bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allosteric mechanism of cyclopropylindolobenzazepine inhibitors for HCV NS5B RdRp via dynamic correlation network analysis
Authors: Rahman Mueed ur , Liu Hao , Wadood Abdul , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: August 2016

The fluctuation correlation network of M2/NS5B includes some hub nodes and the information flow can freely transfer through this network.
A facile synthesis, structural morphology and fluorescent properties of cross-linked poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-1,3,5-tri(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzene) hybrid copolymer microspheres
Authors: Dar Sami Ullah , Ali Shafqat , Hameed Muhammad Usman , Zuhra Zareen , Wu Zhanpeng
Published: August 2016

Tunable size synthesis of fluorescent active microspheres with proposed unique chemical structure.
Self-organized growth of graphene nanomesh with increased gas sensitivity
Authors: König Matthias , Ruhl Günther , Batke Joerg-Martin , Lemme Max C.
Published: August 2016

Graphene nanomeshes with increased gas sensitivity were produced by in situ growth during CVD on copper substrates.
Electronic properties of red and black phosphorous and their potential application as photocatalysts
Authors: Ding Kaining , Wen Lili , Huang Shuping , Li Yulu , Zhang Yongfan , Lu Yunpeng
Published: August 2016

The promising potential of monolayerrPandbPas photocatalysts was identified, due to their suitable band gap, appropriate band edge position, higher mobility and separation efficiency of charge carriers, and strong response to visible light.
Micro-aerobic digestion of high-solid anaerobically digested sludge: further stabilization, microbial dynamics and phytotoxicity reduction
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Li Zonghan , Dai Xiaohu , Dong Bin , Tang Yanfei
Published: August 2016

Micro-aerobic digestion was firstly applied for further stabilization and phytotoxicity reduction of high-solid anaerobically digested sludge (ADS) in room temperature, mesophilic and thermophilic conditions.
Monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles with nearly ideal saturation magnetization
Authors: Kemp Scott J. , Ferguson R. Matthew , Khandhar Amit P. , Krishnan Kannan M.
Published: August 2016

We present a scalable thermolysis and high temperature oxidation procedure for synthesizing monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles with saturation magnetization of up to 80 emu g−1 (412 kA m−1), 92% of bulk magnetite.
Improving performance of MoS2-based electrochemical sensors by decorating noble metallic nanoparticles on the surface of MoS2 nanosheet
Authors: Su Shao , Cao Wenfang , Zhang Chi , Han Xiaoyan , Yu Huan , Zhu Dan , Chao Jie , Fan Chunhai , Wang Lianhui
Published: August 2016

MoS2 nanosheet and its derivatives exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards catechol, which could be used as electrochemical platforms for catechol detection.
Ab initio static and dynamic study of CH3NH3PbI3 degradation in the presence of water, hydroxyl radicals, and hydroxide ions
Authors: Zhang Linghai , Sit Patrick H.-L.
Published: August 2016

Density functional theory calculations are combined with the ab initio molecular dynamics and nudged elastic band techniques to unveil the microscopic details of CH3NH3PbI3 degradation in the presence of water, hydroxyl radicals, and hydroxide ions.
Synthesis and characterization of semiaromatic polyamides with dicyclohexane units
Authors: Yan Guang-ming , Zhang Gang , Ren Hao-hao , Li Yan , Yang Jie
Published: August 2016

The resultant semiaromatic polyamides showed excellent mechanical properties, superior thermal properties and good processability.
High-yield fabrication of suspended two-dimensional materials for atomic resolution imaging
Authors: Han Jaehyun , Lee Jun-Young , Choe Jeongun , Yeo Jong-Souk
Published: August 2016

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals are very interesting materials due to their unique properties, which are significantly different than those observed in conventional three-dimensional (3D) materials.
A comparative study between heterogeneous stannous chloride loaded silica nanoparticles and a homogeneous stannous chloride catalyst in the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazole
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Kumar Satyanand , Khajuria Yugal , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: August 2016

Heterogeneous SnCl2–nano-SiO2efficiently catalyzed 5-substituted 1H-tetrazole synthesis with excellent yield. It is widely applicable on aliphatic, aromatic, heteroaromatic and sterically hindered nitriles with five times recyclability. ​
Supramolecular assemblies constructed from inverted cucurbit[7]uril and lanthanide cations: synthesis, structure and sorption properties
Authors: Li Qing , Qiu Sheng-Chao , Zhang Yun-Qian , Xue Sai-Feng , Tao Zhu , Prior Timothy J. , Redshaw Carl , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Xiao Xin
Published: August 2016

The interaction of a series of lanthanide cations (Ln3+) with inverted cucurbit[7]uril (iQ[7]) in the presence of [ZnCl4]2− anions as a structure-directing agent have been investigated.
Oxidation-induced surface deposition of tannic acid: towards molecular gates on porous nanocarriers for acid-responsive drug delivery
Authors: Yao Xiaoping , Zheng Xianying , Zhang Jixi , Cai Kaiyong
Published: August 2016

