bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attempting to validate the overtriage/undertriage matrix at a Level I trauma center
Authors: Davis James W. , Dirks Rachel C. , Sue Lawrence P. , Kaups Krista L.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The Optimal Resources Document mandates trauma activation based on injury mechanism, physiologic and anatomic criteria and recommends using the overtriage/undertriage matrix (Matrix) to evaluate the appropriateness of trauma team activation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Matrix method by comparing patients appropriately triaged with those undertriaged. We hypothesized that these two groups are different, and Matrix does not discriminate the needs or outcomes of these different groups of patients.

METHODS

Trauma registry data, from January 2013 to December 2015, at a Level I trauma center, were reviewed. Overtriage and undertriage rates were calculated by Matrix. Patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 16 or greater were classified by activation level (full, limited, consultation), and triage category by Matrix. Patients in the limited activation and consultation groups were compared with patients with full activation by demographics, injuries, initial vital signs, procedures, delays to procedure, intensive care unit admission, length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

Seven thousand thirty-one patients met activation criteria. Compliance with American College of Surgeons tiered activation criteria was 99%. The Matrix overtriage rate was 45% and undertriage was 24%. Of 2,282 patients with an ISS of 16 or greater, 1,026 were appropriately triaged (full activation), and 1,256 were undertriaged. Undertriaged patients had better Glasgow Coma Scale score, blood pressure, and base deficit than patients with full activation. Intensive care unit admission, hospital stays, and mortality were lower in the undertriaged group. The undertriaged group required fewer operative interventions with fewer delays to procedure.

CONCLUSION

Despite having an ISS of 16 or greater, patients with limited activations were dissimilar to patients with full activation. Level of activation and triage are not equivalent. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma full and tiered activation criteria are a robust means to have the appropriate personnel present based on the available prehospital information. Evaluation of the process of care, regardless of level of activation, should be used to evaluate trauma center performance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic and care management, level III.
Contemporary management of subclavian and axillary artery injuries—A Western Trauma Association multicenter review
Authors: Waller Christine J. , Cogbill Thomas H. , Kallies Kara J. , Ramirez Luis D. , Cardenas Justin M. , Todd S. Rob , Chapman Kayla J. , Beckman Marshall A. , Sperry Jason L. , Anto Vincent P. , Eriksson Evert A. , Leon Stuart M. , Anand Rahul J. , Pearlstein Maura , Capano-Wehrle Lisa , Cothren Burlew Clay , Fox Charles J. , Cullinane Daniel C. , Roberts Jennifer C. , Harrison Paul B. , Berg Gina M. , Haan James M. , Lightwine Kelly
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Subclavian and axillary artery injuries are uncommon. In addition to many open vascular repairs, endovascular techniques are used for definitive repair or vascular control of these anatomically challenging injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the relative roles of endovascular and open techniques in the management of subclavian and axillary artery injuries comparing hospital outcomes, and long-term limb viability.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective review of patients with subclavian or axillary artery injuries from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2014, was completed at 11 participating Western Trauma Association institutions. Statistical analysis included χ2, t-tests, and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. A p value less than 0.05 was significant.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-three patients were included; mean age was 36 years, 84% were men. An increase in computed tomography angiography and decrease in conventional angiography was observed over time (p = 0.018). There were 120 subclavian and 119 axillary artery injuries. Procedure type was associated with injury grade (p < 0.001). Open operations were performed in 135 (61%) patients, including 93% of greater than 50% circumference lacerations and 83% of vessel transections. Endovascular repairs were performed in 38 (17%) patients; most frequently for pseudoaneurysms. Fourteen (6%) patients underwent a hybrid procedure. Use of endovascular versus open procedures did not increase over the duration of the study (p = 0.248). In-hospital mortality rate was 10%. Graft or stent thrombosis occurred in 7% and graft or stent infection occurred in 3% of patients. Mean follow-up was 1.6 ± 2.4 years (n = 150). Limb salvage was achieved in 216 (97%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The management of subclavian and axillary artery injuries still requires a wide variety of open exposures and procedures, especially for the control of active hemorrhage from more than 50% vessel lacerations and transections. Endovascular repairs were used most often for pseudoaneurysms. Low early complication rates and limb salvage rates of 97% were observed after open and endovascular repairs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/epidemiologic, level IV.
A naturalistic assay for measuring behavioral responses to aversive stimuli at millisecond timescale
Authors: Schoonover Carl E. , Fink Andrew J. P. , Axel Richard
Published: July 2017

