bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using re‐calibrated design S‐N curves for fatigue assessment of road bridges
Authors: D'Angelo Luca , Nussbaumer Alain
Published: April 2018

Fatigue design of road bridges according to Eurocode standards can be based on damage accumulation, provided that information about loading spectrum is available. Characteristic values of fatigue resistance and load effects as well as partial safety factors are introduced in the design equation in order to achieve a target reliability level. Partial safety factors are used to obtain the fatigue design S‐N curves from the characteristic S‐N curves. New probabilistic framework proposed by authors for calibration of fatigue partial safety factors allows for re‐definition of Eurocode‐based design S‐N curves. The new framework improves the confidence in the reliability level represented by the design S‐N curves. In this paper a real case study showing the impact of re‐calibration of design S‐N curves on fatigue design of a road bridge is presented. Importance of choice of design S‐N curves is assessed both in terms of allowable traffic volume and of bridge fatigue design life.
Current Perspectives in the Management of High‐Grade Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: SKINNER DONALD G.
Published: April 2018

Optimal management of high‐grade invasive bladder cancer requires aggressive therapy, usually radical cystectomy with preoperative radiation therapy. Recent prospective studies have demonstrated that five‐year survival rates for deeply invasive disease have improved to 45— 55% compared to a dismal less than 20% five‐year survival for patients treated by definitive radiation therapy alone, or historical series in which cystectomy was used as single modality therapy. The incidence of pelvic lymph node involvement ranges from 10% in patients with P1 and P1S disease to 50% in patients with P3 disease and implies the need to treat the pelvic nodes by lymphadenectomy or adequate preoperative radiation therapy whenever cystectomy is indicated. The improvements in surgical technique, pre‐, and postoperative management have resulted in operative mortality as low as 1% and early complication rates as low as 24% for patients treated by single‐stage radical cystectomy with pelvic node dissection and urinary diversion. Despite these advances, 50% or more of patients with high‐grade invasive bladder cancer die of distant metastases, usually within two years, implying the need to scrutinize adjuvant chemotherapy in carefull controlled prospective studies.
A physician‐initiated intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening in Chinese patients
Authors: Sun Angela , Tsoh Janice Y. , Tong Elisa K. , Cheng Joyce , Chow Edward A. , Stewart Susan L. , Nguyen Tung T.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Among Chinese American individuals, only approximately 42% of cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are diagnosed at an early stage, possibly because these patients are less likely than non‐Hispanic white individuals to undergo CRC screening.

METHODS

Primary care physicians (PCPs) were recruited from a local independent practice association serving Chinese Americans and randomized into early‐intervention and delayed‐intervention groups. PCPs in the early‐intervention group received continuing medical education (CME), and their patients received an intervention mailer, consisting of a letter with the PCP's recommendation, a bilingual educational booklet, and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit in year 1. PCPs in the delayed‐intervention group received no CME, and their patients received the mailers in year 2.

RESULTS

A total of 20 PCPs were assigned to the early‐intervention and 22 PCPs to the delayed‐intervention group. A total of 3120 patients of these participating PCPs who had undergone CRC screening that was due during the study period were included. A total of 915 mailers were sent in year 1 and 830 mailers were sent in year 2. FOBT screening rates increased from 26.7% at baseline to 58.5% in year 1 in the early‐intervention group versus 19.6% at baseline to 22.2% in year 1 in the delayed‐intervention group (P<.0001). The overall effect size of the mailer intervention with or without CME was estimated as a difference of 26.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 22.0‐31.2 percentage points) from baseline compared with usual care. The intervention was found to have no impact on rates of colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current pilot study demonstrated that a mailer including educational materials and FOBT kits can increase CRC screening rates with or without CME for the PCPs. Cancer 2018;124:1568‐75. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Disparities in the survivorship experience among Latina survivors of breast cancer
Authors: Olagunju Tinuke O. , Liu Yihang , Liang Li‐Jung , Stomber James M. , Griggs Jennifer J. , Ganz Patricia A. , Thind Amardeep , Maly Rose C.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The authors investigated disparities in the survivorship experience among Latinas with breast cancer (BC) in comparison with non‐Latinas.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional bilingual telephone survey was conducted among 212 Latina and non‐Latina women within 10 to 24 months after a diagnosis of BC (AJCC TNM staging system stage 0‐III) at 2 Los Angeles County public hospitals. Data were collected using the Preparing for Life as a (New) Survivor (PLANS) scale, Perceived Efficacy in Patient‐Physician Interactions Questionnaire (PEPPI), Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) Symptom Checklist, Satisfaction with Care and Information Scale, Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) tool, Charlson Comorbidity Index adapted for patient self‐report, and the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey. Controlling variables included age, stage as determined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system, educational level, and study site in multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The mean ages of Latinas and non‐Latinas were 51.5 years and 56.6 years, respectively. Compared with non‐Latinas, Latinas reported less BC survivorship knowledge (27.3 vs 30.7; P<.0001), were more dissatisfied with BC care information (2.3 vs 3.4; P<.0001), reported lower PEPPI scores (38.2 vs 42.2; P = .03), and experienced more BCPT symptoms (6.4 vs 5.0; P = .04). No differences were noted regarding their confidence in survivorship care preparedness (42.7 vs 41; P = .191), satisfaction with BC survivorship care (9.6 vs 8.8; P = .298), or their discussion with physicians (9.6 vs 8.1; P = .07). These ethnic group differences persisted in multivariate analyses, with the exception of PEPPI.