Efficient surface deposition of TA by the oxidation via MSN led to the pore occlusion and the subsequent easy construction of polyphenol based metal–phenolic network (MPN) and boronate–phenolic network (BPN) for controlled drug release.
Three-dimensional TiO2@C nano-network with high porosity as a highly efficient Pt-based catalyst support for methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Sui Xu-Lei , Gu Da-Ming , Wang Zhen-Bo , Liu Jing , Zhao Lei , Zhang Li-Mei
Published: August 2016

Pt-based catalyst supported on highly porous 3D-network structured TiO2@C nanowires is constructed and exhibits ultrahigh catalytic activity and durability, which can be attributed to the combined effects of its unique structure and composition.
Enhanced sequestration of large-sized dissolved organic micropollutants in polymeric membranes incorporated with mesoporous carbon
Authors: Teng Wei , Bai Nan , Fan Jianwei , Li Dandan , Liu Rui , Yang Jianping , Zhang Wei-xian , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: August 2016

Hybrid polyvinylidene fluoride membrane incorporated with mesoporous carbon is fabricated for an enhanced sequestration of large-molecular-sized microcystin-LR and Rhodamine B (3.8 and 14.8 mg g−1, respectively).
Polysiloxanes-based stationary phases containing methoxy-substituted tetraphenyl–phenyl groups for gas chromotographic separations
Authors: He Xinxin , Han Xue , Wang Huan , Wang Bing , Wu Bo
Published: August 2016

3,4-Di(4-methoxy phenyl)-2,5-diphenyl phenyl grafted polysiloxane (MTP) and 3,4-di(3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl)-2,5-diphenyl phenyl grafted polysiloxane (TMP) were synthesized and statically coated on fused silica capillary columns.
Cycloheptatrienyl trianion: an elusive bridge in the search of exchange coupled dinuclear organolanthanide single-molecule magnets
Authors: Harriman Katie L. M. , Le Roy Jennifer J. , Ungur Liviu , Holmberg Rebecca J. , Korobkov Ilia , Murugesu Muralee
Published: August 2016

Lanthanide inverse sandwich compounds of the cycloheptatrienyl trianion give rise to ferromagnetic exchange and slow relaxation of the magnetisation.
Diamond-coated ‘black silicon’ as a promising material for high-surface-area electrochemical electrodes and antibacterial surfaces
Authors: May P. W. , Clegg M. , Silva T. A. , Zanin H. , Fatibello-Filho O. , Celorrio V. , Fermin D. J. , Welch C. C. , Hazell G. , Fisher L. , Nobbs A. , Su B.
Published: August 2016

Coating black silicon needles in a uniform layer of conducting boron-doped CVD diamond produces a high-surface-area electrode material that promising for electrochemical applications, as well as acting as a robust bactericidal surface.
Bipolar phenanthroimidazole–diazacarbazole hybrids with appropriate bandgaps for highly efficient and low roll-off red, green and blue electroluminescent devices
Authors: Wang Bo , Lv Xialei , Tan Jianghong , Zhang Qing , Huang Zhi , Yi Wei , Wang Lei
Published: August 2016

Highly efficient three-primary color (R, G and B) OLEDs with low efficiency roll-off were realized by two structurally simple phenanthroimidazole–diazacarbazole hybrids with appropriate bandgap and bipolar charge-transporting properties.
Performance analysis of zero common‐mode voltage pulse‐width modulation techniques for three‐level neutral point clamped inverters
Authors: Kai Li , Zhao Jiancheng , Wu Wenjie , Li Mengshu , Ma Lan , Zhang Gang
Published: August 2016

This study surveyed three zero common‐mode voltage (CMV) pulse‐width modulation (PWM) methods for three‐phase three‐level neutral point clamped voltage source inverters, investigates their performance characteristics, and provides a comparison with the standard three‐level and two‐level space vector PWM methods. DC‐link voltage utilisation, harmonic distortion factor, DC‐link current ripple factor and power losses of each PWM method are thoroughly investigated by analysis, simulations and experiments. The research results illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of the compared methods and provide the basis for the selection and application of appropriate PWM methods in low CMV requirement fields.
Mediastinal Pseudocyst and Cardiac Tamponade Due to Massive Pericardial Effusion in Pediatric Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis
Authors: Basu Suprit , Bhatacharya Mala , Debnath Bidyut , Sen Sandip , Chatterjee Anish , Das Suman
Published: August 2016

A 7-year-old male patient with a history of recurrent abdominal pain over 1 year presented with cardiac tamponade due to massive pericardial effusion, which was percutaneously drained. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large posterior mediastinal cyst and calcified, heterogeneous pancreatic parenchyma. Elevated amylase and lipase levels of the cyst fluid confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocyst, which was treated with an octreotide infusion and Roux-en-Y cystojejunostomy. The child was discharged on pancreatic enzyme supplement and was asymptomatic on follow-up.
Impact of liveweight, fat and muscle sire breeding values on ewe reproduction is minimal but variable across Australian grazing systems
Authors: Walkom S. F. , Brown D. J.
Published: August 2016

