bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Configurable simulator for computer architecture and organization
Authors: Radivojevic Zaharije , Stanisavljevic Zarko , Punt Marija
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a novel visual educational configurable simulator for computer architecture and organization (COCONUT). By using the simulator students can create their own processor with an arbitrary architecture and simple organization on the register transfer level, write an assembly program to be executed on the processor and observe the instruction execution phases of the program on the processor. The students can create their processor by using the simulator of a computer system with fixed and configurable parts. The configurable part allows students to use the simulator for defining the instruction decoding of the processor operation unit and the content of the microprogram memory of the processor control unit. The simulator's usage was evaluated at the University of Belgrade—School of Electrical Engineering on two courses for two consecutive school years. The evaluation results showed that 80% of the students stated that the simulator helped them to better understand the course material and that they had a positive user experience with the simulator.
LMS‐supported PBL assessment in an undergraduate engineering program—Case study
Authors: Hussain Yazan A. , Jaeger Martin
Published: July 2018

Technology has clearly infiltrated all aspects of the education process. In traditional teaching settings, there is an abundance of tools that can assist instructors in delivering their courses, as is evident from the number of available learning management systems (LMS) and other tools. However, LMS platforms are not as well developed for non‐traditional teaching techniques in which the students play a bigger role in the learning process. An example of such techniques is the project‐based learning (PBL) model where autonomous group work is at the heart of the course delivery and non‐conventional assessments are utilized. In this study, we explore the potential and highlight some limitations of adapting Moodle (a popular, open source LMS system) to a PBL environment. We show that Moodle has a potential to leverage the learning process when it is utilized as the main communication platform (student‐student and student‐instructor) due to the abundance of accessibility and versatility such a tool provides to the instructor and the students. The use of LMS allowed us to better evaluate the course design, monitor student's performance, and communicate expectations with students. This has resulted in improving the course design, assessment, and students learning as was evidenced from the collected assessment data.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a case of Cat eye syndrome
Authors: Alsat Ebru Aileen , Reutter Heiko , Bagci Soyhan , Kipfmueller Florian , Engels Hartmut , Raff Ruth , Mangold Elisabeth , Gembruch Ulrich , Geipel Annegret , Müller Andreas , Schaible Thomas
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Our findings extend the phenotypic spectrum of Cat eye syndrome, a disorder with wide clinical variability. The potentially life‐threatening complications of congenital diaphragmatic hernia should be considered in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic.
Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation with factor X deficiency—A management dilemma
Authors: Tan Jian Liang , Loh Kah Poh , Fortuna Danielle , Ghaneie Arezoo
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder. There is currently no clear guideline or recommendation for the appropriate selection of anticoagulation and management of patients with FX deficiency who require anticoagulation. We shared our experience in managing such patient, and we further discussed other possible treatment options.
Unusual metastases of melanoma
Authors: Carillio Guido , Molica Stefano
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive tumor. Immune and targeted therapy could prolong patient's clinical benefit and survival, but the correct sequence of therapies has still to be defined.
Recent Progress in Flexible Fibrous Batteries
Authors: Xi Zhaowei , Zhang Xiang , Ma Yuansheng , Zhou Cui , Yang Jing , Wu Yiqiang , Li Xianjun , Luo Yongfeng , Chen Daoyong
Published: July 2018

Flexible fibrous batteries have attracted unprecedented attention, owing to the development of wearable electronic devices, which have the advantages of flexibility, weavability, and miniaturization compared with conventional bulky batteries. In this Minireview, we summarize the latest developments in flexible fibrous batteries, including lithium‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, and so forth. We also discuss the future directions and challenges of flexible fibrous batteries.
Selective Gold‐Catalysed Synthesis of Cyanamides and 1‐Substituted 1H‐Tetrazol‐5‐Amines from Isocyanides
Authors: Škoch Karel , Císařová Ivana , Štěpnička Petr
Published: July 2018

The newly discovered gold‐catalysed reaction of isocyanides with hydrazoic acid generated in situ from trimethylsilyl azide and methanol (or, alternatively, from NaN3/AcOH) produces either cyanamides or 1‐substituted 1H‐tetrazol‐5‐amines, depending on the amount of available HN3. The reaction proceeds selectively and in generally high yields of either product, thus providing a particularly convenient access to a wide range of substituted 1H‐tetrazol‐5‐amines that are rather difficult to access otherwise.
Investigation on Improving ADP Crystals’ Thermal Stability for Noncritical Phase‐Matching Fourth Harmonic Generation Application
Authors: Wang Zongqi , Teng Bing , Hu Chen , Gao Han , Liu Hong , Zhong Degao , Tang Jie , Ji Shaohua
Published: July 2018

Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) crystals have higher fourth harmonic generation (FHG) efficiency than deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals, because of the higher nonlinear optical coefficient. However, the narrower full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) temperature bandwidth and poor thermal stability limited the application in the noncritical phase‐matching (NCPM) FHG. In this article, ADP and a series of deuterated ADP (DADP) crystals are grown through point‐seed rapid growth method to investigate a feasible experimental condition on improving ADP crystals' thermal stability for NCPM FHG application. The deuterium doping experiment results indicate that the 60% DADP crystal could accommodate more laser‐induced heat capacity during FHG processing and could achieve higher FHG output, but with poor thermal stability. Therefore, 60% DADP crystal's FHG stability measured by air indirect heating method. About 7% more stable FHG output is obtained than direct heating by copper, which is more suitable for FHG stability of ADP/DADP crystals.
Time‐lapse cameras reveal latitude and season influence breeding phenology durations in penguins
Authors: Black Caitlin , Collen Ben , Lunn Daniel , Filby Dick , Winnard Stephanie , Hart Tom
Published: July 2018

Variation in the phenology of avian taxa has long been studied to understand how a species reacts to environmental changes over both space and time. Penguins (Sphenicidae) serve as an important example of how biotic and abiotic factors influence certain stages of seabird phenology because of their large ranges and the extreme, dynamic conditions present in their Southern Ocean habitats. Here, we examined the phenology of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica) at 17 sites across the Scotia arc, including the first documented monitoring of phenology on the South Sandwich Islands, to determine which breeding phases are intrinsic, or rather vary across a species range and between years. We used a novel method to measure seabird breeding phenology and egg and chick survival: time‐lapse cameras. Contrary to the long‐standing theory that these phases are consistent between colonies, we found that latitude and season had a predominant influence on the length of the nest establishment, incubation, and guard durations. We observe a trend toward longer incubation times occurring farther south, where ambient temperatures are colder, which may indicate that exposure to cold slows embryo growth. Across species, in colonies located farther south, parents abandoned nests later when eggs were lost or chicks died and the latest record of eggs or chicks in the nest occurred earlier during the breeding period. The variation in both space and time observed in penguin phenology provides evidence that the duration of phases within the annual cycle of birds is not fundamental, or genetic, as previously understood. Additionally, the recorded phenology dates should inform field researchers on the best timing to count colonies at the peak of breeding, which is poorly understood.
Predicting the potential geographical distribution of parasitic natural enemies of the Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin) using geographic information systems
Authors: Al‐Kindi Khalifa M. , Al‐Wahaibi Ali K. , Kwan Paul , Andrew Nigel R. , Welch Mitchell , Al‐Oufi Mohammed , Al‐Hinai Zakariya
Published: July 2018

The Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin) is a pest species whose entire life cycle occurs on date palms, Phoenix dactylifera L, causing serious damage and reducing date palm growth and yield. Pseudoligosita babylonica Viggiani, Aprostocetus nr. Beatus, and Bocchus hyalinus Olmi are very important parasitic natural enemies of Ommatissus lybicus in northern Oman. In this study, random farms were selected to (a) model the link between occurrences of the Pseudoligosita babylonica, Aprostocetus nr beatus, and Bocchus hyalinus (dependent variables) with environmental, climatological, and Dubas bug infestation levels (the independent variables), and (b) produce distribution and predictive maps of these natural enemies in northern Oman. The multiple R2 values showed the model explained 63%, 89%, and 94% of the presence of P. babylonica, A. nr beatus, and Bocchus hyalinus, respectively. However, the distribution of each species appears to be influenced by distinct and geographically associated climatological and environmental factors, as well as habitat characteristics. This study reveals that spatial analysis and modeling can be highly useful for studying the distribution, the presence or absence of Dubas bugs, and their natural enemies. It is anticipated to help contribute to the reduction in the extent and costs of aerial and ground insecticidal spraying needed in date palm plantations.
Grazing effect on grasslands escalated by abnormal precipitations in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Liang Maowei , Chen Jiquan , Gornish Elise S. , Bai Xue , Li Zhiyong , Liang Cunzhu
Published: July 2018

Grazing effects on arid and semi‐arid grasslands can be constrained by aridity. Plant functional groups (PFGs) are the most basic component of community structure (CS) and biodiversity & ecosystem function (BEF). They have been suggested as identity‐dependent in quantifying the response to grazing intensity and drought severity. Here, we examine how the relationships among PFGs, CS, BEF, and grazing intensity are driven by climatic drought. We conducted a manipulative experiment with three grazing intensities in 2012 (nondrought year) and 2013 (drought year). We classified 62 herbaceous plants into four functional groups based on their life forms. We used the relative species abundance of PFGs to quantify the effects of grazing and drought, and to explore the mechanisms for the pathway correlations using structural equation models (SEM) among PFGs, CS, and BEF directly or indirectly. Grazers consistently favored the perennial forbs (e.g., palatable or nutritious plants), decreasing the plants’ relative abundance by 23%–38%. Drought decreased the relative abundance of ephemeral plants by 42 ± 13%; and increased perennial forbs by 20 ± 7% and graminoids by 80 ± 31%. SEM confirmed that annuals and biennials had negative correlations with the other three PFGs, with perennial bunchgrasses facilitated by perennial rhizome grass. Moreover, the contributions of grazing to community structure (i.e., canopy height) were 1.6–6.1 times those from drought, whereas drought effect on community species richness was 3.6 times of the grazing treatment. Lastly, the interactive effects of grazing and drought on BEF were greater than either alone; particularly, drought escalated grazing damage on primary production. Synthesis. The responses of PFGs, CS, and BEF to grazing and drought were identity‐dependent, suggesting that grazing and drought regulation of plant functional groups might be a way to shape ecosystem structure and function in grasslands.
Sibling rivalry: Males with more brothers develop larger testes
Authors: Fisher Heidi S. , Hook Kristin A. , Weber W. David , Hoekstra Hopi E.
Published: July 2018

