bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic behavior for the viscous Burgers equation with a stationary source
Authors: Chung Jaywan , Kwon Ohsang
Published: October 2016

Long-time asymptotic behavior for the viscous Burgers equation on the real line is considered. When there is a non-negative and compactly supported Radon measure as a stationary source, we prove that solutions of the viscous Burgers equation converge to a positive, bounded, and nondecreasing steady state by finding an almost optimal convergence order. The non-integrability of the steady state only allows local convergence on compact subsets, hence a Véron-type argument must be modified by adopting a proper weight function.
Electrical and optical properties of near UV transparent conductive ITO/Ga2O3 multilayer films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kim Jae-Kwan , Lee Ji-Myon
Published: October 2016

Ga2O3/ITO co-sputtering and alternating multilayer films were deposited on the Corning glass substrates by radio frequency magnetron technique at room temperature. We investigated the effects of the thickness and period of Ga2O3 interlayer on the microstructure. We also elucidated the electrical and the optical properties of Ga2O3/indium tin oxide (ITO) multilayer films and co-sputtered the Ga2O3/ITO mixed films (co-IGTO). One-period Ga2O3/ITO films, which exhibited the lowest sheet resistance of 58.6 Ω/sq and the highest transmittance of 80.94% at a wavelength of 380 nm, were deposited on the Corning glass. The sheet resistance of co-sputtered Ga2O3/ITO film was rapidly increased to 189.2 Ω/sq., while the Hall mobility of the same film was rapidly decreased to 12.53 cm2/(V s). Although the carrier concentration of the multilayer films was lower than that of the ITO single layer, the figure of merit of the Ga2O3/ITO one-period alternating multilayer films was higher than those of single ITO and co-IGTO films.
An appraisal of the Language Contact Profile as a tool to research local engagement in study abroad
Authors: Fernandez Julieta , Gates Tapia Anna M.
Published: October 2016

Assessing the type and quantity of out-of-class foreign language (L2) interaction that learners engage in is crucial in study abroad research. This assessment has commonly been performed with the Language Contact Profile (LCP). This article critically appraises the LCP as a measure for providing reliable data to correlate language interaction with language gains. Information about the L2 use of U.S. university students studying in Argentina was obtained using quantitative (LCP) and qualitative (interview, authentic interaction, and observation) measures. The results suggest that some LCP items were ambiguous and limited in their ability to capture fluctuations in students’ local engagement throughout the semester. The LCP also provided internally inconsistent participant reports of out-of-class L2 use. Notably, the results highlight the importance of considering discourse quality when comparing hours of interaction reported by different students, suggesting that numerical comparisons across participants cannot be interpreted to necessarily lead to comparable language gains.
Microstructure of intermetallic particle strengthened high-chromium fully ferritic steels
Authors: Lopez Barrilao J. , Kuhn B. , Wessel E. , Talík M.
Published: October 2016

An improvement of power plant efficiency necessitates an increase of the process parameters and thus enables a reduction of consumed primary resources. Furthermore more efficient, sustainable, flexible and cost-effective energy technologies are strongly needed. For this reason the current research concentrates on a new concept of high-chromium fully ferritic stainless steels which are strengthened by a combination of solid-solution and intermetallic Laves phase particles. Such steels exhibit favourable creep, thermomechanical fatigue and steam oxidation behaviour up to 650°C. Based on detailed analysis by high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy the particle size evolution and compositions were studied. Variations in chemical compositions were analysed experimentally and compared with thermodynamic equilibrium composition modelling results.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on the 9th International Charles Parsons Turbine and Generator Conference. All papers have been revised and extended before publication in Materials Science and Technology.
Analysis of flow behaviour of iron and steel using power law models
Authors: Gupta C. , Kumawat B.
Published: October 2016

The tensile flow behaviour of mechanically milled iron and a low-alloy steel are analysed using power law models that describe the evolution of stress–strain during a tensile test. A new analytical power law equation is presented that is shown to be superior to the Hollomon and Ludwigson equation to describe the room temperature flow properties of the low-alloy steel over a wide strain rate range. It not only provides a better fit to the homogenous flow curve of the low-alloy steel but also predicts the maximum strength without the prior knowledge of the uniform strain. The new equation also fitted the flow curves of mechanically milled iron with grain sizes in nano to micrometer range.
Contrasting Impacts of Dams on the Metacommunity Structure of Fish and Macroinvertebrate Assemblages
Authors: Hastings Ryan P. , Meiners Scott J. , Colombo Robert E. , Thomas Trent E.
Published: October 2016

