bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of temperature on the modal behavior of monolayer graphene sheets
Authors: Tsiamaki A. S. , Katsareas D. E. , Anifantis N. K.
Published: May 2018

In this work, the vibrational behavior of rectangular monolayer graphene sheets is predicted at different environmental temperatures. Graphene sheets are modeled according to their molecular structure via finite element analysis. Using molecular mechanics theory, the potential energy of graphene is expressed as temperature-dependent. The graphene interatomic interactions are simulated by spring elements, and the nodes of the model represent the carbon atoms. The carbon atom mass is considered in the assembly and solution of the vibrational problem. The temperature influence is introduced to the model because of its effect on the bond length and stiffness of the spring elements. The eigenvalue problem is solved using appropriate boundary conditions. The solution yields the frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of graphene for all temperatures, sheet dimensions, and orientations under the boundary conditions investigated. The results of this study demonstrate that the bending frequencies are not influenced by temperature, in contrast to the in-plane vibrations. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method compared with published data in the literature.
Plasmonic nanoparticle lithography: Fast resist-free laser technique for large-scale sub-50 nm hole array fabrication
Authors: Pan Zhenying , Yu Ye Feng , Valuckas Vytautas , Yap Sherry L. K. , Vienne Guillaume G. , Kuznetsov Arseniy I.
Published: May 2018

Cheap large-scale fabrication of ordered nanostructures is important for multiple applications in photonics and biomedicine including optical filters, solar cells, plasmonic biosensors, and DNA sequencing. Existing methods are either expensive or have strict limitations on the feature size and fabrication complexity. Here, we present a laser-based technique, plasmonic nanoparticle lithography, which is capable of rapid fabrication of large-scale arrays of sub-50 nm holes on various substrates. It is based on near-field enhancement and melting induced under ordered arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles, which are brought into contact or in close proximity to a desired material and acting as optical near-field lenses. The nanoparticles are arranged in ordered patterns on a flexible substrate and can be attached and removed from the patterned sample surface. At optimized laser fluence, the nanohole patterning process does not create any observable changes to the nanoparticles and they have been applied multiple times as reusable near-field masks. This resist-free nanolithography technique provides a simple and cheap solution for large-scale nanofabrication.
Mechanism of sweep event attenuation using micro-cavities in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Silvestri Anton , Ghanadi Farzin , Arjomandi Maziar , Cazzolato Benjamin , Zander Anthony , Chin Rey
Published: May 2018

Cavity arrays have been identified as a potential passive device to disrupt and capture sweep events, which are responsible for the excess Reynolds stresses in the boundary layer. In the present study, the mechanism of the attenuation of captured sweep events has been analyzed, as well as the non-linear relationship between the volume of the backing cavity and the reduction in sweep intensity. The influence of cavity array on the turbulent boundary layer has been analyzed, with a total of six different backing cavity arrangements with varying volumes. Three of the backing cavities have been used to determine the non-linear relationship between the effectiveness of the cavity array in reducing sweep intensity and the volume of the backing cavity. The other three have been used to determine the mechanism by which the arrays manipulate the captured sweep events. The pre-multiplied energy spectra of multiple velocity histories were significantly reduced, by up to 12.5%, in the low and mid-range wavelength values (λx+<104), which is associated with the coherent structures. The results show that the maximum reduction in sweep intensity of approximately 7% may be obtained when Reθ = 3771. It has been demonstrated that the non-linear relationship between sweep event intensity reduction and cavity volume has reached an upper limit in this investigation. Results from this study have revealed that the cavity array weakens the sweep intensity of the captured sweep events by damping the energy of the events through the friction losses in the cavity array and also in the large volume of the backing cavity.
Structural anomalies in exfoliated WS2: High pressure investigations on monolayer and nanocrystalline tungsten disulfide
Authors: Saha Pinku , Ghosh Bishnupada , Jana Rajesh , Dev Mukherjee Goutam
Published: May 2018

A detailed high pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy study is carried out on monolayer WS2 and nanocrystalline WS2. The monolayer sample is obtained by liquid exfoliation. Photoluminescence and Raman measurements show it to consist of a monolayer. Careful analysis of ambient and high pressure data indicates the emergence of a triclinic phase at about 5.8 GPa in patches embedded in the parent hexagonal phase. This raises a question mark over the structural purity of the exfoliated monolayer materials beyond certain stress conditions. Raman mode values and their full width at half maximum of the monolayer sample show anomalous changes at about 27 GPa, the pressure where the sample completely gets converted to the triclinic structure indicating the importance of strain in structural as well as electronic properties of two dimensional materials.
Thermoelectric transport of GaAs, InP, and PbTe: Hybrid functional with k·p̃ interpolation versus scissor-corrected generalized gradient approximation
Authors: Berland Kristian , Persson Clas
Published: May 2018

