bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen generation from water splitting catalyzed by highly stable CdS@Mo2C–C core–shell nanorods
Authors: Yi Sha-Sha , Yan Jun-Min , Wulan Ba-Ri , Jiang Qing
Published: June 2017

A CdS@Mo2C–C core–shell hybrid is reported for the first time, which exhibits excellent photocatalytic H2 generation activity from water splitting and robust photostability.
Ionic thermoelectric paper
Authors: Jiao Fei , Naderi Ali , Zhao Dan , Schlueter Joshua , Shahi Maryam , Sundström Jonas , Granberg Hjalmar , Edberg Jesper , Ail Ujwala , Brill Joseph , Lindström Tom , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier
Published: June 2017

NFC–PSSNa composite paper combines high ionic conductivity, high ionic Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity, resulting in an overall slightly better figure-of-merit than PSSNa.
A new perspective of the ruthenium ion: a bifunctional soluble catalyst for high efficiency Li–O2batteries
Authors: Lee Seon Hwa , Kwak Won-Jin , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: June 2017

Ruthenium ions dissolved in electrolyte not only effectively reduced the OER overpotential due to their suitable redox potential, but also facilitated the ORR due to their affinity with oxygen.
Synthesis and catalytic activity of a Pd doped Ni–MgO catalyst for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Singha R. K. , Shukla A. , Sandupatla A. , Deo G. , Bal R.
Published: June 2017

A highly active and stable Pd doped Ni–MgO catalyst for dry reforming of methane (DRM).
Colloidal-lithographed TiO2 photonic nanostructures for solar cell light trapping
Authors: Sanchez-Sobrado Olalla , Mendes Manuel J. , Haque Sirazul , Mateus Tiago , Araujo Andreia , Aguas Hugo , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: June 2017

A 27.3% photocurrent enhancement is predicted when a photonic-structured TiO2 based antireflection coating is applied.
Siloles in optoelectronic devices
Authors: Cai Yuanjing , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2017

This review covers the electronic properties of silole-based organic semiconductors and the newest developments in the field of silole-based OLEDs and OPVs.
Ultra‐stable, low‐noise two‐stage current source concept for electronics and laser applications
Authors: Dudzik Grzegorz
Published: June 2017

This study presents a two‐stage current source concept which features low‐current noise, excellent drift and stability for higher operating currents. Generally, it is much easier to obtain higher stability and lower‐noise parameters for small operating currents rather than large ones. This fact was used within this concept, where a precise low‐current source (the second stage) corrects the fluctuations of high‐current one (the first stage). In details the theory of operation for setup, the noise‐sources analysis and measurement results are presented. For a maximum operating current equals 1 A, the current noise density of 126 nA/√Hz (at f = 1 kHz), long‐term stability of ±2.1 ppm and temperature coefficient equal 2.8 ppm/°C, were obtained, whereas the current noise below 1 nA/√Hz was obtained for lower operating currents. Presented circuit is inexpensive to construct, non‐thermally stabilised and very small size (1 × 1.2 in2). The obtained parameters are competitive to commercial current drivers designed for laser applications. The two‐stage current source has been successfully implemented in a fully integrated diode‐pumped solid‐state lasers.
Handling multi‐parametric variations in distributed control of cyber‐physical energy systems through optimal communication design
Authors: Korukonda Meher Preetam , Mishra Swaroop Ranjan , Shukla Anupam , Behera Laxmidhar
Published: June 2017

Cyber physical systems like smart grid are largely migrating towards distributed control philosophy to achieve high reliability. The design of communication network between various sensors and controllers plays an important role in control of these systems. The design process involves examining a number of topological combinations, which increase exponentially with the number of nodes in the considered system. Moreover, for a practical system, the different characteristics and availability of various physical and communication resources in the network pose multiple constraints on this design. In this work, a generalised constraint‐based sensor controller connection design methodology has been developed, which effectively reduces the number of combinations, to design more stable cyber‐physical controllers. To handle variations in multiple parameters in physical and communication domain, different controllers have been developed for different operating conditions that are scheduled as per requirement. The methodology has been shown to stabilise bus voltages in a smart grid scenario under variations in load, communication delays and loss of communication links.
Balancing distribution systems with three‐phase active front end rectifiers: field experiment results
Authors: Douglass Phillip J. , Trintis Ionut
Published: June 2017

This study describes field tests of alternative methods to control three‐phase active rectifiers to reduce voltage unbalance in low‐voltage (LV) distribution systems. The tests show that per‐phase control of active power of two residential loads can significantly reduce unbalance throughout an LV feeder shared by 25 homes. Different algorithms, designed to either reduce negative sequence voltage, or phase–neutral (P–N) voltage unbalance using active or reactive power (four algorithms in all), were tested. The algorithm designed to reduce P–N voltage unbalance using active power showed the greatest reduction in median P–N voltage unbalance at the prototypes terminals (up to 87%), the greatest reduction in median current unbalance at the feeder's substation (38%), and was also effective at reducing negative sequence voltage in the feeder. The algorithms controlling reactive power reduced negative sequence voltage, but did not show significant effects on P–N voltage unbalance. Two prototypes were tested at different locations on the same feeder, and the average combined effect of the two prototypes was well predicted by the sum of their individual effects. Some of the results are inconsistent with earlier simulations and laboratory tests which used simple constant impedance load models, highlighting the importance of field trials to validate controller designs.
History and Evolution of Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Passos Gustavo
Published: June 2017

