bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure and transport properties of quasi-one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Wu Y. N. , Cheng P. , Wu M. J. , Zhu H. , Xiang Q. , Ni J.
Published: September 2017

Based on the density functional theory combined with the nonequilibrium Green’s function, the influence of the wrinkle on the electronic structures and transport properties of quasi-one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials have been investigated, in which the wrinkled armchair graphene nanoribbons (wAGNRs) and the composite of AGNRs and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were considered with different connection of ripples. The wrinkle adjusts the electronic structures and transport properties of AGNRs. With the change of the strain, the wAGNRs for three width families reveal different electrical behavior. The band gap of AGNR(6) increases in the presence of the wrinkle, which is opposite to that of AGNR(5) and AGNR(7). The transport of AGNRs with the widths 6 or 7 has been modified by the wrinkle, especially by the number of isolated ripples, but it is insensitive to the strain. The nanojunctions constructed by AGNRs and SWCNTs can form the quantum wells, and some specific states are confined in wAGNRs. Although these nanojunctions exhibit the metallic, they have poor conductance due to the wrinkle. The filling of C20 into SWCNT has less influence on the electronic structure and transport of the junctions. The width and connection type of ripples have greatly influenced on the electronic structures and transport properties of quasi-one-dimensional nanomaterials.
Three-dimensional steady and transient fully coupled electro-thermal simulation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors: Effects of lateral heat dissipation and thermal crosstalk between gate fingers
Authors: Wang Ashu , Zeng Lingyan , Wang Wen
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we develop three-dimensional fully coupled electro-thermal (ET) simulation for AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), which is a relative complete and accurate simulation compared to the current existed simulations, capable of describing the lateral ET behavior of the device. As applications of this simulation, we investigate impact of the gate width (WG) and number of the gate fingers (NG) on the steady and transient ET behavior of the device. The steady results show that the lateral heat dissipation and thermal crosstalk between the gate fingers significantly affects the ET behavior for the device with narrow gate and multifinger, respectively. However, the transient results show that, within a time scale after the device switching on, the ET behavior is not influenced by WG and NG, i.e., the lateral heat dissipation and thermal crosstalk have no effects. This indicates that when the device operating in high frequency, increasing WG and NG to improve the power output is not restricted by the self-heating.
Economic Effects of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act
Authors: Bovay John , Sumner Daniel A
Published: September 2017

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) substantially expands the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate fresh produce marketed in the United States. This article uses an equilibrium‐displacement framework incorporating stochastic food‐borne illness outbreaks to simulate long‐run market effects of FSMA using the North American fresh‐tomato industry as a case study. We demonstrate how, under FSMA, certain categories of suppliers will gain advantage over others. Growers and suppliers within the United States, and their buyers, are likely to gain relative to foreign producers and importers because FSMA imposes specific requirements for importers. Among fully regulated growers, large growers will benefit relative to small growers. Many producers have already adopted food‐safety standards that closely resemble the FSMA rules, and the cost of implementing the FSMA requirements for these producers will be much lower than for other producers.
MG-RAST version 4—lessons learned from a decade of low-budget ultra-high-throughput metagenome analysis
Authors: Meyer Folker , Bagchi Saurabh , Chaterji Somali , Gerlach Wolfgang , Grama Ananth , Harrison Travis , Paczian Tobias , Trimble William L , Wilke Andreas
Published: September 2017

As technologies change, MG-RAST is adapting. Newly available software is being included to improve accuracy and performance. As a computational service constantly running large volume scientific workflows, MG-RAST is the right location to perform benchmarking and implement algorithmic or platform improvements, in many cases involving trade-offs between specificity, sensitivity and run-time cost. The work in [Glass EM, Dribinsky Y, Yilmaz P, et al. ISME J 2014;8:1–3] is an example; we use existing well-studied data sets as gold standards representing different environments and different technologies to evaluate any changes to the pipeline. Currently, we use well-understood data sets in MG-RAST as platform for benchmarking. The use of artificial data sets for pipeline performance optimization has not added value, as these data sets are not presenting the same challenges as real-world data sets. In addition, the MG-RAST team welcomes suggestions for improvements of the workflow. We are currently working on versions 4.02 and 4.1, both of which contain significant input from the community and our partners that will enable double barcoding, stronger inferences supported by longer-read technologies, and will increase throughput while maintaining sensitivity by using Diamond and SortMeRNA. On the technical platform side, the MG-RAST team intends to support the Common Workflow Language as a standard to specify bioinformatics workflows, both to facilitate development and efficient high-performance implementation of the community’s data analysis tasks.
An acute care approach to functional abdominal pain
Authors: Krajicek Edward , Hansel Stephanie
Published: September 2017

Functional abdominal pain disorders are commonly seen in the acute care setting and can be a source of frustration for patients and providers given their inherent chronic nature. However, an understanding of both the general approach to these disorders and the approach to specific common subtypes can help alleviate this frustration and lead to both short-term and long-term therapeutic success. This article describes the pathophysiology of these disorders and outlines a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to commonly seen functional abdominal pain disorders in adults.
Correlates of Stigma Severity Among Persons Seeking Opioid Detoxification
Authors: Bozinoff Nikki , Anderson Bradley J. , Bailey Genie L. , Stein Michael D.
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), stigma is a known barrier to accessing treatment and has negative impacts on physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors associated with self-stigma and perceived stigma severity among people with OUD entering an inpatient detoxification program.

