bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the effects of climate change on population connectivity and genetic diversity of an imperiled freshwater mussel, Cumberlandia monodonta (Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae), in riverine systems
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Berg David J.
Published: May 2016

In the face of global climate change, organisms may respond to temperature increases by shifting their ranges poleward or to higher altitudes. However, the direction of range shifts in riverine systems is less clear. Because rivers are dendritic networks, there is only one dispersal route from any given location to another. Thus, range shifts are only possible if branches are connected by suitable habitat, and stream‐dwelling organisms can disperse through these branches. We used Cumberlandia monodonta (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Margaritiferidae) as a model species to investigate the effects of climate change on population connectivity because a majority of contemporary populations are panmictic. We combined ecological niche models (ENMs) with population genetic simulations to investigate the effects of climate change on population connectivity and genetic diversity of C. monodonta. The ENMs were constructed using bioclimatic and landscape data to project shifts in suitable habitat under future climate scenarios. We then used forward‐time simulations to project potential changes in genetic diversity and population connectivity based on these range shifts. ENM results under current conditions indicated long stretches of highly suitable habitat in rivers where C. monodonta persists; populations in the upper Mississippi River remain connected by suitable habitat that does not impede gene flow. Future climate scenarios projected northward and headwater‐ward range contraction and drastic declines in habitat suitability for most extant populations throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Simulations indicated that climate change would greatly reduce genetic diversity and connectivity across populations. Results suggest that a single, large population of C. monodonta will become further fragmented into smaller populations, each of which will be isolated and begin to differentiate genetically. Because C. monodonta is a widely distributed species and purely aquatic, our results suggest that persistence and connectivity of stream‐dwelling organisms will be significantly altered in response to future climate change.
Similar temperature responses suggest future climate warming will not alter partitioning between denitrification and anammox in temperate marine sediments
Authors: Brin Lindsay D. , Giblin Anne E. , Rich Jeremy J.
Published: May 2016

Removal of biologically available nitrogen (N) by the microbially mediated processes denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) affects ecosystem N availability. Although few studies have examined temperature responses of denitrification and anammox, previous work suggests that denitrification could become more important than anammox in response to climate warming. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether temperature responses of denitrification and anammox differed in shelf and estuarine sediments from coastal Rhode Island over a seasonal cycle. The influence of temperature and organic C availability was further assessed in a 12‐week laboratory microcosm experiment. Temperature responses, as characterized by thermal optima (Topt) and apparent activation energy (Ea), were determined by measuring potential rates of denitrification and anammox at 31 discrete temperatures ranging from 3 to 59 °C. With a few exceptions, Topt and Ea of denitrification and anammox did not differ in Rhode Island sediments over the seasonal cycle. In microcosm sediments, Ea was somewhat lower for anammox compared to denitrification across all treatments. However, Topt did not differ between processes, and neither Ea nor Topt changed with warming or carbon addition. Thus, the two processes behaved similarly in terms of temperature responses, and these responses were not influenced by warming. This led us to reject the hypothesis that anammox is more cold‐adapted than denitrification in our study system. Overall, our study suggests that temperature responses of both processes can be accurately modeled for temperate regions in the future using a single set of parameters, which are likely not to change over the next century as a result of predicted climate warming. We further conclude that climate warming will not directly alter the partitioning of N flow through anammox and denitrification.
BCOR–CCNB3‐positive soft tissue sarcoma with round‐cell and spindle‐cell histology: a series of four cases highlighting the pitfall of mimicking poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma
Authors: Li Wan‐Shan , Liao I‐Chuang , Wen Mei‐Chin , Lan Howard Haw‐Chang , Yu Shih‐Chen , Huang Hsuan‐Ying
Published: May 2016

Aims

BCOR–CCNB3 sarcoma is a genetically defined undifferentiated malignancy with Ewing sarcoma (ES)‐like round cells, and preferentially affects the bones of male adolescents. Sarcomas harbouring BCOR–CCNB3 rarely arise from soft tissues; therefore, we aimed to report four cases to expand the clinicopathological spectrum.

Methods and results

By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmatory sequencing, we detected a BCOR–CCNB3 transcript in primary undifferentiated sarcomas of the deep musculature of four male patients, comprising two teenagers (aged 14 and 17 years) and two adults (aged 34 and 44 years). The tumours originated in the back (n = 2), pelvis (n = 1), and thigh (n = 1), and were 70–140 mm in size (mean, 107 mm). All tumours showed sheets of primitive round or ovoid cells with vesicular nuclei, active mitosis (28–41/10 high‐power fields), variably prominent nucleoli, and geographical necrosis. This major component transformed into fascicles of elongated spindle cells with staghorn vessels and a myxoid reticular stroma, accounting for 10–50% of areas. All cases were positive for CD99, three were positive for TLE1, and one was positive for EMA, indicating poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas (PDSSs). Nuclear cyclin B3 reactivity was present in all cases, but not in molecularly confirmed atypical ESs and PDSSs. At the last follow‐up (median, 13.5 months), one patient had died of lung metastasis, two were alive with tumours, and one was tumour‐free.