Boltzmann transport calculations based on band structures generated with the density functional theory are often used in the discovery and analysis of thermoelectric materials. In standard implementations, such calculations require dense k-point sampling of the Brillouin zone and are therefore typically limited to the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), whereas more accurate methods such as hybrid functionals would have been preferable. GGA variants, however, generally underestimate the band gap. While a premature onset of minority carriers can be avoided with scissor corrections, the band gap also affects the band curvature. In this study, we resolved the k-point sampling issue in hybrid-functional based calculations by extending our recently developed k·p̃ interpolation scheme [K. Berland and C. Persson, Comput. Mater. Sci. 134, 17 (2017)] to non-local one-electron potentials and spin-orbit coupling. The Seebeck coefficient generated based on hybrid functionals was found to agree better than GGA with experimental data for GaAs, InP, and PbTe. For PbTe, even the choice of hybrid functional has bearing on the interpretation of experimental data, which we attribute to the description of valley convergence of the valence band.
An intermediate along the recovery stroke of myosin VI revealed by X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics
Authors: Blanc Florian , Isabet Tatiana , Benisty Hannah , Sweeney H. Lee , Cecchini Marco , Houdusse Anne
Published: May 2018

Significance

Myosins are motor proteins involved in the transport of cellular cargoes and muscle contraction. Upon interaction with actin, the motor domain undergoes a conformational transition, called powerstroke, in which the lever arm is swung to generate force and directional motion. The recovery stroke reprimes the motor by coupling the reverse swing of the lever arm to ATP hydrolysis. Using X-ray crystallography and molecular simulations, we characterize a putative intermediate along the recovery stroke of myosin VI, which challenges existing models of myosin chemomechanical transduction. Intriguingly, the new structure suggests that the repriming of the lever arm would be uncoupled from ATPase activity until the very end of the recovery stroke and mostly driven by thermal fluctuations.
Gene cluster conservation provides insight into cercosporin biosynthesis and extends production to the genus
Colletotrichum
Authors: de Jonge Ronnie , Ebert Malaika K. , Huitt-Roehl Callie R. , Pal Paramita , Suttle Jeffrey C. , Spanner Rebecca E. , Neubauer Jonathan D. , Jurick Wayne M. , Stott Karina A. , Secor Gary A. , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Van de Peer Yves , Townsend Craig A. , Bolton Melvin D.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Species in the fungal genus
Cercospora
cause diseases in many important crops worldwide. Their success as pathogens is largely due to the secretion of cercosporin during infection. We report that the cercosporin toxin biosynthesis (
CTB
) gene cluster is ancient and was horizontally transferred to diverse fungal plant pathogens. Because our analyses revealed genes adjacent to the established
CTB
cluster with similar evolutionary trajectories, we evaluated their role in
Cercospora beticola
to show that four are necessary for cercosporin biosynthesis. Lastly, we confirmed that the apple pathogen
Colletotrichum fioriniae
produces cercosporin, the first case outside the family Mycosphaerellaceae. Other
Colletotrichum
plant pathogens also harbor the
CTB
cluster, which points to a wider role that this toxin may play in virulence.
Functional diversification of
Arabidopsis
SEC1-related SM proteins in cytokinetic and secretory membrane fusion
Authors: Karnahl Matthias , Park Misoon , Krause Cornelia , Hiller Ulrike , Mayer Ulrike , Stierhof York-Dieter , Jürgens Gerd
Published: May 2018

Significance

Membrane fusion is a fundamental process of eukaryotic cells required for subcellular organization and cell–cell communication, involving SNARE proteins and regulatory Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins. In plant cytokinesis, membrane vesicles delivered to the cell-division plane fuse with one another to form the partitioning membrane, which requires cytokinesis-specific Qa-SNARE KNOLLE and interacting SM protein KEULE in
Arabidopsis
. KEULE has a paralog named SEC1B, which originated through gene duplication and subsequent functional diversification during angiosperm evolution. Biochemical interaction studies and analysis of relevant double mutants reveal that a predominant interaction of SEC1B with Qa-SNARE SYP132 entailed its preferential role in secretion, whereas KEULE acquired a unique role in cytokinesis through its interaction with cytokinesis-specific Qa-SNARE KNOLLE.
Protein kinase Cα gain-of-function variant in Alzheimer’s disease displays enhanced catalysis by a mechanism that evades down-regulation
Authors: Callender Julia A. , Yang Yimin , Lordén Gema , Stephenson Natalie L. , Jones Alexander C. , Brognard John , Newton Alexandra C.
Published: May 2018