Methods:

Between December 2015 and August 2016, consecutive persons seeking inpatient opioid detoxification were asked to complete a survey that included sociodemographic, drug use, treatment variables, an 8-item General Self-Stigma scale, and a 3-item Treatment Stigma scale. Correlates of stigma severity were estimated using ordinary least squares regression.

Results:

The 407 participants had an average age of 32.4 (±8.79) years, with 72.2% male and 84.5% non-Hispanic White. Two-thirds had ever received medication-assisted treatment for OUD and 323 (79.4%) had ever been admitted to a detoxification program. Adjusted mean General Self-Stigma scores were positively and significantly associated with recent injection drug use (b = 0.262, P = 0.032), and having previously entered detoxification programs (b = 0.330, P = 0.016). Adjusted mean Treatment Stigma scores were positively and significantly associated with years of education (b = 0.142, P = 0.002), having ever been prescribed naltrexone (b = 0.277, P = 0.025) and having previously entered detoxification programs (b = 0.389, P = 0.007).

Conclusion:

People with OUD presenting for inpatient detoxification struggle with experiences of self and perceived stigma. Strikingly, people with previous detoxification program admission had higher levels of stigma on both scales. Our findings suggest an opportunity for targeted intervention in this group.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Initiation With a 2- to 3-Week Compared With a 6-Week Postpartum Visit
Authors: Chen Melissa J. , Hou Melody Y. , Hsia Jennifer K. , Cansino Catherine D. , Melo Juliana , Creinin Mitchell D.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate whether a department policy changing the scheduling of the postpartum visit from 6 weeks to 2–3 weeks after delivery is associated with higher long-acting reversible contraception initiation at the postpartum visit.

METHODS:

We conducted a quasiexperimental before–after study to evaluate long-acting reversible contraception initiation, specifically an intrauterine device or contraceptive implant, at the postpartum visit between women scheduled for follow-up at 6 weeks (before policy change) and 2–3 weeks after delivery (after policy change). Secondary outcomes included postpartum visit completion, overall contraception initiation at the postpartum visit, overall contraceptive use at 6 months after delivery, and repeat pregnancies by 6 months postpartum. We obtained delivery and postpartum information using the electronic medical record and contacted participants 3 and 6 months after delivery to assess contraception use and repeat pregnancies.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 586 participants between December 2014 and November 2015, of whom 512 women (256 in each cohort) continued to meet eligibility criteria after delivery. Long-acting reversible contraception initiation rates at the postpartum visit were lower in the 2- to 3-week (16.5%, 95% CI 12.2–21.8) compared with the 6-week group (31.1%, 95% CI 25.2–37.7, P<.01), primarily as a result of patient and health care provider preferences for delaying intrauterine device insertion to a later visit. More women completed a scheduled 2- to 3-week postpartum visit (90.2%, 95% CI 86.0–93.3) compared with a 6-week visit (81.6%, 95% CI 76.4–85.9, P<.01). Deferral of any contraception initiation was higher in the 2- to 3-week group (27.3%, 95% CI 21.9–33.4) compared with the 6-week group (15.8%, 95% CI 11.5–21.4, P<.01), but there were no differences in overall contraceptive use patterns at 6 months postpartum. No intrauterine device perforations or expulsions were observed in women who underwent insertion at 2–3 weeks postpartum. Five pregnancies were reported in each cohort by 6 months after delivery.

CONCLUSION:

Scheduling a visit at 2–3 weeks after delivery was not associated with increased long-acting reversible contraception initiation at this visit despite higher postpartum visit attendance.
Association of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and Postpartum Hypertension in Women With Preeclampsia With Severe Features
Authors: Viteri Oscar A. , England Joey A. , Alrais Mesk A. , Lash Kayla A. , Villegas Maria I. , Ashimi Balogun Olaide A. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sibai Baha M.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate whether nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with persistent postpartum hypertension in a cohort of women with preeclampsia and severe features.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single, tertiary center from January 2013 to December 2015. All women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia who remained hypertensive for greater than 24 hours after delivery were included. The primary outcome was the rate of persistent postpartum hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure 150 mm Hg or greater or diastolic 100 mm Hg or greater (or both), on two occasions, at least 4 hours apart. Secondary outcomes included severe maternal morbidity: pulmonary edema, renal dysfunction, stroke, eclampsia, and intensive care unit admission. Additional outcomes included length of postpartum hospital stay, receipt of narcotics, and hospital readmission. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) are reported for applicable study outcomes.