Impoundments are common features of many rivers that often impact abiotic conditions and the organisms that inhabit impacted reaches. As dams alter both local environmental conditions and the ability of organisms to move throughout the habitat, it is difficult to know which factors are driving changes in assemblage composition. To separate these effects, we employed a metacommunity approach to evaluate drivers of assemblage composition in fish and macroinvertebrate communities across two impoundments slated for removal in Danville, Illinois. Based on movement ability, we would expect dams to represent barriers to fish populations, whereas macroinvertebrates, with their motile adult phases, should be easily able to move across impoundments. Therefore, we would expect the assemblage structure of these two groups to be driven by different processes. We sampled habitat quality (measures) and both fish and macroinvertebrate communities in a replicated series of sites across two low-head dams. As expected, the presence of dams resulted in reduced habitat quality as well as changes in fish and macroinvertebrate quality indices. However, fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages were driven by different metacommunity processes. Fish communities showed strong environmental filtering, responding to local environmental conditions, with no effect of distance between habitats. In marked contrast, macroinvertebrate communities were only related to physical distance between sites, with no indication of environmental filtering. These results suggest that when these dams are removed, fish assemblages should change with the removal of dam-generated habitats. In contrast, dam removal may not alter macroinvertebrate composition, as it did not vary with habitat but appears driven by local dispersal.

Received November 17, 2015; accepted July 17, 2016 Published online October 28, 2016
Age, Growth, and Mortality of a Trophy Channel Catfish Population in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Siddons Stephen F. , Pegg Mark A. , Hogberg Nick P. , Klein Geoff M.
Published: October 2016

The Red River of the North (Red River) is managed with a unique set of regulations aimed at conserving the age structure and size structure of a trophy Channel Catfish population. Although these regulations have been in place for >20 years, current population dynamics have not been evaluated postregulation. Our objectives were to (1) document dynamic rate functions (i.e., growth and mortality), age structure, and size structure of Channel Catfish in the lower Red River, and (2) compare current population dynamics with historical conditions in the lower Red River and other populations. We documented a maximum age of 27, and ages greater than 20 were common (7%). We estimated an annual mortality rate of 0.19, which was similar to mortality estimates for Channel Catfish in the Red River from the USA. Growth rates for individuals ages 3–10 were similar among our study, historical growth estimates, and upstream estimates. Conservative harvest regulations appear to be preserving the desired age structure and size structure of Channel Catfish in the lower Red River, and this study may provide insight into unique management possibilities for other systems.

Received March 11, 2016; accepted August 1, 2016 Published online October 28, 2016
Massive increase in the use of drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) by tropical tuna purse seine fisheries in the Atlantic and Indian oceans
Authors: Maufroy Alexandra , Kaplan David M. , Bez Nicolas , De Molina Alicia Delgado , Murua Hilario , Floch Laurent , Chassot Emmanuel
Published: October 2016

Since the mid-1990s, drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs), artificial floating objects designed to aggregate fish, have become an important mean by which purse seine fleets catch tropical tunas. Mass deployment of dFADs, as well as the massive use of GPS buoys to track dFADs and natural floating objects, has raised serious concerns for the state of tropical tuna stocks and ecosystem functioning. Here, we combine tracks from a large proportion of the French GPS buoys from the Indian and Atlantic oceans with data from observers aboard French and Spanish purse seiners and French logbook data to estimate the total number of dFADs and GPS buoys used within the main fishing grounds of these two oceans over the period 2007–2013. In the Atlantic Ocean, the total number of dFADs increased from 1175 dFADs active in January 2007 to 8575 dFADs in August 2013. In the Indian Ocean, this number increased from 2250 dFADs in October 2007 to 10 300 dFADs in September 2013. In both oceans, at least a fourfold increase in the number of dFADs was observed over the 7-year study period. Though the relative proportion of natural to artificial floating objects varied over space, with some areas such as the Mozambique Channel and areas adjacent to the mouths of the Niger and Congo rivers being characterized by a relatively high percentage of natural objects, in no region do dFADs represent <50% of the floating objects and the proportion of natural objects has dropped over time as dFAD deployments have increased. Globally, this increased dFAD use represents a major change to the pelagic ecosystem that needs to be closely followed in order to assess its impacts and avoid negative ecosystem consequences.
The Need to Protect Employees with Genetic Predisposition to Mental Illness? The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Case for Regulation
Authors: De Paor Aisling , O’mahony Charles
Published: October 2016

Ground-breaking genetic discoveries and technological advances have opened up a new era in genetic exploration, and technological advances have enabled geneticists to successfully uncover the genetic basis of a wide range of diseases. Although currently of limited predictive value, genetic testing promises to potentially revolutionise health care and medical treatment. Among other things, genetic testing technology may offer the prospect of being able to detect the onset of future disabilities, including mental illness. In light of advances in genetic science and technology, questions arise as to whether an appropriate framework exists to protect the interests of individuals and also to acknowledge competing commercial considerations for the use of genetic testing, particularly in the employment context. Against the backdrop of rapidly advancing genetic technologies, this article considers whether it is necessary to regulate genetic testing of employees for mental illness. This article examines the regulation of genetic testing in this area from the perspective of the social model of disability and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It makes recommendations for addressing the competing interests and argues for the need to regulate genetic testing for mental illnesses in employment, with individual rights at the forefront.
EndophyticBacillus cereusEffectively ControlsMeloidogyne incognitaon Tomato Plants Through Rapid Rhizosphere Occupation and Repellent Action
Authors: Hu Hai-Jing , Chen Ya-Li , Wang Yu-Fang , Tang Yun-Yun , Chen Shuang-Lin , Yan Shu-Zhen
Published: October 2016