CONCLUSIONS

Latina survivors of BC experienced disparities in BC knowledge and satisfaction with information received, but believed themselves to be prepared for survivorship and were as satisfied with providers, care received, and discussions with physicians as non‐Latinas. Cancer 2018;124:2373‐80. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
NMR Structure Determination for Oligonucleotides
Authors: Spring‐Connell Alexander M. , Evich Marina , Germann Markus W.
Published: April 2018

NMR spectroscopy is a versatile tool for determining the structure and dynamics of nucleic acids under solution conditions. In this unit, we provide an overview and detail of the experiments and methods used in our laboratory to determine the structure of oligonucleotides at natural abundance, thus limiting our approach to 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR techniques. Isotopic labeling is heavily used in RNA NMR studies, however, labeling of DNA is still less common and, if modified nucleotides are investigated, is exceptionally expensive or not feasible. Each method described here is extensively documented and annotated with tips and observations to facilitate their application. Sections are devoted to sample preparation, NMR experiments and setup, resonance assignment, structure generation protocols, evaluation, tips that may be useful, and software sources. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Absolute Quantitation of Plant Proteins
Authors: Ahsan Nagib , Wilson Rashaun S. , Thelen Jay J.
Published: April 2018

Among targeted proteomic techniques, AQUA‐MRM is considered as one of the most reliable for accurate protein quantitation. This method displays high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility compared to many common biochemical techniques by coupling the use of unique, heavy‐labeled peptide standards and triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry. However, there are several important steps that are required for successful development and validation of a robust AQUA‐MRM assay. The following protocol outlines and details the key steps necessary for plant sample preparation as well as AQUA‐MRM development and validation, specifically for absolute quantitation of plant proteins in vivo. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Enzyme Assays for JmjC‐Domain‐Containing Lysine Histone Demethylases (JmjC‐KDMs)
Authors: Tarhonskaya Hanna , Tumber Anthony , Kawamura Akane , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: April 2018

Histone modifications, including lysine methylation marks on histone tails, modulate the accessibility of genes for transcription. Changes in histone tail methylation patterns can cause transcriptional activation or repression. The dynamic regulation of lysine methylation patterns is enabled by two distinct groups of enzymes: histone methyltransferases (KMTs) and demethylases (KDMs). The Jumonji C (JmjC) domain–containing lysine histone demethylases (JmjC‐KDMs) alter the methylation levels of histone tails by removing tri‐, di‐, or mono‐methylation marks. Because JmjC‐KDMs activities are dysfunctional in cancer and other clinical conditions, they are targets for drug discovery. Efforts are underway to develop high‐throughput assays capable of identifying selective, small‐molecule inhibitors of KDMs. Detailed in this unit are protocols for mass spectrometry–based and formaldehyde dehydrogenase–coupled enzyme‐based assays that can be used to identify inhibitors of JmjC‐KDMs. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fuzzy logic–based jamming detection algorithm for cluster‐based wireless sensor network
Authors: Vijayakumar K. P. , Ganeshkumar P. , Anandaraj M. , Selvaraj K. , Sivakumar P.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a fuzzy logic–based jamming detection algorithm (FLJDA) is proposed to detect the presence of jamming in downstream data communication for cluster‐based wireless sensor networks. The proposed FLJDA keeps an eye on the existing nodes and new node to determine their behavior by applying fuzzy logic on measured jamming detection metrics. To monitor the behavior of the nodes, the FLJDA computes the jamming detection metrics, namely, packet delivery ratio and received signal strength indicator. The major features of this paper are the following: (1) The jamming detection algorithm is specifically implemented for downstream data communication, (2) cluster head estimates jamming detection metrics for detecting the jamming unlike the existing algorithms where individual nodes explicitly collect the jamming detection metrics, and (3) the proposed algorithm optimizes the jamming detection metrics on the basis of fuzzy logic unlike the existing approaches, which uses merely jamming detection threshold alone for jamming detection. The simulation results of the proposed system provide the true detection ratio as high as 99.89%.
A model for virtual network embedding using Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Pathak Isha , Tripathi Atul , Vidyarthi Deo Prakash
Published: April 2018

