diagnosed during 1997–2012. A comparison cohort of 68,700 subjects from the general Danish population who were alive and without SM at the given SM subject's diagnosis were age‐ and gender‐matched. Outcomes were a new diagnosis of solid cancer, venous thromboembolism (VTE), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, anaphylaxis, osteoporosis, or fracture. For solid cancers the hazard ratio (HR) was 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–2.8) with a 10‐year absolute risk (AR) in the SM‐cohort of 12.6% (95% CI 9.4–16.3). Specifically, we found a HR of 7.5 (95% CI 4.4–13.0) for melanoma and a HR of 2.5 (95% CI 1.7–3.5) for non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). For VTE we found a HR of 1.9 (95% CI 1.2–3.0), with a 10‐year AR of 3.9% (95% CI 2.3–6.1); for MI a nonsignificant increased HR of 1.4 (95% CI 0.9–2.3), with a 10‐year AR of 1.8% (95% CI 0.9–3.2); and for stroke a HR of 1.6 (95% CI 1.1–2.3) with a 10‐year AR of 4.6% (95% CI 2.8–6.9). The HR for anaphylaxis was 7.2 (95% CI 5.3–9.9), and the 10‐year AR was 3.1% (95% CI 1.9–4.9). For osteoporosis the HR was 3.6 (95% CI 2.7–4.6) with a 10‐year AR of 7.2% (95% CI 5.2–9.8). For fractures the HR was 1.2 (95% CI 0.9–1.6) and the 10‐year AR was 5.9% (95% CI 3.9–8.4). SM patients are at increased risk of solid cancers – especially melanoma and NMSC—and cardiovascular disease. The risk of anaphylaxis and osteoporosis is clearly increased in SM, though absolute risk was low in this population‐based study. The fracture‐risk was only slightly increased. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1069–1075, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sociodemographic factors related to handgrip strength in children and adolescents in a middle income country: The SALUS study
Authors: Otero Johanna , Cohen Daniel Dylan , Herrera Victor Mauricio , Camacho Paul Anthony , Bernal Oscar , López‐Jaramillo Patricio
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine sociodemographic factors associated with handgrip (HG) strength in a representative sample of children and adolescents from a middle income country.

Methods

We evaluated youth between the ages of 8 and 17 from a representative sample of individuals from the Department of Santander, Colombia. Anthropometric measures, HG strength, and self‐reported physical activity were assessed, and parents/guardians completed sociodemographic questionnairres. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics and tertiles of relative HG strength. We also produced centile data for raw HG strength using quantile regression.

Results

1,691 young people were evaluated. HG strength increased with age, and was higher in males than females in all age groups. Lower HG strength was associated with indicators of higher socioeconomic status, such as living in an urban area, residence in higher social strata neighborhoods, parent/guardian with secondary education or higher, higher household income, and membership in health insurance schemes. In addition, low HG strength was associated with lower physical activity levels and higher waist‐to‐hip ratio. In a fully adjusted regression model, all factors remained significant except for health insurance, household income, and physical activity level.

Conclusions

While age and gender specific HG strength values were substantially lower than contemporary data from high income countries, we found that within this middle income population indicators of higher socioeconomic status were associated with lower HG strength. This analysis also suggests that in countries undergoing rapid nutrition transition, improvements in socioeconomic conditions may be accompanied by reduction in muscle strength.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a beautician
Authors: Soumagne Thibaud , Reboux Gabriel , Degano Bruno , Dalphin Jean Charles
Published: July 2016

A 52‐year‐old non‐smoking beautician using a skincare device spraying steam and ozone (a “vapozone” facial steamer) was referred for progressive dyspnea and dry cough during working periods. Although spirometry was normal, she had decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, bronchiolitis with air trapping on high‐resolution CT scan and 60% lymphocytosis by bronchoalveolar lavage. Twenty‐six antigens were tested and serum‐specific precipitins were found mainly against Pseudomonas sp. and Mycobacterium mucogenicum. Cultures from her skincare device isolated Pseudomonas sp. Outcome was favorable with cessation of occupational exposure to the device, without any medication. This is the first report of a case of HP in a beautician due to steam contaminated by Pseudomonas sp. from a vapozone. HP, and not only asthma and contact dermatitis, should be suspected in beauticians with respiratory symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1041–1045, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Facile Strategy for the Preparation of MoS3 and its Application as a Negative Electrode for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Tong , Kong Ling‐Bin , Dai Yan‐Hua , Yan Kun , Shi Ming , Liu Mao‐Cheng , Luo Yong‐Chun , Kang Long
Published: July 2016