When females mate with multiple partners in a reproductive cycle, the relative number of competing sperm from rival males is often the most critical factor in determining paternity. Gamete production is directly related to testis size in most species, and is associated with both mating behavior and perceived risk of competition. Deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, are naturally promiscuous and males invest significantly more in sperm production than males of P. polionotus, their monogamous sister‐species. Here, we show that the larger testes in P. maniculatus are retained after decades of enforced monogamy in captivity. While these results suggest that differences in sperm production between species with divergent evolutionary histories can be maintained in captivity, we also show that the early rearing environment of males can strongly influence their testis size as adults. Using a second‐generation hybrid population to increase variation within the population, we show that males reared in litters with more brothers develop larger testes as adults. Importantly, this difference in testis size is also associated with increased fertility. Together, our findings suggest that sperm production may be both broadly shaped by natural selection over evolutionary timescales and also finely tuned during early development.
Linking microbial co‐occurrences to soil ecological processes across a woodland‐grassland ecotone
Authors: Banerjee Samiran , Thrall Peter H. , Bissett Andrew , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Richardson Alan E.
Published: July 2018

Ecotones between distinct ecosystems have been the focus of many studies as they offer valuable insights into key drivers of community structure and ecological processes that underpin function. While previous studies have examined a wide range of above‐ground parameters in ecotones, soil microbial communities have received little attention. Here we investigated spatial patterns, composition, and co‐occurrences of archaea, bacteria, and fungi, and their relationships with soil ecological processes across a woodland‐grassland ecotone. Geostatistical kriging and network analysis revealed that the community structure and spatial patterns of soil microbiota varied considerably between three habitat components across the ecotone. Woodland samples had significantly higher diversity of archaea while the grassland samples had significantly higher diversity of bacteria. Microbial co‐occurrences reflected differences in soil properties and ecological processes. While microbial networks were dominated by bacterial nodes, different ecological processes were linked to specific microbial guilds. For example, soil phosphorus and phosphatase activity formed the largest clusters in their respective networks, and two lignolytic enzymes formed joined clusters. Bacterial ammonia oxidizers were dominant over archaeal oxidizers and showed a significant association (p < 0.001) with potential nitrification (PNR), with thePNRsubnetwork being dominated byBetaproteobacteria. The top ten keystone taxa comprised six bacterial and four fungalOTUs, with Random Forest Analysis revealing soil carbon and nitrogen as the determinants of the abundance of keystone taxa. Our results highlight the importance of assessing interkingdom associations in soil microbial networks. Overall, this study shows how ecotones can be used as a model to delineate microbial structural patterns and ecological processes across adjoining land‐uses within a landscape.
Multiple stages of tree seedling recruitment are altered in tropical forests degraded by selective logging
Authors: Pillay Rajeev , Hua Fangyuan , Loiselle Bette A. , Bernard Henry , Fletcher Robert J.
Published: July 2018

Tropical forest degradation is a global environmental issue. In degraded forests, seedling recruitment of canopy trees is vital for forest regeneration and recovery. We investigated how selective logging, a pervasive driver of tropical forest degradation, impacts canopy tree seedling recruitment, focusing on an endemic dipterocarp Dryobalanops lanceolata in Sabah, Borneo. During a mast‐fruiting event in intensively logged and nearby unlogged forest, we examined four stages of the seedling recruitment process: seed production, seed predation, and negative density‐dependent germination and seedling survival. Our results suggest that each stage of the seedling recruitment process is altered in logged forest. The seed crop of D. lanceolata trees in logged forest was one‐third smaller than that produced by trees in unlogged forest. The functional role of vertebrates in seed predation increased in logged forest while that of non‐vertebrates declined. Seeds in logged forest were less likely to germinate than those in unlogged forest. Germination increased with local‐scale conspecific seed density in unlogged forest, but seedling survival tended to decline. However, both germination and seedling survival increased with local‐scale conspecific seed density in logged forest. Notably, seed crop size, germination, and seedling survival tended to increase for larger trees in both unlogged and logged forests, suggesting that sustainable timber extraction and silvicultural practices designed to minimize damage to the residual stand are important to prevent seedling recruitment failure. Overall, these impacts sustained by several aspects of seedling recruitment in a mast‐fruiting year suggest that intensive selective logging may affect long‐term population dynamics of D. lanceolata. It is necessary to establish if other dipterocarp species, many of which are threatened by the timber trade, are similarly affected in tropical forests degraded by intensive selective logging.
Fire and plant invasion, but not rodents, alter ant community abundance and diversity in a semi‐arid desert
Authors: Day Joshua D. , Bishop Tara B. B. , St. Clair Samuel B.
Published: July 2018

