bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Wrongs and Private Wrongs
Authors: Wall Jesse
Published: February 2018

There are a set of wrongs that are normatively distinct as ‘criminal wrongs’, and yet, there is disagreement as to ‘the basic features of criminal liability’ that explain this normative distinctiveness. The only consensus has been that criminal wrongs are ‘public wrongs’. For some, they are public wrongs in the sense that they infringe the values and interests for which the community has a shared and mutual concern. For others, they are public wrongs in the sense that they are the wrongs that public officials are responsible for punishing. A third view is that they are public wrongs in the sense that there are procedural advantages of having public officials empowered to address the wrongdoing. I argue here that the first two views are analytically inseparable: the considerations that explain the wrongs that merit social prohibition are the same considerations that explain the censuring and punitive response of the criminal law. I also argue here that, contrary to the third view, the powers of public officials in criminal law procedures follow from, rather than explain, the concept of a crime being a public wrong. Procedural advantages can explain how criminal wrongs are public wrongs, but they cannot explain why criminal wrongs are public wrongs.
A qualitative evaluation of a brief multicomponent intervention provided by lay health workers for women affected by adversity in urban Kenya
Authors: van't Hof Edith , Dawson Katie S. , Schafer Alison , Chiumento Anna , Harper Shehadeh Melissa , Sijbrandij Marit , Bryant Richard A. , Anjuri Dorothy , Koyiet Phiona , Ndogoni Lincoln , Ulate Jeannette , van Ommeren Mark
Published: February 2018

Background:

Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a brief multicomponent intervention incorporating behavioral strategies delivered by lay health workers. The effectiveness of PM+ has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials in Kenya and Pakistan. When developing interventions for large-scale implementation it is considered essential to evaluate their feasibility and acceptability in addition to their efficacy. This paper discusses a qualitative evaluation of PM+ for women affected by adversity in Kenya.

Methods:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 key informants from peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya, where PM+ was tested. Interview participants included six women who completed PM+, six community health volunteers (CHVs) who delivered the intervention, seven people with local decision making power, and eight project staff involved in the PM+ trial.

Results:

Key informants generally noted positive experiences with PM+. Participants and CHVs reported the positive impact PM+ had made on their lives. Nonetheless, potential structural and psychological barriers to scale up were identified. The sustainability of CHVs as unsalaried, volunteer providers was mentioned by most interviewees as the main barrier to scaling up the intervention.

Conclusions:

The findings across diverse stakeholders show that PM+ is largely acceptable in this Kenyan setting. The results indicated that when further implemented, PM+ could be of great value to people in communities exposed to adversities such as interpersonal violence and chronic poverty. Barriers to large-scale implementation were identified, of which the sustainability of the non-specialist health workforce was the most important one.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Among Prescribers at Acute-Care Hospitals
Authors: Salsgiver Elizabeth , Bernstein Daniel , Simon Matthew S. , Eiras Daniel P. , Greendyke William , Kubin Christine J. , Mehta Monica , Nelson Brian , Loo Angela , Ramos Liz G. , Jia Haomiao , Saiman Lisa , Furuya E. Yoko , Calfee David P.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

To assess antimicrobial prescriber knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antimicrobial stewardship (AS) and associated barriers to optimal prescribing.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Online survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 2,900 US antimicrobial prescribers at 5 acute-care hospitals within a hospital network.

INTERVENTION

The following characteristics were assessed with an anonymous, online survey in February 2015: attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial resistance, AS programs, and institutional AS resources; antimicrobial prescribing and AS knowledge; and practices and confidence related to antimicrobial prescribing.

RESULTS

In total, 402 respondents completed the survey. Knowledge gaps were identified through case-based questions. Some respondents sometimes selected overly broad therapy for the susceptibilities given (29%) and some “usually” or “always” preferred using the most broad-spectrum empiric antimicrobials possible (32%). Nearly all (99%) reported reviewing antimicrobial appropriateness at 48–72 hours, but only 55% reported “always” doing so. Furthermore, 45% of respondents felt that they had not received adequate training regarding antimicrobial prescribing. Some respondents lacked confidence selecting empiric therapy using antibiograms (30%), interpreting susceptibility results (24%), de-escalating therapy (18%), and determining duration of therapy (31%). Postprescription review and feedback (PPRF) was the most commonly cited AS intervention (79%) with potential to improve patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers to appropriate antimicrobial selection and de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy were identified among front-line prescribers in acute-care hospitals. Prescribers desired more AS-related education and identified PPRF as the most helpful AS intervention to improve patient care. Educational interventions should be preceded by and tailored to local assessment of educational needs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:316–322
Social and Institutional Origins of Political Islam
Authors: BROOKE STEVEN , KETCHLEY NEIL
Published: February 2018