The surgical treatment for epilepsy has a worldwide historical relevance for centuries. There are archaeological reports that date it back to ancient Egypt; however, the year 1886 is considered a landmark in the surgical treatment for epilepsy in the Modern Age, when the first surgery for the treatment of focal epileptic events was performed successfully. Since then, innumerable related articles have been published evoluonarily. Over the last centuries, new techniques and technologies provided better understanding, diagnosis and management for this disease. Thus, historical and evolutionary knowledge becomes important to let us better understand the current position of the surgery for epilepsy treatment and control.
Incidence of Bacteriuria after Urodynamic Study with or without Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Women with Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Hirakauva Elizabeth Yukie , Bianchi-Ferraro Ana Maria Homem de Mello , Zucchi Eliana Viana Monteiro , Kajikawa Marcio Massashi , Girão Manoel João Batista Castello , Sartori Marair Gracio Ferreira , Jarmy-Di Bella Zsuzsanna Ilona Katalin de
Published: June 2017

Introduction The presence of bacteria in urine is called bacteriuria, which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The manipulation of the urinary tract during urodynamic study (UDS), which is an invasive procedure, can result in urinary tract infection (UTI). Studies on the use of prophylactic antibiotics for UDSs are contradictory. Some investigators concluded that they were valuable and others did not. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis before UDS. This is a placebo-control randomized double-blind study.

Methods Two-hundred and seventeen women affected by urinary incontinence were eligible for this study. All patients had presented negative urine culture previous to the UDS. They were randomized in four groups: group A received placebo, group B received 500 mg of levofloxacin, group C received 80 mg trimethoprim and 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and group D received 100 mg of nitrofurantoin. A urine culture was performed 14 days after the UDS.

Results We observed asymptomatic bacteriuria after the UDS in five patients in group A, one in group B, one in group C and one in group D. Only one patient on group A had symptomatic bacteriuria. We didn't observe statistical difference between the groups. When we recategorized the patients in two groups, the incidence of bacteriuria was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the antibiotic group.

Conclusion The conclusion is that antibiotic prophylaxis before the UDS did not reduce the incidence of UTI in women within the target population.
Food Insecurity, Prenatal Care and Other Anemia Determinants in Pregnant Women from the NISAMI Cohort, Brazil: Hierarchical Model Concept
Authors: Demétrio Fran , Teles-Santos Carlos Antônio de Souza , Santos Djanilson Barbosa dos
Published: June 2017

Objective To identify the prevalence of anemia and its relation to food insecurity (FI) and other determinants in pregnant women.

Methods A cross-sectional, cohort-nested study, with the participation of 245 pregnant women who were cared for at Family Health Units in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil. The participants underwent blood tests for hemoglobin levels, anthropometric examinations, and answered a structured questionnaire. The hemoglobin (Hb) parameter (Hb < 11 g/dL) was used for the classification of the diagnosis of anemia. Food insecurity was evaluated using the North American short-scale food insecurity assessment. Logistic regression was adopted for the statistical analyses, based on a hierarchical conceptual model that enabled the measurement of the decomposition of the total effect of its non-mediated and mediated components using the proposed hierarchical levels.

Results The prevalence of anemia in the studied population was of 21.8%, and the average hemoglobin was 12.06 g/dL (standard deviation [SD]: 1.27). Food insecurity was identified in 28.16% of the pregnant women. The average maternal age was 25.82 years (SD: 5.94). After ranking, the variables positively associated with anemia remained significant: FI (odds ratio [OR] =3.63; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.77–7.45); not undergoing prenatal care (OR = 5.15; 95%CI: 1.43–18.50); multiparity (OR = 2.27; 95%CI: 1.02–5.05); and non-supplementation of iron medication (OR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.04–5.76). The results also indicated that the socioeconomic and environmental factors were largely mediated by food insecurity and factors regarding prenatal care.

Conclusions In the present study, the chance of occurrence of anemia in pregnant women was significantly higher, mainly among women: in situations of food insecurity, not undergoing prenatal care, not having received iron supplements, and who are multiparous.
Betriebsärzte und Rehabilitation – Eine Querschnittsstudie zum betriebsärztlichen Handeln in Schleswig-Holstein und Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Peters Elke , Schwarz Betje , Glomm Detlef , Kallenberg Christine , Voelter-Mahlknecht Susanne , Rieger Monika , Bethge Matthias
Published: June 2017

Ziel der Studie Beschreibung und Erklärung betriebsärztlicher Beteiligung im Rehabilitationsprozess

Methodik Die Daten wurden mittels anonymer postalischer Befragung von Betriebsärzten in Schleswig-Holstein und Baden-Württemberg erhoben. Mittels logistischer Regression wurde der Einfluss verschiedener Determinanten für das betriebsärztliche Handeln vor, während und nach der Rehabilitation geprüft.