In a network virtualization environment, a significant research problem is that of virtual network embedding. As the network virtualization system is distributed in nature, an effective solution on how to optimally embed a dynamically generated virtual network request on the substrate networks that are owned and managed by multiple infrastructure providers needs proper attention. The problem is computationally hard, and therefore, many approaches, implying heuristics/meta‐heuristics, have been applied for the same. A meta‐heuristic, Artificial Bee Colony algorithm is getting popular due to its robustness toward complex problem solving. A novel approach based on Artificial Bee Colony to address the dynamic virtual network embedding problem in a multiple infrastructure provider scenario is proposed in this work. Bee population is initialized by using a greedy heuristic in which the number of substrate networks together with virtual network requests constructs a bee. Generated solution, in the population, is improvised by using greedy selection that explores a local search method adopted by the bees. In greedy selection, the new candidate source is memorized by the bee if its fitness is better than the fitness of the existing source. The performance study of the proposed model is done by simulation over various metrics such as embedding cost, embedding time, and acceptance ratio. A comparative study is conducted with other nature‐inspired virtual network embedding algorithms on these metrics. The findings affirm that the proposed virtual network embedding approach performs well and produces better results.
Disability resources in higher education, part 3: Disability and diversity
Authors: Thompson Tom L.
Published: April 2018

Campus administrators have recognized the importance and value of attracting and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, college officials have developed numerous academic and cocurricular programs and supports that foster greater engagement and persistence. These programs include bridge programs for new students; academic supports such as tutoring; and diversity centers where many subgroups can gather, socialize, and plan events.
Potent Analogues of Abscisic Acid – Identifying Cyano‐Cyclopropyl Moieties as Promising Replacements for the Cyclohexenone Headgroup
Authors: Frackenpohl Jens , Bojack Guido , Baltz Rachel , Bickers Udo , Busch Marco , Dittgen Jan , Franke Jana , Freigang Jörg , Grill Erwin , Gonzalez Susana , Helmke Hendrik , Hills Martin J. , Hohmann Sabine , von Koskull‐Döring Pascal , Kleemann Jochen , Lange Gudrun , Lehr Stefan , Schmutzler Dirk , Schulz Arno , Walther Kerstin , Willms Lothar , Wunschel Christian
Published: April 2018

Synthetic analogues of plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) bearing a yet unexplored head group motif were prepared based on a combination of agrochemical experience, in vivo hits and structure‐based design. It could thus be explored how modifying key parts of ABA's cyclohexenone unit influenced receptor affinity and in vivo efficacy against drought stress in selected crops. Cyano‐cyclopropyl groups proved to be suitable replacements of the cyclohexanone moiety leading to ABA analogues with strong activity in vitro and in vivo. Their efficient and versatile synthesis proceeded via Stille or Sonogashira couplings as the key steps. Combining novel cyano‐cyclopropyl headgroups with previously identified substituents in the terpenoid side chain afforded the most promising effects against drought stress in crops, particularly canola and wheat.
Divergent Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Nitropyrazoles with Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Ha Hyeri , Shin Changhoon , Bae Seri , Joo Jung Min
Published: April 2018

Facile homo‐coupling of terminal alkynes, which generates conjugated diynes, is an undesired pathway in the development of transition‐metal‐catalyzed oxidative C–H functionalization of (hetero)arenes with terminal alkynes. By incorporating this process into a catalytic cycle, we achieved regio‐ and stereoselective hydroarylation of nitropyrazoles with the resulting 1,3‐diynes. A simple change in the stoichiometry and oxidant allowed direct C–H alkynylation of nitropyrazoles, producing the corresponding alkynyl pyrazoles.
Effectively reach transfer‐student market with mobile strategy, transparency
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2018

PHOENIX — More than half of higher education administrators anticipate an increase in the enrollment of transfer students at their institution, according to data from University Business. Is your institution prepared to differentiate itself in the transfer‐student marketplace and, more important, adequately handle transfer‐student credits when students arrive on your campus?
Observation, Intuition, and Reasoning
Authors: Smith Nick L.
Published: April 2018

Nick L. Smith reflects on some of his observations, reasonings, and intuitions that are not just elements that shaped his development as a person and an evaluator “but are also the constituent elements of each person's development of what they value and how those values shape their understandings and actions.”
The Evaluator, the Arts, and Functional Skepticism
Authors: Jenkins David
Published: April 2018

David Jenkins traces his education as an escape from the coalfields of Wales and his mother's religion toward a haphazard career in evaluation based on literary approaches to curriculum criticism and celebrating the exercise of judgment in the teeth of uncertainty. See the interview document here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/ev.20294/suppinfo. Read only. This should not be used in any form without explicit permission from the author.
Blending Rationality and Intuition
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jody
Published: April 2018

Jody Fitzpatrick gives examples of her father's influence on her learning to be rational and her mother's examples of emotion and intuition. Jody has found ways to include both values in her personal life, with greater emphasis on the rational search for evidence in her professional work both as a professor and as an evaluator. See the interview document here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/ev.20296/suppinfo. Read only. This should not be used in any form without explicit permission from the author.
The Dialog Between Internal and External Evaluation
Authors: Nevo David
Published: April 2018

David Nevo relates how his father and rabbi taught him by their examples the importance of appropriate external evaluations to help others learn to make responsible internal/self‐evaluations. He notes how the tension between internal and external evaluation has continued to influence his approach to educational evaluation and how he continues to seek ways to combine them appropriately. See the interview document here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/ev.20306/suppinfo. Read only. This should not be used in any form without explicit permission from the author.
Time‐Varying Rates Enable Consumer Behavioral Changes in Electrical Usage
Authors: Durand Patty
Published: April 2018