Significance

This work unveils how an Alzheimer’s disease-associated mutation (M489V) in protein kinase Cα (PKCα) enhances catalytic activity without sensitizing the protein to the cell’s homeostatic degradation of aberrantly active PKCα. The active conformation of wild-type PKC is sensitive to degradation, and therefore constitutively activated PKC paradoxically manifests as loss of function. We show that PKCα-M489V enhances the intrinsic catalytic rate of the kinase without altering the equilibrium between the autoinhibited (protected) conformation and the activated (degradation-sensitive) conformation. Thus, the on/off dynamics are unchanged, but reactions are catalyzed at a faster rate when the enzyme is on. These findings are significant because they provide a mechanism through which a disease mutation in PKCα causes aberrant activation without resulting in paradoxical loss of function via degradation.
Response of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor to combining cognitive and physical exercise
Authors: Miyamoto Toshiaki , Hashimoto Saya , Yanamoto Hideya , Ikawa Mai , Nakano Yoshiki , Sekiyama Takashi , Kou Keihou , Kashiwamura Shin‐Ichiro , Takeda Chisako , Fujioka Hiroyuki
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is well known for its potential to promote brain plasticity. It has been proposed that combining cognitive and physical exercise (CCPE) may have the potential to generate more synergistic benefits in cognitive function than either cognitive exercise (CE) or physical exercise (PE) alone. The purpose of this study was to examine acute responses of peripheral BDNF levels and cognitive performance to CE, PE, and CCPE.

Methods: Thirteen healthy adult men participated in four experimental sessions; a 30‐min CE, a 30‐min cycling PE at an intensity of 60% peak oxygen uptake, a 30‐min CCPE at the same intensity as PE, and a 30‐min session of complete rest. Plasma BDNF levels and cognitive performance were measured before and after each session.

Results: Both PE and CCPE significantly increased plasma BDNF levels (p < .05). CE led to no significant increase (p ≥ .05), and there was no significant difference in peripheral BDNF levels between PE and CCPE (p ≥ .05). No session induced a significant change in cognitive performance (p ≥ .05).

Conclusions: Our study suggests that CE and PE have different responses of peripheral BDNF levels and that CCPE had no additional or synergistic effect on peripheral BDNF levels compared with PE alone. This study offers further insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the respective roles of CE, PE, and CCPE for peripheral BDNF levels and cognitive performance.
On elliptic equations with singular potentials and nonlinear boundary conditions
Authors: Ferreira Lucas , Neves Sérgio
Published: May 2018

We consider the Laplace equation in the half-space satisfying a nonlinear Neumann condition with boundary potential. This class of problems appears in a number of mathematical and physics contexts and is linked to fractional dissipation problems. Here the boundary potential and nonlinearity are singular and of power-type, respectively. Depending on the degree of singularity of potentials, first we show a nonexistence result of positive solutions in

D

1
,
2

(

R

+
n

)

\mathcal {D}^{1,2}(\mathbb {R}^n_+)

with a

L
p

L^p

-type integrability condition on

∂

R

+

n

\partial \mathbb {R}^n_{+}

. After, considering critical nonlinearities and conditions on the size and sign of potentials, we obtain the existence of positive solutions by means of minimization techniques and perturbation methods.
Estimating Prevalent Diagnoses and Rates of New Diagnoses of HIV at the State Level by Age Group Among Men who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: Jones Jeb , Grey Jeremy A , Purcell David W , Bernstein Kyle T , Sullivan Patrick S , Rosenberg Eli S
Published: May 2018

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States experience a disproportionate rate of diagnosis of HIV. Surveillance data demonstrate age-based disparities among MSM, with higher rates of diagnosis among MSM age ≤34 years nationally. Population size estimates within age group at the state level have not been available to determine rates for each state. We estimated the size of the MSM population in 5 age groups in each state and estimated the rate of prevalent HIV diagnoses in 2013 and new HIV diagnoses in 2014.

Methods

We used data from the General Social Survey, American Community Survey, and previously published estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate the population of MSM in 5 age groups at the state level. We combined these estimates with surveillance data to estimate age-stratified rates of prevalent diagnoses in 2013 and new diagnoses in 2014 in each state. We estimated standardized prevalence and diagnosis ratios comparing the Northeast, South, and West regions with the Midwest.

Results

Rates of prevalent diagnoses increased with increasing age, and rates of new diagnoses were highest among younger age groups. In the United States, the new diagnosis rate among those age 18–24 years in 2014 was 1.4 per 100 MSM without a diagnosis. The highest diagnosis rates were observed among men age ≤34 years in the South.

Conclusions

Age-stratified estimates of HIV prevalence and new diagnosis rates at the state level can inform public health prevention strategies and resource allocation.
Differential Effects of Extended Exercise and Memantine Treatment on Adult Neurogenesis in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Cahill Shaina P , Cole John Darby , Yu Ru Qi , Clemans-Gibbon Jack , Snyder Jason S
Published: May 2018