Ergebnisse Über 70% der Betriebsärzte unterstützten im letzten Jahr mind. einmal einen Beschäftigten bei der Beantragung einer medizinischen Rehabilitation. Die Hälfte der Betriebsärzte hatte wegen eines Beschäftigten mind. einmal während einer Rehabilitation Kontakt zur Rehabilitationseinrichtung und 9 von 10 Betriebsärzten begleiteten wenigstens einen Beschäftigten nach der Rehabilitation bei der Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz. Das unterstützende Handeln der Betriebsärzte im Zusammenhang mit Rehabilitation war signifikant größer, wenn Betriebsärzte sich mitverantwortlich für Rehabilitationsprozesse sahen, gut informiert waren und häufig am betrieblichen Eingliederungsmanagement beteiligt waren.

Schlussfolgerungen Betriebsärzte können wichtige Akteure für die Einleitung und Begleitung von Rehabilitationsprozessen sein.
SOP Neurophysiologische Diagnostik bei Polyneuropathien
Authors: Buchner Helmut , Kiefer Reinhard
Published: June 2017

Auf dem Weg zur Diagnose folgen erfahrene Kliniker einem diagnostischen Pfad, der mit Anamnese und Befund beginnt, gefolgt von einer differenzierten neurophysiologischen Diagnostik. Die Standard Operating Procedures zeigen den Weg vom klinischen Manifestationstyp über die Auswahl der neurophysiologischen Untersuchungen zur kritisch begründeten Befundwertung und letztlich syndromatologischen Diagnose als Basis für die ätiologische Klärung.
Motivierende Gesprächsführung
Authors: Küstner Eva
Published: June 2017

Die Motivierende Gesprächsführung (Motivational Interviewing) ist ein Beratungsansatz, um
vermeintlich unmotivierte Patienten für Veränderungen zu gewinnen. Diese pragmatische und
aus dem Suchtbereich kommende Methode stellt einen Weg dar, die Compliance zu verbessern.
Bei diesem Konzept entscheiden Patienten eigenverantwortlich, welche Inhalte für sie
wichtig sind und welche Konsequenzen sie daraus ziehen. Der Berater gibt dazu die nötigen
Impulse und respektiert die eigenen Ziele des Patienten.
Ernährung im Leben mit geistiger Behinderung
Authors: Nowag Margarete
Published: June 2017

Die tägliche, ausgewogene Ernährung ist wesentlicher Baustein eines gesunden und zufriedenen
Alltags und hat großen Einfluss auf viele Lebensbereiche von Menschen mit und ohne
Behinderung. Die Nahrungsaufnahme und somit die Zufuhr essenzieller Nährstoffe stellt
nicht die alleinige Funktion von Essen und Trinken dar. Es kann dem Wohlergehen der
Menschen dienen und steigert damit die individuell empfundene Lebensqualität. Essen und
Trinken ist ein wichtiger Teil des sozialen Alltags, führt Menschen mit und ohne
Behinderung zusammen und lässt Traditionen und Kulturen leben.
Simulationstraining in der Geburtshilfe: eine Befragung von Teilnehmenden eines low fidelity Trainings
Authors: Störr Almut , König-Bachmann Martina , Schwarz Christiane
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Gebären und geboren werden sind prinzipiell physiologische Vorgänge. Allerdings kann sich eine Geburt plötzlich in einen lebensbedrohlichen Notfall wandeln. Dann hängen Gesundheit von Mutter und Kind in starkem Maße von richtigen und rechtzeitigen Interventionen und effektiver Teamarbeit des medizinischen Personals ab. Um diesen komplexen Anforderungen gewachsen zu sein, wurden v. a. in englischsprachigen und skandinavischen Ländern Konzepte für interdisziplinäres Simulationstraining entwickelt und evaluiert. Dabei gelten Trainingskonzepte mit high fidelity Ausstattung (computergesteuerten Simulatoren) und solche mit low fidelity (einfache Hilfsmittel und SimulationspatientInnen*) als wirksam. Für den deutschsprachigen Raum gibt es kaum Nachweise für die Effektivität von interdisziplinärem Notfalltraining in der Geburtshilfe. Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit ist es herauszufinden, ob ein low fidelity Simulationstraining in Deutschland eine effektive Methode ist, um das geburtshilfliche Notfallmanagement zu verbessern.

Methode Es wurden fragebogenbasiert, 4 Monate nach dem Training quantitative und qualitative Parameter vor und nach einem Simulationstraining erhoben und evaluiert. Wir fragten u. a. nach der Selbsteinschätzung der Teilnehmenden hinsichtlich ihrer Kompetenz und Sicherheit im Notfall; der Wahrnehmung von Kooperation und Kommunikation im Team; der Klarheit von Arbeitsabläufen und der Einschätzung der Patientinnenperspektive.

Ergebnisse Es wurden 48 Fragebögen prä und post Training ausgewertet. Fast alle Indikatoren zeigten eine signifikante Änderung. Veränderungsvorschläge der Befragten in Bezug auf Struktur- und Prozessqualität im Kreißsaal wurden qualitativ beschreibend ausgewertet.