It is common knowledge among industry stakeholders that flat‐rate electricity pricing is an inefficient way to charge customers for electricity. Because the flat‐rate pricing for electricity that most consumers are familiar with is a blended average of the actual cost of electricity, it obscures the variance in electricity costs. This approach causes inefficiency because customers have no incentive to shift their usage from peak to nonpeak times.
The Llandovery graptolite zonation of the Danangou section in Nanzheng, Shaanxi Province, central China, and comparisons with those of other regions
Authors: Shao Tiequan , Jia Chenhui , Liu Yunhuan , Fu Lipu , Zhang Yanan , Qin Jiachen , Jiang Kaituo , Tang Hanhua , Wang Qi , Hu Bo
Published: April 2018

The Llandovery (lower Silurian) Liangshan Danangou section of Nanzheng, southern Shaanxi Province, China, contains a complete Aeronian succession and abundant graptolites. One hundred and twenty‐five species of graptolite have been found in this section. Using high‐resolution methods, the Rhuddanian, Aeronian, and Telychian strata of this section have been divided into 3, 4, and 1 graptolite zones, respectively. In particular, there are 47 species of graptolite in the newly established Spirograptus andrewsi Zone (Aeronian) which has 2 subzones; a lower Monograptus enshiensis Subzone and upper Hubeigraptus sp. nov. Subzone. This zone is considered to be a substitute for the Stimulograptus halli Zone, which is widely used but has drawbacks. The paper has made detailed comparisons of the Danangou section graptolite zonation with the Hubei section and with typical zonations in Britain and the Czech Republic. As a result, the Danangou section is considered as a candidate for the stratotype of the Aeronian Stage because of the well‐defined base and top, and the abundant graptolite species.
Jurassic ca. 160 Ma crustal remelting and Paleoproterozoic intrusive rock residues in the Liaodong Peninsula, East China: Evidence from in situ zircon U–Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis
Authors: Gu Yu‐Chao , Chen Ren‐Yi , Li Dong‐Tao , Yang Jia‐Lin , Yang Feng‐Chao , Jia Hong‐Xiang , Dick Jeffrey , Hu Qing‐Hai , Ju Nan , Cao Jie
Published: April 2018

The Liaodong Peninsula is an important component of the eastern North China Craton which underwent a transition from an orogenic stage to extension and lithospheric thinning in the Mesozoic era. This transition resulted in large‐scale magmatism and gold mineralization. In this paper, we report findings on Paleoproterozoic intrusive rock residues in the Mesozoic Wulong pluton. To analyse the chronology, magma source, and petrogenetic relationships between the Mesozoic and Paleoproterozoic intrusives, we performed SHRIMP U–Pb isotopic dating and in situ micro‐area Lu–Hf isotopic analysis of zircons. The results show that the crystallization age of the large‐scale Mesozoic intrusive rock is 158 ± 2 Ma, which is in the Late Jurassic. The εHf(t) values of the zircons are between −29.3 and −22.1, and their tDM2 values are between 2,606 and 3,064 Ma, which indicates that the magma source of materials is the Archean supracrust. The zircons of the Paleoproterozoic intrusive rock residues have a typical core–mantle–rim texture. The cores of the zircons have an age range from 1,851 to 2,528 Ma, εHf(t) from −12.2 to +4.0, and tDM2 between 2,519 and 3,437 Ma, reflecting characteristics of multiple sources for the inherited zircons. The mantles of the zircons have an upper intercept age of 1,862 ± 13 Ma, εHf(t) values between −11.9 and −2.2, and tDM2 between 2,644 and 3,241 Ma representing the age of the source rocks. The new growth rims of the zircons have a concordia age of 157.1 ± 2.2 Ma, εHf(t) values from −30.8 to −26.1, and tDM2 between 2,852 and 3,150 Ma representing the metamorphic recrystallization age and characteristics of the upper crustal magma source. The findings of this work suggest that the Wulong pluton, which occupies a large area in the Liaodong Peninsula, recrystallized from Paleoproterozoic granites that were affected by Late Jurassic (ca. 160 Ma) crustal remelting. The incompletely remolten residues are the direct result of the delamination and remelting during the Mesozoic era of Palaeoproterozoic intrusive rocks in the northern margin of the eastern North China Craton.
The Purchased Patient Advocate
Authors: Elliott Carl
Published: April 2018