The creation of new neurons in adulthood has potential for treating a number of disorders that are characterized by neurodegeneration or impaired plasticity. Animal models of reduced neurogenesis, and studies of the volume and structural integrity of the hippocampus in humans, suggest a possible therapeutic role for adult neurogenesis in age-related cognitive decline, depression, and schizophrenia. Research over the past 20 years has identified a number of approaches for enhancing adult neurogenesis, such as exercise, NMDA receptor antagonists, antidepressant drugs and environmental enrichment. However, despite the chronic nature of many disorders that impact the human hippocampus, most animal studies have only examined the efficacy of neurogenic treatments over relatively short timescales (∼1 month or less). Additionally, investigations into the regulation of neurogenesis typically include only 1 sex, even though many disorders that affect the hippocampus differentially impact males and females. Here, we therefore tested whether two known pro-neurogenic treatments, running and the NMDA receptor antagonist, memantine, could lead to long-term increases in neurogenesis in male and female rats. We found that continuous access to a running wheel (cRUN) initially increased neurogenesis in both sexes, but effects were minimal after 1 month (both sexes) and completely absent after 5 months (males). Similarly, a single injection of memantine (sMEM) only transiently increased adult neurogenesis in both males and females. To determine whether extended increases in neurogenesis were possible with 2 months of RUN and MEM treatments, we subjected rats to interval running (iRUN), weekly memantine injections (mMEM), or combined treatments (iRUN-mMEM, mMEM-iRUN). We found that 2 months of iRUN increased DCX+ cell density in females but iRUN-mMEM treatment increased DCX+ cell density in males. However, analyses with thymidine analogs revealed that neurogenesis was minimally increased during the initial phases of the 2 month treatments. Collectively, our findings identify sex differences in the efficacy of neurogenic manipulations, which may be relevant for designing plasticity-promoting treatments that target the hippocampus.
Identification and design of vinyl sulfone inhibitors against Cryptopain-1 – a cysteine protease from cryptosporidiosis-causing Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Banerjee Arpita
Published: May 2018

Cryptosporidiosis, a disease marked by diarrhea in adults and stunted growth in children, is associated with the unicellular protozoan pathogen Cryptosporidium; often the species parvum. Cryptopain-1, a cysteine protease characterized in the genome of Cryptosporidium parvum, had been earlier shown to be inhibited by a vinyl sulfone compound called K11777 (or K-777). Cysteine proteases have long been established as valid drug targets, which can be covalently and selectively inhibited by vinyl sulfones. This computational study was initiated to identify purchasable vinyl sulfone compounds, which could possibly inhibit cryptopain-1 with higher efficacy than K11777. Docking simulations screened a number of such possibly better inhibitors. The work was furthered to probe the enzymatic pocket of cryptopain-1, through in-silico mutations, to derive a map of receptor-ligand interactions in the docked complexes. The idea was to provide crucial clues to aid the design of inhibitors, which would be able to bind the protease well by making favorable interactions with important residues of the enzyme. The analyses dictated placement of ligands towards the front of the enzymatic cleft, and disfavored interactions deep within. The S1’ and S2 subsites of the enzyme preferred to remain occupied by polar ligand subgroups. Reasonably distanced ring systems and polar backbones of ligands were desired across the cleft. Large as well as inflexible subgroups were not tolerated. Double ringed systems such as substituted napthalene, especially in S1, were exceptions though. The S2 subsite, which is typically a specificity determinant in papain (C1) family cysteine proteases such as cathepsin L-like cryptopain-1, can possibly accommodate polar and hydrophobic ligand subgroups alike.
The high-intensity reflectometer of the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science: MARIA
Authors: Mattauch Stefan , Koutsioubas Alexandros , Rücker Ulrich , Korolkov Denis , Fracassi Vicenzo , Daemen Jos , Schmitz Ralf , Bussmann Klaus , Suxdorf Frank , Wagener Michael , Kämmerling Peter , Kleines Harald , Fleischhauer-Fuß Lydia , Bednareck Manfred , Ossoviy Vladimir , Nebel Andreas , Stronciwilk Peter , Staringer Simon , Gödel Marko , Richter Alfred , Kusche Harald , Kohnke Thomas , Ioffe Alexander , Babcock Earl , Salhi Zahir , Bruckel Thomas
Published: May 2018

MARIA (magnetism reflectometer with high incident angle) is a world class vertical sample reflectometer dedicated to the investigation of thin films in the fields of magnetism, soft matter and biology. The elliptical vertically focusing guide allows one to measure small samples with a typical size of 1 × 1 cm very efficiently. The double-bounce polarizer and the in situ pumped 3He SEOP (spin-exchange optical pumping) neutron spin filter cell for analysing the polarization of the reflected neutron beam can be moved into the beam in seconds. The polarized flux of MARIA amounts to 5 × 107 n (s cm2)−1 at the sample position with a horizontally collimated beam of 3 mrad, a wavelength of λ = 4.5 Å and a wavelength resolution of Δλ/λ = 10%. In the non-polarized mode a flux of 1.2 × 108 n (s cm2)−1 is achieved in this configuration. MARIA is also capable of grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering measurements, using a pinhole collimation with two four-segment slits and an absorber that prevents the focusing of the elliptical guide in the vertical direction.
Review and assessment of the causes of deficiencies in design documents for large construction projects
Authors: Assaf Sadi , Hassanain Mohammad A. , Abdallah Abdullatif
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Design documents’ deficiencies (DDDs) are a major issue that plagues the construction industry in many countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major causes of DDDs in a fast expanding economy, where errors can translate to an adverse impact on the economy. This paper aims to identify and assess the causes of DDDs for large construction projects from the consultants’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 20 causes of DDDs were shortlisted through an extensive literature survey. In total, 37 consultants based in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia participated in the study. The respondents were requested to provide their opinion with respect to the relative importance of the identified causes. The result of their responses was then used to rank the causes.