We have designed a Virtual Burrow Assay (VBA) to detect the behavioral responses of head-fixed mice to aversive stimuli. We demonstrate its suitability for measuring novelty detection as well as aversion to both conditioned and innately aversive cues. The VBA simulates a scenario in which a mouse, poised at the threshold of its burrow, evaluates whether to remain exposed to potential threats outside or to retreat inside an enclosure. When presented with aversive stimuli, mice exhibit a stereotyped retreat whose onset is determined by measuring the position of a moveable burrow. This withdrawal, which requires no training, is characterized by an abrupt transition that unfolds within milliseconds—a timescale similar to that of neuronal dynamics, permitting direct comparison between the two. The assay is compatible with standard electrophysiological and optical methods for measuring and perturbing neuronal activity.
ComparingCaenorhabditis elegansgentle and harsh touch response behavior using a multiplexed hydraulic microfluidic device
Authors: McClanahan Patrick D. , Xu Joyce H. , Fang-Yen Christopher
Published: July 2017

The roundwormCaenorhabditis elegansis an important model system for understanding the genetics and physiology of touch. Classical assays forC. eleganstouch, which involve manually touching the animal with a probe and observing its response, are limited by their low throughput and qualitative nature. We developed a microfluidic device in which several dozen animals are subject to spatially localized mechanical stimuli with variable amplitude. The device contains 64 sinusoidal channels through which worms crawl, and hydraulic valves that deliver touch stimuli to the worms. We used this assay to characterize the behavioral responses to gentle touch stimuli and the less well studied harsh (nociceptive) touch stimuli. First, we measured the relative response thresholds of gentle and harsh touch. Next, we quantified differences in the receptive fields between wild type worms and a mutant with non-functioning posterior touch receptor neurons. We showed that under gentle touch the receptive field of the anterior touch receptor neurons extends into the posterior half of the body. Finally, we found that the behavioral response to gentle touch does not depend on the locomotion of the animal immediately prior to the stimulus, but does depend on the location of the previous touch. Responses to harsh touch, on the other hand, did not depend on either previous velocity or stimulus location. Differences in gentle and harsh touch response characteristics may reflect the different innervation of the respective mechanosensory cells. Our assay will facilitate studies of mechanosensation, sensory adaptation, and nociception.
ScreenCube: A 3D Printed System For Rapid and Cost-Effective Chemical Screening in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Monstad-Rios Adrian T. , Watson Claire J. , Kwon Ronald Y.
Published: July 2017

Phenotype-based small molecule screens in zebrafish embryos and larvae have been successful in accelerating pathway and therapeutic discovery for diverse biological processes. Yet, the application of chemical screens to adult physiologies has been relatively limited due to additional demands on cost, space, and labor associated with screens in adult animals. Here, we present a 3D printed system and methods for intermittent drug dosing that enable rapid and cost-effective chemical administration in adult zebrafish. Using pre-filled screening plates, the system enables dosing of 96 fish in ˜3min, with a tenfold-reduction in drug quantity compared to that used in previous chemical screens in adult zebrafish. We characterize water quality kinetics during immersion in the system, and use these kinetics to rationally design intermittent dosing regimens that result in 100% fish survival. As a demonstration of system fidelity, we show the potential to identify two known chemical inhibitors of adult tail fin regeneration, cyclopamine and dorsomorphin. By developing methods for rapid and cost-effective chemical administration in adult zebrafish, this study expands the potential for small molecule discovery in post-embryonic models of development, disease, and regeneration.
Mechanism of genome interrogation: How CRISPR RNA-guided Cas9 proteins locate specific targets on DNA
Authors: Shvets A. A. , Kolomeisky A. B.
Published: July 2017

The ability to precisely edit and modify genome opens endless opportunities to investigate fundamental properties of living systems as well as to advance various medical techniques and bioengineering applications. This possibility is now close to reality due to a recent discovery of the adaptive bacterial immune system, which is based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated proteins (Cas) that utilize RNA to find and cut the double-stranded DNA molecules at specific locations. Here we develop a quantitative theoretical approach to analyze the mechanism of target search on DNA by CRISPR RNA-guided Cas9 proteins, which is followed by a selective cleavage of nucleic acids. It is based on a discrete-state stochastic model that takes into account the most relevant physical-chemical processes in the system. Using a method of first-passage processes, a full dynamic description of the target search is presented. It is found that the location of specific sites on DNA by CRISPR Cas9 proteins is governed by binding first to protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences on DNA, which is followed by reversible transitions into DNA interrogation states. In addition, the search dynamics is strongly influenced by the off-target cutting. Our theoretical calculations allows us to explain the experimental observations and to give experimentally testable predictions. Thus, the presented theoretical model clarifies some molecular aspects of the genome interrogation by CRISPR RNA-guided Cas9 proteins.