Thirty years ago, the only people drug companies thought worth buying were doctors and politicians. But the ground began to shift in the 1980s, when HIV/AIDS activists showed everyone how powerful patient advocates could be. It didn't hurt that many advocates were so strapped for money that they could be purchased at bargain prices. Today over 80 percent of patient advocacy groups accept money from the pharmaceutical industry, and the testimony of marginalized patients carries such cultural power that drug companies like Sprout Pharmaceuticals are willing to fake grassroots patient movements. Whether you see this change as a victory for patients or a cautionary tale of institutional corruption depends on how deeply committed you are to the idea that free markets represent our best hope for the future of medicine. Count Sharon Batt as one of the skeptics. Her superb new book, Health Advocacy, Inc.: How Pharmaceutical Funding Changed the Breast Cancer Movement, is a deep scholarly account of the way that pharmaceutical funding has warped the patient advocacy movement into a tool for medical capitalism. Taking the Canadian breast cancer movement as a case study, Batt uses extensive interviews, scholarly resources, and her personal history to explore the struggles faced by patient advocates as they decide whether industry funding is necessary to keep their organizations afloat.
Impact of oncogene panel results on surgical management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Valderrabano Pablo , Khazai Laila , Thompson Zachary J. , Leon Marino E. , Otto Kristen J. , Hallanger‐Johnson Julie E. , Wadsworth J. Trad , Chung Christine H. , Centeno Barbara A. , McIver Bryan
Published: April 2018

Background

The impact of oncogene panel results on the surgical management of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) is currently unknown.

Methods

Surgical management of 649 patients consecutively evaluated from October 2008 to April 2016 with a single nodule biopsied and indeterminate cytology (193 evaluated with and 456 without oncogene panels) was assessed and compared. Histological features of 629 consecutively resected ITNs (164 evaluated with and 465 without oncogene panels) were also characterized and compared.

Results

Oncogene panel evaluation was associated with higher rates of total thyroidectomy (45% vs 28%; P = .006), and central lymph node dissection (19% vs 12%; P = .03) without increasing the yield of malignancy or decreasing the rate of completion thyroidectomy. Most malignancies (64%), including 83% of those with driver mutation identified, were low‐risk cancers for which a lobectomy could have been sufficient initial treatment.

Conclusion

Current oncogene panel results seem insufficient to guide the surgical extent of solitary ITNs.
Decoupling the effects of deforestation and climate variability in the Tapajós river basin in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Arias Mauricio E. , Lee Eunjee , Farinosi Fabio , Pereira Fabio F. , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: April 2018

Tropical river basins are experiencing major hydrological alterations as a result of climate variability and deforestation. These drivers of flow changes are often difficult to isolate in large basins based on either observations or experiments; however, combining these methods with numerical models can help identify the contribution of climate and deforestation to hydrological alterations. This paper presents a study carried out in the Tapajόs River (Brazil), a 477,000 km2 basin in South‐eastern Amazonia, in which we analysed the role of annual land cover change on daily river flows. Analysis of observed spatial and temporal trends in rainfall, forest cover, and river flow metrics for 1976 to 2008 indicates a significant shortening of the wet season and reduction in river flows through most of the basin despite no significant trend in annual precipitation. Coincident with seasonal trends over the past 4 decades, over 35% of the original forest (140,000 out of 400,000 km2) was cleared. In order to determine the effects of land clearing and rainfall variability to trends in river flows, we conducted hindcast simulations with ED2 + R, a terrestrial biosphere model incorporating fine scale ecosystem heterogeneity arising from annual land‐use change and linked to a flow routing scheme. The simulations indicated basin‐wide increases in dry season flows caused by land cover transitions beginning in the early 1990s when forest cover dropped to 80% of its original extent. Simulations of historical potential vegetation in the absence of land cover transitions indicate that reduction in rainfall during the dry season (mean of −9 mm per month) would have had an opposite and larger magnitude effect than deforestation (maximum of +4 mm/month), leading to the overall net negative trend in river flows. In light of the expected increase in future climate variability and water infrastructure development in the Amazon and other tropical basins, this study presents an approach for analysing how multiple drivers of change are altering regional hydrology and water resources management.
The Current and Future State of Contingent Faculty
Authors: García Hugo A. , McNaughtan Jon , Nehls Kim
Published: April 2018

This chapter presents three themes that have emerged from the previous chapters and offers ideas on how to implement recommendations within IR offices.
Incremental update of electrostatic interactions in adaptively restrained particle simulations
Authors: Edorh Semeho Prince A. , Redon Stéphane
Published: April 2018

The computation of long‐range potentials is one of the demanding tasks in Molecular Dynamics. During the last decades, an inventive panoply of methods was developed to reduce the CPU time of this task. In this work, we propose a fast method dedicated to the computation of the electrostatic potential in adaptively restrained systems. We exploit the fact that, in such systems, only some particles are allowed to move at each timestep. We developed an incremental algorithm derived from a multigrid‐based alternative to traditional Fourier‐based methods. Our algorithm was implemented inside LAMMPS, a popular molecular dynamics simulation package. We evaluated the method on different systems. We showed that the new algorithm's computational complexity scales with the number of active particles in the simulated system, and is able to outperform the well‐established Particle Particle Particle Mesh (P3M) for adaptively restrained simulations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pressured HIV testing “in the name of love”: a mixed methods analysis of pressured HIV testing among men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Ong Jason J , Wu Dan , Huang Wenting , Fu Hongyun , Desmond Nicola , Ma Wei , Kang Dianmin , Liao Meizhen , Marley Gifty , Wei Chongyi , Tang Weiming , Liu Chuncheng , Zhang Ye , Pan Stephen W , Yang Bin , Yang Ligang , Huang Shujie , Tucker Joseph D
Published: April 2018

Introduction

HIV testing has rapidly expanded into diverse, decentralized settings. While increasing accessibility to HIV testing is beneficial, it may lead to unintended consequences such as being pressured to test. We examined the frequency, correlates and contexts of pressured HIV testing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) using mixed methods.