Findings

Based on their significance indices, the most significant causes of DDDs were “assigning design tasks to designers who lack work experience,” “team members’ communication skills,” “the level and quality of the design professional’s education,” “cross-disciplinary coordination,” “effective design team,” and “lack of knowledge transfer mechanism.”

Practical implications

Recommendations were provided to mitigate the issues of DDDs. It is envisioned that through a better understanding of the major causes of DDDs, design firms will be better positioned to recognize DDDs’ causes and establish appropriate measures for reducing their occurrence. The findings of this paper are beneficial to all project stakeholders, including design firms, clients, contractors, and end users.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing an assessment of the various causes of DDDs in the context of a rapidly expanding economy, where any inefficiency can lead to massive losses to the economy.
Public awareness of adverse drug reaction medical safety
Authors: AlHusaini Fatema AlZahra , Al Mubarak Muneer Mohammed Saeed
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature by assessing factors that typically engender adverse drug reactions (ADRs) jeopardizing medical safety. These factors are population knowledge, clarity in disclosure of the risks inhering ADRs and ADRs incidence. It seeks to minimize negative effect by early identification of drug reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

On the one hand, the study employs a model that shows relationships between various factors, and on the other hand, ADRs medical safety in the public healthcare sector.

Findings

Clarity of consultancy services in public healthcare significantly impact ADR medical safety. Population and healthcare provider education on ADRs medical safety are necessities. Implementation of an ADR reporting system in every healthcare institute is essential. This helps service providers to give a clear and accurate information to patients. It also makes patients more aware of consequences of ADRs.

Research limitations/implications

Time, place and sampling method are found to be the main study limitations. Researchers should take into their consideration the significant relationships between the factors and ADRs medical safety to improve level of awareness in the healthcare public sector.

Practical implications

Ways to improve ADR medical safety in healthcare sector are underscored. Healthcare service providers and professionals need to take into account the stipulated study factors in order to improve medical safety and reduce unnecessary medical costs.

Originality/value

Very few studies have been conducted on this topic; most of those that have been conducted were undertaken in western countries. This study assesses the level of healthcare safety in the country and suggests mechanisms to elevate that level.
Performance evaluation of a coagulation laboratory using Sigma metrics
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Shariq , Ali Sidra Asad , Rashid Anila , Karim Farheen , Moiz Bushra
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Two-thirds of medical decisions are based on laboratory test results. Therefore, laboratories should practice strict quality control (QC) measures. Traditional QC processes may not accurately reflect the magnitude of errors in clinical laboratories. Six Sigma is a statistical tool which provides opportunity to assess performance at the highest level of excellence. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate performance of the coagulation laboratory utilizing Sigma metrics as the highest level of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Quality indicators of the coagulation laboratory from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2015, were evaluated. These QIs were categorized into pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical. Relative frequencies of errors were calculated and converted to Sigma scale to determine the extent of control over each process. The Sigma level of 4 was considered optimal performance.

Findings

During the study period, a total of 474,655 specimens were received and 890,535 analyses were performed. These include 831,760 (93.4 percent) routine and 58,775 (6.6 percent) special tests. Stat reporting was requested for 166,921 (18.7 percent). Of 7,535,146 total opportunities (sum of the total opportunities for all indicators), a total of 4,005 errors were detected. There were 2,350 (58.7 percent) pre-analytical, 11 (0.3 percent) analytical and 1,644 (41 percent) post-analytical errors. Average Sigma value obtained was 4.8 with 12 (80 percent) indicators achieving a Sigma value of 4. Three (20 percent) low-performance indicators were: unacceptable proficiency testing (3.8), failure to inform critical results (3.6) and delays in stat reporting (3.9).

Practical implications

This study shows that a small number of errors can decrease Sigma value to below acceptability limits. If clinical laboratories start using Sigma metrics for monitoring their performance, they can identify gaps in their performance more readily and hence can improve their performance and patient safety.