RESULTS:

Of the 399 women with severe preeclampsia, 324 (81%) remained hypertensive 24 hours after delivery. Two hundred forty-three (75%) received NSAIDs (either ibuprofen or ketorolac) and 81 (25%) did not. After multivariable logistic regression, the likelihood of reaching a blood pressure of 150 mm Hg systolic or 100 mm Hg diastolic (or both), on two occasions, at least 4 hours apart, was similar between those who received NSAIDs compared with those who did not (70% compared with 73%; adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–2.0). Similarly, puerperal occurrence of pulmonary edema (3% compared with 10%; OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.5–13.1), renal dysfunction (5% compared with 8%; OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.6–4.8), eclampsia (1% compared with 0%; P=.34), or intensive care unit admission (3% compared with 8%; OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.8–7.1) was similar between the groups. There were no differences in the rate of narcotic use (89% compared with 75%; adjusted OR 0.6 95% CI 0.18–1.70).

CONCLUSION:

In this cohort of women with preeclampsia and severe features before delivery, NSAIDs were not associated with increased rates of persistent postpartum hypertension.
Tranexamic Acid for the Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage
Authors: Pacheco Luis D. , Hankins Gary D. V. , Saad Antonio F. , Costantine Maged M. , Chiossi Giuseppe , Saade George R.
Published: September 2017

Obstetric hemorrhage remains the most common cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It is believed that increased fibrinolytic activity, secondary to release and activation of endothelial tissue plasminogen activator, is involved in its pathogenesis. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has been shown to be beneficial in trauma patients if used within 3 hours of injury. A recent large randomized controlled trial showed that TXA given to hemorrhaging women within 3 hours after delivery was associated with decreased risk of death resulting from bleeding with no increase in thromboembolic complications. Limited evidence suggests that prophylactic TXA reduces blood loss at the time of delivery and decreases transfusion rates in the obstetric population. Tranexamic acid appears to be a safe and effective option in the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage. In addition, the limited available evidence supports the need for a well-designed adequately powered clinical trial to test its benefit as a prophylactic agent.
Longitudinal Changes in Electrically Evoked Auditory Event-Related Potentials in Children With Auditory Brainstem Implants: Preliminary Results Recorded Over 3 Years
Authors: He Shuman , Teagle Holly F. B. , McFayden Tyler C. , Ewend Matthew , Henderson Lillian , He Nancy , Buchman Craig A.
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

This preliminary study aimed (1) to assess longitudinal changes in electrically evoked auditory event-related potentials (eERPs) in children with auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) and (2) to explore whether these changes could be accounted for by maturation in the central auditory system of these patients.

Design:

Study participants included 5 children (S1 to S5) with an ABI in the affected ear. The stimulus was a train of electrical pulses delivered to individual ABI electrodes via a research interface. For each subject, the eERP was repeatedly measured in multiple test sessions scheduled over up to 41 months after initial device activation. Longitudinal changes in eERPs recorded for each ABI electrode were evaluated using intraclass correlation tests for each subject.

Results:

eERPs recorded in S1 showed notable morphological changes for five ABI electrodes over 41 months. In parallel, signs or symptoms of nonauditory stimulation elicited by these electrodes were observed or reported at 41 months. eERPs could not be observed in S2 after 9 months of ABI use but were recorded at 12 months after initial stimulation. Repeatable eERPs were recorded in S3 in the first 9 months. However, these responses were either absent or showed remarkable morphological changes at 30 months. Longitudinal changes in eERP waveform morphology recorded in S4 and S5 were also observed.

Conclusions:

eERP responses in children with ABIs could change over a long period of time. Maturation of the central auditory system could not fully account for these observed changes. Children with ABIs need to be closely monitored for potential changes in auditory perception and unfavorable nonauditory sensations. Neuroimaging correlates are needed to better understand the emergence of nonauditory stimulation over time in these children.
Increasing Body Mass Index is Associated With Worse Perioperative Outcomes and Higher Costs in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Amin Raj M. , Raad Micheal , Jain Amit , Sandhu Kevin P. , Frank Steven M. , Kebaish Khaled M.
Published: September 2017

Study Design.

Retrospective review.

Objective.

To investigate associations of obesity with outcomes and costs of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Increasing body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for complications after nondeformity spine surgery, but its effect on ASD surgery is unknown.

Methods.

We reviewed records of 244 ASD patients who underwent spinal arthrodesis of ≥5 levels from 2010 to 2014 and categorized them by World Health Organization BMI groups: BMI < 30, nonobese (64%); BMI = 30–34.99, class-I obese (21%); and BMI ≥ 35, class-II/III obese (15%). We used multivariate logistical regression to determine odds of transfusion, inpatient complications, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay (>2 days), prolonged total length of hospital stay (LOS) (>1 week), and high episode-of-care costs (>$80,000).

Results.