Under what conditions did the first Islamist movements organize? Which social and institutional contexts facilitated such mobilization? A sizable literature points to social and demographic changes, Western encroachment into Muslim societies, and the availability of state and economic infrastructure. To test these hypotheses, we match a listing of Muslim Brotherhood branches founded in interwar Egypt with contemporaneous census data on over 4,000 subdistricts. A multilevel analysis shows that Muslim Brotherhood branches were more likely in subdistricts connected to the railway and where literacy was higher. Branches were less likely in districts with large European populations, and where state administration was more extensive. Qualitative evidence also points to the railway as key to the movement’s propagation. These findings challenge the orthodoxy that contact between Muslims and the West spurred the growth of organized political Islam, and instead highlight the critical role of economic and state infrastructure in patterning the early contexts of Islamist activism.
INTEGRATED CARE PATHWAYS IN LUNG CANCER: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Authors: Fasola Gianpiero , Menis Jessica , Follador Alessandro , De Carlo Elisa , Valent Francesca , Aresu Giuseppe , De Pellegrin Alessandro , Giacomuzzi Francesco , Iuri David , Lugatti Emilio , Parisi Giuseppe , Pacileo Guglielmo
Published: February 2018

Background:Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis and treatment is a highly complex process, requiring managerial skills merged with clinical knowledge and experience. Integrated care pathways (ICPs) might be a good strategy to overview and improve patient's management. The aim of this study was to review the ICPs of NSCLC patients in a University Hospital and to identify areas of quality improvement.

Materials and Methods:The electronic medical records of 169 NSCLC patients visited at the University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Quality of care (QoC) has been measured trough fifteen indicators, selected according main international Guidelines and approved by the multi-disciplinary team for thoracic malignancies. Results have been compared with those of a similar retrospective study conducted at the same hospital in 2008.

Results:A total of 146 patients were considered eligible. Eight of fifteen indicators were not in line with the benchmarks. We compared the results obtained in the two separate periods. Moreover, we process some proposal to be discussed with the general management of the hospital, aimed to redesign NSCLC care pathways.

Conclusions:ICPs confirm to be feasible and to be an effective tool in real life. The periodic measurement of QoC indicators is necessary to ensure clinical governance of patients pathways.
TREND–CYCLE–SEASONAL INTERACTIONS: IDENTIFICATION AND ESTIMATION
Authors: Hindrayanto Irma , Jacobs Jan P.A.M. , Osborn Denise R. , Tian Jing
Published: February 2018

Economists typically use seasonally adjusted data in which the assumption is imposed that seasonality is uncorrelated with trend and cycle. The importance of this assumption has been highlighted by the Great Recession. The paper examines an unobserved components model that permits nonzero correlations between seasonal and nonseasonal shocks. Identification conditions for estimation of the parameters are discussed from the perspectives of both analytical and simulation results. Applications to UK household consumption expenditures and US employment reject the zero correlation restrictions and also show that the correlation assumptions imposed have important implications about the evolution of the trend and cycle in the post-Great Recession period.
United States – Conditional Tax Incentives for Large Civil Aircraft (US–Tax Incentives), DS487
Authors: Kugler Kholofelo
Published: February 2018

The dispute concerns tax incentives granted by the state of Washington in the United States (US) pursuant to the tax-related provisions of the Revised Code of Washington. Nine tax-related provisions incentives were adopted to attract the production of large civil aircraft in that state. The State of Washington adopted seven aerospace measures corresponding to the nine tax-related provisions. The aerospace measures fell into three general categories of measures: a reduced tax rate, tax credits, and tax exemptions, which included the following (i) reduced corporate tax rates for aircraft manufacturers and retailers (B&O aerospace rate); (ii) tax credits for property and leasehold excise taxes on computer manufacturing facilitates and aerospace product development; and (iii) exemptions of sales and use tax for certain computer hardware, software and peripherals and construction services and materials, and leasehold excise tax and leaseholder property tax. According to the European Union (EU), the measures at issue are prohibited under Article 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement) because they are contingent on the use of domestic over imported goods. This contingency results from two siting provisions: the First Siting Provision and the Second Siting Provision, which are contained in Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5952 (ESSB 5952).
European Union – Anti-Dumping Measures on Imports of Certain Fatty Alcohols from Indonesia (US–Fatty Alcohols), DS442
Authors: Bohanes Jan
Published: February 2018

The dispute concerns an anti-dumping duty, imposed in 2011 by the European Union, on imports of certain fatty alcohols and their blends originating in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Fatty alcohols are mainly used in the production of detergents and surfactants. They are also components of cosmetics, foods, and as industrial solvents. With respect to Indonesia, the anti-dumping duties were imposed primarily on two investigated companies, Ecogreen and Musim Mas. After the initial application of the anti-dumping duty, the Commission revised the determination in the light of an intervening judgment of the European Court of Justice that had addressed an issue of significance to an issue raised during the fatty alcohols investigation. As a result of that revision, the Commission removed a cost adjustment for one of the companies (Ecogreen), but not the other company (Musim Mas). The measure ultimately expired in the fall of 2016, at the very end of the WTO panel proceedings.
Honokiol induces apoptosis and autophagy via the ROS/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang Kangmao , Chen Yanyan , Zhang Rui , Wu Yizheng , Ma Yan , Fang Xiangqian , Shen Shuying
Published: February 2018