Methods

We conducted an online survey of MSM (N = 1044) in May 2017. Pressured HIV testing was defined as being forced to test for HIV. We conducted logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between pressured HIV testing and socio‐demographic and sexual behavioural factors. Follow‐up interviews (n = 17) were conducted with men who reported pressured testing and we analysed qualitative data using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Ninety‐six men (9.2%) reported experiencing pressure to test for HIV. Regular male sex partners were the most common source of pressure (61%, 59/96), and the most common form of pressure was a threat to end a relationship with the one who was being pressured (39%, 37/96). We found a higher risk of pressured testing in men who had only used HIV self‐testing compared to men who had never self‐tested (AOR 2.39 (95%CI: 1.38 to 4.14)). However, this relationship was only significant among men with low education (AOR 5.88 (95% CI: 1.92 to 17.99)) and not among men with high education (AOR 1.62 (95% CI: 0.85 to 3.10)). After pressured testing, about half of men subsequently tested for HIV (55%, 53/96) without pressure – none reported being diagnosed with HIV. Consistent with this finding, qualitative data suggest that perceptions of pressure existed on a continuum and depended on the relationship status of the one who pressured them. Although being pressured to test was accompanied by negative feelings, men who were pressured into testing often changed their attitude towards HIV testing, testing behaviours, sexual behaviours and relationship with the one who pressured them to test.

Conclusion

Pressured HIV testing was reported among Chinese MSM, especially from men with low education levels and men who received HIV self‐testing. However, in some circumstances, pressure to test helped MSM in several ways, challenging our understanding of the role of agency in the setting of HIV testing.
A time‐motion study of cardiovascular disease risk factor screening integrated into HIV clinic visits in Swaziland
Authors: Palma Anton M , Rabkin Miriam , Simelane Samkelo , Gachuhi Averie B , McNairy Margaret L , Nuwagaba‐Biribonwoha Harriet , Bongomin Pido , Okello Velephi N , Bitchong Raymond A , El‐Sadr Wafaa M
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Screening of modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is recommended but not routinely provided for HIV‐infected patients, especially in low‐resource settings. Potential concerns include limited staff time and low patient acceptability, but little empirical data exists. As part of a pilot study of screening in a large urban HIV clinic in Swaziland, we conducted a time‐motion study to assess the impact of screening on patient flow and HIV service delivery and exit interviews to assess patient acceptability.

Methods

A convenience sample of patients ≥40 years of age attending routine HIV clinic visits was screened for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and tobacco smoking. We observed HIV visits with and without screening and measured time spent on HIV and CVD risk factor screening activities. We compared screened and unscreened patients on total visit time and time spent receiving HIV services using Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. A separate convenience sample of screened patients participated in exit interviews to assess their satisfaction with screening.

Results

We observed 172 patient visits (122 with CVD risk factor screening and 50 without). Screening increased total visit time from a median (range) of 4 minutes (2 to 11) to 15 minutes (9 to 30) (p < 0.01). Time spent on HIV care was not affected: 4 (2 to 10) versus 4 (2 to 11) (p = 0.57). We recruited 126 patients for exit interviews, all of whom indicated that they would recommend screening to others.

Conclusion

Provision of CVD risk factor screening more than tripled the length of routine HIV clinic visits but did not reduce the time spent on HIV services. Programme managers need to take longer visit duration into account in order to effectively integrate CVD risk factor screening and counselling into HIV programmes.
Men who have sex with men more often chose daily than event‐driven use of pre‐exposure prophylaxis: baseline analysis of a demonstration study in Amsterdam
Authors: Hoornenborg Elske , Achterbergh Roel CA , van der Loeff Maarten F Schim , Davidovich Udi , van der Helm Jannie J , Hogewoning Arjan , van Duijnhoven Yvonne THP , Sonder Gerard JB , de Vries Henry JC , Prins Maria ,   the Amsterdam PrEP Project team in the HIV Transmission Elimination AMsterdam Initiative
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The Amsterdam PrEP project is a prospective, open‐label demonstration study at a large sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. We examined the uptake of PrEP; the baseline characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons initiating PrEP; their choices of daily versus event‐driven PrEP and the determinants of these choices.

Methods

From August 2015 through May 2016, enrolment took place at the STI clinic of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. MSM or transgender persons were eligible if they had at least one risk factor for HIV infection within the preceding six months. Participants were offered a choice between daily or event‐driven use of tenofovir/emtricitabine. Baseline data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis was employed to determine variables associated with daily versus event‐driven PrEP.