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), which cause severe global agricultural losses, can establish a special niche in the root vascular cylinder of crops, making them difficult to control. Endophytic bacteria have great potential as biocontrol organisms against Meloidogyne incognita. Three endophytic bacteria were isolated from plant tissues and showed high nematicidal activity against M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) in vitro. The gyrB gene sequence amplification results indicated that the three isolates were Bacillus cereus BCM2, B. cereus SZ5, and B. altitudinis CCM7. The isolates colonized tomato roots rapidly and stably during the colonization dynamic experiment. Three pot experiments were designed to determine the potential of three endophytic bacterial isolates on control of root-knot nematodes. The results showed that the preinoculated B. cereus BCM2 experiment significantly reduced gall and egg mass indexes. The inhibition ratio of gall and egg mass was up to 81.2 and 75.6% on tomato roots and significantly enhanced shoot length and fresh weight. The other two experiments with inoculated endophytic bacteria and M. incognita at the same time or after morbidity had lower inhibition ratios compared with the preinoculated endophytic bacteria experiment. The confocal laser-scanning microscopy method was used to further study the possible mechanism of endophytic bacteria in the biocontrol process. The results showed the localization pattern of the endophytic bacteria B. cereus BCM2-(str′)-pBCgfp-1 in tomato root tissues. Root tissue colonized by endophytic bacteria repelled M. incognita J2 infection compared with the untreated control in a repellence experiment. We isolated an endophytic B. cereus strain that stably colonized tomato and controlled M. incognita effectively. This strain has potential for plant growth promotion, successful ecological niche occupation, and M. incognita J2 repellent action induction. It plays an important role in endophytic bacteria against root-knot nematodes.
Acute kidney injury in a patient with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Breunig Michael , Lalama Miguel , Rivard Gabrielle , Kashiwagi Deanne , Cornell Lynn
Published: October 2016

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is clinically difficult to distinguish from HUS and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Atypical HUS results from dysregulation of complement activation causing thrombotic microangiopathy affecting multiple organ systems. Atypical HUS is associated with high morbidity and mortality, making early recognition and appropriate therapy necessary to improve patient outcomes.
Sharpening the attack on non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Alexander Allison , Quincy Brenda
Published: October 2016

Advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has long been a diagnosis with few treatment options and poor outcomes. However, recent discoveries about the molecular biology of NSCLC are changing the way it is treated. Driver mutations that cause uncontrolled cancer cell proliferation have been discovered in some types of NSCLC. This has led to the discovery of therapies that can target a specific driver mutation in advanced NSCLC and halt cancer progression. This article reviews standard treatment of NSCLC and explores the targetable mutations of NSCLC, available targeted treatments, treatment obstacles, and the future of targeted therapy in NSCLC.
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 Regulates Phagosome Maturation and Is Required for Bacterial Clearance in Escherichia coli Sepsis
Authors: Zhang ZhanQin , Cui Ping , Zhang Kai , Chen QiXing , Fang XiangMing
Published: October 2016

Background

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel abundantly expressed in macrophages. Trpm2
−/− mice showed exacerbated infection and mortality during polymicrobial sepsis, which is associated with inefficient bacterial killing in macrophages. However, the mechanism of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 regulating bacterial killing remains unknown.

Methods

Trpm2
−/− mice were intraperitoneally injected with Escherichia coli. The survival rate (n = 21) and bacterial burden (n = 5) were assessed. The processes of phagosome maturation and phagosome–lysosome fusion in peritoneal macrophages were extensively studied. The impact of increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration on bacterial clearance in macrophages (n = 3) and on survival rate of Trpm2
−/− mice infected with E. coli (n = 21) was investigated.

Results

Trpm2
−/− mice exhibited increased mortality (85% vs. 54%; P < 0.01) and aggravated bacterial burden during E. coli sepsis. Trpm2
−/− peritoneal macrophages infected with E. coli showed dampened recruitment of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 and impaired phagosome maturation evidenced by a decrease in the accumulation of early endosome antigen 1, whereas a normal acquisition of Ras-related protein in brain 5. Increasing the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in Trpm2
−/− peritoneal macrophages via ionomycin treatment facilitated early endosome antigen 1 recruitment to Ras-related protein in brain 5 and phagosomal localization of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 and consequently enhanced bactericidal activity. Adoptive transfer of ionomycin-treated Trpm2
−/− peritoneal macrophages improved bacterial clearance and survival (67% vs. 29%; P < 0.01) in Trpm2
−/− mice challenged with E. coli.