Preoperative characteristics were similar among groups, except sex, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, and performance/type of osteotomy (all, P = 0.01). On univariate analysis, the groups differed in rates of prolonged ICU stay (P < 0.001), prolonged total LOS (P = 0.016), and high episode-of-care costs (P = 0.013). Inpatient complication rates were similar among groups (P = 0.218). On multivariate analysis, compared with nonobese patients, class I obese patients had greater odds of prolonged ICU stay (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06, 4.71). Class II/III obese patients also had greater odds of prolonged total LOS (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.71), and high episode-of-care costs (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.31, 6.50).

Conclusion.

In ASD surgery, BMI ≥35 is associated with significantly worse perioperative outcomes and higher costs compared with those of nonobese patients.

Level of Evidence: 3
Compassionate Nitric Oxide Adjuvant Treatment of Persistent Mycobacterium Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Yaacoby-Bianu Karin , Gur Michal , Toukan Yazeed , Nir Vered , Hakim Fahed , Geffen Yuval , Bentur Lea
Published: September 2017

Background:

Mycobacterium abscessus is one of the most antibiotic-resistant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Nitric oxide (NO) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Clinical studies indicated that it is safe and tolerable when given as 160 ppm intermittent inhalations.

Methods:

A prospective compassionate adjunctive inhaled NO therapy in 2 CF patients with persistent Mycobacterium abscessus infection.

Results:

No adverse events were reported. Both subjects showed significant reduction in quantitative polymerase chain reaction results for Mycobacterium abscessus load in sputum during treatment; estimated colony forming unit decreased from 7000 to 550 and from 3000 to 0 for patient 1 and patient 2, respectively.

Conclusions:

Intermittent inhalations with 160 ppm NO are well tolerated, safe and result in significant reduction of Mycobacterium abscessus load. It may constitute an adjuvant therapeutic approach for CF patients with Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease. Further studies are needed to define dosing, duration and long-term clinical outcome.
Opioid prescription levels and postoperative outcomes in orthopedic surgery
Authors: Cozowicz Crispiana , Olson Ashley , Poeran Jashvant , Mörwald Eva E. , Zubizarreta Nicole , Girardi Federico P. , Hughes Alexander P. , Mazumdar Madhu , Memtsoudis Stavros G.
Published: September 2017

Given the basic need for opioids in the perioperative setting, we investigated associations between opioid prescription levels and postoperative outcomes using population-based data of orthopedic surgery patients. We hypothesized that increased opioid amounts would be associated with higher risk for postoperative complications. Data were extracted from the national Premier Perspective database (2006-2013); N = 1,035,578 lower joint arthroplasties and N = 220,953 spine fusions. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression models measured associations between opioid dose prescription and postoperative outcomes, studied by quartile of dispensed opioid dose. Compared to the lowest quartile of opioid dosing, high opioid prescription was associated with significantly increased odds for deep venous thrombosis and postoperative infections by approx. 50%, while odds were increased by 23% for urinary and more than 15% for gastrointestinal and respiratory complications (P < 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, higher opioid prescription was associated with a significant increase in length of stay (LOS) and cost by 12% and 6%, P < 0.001 respectively. Cerebrovascular complications risk was decreased by 25% with higher opioid dose (P = 0.004), while odds for myocardial infarction remained unaltered. In spine cases, opioid prescription was generally higher, with stronger effects observed for increase in LOS and cost as well as gastrointestinal and urinary complications. Other outcomes were less pronounced, possibly because of smaller sample size. Overall, higher opioid prescription was associated with an increase in most postoperative complications with the strongest effect observed in thromboembolic, infectious and gastrointestinal complications, cost, and LOS. Increase in complication risk occurred stepwise, suggesting a dose–response gradient.
Leveraging multiple datasets for deep leaf counting
Authors: Dobrescu Andrei , Giuffrida Mario Valerio , Tsaftaris Sotirios A
Published: September 2017

The number of leaves a plant has is one of the key traits (phenotypes) describing its development and growth. Here, we propose an automated, deep learning based approach for counting leaves in model rosette plants. While state-of-the-art results on leaf counting with deep learning methods have recently been reported, they obtain the count as a result of leaf segmentation and thus require per-leaf (instance) segmentation to train the models (a rather strong annotation). Instead, our method treats leaf counting as a direct regression problem and thus only requires as annotation the total leaf count per plant. We argue that combining different datasets when training a deep neural network is beneficial and improves the results of the proposed approach. We evaluate our method on the CVPPP 2017 Leaf Counting Challenge dataset, which contains images of Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. Experimental results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the winner of the previous CVPPP challenge, improving the results by a minimum of 50% on each of the test datasets, and can achieve this performance without knowing the experimental origin of the data (i.e. “in the wild” setting of the challenge). We also compare the counting accuracy of our model with that of per leaf segmentation algorithms, achieving a 20% decrease in mean absolute difference in count (|DiC|).
Fibroblast-derived HGF drives acinar lung cancer cell polarization through integrin-dependent RhoA-ROCK1 inhibition
Authors: Datta Anirban , Sandilands Emma , Mostov Keith E. , Bryant David M.
Published: September 2017