Schlussfolgerungen Der Bedarf wird bei den Mitarbeitenden gesehen. Diese bewerten subjektiv die Bewältigung von Notfällen als verbessert.
Folat und Folsäure
Authors: Péter Szabolcs , Eggersdorfer Manfred
Published: June 2017

Der Name „Folat“ stammt vom lateinischen Begriff „folium“ („Blatt“). Denn diese bioaktiven Verbindungen
wurden erstmals aus Spinatblättern isoliert. Oft werden die Bezeichnungen Folat, Vitamin B9
und Folsäure synonym gebraucht. Hierbei handelt es sich um wasserlösliche Verbindungen der
Vitamin-B-Gruppe, zu der auch Folsäure und natürlich vorkommendes Folat zählen.
Classifications of ideal 3D elastica shapes at equilibrium
Authors: Ameline Olivier , Haliyo Sinan , Huang Xingxi , Cognet Jean A. H.
Published: June 2017

We investigate the equilibrium configurations of the ideal 3D elastica, i.e., inextensible, unshearable, isotropic, uniform, and naturally straight and prismatic rods, with linear elastic constitutive relations. Infinite solution trajectories are expressed analytically and classified in terms of only three parameters related to physical quantities. Orientation of sections and mechanical loading are also well described analytically with these parameters. Detailed analysis of solution trajectories yields two main results. First, all particular trajectories are completely characterized and located in the space of these parameters. Second, a general geometric structure is exhibited for every ideal 3D elastic rod, where the trajectory winds around a core helix in a tube-shaped envelope. This remarkable structure leads to a classification of the general case according to three properties called chirality components. In addition, the geometry of the envelope provides another characterization of the ideal 3D elastica. For both results, the domains and the frontiers of every class are plotted in the space of the parameters.
Non-Markovian quantum feedback networks II: Controlled flows
Authors: Gough John E.
Published: June 2017

The concept of a controlled flow of a dynamical system, especially when the controlling process feeds information back about the system, is of central importance in control engineering. In this paper, we build on the ideas presented by Bouten and van Handel [Quantum Stochastics and Information: Statistics, Filtering and Control (World Scientific, 2008)] and develop a general theory of quantum feedback. We elucidate the relationship between the controlling processes, Z, and the measured processes, Y, and to this end we make a distinction between what we call the input picture and the output picture. We should note that the input-output relations for the noise fields have additional terms not present in the standard theory but that the relationship between the control processes and measured processes themselves is internally consistent—we do this for the two main cases of quadrature measurement and photon-counting measurement. The theory is general enough to include a modulating filter which post-processes the measurement readout Y before returning to the system. This opens up the prospect of applying very general engineering feedback control techniques to open quantum systems in a systematic manner, and we consider a number of specific modulating filter problems. Finally, we give a brief argument as to why most of the rules for making instantaneous feedback connections [J. Gough and M. R. James, Commun. Math. Phys. 287, 1109 (2009)] ought to apply for controlled dynamical networks as well.
Droplet impact onto a solid sphere: Effect of wettability and impact velocity
Authors: Banitabaei S. A. , Amirfazli A.
Published: June 2017

Collision of a droplet onto a still spherical particle was experimentally investigated. The effect of droplet impact velocity and wettability of the particle surface on collision outcomes was studied (0.05 < V0 < 5.0 and θ = 70°, 90°, 118°). Compared to the literature, the range of Weber number variations was significantly extended (0.1 < We < 1146), and while focus of the previous works was on impacts in which particle is larger than the droplet (Dr < 1), the drop to particle diameter ratio in this work was larger than one. Therefore, formation of a thin liquid film, i.e., lamella, was observed due to impact of a relatively high velocity droplet onto a hydrophobic particle. Temporal variations of various geometrical parameters of collision outcomes including lamella length and lamella base diameter were investigated during the impact. It was also shown that for hydrophobic targets, the extent of hydrophobicity of the particle does not affect the lamella geometry. A comprehensive map of all the available works in drop impact on a spherical target was also provided.
Coherent manipulation of thermal transport by tunable electron-photon and electron-phonon interaction
Authors: Paolucci Federico , Timossi Giuliano , Solinas Paolo , Giazotto Francesco
Published: June 2017

We propose a system where coherent thermal transport between two reservoirs in non-galvanic contact is modulated by independently tuning the electron-photon and the electron-phonon coupling. The scheme is based on two gate-controlled electrodes capacitively coupled through a dc-SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) as an intermediate phase-tunable resonator. Thereby the electron-photon interaction is modulated by controlling the flux threading the dc-SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) and the impedance of the two reservoirs, while the electron-phonon coupling is tuned by controlling the charge carrier concentration in the electrodes. To quantitatively evaluate the behavior of the system, we propose to exploit the graphene reservoirs. In this case, the scheme can work at temperatures reaching 1 K, with unprecedented temperature modulations as large as 245 mK, transmittance up to 99%, and energy conversion efficiency up to 50%. Finally, the accuracy of heat transport control allows us to use this system as an experimental tool to determine the electron-phonon coupling in two-dimensional electronic systems.
Phase formation sequence in the Ti/InP system during thin film solid-state reactions
Authors: Ghegin E. , Rodriguez Ph. , Lábár J. L. , Menyhárd M. , Favier S. , Sagnes I. , Nemouchi F.
Published: June 2017