Australian sheep producers have the potential to improve reproductive rates through optimising ewe body condition across the production cycle. Managing ewe body condition can become costly when supplementary feeding is required due to poor pasture growth or rainfall and by using appropriate genetics, producers can theoretically reduce the flock’s dependency on supplementary feed and improve reproductive rates. Reproductive records from the Information Nucleus Flock and Sheep Genetics Merino and maternal breed datasets were analysed to examine the influence of sire breeding values for liveweight (post-weaning, yearling and adult assessments), fat and eye muscle depths (post-weaning and yearling assessments) and number of lambs weaned on reproductive performance (fertility, litter size and number of lambs born) across a variety of production environments. To determine the impact of environmental conditions on the relationship between weight, ultrasound body composition, and reproduction traits the daughters’ adjusted reproductive performances were regressed on the sire’s breeding value across flocks, within flocks and within flock × year. Irrespective of age at assessment, sire breeding values for liveweight, fat and eye muscle depths had very little association with the reproductive performance of their daughters, on average. The regressions of reproduction on weight, and fat and eye muscle depth traits varied across flocks from unfavourable to favourable estimates. The very small overall impact of weight, and fat and eye muscle depth traits, on average suggests that using sire breeding values for number of lambs weaned, which had a large impact on reproduction, will provide the most viable method to genetically improve reproductive performance within the production system in question.
Cottonseed meal is a suitable replacement for soybean meal in supplements fed to Nellore heifers grazing Brachiaria decumbens
Authors: Martins Leandro Soares , Paulino Mário Fonseca , Marcondes Marcos Inácio , Rennó Luciana Navajas , Mageste de Almeida Daniel , Lopes Sidnei Antônio , Marquez David Esteban Contreras , Manso Marcos Rocha , Gomes da Silva Aline , Valente Ériton Egídio Lisboa
Published: August 2016

The objective was to evaluate the effect of substituting soybean meal with cottonseed meal in supplements containing 15% and 30% of crude protein (CP), as well as evaluate the effect of supplementation use, on the performance and nutritional status of Nellore heifers. Forty heifers that were 13 months old and 250 ± 4 kg were kept in five 2.5-ha paddocks covered with Brachiaria decumbens. They were compared as they received different supplements (1 kg/head.day) in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial – two protein sources (soybean and cottonseed meal) by two protein concentrations (15% and 30%) plus a Control treatment, which was a mineral mix only. The supplemented heifers showed greater weight gains, final bodyweight (P < 0.10) and higher intake of all evaluated nutrients (P < 0.10), as well as greater digestibility of these nutrients compared with those from the Control treatment. The animals fed supplements containing 15% CP had lower digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, CP and neutral detergent insoluble fibre corrected for ash and protein. These animals also had lower total digestible nutrients as compared with those which received a supplement containing 30% CP (P < 0.10). The treatments containing cottonseed meal provided greater dry matter digestibility (P < 0.10). Cottonseed meal can fully substitute soybean meal to grazing heifers during the rainy season. Supplements containing 30% of CP provided greater digestibility than 15% CP supplements. Supplemented animals had better performance.
Biomass partitioning and rhizosphere responses of maize and faba bean to phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Liu Haitao , White Philip J. , Li Chunjian
Published: August 2016

Maize (Zea mays L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) have contrasting responses to low phosphorus (P) supply. The aim of this work was to characterise these responses with respect to the partitioning of biomass between shoot and root and biochemical modification of the rhizosphere. Maize and faba bean were grown in rhizoboxes in soil with a low P (10 mg kg–1) or high P (150 mg kg–1) supply. Solutions were collected from rhizosphere and bulk soil by suction, using micro-rhizons in situ. The pH and water-soluble P (Pi) were determined on the solutions collected by using micro-rhizons. Olsen P, soil pH and acid phosphatase activity were determined on samples of rhizosphere and bulk soil. Organic acids released from root tips were collected non-destructively and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. Plants grown with low P supply had higher ratios of root : shoot dry weight than plants grown with high P supply. This response was greater in maize than in faba bean. Rhizosphere acidification, organic acid concentrations and acid phosphatase activity were greater in faba bean than maize. The Pi concentration in the maize rhizosphere solution was less than in the bulk soil, but the Pi concentration in the rhizosphere solution of faba bean was greater than in the bulk soil. It was concluded that maize responded to low P supply by investing more biomass in its root system, but acidification, concentrations of organic acids, acid phosphatase activity and mobilisation of P in the rhizosphere were greater in faba bean than in maize.
Local community playgroup participation and associations with social capital
Authors: Strange Cecily , Bremner Alexander , Fisher Colleen , Howat Peter , Wood Lisa
Published: August 2016

Issue addressed

The study aim was to investigate the relationships between social capital measures and playgroup participation in a local residential area for parents with children of playgroup age (1–4 years) compared with non‐participation and participation in a playgroup outside the local residential area. Research indicates playgroup participation has benefits for families, however, less is known about the potential local community social capital for parents who participate in playgroups.