Conclusions

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 plays a critical role in host defense against invading bacteria via promoting phagosome maturation through facilitation of early endosome antigen 1 recruitment.
COMPARISON OF THE RETINAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY BETWEEN LASER SPECKLE FLOWGRAPHY AND THE RETINAL FUNCTION IMAGER
Authors: Yuda Kentaro , Ishida Atsuyuki , Yuda Kenji
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To compare the retinal blood flow velocity using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and a retinal function imager (RFI) in healthy Japanese subjects.

Methods:

This study included a total of 15 eyes of 15 healthy Japanese subjects (mean age, 41.7 ± 17.0 years). The retinal blood flow velocities were separately measured in arteries and veins around the optic disc using LSFG and an RFI. Linear regression analyses were used to analyze possible correlations of retinal blood flow velocities between the devices.

Results:

The average blood flow velocities using LSFG as the mean blur rate were 18.6 ± 4.8 in arteries and 18.3 ± 5.5 in veins. The average blood flow velocities using the RFI were 3.4 ± 1.1 mm/second in arteries and 2.9 ± 0.9 mm/second in veins. Although retinal blood flow velocities in arteries and veins using LSFG were nearly the same, there were statistical differences in retinal blood flow velocities between arteries and veins using the RFI (P = 0.701 using LSFG, P = 0.041 using the RFI). Significant correlations were found between LSFG and the RFI in arteries and veins (all, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

There were strong positive correlations in retinal blood flow velocities between LSFG and the RFI in healthy subjects.
CHOROIDAL THICKNESS AND CHORIORETINAL ATROPHY IN MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION WITH ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY
Authors: Lee Ji Hwan , Lee Sung Chul , Kim Seo Hee , Koh Hyoung Jun , Kim Sung Soo , Byeon Suk Ho , Lee Christopher Seungkyu
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

This study investigated factors associated with chorioretinal atrophy (CRA) progression in myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Methods:

Fifty eyes of 50 treatment-naive patients with myopic CNV who underwent anti–vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy with at least 2 years of follow-up data were included. The cumulative occurrence of CRA progression was assessed using a Kaplan–Meier analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics including macular choroidal thickness in various areas were compared between patients with and without CRA progression.

Results:

The mean age was 52.34 years. A mean of 4.84 anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections were performed over the mean follow-up duration of 44.6 months. Eventually, 15 eyes (30%) developed CRA progression. The estimated occurrence of CRA progression was 10% at 1 year, 19.1% at 2 years, 23.6% at 3 and 4 years, and 35.4% at 5 years. Chorioretinal atrophy progression was associated with a subfoveal CNV location (P = 0.029) and thinner subfoveal choroid in relation to the inferior choroid at 3 mm (P = 0.008). Visual improvement was only significant in eyes without CRA progression at 1 year, 2 years, and at the final visit.

Conclusion:

Chorioretinal atrophy progression was associated with a poor long-term prognosis. Relative thinning of the subfoveal choroid about the inferior choroid and subfoveal CNV location may predispose eyes with myopic CNV to develop CRA progression after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.
CLINICAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AFTER INTRAVITREAL ZIV-AFLIBERCEPT FOR EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: de Oliveira Dias João Rafael , de Andrade Gabriel Costa , Kniggendorf Vinicius Ferreira , Novais Eduardo Amorim , Maia André , Meyer Carsten , Watanabe Sung Eun Song , Farah Michel Eid , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the 6-month safety and efficacy of ziv-aflibercept intravitreal injections for treating exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

Fifteen patients with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration were enrolled. The best-corrected visual acuity was measured and spectral domain optical coherence tomography was performed at baseline and monthly. Full-field electroretinography and multifocal electroretinography were obtained at baseline and 4, 13, and 26 weeks after the first injection. All patients received three monthly intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept (1.25 mg) followed by as-needed treatment.

Results:

Between baseline and 26 weeks, the mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity improved (P = 0.00408) from 0.93 ± 0.4 (20/200) to 0.82 ± 0.5 (20/160) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively; the central retinal thickness decreased significantly (P = 0.0007) from 490.3 ± 155.1 microns to 327.9 ± 101.5 microns; the mean total macular volume decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) from 9.51 ± 1.36 mm3 to 8.08 ± 1.34 mm3, and the a-wave implicit time increased, with no differences in the other full-field electroretinography parameters. The average multifocal electroretinography macular responses within the first central 15° showed significantly (P < 0.05) increased P1 amplitudes at 26 weeks. No systemic or ocular complications developed.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal ziv-aflibercept significantly improved the best-corrected visual acuity, multifocal electroretinography amplitudes, central retinal thickness, and total macular volume from baseline to 26 weeks. No retinal toxicity on full-field electroretinography or adverse events occurred during the follow-up period.
SD-OCT AND MICROPERIMETRIC CORRELATED CHANGES IN PROGRESSIVE X-LINKED RETINOSCHISIS AFTER VITRECTOMY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Sborgia Luigi , Recchimurzo Nicola , Niro Alfredo , Sborgia Giancarlo , Furino Claudio , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To report optical coherence tomography and microperimetric correlated changes in a case of bilateral foveal schisis in progressive X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) treated with vitrectomy, inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and air tamponade.