The metallurgical properties of the Ti/InP system meet a great interest for its use as a contact in the scope of various applications such as the Si Photonics. The investigations conducted on this system highlight the initiation of a reaction between the Ti and the InP substrate during the deposition process conducted at 100 °C. The simultaneous formation of two binary phases, namely, Ti2In5 and TiP, is attributed to the compositional gradient induced in the InP by the wet surface preparation and enhanced by the subsequent in situ Ar+ preclean. Once formed, the TiP layer acts as a diffusion barrier inhibiting further reaction up to 450 °C in spite of the presence of an important Ti reservoir. At higher temperature, however, i.e., from 550 °C, the reaction is enabled either by the enhancement of the species diffusion through the TiP layer or by its agglomeration. This reaction gives rise to the total consumption of the Ti2In5 and Ti while the TiP and In phases are promoted.
Extraordinary optical transmission through nonlocal holey metal films
Authors: David Christin , Christensen Johan
Published: June 2017

We investigate nonlocal electrodynamics based on the generalized hydrodynamic approach including electron diffusion in holey gold films, showing extraordinary optical transmission (EOT). Dramatic changes with respect to the local approximation for rather large film thicknesses t ≲ 100 nm impact both reflectance and absorbance at normal incidence. Beyond the familiar resonance blueshift with the decreasing film thickness, the interference of longitudinal pressure waves in the holey structure generates an unexpected oscillatory response with geometrical parameters. An increase in the transmittance relative to the local result of up to 33% (typically up to ±6% at resonance) was observed, but it can also be suppressed when absorption dominates. We expect that our findings will stimulate additional studies of EOT when taking into consideration nonlocal effects in holey films of experimentally accessible parameters in two-dimensional hole arrays.
Why cognitivism?
Authors: Levy Yair
Published: June 2017

Intention Cognitivism – the doctrine that intending toVentails, or even consists in, believing that one willV– is an important position with potentially wide-ranging implications, such as a revisionary understanding of practical reason, and a vindicating explanation of ‘Practical Knowledge.’ In this paper, I critically examine the standard arguments adduced in support of IC, including arguments from the parity of expression of intention and belief; from the ability to plan around one’s intention; and from the explanation provided by the thesis for our knowledge of our intentional acts. I conclude that none of these arguments are compelling, and therefore that no good reason has been given to accept IC.
Mastering Your Adult ADHD
Authors: Safren Steven A. , Sprich Susan E. , Perlman Carol A. , Otto Michael W.
Published: June 2017

The treatment program outlined in this book is designed for use by a therapist who is familiar with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The program helps adult clients with ADHD learn skills to help them cope with their symptoms. Core modules on organizing and planning, reducing distractibility, and adaptive thinking are included, as is an optional module on reducing procrastination. An informational meeting can also be included with a spouse, partner, or family member. The guide concludes with a discussion of how to help the client handle slips and maintain the gains made in treatment. This revised version of the therapist guide incorporates many changes from the first edition, including an enhanced discussion of how to incorporate technology into the treatment and new “signposts of change” sections in each chapter.
Identifying MMPI-2 Risk Factors for Suicide
Authors: Barreto John J. , Greene Roger L.
Published: June 2017

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) has six items (150T, 303T, 506T, 520T, 524T, and 530T) that relate directly to suicidal behavior. MMPI-2 items 506 and 520 have explicit suicidal content. When the individual endorses these two items or, better yet, any of these six items, he or she should be queried about them before leaving the clinical setting. When the individual elevates Scale 2(D) and does not endorse any of these items, the clinician needs to evaluate whether there are safety factors protecting the individual or suicidal behavior is not being reported. The MMPI-2 also identifies cognitions, moods, interpersonal styles, and treatment issues among clients that may help identify risk and safety factors for suicidal behavior.
Fire Blight Resistance in Wild Accessions ofMalus sieversii
Authors: Harshman Julia M. , Evans Kate M. , Allen Haley , Potts Ryan , Flamenco Jade , Aldwinckle Herb S. , Wisniewski Michael E. , Norelli John L.
Published: June 2017

Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) is a devastating bacterial disease in apple that results in severe economic losses. Epidemics are becoming more common as susceptible cultivars and rootstocks are being planted, and control is becoming more difficult as antibiotic-resistant strains develop. Resistant germplasm currently being utilized by breeding programs tend to have small fruit size and poor flavor characteristics. Malus sieversii, a progenitor species of domestic apple, is notable for its relatively large, palatable fruit and some accessions have been reported to be resistant to fire blight. In this study, nearly 200 accessions of M. sieversii and appropriate controls were inoculated with E. amylovora in both Washington and West Virginia to identify fire blight resistant accessions. Twelve accessions were identified with resistance comparable to highly resistant and resistant controls. Several accessions exhibited a unique resistance response, not previously reported in domestic apple (M. × domestica), characterized by low incidence of infection but high severity once infection was initiated. Several of these M. sieversii accessions will be used as parents in future crosses in the Washington State University apple breeding program.
Investigation of Slow-wave Activity Saturation during Surgical Anesthesia Reveals a Signature of Neural Inertia in Humans
Authors: Warnaby Catherine E. , Sleigh Jamie W. , Hight Darren , Jbabdi Saad , Tracey Irene
Published: June 2017

Background

Previously, we showed experimentally that saturation of slow-wave activity provides a potentially individualized neurophysiologic endpoint for perception loss during anesthesia. Furthermore, it is clear that induction and emergence from anesthesia are not symmetrically reversible processes. The observed hysteresis is potentially underpinned by a neural inertia mechanism as proposed in animal studies.