The formation of lumens in epithelial tissues requires apical-basal polarization of cells, and the co-ordination of this individual polarity collectively around a contiguous lumen. Signals from theExtracellularMatrix (ECM) instruct epithelia as to the orientation of where basal, and thus consequently apical, surfaces should be formed. We report that this pathway is normally absent in Calu-3 human lung adenocarcinoma cells in 3-Dimensional culture, but that paracrine signals from MRC5 lung fibroblasts can induce correct orientation of polarity and acinar morphogenesis. We identify HGF, acting through the c-Met receptor, as the key polarity-inducing morphogen, which acts to activate β1-integrin-dependent adhesion. HGF and ECM-derived integrin signals co-operate via a c-Src-dependent inhibition of the RhoA-ROCK1 signalling pathway via p190A RhoGAP. This occurred via controlling localization of these signalling pathways to the ECM-abutting surface of cells in 3-Dimensional culture. Thus, stromal derived signals can influence morphogenesis in epithelial cells by controlling activation and localization of cell polarity pathways.
Dynamic Spatiotemporal Organization of Exocytosis During Cellular Shape Change
Authors: Urbina Fabio , Gomez Shawn , Gupton Stephanie L.
Published: September 2017

Morphological elongation of developing neurons requires plasmalemma expansion, hypothesized to occur primarily via exocytosis. We posited that exocytosis in developing neurons and non-neuronal cells exhibit distinct spatiotemporal organization. We exploited TIRF microscopy to image VAMP-pHluorin mediated exocytosis in murine embryonic cortical neurons and interphase melanoma cells, and developed computer-vision software and statistical tools to uncover spatiotemporal aspects of exocytosis. Vesicle fusion behavior differed between vesicle types, cell types, developmental stage, and extracellular environment. Experiment-based mathematical calculations indicated that VAMP2-mediated vesicle fusion supplied excess material for the plasma membrane expansion that occurred early in neuronal morphogenesis, which was balanced in part by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Spatial statistics uncovered distinct spatiotemporal regulation of exocytosis in the soma and neurites of developing neurons that was modulated by developmental stage, exposure to the guidance cue netrin-1, and the brain-enriched ubiquitin ligase TRIM9. In melanoma cells, exocytosis occurred less frequently with distinct spatial clustering patterns.
Editing of the Human TRIM5 Gene to Introduce Mutations with the Potential to Inhibit HIV-1
Authors: Dufour Caroline , Claudel Alix , Joubarne Nicolas , Merindol Natacha , Maisonnet Tara , Plourde Mélodie B. , Berthoux Lionel
Published: September 2017

The type I interferon (IFN-I)-inducible human restriction factor TRIM5α inhibits the infection of human cells by specific nonhuman retroviruses, such as N-MLV and EIAV, but does not generally target HIV-1. However, the introduction of two aminoacid substitutions, R332G and R355G, in the human TRIM5α (huTRIM5α) domain responsible for retroviral capsid recognition leads to efficient HIV-1 restriction. Using a DNA transfection-based CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing protocol, we successfully mutated TRIM5 to its HIV-1-restrictive version by homology-directed repair (HDR) in HEK293T cells. Nine clones bearing at least one HDR-edited TRIM5 allele containing both mutations were isolated (5.6% overall efficiency), whereas another one contained only the R332G mutation. Of concern, several of these HDR-edited clones contained on-target undesired mutations, and none had all the alleles corrected. We observed a lack of HIV-1 restriction in the cell clones generated, even when cells were stimulated with IFN-I prior to infection. This, however, was partly explained by the unexpectedly low potential for TRIM5α-mediated restriction activity in this cell line. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of editing the TRIM5 gene to in human cells and identifies the main challenges to be addressed in order to use this approach to confer protection from HIV-1.
Emerging hybridity: comparing UK healthcare regulatory arrangements
Authors: Furnival Joy , Walshe Kieran , Boaden Ruth
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Healthcare regulation is one means to address quality challenges in healthcare systems and is carried out using compliance, deterrence and/or improvement approaches. The four countries of the UK provide an opportunity to explore and compare different regulatory architecture and models. The purpose of this paper is to understand emerging regulatory models and associated tensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses qualitative methods to compare the regulatory architecture and models. Data were collected from documents, including board papers, inspection guidelines and from 48 interviewees representing a cross-section of roles from six organisational regulatory agencies. The data were analysed thematically using an a priori coding framework developed from the literature.

Findings

The findings show that regulatory agencies in the four countries of the UK have different approaches and methods of delivering their missions. This study finds that new hybrid regulatory models are developing which use improvement support interventions in parallel with deterrence and compliance approaches. The analysis highlights that effective regulatory oversight of quality is contingent on the ability of regulatory agencies to balance their requirements to assure and improve care. Nevertheless, they face common tensions in sustaining the balance in their requirements connected to their roles, relationships and resources.