Insert Received for publication Date and in final form Date.
Subgenual anterior cingulate cortex controls sadness-induced modulations of cognitive and emotional network hubs
Authors: Ramírez-Mahaluf Juan P. , Perramon Joan , Otal Begonya , Villoslada Pablo , Compte Albert
Published: July 2017

The regulation of cognitive and emotional processes is critical for proper executive functions and social behavior, but its specific mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we addressed this issue by studying with functional magnetic resonance imaging the changes in network topology that underlie competitive interactions between emotional and cognitive networks in healthy participants. Our behavioral paradigm contrasted periods with high emotional and cognitive demands by including a sadness provocation task followed by a spatial working memory task. We hypothesized that this paradigm would enhance the modularity of emotional and cognitive networks and reveal the hub areas that regulate the flow of information between them. By applying graph analysis methods on functional connectivity between 20 regions of interest in 22 participants we identified two main brain network modules, one cognitive and one emotional, and their hub areas: the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and the left medial frontal pole (mFP). These hub areas did not modulate their mutual functional connectivity following sadness but they did so through an interposed area, the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sACC). Our results identify dlPFC and mFP as areas regulating interactions between emotional and cognitive networks, and suggest that their modulation by sadness experience is mediated by sACC.
Light and growth form interact to shape stomatal ratio among British angiosperms
Authors: Muir Christopher D.
Published: July 2017

In most plants, stomata are located only on the abaxial leaf surface (hypostomy), but many plants have stomata on both surfaces (amphistomy). High light and herbaceous growth form have been hypothesized to favor amphistomy, but these hypotheses have not been rigourously tested together using phylogenetic comparative methods.

I leveraged a large dataset including stomatal ratio, Ellenberg light indicator value, growth form, and phylogenetic relationships for 372 species of British angiosperms. I used phylogenetic comparative methods to test how light and/or growth form influence stomatal ratio and density.

High light and herbaceous growth form are correlated with amphistomy, as predicted, but they also interact; the effect of light is pronounced in therophytes (annuals) and perennial herbs, but muted in phanerophytes (shrubs and trees). Furthermore, amphistomy and stomatal density evolve together in response to light.

Comparative analyses of British angiosperms reveal two major insights into physiological evolution. First, light and growth form interact to shape variation in stomatal ratio; amphistomy is common under high light, but mostly for herbs. Second, coordinated evolution of adaxial stomatal density and light tolerance indicates that amphistomy is an important adaptation to optimally balance light acquisition with gas exchange. These results advance our understanding of why stomatal ratio evolves and its potential as a functional trait for paleoecology and crop improvement.
Genomic architecture of codfishes featured by expansions of innate immune genes and short tandem repeats
Authors: Tørresen Ole K. , Brieuc Marine S. O. , Solbakken Monica H. , Sørhus Elin , Nederbragt Alexander J. , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Meier Sonnich , Edvardsen Rolf B. , Jentoft Sissel
Published: July 2017

Background

Increased availability of genome assemblies for non-model organisms has resulted in invaluable biological and genomic insight into numerous vertebrates including teleosts. The sequencing and assembly of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) genome and the genomes of many of its relatives (Gadiformes) demonstrated a shared loss 100 million years ago of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II genes. The recent publication of an improved version of the Atlantic cod genome assembly reported an extreme density of tandem repeats compared to other vertebrate genome assemblies. Highly contiguous genome assemblies are needed to further investigate the unusual immune system of the Gadiformes, and the high density of tandem repeats in this group.

Results

Here, we have sequenced and assembled the genome of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)- a relative of Atlantic cod - using a combination of PacBio and Illumina reads. Comparative analyses uncover that the haddock genome contains an even higher density of tandem repeats outside and within protein coding sequences than Atlantic cod. Further, both species show an elevated number of tandem repeats in genes mainly involved in signal transduction compared to other teleosts. An in-depth characterization of the immune gene repertoire demonstrates a substantial expansion ofMCHIin Atlantic cod compared to haddock. In contrast, the Toll-like receptors show a similar pattern of gene losses and expansions. For another gene family associated with the innate immune system, the NOD-like receptors (NLRs), we find a large expansion common to all teleosts, with possible lineage-specific expansions in zebrafish, stickleback and the codfishes.

Conclusions

The generation of a highly contiguous genome assembly of haddock revealed that the high density of short tandem repeats as well as expanded immune gene families is not unique to Atlantic cod – but most likely a feature common to all codfishes. A shared expansion ofNLRgenes in teleosts suggests that theNLRshave a more substantial role in the innate immunity of teleosts than other vertebrates. Moreover, we find that high copy number genes combined with variable genome assembly qualities may impede complete characterization, i.e. the number ofNLRsmight be underestimates in the different teleost species.
Exploration of the product phase-out process in manufacturing firms
Authors: Wagner Regina , Abdelkafi Nizar , Blecker Thorsten
Published: July 2017

Purpose

In today’s dynamic environment with shortened product life cycles, phase-outs because of product elimination are becoming increasingly frequent. Research on the phase-out process is still scarce. The lack of formalization of the process, especially from the labor perspective, leads to disturbances in phase-out execution. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyze how phase-out is organized in industry to derive a generic labor phase-out process.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identifies manufacturing firms that have eliminated products in the past as an adequate sample. Data collection relies on exploratory cross-industry after-the-fact interviews of entirely finished replacement and closure phase-outs.