Methods

In an advanced secondary analysis of 393 individual electroencephalographic data sets, we used slow-wave activity dose-response relationships to parameterize slow-wave activity saturation during induction and emergence from surgical anesthesia. We determined whether neural inertia exists in humans by comparing slow-wave activity dose responses on induction and emergence.

Results

Slow-wave activity saturation occurs for different anesthetics and when opioids and muscle relaxants are used during surgery. There was wide interpatient variability in the hypnotic concentrations required to achieve slow-wave activity saturation. Age negatively correlated with power at slow-wave activity saturation. On emergence, we observed abrupt decreases in slow-wave activity dose responses coincident with recovery of behavioral responsiveness in ~33% individuals. These patients are more likely to have lower power at slow-wave activity saturation, be older, and suffer from short-term confusion on emergence.

Conclusions

Slow-wave activity saturation during surgical anesthesia implies that large variability in dosing is required to achieve a targeted potential loss of perception in individual patients. A signature for neural inertia in humans is the maintenance of slow-wave activity even in the presence of very-low hypnotic concentrations during emergence from anesthesia.
lncRNAs, DNA Methylation, and the Pathobiology of Exfoliation Glaucoma
Authors: Johnson William M. , Finnegan Laura K. , Hauser Michael A. , Stamer W. Daniel
Published: June 2017

Exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) is a clinically aggressive and genetically distinct form of glaucoma that results in neuronal death and irreversible blindness. Gene variants associate with many neurodegenerative diseases including XFG, Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Intriguingly, variants found within the same gene can either confer risk for or provide protection against all 3 of these diseases, complicating the genetic component of pathology. Unfortunately, studies that examine proteins encoded by genes having relevant variants have failed to produce therapeutic interventions that slow or stop the progression of XFG, PD, or AD in patients. This roadblock has researchers focusing on alternative pathways that may be dysregulated and potentially lead to the development of disease. Two emerging areas of research in PD and AD are the pathobiology of long noncoding RNAs and DNA methylation. This review briefly introduces the roles of long noncoding RNAs and DNA methylation in disease pathogenesis, and highlights some of the cutting edge work that has been carried out in PD and AD, along with the limited but important studies in XFG. Finally, we propose a new direction for XFG research that may explain apparently conflicting genetic data and lead to the discovery of novel dysregulated pathways that will allow for targeted therapeutic development.
Changes to Hospital Inpatient Volume After Newspaper Reporting of Medical Errors
Authors: Fukuda Haruhisa
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of medical error case reporting by national newspapers on inpatient volume at acute care hospitals.

Design

A case-control study was conducted using the article databases of 3 major Japanese newspapers with nationwide circulation between fiscal years 2012 and 2013. Data on inpatient volume at acute care hospitals were obtained from a Japanese government survey between fiscal years 2011 and 2014. Panel data were constructed and analyzed using a difference-in-differences design.

Setting

Acute care hospitals in Japan.

Participants

Hospitals named in articles that included the terms “medical error” and “hospital” were designated case hospitals, which were matched with control hospitals using corresponding locations, nurse-to-patient ratios, and bed numbers.

Exposure

Medical error case reporting in newspapers.

Main outcome measures

Changes to hospital inpatient volume after error reports.

Results

The sample comprised 40 case hospitals and 40 control hospitals. Difference-in-differences analyses indicated that newspaper reporting of medical errors was not significantly associated (P = 0.122) with overall inpatient volume.

Conclusions

Medical error case reporting by newspapers showed no influence on inpatient volume. Hospitals therefore have little incentive to respond adequately and proactively to medical errors. There may be a need for government intervention to improve the posterror response and encourage better health care safety.
Assessment of Automating Safety Surveillance From Electronic Health Records: Analysis for the Quality and Safety Review System
Authors: Fong Allan , Adams Katharine , Samarth Anita , McQueen Laura , Trivedi Manan , Chappel Tahleah , Grace Erin , Terrillion Susan , Ratwani Raj M.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

In an effort to improve and standardize the collection of adverse event data, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is developing and testing a patient safety surveillance system called the Quality and Safety Review System (QSRS). Its current abstraction from medical records is through manual human coders, taking an average of 75 minutes to complete the review and abstraction tasks for one patient record. With many healthcare systems across the country adopting electronic health record (EHR) technology, there is tremendous potential for more efficient abstraction by automatically populating QSRS. In the absence of real-world testing data and models, which require a substantial investment, we provide a heuristic assessment of the feasibility of automatically populating QSRS questions from EHR data.

Methods

To provide an assessment of the automation feasibility for QSRS, we first developed a heuristic framework, the Relative Abstraction Complexity Framework, to assess relative complexity of data abstraction questions. This framework assesses the relative complexity of characteristics or features of abstraction questions that should be considered when determining the feasibility of automating QSRS. Questions are assigned a final relative complexity score (RCS) of low, medium, or high by a team of clinicians, human factors, and natural language processing researchers.