Originality/value

The paper shows through its comparison of UK regulatory agencies that the development and implementation of hybrid models is complex. The paper contributes to research by identifying three tensions related to hybrid regulatory models; roles, resources and relationships which need to be managed to sustain hybrid regulatory models.
Trade openness, financial liberalization and economic growth
Authors: Adeel-Farooq Rana Muhammad , Abu Bakar Nor Aznin , Raji Jimoh Olajide
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the effects of financial liberalization and trade openness on the economic growth of two countries, namely, Pakistan and India for the period 1985-2014.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the autoregressive distributed lag technique, which allows mixed order of integration. In addition, it uses the principal component method to create an index for financial liberalization to examine how it affects the economic growth of the selected countries.

Findings

The findings reveal that in the short and long run, trade openness has positive effect on the Pakistan’s economic growth while the financial liberalization has positive impact only in the long run. In the case of India, both financial liberalization and trade openness positively and significantly influence the economic growth in the short and long run.

Practical implications

By comparing the results of both countries, trade openness and financial liberalization increase the economic growth of India more than that of Pakistan. These results suggest that Pakistan should consider appropriate positive policies regarding financial liberalization and trade openness to achieve high and stable economic growth in the future.

Originality/value

This study creates financial liberalization index by using the principal component analysis method to explain the role of financial liberalization in the economic growth of Pakistan and India. In addition, it makes comparison of the results based on which country benefits most from the liberalization of trade and financial sectors. Only very few studies have examined these countries, yet their results have remained inconclusive as well.
Slavery in plants: how the facultative hemi‐parasitic plant Rhamphicarpa fistulosa can completely dominate its host
Authors: Kabiri S. , Rodenburg J. , van Ast A. , Bastiaans L.
Published: September 2017

The rain‐fed lowland rice weed Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (Rice Vampireweed) is a facultative root parasitic plant. Growth and reproduction of R. fistulosa benefit considerably from parasitism, but how this affects the host plant is not well established. We determined accumulation and partitioning of rice–parasite biomass in two pot experiments. First, rice (cv. IR64) was grown under eight R. fistulosa densities (15–1000 seeds per pot) with two sampling times. Next, 2 parasite densities (6 and 13 plants per pot) were combined with 9 destructive samplings. Infection increased host root: shoot ratios and decreased host plant height, leaf area and tiller number. Reductions in light interception were followed by reductions in light use efficiency, causing 22–71% losses in host plant biomass and 78–100% losses in host kernel production. Parasitism eventually caused a complete standstill of host plant growth, while the parasite managed to gradually increase its share in total host plant–parasite biomass up to 50–82%. This implies that ultimately the host plant was producing solely for the sake of the parasite. Due to its facultative nature, R. fistulosa may incorrectly be perceived as relatively harmless. Upon infection this Rice Vampireweed, however, turns into a genuine slave master, whereby it completely dominates its host.
How to survive the medical misinformation mess
Authors: Ioannidis John P. A. , Stuart Michael E. , Brownlee Shannon , Strite Sheri A.
Published: September 2017

Most physicians and other healthcare professionals are unaware of the pervasiveness of poor quality clinical evidence that contributes considerably to overuse, underuse, avoidable adverse events, missed opportunities for right care and wasted healthcare resources. The Medical Misinformation Mess comprises four key problems. First, much published medical research is not reliable or is of uncertain reliability, offers no benefit to patients, or is not useful to decision makers. Second, most healthcare professionals are not aware of this problem. Third, they also lack the skills necessary to evaluate the reliability and usefulness of medical evidence. Finally, patients and families frequently lack relevant, accurate medical evidence and skilled guidance at the time of medical decision‐making. Increasing the reliability of available, published evidence may not be an imminently reachable goal. Therefore, efforts should focus on making healthcare professionals, more sensitive to the limitations of the evidence, training them to do critical appraisal, and enhancing their communication skills so that they can effectively summarize and discuss medical evidence with patients to improve decision‐making. Similar efforts may need to target also patients, journalists, policy makers, the lay public and other healthcare stakeholders.
Impaired bone and muscle development in young people treated with antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Simm Peter J. , Seah Sebastian , Gorelik Alex , Gilbert Lauren , Nuguid Jenning , Werther George A. , Mackay Mark T. , Freeman Jeremy L. , Petty Sandra J. , Wark John D.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are associated with reduced bone density, balance impairment, and increased fracture risk in adults. However, pediatric data are limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine bone, muscle, and balance outcomes in young patients taking AEDs.

Methods

We undertook a case–control study utilizing an AED exposure–discordant matched‐pair approach. Subjects were aged 5–18 years with at least 12 months of AED exposure. Pairs were twins, nontwin siblings and first cousins, sex‐ and age‐matched (to within 2 years), allowing for greater power than with unrelated control subjects. Dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and muscle force/balance were tested, with questionnaires were administered for bone health and epilepsy details.