Conclusions

BCOR–CCNB3‐positive sarcomas may primarily occur in soft tissues of adults and show PDSS‐mimicking round‐cell and spindle‐cell histology with aggressive behaviour. Cyclin B3 is useful for selecting candidates for BCOR–CCNB3 molecular testing.
Effect of positive end‐expiratory pressure on blood loss during retropubic and robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ehieli Eric I , Howard Lauren E , Monk Terri G , Ferrandino Michael N , Polascik Thomas J , Walther Philip J , Freedland Stephen J
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To study the effect of end‐expiratory pressure used during anesthesia on blood loss during radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We evaluated 247 patients who underwent either radical retropubic prostatectomy or robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy at a single institution from 2008 to 2013 by one of four surgeons. Patient characteristics were compared using t‐tests, rank sum or χ2‐tests as appropriate. The association between positive end‐expiratory pressure and estimated blood loss was tested using linear regression.

Results

Patients were classified into high (≥4 cmH2O) and low (≤1 cmH2O) positive‐end expiratory pressure groups. Estimated blood loss in radical retropubic prostatectomy was higher in the high positive end‐expiratory pressure group (1000 mL vs 800 mL, P = 0.042). Estimated blood loss in robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy was lower in the high positive end‐expiratory pressure group (150 mL vs 250 mL, P = 0.015). After adjusting for other factors known to influence blood loss, a 5‐cmH2O increase in positive end‐expiratory pressure was associated with a 34.9% increase in estimated blood loss (P = 0.030) for radical retropubic prostatectomy, and a 33.0% decrease for robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

In radical retropubic prostatectomy, high positive end‐expiratory pressure was associated with higher estimated blood loss, and the benefits of positive end‐expiratory pressure should be weighed against the risk of increased estimated blood loss. In robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, high positive end‐expiratory pressure was associated with lower estimated blood loss, and might have more than just pulmonary benefits.
Intermediate Temperature Internal Oxidation of a SiC/SiCN Composite with a Polymer‐Derived Matrix
Authors: Poerschke David L. , Rossol Michael N. , Zok Frank W.
Published: May 2016

SiC‐based composites exhibit oxidative embrittlement at intermediate temperatures. Although the mechanisms of internal oxidation in composites with initially hermetic matrices have been studied extensively, comparable studies on composites with semipermeable matrices, such as those produced by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis, have not been reported. The present article focuses on the latter class of composites, specifically a SiCf /SiCNm with a dual BN/Si3N4 fiber coating. It describes detailed SEM and TEM analyses of the microstructure before and after oxidation in dry air or water vapor at 800°C. The results show that internal oxidation is more aggressive in water vapor and occurs appreciably even in the absence of an applied stress. The sequence of oxidation of the constituent phases appears to be consistent with the underlying thermodynamic hierarchy for the respective oxidation reactions. Notably, contrary to existing models based on preferential oxidation of BN coatings, oxidation occurs first on the SiC fiber surfaces and the Si3N4 overcoat; crystalline BN remains even after significant fiber and matrix oxidation has occurred. The results are discussed in terms of rate‐controlling kinetic processes, the effect of oxidant type, and applied stress.
Ultralight Silicon Nitride Ceramic Foams from Foams Stabilized by Partially Hydrophobic Particles
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Huo Wen‐Long , Qi Fei , Qu Ya‐Nan , Xu Jie , Gan Ke , Ma Ning , Yang Jin‐Long
Published: May 2016

Ultralight Si3N4 ceramic foams have been successfully prepared through particle‐stabilized foams method, which is based on the adsorption of in situ hydrophobized Si3N4 particles to the liquid/air interface of the foams. Here, we firstly used a long‐chain surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium chloride to render the Si3N4 particles partially hydrophobic. By tailoring the surfactant concentration and pH values of the suspensions, the wet foams were stabilized to avoid coarsening and coalescence. SEM results show that the Si3N4 ceramic foams possess single strut walls with elongated β‐Si3N4 grains interlocking with each other, and their pores are uniform with an average pore size of 95 μm. The obtained ceramic foams maintain compressive strength of 1.34 ± 0.13 MPa with porosity of 92.0%, when the suspension contains 3 mmol/L surfactant at the pH of 11.0.
Continental‐scale spatial phylogenetics of Australian angiosperms provides insights into ecology, evolution and conservation
Authors: Thornhill Andrew H. , Mishler Brent D. , Knerr Nunzio J. , González‐Orozco Carlos E. , Costion Craig M. , Crayn Darren M. , Laffan Shawn W. , Miller Joseph T.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Biodiversity studies typically use species, or more recently phylogenetic diversity (PD), as their analysis unit and produce a single map of observed diversity. However, observed biodiversity is not necessarily an indicator of significant biodiversity and therefore should not be used alone. By applying a small number of additional metrics toPD, with associated statistical tests, we can determine whether more or less of the phylogeny occurs in an area, whether branch lengths in an area are longer or shorter, and whether more long or short‐branched endemism occurs in an area, than expected under a null model.