Owing to their graphene‐like structure and available oxidation valence states, transition metal sulfides are promising candidates for supercapacitors. Herein, we report the application of MoS3 as a new negative electrode for supercapacitors. MoS3 was fabricated by the facile thermal decomposition of a (NH4)2MoS4 precursor. For comparison, samples of MoS3&MoS2 and MoS2 were also synthesized by using the same method. Moreover, this is the first report of the application of MoS3 as a negative electrode for supercapacitors. MoS3 displayed a high specific capacitance of 455.6 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The capacitance retention of the MoS3 electrode was 92 % after 1500 cycles, and even 71 % after 5000 cycles. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor assembly of MoS3 as the negative electrode demonstrated a high energy density at a high potential of 2.0 V in aqueous electrolyte. These notable results show that MoS3 has significant potential in energy‐storage devices.
Vmh2 hydrophobin as a tool for the development of “self‐immobilizing” enzymes for biosensing
Authors: Piscitelli Alessandra , Pennacchio Anna , Longobardi Sara , Velotta Raffaele , Giardina Paola
Published: July 2016

Self‐assembling proteins forming amyloid fibrils are promising candidates for the fabrication of biomaterials, due to the chemical and mechanical stability of their structures. Among potential applications, their use as platforms for enzyme immobilization is rapidly gathering attention. In this work, we demonstrate that the production of the enzyme glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) fused to the class I hydrophobin Vmh2 from Pleurotus ostreatus represents an invaluable tool for the development of self‐immobilizing enzymes useful for high throughput analyses. The proposed immobilization strategy is versatile since it can be applied, in principle, to every recombinant protein able to refold from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies. A GST based biosensor has been developed to quantify toxic compounds, such as the pesticides molinate and captan, in aqueous environmental samples. The main advantages of this sensor include simplicity and speed of preparation, high sensitivity, reusability, and accuracy. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 46–52. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loop variants of the thermophile Rasamsonia emersonii Cel7A with improved activity against cellulose
Authors: Sørensen Trine Holst , Windahl Michael Skovbo , McBrayer Brett , Kari Jeppe , Olsen Johan Pelck , Borch Kim , Westh Peter
Published: July 2016

Cel7A cellobiohydrolases perform processive hydrolysis on one strand of cellulose, which is threaded through the enzyme's substrate binding tunnel. The tunnel structure results from a groove in the catalytic domain, which is covered by a number of loops. These loops have been identified as potential targets for engineering of this industrially important enzyme family, but only few systematic studies on this have been made. Here we show that two asparagine residues (N194 and N197) positioned in the loop covering the glucopyranose subsite −4 (recently denoted B2 loop) of the thermostable Cel7A from Rasamsonia emersonii had profound effects on both substrate interactions and catalytic efficacy. At room temperature the double mutant N194A/N197A showed strongly reduced substrate affinity with a water‐cellulose partitioning coefficient threefold lower than the wild type. Yet, this variant was catalytically efficient with a maximal turnover about twice as high as the wild type. Analogous but smaller changes were found for the single mutants. Analysis of these changes in affinity and kinetics as a function of temperature, led to the conclusion that replacement of N194 and particularly N197 with alanine leads to faster enzyme‐substrate dissociation. Conversely, these residues appeared to have little or no effect on the rate of association. We suggest that the controlled adjustment of the enzyme‐substrate dissociation prompts faster cellulolytic enzymes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 53–62. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of three targeted approaches to screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm based on cardiovascular risk
Authors: Jones G T , Hill B G , Curtis N , Kabir T D , Wong L E , Tilyard M W , Williams M J A , van Rij A M
Published: July 2016

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) continues to be a significant health burden yet few countries have implemented a comprehensive screening programme. Screening typically places emphasis on men aged over 65 years; however, there is concern that other at-risk groups may be underidentified. The present study examined three potential screening strategies based on cardiovascular risk.