Methods

Data were collected through a cross‐sectional survey from March 2013 to January 2014 in Perth, Western Australia. The data from a group of parents (n = 405) who had at least one child aged between 1 and 4 years were analysed using multivariable regression. Reported playgroup participation (local, outside the area or non‐participation) in the previous 12 months was investigated for associations with three measures (Neighbourhood Cohesion Index, Social Capital and Citizenship Survey and local reciprocity) that capture attributes of social capital.

Results

Participation in playgroup locally was generally associated with higher levels of social capital than both participation in playgroup outside the local area and non‐participation. Mothers with two or more children fared better for social capital measures than mothers with one child.

Conclusions

Participation in a locally placed playgroup may provide an important opportunity for families with children of playgroup age (1–4 years) to build social capital in their local community.

So what?

Playgroups in a family’s local area have the potential to foster locally placed social capital through community interaction, social networks and cohesion, which are important for mental health promotion in communities.
Coatings of FeAlCoCuNiV high entropy alloy
Authors: Dou D. , Li X. C. , Zheng Z. Y. , Li J. C.
Published: August 2016

The coatings of FeAlCoCuNiV high entropy alloy were deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering. The microstructure and the mechanical and the electrochemical properties of the coatings are investigated. The coatings exhibit single FCC solid solution. The thickness of the coatings increases with the increasing deposited time. The hardness and Young's modulus of the coatings are 19.7 and 189 GPa, respectively. All coatings exhibit better electrochemical corrosion resistance than the 201 stainless steel in acidic alkali and salt corrosion mediums.
Study of Nanostructured CeO2 Coatings on Superalloy
Authors: Rahman Atikur , Jayaganthan R.
Published: August 2016

Nanostructured CeO2 coatings on Superni-718 substrate were deposited by electroless process in the present work. Microstructure and cyclic high-temperature oxidation behaviour of nanostructured CeO2 coatings on Superni-718 substrate was investigated. Cyclic high-temperature oxidation tests were conducted on uncoated and coated samples at peak temperatures of 900°C for up to 50 thermal cycles between the peak and room temperature. The results showed that the coated sample has higher oxidation resistance as compared to bare substrate at 900°C. The external scale of the coated sample exhibited good spallation resistance during cyclic oxidation testing at both temperatures. The improvement in oxide scale spallation resistance is believed to be related to the fine-grained structure of the coating. The oxidation results have shown the improved oxidation resistance of the CeO2 coating on superalloy as compared to bare substrate up to 50 cycles. The relevant oxidation mechanisms are discussed.
Surface modification of Ti6Al4 V implants by heat, H2O2 and alkali treatments
Authors: Khodaei M. , Meratian M. , Shaltooki M. , Hashemibeni B. , Savabi O. , Razavi M.
Published: August 2016

In the present research we have applied three types of surface modifications on Ti6Al4 V alloy including heat treatment, H2O2 treatment and alkali treatment. Scanning electron microscope and thin-film X-ray diffractometry (TF-XRD) were used to analyse the surface structure and the formed phases on the surface modified specimens. In vitro bioactivity evaluations were carried out and the cytocompatibility assay was performed using the evaluation of viability and attachment of L-929 fibroblast cells. The results revealed more bioactivity of the alkali-treated Ti6Al4 V alloy compared to other surface modifications. Better cellular response was also observed on the alkali-treated specimens. According to the results of our study, alkali treatment enhanced the in vitro bioactivity and cytocompatibility of Ti6Al4 V alloy more effectively than H2O2 treatment and heat treatment.
The political economy of regime survival: Algeria in the context of the African and Arab uprisings
Authors: Hamouchene Hamza , Rouabah Brahim
Published: August 2016

This briefing analyses the ways in which the Algerian regime has navigated the multi-dimensional crisis it has been faced with over the last two decades, and the political economy of its survival in a turbulent regional and international geopolitical context characterised by the African and Arab uprisings and the reaction of status quo forces to this phenomenon.
An activated form of ADAM10 is tumor selective and regulates cancer stem-like cells and tumor growth
Authors: Atapattu Lakmali , Saha Nayanendu , Chheang Chanly , Eissman Moritz F. , Xu Kai , Vail Mary E. , Hii Linda , Llerena Carmen , Liu Zhanqi , Horvay Katja , Abud Helen E. , Kusebauch Ulrike , Moritz Robert L. , Ding Bi-Sen , Cao Zhongwei , Rafii Shahin , Ernst Matthias , Scott Andrew M. , Nikolov Dimitar B. , Lackmann Martin , Janes Peter W.
Published: August 2016