Location

Australian continent.

Methods

We used a phylogeny sampling 90% of Australia's angiosperm genera, and 3.4 million georeferenced plant specimens downloaded from Australia's Virtual Herbarium (AVH), to calculatePD, relative phylogenetic diversity (RPD) and relative phylogenetic endemism (RPE). Categorical analysis of neo‐ and palaeo‐endemism (CANAPE) and randomization tests were performed to determine statistical significance.

Results

We identify several combinations of significant PD and endemism across the continent that are not seen using observed diversity patterns alone. Joint interpretation of these combinations complements the previous interpretations of Australia's plant evolutionary history. Of conservation concern, only 42% of the significant endemism cells found here overlap with existing nature reserves.

Main conclusions

These spatial phylogenetic methods are feasible to apply to a whole flora at the continental scale. Observed richness orPDis inadequate to fully understand the patterns of biodiversity. The combination of statistical tests applied here can be used to better explain biodiversity patterns and the evolutionary and ecological processes that have created them. The spatial phylogenetic methods used in this paper can be also be used to identify conservation priorities at any geographical scale or taxonomic level.
Change in Pulse Wave Velocity and Short‐Term Development of Cardiovascular Events in the Hemodialysis Population
Authors: Korjian Serge , Daaboul Yazan , El‐Ghoul Balsam , Samad Salam , Salameh Pascale , Dahdah Georges , Hariri Essa , Mansour Anthony , Spielman Kathryn , Blacher Jacques , Safar Michel E. , Bahous Sola Aoun
Published: May 2016

The association between single measurements of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and cardiovascular (CV) events is driven by late events beyond 12 months of follow‐up. This prospective study compares single measurements of cfPWV vs the 2‐year delta cfPWV and the association with short‐term development of CV events in hemodialysis patients. cfPWV was performed at t=0 and t=1 two years later, and patients were followed‐up for development of CV events through 12 months (n=66). In Cox regression models adjusted for CV risk factors, history of CV events and delta cfPWV remained associated with the development of CV events (hazard ratio for prior CV events=8.9, P=.03; hazard ratio for delta cfPWV=1.14; P=.002). When delta cfPWV was substituted for single cfPWV measurement, none of the single measures were associated with new CV events. The change in cfPWV, but not single measurements of cfPWV, was associated with the development of CV events through 12 months.
Gait Speed as a Guide for Blood Pressure Targets in Older Adults: A Modeling Study
Authors: Odden Michelle C. , Moran Andrew E. , Coxson Pamela G. , Peralta Carmen A. , Goldman Lee , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the potential for gait speed to inform decisions regarding optimal systolic blood pressure targets in older adults.

Design

Forecasting study from 2014 to 2023 using the Cardiovascular Disease Policy Model, a Markov model.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants

U.S. adults aged 60–94 stratified into fast walking, slow walking, and poor functioning (noncompleters) based on measured gait speed.

Measurements

Lowering SBP to a target of 140 or 150 mmHg was modeled in persons with (secondary prevention) and without (primary prevention) a history of coronary heart disease or stroke. Based on clinical trials and observational studies, it was projected that slow‐walking and poor‐functioning participants would have greater noncardiovascular mortality. Myocardial infarctions (MIs), strokes, deaths, cost, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) were measured.

Results

Regardless of gait speed, it was projected that secondary prevention to a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mmHg would prevent more events and save more money than secondary prevention to 150 mmHg. Similarly, primary prevention to 140 mmHg in fast‐walking adults was projected to prevent events and save money. In slow‐walking adults, primary prevention to 150 mmHg was projected to prevent MIs and strokes and save DALYs but was cost saving only in men; intensification to 140 mmHg is of uncertain benefit in slow‐walking individuals. Primary prevention in poor‐functioning adults to a target of 140 or 150 mmHg SBP is projected to decrease DALYs.

Conclusion

The most cost‐effective SBP target varies according to history of cardiovascular disease and gait speed in persons aged 60–94. These projections highlight the need for better estimates of the benefits and harms of antihypertensive medications in a diverse group of older adults, because the net benefit is sensitive to the characteristics of the population treated.
Financing Constraints and Workplace Safety
Authors: COHN JONATHAN B. , WARDLAW MALCOLM I.
Published: May 2016

We present evidence that financing frictions adversely impact investment in workplace safety, with implications for worker welfare and firm value. Using several identification strategies, we find that injury rates increase with leverage and negative cash flow shocks, and decrease with positive cash flow shocks. We show that firm value decreases substantially with injury rates. Our findings suggest that investment in worker safety is an economically important margin on which firms respond to financing constraints.
INDIFFERENCE PRICES AND IMPLIED VOLATILITIES
Authors: Lorig Matthew
Published: May 2016