Methods:

One case report.

Results:

An 18-year-old boy with bilateral foveal schisis in progressive XLRS underwent vitrectomy, ILM peeling and air tamponade in both eyes. At baseline and follow-up (1 month in right eye, 6 months in left eye), visual acuity test, optical coherence tomography, retinal sensitivity map, and fixation stability study were performed. At the end of follow-up, in both eyes, the largest foveal schisis cavities resolved, central macular thickness and volume on optical coherence tomography decreased, and visual acuity improved. In right eye, the mean retinal sensitivity is worsened after 1 month from surgery and conversely central macular sensitivity improved; in left eye, retinal sensitivity improved overall after 6 months from surgery; fixation became more stable in both eyes. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion:

Retinal sensitivity and fixation behavior analysis could be a complementary tool respect in addition to visual acuity test and optical coherence tomography to investigate the efficacy of vitrectomy with ILM in progressive X-linked foveal schisis to prevent functional impairment before it happens.
Advances in growing rods treatment for early onset scoliosis
Authors: Bekmez Senol , Dede Ozgur , Yazici Muharrem
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

The goal of treatment in early onset scoliosis is to correct the deformity while allowing the thoracic growth for optimal cardiopulmonary functions. Growing rods treatment is a distraction-based, growth-friendly method that is commonly used in treatment of early onset scoliosis with its specific indications. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) method has been introduced to avoid morbidity of recurrent lengthening procedures. In this review, recent developments in traditional growing rods and MCGR are summarized.

Recent findings

As the experience with growing rods increased and favorable results were reported, its indications have expanded. Recent studies focused on patient outcomes and complications. Another area of interest is the effects of growing rods in the sagittal spinal alignment. Midterm results demonstrated that MCGR treatment is promising but not free of complications. In MCGR, there is no consensus on the frequency and amount of distraction per session. Rod contouring and behavior of the magnet under MRI are major issues.

Growing rods treatment successfully controls the deformity while preserving the growth of spine and thorax, despite high complication rates. Magnetically controlled systems are introduced to avoid repetitive surgical lengthening procedures. Although preliminary results are promising, there are still significant challenges and unknowns for MCGR.
Management of the spastic hip in cerebral palsy
Authors: Givon Uri
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Spastic hip dysplasia (SHD) is a common finding in patients with cerebral palsy, with a higher incidence in more involved patients, causing disability and reducing quality of life in these patients. SHD is the most serious orthopedic problem seen in cerebral palsy patients, and requires special attention and tenacious evaluation of the patients. The aim of this article is to review the new developments in the treatment of SHD.

Recent findings

Patients with cerebral palsy were shown to have better hip joint morphology when they had access to hip surveillance programmes, with proactive search of patients with progressing hip subluxation and early intervention. Prediction of progression of SHD is now available based on the experience of these programmes.

Patients who underwent hip joint reconstruction showed that incongruent joints remodeled following a Dega osteotomy. Patients who underwent a varus osteotomy of the femoral neck without pelvic reconstruction had a higher rate of recurrence when they were older and the SHD was more severe. Health-related quality of life measures improved following hip joint reconstructions and salvage procedures.

Conclusion

Patients with cerebral palsy should be monitored with a well-defined hip surveillance programme, with early identification and timely intervention for SHD.
Optimizing medication adherence in children with cancer
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Bhatia Smita
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Outcomes for children with cancer have improved dramatically. Although the contribution of disease biology and therapy resistance to treatment failure continues to be a focus of intense research efforts, the role of medication nonadherence on the part of caregivers or patients has been relatively neglected. Efforts to further improve childhood cancer cure rates must include a focus on improving medication adherence.

Recent findings

Recent studies in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have conclusively demonstrated that nonadherence to oral antimetabolite therapy is associated with a significant increase in relapse risk. The impact of nonadherence to other oral medications in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and in other childhood cancers remains unknown. Tools by which clinicians can accurately identify nonadherent families are currently being developed but remain suboptimal. Similarly, while current efforts to develop interventions aimed at increasing adherence rates are underway, their feasibility and effectiveness is still unknown.

Future studies must focus on the development and widespread implementation of methods by which to identify and minimize nonadherence. Doing so will allow for further improve childhood cancer cure outcomes.
HIV-Related Sexual Risk Among Transgender Men Who Are Gay, Bisexual, or Have Sex With Men
Authors: Scheim Ayden I. , Bauer Greta R. , Travers Robb
Published: October 2016

Background:

This study is among the first to examine factors associated with HIV-related sexual risk among transgender men and other transmasculine persons who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with men (T-GBMSM).