Social implications

This study provides an opportunity for the laboratorians to choose and set world-class goals while assessing their performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge and belief, this study is the first of its kind that has utilized Sigma metrics as a QC tool for monitoring performance of a coagulation laboratory.
Overcoming public health risks to staff during the management of waste from healthcare facilities
Authors: Vaccari Mentore , Perteghella Andrea , Stolfini Martina , Tudor Terry
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The management of public health risks is a key focus for the European Union. One of the key factors that has been shown to pose a public health risk is that of the management of needles from healthcare facilities. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using audits of two case study hospitals based in northern Italy, this study sought to examine the key factors that resulted in needle stick injuries amongst staff and suggest measures to minimise these risks.

Findings

The number of needle stick injuries was influenced by various key factors including the time period during the year, the length of time employed, the location within the site, staff category and working hours.

Practical implications

Suggestions for overcoming the risk factors, including redesigning working patterns, staff training and awareness building, and the use of safety-engineered devices are outlined.

Originality/value

This study examined the incidence of needle stick injuries amongst healthcare staff in two Italian hospitals, which was lower than in other countries due to various factors, including recapping of needles not being allowed, the introduction of self-retractable needles and awareness campaigns about the correct disposal procedures of potentially infectious waste.
Nursing staff perceptions regarding the clinical audit tool used for relicensing inspections within eThekwini private hospitals in South Africa
Authors: Chellan Jamila , Sibiya Nokuthula Maureen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess nursing staff perceptions regarding the clinical audit tool used for relicensing inspections within private hospitals in eThekwini district.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed method research design was used with a qualitative first phase involving a total population of 40 nurse managers through purposive sampling. Nurse managers (n=24) were interviewed. This was followed by a quantitative phase in which a structured questionnaire was administered to nurses (n=270) who were randomly sampled for the study from (n=4) hospitals. Documentation review, a third phase was used to corroborate the findings of the first two phases of the study.

Findings

The results of the study showed that the participants perceptions of the selected private hospitals in eThekwini district is that they have not fully implemented the approach to practice standards and healthcare audits in relation to three clinical domains of the National Core Standards and the Batho Pele principles. These findings were significant and denoted the need for a standardised clinical audit tool for private hospitals in eThekwini district.

Research limitations/implications

This study was confined to an independent group of hospitals and the findings may not be suitable for generalising across all private hospitals in eThekwini district.

Originality/value

These findings led to the development of a clinical audit tool with measurements representing elements of care that are critical to the provision of safe, quality health care services.
A history of SEA in France: government, engineers and mathematics
Authors: Antheaume Nicolas
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a history of social and environmental accounting (SEA) in France.

Design/methodology/approach

The choice is made to select and analyze three important breakthroughs in the development of SEA in France, at different periods. Three case studies are presented, based on secondary sources for two of them and on the author’s own research for the third one. The author choses the concept of organizational field, defined through its actors, how they interact, what they do, what tools and practices are being developed and what regulations are being enacted.

Findings

If each case is different in terms of context and outcome, all three present common characteristics which characterize the underlying forces which shaped SEA in France: mainly the role played by elites both in government and industry, an ability for industry to present its interests as the interests of France with an impact on the international standardization of some tools and regulatory issues such as product labeling. The French scene is dominated by engineers, characterized by quantitative tools which “measure” environmental performance, in line with the culture of the French elite for which mathematics are a tool for action and problem-solving. In a certain way this “depoliticized” environmental questions and made them a question of optimization more than a question of politics.

Practical implications

Because of the specific context in which some tools emerge, they may not be transferable to other countries without important changes.

Social implications

The focus on problem solving through quantitative tools to make the most rational decision, and the claim by the engineering profession to be in the best position to do so, is not a focus on accountability. This may be part of the reason why the accounting profession is not as involved as in other countries.

Originality/value

This paper also shows how France has been both a local field of SEA production, when it comes to developing quantitative tools, with occasional global reach, and an importer of global standards and SEA concepts which originated from the Anglo-Saxon word, when it comes to reporting. More generally, it is also a good illustration of how the development of a “local” organizational field is congruent with the characteristic of its national environment.
Assessing the effects of housing market shocks on output: the case of South Africa
Authors: Njindan Iyke Bernard
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the effects of housing market shocks on real output in South Africa, by focusing on the real private consumption channel.

Design/methodology/approach

It measures housing market shocks as non-monetary housing shocks, uses a data set covering the period 1969Q4-2014Q4 and uses the agnostic identification procedure.

Findings

The paper finds that 20 per cent of the variation in house prices is explained by these shocks. The paper also finds that the effects of housing demand shocks on real private consumption are short-lived and generate a transitory real output response. Overall, housing demand shocks have managed to explain nearly 13 per cent and 14 per cent of the variation in real private consumption and real output respectively, over 20-quarters ahead forecast revision.

Research limitations/implications

This finding suggests that shocks emanating from the housing market in the country are essential and should be considered when making macroeconomic policy decisions.

Originality/value

None of the existing studies, to our knowledge, have empirically assessed the effects of housing market shocks on real output directly. This paper attempts to contribute to the literature by assessing the direct impact of housing market shocks on the real output, using South Africa as a case study.
Bonding of Si chips to low carbon steel boards using electroplated Sn solder
Authors: Hsu Shou-Jen , Lee Chin C.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to develop a new process to bond silicon (Si) chips to low carbon steel substrates using pure tin (Sn) without any flux.