We consider a general local‐stochastic volatility model and an investor with exponential utility. For a European‐style contingent claim, whose payoff may depend on either a traded or nontraded asset, we derive an explicit approximation for both the buyer's and seller's indifference prices. For European calls on a traded asset, we translate indifference prices into an explicit approximation of the buyer's and seller's implied volatility surfaces. For European claims on a nontraded asset, we establish rigorous error bounds for the indifference price approximation. Finally, we implement our indifference price and implied volatility approximations in two examples.
Contesting Structural Vulnerability through Reproductive Justice Activism with Latina Immigrants in California
Authors: Zavella Patricia
Published: May 2016

Latina migrant women in California in the post 9/11 era experience structural vulnerability that extends beyond their undocumented status, residence in poor neighborhoods with gangs, employment in informal sector jobs to their reproductive bodies. Although unauthorized women may access prenatal health, often they are intimidated or are unaware, and face many barriers to accessing reproductive health related to language, transportation, or their low incomes and their ignorance about their bodies. Research on those migrants who do access reproductive health illustrates they experience subjectification in U.S. institutions and neglect and even obstetric violence in Mexican institutions. In this transnational context, the nonprofit organization, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, has organized an Instituto de Autonomía y Justicia with outreach to Spanish‐speaking Latina migrants. I argue that through health literacy training within a reproductive justice framework that weaves intersectionality and human rights, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice engages in the “feminist politics of translation.” They produce locally situated knowledge and pedagogies sensitive to the complexities of migrant Latinas’ lives. The diverse Latina participants begin a consciousness raising process that leads them to explore their own health practice and participate in policy advocacy for their communities. My analysis is based on ethnographic research that includes participant observation and interviews.
Policy Positions of Bureaucrats at the Front Lines: Are They Susceptible to Strategic Communication?
Authors: Andersen Simon Calmar , Jakobsen Morten
Published: May 2016

It is well established that bureaucrats’ implementation of policies is influenced by their own policy positions, that is, their attitudes toward the given policies. However, what affects the policy positions of bureaucrats? This article focuses on whether the policy positions of bureaucrats at the front lines of government are susceptible to frames and cues embedded in communication. Based on the notion that bureaucrats often adhere to certain professional norms when developing their attitudes toward policies, the authors hypothesize that communication frames and cues that align policies with such norms move bureaucrats’ policy positions in favor of the policy. Results of four studies in European and American settings among mid‐ and street‐level bureaucrats show support for the hypothesized effect. They also show that aligning policies with dimensions outside professional norms is ineffective, possibly even producing opposite effects.
Prevalence of polyoma BK virus infection among living‐donor renal transplant recipients
Authors: El Ansary M. , Abd Elhamid S. , Saadi G. , Ismail W. , Ibrahim N. , Bahaa El‐Din N. , Alhsyek S.
Published: May 2016

Background

Polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN) mainly caused by BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains the most common productive viral infection of the kidney in immunosuppressed patients. The diagnosis of PVN is based on the detection of BK viruria and BK viremia in conjunction with histological findings in the graft biopsy.

Methods

Our study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of productive BKPyV infection among renal transplant patients within the first year post‐transplant and identify those at risk of developing PVN. Our cross‐sectional study was conducted on 134 kidney transplant patients. Evidence of BKPyV replication was assessed by viral quantification of blood and urine samples of studied patients using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR)PCR), detection of decoy cells in urine cytology smears, histological examination of graft biopsies from Q‐PCR BKPyV‐positive patients, and immunohistochemical staining by simian virus 40 (SV40) antibody.

Results

Significant BKPyV infection was prevalent in 8% (n = 11) of our patients, with a peak of BKPyV infection about 8 months post transplant. BKPyV viral load by Q‐PCR assay in these patients varied from 1350 to 20,000,000 (1.35 × 103 to 2 × 107) copies/mL for urine samples and 935 to 18,920 (9.35 × 102 to 1.89 × 104) copies/mL for blood samples. All the 11 patients were positive for decoy cells but only 3 developed PVN based on histology and positive SV40 staining. BKPyV infection was more prevalent in older patients. All patients responded to reduction in their immunosuppressive regimens, apart from 2 patients who required replacement of calcineurin inhibitors‐based regimen with mammalian target of ramapycin inhibitors with an overall good response.

Conclusion

Protocol screening programs based on detection of viral replication by viruria, viremia, and decoy cells in urine are necessary to shed light on patients with high virus replication and hence increased risk of developing PVN, and to allow early diagnosis and intervention.
Synthetic strategies for plant signalling studies: molecular toolbox and orthogonal platforms
Authors: Braguy Justine , Zurbriggen Matias D.
Published: May 2016