Methods:

In 2009–2010, 433 transgender people in Ontario, Canada, participated in a multimode respondent-driven sampling survey, including 158 T-GBMSM. Analyses were weighted using respondent-driven sampling II methods to adjust for differential recruitment probabilities; confidence intervals (CI) were adjusted for clustering by shared recruiter. Prevalence ratios (PR) for associations with past-year high sexual risk (condomless intercourse outside a seroconcordant monogamous relationship) were estimated using average marginal predictions from logistic regression.

Results:

Of T-GBMSM (mean age = 29.8; 52% living full time in felt gender; 25% Aboriginal or persons of color; 0% self-reported HIV positive), 10% had high sexual risk activity in the past year. Among the 34% with a past-year cisgender (non-transgender) male sex partner, 29% had high sexual risk. In multivariable analyses, older age, childhood sexual abuse (adjusted PR, APR = 14.03, 95% CI: 2.32 to 84.70), living full time in one's felt gender (APR = 5.20, 95% CI: 1.11 to 24.33), and being primarily or exclusively attracted to men (APR = 5.54, 95% CI: 2.27 to 13.54) were each associated with sexual risk. Of psychosocial factors examined, past-year stimulant use (APR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.31 to 12.30) and moderate depressive symptoms (APR = 5.77, 95% CI: 1.14 to 29.25) were associated with higher sexual risk.

Conclusions:

T-GBMSM seem to share some HIV acquisition risk factors with their cisgender counterparts. HIV prevention interventions targeting T-GBMSM who are predominantly attracted to men and interventions addressing sequelae of childhood sexual abuse may be warranted.
Hemeoxygenase-1 as a Novel Driver in Ritonavir-Induced Insulin Resistance in HIV-1–Infected Patients
Authors: Taylor Ninon , Kremser Iris , Auer Simon , Hoermann Gregor , Greil Richard , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Esterbauer Harald , Kenner Lukas , Oberkofler Hannes
Published: October 2016

Background:

Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) has recently been identified as a major driver of metaflammation and obesity-related insulin resistance (IR). Drug-induced IR increases cardiovascular risk within the HIV-1–infected population receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We therefore investigated a possible role of HO-1 in ART-induced IR.

Methods:

Effects of HIV-1 protease inhibitor ritonavir and integrase inhibitor raltegravir (RAL) on expression levels of HO-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), were studied in monocyte and hepatocyte cell lines. Plasma levels of HO-1 and inflammatory markers were measured in insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive HIV-1–infected patients under ART and seronegative controls.

Results:

We show that, in contrast to RAL, ritonavir treatment significantly increases mRNA expression levels of HO-1, IL-8, TNFα, CCL5, and MCP-1 in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. HO-1 plasma levels were significantly higher in insulin-resistant compared to insulin-sensitive patients on ritonavir-boosted ART (lopinavir/ritonavir group: 3.90 ± 1.15 vs 2.56 ± 1.07 ng/mL, P < 0.005 and darunavir/ritonavir group: 3.16 ± 1.37 vs 2.28 ± 1.23 U/mL, P < 0.05) and were correlated with expression levels of TNFα in individuals on ritonavir-boosted ART (lopinavir/ritonavir group: r2 = 0.108, P < 0.05 and darunavir/ritonavir group: r2 = 0.221, P < 0.05) but not in HIV-1–infected individuals receiving RAL or in seronegative controls.

Implications:

HIV-1–infected patients on stable ART are often faced with non–AIDS-related metabolic comorbidities, increasing their individual cardiovascular risk. Here, we provide insight into a novel mechanism of ritonavir-induced IR involving proinflammatory properties of HO-1. Our initial observations might also provide prognostic value in the future to identify patients at risk for the development type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Mai Nguyen T.H. , Thwaites Guy E.
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Tuberculous meningitis is a devastating infection that is hard to diagnose and treat. We have reviewed tuberculous meningitis original research published within the past 18 months, selecting studies which we consider have most advanced knowledge.

Recent findings

We review advances in diagnostic methods, anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, and the common complications of tuberculous meningitis. New commercial molecular diagnostic tests, such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF, have an important role in tuberculous meningitis diagnosis, but as with all other available tests, they lack sensitivity and cannot rule out the disease. Recent trials and pharmacokinetic studies have advanced understanding of the best anti-tuberculosis drug regimens for tuberculous meningitis, although optimal doses and duration remain uncertain, especially for young children. Good outcomes depend upon the careful management of the common complications (brain infarcts, tuberculomas, hydrocephalus and hyponatraemia) and controlling intracranial pressure. New tools, such as point-of-care ultrasound, may assist in the management, especially in the assessment of intravascular volume and raised intracranial pressure.