The transmembrane metalloprotease ADAM10 sheds a range of cell surface proteins, including ligands and receptors of the Notch, Eph, and erbB families, thereby activating signaling pathways critical for tumor initiation and maintenance. ADAM10 is thus a promising therapeutic target. Although widely expressed, its activity is normally tightly regulated. We now report prevalence of an active form of ADAM10 in tumors compared with normal tissues, in mouse models and humans, identified by our conformation-specific antibody mAb 8C7. Structure/function experiments indicate mAb 8C7 binds an active conformation dependent on disulfide isomerization and oxidative conditions, common in tumors. Moreover, this active ADAM10 form marks cancer stem-like cells with active Notch signaling, known to mediate chemoresistance. Importantly, specific targeting of active ADAM10 with 8C7 inhibits Notch activity and tumor growth in mouse models, particularly regrowth after chemotherapy. Our results indicate targeted inhibition of active ADAM10 as a potential therapy for ADAM10-dependent tumor development and drug resistance.
Widespread transneuronal propagation of α-synucleinopathy triggered in olfactory bulb mimics prodromal Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rey Nolwen L. , Steiner Jennifer A. , Maroof Nazia , Luk Kelvin C. , Madaj Zachary , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M.-Y. , Brundin Patrik
Published: August 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive appearance of intraneuronal Lewy aggregates, which are primarily composed of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn). The aggregates are believed to propagate via neural pathways following a stereotypical pattern, starting in the olfactory bulb (OB) and gut. We hypothesized that injection of fibrillar α-syn into the OB of wild-type mice would recreate the sequential progression of Lewy-like pathology, while triggering olfactory deficits. We demonstrate that injected α-syn fibrils recruit endogenous α-syn into pathological aggregates that spread transneuronally over several months, initially in the olfactory network and later in distant brain regions. The seeded inclusions contain posttranslationally modified α-syn that is Thioflavin S positive, indicative of amyloid fibrils. The spreading α-syn pathology induces progressive and specific olfactory deficits. Thus, we demonstrate that propagating α-syn pathology triggered in the OB is functionally detrimental. Collectively, we have created a mouse model of prodromal PD.
Opening government health data to the public: benefits, challenges, and lessons learned from early innovators
Authors: Martin Erika G , Begany Grace M
Published: August 2016

Objective: Government agencies are rapidly developing web portals to proactively publish “open” data that are searchable, available in nonproprietary formats, and with unlimited use and distribution rights. In this dynamic environment, we aimed to understand the experiences of 2 early leaders in open health data, the US Department of Health and Human Services and the New York State Department of Health.

Materials and Methods: Semistructured interviews with 40 practitioners and policymakers elicited value propositions, capabilities required for successful open data programs, and strategies for improving impact and sustainability. Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify common perspectives and divergent viewpoints.

Results: Respondents were optimistic about the value of open data, reporting numerous opportunities to advance the triple aim of lower costs, improved health care quality, and better population health. Benefits to agencies include enhanced data quality and more efficient operations. External benefits include improved health literacy, data-driven changes in health care delivery, consumer engagement, and community empowerment. Key challenges are resources, cultural resistance, navigating legal and regulatory issues, and data quality.

Discussion: The open data movement will likely continue, but success requires sustained leadership, resources, organizational cultural change, promotion of data use, and governance. Jurisdictions that are initiating open data programs can incorporate these lessons from early innovators.

Conclusions: The open data movement has a bright future but unknown long-term impact. To maintain momentum, important directions for the field include reconsidering legal guidance on protecting health data in the open data era and quantifying the return on investment.
The Pitt Innovation Challenge (PInCh): Driving Innovation in Translational Research Through an Incentive-Based, Problem-Focused Competition
Authors: Fitzpatrick Nicole Edgar , Maier John , Yasko Laurel , Mathias David , Qua Kacy , Wagner Erika , Miller Elizabeth , Reis Steven E.
Published: August 2016

Problem

Translational research aims to move scientific discoveries across the biomedical spectrum from the laboratory to humans, and to ultimately transform clinical practice and public health policies. Despite efforts to accelerate translational research through national initiatives, several major hurdles remain.

Approach

The authors created the Pitt Innovation Challenge (PInCh) as an incentive-based, problem-focused approach to solving identified clinical or public health problems at the University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute in spring 2014. With input from a broad range of stakeholders, PInCh leadership arrived at the challenge question: How do we empower individuals to take control of their own health outcomes? The authors developed the PInCh’s three-round proposal submission and review process as well as an online contest management tool to support the process.

Outcomes

Ninety-two teams submitted video proposals in round one. Proposals included mobile applications (29; 32%), other information technology (19; 21%), and community program (22; 24%) solutions. Ten teams advanced to the final round, where three were awarded $100,000 to implement their solution over 12 months. In a 6-month follow-up survey, 6/11 (55%) team leaders stated the PInCh helped to facilitate connections outside their normal sphere of collaborators.