Plants deploy a wide array of signalling networks integrating environmental cues with growth, defence and developmental responses. The high level of complexity, redundancy and connection between several pathways hampers a comprehensive understanding of involved functional and regulatory mechanisms. The implementation of synthetic biology approaches is revolutionizing experimental biology in prokaryotes, yeasts and animal systems and can likewise contribute to a new era in plant biology. This review gives an overview on synthetic biology approaches for the development and implementation of synthetic molecular tools and techniques to interrogate, understand and control signalling events in plants, ranging from strategies for the targeted manipulation of plant genomes up to the spatiotemporally resolved control of gene expression using optogenetic approaches. We also describe strategies based on the partial reconstruction of signalling pathways in orthogonal platforms, like yeast, animal and in vitro systems. This allows a targeted analysis of individual signalling hubs devoid of interconnectivity with endogenous interacting components. Implementation of the interdisciplinary synthetic biology tools and strategies is not exempt of challenges and hardships but simultaneously most rewarding in terms of the advances in basic and applied research. As witnessed in other areas, these original theoretical–experimental avenues will lead to a breakthrough in the ability to study and comprehend plant signalling networks.
Simplified strong ion difference approach to acid–base balance in healthy foals
Authors: Viu Judit , Armengou Lara , Ríos José , Muñoz Anna , Jose‐Cunilleras Eduard
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine the strong ion difference (SIDa) and total nonvolatile weak buffers (ATOT) in healthy foals during the first year of life and to compare reference biochemistry laboratory with analyzers available during emergency hours.

Design

Prospective study performed over 2 years.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Two hundred thirty‐six healthy foals distributed in 6 groups: A (21 days–2 months), B (2–3 months), C (3–6 months), D (6–9 months), E (9–12 months), and 33 neonatal foals (< 21 days old).

Interventions

Blood samples were obtained to determine L‐lactate, sodium, potassium, chloride, and total plasma protein concentrations. In neonatal foals, samples were analyzed using 4 different devices. Reference intervals of SIDaand ATOTfor each of the analyzers under comparison were established using mean ± 2 standard deviations. Age effect was evaluated using one‐way ANOVA analysis. Linear regression in neonatal foals was employed to obtain a new equation to estimate ATOTfrom total plasma protein concentration.

Measurements and Main Results

A significant age effect was observed for ATOTand SIDa. In all foals younger than 6 months, ATOTvalues were lower than in older foals (P< 0.003). A clinically and statistically significant difference in SIDawas detected only in the neonatal period (P< 0.001). The equation to estimate ATOTfrom total plasma protein adjusted for neonatal foals is ATOT= 2.5 × total plasma protein concentration.

Conclusions

Reference intervals of ATOTshould be considered different from adults during the first 6 months of life in horses. Regarding SIDa, values should be considered different only during first 21 days of life.
Using Rapid Kinetics and Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Study Biomolecular Information Processing and Design
Authors: De Laurentiis Evelina Ines , Girodat Dylan , Mercier Evan , Wieden Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2016

Translation, the ribosome dependent synthesis of proteins, is the last step of gene expression. It is targeted by a large number of antibiotics that modulate, in one way or the other, the dynamic properties of the involved biomolecules. Protein synthesis is a highly conserved multi-step process facilitated by a large ribonucleoprotein complex (the ribosome) acting as a biomolecular assembler, converting genetic information provided as RNA transcripts (mRNA) into proteins. This process occurs with high speed and incredible accuracy within any living system (1). As such, accuracy is the key to maintaining the integrity of the genetic information to be reflected in the resulting proteins. The underlying design principles that enable the translation machinery to achieve these performance characteristics is of great interest for a large number of fields and applications, naming antibiotics design and the rational engineering of biomolecular machines just as two examples.
Review of Wave Loads on Coastal Bridge Decks
Authors: Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Cengiz Ertekin R.
Published: May 2016

Recent natural extreme events, such as Hurricane Ike in the U.S. (2008), Tohoku tsunami in Japan (2011), and Typhoon Haiyan in Southeast Asia (2013), have caused significant damage to the decks of coastal bridges. The failure of the structure occurs when wave-induced loads on the decks of coastal bridges exceed the bridge capacity, resulting in partial removal or a complete collapse of bridge decks. Tsunami, storm waves, and storm surge are known to be the ultimate agents of such failures. An understanding of the failure mechanism and possible solutions require a better knowledge of the destructive loads on the structure. Interaction of surface waves with the bridge deck is a complex problem, involving fluid–structure interaction, wave breaking, and overtopping. Possible submergence of the deck and entrapment of air pockets between girders can increase destructive forces and add to the complexities of the problem. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made on this topic, resulting in some new findings about the failure mechanism and the destructive wave loads. A review of the key studies on wave loads on the coastal bridge decks, including those in the past and very recently, is presented here. Emphasis is given to the pioneering works that have significantly improved our understanding of the problem. Challenges associated with the existing solutions are highlighted, and suggestions for future studies are provided.
Self-Paced Exercise, Affective Response, and Exercise Adherence: A Preliminary Investigation Using Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Williams David M. , Dunsiger Shira , Emerson Jessica A. , Gwaltney Chad J. , Monti Peter M. , Miranda Robert
Published: May 2016