Disability-free survival from tuberculous meningitis depends upon rapid diagnosis, starting anti-tuberculosis drugs before the onset of coma and managing complications. Progress is slow and threatened by emerging drug-resistant bacteria, but new drugs and diagnostic technologies offer hope to future patients.
A Review on the Reversal of the Old and New Anticoagulants
Authors: Bailey Abby Mynatt , Blackburn Matthew C. , Crowley John M. , Horn Kari S. , Schultz Amy E. , Justice Stephanie Baker
Published: October 2016

It is not uncommon for providers in the emergency department to take care of patients who are taking anticoagulant therapy in the outpatient setting. However, the bigger challenge is caring for these patients when they present with bleeding that could be secondary to 1 or more of these medications. In recent years, this class of medications has expanded from warfarin to include direct thrombin inhibitors and Factor Xa inhibitors. As this class of medications has evolved, so has the approach to the reversal of these agents. Thus, it is imperative that providers in the emergency department be familiar not only with the anticoagulants that patients may be taking in the outpatient setting but also with their reversal agents.
Self assembly of HIV-1 Gag protein on lipid membranes generates PI(4,5)P2/Cholesterol nanoclusters
Authors: Yandrapalli Naresh , Lubart Quentin , Tanwar Hanumant S. , Picart Catherine , Mak Johnson , Muriaux Delphine , Favard Cyril
Published: October 2016

The self-assembly of HIV-1 Gag polyprotein at the inner leaflet of the cell host plasma membrane is the key orchestrator of virus assembly. The binding between Gag and the plasma membrane is mediated by specific interaction of the Gag matrix domain and the PI(4,5)P2lipid (PIP2). It is unknown whether this interaction could lead to local reorganization of the plasma membrane lipids. In this study, using model membranes, we examined the ability of Gag to segregate specific lipids upon self-assembly. We show for the first time that Gag self-assembly is responsible for the formation of PIP2lipid nanoclusters, enriched in cholesterol but not in sphingomyelin. We also show that Gag mainly partition into liquid-disordered domains of these lipid membranes. Our work strongly suggests that, instead of targeting pre-existing plasma membrane lipid domains, Gag is more prone to generate PIP2/Cholesterol lipid nanodomains at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane during early events of virus assembly.
Recombination Suppression is Unlikely to Contribute to Speciation in SympatricHeliconiusButterflies
Authors: Davey John W. , Barker Sarah L. , Rastas Pasi M. , Pinharanda Ana , Martin Simon H. , Durbin Richard , Merrill Richard M. , Jiggins Chris D.
Published: October 2016

Mechanisms that suppress recombination are known to help maintain species barriers by preventing the breakup of co-adapted gene combinations. The sympatric butterfly speciesH. melpomeneandH. cydnoare separated by many strong barriers, but the species still hybridise infrequently in the wild, with around 40% of the genome influenced by introgression. We tested the hypothesis that genetic barriers between the species are reinforced by inversions or other mechanisms to reduce between-species recombination rate. We constructed fine-scale recombination maps for Panamanian populations of both species and hybrids to directly measure recombination rate between these species, and generated long sequence reads to detect inversions. We find no evidence for a systematic reduction in recombination rates in F1 hybrids, and also no evidence for inversions longer than 50 kb that might be involved in generating or maintaining species barriers. This suggests that mechanisms leading to global or local reduction in recombination do not play a significant role in the maintenance of species barriers betweenH. melpomeneandH. cydno.

Author Summary

It is now possible to study the process of species formation by sequencing the genomes of multiple closely related species.Heliconius melpomeneandHeliconius cydnoare two butterfly species that have diverged over the past 2 million years and have different colour patterns, mate preferences and host plants. However, they still hybridise infrequently in the wild and exchange large parts of their genomes. Typically, when genomes are exchanged, chromosomes are recombined and gene combinations are broken up, preventing species from forming. Theory predicts that gene variants that define species might be linked together because of structural differences in their genomes, such as inverted pieces of chromosomes that will not be broken up when the species hybridise. However, in this paper, we use deep sequencing of large crosses of butterflies to show that there are no long chromosome regions that are not broken up during hybridisation, and no long chromosome inversions anywhere between the two genomes. This suggests that hybridisation is rare enough and mate preference is strong enough that inversions are not necessary to maintain the species barrier.
N′-[Bis(benzylsulfanyl)methylidene]benzohydrazide. Corrigendum
Authors: Tayamon Shahedeh , Ravoof Thahira Begum S. A. , Tahir Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed , Crouse Karen A. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: October 2016

In the paper by Tayamon et al. [Acta Cryst. (2012), E68, o1640–o1641], the chemical name in the title is incorrect.
Crystal structures of four co-crystals of (E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene with 4-alkoxybenzoic acids: 4-methoxybenzoic acid–(E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (2/1), 4-ethoxybenzoic acid–(E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (2/1), 4-n-propoxybenzoic acid–(E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (2/1) and 4-n-butoxybenzoic acid–(E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (2/1)
Authors: Tabuchi Yohei , Gotoh Kazuma , Ishida Hiroyuki
Published: October 2016