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone, the long-term survival of which has stagnated in the past several decades. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effect of honokiol (HNK), an active component isolated and purified from the magnolia officinalis on human osteosarcoma cells. Our results showed that honokiol caused dose-dependent and time-dependent cell death in human osteosarcoma cells. The types of cell death induced by honokiol were primarily autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, honokiol induced G0/G1 phase arrest, elevated the levels of glucose-regulated protein (GRP)−78, an endoplasmic reticular stress (ERS)-associated protein, and increased the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, reducing production of intracellular ROS usingN-acetylcysteine, a scavenger of ROS, concurrently suppressed honokiol-induced cellular apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. Consequently, honokiol stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. Furthermore, pretreatment of osteosarcoma cells with PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK1/2, inhibited honokiol-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, honokiol suppressed tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model. Taken together, our results revealed that honokiol caused G0/G1 phase arrest, induced apoptosis, and autophagy via the ROS/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells. Honokiol is therefore a promising candidate for development of antitumor drugs targeting osteosarcoma.
Single-cell full-length total RNA sequencing uncovers dynamics of recursive splicing and enhancer RNAs
Authors: Hayashi Tetsutaro , Ozaki Haruka , Sasagawa Yohei , Umeda Mana , Danno Hiroki , Nikaido Itoshi
Published: February 2018

Total RNA sequencing has been used to reveal poly(A) and non-poly(A) RNA expression, RNA processing and enhancer activity. To date, no method for full-length total RNA sequencing of single cells has been developed despite the potential of this technology for single-cell biology. Here we describe random displacement amplification sequencing (RamDA-seq), the first full-length total RNA-sequencing method for single cells. Compared with other methods, RamDA-seq shows high sensitivity to non-poly(A) RNA and near-complete full-length transcript coverage. Using RamDA-seq with differentiation time course samples of mouse embryonic stem cells, we reveal hundreds of dynamically regulated non-poly(A) transcripts, including histone transcripts and long noncoding RNA Neat1. Moreover, RamDA-seq profiles recursive splicing in >300-kb introns. RamDA-seq also detects enhancer RNAs and their cell type-specific activity in single cells. Taken together, we demonstrate that RamDA-seq could help investigate the dynamics of gene expression, RNA-processing events and transcriptional regulation in single cells.
Publisher Correction: Nanoparticle conjugates of a highly potent toxin enhance safety and circumvent platinum resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Qi Ruogu , Wang Yongheng , Bruno Peter M. , Xiao Haihua , Yu Yingjie , Li Ting , Lauffer Sam , Wei Wei , Chen Qixian , Kang Xiang , Song Haiqin , Yang Xi , Huang Xing , Detappe Alexandre , Matulonis Ursula , Pepin David , Hemann Michael T. , Birrer Michael J. , Ghoroghchian P. Peter
Published: February 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Yingjie Yu, which was incorrectly given as Yu Yingjie. Furthermore, in Figure 3a, the labels ‘MD | p < 0.05’ incorrectly read ‘MD | p > 0.05’. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Epigenetic modulation of Fgf21 in the perinatal mouse liver ameliorates diet-induced obesity in adulthood
Authors: Yuan Xunmei , Tsujimoto Kazutaka , Hashimoto Koshi , Kawahori Kenichi , Hanzawa Nozomi , Hamaguchi Miho , Seki Takami , Nawa Makiko , Ehara Tatsuya , Kitamura Yohei , Hatada Izuho , Konishi Morichika , Itoh Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Yoshimi , Shimano Hitoshi , Takai-Igarashi Takako , Kamei Yasutomi , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: February 2018

The nutritional environment to which animals are exposed in early life can lead to epigenetic changes in the genome that influence the risk of obesity in later life. Here, we demonstrate that the fibroblast growth factor-21 gene (Fgf21) is subject to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α–dependent DNA demethylation in the liver during the postnatal period. Reductions in Fgf21 methylation can be enhanced via pharmacologic activation of PPARα during the suckling period. We also reveal that the DNA methylation status of Fgf21, once established in early life, is relatively stable and persists into adulthood. Reduced DNA methylation is associated with enhanced induction of hepatic FGF21 expression after PPARα activation, which may partly explain the attenuation of diet-induced obesity in adulthood. We propose that Fgf21 methylation represents a form of epigenetic memory that persists into adulthood, and it may have a role in the developmental programming of obesity.
A human endothelial cell-based recycling assay for screening of FcRn targeted molecules
Authors: Grevys Algirdas , Nilsen Jeannette , Sand Kine M. K. , Daba Muluneh B. , Øynebråten Inger , Bern Malin , McAdam Martin B. , Foss Stian , Schlothauer Tilman , Michaelsen Terje E. , Christianson Gregory J. , Roopenian Derry C. , Blumberg Richard S. , Sandlie Inger , Andersen Jan Terje
Published: February 2018

Albumin and IgG have remarkably long serum half-lives due to pH-dependent FcRn-mediated cellular recycling that rescues both ligands from intracellular degradation. Furthermore, increase in half-lives of IgG and albumin-based therapeutics has the potential to improve their efficacies, but there is a great need for robust methods for screening of relative FcRn-dependent recycling ability. Here, we report on a novel human endothelial cell-based recycling assay (HERA) that can be used for such pre-clinical screening. In HERA, rescue from degradation depends on FcRn, and engineered ligands are recycled in a manner that correlates with their half-lives in human FcRn transgenic mice. Thus, HERA is a novel cellular assay that can be used to predict how FcRn-binding proteins are rescued from intracellular degradation.
Understanding the reactivity of CoCrMo-implant wear particles
Authors: Koronfel Mohamed A. , Goode Angela E. , Weker Johanna Nelson , Tay Stephen E. R. , Stitt Camilla A. , Simoes Thiago A. , Mosselmans J. Frederick. W. , Quinn Paul , Brydson Rik , Hart Alister , Toney Michael F. , Porter Alexandra E. , Ryan Mary P.
Published: February 2018