Results

Twenty‐three pairs were recruited, (median age 12.9 years [subjects] and 13.5 years [controls])—7 twin, 14 sibling, and 2 cousin pairs. Those taking AEDs had an increased prevalence of fractures (15 fractures in 8 subjects, compared with 4 fractures in 3 controls, p < 0.01). Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) measured by pQCT at the 4% site (tibia) was reduced by 14% (p = 0.03) in subjects. Subjects exerted a decreased maximum force compared to body weight (Fmax total/g) at the tibia. There were no differences seen in either bone mineral parameters measured by DXA or balance measures.

Significance

Young people taking AEDs reported more fractures and had reductions in tibial vBMD and lower limb muscle force compared to their matched controls. These findings suggest that further exploration of bone health issues of young patients on AED therapy is required. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these changes in the muscle–bone unit and to further explore the clinical outcomes.
Primary corneal malignant melanoma in a horse
Authors: Strauss R. A. , Allbaugh R. A. , Haynes J. , Ben‐Shlomo G.
Published: September 2017

A 13‐year‐old Missouri Fox Trotter gelding of chestnut colour was referred for a 6‐week history of blepharospasm and epiphora of the left eye. Due to the presence of irregular corneal masses, superficial keratectomy was performed along with adjunctive strontium‐90 beta irradiation and subsequent topical mitomycin C chemotherapy. A diagnosis of poorly melanised malignant melanoma was made based on histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. There has been no recurrence of the neoplasm over 10 months of follow‐up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of a primary corneal melanocytic neoplasm in a horse.
Do Outside Directors with Government Experience Create Value?
Authors: Kang Jun‐Koo , Zhang Le
Published: September 2017

We examine whether outside directors with government experience add value to their firms. We find that government directors are more likely to miss board meetings and that their appointment announcements are greeted more negatively. Firms with government directors also experience poorer operating performance and more negative merger announcement returns, although their mergers are less likely to be challenged by antitrust authorities. These adverse valuation effects are largely alleviated when firms have large government sales, when they operate in regulated industries, or when government directors are politically connected. Using close gubernatorial election outcomes as a natural experiment and an instrumental variables approach to control for endogeneity bias do not change the results.
Contact lens related corneal infections
Authors: Asoklis R.
Published: September 2017

Since Czechoslovak chemist Otto Wichterle introduced soft contact lenses in 1961 the achievements of the manufactures and success in marketing increased dramatically. Unlimited availability of purchasing contact lenses in the internet and optic shops, slot machines and supermarkets gave a huge incomes for the industry, however restricted patients from the professional and verbal information regarding wearing particularities, risk factors and proper, at least annual examination by the ophthalmologist. Therefore number of contact lens wearing complications, related to bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections started constantly to grow. In this course we will update guidelines of the conservative treatment, timing and surgical approach of curing such sight‐ threating conditions. Clinical cases supplemented with high quality photo, video and pathology slides material will be discussed.
Combination of Histopathology and FT‐Raman Spectroscopy for the Study of Experimental Paracoccidioidomycosis in the Spleen
Authors: Mansano Elaine Sciuniti Benites , de Morais Gutierrez Rodriguês , Moratto Edilaine Martins , Sato Francielle , Baesso Mauro Luciano , Medina Antonio Neto , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet , Hernandes Luzmarina
Published: September 2017

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) can disseminate through the lymphatic and hematogenic pathways. As a result the spleen and other lymphoid organs are targets of paracoccidioidomycosis. There are few studies describing this disease in the spleen and more detailed descriptions are required. This study combines Histopathology and Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy (FT‐Raman) methods to study spleen infected by Pb. The Swiss mice were euthanized after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of infection with Pb, and their spleens were removed for ex vivo analyzes. Histopathological evaluation revealed that the red pulp was the area most affected, presenting the highest concentration of yeasts, inflammatory cells and cells in apoptosis, with no observation of typical granuloma formation. The main physical–chemical changes were detected in the spectral ranges between 1730–1590 cm−1 and 1390–1280 cm−1 attributed to amide I and vibrational deformation mode of CH3 and CH2 molecules, respectively. The amide I was correlated to total protein content and CH3 and CH2 molecules to collagen of the spleen. The association between histological and physical–chemical methods enabled detection of several alterations in the spleen, including apoptosis, contributing to a better understanding of paracoccidioidomycosis, a tropical neglected disease.
Lethal Effect of Photodynamic Treatment on Persister Bacteria
Authors: Oppezzo Oscar Juan , Forte Giacobone Ana Florencia
Published: September 2017

Persister bacteria tolerate bactericidal antibiotics due to transient and reversible phenotypic changes. As these bacteria can limit the effectiveness of antibiotics to eradicate certain infections, their elimination is a relevant issue. Photodynamic therapy seems suitable for this purpose, but phenotypic tolerance to it has also been reported for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To test whether any phenotypic feature could confer tolerance against both antibiotics and photoinactivation, survivors from exposures to light in the presence of methylene blue were treated with ofloxacin, an antibiotic effective on nongrowing bacteria. Susceptibility to ofloxacin was normal in these bacteria in spite of their increased ability to survive photodynamic inactivation, suggesting the absence of cross‐tolerance. It thus seemed possible to use one of these treatments to eliminate bacteria which had phenotypic tolerance to the other. To test this strategy, persister bacteria emerging from ofloxacin treatments were submitted to the action of light and methylene blue while the antibiotic remained in the bacterial suspension. Persisters lost their clonogenic ability under these conditions and the effects of the treatments seemed to be synergistic. These observations suggest that photodynamic antimicrobial therapy could be used as a complement to antibiotic treatments to eliminate persister bacteria from localized infections.
Assessing Qualitative Studies in Public Administration Research
Authors: Ospina Sonia M. , Esteve Marc , Lee Seulki
Published: September 2017