Affective response to exercise may mediate the effects of self-paced exercise on exercise adherence. Fiftynine low-active (exercise <60 min/week), overweight (body mass index: 25.0–39.9) adults (ages 18–65) were randomly assigned to self-paced (but not to exceed 76% maximum heart rate) or prescribed moderate intensity exercise (64–76% maximum heart rate) in the context of otherwise identical 6-month print-based exercise promotion programs. Frequency and duration of exercise sessions and affective responses (good/bad) to exercise were assessed via ecological momentary assessment throughout the 6-month program. A regression-based mediation model was used to estimate (a) effects of experimental condition on affective response to exercise (path a = 0.20, SE = 0.28, f2 = 0.02); (b) effects of affective response on duration/latency of the next exercise session (path b = 0.47, SE = 0.25, f2 = 0.04); and (c) indirect effects of experimental condition on exercise outcomes via affective response (path ab = 0.11, SE = 0.06, f2 = 0.10). Results provide modest preliminary support for a mediational pathway linking self-paced exercise, affective response, and exercise adherence.
Near miss at Fukushima is a warning for U.S
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: May 2016

Panel says spent reactor fuel in a storage pool could have boiled dry and caught on fire.
Journals and funders confront implicit bias in peer review
Authors: Pinholster Ginger
Published: May 2016

Experts brainstorm ways to allow a more diverse community of science and technology innovators
Enantioselective synthesis of an ophiobolin sesterterpene via a programmed radical cascade
Authors: Brill Zachary G. , Grover Huck K. , Maimone Thomas J.
Published: May 2016

A radical route to ophiobolin rings

Chemical ring-closing cascades resemble molecular yoga. One reactive site on a linear precursor can pull the whole molecule into a remarkably complex polycyclic arrangement. Cyclase enzymes rely on substantial internal scaffolding to guide this process during the biosynthesis of the ophiobolin sesterterpene frameworks, which comprise two pentagons sharing edges with an octagon. Brill
et al.
now show that the same motif is accessible abiotically by tweaking the cascade mechanism to rely on neutral radical intermediates in place of the positively charged activated sites in the biosynthetic pathways.

Science
, this issue p.
1078
A metal shuttle keeps pathogens well fed
Authors: Nolan Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2016

The metal-binding compound staphylopine captures nutrient metal ions for pathogens
Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Colonization following Intradermal, Sublingual, or Oral Vaccination with EtpA Adhesin
Authors: Luo Qingwei , Vickers Tim J. , Fleckenstein James M.
Published: May 2016

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) strains are a common cause of diarrhea. Extraordinary antigenic diversity has prompted a search for conserved antigens to complement canonical approaches to ETEC vaccine development. EtpA, an immunogenic extracellular ETEC adhesin relatively conserved in the ETEC pathovar, has previously been shown to be a protective antigen following intranasal immunization. These studies were undertaken to explore alternative routes of EtpA vaccination that would permit use of a double mutant (R192G L211A) heat-labile toxin (dmLT) adjuvant. Here, oral vaccination with EtpA adjuvanted with dmLT afforded significant protection against small intestinal colonization, and the degree of protection correlated with fecal IgG, IgA, or total fecal antibody responses to EtpA. Sublingual vaccination yielded compartmentalized mucosal immune responses with significant increases in anti-EtpA fecal IgG and IgA, and mice vaccinated via this route were also protected against colonization. In contrast, while intradermal (i.d.) vaccination achieved high levels of both serum and fecal antibodies against both EtpA and dmLT, mice vaccinated via the i.d. route were not protected against subsequent colonization and the avidity of serum IgG and IgA EtpA-specific antibodies was significantly lower after i.d. immunization compared to other routes. Finally, we demonstrate that antiserum from vaccinated mice significantly impairs binding of LT to cognate GM1 receptors and shows near complete neutralization of toxin delivery by ETEC
in vitro
. Collectively, these data provide further evidence that EtpA could complement future vaccine strategies but also suggest that additional effort will be required to optimize its use as a protective immunogen.
Impact of Early Detection of Respiratory Viruses by Multiplex PCR Assay on Clinical Outcomes in Adult Patients
Authors: Rappo Urania , Schuetz Audrey N. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Calfee David P. , Walsh Thomas J. , Wells Martin T. , Hollenberg James P. , Glesby Marshall J.
Published: May 2016

Rapid and definitive diagnosis of viral respiratory infections is imperative in patient triage and management. We compared the outcomes for adult patients with positive tests for respiratory viruses at a tertiary care center across two consecutive influenza seasons (winters of 2010-2011 and 2012). Infections were diagnosed by conventional methods in the first season and by multiplex PCR (FilmArray) in the second season. FilmArray decreased the time to diagnosis of influenza compared to conventional methods (median turnaround times of 1.7 h versus 7.7 h, respectively;
P
= 0.015); FilmArray also decreased the time to diagnosis of non-influenza viruses (1.5 h versus 13.5 h, respectively;
P
< 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression found that a diagnosis of influenza by FilmArray was associated with significantly lower odds ratios (ORs) for admission (
P
= 0.046), length of stay (
P
= 0.040), duration of antimicrobial use (
P
= 0.032), and number of chest radiographs (
P
= 0.005), when controlling for potential confounders. We conclude that the rapid turnaround time, multiplex nature of the test (allowing simultaneous detection of an array of viruses), and superior sensitivity of FilmArray may improve the evaluation and management of patients suspected of having respiratory virus infections.
Clinical Features, Outcomes, and Molecular Characteristics of Community- and Health Care-Associated Staphylococcus lugdunensis Infections
Authors: Yeh Chun-Fu , Chang Shih-Cheng , Cheng Chun-Wen , Lin Jung-Fu , Liu Tsui-Ping , Lu Jang-Jih
Published: May 2016