CoCrMo-based metal-on-metal hip implants experienced unexpectedly high failure rates despite the high wear and corrosion resistance of the bulk material. Although they exhibit a lower volumetric wear compared to other implant materials, CoCrMo-based implants produced a significantly larger 'number' of smaller wear particles. CoCrMo is nominally an extremely stable material with high Cr content providing passivity. However, despite the Co:Cr ratio in the original alloy being 2:1; chemical analyses of wear particles from periprosthetic tissue have found the particles to be composed predominately of Cr species, with only trace amounts of Co remaining. Here a correlative spectroscopy and microscopy approach has shown that these particles dissolve via a non-stoichiometric, and geometrically inhomogeneous, mechanism similar to de-alloying. This mechanism is previously unreported for this material and was not apparent in any of the regulatory required tests, suggesting that such tests are insufficiently discriminating.
Single-copy entanglement detection
Authors: Dimić Aleksandra , Dakić Borivoje
Published: February 2018

One of the main challenges of quantum information is the reliable verification of quantum entanglement. The conventional detection schemes require repeated measurement on a large number of identically prepared systems. This is hard to achieve in practice when dealing with large-scale entangled quantum systems. In this letter we formulate verification as a decision procedure, i.e., entanglement is seen as the ability of quantum system to answer certain “yes-no questions”. We show that for a variety of large quantum states even a single copy suffices to detect entanglement with a high probability by using local measurements. For example, a single copy of a 16-qubit k-producible state or one copy of 24-qubit linear cluster state suffices to verify entanglement with more than 95% confidence. Our method is applicable to many important classes of states, such as cluster states or ground states of local Hamiltonians in general.
Directed Differentiation of Adult Liver Derived Mesenchymal Like Stem Cells into Functional Hepatocytes
Authors: Luo Xiaobei , Gupta Kapish , Ananthanarayanan Abhishek , Wang Zenan , Xia Lei , Li Aimin , Sakban Rashidah Binte , Liu Side , Yu Hanry
Published: February 2018

Shortage of functional hepatocytes hampers drug safety testing and therapeutic applications because mature hepatocytes cannot be expanded and maintain functions in vitro. Recent studies have reported that liver progenitor cells can originate from mature hepatocytes in vivo. Derivation of proliferating progenitor cells from mature hepatocytes, and re-differentiation into functional hepatocytes in vitro has not been successful. Here we report the derivation of novel mesenchymal-like stem cells (arHMSCs) from adult rat hepatocytes. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry characterization of arHMSCs found expression of mesenchymal markers CD29, CD44, CD90, vimentin and alpha smooth muscle actin. These arHMSCs proliferated in vitro for 4 passages yielding 104 fold increase in cell number in 28 days, and differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells (arHMSC-H). The arHMSC-H expressed significantly higher level of hepatocyte-specific markers (200 fold for albumin and 6 fold for Cyp450 enzymes) than arHMSCs. The arHMSC-H also demonstrated dose response curves similar to primary hepatocytes for 3 of the 6 paradigm hepatotoxicants tested, demonstrating utility in drug safety testing applications.
Carbonate chemistry of an in-situ free-ocean CO2 enrichment experiment (antFOCE) in comparison to short term variation in Antarctic coastal waters
Authors: Stark J. S. , Roden N. P. , Johnstone G. J. , Milnes M. , Black J. G. , Whiteside S. , Kirkwood W. , Newbery K. , Stark S. , van Ooijen E. , Tilbrook B. , Peltzer E. T. , Berry K. , Roberts D.
Published: February 2018

Free-ocean CO2 enrichment (FOCE) experiments have been deployed in marine ecosystems to manipulate carbonate system conditions to those predicted in future oceans. We investigated whether the pH/carbonate chemistry of extremely cold polar waters can be manipulated in an ecologically relevant way, to represent conditions under future atmospheric CO2 levels, in an in-situ FOCE experiment in Antarctica. We examined spatial and temporal variation in local ambient carbonate chemistry at hourly intervals at two sites between December and February and compared these with experimental conditions. We successfully maintained a mean pH offset in acidified benthic chambers of −0.38 (±0.07) from ambient for approximately 8 weeks. Local diel and seasonal fluctuations in ambient pH were duplicated in the FOCE system. Large temporal variability in acidified chambers resulted from system stoppages. The mean pH, Ωarag and fCO2 values in the acidified chambers were 7.688 ± 0.079, 0.62 ± 0.13 and 912 ± 150 µatm, respectively. Variation in ambient pH appeared to be mainly driven by salinity and biological production and ranged from 8.019 to 8.192 with significant spatio-temporal variation. This experiment demonstrates the utility of FOCE systems to create conditions expected in future oceans that represent ecologically relevant variation, even under polar conditions.
Opinion formation in multiplex networks with general initial distributions
Authors: Antonopoulos Chris G. , Shang Yilun
Published: February 2018