Human activities are increasing the size, frequency, and severity of disturbance across earth's ecosystems including deserts. Ants are important drivers of ecosystem function and are good bioindicators of ecosystem sensitivity to disturbance and change. Rodents also play an important role in ecosystem response to disturbance and often compete with ants for resources. The purpose of our study was to test the main and interactive effects of fire, rodent activity, and time on ant forager abundance, species richness, and diversity, as well as changes in ant mound density and disk area in the Great Basin Desert. We experimentally applied burn and rodent exclusion treatments and used pitfall traps to collect ants each month from April through October from 2014 to 2016. Over the three‐year period, burned areas had lower richness and diversity than unburned areas. Rodent exclusion had minimal effects on the ant community, and there was not a significant rodent exclusion interaction with fire. Treatment effects varied by month and year. The western harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, was the most abundant ant species, comprising about 70% of the total ants captured. Shifts in ant diversity following fire were driven by positive responses of harvester ants to burned habitat conditions. In contrast, all other ant species when analyzed together had lower forager abundance in burned plots, which drove lower ant diversity in burned plots. Ant forager abundance, richness, and diversity increased each year of the study in all plots; however, richness and diversity remained lower in burned areas than in unburned areas each year. Structural equation modeling shows that the effects of fire on ant community diversity are partially mediated through the plant community. While rodents affected the plant community, those effects do not seem to transfer over to the ant community. Pogonomyrmex occidentalis mound density was higher in burned areas, but disk area was smaller. Our results suggest that fire has adverse effects on ant community diversity. This could have long‐lasting effects on ecosystem function in the face of a changing fire regime in deserts of North America caused by invasive annual plants.
DC to single‐phase AC grid connected inverter with boost‐type active buffer circuit operated in discontinuous current mode
Authors: Itoh Jun‐ichi , Sakuraba Tomokazu , Le Hoai Nam , Watanabe Hiroki , Kusaka Keisuke
Published: July 2018

A novel circuit topology for a single‐phase inverter with a power decoupling capability operated in discontinuous current mode (DCM) is proposed in this paper. An inverter connected to a single‐phase grid requires a power decoupling capability to compensate for a power ripple with twice the grid frequency. Bulky capacitors are used as DC‐link capacitors in conventional systems. In contrast, the proposed circuit topology can use ceramic capacitors instead of electrolytic capacitors by reducing the required capacitance based on the active buffer concept. Moreover, this active buffer requires no additional inductor because it uses DCM for the power decoupling capability. In this paper, a control method for the active buffer circuit operated in DCM is introduced. An experimental verification of a 1‐kW prototype shows that the proposed circuit reduces the input current ripple at twice the grid frequency by 96.8%, with a maximum efficiency of 95.2%. In addition, the Pareto optimization of power density and efficiency is used to clarify the maximum power density points. It is found that the maximum power density of the proposed circuit is 1.6 times higher than that of a conventional boost‐type active buffer.
A microchip electrophoretic assay for DNA methyltransferase activity based on methylation‐sensitive endonuclease DpnⅡ
Authors: Zhang Yating , Zhang Yan , Zhu Luqi , He Pingang , Wang Qingjiang
Published: July 2018

DNA methylation is a significant epigenetic modification and the methods for the detection of DNA methyltransferase (MTase) activity are important due to aberrant methylation closely related to the occurrence of cancer. In this study, a simple and rapid microchip electrophoresis (ME) coupled with LED‐induced fluorescence (LEDIF) method was presented for the detection of Dam MTase activity. This strategy was based on methylation‐sensitive endonuclease DpnⅡ which could recognize the same specific site 5′‐GATC‐3′ with Dam MTase in double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA). The adenines in the specific site could be methylated by Dam MTase, then the special site could not be digested by DpnⅡ. Both methylated dsDNA and unmethylated dsDNA could be analyzed by ME‐LEDIF after stained by SYBR gold. The results showed the fluorescence intensities of methylated dsDNA were directly proportional to Dam MTase activities in the range of 0.5–20 U/mL with a detection limit of 0.12 U/mL. Furthermore, the method could successfully be applied to evaluation experiments of Dam MTase inhibitors. The results confirmed the ME‐LEDIF method is a promising approach for inhibitors screening of DNA MTase and development of anticancer drugs
An amphibian with a contracting range is not more vulnerable to pesticides in outdoor experimental communities than common species
Authors: Boone Michelle D.
Published: July 2018