Staphylococcus lugdunensisis a major cause of aggressive endocarditis, but it is also responsible for a broad spectrum of infections. The differences in clinical and molecular characteristics between community-associated (CA) and health care-associated (HA)S. lugdunensisinfections have remained unclear. We performed a retrospective study ofS. lugdunensisinfections between 2003 and 2014 to compare the clinical and molecular characteristics of CA and HA isolates. We collected 129S. lugdunensisisolates in total: 81 (62.8%) HA isolates and 48 (37.2%) CA isolates. HA infections were more frequent than CA infections in children (16.0% versus 4.2%, respectively;P= 0.041) and the elderly (38.3% versus 14.6%, respectively;P= 0.004). The CA isolates were more likely to cause skin and soft tissue infections (85.4% versus 19.8%, respectively;P< 0.001). HA isolates were more frequently responsible for bacteremia of unknown origin (34.6% versus 4.2%, respectively;P< 0.001) and for catheter-related bacteremia (12.3% versus 0%, respectively;P= 0.011) than CA isolates. Fourteen-day mortality was higher for HA infections than for CA infections (11.1% versus 0%, respectively). A higher proportion of the HA isolates than of the CA isolates were resistant to penicillin (76.5% versus 52.1%, respectively;P= 0.004) and oxacillin (32.1% versus 2.1%, respectively;P< 0.001). Two major clonal complexes (CC1 and CC3) were identified. Sequence type 41 (ST41) was the most common sequence type identified (29.5%). The proportion of ST38 isolates was higher for HA than for CA infections (33.3% versus 12.5%, respectively;P= 0.009). These isolates were of staphylococcal cassette chromosomemecelement (SCCmec)type IV, V, or Vt. HA and CAS. lugdunensisinfections differ in terms of their clinical features, outcome, antibiotic susceptibilities, and molecular characteristics.
Visualization and Sequencing of Membrane Remodeling Leading to Influenza Virus Fusion
Authors: Gui Long , Ebner Jamie L. , Mileant Alexander , Williams James A. , Lee Kelly K.
Published: May 2016

Protein-mediated membrane fusion is an essential step in many fundamental biological events, including enveloped virus infection. The nature of protein and membrane intermediates and the sequence of membrane remodeling during these essential processes remain poorly understood. Here we used cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to image the interplay between influenza virus and vesicles with a range of lipid compositions. By following the population kinetics of membrane fusion intermediates imaged by cryo-ET, we found that membrane remodeling commenced with the hemagglutinin fusion protein spikes grappling onto the target membrane, followed by localized target membrane dimpling as local clusters of hemagglutinin started to undergo conformational refolding. The local dimples then transitioned to extended, tightly apposed contact zones where the two proximal membrane leaflets were in most cases indistinguishable from each other, suggesting significant dehydration and possible intermingling of the lipid head groups. Increasing the content of fusion-enhancing cholesterol or bis-monoacylglycerophosphate in the target membrane led to an increase in extended contact zone formation. Interestingly, hemifused intermediates were found to be extremely rare in the influenza virus fusion system studied here, most likely reflecting the instability of this state and its rapid conversion to postfusion complexes, which increased in population over time. By tracking the populations of fusion complexes over time, the architecture and sequence of membrane reorganization leading to efficient enveloped virus fusion were thus resolved.

IMPORTANCE
Enveloped viruses employ specialized surface proteins to mediate fusion of cellular and viral membranes that results in the formation of pores through which the viral genetic material is delivered to the cell. For influenza virus, the trimeric hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein spike mediates host cell attachment and membrane fusion. While structures of a subset of conformations and parts of the fusion machinery have been characterized, the nature and sequence of membrane deformations during fusion have largely eluded characterization. Building upon studies that focused on early stages of HA-mediated membrane remodeling, here cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) was used to image the three-dimensional organization of intact influenza virions at different stages of fusion with liposomes, leading all the way to completion of the fusion reaction. By monitoring the evolution of fusion intermediate populations over the course of acid-induced fusion, we identified the progression of membrane reorganization that leads to efficient fusion by an enveloped virus.
HIV-1-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptors Based on Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Ali Ayub , Kitchen Scott G. , Chen Irvin S. Y. , Ng Hwee L. , Zack Jerome A. , Yang Otto O.
Published: May 2016