Findings

The labor phase-out process consists of four stages and each stage of several activities. There are two types of activities: rational and emotional, which should be combined to support companies in implementing a successful phase-out.

Research limitations/implications

Phase-out is a sensitive process, and many experts from industry do not like to discuss phase-outs, in particular closure phase-outs. Although cross-industry coverage could be achieved, companies that intend to apply the developed process should individually adapt it to their own requirements and their own context.

Practical implications

The presented labor process supports companies in formalizing phase-out, while identifying best practices.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on a phase of the production cycle – the phase-out – that has been neglected so far in the extant literature and generates insights for manufacturing companies how they can formalize this process and how they can deal with it more systematically.
Coaching to enhance self-regulated learning
Authors: Bandura Randall Paul , Lyons Paul
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to express the value of manager/supervisor coaching with the intent of improving employee self-regulated learning (SRL). It examines the concept of SRL and its components; how SRL can assist employee performance and contribute to organizational success; and ways in which managers may intervene with employees via coaching to assist employees’ learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This discussion of SRL and coaching is based on an extensive literature review of recent research regarding SRL.

Findings

There are many practical opportunities for managers to enhance SRL of employees through coaching in the workplace.

Originality/value

There are many practical opportunities for managers to enhance SRL of employees through coaching in the workplace.
Understanding the Kurdish conflict through the eyes of Kurds and Turks
Authors: Uluğ Özden Melis , Odağ Özen , Cohrs J. Christopher , Holtz Peter
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Conflict understandings of lay people mirror society in miniature. Although lay people and their conflict understandings in society may shape the course of an ongoing conflict, little scholarly attention is so far given to the understandings of everyday discourse in Turkey’s ongoing Kurdish conflict. The present research aims to examine the views of lay Kurds and Turks in two politically polarized cities in Turkey, Mersin and Diyarbakır.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine these views, the authors used focus group discussions and open-ended questionnaires with a total of 64 lay people from Mersin and Diyarbakır.

Findings

Qualitative content analysis revealed more conflict understandings than presented in the existing academic literature. Furthermore, multiple correspondence analysis suggested that both ethnic identity and the city in which people live are important factors influencing how people perceive the conflict.

Originality/value

The meaning of novel themes, differences and similarities within and between ethnic groups and two cities, and the usefulness of qualitative methods to examine lay people’s viewpoints are discussed.
Organizational virtuousness and job performance in Japan: does happiness matter?
Authors: Magnier-Watanabe Remy , Uchida Toru , Orsini Philippe , Benton Caroline
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of subjective well-being, often referred to as happiness, on the relationship between organizational virtuousness and job performance among Japanese employees. The concept of happiness has been receiving more attention over the past decade as research suggests that it may be a source of greater performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a questionnaire survey and conditional process analysis among Japanese managers and front-line workers within Japanese firms in Japan.

Findings

This paper found that positive subjective well-being partially mediates the relationship between general organizational virtuousness and self-management-related job performance, while it acts as a moderator in the relationship between general organizational virtuousness and leadership-related job performance.

Practical implications

These findings indicate that in the Japanese context, the firm’s investment in organizational virtuousness will increase one part of job performance, but that investment may not be sufficient in itself to positively affect leadership competency, unless it also pays attention to its employees’ positive subjective well-being.

Originality/value

Based on this growing realization of the importance of subjective well-being, or happiness, and the lack of academic research in Japan on its impact on organization, this paper investigates its effect on employees’ ability to manage their own tasks and lead others.
The impact of sovereign rating events on bank stock returns
Authors: Hu Haoshen
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of sovereign rating signals on domestic banks’ stock returns in a European context.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses an event study technique to measure short-term bank stock abnormal returns that result from domestic positive or negative sovereign rating events. Then, test results from the univariate event studies are further scrutinised with the bank- and sovereign-related factors related to cross-sectional variations in abnormal bank returns.

Findings

The univariate results show that positive sovereign rating events do not lead to significant bank stock price reactions, while negative events are associated with negative share price effects on domestic banks. The multivariate regression results for the subsample of negative rating events show that the degrees of contagion effects depend on which credit rating agency issues the signal, on whether the events are preceded by other negative sovereign rating signals, and in some cases on the sovereign’s initial rating level and on the bank’s liquidity ratio, profitability level and size.

Originality/value

The study improves the test procedures used by Caselli et al. (2016) and sheds light on the bank valuation effect induced by massive negative sovereign rating signals during the crisis period. The results highlight the share price effect of sovereign events and address political implications of introducing risk weights for sovereign debts.
Self‐changing behaviour in smoking cessation linked to trait and cognitive impulsivity
Authors: Celma‐Merola Jaume , Abella‐Pons Francesc , Mata Fernanda , Pedra‐Pagés Gerard , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio
Published: July 2017

Background and aims

To compare impulsivity, measured using self‐report and cognitive tasks in people who ceased smoking without treatment (self‐changers) with each of the following groups: (i) smoking non‐treatment‐seekers, (ii) people in smoking cessation treatment and currently abstinent and (iii) people in smoking cessation treatment but non‐abstinent.