Results

One hundred thirty-four QSRS questions were coded using this framework by a team of natural language processing and clinical experts. Fifty-five questions (41%) had high RCS and would be more difficult to automate, such as “Was use of a device associated with an adverse outcome(s)?” Forty-two questions (31%) had medium RCS, such as “Were there any injuries as a result of the fall(s)?" and 37 questions (28%) had low RCS, such as “Did the patient deliver during this stay?" These results suggest that Blood and Hospital Acquired Infections–Clostridium Difficile Infection (HAI-CDI) modules would be relatively easier to automate, whereas Surgery and HAI–Surgical Site Infection would be more difficult to automate.

Conclusions

Although EHRs contain a wealth of information, abstracting information from these records is still very challenging, particularly for complex questions, such as those concerning patient adverse events. In this work, we developed a heuristic framework, which can be applied to help guide conversations around the feasibility of automating QSRS data abstraction. This framework does not aim to replace testing with real data but complement the process by providing initial guidance and direction to subject matter experts to help prioritize, which abstraction questions to test for feasibility using real data.
Man Versus Machine: Comparing Double Data Entry and Optical Mark Recognition for Processing CAHPS Survey Data
Authors: Fifolt Matthew , Blackburn Justin , Rhodes David J. , Gillespie Shemeka , Bennett Aleena , Wolff Paul , Rucks Andrew
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Historically, double data entry (DDE) has been considered the criterion standard for minimizing data entry errors. However, previous studies considered data entry alternatives through the limited lens of data accuracy. This study supplies information regarding data accuracy, operational efficiency, and cost for DDE and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) for processing the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems 5.0 survey.

Methods:

To assess data accuracy, we compared error rates for DDE and OMR by dividing the number of surveys that were arbitrated by the total number of surveys processed for each method. To assess operational efficiency, we tallied the cost of data entry for DDE and OMR after survey receipt. Costs were calculated on the basis of personnel, depreciation for capital equipment, and costs of noncapital equipment.

Results:

The cost savings attributed to this method were negated by the operational efficiency of OMR. There was a statistical significance between rates of arbitration between DDE and OMR; however, this statistical significance did not create a practical significance.

Conclusions:

The potential benefits of DDE in terms of data accuracy did not outweigh the operational efficiency and thereby financial savings of OMR.
Marked peripheral eosinophilia due to prolonged administration of posaconazole
Authors: Alharbi Maher , Jhinger Rae-Kiran , Wuerz Terence , Walkty Andrew
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Posaconazole is a triazole antifungal that is used in the treatment of a variety of fungal infections, as well as in the management of mucormycosis (on an off-label basis). Eosinophilia associated with exposure to azole antifungals has been described rarely in the literature.

Case presentation. A 31-year-old male on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for end-stage renal disease, secondary to diabetic nephropathy, presented to hospital with abdominal pain after a trip to St Lucia. He was taken to the operating room, where the PD catheter was removed and an abdominal-wall abscess was debrided. R
hizopus species was recovered on culture of the abdominal-wall tissue, and the patient was started on amphotericin B deoxycholate. He was subsequently stepped down to posaconazole, for a planned treatment duration of 12 months. Approximately 43 days after the initiation of posaconazole, it was noted that his peripheral eosinophil count started to rise. No other cause for the eosinophilia was identified. Posaconazole was discontinued, and the patient’s eosinophil count began to drop 2 days later. The temporal association of eosinophilia following initiation of posaconazole and the subsequent improvement after drug discontinuation suggests a probable causal relationship.

Conclusion. At the time of writing, there have been only two other published cases of azole-associated peripheral eosinophilia. In reporting this case, we hope to increase health-care provider awareness of this rare adverse event. For patients receiving prolonged therapy with posaconazole, periodic monitoring of the complete blood count with differential may be considered.
RetroPath2.0: a retrosynthesis workflow for metabolic engineers
Authors: Delépine Baudoin , Duigou Thomas , Carbonell Pablo , Faulon Jean-Loup
Published: June 2017

Synthetic biology applied to industrial biotechnology is transforming the way we produce chemicals. However, despite advances in the scale and scope of metabolic engineering, the bioproduction process still remains costly. In order to expand the chemical repertoire for the production of next generation compounds, a major engineering biology effort is required in the development of novel design tools that target chemical diversity through rapid and predictable protocols. Addressing that goal involves retrosynthesis approaches that explore the chemical biosynthetic space. However, the complexity associated with the large combinatorial retrosynthesis design space has often been recognized as the main challenge hindering the approach. Here, we provide RetroPath2.0, an automated open source workflow for retrosynthesis based on generalized reaction rules that perform the retrosynthesis search from chassis to target through an efficient and well-controlled protocol. Its easiness of use and the versatility of its applications make of this tool a valuable addition into the biological engineer bench desk. We show through several examples the application of the workflow to biotechnological relevant problems, including the identification of alternative biosynthetic routes through enzyme promiscuity; or the development of biosensors. We demonstrate in that way the ability of the workflow to streamline retrosynthesis pathway design and its major role in reshaping the design, build, test and learn pipeline by driving the process toward the objective of optimizing bioproduction. The RetroPath2.0 workflow is built using tools developed by the bioinformatics and cheminformatics community, because it is open source we anticipate community contributions will likely expand further the features of the workflow.