Methods

The prevalence of AAA was determined by abdominal ultrasound imaging in over 50-year-olds of either sex undergoing coronary angiography, vascular laboratory assessment of peripheral arterial disease, or community-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) event risk assessment. A fourth group, consisting of volunteers aged over 60 years who had no symptoms or signs of cardiovascular disease, was used as a comparator group.

Results

A total AAA prevalence of 4·4 per cent was detected across all three strategies (137 of 3142 individuals), compared with 1·0 per cent in the CVD-free group. Male sex, age and smoking were all associated with greater AAA prevalence. Although AAA prevalence was lowest using the community-based strategy, those with an AAA detected were on average 7 years younger than those with AAAs detected with the other two strategies (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Different strategies, based on CVD risk, resulted in AAA prevalence rates that were significantly greater than that in CVD-free individuals. This may provide opportunities for a targeted approach to community AAA screening in parts of the world where more sophisticated national screening programmes do not exist.
Extraction and preconcentration of residual solvents in pharmaceuticals using dynamic headspace–liquid phase microextraction and their determination by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Dehghani Hamideh , Yadeghari Adeleh , Khoshmaram Leila
Published: July 2016

The present study describes a microextraction and determination method for analyzing residual solvents in pharmaceutical products using dynamic headspace–liquid phase microextraction technique followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. In this method dimethyl sulfoxide (μL level) placed into a GC liner‐shaped extraction vessel is used as a collection/extraction solvent. Then the liner is exposed to the headspace of a vial containing the sample solution. The effect of different parameters influencing the microextraction procedure including collection/extraction solvent type and its volume, ionic strength, extraction time, extraction temperature and concentration of NaOH solution used in dissolving the studied pharmaceuticals are investigated and optimized. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the method showed wide linear ranges between 0.5 and 5000 mg L−1. The other analytical parameters were obtained in the following ranges: enrichment factors 240–327, extraction recoveries 72–98% and limits of detection 0.1–0.8 mg L−1 in solution and 0.6–3.2 μg g−1 in solid. Relative standard deviations for the extraction of 100 mg L−1 of each analyte were obtained in the ranges of 4–7 and 5–8% for intra‐day (n = 6) and inter‐day (n = 4) respectively. Finally the target analytes were determined in different samples such as erythromycin, azithromycin, cefalexin, amoxicillin and co‐amoxiclav by the proposed method.
Working with Vulnerable Pregnant Women Who Are At Risk of Having their Babies Removed by the Child Protection Agency in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Everitt Louise , Homer Caroline , Fenwick Jennifer
Published: July 2016

In this paper, midwives' experiences of working with vulnerable pregnant women who were subject to child protection orders in New South Wales, Australia, and faced the possible removal of their baby at birth, known as ‘assumption of care’, are described. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the experiences of ten midwives who had been involved in some 91 episodes of assumption of care. In‐depth interviews were undertaken and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data‐set. Four themes were elicited that demonstrated how midwives worked with vulnerable women and Community Services during the antenatal period. These were labelled: Reporting – Taking the first step; The woman‐midwife relationship remains a priority; Jumping through the ‘community service’ hoops; and Crunch time: The decision… sometimes justifiable sometimes not? Even though the three‐way relationship between the woman‐midwife‐Community Services could be confrontational, it was essential that midwives worked in a positive way with Community Services to improve outcomes for the woman and her unborn child. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Experiences of ten midwives who had been involved in some 91 episodes of assumption of care’

Key Practitioner Messages

Working effectively with Community Services is essential. Sharing information and developing multidisciplinary approaches and pathways will produce the best outcomes for vulnerable newborns and their mothers whilst at the same time supporting health and community workers to work in a cohesive manner to provide quality care.