Design

Cross‐sectional, observational study.

Setting

The smoking cessation unit of a public general hospital, Hospital de Santa Maria, in Lleida, Spain. All participants were from the hospital's catchment area.

Participants

One hundred and twenty participants, classified in four groups: (1) self‐changers (n = 30, 21 females, mean age = 41.50 years), (2) non‐treatment‐seekers (n = 30, 17 females, mean age = 35.27 years), (3) people in smoking cessation treatment and currently abstinent (n = 30, 17 females, mean age = 48.93 years) and (4) people in smoking cessation treatment but non‐abstinent (n = 30, 21 females, mean age = 33.70 years).

Measurements

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, including measures of non‐planning, attentional and motor impulsivity, and two behavioural tasks measuring cognitive inhibition (Stroop test) and choice impulsivity (delay‐discounting task). Confounders included sex, age, education, employment, smoking severity, depression and trait and state anxiety.

Findings

Although not on the other three measures, we found significant group differences on trait non‐planning impulsivity and Stroop performance. Self‐changers, compared with non‐treatment‐seekers, had lower non‐planning impulsivity (P = 0.018, Cohen's d = 0.62) and better Stroop performance (P = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.66). Self‐changers also had better Stroop performance than participants in treatment and currently abstinent (P = 0.002, Cohen's d = 0.85).

Conclusions

People who have stopped smoking without treatment appear to have lower non‐planning impulsivity and more effective cognitive inhibition compared with smoking non‐treatment‐seekers, and better cognitive inhibition than people who cease smoking with treatment aid.
Mecamylamine treatment for alcohol dependence: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Petrakis Ismene L. , Ralevski Elizabeth , Gueorguieva Ralitza , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Arias Albert , Sevarino Kevin A. , Jane Jane S. , O'Brien Erin , Krystal John H.
Published: July 2017

Background and aims

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, mecamylamine, is a potential novel pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. The aims were to compare alcohol consumption between mecamylamine and placebo and test if smoking status modified treatment effects.

Design

Out‐patient, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial for 12 weeks of treatment with mecamylamine (10 mg) (n = 65) versus placebo (n = 63).

Setting

Connecticut, USA.

Participants

Individuals had current alcohol dependence (n = 128), had an average age of 48.5 [standard deviation (SD) = 9.4], 110 (85.9%) were men, and included 74 smokers (57.8%) and 54 non‐smokers (42.2%). Participants were randomized to mecamylamine 10 mg per day or placebo. All subjects also received medical management therapy administered by trained research personnel.

Measurements

Primary outcome was percentage of heavy drinking days during the last month of treatment; other outcomes included drinking days, drinks per drinking days, alcohol craving, smoking, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and side effects.

Findings

There were no significant differences in the percentage of heavy drinking days at 3 months between the mecamylamine (mean = 18.4, SD = 29.0) and placebo treatment groups (mean = 20.4, SD = 29.2) [F1, 100 = 1.3, P = 0.25; effect size d = 0.07; mean difference = 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −8.96 to 13.08]. There were no significant differences in percentage of drinking days or in drinks per drinking day at month 3 between the mecamylamine and placebo groups; there were no significant interactions.

Conclusions

Mecamylamine 10 mg per day did not reduce alcohol consumption significantly in treatment‐seeking smokers and non‐smokers with alcohol use disorder.
Erectile function after stereotactic body radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Dess Robert T. , Hartman Holly E. , Aghdam Nima , Jackson William C. , Soni Payal D. , Abugharib Ahmed E. , Suy Simeng , Desai Neil B. , Zumsteg Zachary S. , Mehra Rohit , Morgan Todd M. , Feng Felix Y. , Hamstra Daniel A. , Schipper Matthew J. , Collins Sean P. , Spratt Daniel E.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To elucidate the functional erection rate after prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and to develop a comprehensive prognostic model of outcomes after treatment.

Patients and Methods

Between 2008 and 2013, 373 consecutive men with localized prostate cancer were treated with SBRT at a single academic institution as part of a prospective clinical trial or prospective registry. Prospective longitudinal patient‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) data was collected using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC)‐26 instrument. Functional erections were strictly defined as ‘firm enough for intercourse’ according to EPIC‐26. Detailed comorbidity data were also collected. Logistic regression models were used to predict 24‐ and 60‐month functional erection rates. Observed erection rates after SBRT were compared with those after other radiation therapies (external beam radiation therapy [EBRT] and brachytherapy) using prospectively validated models.