We study opinion dynamics over multiplex networks where agents interact with bounded confidence. Namely, two neighbouring individuals exchange opinions and compromise if their opinions do not differ by more than a given threshold. In literature, agents are generally assumed to have a homogeneous confidence bound. Here, we study analytically and numerically opinion evolution over structured networks characterised by multiple layers with respective confidence thresholds and general initial opinion distributions. Through rigorous probability analysis, we show analytically the critical thresholds at which a phase transition takes place in the long-term consensus behaviour, over multiplex networks with some regularity conditions. Our results reveal the quantitative relation between the critical threshold and initial distribution. Further, our numerical simulations illustrate the consensus behaviour of the agents in network topologies including lattices and, small-world and scale-free networks, as well as for structure-dependent convergence parameters accommodating node heterogeneity. We find that the critical thresholds for consensus tend to agree with the predicted upper bounds in Theorems 4 and 5 in this paper. Finally, our results indicate that multiplexity hinders consensus formation when the initial opinion configuration is within a bounded range and, provide insight into information diffusion and social dynamics in multiplex systems modeled by networks.
A new high-resolution 3-D quantitative method for analysing small morphological features: an example using a Cambrian trilobite
Authors: Esteve Jorge , Zhao Yuan-Long , Maté-González Miguel Ángel , Gómez-Heras Miguel , Peng Jin
Published: February 2018

Taphonomic processes play an important role in the preservation of small morphological features such as granulation or pits. However, the assessment of these features may face the issue of the small size of the specimens and, sometimes, the destructiveness of these analyses, which makes impossible carrying them out in singular specimen, such as holotypes or lectotypes. This paper takes a new approach to analysing small-morphological features, by using an optical surface roughness (OSR) meter to create a high-resolution three-dimensional digital-elevation model (DEM). This non-destructive technique allows analysing quantitatively the DEM using geometric morphometric methods (GMM). We created a number of DEMs from three populations putatively belonging to the same species of trilobite (Oryctocephalus indicus) that present the same cranidial outline, but differ in the presence or absence of the second and third transglabellar furrows. Profile analysis of the DEMs demonstrate that all three populations show similar preservation variation in the glabellar furrows and lobes. The GMM shows that all populations exhibit the same range of variation. Differences in preservation are a consequence of different degrees of cementation and rates of dissolution. Fast cementation enhances the preservation of glabellar furrows and lobes, while fast dissolution hampers preservation of the same structures.
Long term Follow-up of Transvaginal Anatomical Implant of Mesh in Pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Luo De-Yi , Yang Tong-Xin , Shen Hong
Published: February 2018

Transvaginal mesh (TVM) is a minimally invasive but effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, mesh exposure is a common and problematic complication after TVM. This study assessed the safety and long-term outcomes of TVM. A retrospective review was performed on the medical records of 175 consecutive patients who underwent TVM with the anatomical implant technique for pelvic organ prolapse at our center from April 2007 to December 2012. All operations were performed using TVM with the anatomical implant technique. Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and TVM outcomes were assessed. In average of 8 years (ranging from 4 to 10 years), the objective cure ratio reached 99.4%; and the subjective success rate of the TVM operation was 91.4%. Only 2 cases (1.1%) were identified as having mesh exposure. The reoperation rate was 4.0% (95% CI, 1.1–6.9%). No patients abstained from sex due to the operation or postoperative discomfort. Our anatomical implant technique for correcting POP is feasible in TVM procedures, which lead to favourable subjective and objective outcomes with the lowest rates of mesh exposure (1.1%) in published data. Therefore, performing TVM operations with the appropriate technique could consider to be permitted.
Trigger mechanism for the abrupt loss of energetic ions in magnetically confined plasmas
Authors: Ida K. , Kobayashi T. , Yoshinuma M. , Akiyama T. , Tokuzawa T. , Tsuchiya H. , Itoh K. , Itoh S.-I.
Published: February 2018

Interaction between a quasi-stable stationary MHD mode and a tongue-shaped deformation is observed in the toroidal plasma with energetic particle driven MHD bursts. The quasi-stable stationary 1/1 MHD mode with interchange parity appears near the resonant rational surface of q = 1 between MHD bursts. The tongue-shaped deformation rapidly appears at the non-resonant non-rational surface as a localized large plasma displacement and then collapses (tongue event). It curbs the stationary 1/1 MHD mode and then triggers the collapse of energetic particle and magnetic field reconnection. The rotating 1/1 MHD mode with tearing parity at the q = 1 resonant surface, namely, the MHD burst, is excited after the tongue event.
Conductive Atomic Force Microscope Study of Bipolar and Threshold Resistive Switching in 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Films
Authors: Ranjan A. , Raghavan N. , O’Shea S. J. , Mei S. , Bosman M. , Shubhakar K. , Pey K. L.
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the resistive switching characteristics and underlying mechanism in 2D layered hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) dielectric films using conductive atomic force microscopy. A combination of bipolar and threshold resistive switching is observed consistently on multi-layer h-BN/Cu stacks in the low power regime with current compliance (I
comp
) of less than 100 nA. Standard random telegraph noise signatures were observed in the low resistance state (LRS), similar to the trends in oxygen vacancy-based RRAM devices. While h-BN appears to be a good candidate in terms of switching performance and endurance, it performs poorly in terms of retention lifetime due to the self-recovery of LRS state (similar to recovery of soft breakdown in oxide-based dielectrics) that is consistently observed at all locations without requiring any change in the voltage polarity for I
comp
~1–100 nA.
Risk stratification based on components of the complete blood count in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A classification and regression tree analysis
Authors: Niu Xiaowei , Liu Guoyong , Huo Lichao , Zhang Jingjing , Bai Ming , Peng Yu , Zhang Zheng
Published: February 2018