Midwives need to be supported to stay ‘woman centred’. Keeping the woman engaged in the system will help ensure the health of the foetus (baby).

Further research is needed to explore the perspectives of all those involved in assumption of care.

‘Midwives need to be supported to stay ‘woman centred’’
Children and Violence Interactions: Exploring Intimate Partner Violence and Children's Experiences of Responses
Authors: Åkerlund Nina , Sandberg Linn J.
Published: July 2016

While there is a growing research interest in the experiences of children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV), the role of children's social networks, other than the role of mothers, has been little discussed. The aim of this article is to study older children's stories of how they, and the adults in their social networks, respond to IPV. More specifically, we are interested in how older children describe both their own responses when exposed to IPV and responses from adults. This article focuses on the narratives of older children since they are often in a liminal position between adulthood and childhood, which may be consequential for their and others' responses to violence. The article shows that responses are interactional and that children's responses affect how adults respond. Our analysis suggests that adults are positioning children as either adult‐like and competent or vulnerable, and this impacts significantly on the support that they receive. In our data, there are, however, also examples of middle ways where children are positioned as vulnerable yet capable. This seems linked to children's abilities to communicate their own needs. Although the study sample is limited, our results point to the significance of gender for how children respond. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Focuses on the narratives of older children since they are often in a liminal position between adulthood and childhood’

Key Practitioner Messages

Social network responses can be crucial to the disclosure, ending and continuation of IPV.

Awareness of exposure to IPV does not automatically result in responses that are beneficial to children's wellbeing.

Professionals need to be better at communicating with the social network.

Children's responses are contextual and protection and support should be designed according to children's individually varying needs.

‘Awareness of exposure to IPV does not automatically result in responses that are beneficial to children's wellbeing’
Is Group Singing Special? Health, Well‐Being and Social Bonds in Community‐Based Adult Education Classes
Authors: Pearce Eiluned , Launay Jacques , Machin Anna , Dunbar Robin I. M.
Published: July 2016

Evidence demonstrates that group singing improves health and well‐being, but the precise mechanisms remain unknown. Given that cohesive social networks also positively influence health, we focus on the social aspects of singing, exploring whether improvements in health and well‐being are mediated by stronger social bonds, both to the group as a whole (collective‐bonding) and to individual classmates (relational‐bonding). To do so, seven newly formed community‐based adult education classes (four singing, N = 84, and three comparison classes studying creative writing or crafts, N = 51) were followed over seven months. Self‐report questionnaire data on mental and physical health, well‐being and social bonding were collected at Months 1, 3 and 7. We demonstrate that physical and mental health and satisfaction with life significantly improved over time in both conditions. Path analysis did not show any indirect effects via social bonding of Condition on health and well‐being. However, higher collective‐bonding at timepoint 3 significantly predicted increased flourishing, reduced anxiety and improved physical health independently of baseline levels. In contrast, relational‐bonding showed no such effects, suggesting that it is feeling part of a group that particularly yields health and well‐being benefits. Moreover, these results indicate that singing may not improve health and well‐being more than other types of activities. Nonetheless, these findings encourage further work to refine our understanding of the social aspects of community‐based adult education classes in promoting health, well‐being and community cohesion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants influencing conservation behaviour: Perceptions of Vietnamese consumers
Authors: Nguyen The Ninh , Lobo Antonio , Nguyen Hoang Long , Phan Thi Thu Hoai , Cao Tuan Khanh
Published: July 2016

Environmental degradation is one of the most serious issues impacting our lives and those of future generations. In this respect, several studies on pro‐environmental behaviour have investigated the attitude–behaviour relationship of consumers. This study builds on previous models and examines the influence of four relevant determinants, i.e. consumers' perceptions associated with environmental concern, ecological effect, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and moral obligation on their pro‐environmental behaviour. The data were collected from consumers in Vietnam, where there are serious environmental issues. The findings suggest that all the four determinants influenced consumers' conservation behaviour, albeit each in varying strengths. The most influential determinant was PCE, followed by ecological effect, environmental concern and finally moral obligation. The findings of this study have important academic and practical implications. Government and private environmental and sustainability campaigners, especially in Vietnam, would be well advised to use these findings in developing and designing new policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing consumers' pro‐environmental behaviour. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elucidating the Reactivity of Vicinal Dicarbenoids: From Lewis Adduct Formation to B−C Bond Activation
Authors: Kelch Hauke , Kachel Stephanie , Celik Mehmet Ali , Schäfer Marius , Wennemann Benedikt , Radacki Krzysztof , Petrov Alex R. , Tamm Matthias , Braunschweig Holger
Published: July 2016