Results

The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 56 (37–73) months and the response rate at 2 years was 84%. For those with functional erections at baseline, 57% and 45% retained function at 24 and 60 months, respectively. On multivariable analysis for 24‐month erectile function, significant variables included higher baseline sexual HRQoL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.55 per 10 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–1.74; P < 0.001) and older age (aOR 0.66 per 10 years, 95% CI 0.43–1.00; P = 0.05). At 60 months, baseline HRQoL and age remained associated with erectile function, along with body mass index (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26–0.78; P < 0.001). The 24‐ and 60‐month models had excellent discrimination (c‐index 0.81 and 0.84, respectively). Erection rates after SBRT were not statistically different from model‐predicted rates after EBRT or brachytherapy for the whole cohort and the cohort with baseline erectile function.

Conclusions

Intermediate‐ to long‐term post‐SBRT erectile function results are promising and not significantly different from other radiotherapy techniques. Clinicians can use our prognostic model to counsel patients regarding expected erectile function after SBRT.
Identifying Species Conservation Strategies to Reduce Disease‐Associated Declines
Authors: Gerber Brian D. , Converse Sarah J. , Muths Erin , Crockett Harry J. , Mosher Brittany A. , Bailey Larissa L.
Published: July 2017

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a salient threat to many animal taxa, causing local and global extinctions, altering communities and ecosystem function. The EID chytridiomycosis is a prominent driver of amphibian declines, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). To guide conservation policy, we developed a predictive decision‐analytic model that combines empirical knowledge of host‐pathogen metapopulation dynamics with expert judgment regarding effects of management actions, to select from potential conservation strategies. We apply our approach to a boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) and Bd system, identifying optimal strategies that balance tradeoffs in maximizing toad population persistence and landscape‐level distribution, while considering costs. The most robust strategy is expected to reduce the decline of toad breeding sites from 53% to 21% over 50 years. Our findings are incorporated into management policy to guide conservation planning. Our online modeling application provides a template for managers of other systems challenged by EIDs.
Update in enteroscopy: New devices and new indications
Authors: Moreels Tom G.
Published: July 2017

The present review provides an update of the currently available (proto‐) types of device‐assisted enteroscopy (DAE). In recent years, newly designed double‐ and single‐balloon enteroscopes have emerged. They aim to improve insertion depth into the small bowel, and they also allow more efficient endoscopic interventions. Nowadays, almost all conventional endoscopic procedures are feasible using DAE, opening the door to new indications. Recently, more data have become available on pediatric DAE, DAE‐assisted colonoscopy, and DAE in patients with altered anatomy, including DAE‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and direct cholangioscopy. Although new enteroscopes are being developed, few comparative studies are available in order to define which DAE suits best for each indication. It is the duty of the international endoscopy community to set up clinical research projects to provide answers to these open questions.
Biophysical investigation of type A PutAs reveals a conserved core oligomeric structure
Authors: Korasick David A. , Singh Harkewal , Pemberton Travis A. , Luo Min , Dhatwalia Richa , Tanner John J.
Published: July 2017

Many enzymes form homooligomers, yet the functional significance of self‐association is seldom obvious. Herein, we examine the connection between oligomerization and catalytic function for proline utilization A (PutA) enzymes. PutAs are bifunctional enzymes that catalyze both reactions of proline catabolism. Type A PutAs are the smallest members of the family, possessing a minimal domain architecture consisting of N‐terminal proline dehydrogenase and C‐terminal l‐glutamate‐γ‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase modules. Type A PutAs form domain‐swapped dimers, and in one case (Bradyrhizobium japonicum PutA), two of the dimers assemble into a ring‐shaped tetramer. Whereas the dimer has a clear role in substrate channeling, the functional significance of the tetramer is unknown. To address this question, we performed structural studies of four‐type A PutAs from two clades of the PutA tree. The crystal structure of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus PutA covalently inactivated by N‐propargylglycine revealed a fold and substrate‐channeling tunnel similar to other PutAs. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and analytical ultracentrifugation indicated that Bdellovibrio PutA is dimeric in solution, in contrast to the prediction from crystal packing of a stable tetrameric assembly. SAXS studies of two other type A PutAs from separate clades also suggested that the dimer predominates in solution. To assess whether the tetramer of B. japonicum PutA is necessary for catalytic function, a hot spot disruption mutant that cleanly produces dimeric protein was generated. The dimeric variant exhibited kinetic parameters similar to the wild‐type enzyme. These results implicate the domain‐swapped dimer as the core structural and functional unit of type A PutAs.

Enzymes

Proline dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.5.2); l‐glutamate‐γ‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.88).