To develop a risk stratification model based on complete blood count (CBC) components in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using a classification and regression tree (CART) method. CBC variables and the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores were determined in 2,693 patients with ACS. The CART analysis was performed to classify patients into different homogeneous risk groups and to determine predictors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 1-year follow-up. The CART algorithm identified the white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and mean platelet volume levels as the best combination to predict MACE risk. Patients were stratified into three categories with MACE rates ranging from 3.0% to 29.8%. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated MACE risk increased with the ascending order of the CART risk categories. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the CART risk categories independently predicted MACE risk. The predictive accuracy of the CART risk categories was tested by measuring discrimination and graphically assessing the calibration. Furthermore, the combined use of the CART risk categories and GRACE scores yielded a more accurate predictive value for MACEs. Patients with ACS can be readily stratified into distinct prognostic categories using the CART risk stratification tool on the basis of CBC components.
Archaeology and ichnology at Gombore II-2, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia: everyday life of a mixed-age hominin group 700,000 years ago
Authors: Altamura Flavio , Bennett Matthew R. , D’Août Kristiaan , Gaudzinski-Windheuser Sabine , Melis Rita T. , Reynolds Sally C. , Mussi Margherita
Published: February 2018

We report the occurrence at 0.7 million years (Ma) of an ichnological assemblage at Gombore II-2, which is one of several archaeological sites at Melka Kunture in the upper Awash Valley of Ethiopia, 2000 m asl. Adults and children potentially as young as 12 months old left tracks in a silty substrate on the shore of a body of water where ungulates, as well as other mammals and birds, congregated. Furthermore, the same layers contain a rich archaeological and palaeontological record, confirming that knapping was taking place in situ and that stone tools were used for butchering hippo carcasses at the site. The site gives direct information on hominin landscape use at 0.7 Ma and may provide fresh perspective on the childhood of our ancestors.
Unraveling the efficiency-limiting morphological issues of the perylene diimide-based non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Singh Ranbir , Suranagi Sanjaykumar R. , Lee Jaewon , Lee Hansol , Kim Min , Cho Kilwon
Published: February 2018

Herein we report a comparative morphological analysis of the perylene diimide (PDI)- and fullerene-based organic solar cells (OSCs) to identify the factors responsible for low performance of PDI-based devices. A PDI derivative, bis-PDI, and a fullerene derivative, PC70BM, are mixed with an efficient polymer donor, PffBT4T-2OD. The large disparity in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of OSCs composed of PffBT4T-2OD:bis-PDI (PCE = 5.18%) and PffBT4T-2OD:PC70BM (PCE = 10.19%) observed are attributed to differences in the nanostructural motif of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphologies of these blend systems. The X-ray scattering and surface energy characterizations revealed that the structurally dissimilar bis-PDI and PC70BM molecules determine the variation in blend film morphologies, and in particular, the molecular packing features of the donor PffBT4T-2OD polymer. In addition, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images explore the BHJ morphologies and presence of longer polymer fibrils in PffBT4T-2OD:bis-PDI system, justifying the unbalanced charge transport and high hole mobility. The low performance of PffBT4T-2OD:bis-PDI devices was further investigated by studying charge carrier recombination dynamics by using light-intensity-dependent and transient photovoltage (TPV) experiments. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent experiments showed the photovoltaic properties, including charge recombination losses, are strongly affected by energetic disorder present in bis-PDI-based system.
Rapid one-step biotinylation of biological and non-biological surfaces
Authors: Henry Stephen , Williams Eleanor , Barr Katie , Korchagina Elena , Tuzikov Alexandr , Ilyushina Natalia , Abayzeed Sidahmed A. , Webb Kevin F. , Bovin Nicolai
Published: February 2018

We describe a rapid one-step method to biotinylate virtually any biological or non-biological surface. Contacting a solution of biotin-spacer-lipid constructs with a surface will form a coating within seconds on non-biological surfaces or within minutes on most biological membranes including membrane viruses. The resultant biotinylated surface can then be used to interact with avidinylated conjugates, beads, vesicles, surfaces or cells.
The drought-tolerant Solanum pennellii regulates leaf water loss and induces genes involved in amino acid and ethylene/jasmonate metabolism under dehydration
Authors: Egea Isabel , Albaladejo Irene , Meco Victoriano , Morales Belén , Sevilla Angel , Bolarin Maria C. , Flores Francisco B.
Published: February 2018