Highlights

State-of-the-art Computer-Aided Design retrosynthesis solutions lack open source and ease of use

We propose RetroPath2.0 a modular and open-source workflow to perform retrosynthesis

RetroPath2.0 computes reaction network between Source and Sink sets of compounds

RetroPath2.0 is distributed as a KNIME workflow for desktop computers

RetroPath2.0 is ready-for-use and distributed with reaction rules

Funding

This work was supported by the French National Research Agency [ANR-15-CE1-0008], the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Centre for synthetic biology of fine and speciality chemicals [BB/M017702/1]; Synthetic Biology Applications for Protective Materials [EP/N025504/1], and GIP Genopole.
Transcriptomic Resilience of a Coral Holobiont to Low pH
Authors: González-Pech Raúl A. , Vargas Sergio , Francis Warren R. , Wörheide Gert
Published: June 2017

Ocean acidification is considered as one of the major threats for coral reefs at a global scale. Marine calcifying organisms, including stony corals, are expected to be the most affected by the predicted decrease of the surface water pH at the end of the century. The severity of the impacts on coral reefs remains as matter of controversy. Although previous studies have explored the physiological response of stony corals to changes in pH, the response of the holobiont (i.e. the coral itself plus its symbionts) remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we assessed the changes in overall gene expression of the coralMontipora digitataand its microalgal symbionts after a short (three days) and a longer (42 days) exposure to low pH (7.6). The short-term exposure to low pH caused small differences in the expression level of the host, impacting mostly genes associated with stress response in other scleractinians. Resilience to Acidification of a Coral Holobiont Longer exposure to low pH resulted in no significant changes in gene expression of the coral host. Gene expression in the eukaryotic symbionts remained unaltered at both exposure times. Our findings suggest resilience, in terms of gene expression, of theMontipora digitataholobiont to pH decrease, as well as capability to acclimatize to extended periods of exposure to low pH.
Cost-effective, high-throughput, single-haplotype iterative mapping and sequencing for complex genomic structures
Authors: Bellott Daniel W. , Cho Ting-Jan , Hughes Jennifer F. , Skaletsky Helen , Page David C.
Published: June 2017

Reference sequence of structurally complex regions can only be obtained through highly accurate clone-based approaches. We and others have successfully employed Single-Haplotype Iterative Mapping and Sequencing (SHIMS 1.0) to assemble structurally complex regions across the sex chromosomes of several vertebrate species and in targeted improvements to the reference sequences of human autosomes. However, SHIMS 1.0 was expensive and time consuming, requiring the resources that only a genome center could command. Here we introduce SHIMS 2.0, an improved SHIMS protocol to allow even a small laboratory to generate high-quality reference sequence from complex genomic regions. Using a streamlined and parallelized library preparation protocol, and taking advantage of high-throughput, inexpensive, short-read sequencing technologies, a small group can sequence and assemble hundreds of clones in a week. Relative to SHIMS 1.0, SHIMS 2.0 reduces the cost and time required by two orders of magnitude, while preserving high sequencing accuracy.
Proteomic Architecture of Human Coronary and Aortic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Herrington David M , Chunhong Mao , Sarah Parker , ZongminG Fu , Guoqiang Yu , Lulu Chen , Vidya Venkatraman , Yi Fu , Yizhi Wang , Tim Howard , Jun Goo , Zhao CF , Yongming Liu , Georgia Saylor , Grace Athas , Dana Troxclair , James Hixson , Richard Vander Heide , Yue Wang , Jennifer Van Eyk
Published: June 2017

The inability to detect premature atherosclerosis significantly hinders implementation of personalized therapy to prevent coronary heart disease. A comprehensive understanding of arterial protein networks and how they change in early atherosclerosis could identify new biomarkers for disease detection and improved therapeutic targets. Here we describe the human arterial proteome and the proteomic features strongly associated with early atherosclerosis based on mass-spectrometry analysis of coronary artery and aortic specimens from 100 autopsied young adults (200 arterial specimens). Convex analysis of mixtures, differential dependent network modeling and bioinformatic analyses defined the composition, network re-wiring and likely regulatory features of the protein networks associated with early atherosclerosis. Among other things the results reveal major differences in mitochondrial protein mass between the coronary artery and distal aorta in both normal and atherosclerotic samples – highlighting the importance of anatomic specificity and dynamic network structures in in the study of arterial proteomics. The publicly available data resource and the description of the analysis pipeline establish a new foundation for understanding the proteomic architecture of atherosclerosis and provide a template for similar investigations of other chronic diseases characterized by multi-cellular tissue phenotypes.

Highlights

LC MS/MS analysis performed on 200 human aortic or coronary artery samples

Numerous proteins, networks, and regulatory pathways associated with early atherosclerosis

Mitochondrial proteins mass and selected metabolic regulatory pathways vary dramatically by disease status and anatomic location

Publically available data resource and analytic pipeline are provided or described in detail