Systematic reviews of research methods in the public administration field have assessed the progress of research practice and offered relevant recommendations to further develop research quality. But most recent reviews examine quantitative studies, and the few assessments of qualitative scholarship tend to focus on specific dimensions. This article calls attention to the overall practice of qualitative research in the field of public administration. The authors analyzed 129 qualitative studies published during a five‐year period (2010–14) in the six top public administration journals, combining bibliometric and qualitative analyses. Three findings are drawn from the analysis. First, qualitative work represents a very small percentage of the journal articles published in the field. Second, qualitative research practice uses a small range of methodologies, mainly case studies. Finally, there is inconsistency in reporting methodological decisions. The article discusses the implications of these findings and offers recommendations to ensure methodological rigor while considering the integrity of the logic of inquiry and reporting standards of qualitative research practice.
How scientists and engineers use cultural resources to make controversies and selves meaningful
Authors: Cousineau Matthew J.
Published: September 2017

In this essay, I provide an overview of recent sociological studies of science, technology, religion, and spirituality; the ways they contribute to sociological theorizing; and make some recommendations for future research. There are two major themes in these studies. One of them analyzes religious and spiritual discourse as controversy practice, suggesting how religion and spirituality are used as cultural discourses to understand controversy, who the actors are or should be, how to act in a controversy, and how popular discourses inform, and are informed by, science and technology discourses. This theme contributes to theorizing by describing how forms of cultural talk organize understandings of controversies, interactions, and action. The second theme explores scientific and religious identities, and how they are made compatible with each other. This theme points sociological theory toward considering science and religion relations as intertextual relations.
Apheresis technology correlates with bacterial contamination of platelets and reported septic transfusion reactions
Authors: Eder Anne F. , Dy Beth A. , DeMerse Barbara , Wagner Stephen J. , Stramer Susan L. , O'Neill E. Mary , Herron Ross M.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Apheresis technology to collect platelet (PLT) components differs among devices. We evaluated the relationship of the plateletpheresis device with bacterial contamination and reported septic transfusion reactions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Plateletpheresis was performed using Amicus (Fenwal, a Fresenius Kabi Company) or Trima (Trima Accel, TerumoBCT) from 2010 to 2014. All donations used inlet‐line sample diversion and were tested by quality control (QC; Day 1) aerobic culture. Rates of bacterial contamination and septic reactions to PLTs were calculated for both devices.

RESULTS

During the 5‐year study period, plateletpheresis collections using Amicus and Trima devices totaled 1,486,888 and 671,955 donations, respectively. The rate of confirmed‐positive bacterial cultures of apheresis PLT donations was significantly higher with Amicus than with Trima (252 vs. 112 per 106 donations [odds ratio {OR}, 2.3; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.8‐2.9]). Septic transfusion reactions were caused by 30 apheresis PLT units from 25 contaminated Amicus procedures and three apheresis PLT units from three contaminated Trima procedures. The overall rate of septic reactions was significantly higher with apheresis PLT components collected with Amicus than with Trima (16.8 vs. 4.5 per 106 donations [OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.1‐12.5]). All apheresis PLT components implicated in septic transfusion reactions had negative QC culture results incubated through Day 5 (i.e., false negatives).

CONCLUSION

Apheresis technology affects bacterial contamination of plateletpheresis collections. The device‐specific, higher rate of confirmed‐positive bacterial culture results also correlated with a significantly higher rate of reported septic transfusion reactions to apheresis PLTs.
A looming tragedy of the sand commons
Authors: Torres Aurora , Brandt Jodi , Lear Kristen , Liu Jianguo
Published: September 2017

Increasing sand extraction, trade, and consumption pose global sustainability challenges
Nondestructive tissue analysis for ex vivo and in vivo cancer diagnosis using a handheld mass spectrometry system
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Rector John , Lin John Q. , Young Jonathan H. , Sans Marta , Katta Nitesh , Giese Noah , Yu Wendong , Nagi Chandandeep , Suliburk James , Liu Jinsong , Bensussan Alena , DeHoog Rachel J. , Garza Kyana Y. , Ludolph Benjamin , Sorace Anna G. , Syed Anum , Zahedivash Aydin , Milner Thomas E. , Eberlin Livia S.
Published: September 2017

A handheld and biocompatible mass spectrometry system provides nondestructive molecular diagnosis of cancer tissue samples.