Breeding for drought-tolerant crops is a pressing issue due to the increasing frequency and duration of droughts caused by climate change. Although important sources of variation for drought tolerance exist in wild relatives, the mechanisms and the key genes controlling tolerance in tomato are little known. The aim of this study is to determine the drought response of the tomato wild relativeSolanum pennellii(Sp) compared with the cultivated tomatoSolanum lycopersicum(Sl). The paper investigates the physiological and molecular responses in leaves ofSpandSlplants without stress and moderate drought stress. Significant physiological differences between species were found, withSpleaves showing greater ability to avoid water loss and oxidative damage. Leaf transcriptomic analysis carried out when leaves did not as yet show visual dehydration symptoms revealed important constitutive expression differences betweenSpandSlspecies. Genes linked to different physiological and metabolic processes were induced by drought inSp, especially those involved in N assimilation, GOGAT/GS cycle and GABA-shunt. Up-regulation inSpof genes linked to JA/ET biosynthesis and signaling pathways was also observed. In sum, genes involved in the amino acid metabolism together with genes linked to ET/JA seem to be key actors in the drought tolerance of the wild tomato species.
Detection of multi-tomato leaf diseases (late blight, target and bacterial spots) in different stages by using a spectral-based sensor
Authors: Lu Jinzhu , Ehsani Reza , Shi Yeyin , de Castro Ana Isabel , Wang Shuang
Published: February 2018

Several diseases have threatened tomato production in Florida, resulting in large losses, especially in fresh markets. In this study, a high-resolution portable spectral sensor was used to investigate the feasibility of detecting multi-diseased tomato leaves in different stages, including early or asymptomatic stages. One healthy leaf and three diseased tomato leaves (late blight, target and bacterial spots) were defined into four stages (healthy, asymptomatic, early stage and late stage) and collected from a field. Fifty-seven spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) were calculated in accordance with methods published in previous studies and established in this study. Principal component analysis was conducted to evaluate SVIs. Results revealed six principal components (PCs) whose eigenvalues were greater than 1. SVIs with weight coefficients ranking from 1 to 30 in each selected PC were applied to a K-nearest neighbour for classification. Amongst the examined leaves, the healthy ones had the highest accuracy (100%) and the lowest error rate (0) because of their uniform tissues. Late stage leaves could be distinguished more easily than the two other disease categories caused by similar symptoms on the multi-diseased leaves. Further work may incorporate the proposed technique into an image system that can be operated to monitor multi-diseased tomato plants in fields.
Mountain rock glaciers contain globally significant water stores
Authors: Jones D. B. , Harrison S. , Anderson K. , Betts R. A.
Published: February 2018

Glacier- and snowpack-derived meltwaters are threatened by climate change. Features such as rock glaciers (RGs) are climatically more resilient than glaciers and potentially contain hydrologically valuable ice volumes. However, while the distribution and hydrological significance of glaciers is well studied, RGs have received comparatively little attention. Here, we present the first near-global RG database (RGDB) through an analysis of current inventories and this contains >51,000 RGs. Using the RGDB, we identify key data-deficient regions as research priorities (e.g., Central Asia). We provide the first approximation of near-global RG water volume equivalent and this is 62.02 ± 12.40 Gt. Excluding the Antarctic and Subantarctic, Greenland Periphery, and regions lacking data, we estimate a near-global RG to glacier water volume equivalent ratio of 1:618. Significant RG water stores occur in arid and semi-arid regions (e.g., South Asia East, 1:57). These results represent a first-order approximation. Uncertainty in the water storage estimates includes errors within the RGDB, inherent flaws in the meta-analysis methodology, and RG thickness estimation. Here, only errors associated with the assumption of RG ice content are quantified and overall uncertainty is likely larger than that quantified. We suggest that RG water stores will become increasingly important under future climate warming.
Iterative feedback bio-printing-derived cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds with optimal geometrical fidelity and cellular controllability
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Ming-en , Luo Li , Zhou Yongyong , Si Peijian
Published: February 2018

For three-dimensional bio-printed cell-laden hydrogel tissue constructs, the well-designed internal porous geometry is tailored to obtain the desired structural and cellular properties. However, significant differences often exist between the designed and as-printed scaffolds because of the inherent characteristics of hydrogels and cells. In this study, an iterative feedback bio-printing (IFBP) approach based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the fabrication of cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds with optimal geometrical fidelity and cellular controllability was proposed. A custom-made swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system was applied to characterize the printed scaffolds quantitatively. Based on the obtained empirical linear formula from the first experimental feedback loop, we defined the most appropriate design constraints and optimized the printing process to improve the geometrical fidelity. The effectiveness of IFBP was verified from the second run using gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds laden with C3A cells. The mismatch of the morphological parameters greatly decreased from 40% to within 7%, which significantly optimized the cell viability, proliferation, and morphology, as well as the representative expression of hepatocyte markers, includingCYP3A4and albumin, of the printed cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds. The demonstrated protocol paves the way for the mass fabrication of cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds, engineered tissues, and scaled-up applications of the 3D bio-printing technique.
Loss of autophagy in dopaminergic neurons causes Lewy pathology and motor dysfunction in aged mice
Authors: Sato Shigeto , Uchihara Toshiki , Fukuda Takahiro , Noda Sachiko , Kondo Hiromi , Saiki Shinji , Komatsu Masaaki , Uchiyama Yasuo , Tanaka Keiji , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: February 2018