Design/methodology/approach

Iron (Fe) substrates were first electroplated with a Sn layer, followed by a thin silver (Ag) layer that inhibits Sn oxidation thereafter. It is this Ag capping layer that makes the fluxless feature possible. Fluxless processes are more environmentally friendly and more likely to produce joints without voids. The Si chips were deposited with Cr/Au dual layer structure. The bonding process was performed at 240°C in vacuum. The Sn joint thickness was controlled by spacers during the bonding. Scanning electron microscopy images on cross sections exhibited quality joints without visible voids. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was used to detect joint compositions.

Findings

It was revealed that the Sn layer was bonded to a Si chip at the Cr–Sn interface and to the Fe substrate by forming an FeSn2 intermetallic compound (IMC). The IMC is only 1.1 to 1.5 µm in thickness. Thin IMC is highly preferred because IMC deforms a little in accommodating the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between Si and Fe. Shear test results showed that the fracture forces of the samples passed the military criteria by a wide margin.

Originality/value

This new fluxless bonding process on Fe should make Fe or low carbon steel a more likely choice of materials in optical modules and electronic packages.
BmHpo mutation induces smaller body size and late stage larval lethality in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Xu Xia , Bi Hong‐Lun , Zhang Zhong‐Jie , Yang Yang , Li Kai , Huang Yong‐Ping , Zhang Yong , He Lin
Published: May 2018

As a core member of the Hippo signaling pathway, Hpo plays a critical role in regulating growth and development. Previous studies reported that loss of function of Hpo results in increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis and induction of tissue overgrowth in Drosophila. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9) to study Hpo gene (BmHpo) function in the lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori, known commonly as the silkworm. Sequence analysis of BmHpo revealed an array of deletions in mutants. We found that BmHpo knockout resulted in defects in body size regulation, in developmental defects and pigment accumulation and early death. Our data show that BmHpo is essential for regulation of insect growth and development and that CRISPR/Cas9 technology can serve as a basis for functional analysis of target genes in lepidopteran insects.
Authentication of Small Berry Fruit in Fruit Products by DNA Barcoding Method
Authors: Wu Yajun , Li Meige , Yang Yange , Jiang Li , Liu Mingchang , Wang Bin , Wang Yingchun
Published: May 2018

Small berry fruit products are gaining an expanded market due to their high nutrition value. However, the authenticity of products is challenged by adulteration and mislabeling. To establish an accurate and robust method for identifying both known and unknown fruit species in small berry fruit products, DNA barcoding technology based on Sanger sequencing was adopted. To overcome the influence of processing conditions on DNA recovery, mini‐barcodes of rbcL and ITS and a medium‐barcode of psbA‐trnH were applied. To identify ingredients in products containing mixed species, plasmid cloning was applied to separate mixed barcodes. The method established in this paper could detect 1% to 10% target species in mixed fruit juice.
Effective Response Metric: a novel tool to predict relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia using time‐series gene expression profiling
Authors: Yeoh Allen E.‐J. , Li Zhenhua , Dong Difeng , Lu Yi , Jiang Nan , Trka Jan , Tan Ah Moy , Lin Hai Peng , Quah Thuan Chong , Ariffin Hany , Wong Limsoon
Published: May 2018

Accurate risk assignment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is essential to avoid under‐ or over‐treatment. We hypothesized that time‐series gene expression profiles (GEPs) of bone marrow samples during remission‐induction therapy can measure the response and be used for relapse prediction. We computed the time‐series changes from diagnosis to Day 8 of remission‐induction, termed Effective Response Metric (ERM‐D8) and tested its ability to predict relapse against contemporary risk assignment methods, including National Cancer Institutes (NCI) criteria, genetics and minimal residual disease (MRD). ERM‐D8 was trained on a set of 131 patients and validated on an independent set of 79 patients. In the independent blinded test set, unfavourable ERM‐D8 patients had >3‐fold increased risk of relapse compared to favourable ERM‐D8 (5‐year cumulative incidence of relapse 38·1% vs. 10·6%; P = 2·5 × 10−3). ERM‐D8 remained predictive of relapse [P = 0·05; Hazard ratio 4·09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·03–16·23] after adjusting for NCI criteria, genetics, Day 8 peripheral response and Day 33 MRD. ERM‐D8 improved risk stratification in favourable genetics subgroups (P = 0·01) and Day 33 MRD positive patients (P = 1·7 × 10−3). We conclude that our novel metric – ERM‐D8 – based on time‐series GEP after 8 days of remission‐induction therapy can independently predict relapse even after adjusting for NCI risk, genetics, Day 8 peripheral blood response and MRD.
Detection of platelet autoantibodies to identify immune thrombocytopenia: state of the art
Authors: Porcelijn Leendert , Huiskes Elly , Oldert Gonda , Schipperus Martin , Zwaginga Jaap J. , de Haas Masja
Published: May 2018