In areas with heavy pesticide use, it is easy to attribute population declines to environmental contamination. The Blanchard's cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi) is an amphibian experiencing declines and range contractions across its distribution in the Midwest Corn Belt (USA). Experimental studies suggest that cricket frogs are sensitive to pesticides, but there are few studies examining this species’ susceptibility to contaminants in realistic environments or comparing relative impacts with other anuran species. I reared 3 summer breeding anurans in outdoor mesocosms posthatching through metamorphosis to examine the effects of 2 insecticides (imidacloprid and carbaryl) and 1 herbicide (glyphosate with polyoxyethylene tallow amine) on larval development and metamorphosis. Cricket frogs were positively affected by insecticide exposure, likely a result of changes in the food web that increased food abundance. However, metamorphosis of green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) and gray tree frogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) appeared unaffected by pesticide exposure. The results of the present study suggest that the impacts of pesticides alone are unlikely to have population-level impacts for the anurans examined. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2699–2704. © 2018 SETAC
Understanding the captivity effect on invertebrate communities transplanted into an experimental stream laboratory
Authors: Schmidt Travis S. , Rogers Holly A. , Miller Janet L. , Mebane Christopher A. , Balistrieri Laurie S.
Published: July 2018

Little is known about how design and testing methodologies affect the macroinvertebrate communities that are held captive in mesocosms. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a 32-d test to determine how seeded invertebrate communities changed once removed from the natural stream and introduced to the laboratory. We evaluated larvae survival and adult emergence in controls from 4 subsequent studies, as well as corresponding within-river community changes. The experimental streams maintained about 80% of the invertebrates that originally colonized the introduced substrates. Many macroinvertebrate populations experienced changes in numbers through time, suggesting that these taxa are unlikely to maintain static populations throughout studies. For example, some taxa (Tanytarsini, Simuliidae, Cinygmula sp.) increased in number, grew (Simuliidae), and possibly recruited new individuals (Baetidae) as larvae, while several also completed other life history events (pupation and emergence) during the 30- to 32-d studies. Midges and mayflies dominated emergence, further supporting the idea that conditions are conducive for many taxa to complete their life cycles while held captive in the experimental streams. However, plecopterans were sensitive to temperature changes >2 °C between river and laboratory. Thus, this experimental stream testing approach can support diverse larval macroinvertebrate communities for durations consistent with some chronic criterion development and life cycle assessments (i.e., 30 d). The changes in communities held captive in the experimental streams were mostly consistent with the parallel changes observed from in situ river samples, indicating that mesocosm results are reasonably representative of real river insect communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2820–2834. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Sex-specific responses in neuroanatomy of hatchling American kestrels in response to embryonic exposure to the flame retardants bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate and 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate
Authors: Guigueno Mélanie F. , Karouna-Renier Natalie K. , Henry Paula F.P. , Peters Lisa E. , Palace Vince P. , Letcher Robert J. , Fernie Kim J.
Published: July 2018

Bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) and 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB), flame retardant components of FireMaster 550® and 600® have been detected in tissues of wild birds. To address the paucity of information regarding potential impacts of flame retardants on the brain, brain volume regions of hatchling American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were evaluated following in ovo injection at embryonic day 5 with safflower oil or to 1 of 3 doses of either BEH-TEBP (13, 64, or 116 μg/g egg) or EH-TBB (12, 60, or 149 μg/g egg). The doses for both chemicals reflected concentrations reported in wild birds. The volumes of the hippocampus and telencephalon and volumetric differences between left and right hemispheres were measured in hatchlings (embryonic day 28). A sex-specific effect of BEH-TEBP on relative hippocampus volume was evident: the hippocampus was significantly enlarged in high-dose females compared to control females but smaller in low-dose females than the other females. There was no significant effect of EH-TBB on hippocampus volume in female kestrel hatchlings or of either chemical in male hatchlings and no effects of these concentrations of EH-TBB or BEH-TEBP on telencephalon volume or the level of symmetry between the hemispheres of the brain. In sum, embryonic exposure of female kestrels to these BEH-TEBP concentrations altered hippocampus volume, having the potential to affect spatial memory relating to ecologically relevant behavior such as prey capture, predator avoidance, and migration. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3032–3040. © 2018 SETAC
Enhancement of CO2 trapping efficiency in heterogeneous reservoirs by water‐alternating gas injection
Authors: Al‐Khdheeawi Emad A. , Vialle Stephanie , Barifcani Ahmed , Sarmadivaleh Mohammad , Iglauer Stefan
Published: July 2018