The crystal structures of four hydrogen-bonded co-crystals of 4-alkoxybenzoic acid–(E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (2/1), namely, 2C8H8O3·C12H10N2, (I), 2C9H10O3·C12H10N2, (II), 2C10H12O3·C12H10N2, (III) and 2C11H14O3·C12H10N2, (IV), have been determined at 93 K. In compounds (I) and (IV), the asymmetric units are each composed of one 4-alkoxybenzoic acid molecule and one half-molecule of (E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene, which lies on an inversion centre. The asymmetric unit of (II) consists of two crystallographically independent 4-ethoxybenzoic acid molecules and one 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene molecule. Compound (III) crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric space group (Pc) and the asymmetric unit comprises four 4-n-propoxybenzoic acid molecules and two (E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethane molecules. In each crystal, the acid and base components are linked by O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a linear hydrogen-bonded 2:1 unit of the acid and the base. In (I), (II) and (III), intermolecular C—H...O interactions are observed. The 2:1 units of (I) and (II) are linked via C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming tape structures. In (III), the C—H...O hydrogen bonds, except for those formed in the units, link the two crystallographically independent 2:1 units. In (IV), no C—H...O interactions are observed, but π–π and C—H...π interactions link the units into a column structure.
Structure of the cyanobactin oxidase ThcOx fromCyanothecesp. PCC 7425, the first structure to be solved at Diamond Light Source beamline I23 by means of S-SAD
Authors: Bent Andrew F. , Mann Greg , Houssen Wael E. , Mykhaylyk Vitaliy , Duman Ramona , Thomas Louise , Jaspars Marcel , Wagner Armin , Naismith James H.
Published: October 2016

Determination of protein crystal structures requires that the phases are derived independently of the observed measurement of diffraction intensities. Many techniques have been developed to obtain phases, including heavy-atom substitution, molecular replacement and substitution during protein expression of the amino acid methionine with selenomethionine. Although the use of selenium-containing methionine has transformed the experimental determination of phases it is not always possible, either because the variant protein cannot be produced or does not crystallize. Phasing of structures by measuring the anomalous diffraction from S atoms could in theory be almost universal since almost all proteins contain methionine or cysteine. Indeed, many structures have been solved by the so-called native sulfur single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (S-SAD) phasing method. However, the anomalous effect is weak at the wavelengths where data are normally recorded (between 1 and 2 Å) and this limits the potential of this method to well diffracting crystals. Longer wavelengths increase the strength of the anomalous signal but at the cost of increasing air absorption and scatter, which degrade the precision of the anomalous measurement, consequently hindering phase determination. A new instrument, the long-wavelength beamline I23 at Diamond Light Source, was designed to work at significantly longer wavelengths compared with standard synchrotron beamlines in order to open up the native S-SAD method to projects of increasing complexity. Here, the first novel structure, that of the oxidase domain involved in the production of the natural product patellamide, solved on this beamline is reported using data collected to a resolution of 3.15 Å at a wavelength of 3.1 Å. The oxidase is an example of a protein that does not crystallize as the selenium variant and for which no suitable homology model for molecular replacement was available. Initial attempts collecting anomalous diffraction data for native sulfur phasing on a standard macromolecular crystallography beamline using a wavelength of 1.77 Å did not yield a structure. The new beamline thus has the potential to facilitate structure determination by native S-SAD phasing for what would previously have been regarded as very challenging cases with modestly diffracting crystals and low sulfur content.
6-tert-Butyl-4-[(4-hydroxymethyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)methyl]-2H-chromen-2-one
Authors: El-Khatatneh Nasseem , Chandra  , Shamala D. , Shivashankar K. , Mahendra M.
Published: October 2016

In the title compound, C17H19N3O3, the triazole ring and the chromene ring system [maximum deviation = 0.018 (2) Å for the O atom] bridged via a methylene C atom, are inclined to one another by 73.2 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming zigzag chains along [001]. The chains are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to (010), and these layers are linked by C—H...π and π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.557 (1) Å], forming a three-dimensional newwork. The hydroxymethyl group at the 4-position of the triazole ring is disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.418 (11):0.584 (11).
2-Oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl 4-tert-butylbenzoate
Authors: Kambo Konan René , Sosso Siaka , Djandé Abdoulaye , Kakou-Yao Rita , Tenon Abodou Jules
Published: October 2016

In the title coumarin derivative, C20H18O4, the benzene ring of the benzoate group is oriented at a dihedral angle of 57.55 (9)° with respect to the planar chromene ring system [maximum deviation from plane is 0.027 (2) Å]. In the crystal, inversion-related molecules are linked into dimers via C—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating R
2
2(12) loops. The dimers are linked by further C—H...O hydrogen bonds forming layers, parallel to the bc plane, which are linked via C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional framework