Databases

The atomic coordinates and structure factor amplitudes have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 5UR2. The SAXS data have been deposited in the SASBDB under the following accession codes: SASDCP3 (BbPutA), SASDCQ3 (DvPutA 1.5 mg·mL−1), SASDCX3 (DvPutA 3.0 mg·mL−1), SASDCY3 (DvPutA 4.5 mg·mL−1), SASDCR3 (LpPutA 3.0 mg·mL−1), SASDCV3 (LpPutA 5.0 mg·mL−1), SASDCW3 (LpPutA 8.0 mg·mL−1), SASDCS3 (BjPutA 2.3 mg·mL−1), SASDCT3 (BjPutA 4.7 mg·mL−1), SASDCU3 (BjPutA 7.0 mg·mL−1), SASDCZ3 (R51E 2.3 mg·mL−1), SASDC24 (R51E 4.7 mg·mL−1), SASDC34 (R51E 7.0 mg·mL−1).
Reciprocal modulation of helper Th1 and Th17 cells by the β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist drug terbutaline
Authors: Carvajal Gonczi Catalina M. , Tabatabaei Shafiei Mahdieh , East Ashley , Martire Erika , Maurice‐Ventouris Meagane H.I. , Darlington Peter J.
Published: July 2017

Catecholamine hormones are powerful regulators of the immune system produced by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). They regulate the adaptive immune system by altering T‐cell differentiation into T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cell subsets, but the effect on Th17 cells is not known. Th17 cells, defined, in part, by chemokine receptor CCR6 and cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17A, are crucial for mediating certain pathogen‐specific responses and are linked with several autoimmune diseases. We demonstrated that a proportion of human Th17 cells express beta 2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a G protein‐coupled receptor that responds to catecholamines. Activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which were obtained from venous blood drawn from healthy volunteers, with anti‐cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and anti‐CD28 and with a β2‐agonist drug, terbutaline (TERB), augmented IL‐17A levels (P < 0.01) in the majority of samples. TERB reduced interferon gamma (IFNγ) indicating that IL‐17A and IFNγ are reciprocally regulated. Similar reciprocal regulation was observed with dbcAMP. Proliferation of Th cells was monitored by carboxyfluorescein diacetate N‐succinimidyl ester labeling and flow cytometry with antibody staining for CD3 and CD4. TERB increased proliferation by a small but significant margin (P < 0.001). Next, Th17 cells (CD4+CXCR3− CCR6+) were purified using an immunomagnetic positive selection kit, which removes all other mononuclear cells. TERB increased IL‐17A from purified Th17 cells, which argues that TERB acts directly on Th17 cells. Thus, hormone signals from the SNS maintain a balance of Th cells subtypes through the β2AR.
New Directions in Health Sciences Libraries in Canada: Research and Evidence based Practice Are Key
Authors: Ganshorn Heather , Giustini Dean
Published: July 2017

This article is the second in a new series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. These articles will serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. The present article by two Canadian librarians identifies important national developments which are shaping the profession such as the centralisation of health care services, the challenge of providing consumer health information in the absence of a national strategy, government recognition of the need to recognise and respond to the health needs of indigenous peoples and the growing emphasis on managing research data. Although their profession is strong, health science librarians must find ways of providing enhanced services with fewer staff and demonstrate value to organisations. JM
One‐ or two‐dimensional channel structures and properties of piezoelectric composites via freeze‐casting
Authors: Fukushima Manabu , Fujiwara Takahiro , Fey Tobias , Kakimoto Ken‐ichi
Published: July 2017

By employing carefully tailored tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA)‐based freeze‐casting parameters, a large amount of porosity (>70 vol%) and one or two‐dimensional pore channels created were produced into alkali niobate‐based (NKN) ceramics. The relationship between processing factors and microstructures has here been studied, in terms of (i) porosities controlled by adjusting the solid loading in the initial slurry and (ii) strategically attempted freezing direction to make varied pore channels, in which two freezing directions from the bottom or side of mold can produce unidirectional elongated and radially centrosymmetric microstructures, respectively. In addition to that, NKN/epoxy composites with 3‐1 or 3‐2 type polymer channels in the NKN matrix have been fabricated by infiltration of the polymer into the porous NKN hosts. The effect of the channel directions on the mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the composites was investigated for varied volume fractions of the active ceramic phase, mechanical loading, and the poling direction, leading to very high‐piezoelectric g33 coefficients at >60 mV·m/N in the composites with unique channel structures.
Atomic layer deposition onto carbon fiber fabrics
Authors: Militzer Christian , Dill Pauline , Goedel Werner A.
Published: July 2017

Carbon fiber fabrics, consisting of interwoven bundles of 3000 single fibers, were coated with Al2O3 using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, exposing the fabrics to alternating pulses of trimethyl aluminium and water vapors. The thickness and uniformity of the coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained coatings were conformal, 84 ALD cycles gave rise to approximately 20‐nm‐thick coatings and 168 ALD cycles to approximately 40‐nm‐thick coatings. It was found, that a uniform coating can be obtained at a purge time of 40 seconds. Reducing purge times below 20 seconds gives rise to increased particle growth and thus the coating becomes inhomogeneous. Initially, the samples that were coated had a size of 2×10 cm (thickness 0.3 mm). The size of the fabric was subsequently increased up to 8×20 cm and a uniform coating of the same quality was obtained. By oxidizing the coated fabrics, fabrics composed of interwoven alumina microtubes were obtained. Infiltration of the microtubes with solutions of two distinguishable fluorescent dyes showed that interchange of the dyes between warp and weft microtubes occurs, but is absent at approximately 20% of the crossovers. Taking all our findings into account, we conclude that the majority of the fibers were separated from each other by the coating prior to the oxidation. This work demonstrates that ALD is a suitable method to produce thin, conformal coatings on the surface of carbon fiber fabrics.
Evaluation of vegetable protein in canine diets: Assessment of performance and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility using a broiler model
Authors: Fiacco D. C. , Lowe J. A. , Wiseman J. , White G. A.
Published: July 2017