Next Steps

Additional educational training sessions related to problem-focused research will be developed. The PInCh will be expanded to engage investment and industry communities to facilitate the translation of solutions to clinical practice via commercialization pathways. External organizations and other universities will be engaged to use the PInCh as a mechanism to fuel innovation in their spaces.
Resting-state Network-specific Breakdown of Functional Connectivity during Ketamine Alteration of Consciousness in Volunteers
Authors: Bonhomme Vincent , Vanhaudenhuyse Audrey , Demertzi Athena , Bruno Marie-Aurélie , Jaquet Oceane , Bahri Mohamed Ali , Plenevaux Alain , Boly Melanie , Boveroux Pierre , Soddu Andrea , Brichant Jean François , Maquet Pierre , Laureys Steven
Published: August 2016

Background

Consciousness-altering anesthetic agents disturb connectivity between brain regions composing the resting-state consciousness networks (RSNs). The default mode network (DMn), executive control network, salience network (SALn), auditory network, sensorimotor network (SMn), and visual network sustain mentation. Ketamine modifies consciousness differently from other agents, producing psychedelic dreaming and no apparent interaction with the environment. The authors used functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore ketamine-induced changes in RSNs connectivity.

Methods

Fourteen healthy volunteers received stepwise intravenous infusions of ketamine up to loss of responsiveness. Because of agitation, data from six subjects were excluded from analysis. RSNs connectivity was compared between absence of ketamine (wake state [W1]), light ketamine sedation, and ketamine-induced unresponsiveness (deep sedation [S2]).

Results

Increasing the depth of ketamine sedation from W1 to S2 altered DMn and SALn connectivity and suppressed the anticorrelated activity between DMn and other brain regions. During S2, DMn connectivity, particularly between the medial prefrontal cortex and the remaining network (effect size β [95% CI]: W1 = 0.20 [0.18 to 0.22]; S2 = 0.07 [0.04 to 0.09]), and DMn anticorrelated activity (e.g., right sensory cortex: W1 = −0.07 [−0.09 to −0.04]; S2 = 0.04 [0.01 to 0.06]) were broken down. SALn connectivity was nonuniformly suppressed (e.g., left parietal operculum: W1 = 0.08 [0.06 to 0.09]; S2 = 0.05 [0.02 to 0.07]). Executive control networks, auditory network, SMn, and visual network were minimally affected.

Conclusions

Ketamine induces specific changes in connectivity within and between RSNs. Breakdown of frontoparietal DMn connectivity and DMn anticorrelation and sensory and SMn connectivity preservation are common to ketamine and propofol-induced alterations of consciousness.
Using Theory Integration to Explore Complex Health Problems
Authors: Quinn Brenna L.
Published: August 2016

Although nursing leaders call for theory utilization in research, use remains low within the discipline. The purpose of this article is to explore the application of interdisciplinary integration of models and theories to nursing research. An example of theory integration for the purposes of guiding a study relevant to school nursing is described. A conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure based on the Neuman's systems model, a nursing theory, integrated with the social communication model of pain, a psychology model, was developed to guide the study to examine pain assessment for schoolchildren with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Role of κ Opioid Receptor in Brain Ischemia
Authors: Chen Chunhua , Xi Chunhua , Liang Xuan , Ma Jingyuan , Su Diansan , Abel Ted , Liu Renyu
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

Our previous studies indicated that highly selective κ opioid receptor agonists could protect the brain, indicating an important role of κ opioid receptor agonist in brain ischemia. In this study, we investigated the role and related mechanisms of κ opioid receptor agonists in brain ischemia in a middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse model.

Design:

Animal model.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Subjects:

The middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established by 120 minutes of ischemia followed by 24-hour reperfusion in male adult mice.

Interventions:

Various doses of salvinorin A, a highly selective and potent κ opioid receptor agonist, were administered intranasally 10 minutes after initiation of reperfusion. Norbinaltorphimine (2.5 mg/kg, IP) as a κ opioid receptor antagonist was administered in one group before administration of salvinorin A (50μg/kg) to investigate the specific role of κ opioid receptor.

Measurements and Main Results:

Infarct volume, κ opioid receptor expression, and Evans blue extravasation in the brain, and neurobehavioral outcome were determined. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were performed to detect the activated caspase-3, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels to investigate the role of apoptosis and inflammation. κ opioid receptor expression was elevated significantly in the ischemic penumbral area compared with that in the nonischemic area. Salvinorin A reduced infarct volume and improved neurologic deficits dose-dependently. Salvinorin A at the dose of 50 μg/kg reduced Evans blue extravasation, suggesting reduced impairment of the blood-brain barrier and decreased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the penumbral areas. All these changes were blocked or alleviated by norbinaltorphimine.

Conclusions:

κ opioid receptors were up-regulated and played a critical role in brain ischemia and reperfusion. κ opioid receptor activation could potentially protect the brain and improve neurologic outcome via blood-brain barrier protection, apoptosis reduction, and inflammation inhibition.
Coronary Artery Disease Patient Perspectives on Exercise Participation
Authors: Campkin Lisa M. , Boyd Jamie M. , Campbell David J. T.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

Participation in exercise programs postmyocardial infarction is highly protective against future events and mortality. Unfortunately, uptake and maintenance of exercise participation has been documented as being low. This is thought to be due to a myriad of barriers. Qualitative research is a powerful tool to explain behaviors. We sought to summarize existing qualitative literature exploring patient perspectives of participation in exercise after a cardiac event.