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is diagnosed by exclusion of other causes for thrombocytopenia. Reliable detection of platelet autoantibodies would support the clinical diagnosis of ITP and prevent misdiagnosis. We optimized our diagnostic algorithm for suspected ITP using the direct monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens assay (MAIPA), which evaluates the presence of platelet autoantibodies on the glycoproteins (GP) IIb/IIIa, Ib/IX and V bound on the patient platelets. The direct MAIPA was shown to be a valuable technique for the detection of platelet autoantibodies and could possibly become a guide for optimizing therapy towards a more personalized treatment of ITP.
Clinical‐grade validation of whole genome sequencing reveals robust detection of low‐frequency variants and copy number alterations in CLL
Authors: Klintman Jenny , Barmpouti Katerina , Knight Samantha J. L. , Robbe Pauline , Dreau Hélène , Clifford Ruth , Ridout Kate , Burns Adam , Timbs Adele , Bruce David , Antoniou Pavlos , Sosinsky Alona , Becq Jennifer , Bentley David , Hillmen Peter , Taylor Jenny C. , Caulfield Mark , Schuh Anna H.
Published: May 2018

The 100 000 Genome Project aims to develop a diagnostics platform by introducing whole genome sequencing (WGS) into clinical practice. Samples from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were subjected to WGS. WGS detection of single nucleotide variants and insertion/deletions were validated by targeted next generation sequencing showing high concordance (96·3%), also for detection of sub‐clonal variants and low‐frequency TP53 variants. Copy number alteration detection was verified by fluorescent in situ hybridisation and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism array (concordances of 86·7% and 92·9%, respectively), confirming adequate sensitivity by WGS. Our results confirm that WGS can provide comprehensive genomic characterisation for clinical trials, drug discovery and, ultimately, precision medicine.
Diagnostic markers for CNS lymphoma in blood and cerebrospinal fluid: a systematic review
Authors: van Westrhenen Anouk , Smidt Lisanne C. A. , Seute Tatjana , Nierkens Stefan , Stork Abraham C. J. , Minnema Monique C. , Snijders Tom J.
Published: May 2018

Diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma remains a challenge. Most patients have to undergo brain biopsy to obtain tissue for diagnosis, with associated risks of serious complications. Diagnostic markers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could facilitate early diagnosis with low complication rates. We performed a systematic literature search for studies on markers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis CNS lymphoma and assessed the methodological quality of studies with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS‐2). We evaluated diagnostic value of the markers at a given threshold, as well as differences between mean or median levels in patients versus control groups. Twenty‐five studies were included, reporting diagnostic value for 18 markers in CSF (microRNAs ‐21, ‐19b, and ‐92a, RNU2‐1f, CXCL13, interleukins ‐6, ‐8, and ‐10, soluble interleukin‐2‐receptor, soluble CD19, soluble CD27, tumour necrosis factor‐alfa, beta‐2‐microglobulin, antithrombin III, soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor, soluble B cell maturation antigen, neopterin and osteopontin) and three markers in blood (microRNA‐21 soluble CD27, and beta‐2‐microglobulin). All studies were at considerable risk of bias and there were concerns regarding the applicability of 15 studies. CXCL‐13, beta‐2‐microglobulin and neopterin have the highest potential in diagnosing CNS lymphoma, but further study is still needed before they can be used in clinical practice.
STED microscopy: A simplified method for liver sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae analysis
Authors: Di Martino Julie , Mascalchi Patrice , Legros Philippe , Lacomme Sabrina , Gontier Etienne , Bioulac‐Sage Paulette , Balabaud Charles , Moreau Violaine , Saltel Frédéric
Published: May 2018

Background Information

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) possess fenestrae, open transcellular pores with an average diameter of 100 nm. These fenestrae allow for the exchange between blood and hepatocytes. Alterations in their number or diameter in liver diseases have important implications for hepatic microcirculation and function. Although decades of studies, fenestrae are still observed into fixed cells and we have poor knowledge of their dynamics.

Results

Using stimulated emission depletion (STED) super‐resolution microscopy, we have established a faster and simplest method to observe and quantify fenestrae. Indeed, using cytochalasin D, an actin depolymerising agent known to promote fenestrae formation, we measure the increase of fenestrae number. We adapted this methodology to develop an automated method to study fenestrae dynamics. Moreover, with two‐colour STED analysis, we have shown that this approach could be useful to study LSECs fenestrae molecular composition.

Conclusions

Our approach demonstrates that STED microscopy is suitable for LSEC fenestrae study.

Significance

This new way of analysing LSEC fenestrae will allow for expedited investigation of their dynamics, molecular composition and functions to better understand their function in liver pathophysiology.