Carbon geosequestration efficiency is affected by various factors including reservoir heterogeneity, caprock properties, rock wettability, aquifer brine salinity and injection‐well configuration. Some parameters (e.g. the formation geology) cannot be changed but it is possible to select others and engineer an optimized storage program. One of these parameters is the way CO2 is injected into the reservoir. There are three main options for this: (1) continuous injection, (2) intermittent injection, and (3) water‐alternating gas (WAG) injection. We thus studied the efficiency of each injection option and predicted the associated storage capacities and CO2‐plume movements (which are related to the containment security). We found that WAG injection showed significantly superior behavior over continuous and intermittent injections (which resulted in similar CO2 flow responses). Specifically, residual and solubility trapping were significantly enhanced, whereas vertical CO2 migration was cut by approximately two‐thirds. Thus, in the examined reservoir, the WAG injection is preferred as it strongly enhances CO2 storage efficiency and containment security. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Effect of rhPTH(1-84) on Bone Mineral Density and Trabecular Bone Score in Hypoparathyroidism and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Cipriani Cristiana , Pepe Jessica , Silva Barbara C , Rubin Mishaela R , Cusano Natalie E , McMahon Donald J , Nieddu Luciano , Angelozzi Maurizio , Biamonte Federica , Diacinti Daniele , Hans Didier , Minisola Salvatore , Bilezikian John P
Published: July 2018

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-84) improves lumbar spine (LS) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) in hypoparathyroidism over a 2-year treatment period. Studies in osteoporosis have shown that with PTH(1-34) there is a significant increase in LS aBMD and TBS. In this article, we provide new data comparing the effects of the same form of PTH, namely recombinant human PTH, rhPTH(1-84), on aBMD and TBS in hypoparathyroid and osteoporotic patients over an 18-month treatment period. We studied 19 premenopausal (mean age 45.8 ± 11.8 years) and 16 postmenopausal (71 ± 8.4 years) hypoparathyroid women and 38 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (71 ± 8.3 years). DXA (hologic) at LS, femoral neck, total hip, and distal one-third radius was assessed. Site-matched LS TBS data were extracted from deidentified spine DXA scans using the TBS iNsight software (version 2.1; Medimaps, Geneva, Switzerland). We observed a significant increase in LS aBMD in premenopausal and postmenopausal hypoparathyroid (3 ± 1.1%, p < 0.02 and 3.1 ± 1.4%, p < 0.05, respectively) and osteoporosis (6.2 ± 1.1%, p < 0.0001) patients after 18 months. There was a significant increase (3 ± 1.5%, p = 0.05) in TBS in premenopausal hypoparathyroid patients. A change in TBS was not observed in either postmenopausal group. One-third radius aBMD significantly declined in postmenopausal hypoparathyroid (-3.6 ± 1.1%, p < 0.01) and osteoporosis (-8 ± 1.4%, p < 0.0001) patients. Overall, there was a significantly greater increase in TBS in premenopausal hypoparathyroid than in osteoporosis patients (p < 0.0001) after adjusting for baseline values, age, BMI, and average daily dose of rhPTH(1-84). Comparing only postmenopausal women, the LS aBMD increase was greater in osteoporotic than hypoparathyroid subjects (p < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that rhPTH(1-84) administered for 18 months increases trabecular aBMD in hypoparathyroidism and postmenopausal osteoporosis with greater gains observed in the subjects with osteoporosis. The data suggest different effects of PTH on bone depending on the baseline skeletal structure, skeletal dynamics, compartments, and menopausal status. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A novel anesthesiologist‐led multidisciplinary model for evaluating high‐risk surgical patients at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Sroka Raymond , Gabriel Emmanuel M. , Al‐Hadidi Danna , Nurkin Steven J. , Urman Richard D. , Quinn Timothy D.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this retrospective analysis was to describe the development and implementation of an anesthesiologist‐led multidisciplinary committee to evaluate high‐risk surgical patients in order to improve surgical appropriateness. The study was conducted in an anesthesia preoperative evaluation clinic at an academic comprehensive cancer center. One hundred sixty‐seven high‐risk surgical patients with cancer‐related diagnoses were evaluated and discussed at a High‐Risk Committee (HRC) meeting to determine surgical appropriateness and optimize perioperative care. The HRC is an anesthesiologist‐led model for multidisciplinary review of high‐risk patients developed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The group of high‐risk patients in which surgery was not performed had, on average, a greater percentage of hypertension, smoking history, dyspnea, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, renal failure, and sleep apnea than the group in whom surgery was performed. Only one of 107 high‐risk patients who had surgery died within the first 30 days after surgery. A smaller percentage of patients died in the group that had surgery versus the group in which surgery was canceled. For all patients discussed by the HRC, the mortality was less than 2% within the first 30 days after the HRC.
Gaps and opportunities: measuring the key population cascade through surveys and services to guide the HIV response
Authors: Hakim Avi Joseph , MacDonald Virginia , Hladik Wolfgang , Zhao Jinkou , Burnett Janet , Sabin Keith , Prybylski Dimitri , Garcia Calleja Jesus Maria
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets to diagnose 90% of people living with HIV, put 90% of them on treatment, and for 90% of them to have suppressed viral load have focused the international HIV response on the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030. They are also a constructive tool for measuring progress toward reaching this goal but their utility is dependent upon data availability. Though more than 25% of new infections are among key populations (KP)‐ sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, and prisoners‐ and their sex partners, there is a dearth of treatment cascade data for KP. We assess the availability of cascade data and review the opportunities offered by biobehavioral and programme data to inform the HIV response.