Results

Online applications were submitted by 870 persons, of whom 587 were invited for a screening visit. Of them, 415 were screened for eligibility and 376 initiated PrEP. One quarter (103/376, 27%) chose event‐driven PrEP. Prevalence of bacterial STI was 19.0% and mean condomless anal sex (CAS) episodes in the preceding three months were 11. In multivariable analysis, older age (≥45 vs. ≤34, aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.9), being involved in a steady relationship (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.7), no other daily medication use (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.9), and fewer episodes of CAS (per log increase aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.9) were determinants for choosing event‐driven PrEP.

Discussion

PrEP programmes are becoming one of the more important intervention strategies with the goal of reducing incident HIV‐infection and we were unable to accommodate many of the persons applying for this study. Offering a choice of dosing regimen to PrEP users may enable further personalization of HIV prevention strategies and enhance up‐take, adherence and cost‐effectiveness.

Conclusions

The majority of participants preferred daily versus event‐driven use. Within this majority, a high number of CAS episodes before PrEP initiation was reported and we observed a high prevalence of STI. Determinants of choosing event‐driven PrEP were older age, fewer CAS episodes, no other daily medication use, and involved in a steady relationship.
Digital business models: Taxonomy and future research avenues
Authors: Vendrell‐Herrero Ferran , Parry Glenn , Bustinza Oscar F. , Gomes Emanuel
Published: April 2018

Digital technologies reshape the competitive landscape as firms develop new means of value creation, delivery, and capture. The implementation and suitability of digital business models depend largely on the resources of incumbent firms and new entrants and on the firm positioning in the supply chain. The effect of digital business models is context specific and hence insights from a wide range of industries are included here; among them retailing, manufacturing, Internet, health, and television broadcasting. The maximization of revenues through customer engagement and the reduction of costs are often the main drivers for digital business model adoption.
Emerging digital business models in developing economies: The case of Cameroon
Authors: Boojihawon Dev Kumar , Ngoasong Zisuh Michael
Published: April 2018

ICTs and digital technology, logistics, and mode of transport can facilitate the development of digital business models in resource‐scarce settings as in the case of Cameroon. The study shows that digital business models in developing economies are still at an early stage and are in need of institutional attention in order to develop the necessary know‐how, skills and networks for sustained value creation and capture. Technology, environment, and organizational contexts influence the entry behavior and postentry strategic decisions of microdigital entrepreneurs. Results reveal the digital value proposition, network architecture, and digital value capture of emerging digital business models. Digital entrepreneurs require business knowledge/skills and institutional support to create a network infrastructure to effectively generate and capture revenue.
Social Support Moderates Effects of Natural Disaster Exposure on Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Effects for Displaced and Nondisplaced Residents
Authors: McGuire Adam P. , Gauthier Jami M. , Anderson Lisa M. , Hollingsworth David W. , Tracy Melissa , Galea Sandro , Coffey Scott F.
Published: April 2018

Social support is a known protective factor against the negative psychological impact of natural disasters. Most past research has examined how the effects of exposure to traumatic events influences whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); it has also suggested sequelae of disaster exposure depends on whether survivors are displaced from their homes. To capture the full range of the psychological impact of natural disasters, we examined the buffering effects of social support on depressive symptoms and cluster‐specific PTSD symptoms, with consideration of displacement status. In a survey conducted 18 to 24 months after Hurricane Katrina, 810 adults exposed to the disaster reported the number of Katrina‐related traumatic events experienced, perceived social support 2 months post‐Katrina, and cluster‐specific PTSD and depressive symptoms experienced since Katrina. Analyses assessed the moderating effects of social support and displacement and the conditional effects of displacement status. Social support significantly buffered the negative effect of Katrina‐related traumatic events on depressive symptoms, B = −0.10, p = .001, and avoidance and arousal PTSD symptoms, B = −0.02, p = .035 and B = −0.02, p = .042, respectively. Three‐way interactions were nonsignificant. Conditional effects indicated social support buffered development of depressive symptoms across all residents; however, the moderating effects of support on avoidance and arousal symptoms only appeared significant for nondisplaced residents. Results highlight the protective effects of disaster‐related social support among nondisplaced individuals, and suggest displaced individuals may require more formal supports for PTSD symptom reduction following a natural disaster.
Narratives in the Immediate Aftermath of Traumatic Injury: Markers of Ongoing Depressive and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Booker Jordan A. , Graci Matthew E. , Hudak Lauren A. , Jovanovic Tanja , Rothbaum Barbara O. , Ressler Kerry J. , Fivush Robyn , Stevens Jennifer
Published: April 2018