The reactivity of the diaminoacetylene Pip‐C≡C‐Pip (Pip=piperidyl=NC5H10) towards phenyldichloro‐ and triphenylborane is presented. In the case of the less Lewis acidic PhBCl2, the first example of a double Lewis adduct of a vicinal dicarbenoid is reported. For the more Lewis acidic triphenylborane, coordination to the bifunctional carbene leads to a mild B−C bond activation, resulting in a syn‐1,2‐carboboration. Ensuing cis/trans isomerization yields a novel ethylene‐bridged frustrated Lewis pair (FLP). The compounds were characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, structural analysis, and mass spectrometry. Reactivity studies of both isomers with the N‐heterocyclic carbene 1,3‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (IMe) aided in elucidating the proposed isomerization pathway. DFT calculations were carried out to elucidate the reaction mechanism. The rather low free energy of activation is consistent with the observation that the reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature.
Facile Synthetic Approach to a Large Variety of Soluble Diarenoperylenes
Authors: Zhang Gang , Rominger Frank , Zschieschang Ute , Klauk Hagen , Mastalerz Michael
Published: July 2016

Fused, extended π‐systems such as larger acenes and heteroacenes are interesting compounds for organic thin‐film transistors (TFTs). The larger the number of linearly cata‐fused rings, the lower the stability of the acenes. By peri‐fusion of additional rings, the stabilities can significantly be increased. Here we present a facile approach to use a diborylated dihydroanthracene as precursor to get diareno‐fused perylenes in just two steps in high yields. The compounds show pronounced packing in the crystalline states by π‐stacking. Promising candidates have been used to fabricate p‐channel TFTs by vacuum sublimation showing field‐effect mobilities up to 0.12 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Heme Orientation of Cavity Mutant Hemoglobins (His F8 → Gly) in Either α or β Subunits: Circular Dichroism, 1H NMR, and Resonance Raman Studies
Authors: Nagai Masako , Nagai Yukifumi , Aki Yayoi , Sakurai Hiroshi , Mizusawa Naoki , Ogura Takashi , Kitagawa Teizo , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Nagatomo Shigenori
Published: July 2016

Native human adult hemoglobin (Hb A) has mostly normal orientation of heme, whereas recombinant Hb A (rHb A) expressed in E. coli contains both normal and reversed orientations of heme. Hb A with the normal heme exhibits positive circular dichroism (CD) bands at both the Soret and 260‐nm regions, while rHb A with the reversed heme shows a negative Soret and decreased 260‐nm CD bands. In order to examine involvement of the proximal histidine (His F8) of either α or β subunits in determining the heme orientation, we prepared two cavity mutant Hbs, rHb(αH87G) and rHb(βH92G), with substitution of glycine for His F8 in the presence of imidazole. CD spectra of both cavity mutant Hbs did not show a negative Soret band, but instead exhibited positive bands with strong intensity at the both Soret and 260‐nm regions, suggesting that the reversed heme scarcely exists in the cavity mutant Hbs. We confirmed by 1H NMR and resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopies that the cavity mutant Hbs have mainly the normal heme orientation in both the mutated and native subunits. These results indicate that the heme Fe‐His F8 linkage in both α and β subunits influences the heme orientation, and that the heme orientation of one type of subunit is related to the heme orientation of the complementary subunits to be the same. The present study showed that CD and RR spectroscopies also provided powerful tools for the examination of the heme rotational disorder of Hb A, in addition to the usual 1H NMR technique. Chirality 28:585–592, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.