Discussion

The emphasis on the collection of treatment cascade data among the general population in higher prevalence countries has not led to a similar increase in the availability of cascade data for KP. The limited data available for KP highlight large gaps in service uptake across the cascade, particularly in the first 90, awareness of HIV status. Biobehavioral surveys (BBS), with linked population size estimation, provide population‐based data on the treatment cascade and should be conducted every two to three years in locations with services for KP. With the inclusion of viral load testing, these surveys are able to monitor the entire treatment cascade among KP regardless of whether these populations access HIV services targeting the general population or KP. BBS also reach people accessing services and those who do not, thereby providing a unique opportunity to learn about barriers to service uptake including stigma and discrimination. At the same time high‐quality programme data can play a complementary role in identifying missed opportunities that can be addressed in real‐time.

Conclusions

Data are more important than ever for guiding the HIV response toward reaching 90‐90‐90 targets and eliminating HIV, particularly in the face of decreased funding for HIV and specifically for KP. Timely high‐quality BBS data can be triangulated with high‐quality programme data to provide a comprehensive picture of the epidemic response for KP.
Estimating the contribution of key populations towards the spread ofHIVin Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Mukandavire Christinah , Walker Josephine , Schwartz Sheree , Boily Marie‐Claude , Danon Leon , Lyons Carrie , Diouf Daouda , Liestman Ben , Diouf Nafissatou Leye , Drame Fatou , Coly Karleen , Muhire Remy Serge Manzi , Thiam Safiatou , Diallo Papa Amadou Niang , Kane Coumba Toure , Ndour Cheikh , Volz Erik , Mishra Sharmistha , Baral Stefan , Vickerman Peter
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Key populations including female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden ofHIV. However, the role of focusing prevention efforts on these groups for reducing a country'sHIVepidemic is debated. We estimate the extent to whichHIVtransmission amongFSWandMSMcontributes to overallHIVtransmission in Dakar, Senegal, using a dynamic assessment of the population attributable fraction (PAF).

Methods

A dynamic transmission model ofHIVamongFSW, their clients,MSMand the lower‐risk adult population was parameterized and calibrated within a Bayesian framework using setting‐specific demographic, behavioural,HIVepidemiological and antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage data for 1985 to 2015. We used the model to estimate the 10‐yearPAFof commercial sex betweenFSWand their clients, and sex between men, to overallHIVtransmission (defined as the percentage of new infections prevented when these modes of transmission are removed). In addition, we estimated the prevention benefits associated with historical increases in condom use andARTuptake, and impact of further increases in prevention and treatment.

Results

The model projections suggest that unprotected sex between men contributed to 42% (2.5 to 97.5th percentile range 24 to 59%) of transmissions between 1995 and 2005, increasing to 64% (37 to 79%) from 2015 to 2025. The 10‐yearPAFof commercial sex is smaller, diminishing from 21% (7 to 39%) in 1995 to 14% (5 to 35%) in 2015. WithoutART, 49% (32 to 71%) moreHIVinfections would have occurred since 2000, whenARTwas initiated, whereas without condom use since 1985, 67% (27 to 179%) moreHIVinfections would have occurred, and the overallHIVprevalence would have been 60% (29 to 211%) greater than what it is now. Further large decreases inHIVincidence (68%) can be achieved by scaling upARTinMSMto 74% coverage and reducing their susceptibility toHIVby two‐thirds through any prevention modality.

Conclusions

Unprotected sex between men may be an important contributor toHIVtransmission in Dakar, due to suboptimal coverage of evidence‐informed interventions. Although existing interventions have effectively reducedHIVtransmission among adults, it is crucial that further strategies address the unmet need amongMSM.
From conventional to disruptive: upturning the HIV testing status quo among men who have sex with men in Vietnam
Authors: Green Kimberly E , Vu Bao N , Phan Huong TT , Tran Minh H , Ngo Huu V , Vo Son H , Ngo Trang M , Doan Anh H , Tran Tham T , Nguyen Trang NN , Bao An , Hang Lan TX , Le Thanh M , Doan Tung T , Dang Linh H , Ha Giang TT
Published: July 2018

Introduction

HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam is increasing, while annual HIV testing uptake has remained consistently low, posing a significant challenge to reaching the 90‐90‐90 goals. Barriers to MSM seeking HIV testing include concerns regarding confidentiality and lack of convenient testing options. Two new HIV testing strategies—HIV lay provider and HIV self‐testing (HIVST)—were piloted alongside intensive social media outreach to increase access to and uptake of HIV testing among MSM not actively engaged in services.