Although the use of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) based on single-chain antibodies for gene immunotherapy of cancers is increasing due to promising recent results, the earliest CAR therapeutic trials were done for HIV-1 infection in the late 1990s. This approach utilized a CAR based on human CD4 as a binding domain and was abandoned for a lack of efficacy. The growing number of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNAbs) offers the opportunity to generate novel CARs that may be more active and revisit this modality for HIV-1 immunotherapy. We used sequences from seven well-defined BNAbs varying in binding sites and generated single-chain-antibody-based CARs. These CARs included 10E8, 3BNC117, PG9, PGT126, PGT128, VRC01, and X5. Each novel CAR exhibited conformationally relevant expression on the surface of transduced cells, mediated specific proliferation and killing in response to HIV-1-infected cells, and conferred potent antiviral activity (reduction of viral replication in log10units) to transduced CD8+T lymphocytes. The antiviral activity of these CARs was reproducible but varied according to the strain of virus. These findings indicated that BNAbs are excellent candidates for developing novel CARs to consider for the immunotherapeutic treatment of HIV-1.

IMPORTANCEWhile chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) using single-chain antibodies as binding domains are growing in popularity for gene immunotherapy of cancers, the earliest human trials of CARs were done for HIV-1 infection. However, those trials failed, and the approach was abandoned for HIV-1. The only tested CAR against HIV-1 was based on the use of CD4 as the binding domain. The growing availability of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNAbs) affords the opportunity to revisit gene immunotherapy for HIV-1 using novel CARs based on single-chain antibodies. Here we construct and test a panel of seven novel CARs based on diverse BNAb types and show that all these CARs are functional against HIV-1.
Direct costs in impaired glucose regulation: results from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study
Authors: Bächle C , Claessen H , Andrich S , Brüne M , Dintsios C M , Slomiany U , Roggenbuck U , Jöckel K H , Moebus S , Icks A
Published: May 2016

Objective

For the first time, this population-based study sought to analyze healthcare utilization and associated costs in people with normal fasting glycemia (NFG), impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), as well as previously undetected diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes linking data from the prospective German Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study with individual claims data from German statutory health insurances.

Research design and methods

A total of 1709 participants of the HNR 5-year follow-up (mean age (SD) 64.9 (7.5) years, 44.5% men) were included in the study. Age-standardized and sex-standardized healthcare utilization and associated costs (reported as € for the year 2008, perspective of the statutory health insurance) were stratified by diabetes stage defined by the participants' self-report and fasting plasma glucose values. Cost ratios (CRs) were estimated using two-part regression models, adjusting for age, sex, sociodemographic variables and comorbidity.

Results

The mean total direct healthcare costs for previously diagnosed diabetes, previously undetected diabetes, IFG, and NFG were €2761 (95% CI 2378 to 3268), €2210 (1483 to 4279), €2035 (1732 to 2486) and €1810 (1634 to 2035), respectively. Corresponding age-adjusted and sex-adjusted CRs were 1.53 (1.30 to 1.80), 1.16 (0.91 to 1.47), and 1.09 (0.95 to 1.25) (reference: NFG). Inpatient, outpatient and medication costs varied in order between people with IFG and those with previously undetected diabetes.

Conclusions

The study provides claims-based detailed cost data in well-defined glucose metabolism subgroups. CRs of individuals with IFG and previously undetected diabetes were surprisingly low. Data are important for the model-based evaluation of screening programs and interventions that are aimed either to prevent diabetes onset or to improve diabetes therapy as well.
One-way extraordinary optical transmission with dielectric/perforated metal/antiferromagnetic structure in the terahertz range
Authors: Wang Xiang guang , Zhang Qiang , Fu Shu fang , Song Yu ling , Wang Xuan zhang , Zhou Sheng
Published: May 2016

The one-way optical effect in a dielectric/perforated metal/antiferromagnetic (DPMA) sandwich structure in the terahertz range is studied. Theoretical modeling, which is based on the effective medium theory and the transmission matrix method, is conducted. The simulation results show that the one-way effect occurs within a wide frequency range and for various incident angles with a fixed external magnetic field. In addition, this behavior is examined for various DPMA structural characteristics, such as different dielectric materials, film thicknesses, and perforated metal hole sizes and spacings. The developed sandwich structures can aid the design of subminiature optical isolators for application in the terahertz range.
Nonlinear Vibration Suppression for Flexible Arms via Modal Coupling
Authors: Bian Yushu , Gao Zhihui , Fan Ming
Published: May 2016

Modal coupling is an important characteristic of most nonlinear dynamic systems. Although the existence of modal coupling can make the dynamic responses of a system quite complicated, it can be utilized to provide potential solutions to regulate nonlinear vibration. In this paper, the mechanism of modal coupling is used as a means to suppress vibration of a flexible arm undergoing joint motion. A secondary oscillatory system is attached to the flexible arm to generate appropriate modal coupling. Via this nonlinear coupling, internal resonance can be successfully induced and used to transfer vibration energy from the flexible arm to the vibration absorber. Moreover, the damping enhancement effect is studied, which is found to help suppressing vibrations. The feasibility of the idea presented herein has been demonstrated in the numerical simulations.