Inactivation of constitutive autophagy results in the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons, but the relationship between impaired autophagy and Lewy bodies (LBs) as well as thein vivoprocess of formation remains unknown. Synuclein, a component of LBs, is the defining characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we characterize dopamine (DA) neuron–specific autophagy-deficient mice and providein vivoevidence for LB formation. Synuclein deposition is preceded by p62 and resulted in the formation of inclusions containing synuclein and p62. The number and size of these inclusions were gradually increased in neurites rather than soma with aging. These inclusions may facilitate peripheral failures. As a result, DA neuron loss and motor dysfunction including the hindlimb defect were observed in 120-week-old mice. P62 aggregates derived from an autophagic defect might serve as “seeds” and can potentially be cause of LB formation.
Use of ionic liquids to remove harmful M2+ contaminants from hydrocarbon streams
Authors: Corbett Paul J. , McIntosh Alastair J. S. , Gee Michael , Hallett Jason P.
Published: February 2018

The first successful extraction of up to 99.3% of zinc and 99.7% copper (at a concentration of just 2 mg kg−1 and 1 mg kg−1 respectively) from a model diesel fuel using a range of ionic liquids.
Highly stretchable strain sensors with reduced graphene oxide sensing liquids for wearable electronics
Authors: Xu Minxuan , Qi Junjie , Li Feng , Zhang Yue
Published: February 2018

Super-elastic strain sensors based on rGO/DI feature impressively high performance and can distinguish between compressive and tensile deformation.
All-natural and highly flame-resistant freeze-cast foams based on phosphorylated cellulose nanofibrils
Authors: Ghanadpour Maryam , Wicklein Bernd , Carosio Federico , Wågberg Lars
Published: February 2018

Pure cellulosic foams suffer from low thermal stability and high flammability, limiting their fields of application.
Carbon ceramic microelectrodes modified with buckyballs for simultaneous determination of redox-active biomolecules
Authors: Shastan Z. Omara , Ganesh Hashwin V. S. , Noroozifar Meissam , Kerman Kagan
Published: February 2018

In this report, simultaneous electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA) and tryptophan (Trp) was achieved using buckyball-modified carbon ceramic microelectrodes (CCMEs).
Controlling room temperature ferromagnetism and band gap in ZnO nanostructured thin films by varying angle of implantation
Authors: Hariwal Rajesh V. , Malik Hitendra K. , Negi Ambika , Kandasami Asokan
Published: February 2018

The defects in the host lattice play a major role in tuning the surface roughness, optical band gap and the room temperature ferromagnetism of ZnO thin films.
Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of chrysanthemum-like Ag/ZnO prismatic nanorods and their photocatalytic properties with multiple modes for dye degradation and hydrogen production
Authors: Xin Zichan , Li Li , Zhang Xiuli , Zhang Wenzhi
Published: February 2018

A series of chrysanthemum-like composites Ag/ZnO were prepared by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, which well showed the ability of photocatalytic degradation of dyes and hydrogen production.
Manganese(ii) enhanced fluorescent nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots: a facile and efficient synthesis and their applications for bioimaging and detection of Hg2+ ions
Authors: Yang Li , Qin Aimiao , Chen Shuoping , Liao Lei , Qin Jiangke , Zhang Kaiyou
Published: February 2018

Manganese ion (Mn2+) bonded nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (Mn(ii)-NGQDs) with water solubility have been successfully synthesized by a simple, one-pot hydrothermal carbonization, using sodium citrate, glycine and manganese chloride as raw materials.
High rate capability by sulfur-doping into LiFePO4 matrix
Authors: Okada K. , Kimura I. , Machida K.
Published: February 2018

S-doped LiFePO4 nanoparticles with improved electrochemical properties have been synthesized by a single step solvothermal method.
Polyelectrolyte scaling laws for microgel yielding near jamming
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tapomoy , Kabb Christopher P. , O’Bryan Christopher S. , Urueña Juan M. , Sumerlin Brent S. , Sawyer W. Gregory , Angelini Thomas E.
Published: February 2018

Scaling laws of polyelectrolyte physics predict yield stress and cross-over shear rate in microgels near jamming.
Genotoxicity inhibition bySyzygium cumini(L.) seed fraction and rutin: understanding the underlying mechanism of DNA protection
Authors: Khan Mohammad Shavez , Abul Qais Faizan , Ahmad Iqbal , Hussain Afzal , Alajmi Mohamed F.
Published: February 2018

Considering the ethnopharmacological importance ofSyzygium cumini's seed and the lack of information on the antimutagenic and DNA-protecting mechanisms, a fraction-based study was conducted.
Rapid discrimination of natural polyphenols (vegetable tannins) from different plants by molecular spectroscopy and PLS-DA
Authors: Grasel F. S. , Ferrão M. F.
Published: February 2018

In this work, samples of natural polyphenolic extracts, representing six commercially available types, were analysed by visible, ultraviolet and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy using a classification technique.