Methods:

We updated and built upon a previous systematic review and meta-synthesis by identifying qualitative literature that was not previously captured. We used grounded formal theory to synthesize the qualitative findings in the selected literature. This process led to the development of a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding the determinants of exercise participation.

Results:

We found that external, internal, and cultural factors work together as umbrella themes to influence exercise initiation and continued participation in patients who have experienced a cardiac event. Internal factors expand into physical, cognitive, and emotional domains, which include fear, motivation, and mood. External factors include the domains of pragmatic and social considerations such as safety, accessibility, and social support networks. Cognitive and social domains were the most frequently cited factors influencing participation in exercise programs.

Conclusions:

The framework we outline allows for a more complete understanding of the factors that influence the exercise behaviors of patients with coronary artery disease. Cardiac rehabilitation programs should consider the key factors and capitalize on this knowledge, making these facilitators rather than barriers to exercise participation.
Rebuilding Life: Investigating the Long-Term Homecare Needs of Clients With Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Chang Mei-Ying , Chen Hsiao-Yu , Cheng Mei-Li , Liu Hsin-Yin
Published: August 2016

Background:

Clients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) must learn to manage their disabilities and may never be able to resume their previous lifestyle. Therefore, receiving relevant information and support from care practitioners and institutions is essential for clients with long-term SCI.

Purpose:

This study investigated the long-term homecare needs of clients with SCIs.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from March to May 2013. Four SCI associations were selected using purposive sampling, and four focus group interviews were conducted in Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan. Each focus group was composed of 7–12 participants. In-depth interviews (1.5–2.5 hours) were conducted. A content analysis method was adopted for data analysis.

Results:

Thirty-eight participants took part in the study. The long-term care needs of clients with SCI require the following dynamic processes for rebuilding their lives: physical care and complication prevention, life planning, social support, discovery of the value of existence, and sexual satisfaction.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

The results reveal the long-term care needs of clients with SCI. Nurses are expected to provide client-centered care, emphasize prevention rather than treatment of complications, initiate life planning at the early stages of a client’s rehabilitation, enhance a client’s social support, encourage a client’s search for companionship and search for the value of existence and a life purpose, and be attentive to the sexual concerns of people with physical disabilities.
Critical Heart Failure and Shock
Authors: Bronicki Ronald A. , Taylor Mary , Baden Harris
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

The objectives of this review are to discuss the clinical assessment, pathophysiology, and management of shock, with an emphasis on circulatory physiology, cardiopulmonary interactions, and pharmacologic strategies to optimize systemic oxygen delivery. These principles will then be applied to the clinical syndromes of heart failure and cardiogenic shock that are seen in children.

Data Source:

MEDLINE, PubMed.

Conclusion:

An understanding of essential circulatory physiology and the pathophysiology of shock are necessary for managing patients at risk for or in a state of shock. A timely and accurate assessment of cardiac function, cardiac output, and tissue oxygenation and the means by which to enhance the relationship between oxygen delivery and consumption are essential in order to optimize outcomes.
Bleeding and Thrombosis in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care
Authors: Giglia Therese M. , Witmer Char
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

The objective of this article is to review the particular tendencies as well as specific concerns of bleeding and clotting in children with critical cardiac disease.

Data Source:

MEDLINE and PubMed.

Conclusion:

Children with critical heart disease are at particular risk for bleeding and clotting secondary to intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. We hope that this review will aid the clinician in managing the unique challenges of bleeding and clotting in this patient population, and serve as a springboard for much needed research in this area.
From the Patient Perspective, Consent Forms Fall Short of Providing Information to Guide Decision Making
Authors: Manta Christine J. , Ortiz Jacqueline , Moulton Benjamin W. , Sonnad Seema S.
Published: August 2016

Objective

This study aimed to gather qualitative feedback on patient perceptions of informed consent forms and elicit recommendations to improve readability and utility for enhanced patient safety and engagement in shared decision making.

Methods

Sixty interviews in personal interviews were conducted consisting of a literacy and numeracy assessment, a comprehension quiz to assess retention of key information, and open-ended questions to determine reactions, clarity of information, and suggestions for improvement.

Results

Although 68% of the participants had education beyond high school, many still missed comprehension questions and found the forms difficult to read. Recurrent suggestions included specific formatting changes to enhance readability, a need for additional sources of information, mixed attitudes toward inclusion of risk information, and the recognized importance of physician-patient conversations.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence from the patient perspective that consent forms are too complex and fail to achieve comprehension. Future studies should be conducted using patients’ suggestions for form redesign and inclusion of supplemental educational tools to optimize communication and safety to achieve more informed health care decision making.
HIV and diarrhoea: what is new?
Authors: Logan Clare , Beadsworth Mike B.J. , Beeching Nick J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

The review examines the changing causes and the investigation of infectious and noninfectious diarrhoea in individuals with HIV.