Methods

We measured the proportion of first‐time MSM HIV testers opting for HIV lay or self‐testing, and factors that were associated with first‐time testing, as part of a larger HIV lay and self‐testing study among key populations in Vietnam. We also assessed MSM satisfaction with HIV lay or self‐testing, and testing location and provider preferences. Finally, we calculated linkage to care cascade among MSM that were diagnosed and enrolled in anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) services.

Results

Among MSM that sought HIV lay and self‐testing, 57.9% (n = 320) and 51.3% (n = 412) were first‐time testers respectively. In the final adjusted models, the odds of being a first‐time tester and opting for HIV lay testing were higher among MSM who were young, had lower levels of income and had never exchanged sex for money; for HIVST, the odds of being a first‐time HIV tester were higher among MSM that had attained lower levels of education. HIV lay and self‐testing resulted in higher detection of new HIV cases (6.8%) compared to conventional HIV testing among key populations (estimated at 1.6% in 2016), while MSM linked to testing through social media interventions presented with even higher HIV‐positivity (11%). Combined, 1655 HIV cases were diagnosed and more than 90% were registered for ART services.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MSM‐delivered HIV testing and self‐testing, promoted through online or face‐to‐face interactions, offer important additions to MSM HIV testing services in Vietnam, and could significantly contribute to epidemic control by increasing HIV testing among harder‐to‐reach and higher‐risk MSM, effectively enrolling them in ART, and reducing onward transmission.
Social network methods for HIV case‐finding among people who inject drugs in Tajikistan
Authors: Kan Maxim , Garfinkel Danielle B , Samoylova Olga , Gray Robert P , Little Kristen M
Published: July 2018

Introduction

HIV testing programmes have struggled to reach the most marginalized populations at risk for HIV. Social network methods such as respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) and peer‐based active case‐finding (ACF) may be effective in overcoming barriers to reaching these populations. We compared the client characteristics, proportion testing HIV positive (yield), and number of new cases found through two RDS strategies and an ACF approach to HIV case‐finding among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tajikistan.

Methods

Routine programme data from adult PWID recruited to testing under the HIV Flagship Project in Tajikistan were analysed to compare client demographic and clinical characteristics across the three approaches. We also compared the number of previously untested clients, the number of new HIV cases found, and the yield across the case‐finding strategies, and evaluated predictors of new HIV diagnosis using fixed‐effects logistic regression.

Results

From 24 October 2016 to 30 June 2017, Flagship tested 10,300 PWID for HIV, including 2143 under RDS with unrestricted waves (RDS1, yield: 1.5%), 3517 under restricted RDS (RDS2, yield: 2.6%), and 4640 under ACF (yield: 1.5%). Clients recruited under ACF were similar in age (35.8 vs. 36.8) and gender (91% vs. 90% male) to those recruited through RDS, though ACF clients were more likely to report being a first‐time tester (85.1% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, sex, previous testing history and accounting for clustering at the site level, we found that clients tested under both RDS1 (aOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.90) and RDS2 (aOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.15) had higher odds of testing newly positive for HIV relative to clients recruited through ACF. We did not find significant differences in the odds of new HIV infection between those recruited from RDS1 versus RDS2 (aOR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.86).

Conclusions

RDS‐based interventions resulted in higher yields and overall case‐finding, especially when recruitment was restricted. However, ACF identified a higher proportion of first‐time testers. To find at least 90% of PWID living with HIV in Tajikistan, it may be necessary to implement multiple case‐finding approaches concurrently to maximize testing coverage.
A recent advance in the intracellular and extracellular redox post‐translational modification of proteins in plants
Authors: Ruiz‐May Eliel , Segura‐Cabrera Aldo , Elizalde‐Contreras Jose M. , Shannon Laura M. , Loyola‐Vargas Víctor M.
Published: July 2018

Plants, as sessile organisms, have acquired through evolution sophisticated regulatory signal pathways to overcome external variable factors during each stage of the life cycle. Among these regulatory signals, two pathways in particular, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, have become of significant interest in several aspects of plant biology, underpinning these molecules as critical regulators during development, cellular differentiation, and plant‐pathogen interaction. Recently, redox posttranslational modifications (PTM), such as S‐nitrosylation on cysteine residues and tyrosine nitration, have shed light on multiple protein targets, as they are associated with signal networks/downstream metabolic pathways, capable of transducing the imbalance of redox hemostasis and consequently redirecting the biochemical status under stress conditions. However, most of the redox PTM have been studied only in the intracellular compartment, providing limited information concerning redox PTM in the extracellular matrix of plant cells. Nevertheless, recent studies have indicated the plausibility of redox PTM in extracellular proteins, including cell wall associated proteins. Accordingly, in this review, we endeavor to examine evidence of redox PTM supported by mass spectrometry data in the intracellular and extracellular space in plant cells. As a further example, we focus the last section of this review on illustrating, using molecular dynamics simulation, the effect of S‐nitrosylation on the structural conformation of well‐known cell wall‐associated proteins including pectin methylesterase and xyloglucan endo‐transglycosylases.