Recent technological advances in the human food industry with respect to meat processing have decreased the availability of animal proteins to the pet food industry which typically formulates diets with an excess of animal protein. In the long term, this is not sustainable; thus, alternative protein sources need to be investigated. This study examined three canine diets, comparing a typical animal protein‐based diet (control) with two experimental diets where the animal protein was substituted in part with vegetable protein (formulated based either on total protein or amino acid content) using a broiler model. Each diet was fed to six cages each containing two birds from day 15, 18 cages in total (36 birds). Excreta were collected from days 19 to 21. On day 23, birds were euthanized and weighed, and their ileal digesta were collected and pooled for each cage. In addition, one leg per cage was collected for evaluation of muscle mass. Results showed no significant difference in animal performance (feed intake or live weight gain) or muscle to leg proportion across the diets. Birds fed the control diet and the diet balanced for amino acid content exhibited the greatest coefficients of apparent metabolizability for nitrogen (p < .001). Birds fed the diets that contained partial replacement of animal with vegetable protein generally had greater ileal digestibility of amino acids compared to birds fed the control (animal protein) diet. Analysis of excreta showed no dietary difference in terms of dry matter content; however, birds fed the diet balanced for total protein and the diet balanced for amino acid content had significantly greater excreta nitrogen than the control (p = .038). Overall, the study suggests vegetable proteins when formulated based on amino acid content are a viable alternative to animal proteins in canine diets.
The transcription factor PstSTE12 is required for virulence of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Zhu Xiaoguo , Liu Wei , Chu Xiuling , Sun Qixiong , Tan Chenglong , Yang Qian , Jiao Min , Guo Jun , Kang Zhensheng
Published: July 2017

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is an obligate biotrophic fungus that causes extensive damage in wheat. The pathogen is now known to be a heteroecious fungus with an intricate life cycle containing sexual and asexual stages. Orthologues of the STE12 transcription factor that regulate mating and filamentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as virulence in other fungi, have been extensively described. Because reliable transformation and gene disruption methods are lacking for Pst, knowledge about the function of its STE12 orthologue is limited. In this study, we identified a putative orthologue of STE12 from Pst in haustoria‐enriched transcripts and designated it as PstSTE12. The gene encodes a protein of 879 amino acids containing three helices in the homeodomain, conserved phenylalanine and tryptophan sites, and two C2/H2‐Zn2+ finger domains. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses revealed that the expression of PstSTE12 was highly induced during the early infection stages and peaked during haustorium formation and the pycniospore stage in the aecial host barberry. Subcellular localization assays indicated that PstSTE12 is localized in the nucleus and functions as a transcriptional activator. Yeast one‐hybrid assays revealed that PstSTE12 exhibits transcriptional activity, and that its C‐terminus is necessary for the activation of transcription. PstSTE12 complemented the mating defect in an α ste12 mutant of S. cerevisiae. In addition, it partially complemented the defects of the Magnaporthe oryzae mst12 mutant in plant infection. Knocking down PstSTE12 via host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) mediated by Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) resulted in a substantial reduction in the growth and spread of hyphae in Pst and weakened the virulence of Pst on wheat. Our results suggest that PstSTE12 probably acts at an intersection participating in the invasion and mating processes of Pst, and provide new insights into the comprehension of the variation of virulence in cereal rust fungi.
The UVB photoreceptor UVR8 mediates accumulation of UV‐absorbing pigments, but not changes in plant morphology, under outdoor conditions
Authors: Coffey A. , Prinsen E. , Jansen M.A.K. , Conway J.
Published: July 2017

UVB radiation is biologically active; in plants, it can induce a range of molecular, biochemical, morphological and developmental responses. Although much progress has been made in elucidating UVB perception and signalling pathways under controlled laboratory conditions, understanding of the adaptive, ecological role of UVB responses is still very limited. In this study, we looked at the functional role of UVR8 under outdoor light conditions, by studying growth, photosynthetic competence and accumulation of UV absorbing pigments in a mutant lacking functional UVR8 protein. It was found that the influence of UVB on morphology is restricted to summer and is independent of UVR8. In contrast, UVB had an effect on the content of UV‐absorbing pigments and the maximal efficiency of photosystem II of photosynthesis in the uvr8‐1 mutant throughout the year. It is concluded that the UVR8 photoreceptor plays a role throughout the year, in the temperate climate zone, even when UVB levels are relatively low.