Recent findings

Despite the excellent prognosis conferred by combination antiretroviral therapy, diarrhoea is still common in HIV-positive individuals and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. There is increasing interest in the importance of Th17 and Th22 T cells in the maintenance of mucosal immunity within the gut, and in the role of the gut microbiome in gut homeostasis. Bacterial causes of HIV-associated diarrhoea continue to be important in resource-poor settings. In other settings, sexually transmitted enteric infections such as lymphogranuloma venereum and shigellosis are increasingly reported in men who have sex with men. HIV increases the risk of such infections and the presence of antimicrobial resistance. Parasitic causes of diarrhoea are more common in individuals with uncontrolled HIV and low CD4 counts. Noninfectious causes of diarrhoea include all classes of antiretroviral therapy, which is under-recognised as a cause of poor treatment adherence. Pancreatic dysfunction is remediable and the diagnostic workup of HIV-related diarrhoea should include faecal elastase measurements. New antimotility agents such as crofelemer may be useful in managing secretory diarrhoea symptoms.

Clinicians looking after patients with HIV should ask about diarrhoeal symptoms, which are under-reported and may have a remediable infectious or noninfectious cause.
Words Are Not Enough
Authors: Rollins Pamela Rosenthal
Published: August 2016

This article elucidates the unfolding of 3 phases of cognitive development through which typical children move during the first 2 years of life to illuminate the interrelationships among early cognition, communicative intention, and word-learning strategies. The resulting theoretical framework makes clear the developmental prerequisites for social communication and sheds light on how some children with autism spectrum disorder can learn words and phrases but fail to develop true social language. This framework is then applied to a case example of a child called Henry, using data from 10-min videos of clinician–child interaction that were collected each week to evaluate the child's progress in social communication while working with his graduate-student clinician. Eye-tracking data also were collected as an indirect measure of eye contact. The data showed that Henry made progress in social engagement, reciprocal verbal interactions, and diversity of communicative intentions. In addition, eye-tracking data suggested an increase in eye contact commensurate with a typical age mate. Implications for social communication intervention are discussed.
Longitudinal network theory approaches identify crucial factors affecting sporulation efficiency in yeast
Authors: Sarkar Camellia , Gupta Saumya , Verma Rahul Kumar , Sinha Himanshu , Jalan Sarika
Published: August 2016

Integrating network theory approaches over longitudinal genome-wide gene expression data is a robust approach to understand the molecular underpinnings of a dynamic biological process. Here, we performed a network-based investigation of longitudinal gene expression changes during sporulation of a yeast strain, SK1. Using global network attributes, viz. clustering coefficient, degree distribution of a node, degree-degree mixing of the connected nodes and disassortativity, we observed dynamic changes in these parameters indicating a highly connected network with inter-module crosstalk. Analysis of local attributes, such as clustering coefficient, hierarchy, betweenness centrality and Granovetter’s weak ties showed that there was an inherent hierarchy under regulatory control that was determined by specific nodes. Biological annotation of these nodes indicated the role of specifically linked pairs of genes in meiosis. These genes act as crucial regulators of sporulation in the highly sporulating SK1 strain. An independent analysis of these network properties in a less efficient sporulating strain helped to understand the heterogeneity of network profiles. We show that comparison of network properties has the potential to identify candidate nodes contributing to the phenotypic diversity of developmental processes in natural populations. Therefore, studying these network parameters as described in this work for dynamic developmental processes, such as sporulation in yeast and eventually in disease progression in humans, can help in identifying candidate factors which are potential regulators of differences between normal and perturbed processes and can be causal targets for intervention.
The hidden treasure in your data: Phasing with unexpected weak anomalous scatterers from routine datasets
Authors: Hegde Raghurama P. , Almo Steven C. , Ramagopal Udupi A.
Published: August 2016

Single wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) utilizing anomalous signal from native sulfurs, or other atoms with Z≤20, generally requires highly redundant data collected with relatively long wavelength X-rays. Here we present experiences with two proteins, where anomalous signal from serendipitously acquired surface bound calcium atoms with data redundancy as low as 10 was utilized to drivede novostructure determination. In both the cases, the calcium atoms were acquired from the crystallization solution, and data collection strategy was not optimized for exploiting the anomalous signal from these scatterers. The X-ray data were collected at 0.98Å in one case and at 1.74Å in the other (wavelength optimized for sulfur but anomalous signal from Ca was exploited for structure solution). Similarly, using a test case, we show that the data collected at ~1.0Å wavelength, where the f" value for sulfur is 0.28e, is sufficient for structure determination using intrinsic sulfur atoms from a strongly diffracting crystal. Interestingly, it was also observed that SHELXD was capable of generating a substructure solution from high-exposure data with a completeness of 70% for low-resolution reflections extending to 3.5Å, with relatively low redundancy (i.e., 6.0 fold). Considering the fact that many crystallization conditions contain anomalous scatterers such as Cl, Ca, Mn etc., it appears that the data from well diffracting crystals should be processed, with anomalous pairs kept separate, so as to detect any fortuitous signal that might be present, which could prove useful in either solving the structurede novoor in accurately assigning surface bound atoms.