In this study, we considered connections between the content of immediate trauma narratives and longitudinal trajectories of negative symptoms to address questions about the timing and predictive value of collected trauma narratives. Participants (N = 68) were individuals who were admitted to the emergency department of a metropolitan hospital and provided narrative recollections of the traumatic event that brought them into the hospital that day. They were then assessed at intervals over the next 12 months for depressive and posttraumatic symptom severity. Linguistic analysis identified words involving affect (positive and negative emotions), sensory input (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell), cognitive processing (thoughts, insights, and reasons), and temporal focus (past, present, and future) within the narrative content. In participants’ same‐day narratives of the trauma, past‐focused utterances predicted greater decreases in depressive symptom severity over the next year, d = −0.13, whereas cognitive process utterances predicted more severe posttraumatic symptom severity across time points, d = 0.32. Interaction analyses suggested that individuals who used fewer past‐focused and more cognitive process utterances within their narratives tended to report more severe depressive and posttraumatic symptom severity across time, ds = 0.31 to 0.34. Overall, these findings suggest that, in addition to other demographics and baseline symptom severity, early narrative content can serve as an informative marker for longitudinal psychological symptoms, even before extensive narrative processing and phenomenological meaning‐making have occurred.
Estimation of cyclic behavior of unalloyed, low‐alloy and high‐alloy steels based on relevant monotonic properties using artificial neural networks
Authors: Marohnić T. , Basan R.
Published: April 2018

Within the framework of this research, a new methodology is proposed for estimation of cyclic Ramberg–Osgood parameters i. e. cyclic stress–strain behavior of steels based on their monotonic properties using artificial neural networks. A large number of experimental data for steels were collected from relevant literature and divided into unalloyed, low‐alloy and high‐alloy steels, since previous research confirmed that statistically significant differences exist among cyclic parameters of these subgroups of steels. Detailed statistical analysis is performed by means of forward selection and monotonic properties relevant for estimation of each cyclic parameter of each subgroup of steels are determined. Based on results of performed statistical analyses, artificial neural networks are developed, separately for each parameter and each steel subgroup, using only monotonic properties that proved to be relevant for estimation of particular parameter. Neural networks are evaluated on an independent set of data, in comparison with experimental values and values obtained by existing empirical estimation methods. The new approach is more successful than empirical methods for estimation of most of cyclic stress–strain parameters and behavior of different steel subgroups.
Trendbericht: Analytische Chemie 2016/2017
Authors: Huber Christian , Pagel Kevin , Hoffmann Waldemar , Heiles Sven , Schäfer Karl Christian , Kompauer Mario , Gerbig Stefanie , Soltwisch Jens
Published: April 2018

Miniaturisierung, Steigerung von Geschwindigkeit, Genauigkeit, Leistungsfähigkeit und Auflösung sowie die Verringerung von Nachweisgrenzen charakterisieren die Entwicklungen in der instrumentellen Analytik. Viele Methoden können inzwischen auf Probenvorbereitung verzichten und liefern gleichzeitig detaillierte und ganz neue Informationen über komplexe Proben. Umgekehrt ermöglichen neue Derivatisierungsschritte die Strukturaufklärung komplexer Moleküle. Mehrdimensionalität und Kopplung von Methoden, etwa der Ionenmobilität mit der Massenspektrometrie, bilden einen Trend. Die Einbeziehung von Bildinformation auf Mikroebene ist in der Massenspektrometrie heute ein Merkmal hochleistungsfähiger Bioanalytik.
Merck 2017: Medikamente und Materialien
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2018

Mercks Geschäfte Healthcare und Life Science wuchsen. Dabei störte der starke Euro, bei Performance Materials ein verschärfter Wettbewerb bei Flüssigkristallen.
April, April: Der blaue Zaubertrank allein hilft nicht
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: April 2018

Einige altbekannte Stoffe haben sich im letzten Jahr als Wundermittel erwiesen – für die Schönheitspflege, für die Energiegewinnung und leider auch für Menschen mit krimineller Energie. Weiterhin im Trend: Wasser und Stickstoff .
Dinner im Dunkeln
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: April 2018

Die Tiefen der Ozeane bergen selbst für die moderne Wissenschaft noch viele Geheimnisse, die sie nur in kleinen Schritten enthüllt. Zu den neueren Entdeckungen gehören Zusammenhänge, die für das Verständnis von Stoffkreisläufen wichtig sind, und Mechanismen, die sich für nachhaltige Technologien eignen.
Comparison of two different methods for producing hollow macrospheres with carbon fiber reinforced composite skin used in syntactic foams
Authors: Yu Qiyong , Zhao Yan , Dong Anqi , Li Ye
Published: April 2018

The present study focuses on the preparation and characterization of carbon fiber reinforced hollow epoxy macrospheres (CFR‐HEMs) produced by “Rolling Ball” method and “Electrostatic Fiber Flocking” method when the expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads were served as sacrificial templates. Three‐phase epoxy syntactic foam (ESF) filled with the CFR‐HEMs and hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) were also studied. The CFR‐HEMs made by “Electrostatic Fiber Flocking” method have higher fiber volume fraction, which is 70.1% and the fibers are regularly arranged. By contrast, the CFR‐HEMs made by the “rolling ball” method have a lower average fiber volume fraction, which is 55.5% and the fibers are randomly arranged. The test results show that the ESF filled with HEMs prepared by “Electrostatic Fiber Flocking” method has higher density and compressive property than the ESF filled with HEMs prepared by “Rolling Ball” method POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1075–E1083, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers