bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of biogenic carbonyl compounds in rainwater by stir bar sorptive extraction technique with chemical derivatization and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Pang Xiaobing , Lewis Alastair C. , Shaw Marvin D.
Published: December 2016

Stir bar sorptive extraction is a powerful technique for the extraction and analysis of organic compounds in aqueous matrices. Carbonyl compounds are ubiquitous components in rainwater, however, it is a major challenge to accurately identify and sensitively quantify carbonyls from rainwater due to the complex matrix. A stir bar sorptive extraction technique was developed to efficiently extract carbonyls from aqueous samples following chemical derivatization by O‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Several commercial stir bars in two sizes were used to simultaneously measure 29 carbonyls in aqueous samples with detection by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. A 100 mL aqueous sample was extracted by stir bars and the analytes on stir bars were desorbed into a 2 mL solvent solution in an ultrasonic bath. The preconcentration Coefficient for different carbonyls varied between 30 and 45 times. The limits of detection of stir bar sorptive extraction with gas chromatography mass spectrometry for carbonyls (10–30 ng/L) were improved by ten times compared with other methods such as gas chromatography with electron capture detection and stir bar sorptive extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The technique was used to determine carbonyls in rainwater samples collected in York, UK, and 20 carbonyl species were quantified including glyoxal, methylglyoxal, isobutenal, 2‐hydroxy ethanal.
Polytetrafluoroethylene physisorption‐assisted emulsification microextraction as a cleanup and preconcentration step in the gas chromatography determination of aliphatic hydrocarbons in marine sediment samples
Authors: Molaei Saeideh , Saleh Abolfazl , Ghoulipour Vanik , Seidi Shahram
Published: December 2016

For the first time, the application of polytetrafluoroethylene powder as an extractant phase collector or holder in liquid‐phase microextraction has been developed. For this purpose, the analytical performances of two different ways of applying polytetrafluoroethylene powder in microextraction methods including polytetrafluoroethylene physisorption‐assisted emulsification microextraction and dispersive liquid‐phase microextraction via polytetrafluoroethylene extractant phase holders have been compared for analysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons in aqueous phases. Under the same conditions, the former showed better extraction efficiencies over the latter and as a result, it was applied as preconcentration and cleanup step in the analysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediment samples followed by gas chromatography analysis. The linearity of the polytetrafluoroethylene physisorption‐assisted emulsification microextraction method was obtained over a range of 3.7 and 2000 ng/g (R2 > 0.993). The relative standard deviations were less than 6.5% (n = 3). The limits of detection and quantification obtained by this method were 1.1–9.0 and 3.7–30 ng/g, respectively, indicating that satisfactory results were achieved by the procedure.
Inkjetting Plus Peroxidase‐Mediated Hydrogelation Produces Cell‐Laden, Cell‐Sized Particles with Suitable Characters for Individual Applications
Authors: Sakai Shinji , Yamamoto Yusuke , Enkhtuul Gantumur , Ueda Kohei , Arai Kenichi , Taya Masahito , Nakamura Makoto
Published: December 2016

The authors report a method to prepare cell‐laden, cell‐sized microparticles from various materials suitable for individual applications. The method includes a piezoelectric inkjetting technology and a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐catalyzed crosslinking reaction. The piezoelectric inkjetting technology enables production of cell‐laden, cell‐sized (20–60 μm) droplets from a polymer aqueous solution. The HRP‐catalyzed crosslinking of the polymer in the ejected solution enables production of spherical microparticles from various materials. Superior cytocompatibility of the microencapsulation method is confirmed from the viability and growth profiles of normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells.

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Blind signatures using light variations in CCD sensors as a pattern to avoid identity forging
Authors: Alvarez‐Bermejo José Antonio , Lopez‐Ramos Juan Antonio
Published: December 2016

The implementation of countermeasures to avoid licence abuse is now obligatory, especially with the burgeoning of the Internet. The protocol proposed here is implemented within the session initiation protocol (SIP); this has been selected as the official end‐to‐end signalling protocol for establishing multimedia sessions in the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems network. This paper introduces blind signatures, enforced with user‐specific and unique data, modelled from CCD sensors to trace users of these online services, thus avoiding licence sharing that gives access to them. Blind signatures are useful in providing anonymity and establishing a way to tag users. The proposed protocol takes advantage of elliptic curve‐based cryptosystems – smaller key sizes and lower computational resources, an interesting issue for session establishment in S‐Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (satellite‐linked networks), where fast and light authentication protocols are a requirement ideal. SIP is a powerful signalling protocol for transmitting media over Internet protocol. Authentication is a vital security requirement for SIP. Hitherto, many authentication schemes have been proposed to enhance SIP security; indeed, the problem of impersonation is one of the topics most discussed. Consequently, a novel authentication and key agreement scheme is proposed for SIP using an elliptic curve cryptosystem. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vietnamese Version of Diabetes Self‐Management Instrument: Development and Psychometric Testing
Authors: Dao‐Tran Tiet‐Hanh , Anderson Debra J. , Chang Anne M. , Seib Charrlotte , Hurst Cameron
Published: December 2016

Self‐management plays a vital role in diabetes management for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). While there are many people with T2DM in Vietnam, clinical understanding of diabetes self‐management (DSM) in this context is limited due to the lack of a valid measurement instrument. Translation and back‐translation processes were used to translate the Diabetes Self‐Management Instrument (DSMI) into Vietnamese. Then, translation equivalence, face validity, construct validity, and internal consistency were assessed in a sample of 198 Vietnamese adults with T2DM. The Cronbach's alpha of the V‐DSMI was .92, with a number of significant inter‐item correlations. The Vietnamese version of the Diabetes Self‐Management Instrument (V‐DSMI) retained the meaning of the original English version, and the language of the V‐DSMI was clearly understandable to adults with T2DM in Vietnam. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the goodness of fit between the data and the previously identified factor structure. These results indicated that the V‐DSMI is acceptable for use with Vietnamese adults with T2DM in further practice and research. However, future studies would be beneficial to determine the test‐retest reliability and criterion validity of the V‐DSMI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellulose nanofibers from bamboo and their nanocomposites with polyvinyl alcohol: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Han Shenjie , Yao Qiufang , Jin Chunde , Fan Bitao , Zheng Huanhuan , Sun Qingfeng
Published: December 2016

Bamboo cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) having an average diameter of 15.02 nm were isolated from moso bamboo by chemical pretreatments combined with subsequent ultrasonic treatments to remove the hemicellulose and lignin and split the cellulose bundle into BCNFs. The isolation of BCNF is proved by transmission electron microscope (TEM), FTIR, XRD, and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) characterizations. The BCNF was used as the reinforcing agent in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) along with crosslinking agents to prepare crosslinked nanocomposite aerogels. The resulting BCNF/PVA aerogel, treated with methyltrichlorosilane using a chemical vapor deposition technology, was rendered both hydrophobic and oleophilic. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR, and TGA results showed the characteristics of BCNF/PVA aerogels with or without silane coating. Finally, these low‐density hybrid aerogels proved to be efficiently absorbing organic solvents (e.g., hexane) and oils (e.g., pump oil) with an excellent selectivity, thereby making them potentially useful for spilled oil recovery and environmental protection. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2611–2619, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pharmacotherapeutic Considerations for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Authors: Hefti Erik , Blanco Javier G.
Published: December 2016

Down syndrome (DS; trisomy 21) is the most common survivable disorder due to aneuploidy. Individuals with DS may experience multiple comorbid health problems including congenital heart defects, endocrine abnormalities, skin and dental problems, seizure disorders, leukemia, dementia, and obesity. These associated conditions may necessitate pharmacotherapeutic management with various drugs. The complex pathobiology of DS may alter drug disposition and drug response in some individuals. For example, reports have documented increased rates of adverse drug reactions in patients with DS treated for leukemia and dementia. Intellectual disability resulting from DS may impact adherence to medication regimens. In this review, we highlight literature focused on pharmacotherapy for individuals with DS. We discuss reports of altered drug disposition or response in patients with DS and explore social factors that may impact medication adherence in the DS setting. Enhanced monitoring during drug therapy in individuals with DS is justified based on reports of altered drug disposition, drug response, and other characteristics present in this population.
Building proteomic tool boxes to monitor MHC class I and class II peptides
Authors: Schumacher Frances‐Rose , Delamarre Lélia , Jhunjhunwala Suchit , Modrusan Zora , Phung Qui T. , Elias Joshua E. , Lill Jennie R.
Published: December 2016

Major histocompatibility complex Class I (MHCI) and Class II (MHCII) presented peptides powerfully modulate T cell immunity and play a vital role in generating effective anti‐tumor and anti‐viral immune responses in mammals. Characterizing these MHCI or MHCII presented peptides can help generate therapeutic treatments, afford information on T cell mediated biomarkers, provide insight into disease progression, and reduce adverse anti‐drug side effects from engineered biotherapeutics. Here, we explore the tools and techniques commonly employed to discover both MHCI‐ and MHCII‐presented peptides. We describe complementary strategies that enhance the characterization of these peptides and the informatics tools employed for both predicting and characterizing MHCI‐ and MHCII‐presented epitopes. The evolution of methodologies for isolating MHC‐presented peptides is discussed, as are the mass spectrometric workflows that can be employed for their characterization. We provide a perspective on where this field is headed, and how these tools may be applicable to the discovery and monitoring of epitopes in a variety of scenarios.
Tropical vorticity forcing and superrotation in the spherical shallow‐water equations
Authors: Suhas D. L. , Sukhatme Jai , Monteiro Joy M.
Published: December 2016

The response of the nonlinear shallow‐water equations (SWE) on a sphere to tropical vorticity forcing is examined, with an emphasis on momentum fluxes and the emergence of a superrotating state. Fixing the radiative damping and momentum drag time‐scales to be of the order of a few days, a state of superrotation (SR) is shown to emerge under steady large‐scale and random small‐scale vorticity forcing. In the first example, the stationary response to a pair of equal and oppositely signed vortices placed on the Equator is considered. Here, the equatorial flux budget is dominated by the eddy fluxes and these drive the system into a state of SR. Eventually, the flux associated with the momentum drag increases to balance the eddy fluxes, resulting in a steady state with a superrotating jet at the Equator. The initial value problem with these twin vortices also exhibits SR driven by eddy fluxes. Curiously, this transient solution spontaneously propagates westward and continually circumnavigates the globe. It is worth emphasizing that this SR state does not rely on any particular form of dissipation at large scales and is, in fact, observed even in the absence of any large‐scale damping mechanism. In the second example, a random small‐scale vorticity forcing is applied across the Tropics. The statistically steady state obtained is fairly turbulent in nature, but here too the eddy fluxes dominate and the system exhibits SR. It is important to note that, in both these cases, the direct forcing of the zonal mean zonal flow is zero by construction and the eddy fluxes at the Equator are responsible for its eastward acceleration. Further, in both these examples, the rotational part of the flow dominates the momentum fluxes as well as the stationary zonal mean zonal flow itself. Arguments based on the nature of potential vorticity and enstrophy are put forth to shed some light on these results.
Event‐triggered distributed constrained consensus
Authors: Liu Shuai , Quevedo Daniel E. , Xie Lihua
Published: December 2016

We consider a distributed consensus problem for continuous‐time multi‐agent systems with set constraints on the final states. To save communication costs, an event‐triggered communication‐based protocol is proposed. By comparing its own instantaneous state with the one previously broadcasted to neighbours, each agent determines the next communication time. Based on this event‐triggered communication, each agent is not required to continuously monitor its neighbours' state and the communication only happens at discrete time instants. We show that, under some mild conditions, the constrained consensus of the multi‐agent system with the proposed protocol can be achieved with an exponential convergence rate. A lower bound of the transmission time intervals is provided that can be adjusted by choosing different values of parameters. Numerical examples illustrate the results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Informal Networks in Disaster Medicine
Authors: Bdeir Fadl , Crawford John W , Hossain Liaquat
Published: December 2016

Objective

Our study of informal networks aimed to explore information-sharing environments for the management of disaster medicine and public health preparedness. Understanding interagency coordination in preparing for and responding to extreme events such as disease outbreaks is central to reducing risks and coordination costs.

Methods

We evaluated the pattern of information flow for actors involved in disaster medicine through social network analysis. Social network analysis of agencies can serve as a basis for the effective design and reconstruction of disaster medicine response coordination structures. This research used new theoretical approaches in suggesting a framework and a method to study the outcome of complex inter-organizational networks in coordinating disease outbreak response. We present research surveys of 70 health professionals from different skill sets and organizational positions during the swine influenza A (H1N1) PDM09 2009 pandemic. The survey and interviews were designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data in order to build a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the inter-organizational networks that evolved during the pandemic.

Results

The degree centrality of the informal network showed a positive correlation with performance, in which the ego’s performance is related to the number of links he or she establishes informally—outside the standard operating structure during the pandemic. Informal networks facilitate the transmission of both strong (ie, infections, confirmed cases, deaths in hospital or clinic settings) and weak (ie, casual acquaintances) ties.

Conclusions

The results showed that informal networks promoted community-based ad hoc and formal networks, thus making overall disaster medicine and public health preparedness more effective. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:343–354)
Area and mass changes of Siachen Glacier (East Karakoram)
Authors: AGARWAL VIBHOR , BOLCH TOBIAS , SYED TAJDARUL H. , PIECZONKA TINO , STROZZI TAZIO , NAGAICH RISHABH
Published: December 2016

Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of Siachen Glacier (East Karakoram), in terms of its area and elevation change, velocity variations and mass budget, utilizing different satellite datasets including Landsat, Hexagon, Cartosat-I, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, Envisat Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar and Japanese Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phased Array-type L-band SAR. The total areal extent of Siachen Glacier did not change significantly between 1980 and 2014; however the exposed-ice area decreased during that period. The terminus of the glacier has experienced substantial downwasting (on average 30 m) over the period of 1999–2007, followed by a retreat of the transition between exposed and debris-covered ice by a distance of 1.3 km during the short span 2007–14. The spatial patterns of the elevation difference and velocity are heterogeneous over the large areal extent of Siachen Glacier. The average velocity of the entire glacier, as computed between 11 December 2008 and 26 January 2009, was 12.3 ± 0.4 cm d−1, while those estimated separately for the accumulation and ablation regions were 9.7 ± 0.4 cm d−1 and 20.4 ± 0.4 cm d−1, respectively. The mass budget of Siachen Glacier is estimated to be –0.03 ± 0.21 m w.e. a−1 for the period of 1999–2007.
Marine Reservoir Effects Deduced from 14C Dates on Pottery Residues, Bones, and Molluskan Shells from the Hamanaka 2 Archaeological Site, Rebun Island, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Miyata Yoshiki , Horiuchi Akiko , Kondo Megumi , Onbe Shin , Yoshida Kunio , Nagao Seiya ,   Paleo Labo AMS Dating Group, Nishimoto Toyohiro
Published: December 2016

This article investigates the marine reservoir effects from apparent age differences among molluskan shells, birds, and sea mammals from the Hamanaka 2 archaeological site, Rebun Island, Japan, which was occupied during the latter half of the Late Jomon period (1300−1200 cal BC). The radiocarbon ages were younger in the order of charred wood<marine molluskan shells<Alcidae<Japanese sea lion≤charred materials on potsherds. According to data from molluskan shells from the site, the local marine reservoir correction (ΔR) for the Soya Warm Current, which flows near Rebun Island, was 172±39 14C yr. ΔR values of bone collagen for Alcidae (a family of seabirds) and Japanese sea lion were 289 and 389 14C yr, respectively. A ΔR value of 447±55 14C yr was obtained on charred material from the inner surfaces of potsherds at Hamanaka 2. The different reservoir effects relate to the differences in the diets or habitats of the shellfish, sea lion, and seabird remains at the site.
Increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression predicts a worse prognosis for laryngeal cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang L-P , Chen H-L
Published: December 2016

Objective:

This study assessed the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor expression and the laryngeal cancer prognosis.

Methods:

Systematic computerised searches of PubMed were performed up to 31 January 2015. Prognostic endpoints were overall survival and disease-free survival. The pooled hazard ratios for overall survival and disease-free survival were also calculated.

Results:

Seven studies containing 975 patients were included. The pooled hazard ratio was 1.703 (95 per cent confidence interval, 1.373 to 2.112; z score = 4.85, p = 0.000) for overall survival and was 1.918 (95 per cent confidence interval, 1.410 to 2.609; z score = 4.15, p = 0.000) for disease-free survival. No significant publication bias was found. A sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust. Power analyses also showed there was enough power to detect the calculated hazard ratios.

Conclusion:

The study found that vascular endothelial growth factor overexpression predicted a worse prognosis for laryngeal cancer patients. This supports a strategy of targeted therapy by blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
Accumulation by Forced Removal: The Thinning of Rio de Janeiro's Favelas in Preparation for the Games
Authors: FREEMAN JAMES , BURGOS MARCOS
Published: December 2016

In this article we argue that the pacification of strategic Rio de Janeiro favelas is a case of what David Harvey calls accumulation by dispossession, allowing for capital accumulation at multiple scales. Drawing on multi-year participant observation, we seek to show the particular form that this process takes as it works through Rio's social and spatial structures. Unlike the mass removals of the 1960s and 1970s, favela families have more recently been displaced through a process of thinning, in the context of a neoliberal development programme centred on a series of mega-events. Removal is carried out through a combination of threats, promises, disinformation, and the intentional generation of insecurity that together constitute a form of psychological terror.
Assessing causality in associations between cannabis use and schizophrenia risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gage S. H. , Jones H. J. , Burgess S. , Bowden J. , Davey Smith G. , Zammit S. , Munafò M. R.
Published: December 2016

Background

Observational associations between cannabis and schizophrenia are well documented, but ascertaining causation is more challenging. We used Mendelian randomization (MR), utilizing publicly available data as a method for ascertaining causation from observational data.

Method

We performed bi-directional two-sample MR using summary-level genome-wide data from the International Cannabis Consortium (ICC) and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC2). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cannabis initiation (p < 10−5) and schizophrenia (p < 5 × 10−8) were combined using an inverse-variance-weighted fixed-effects approach. We also used height and education genome-wide association study data, representing negative and positive control analyses.

Results

There was some evidence consistent with a causal effect of cannabis initiation on risk of schizophrenia [odds ratio (OR) 1.04 per doubling odds of cannabis initiation, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.07, p = 0.019]. There was strong evidence consistent with a causal effect of schizophrenia risk on likelihood of cannabis initiation (OR 1.10 per doubling of the odds of schizophrenia, 95% CI 1.05–1.14, p = 2.64 × 10−5). Findings were as predicted for the negative control (height: OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.01, p = 0.90) but weaker than predicted for the positive control (years in education: OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, p = 0.066) analyses.

Conclusions

Our results provide some that cannabis initiation increases the risk of schizophrenia, although the size of the causal estimate is small. We find stronger evidence that schizophrenia risk predicts cannabis initiation, possibly as genetic instruments for schizophrenia are stronger than for cannabis initiation.
Autocratic Elections
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik , Nygård Håvard Mokleiv , Wig Tore
Published: December 2016

Do elections reduce or increase the risk of autocratic regime breakdown? This article addresses this contested question by distinguishing between election events and the institution of elections. The authors propose that elections stabilize autocracies in the long term but at the price of short-term instability. Elections are conducive to regime survival in the long run because they improve capacities for co-optation and repression but produce short-term instability because they serve as focal points for regime opposition. Drawing on data from 259 autocracies from 1946 to 2008, the authors show that elections increase the short-term probability of regime failure. The estimated effect is retained when accounting for the endogeneity of autocratic elections; this finding is critical, since some autocrats may or may not hold elections because of perceived effects on regime survival. The authors also find that this destabilizing effect does not operate in the long term. They find some, although not as strong, evidence that elections stabilize autocratic regimes in the medium to long term, despite their destabilizing immediate effects. These temporal effect patterns are present for both executive and legislative elections, and they are robust to using different measures, control variable strategies, and estimation techniques. In line with expectations, both effect patterns are much clearer for multiparty autocratic elections than for completely uncontested elections.
Census Enumeration and Group Conflict
Authors: Lieberman Evan S. , Singh Prerna
Published: December 2016

Does the enumeration of ethnic, racial, and/or religious categories on national household censuses increase the likelihood of conflict? The authors propose a theory of intergroup relations that emphasizes the conflictual effects of institutionalizing boundaries between social identity groups. The article investigates the relationship between counting and various forms of conflict with an original, global data set that classifies the type of enumeration used in more than one thousand census questionnaires in more than 150 countries spanning more than two centuries. Through a series of cross-national statistical analyses, the authors find a robust association between enumeration of ethnic cleavages on the census and various forms of competition and conflict, including violent ethnic civil war. The plausibility of the theory is further demonstrated through case study analysis of religious conflict in India.
Ponderomotive self-focusing of linearly polarized laser beam in magnetized quantum plasma
Authors: Rathore N. S. , Kumar P.
Published: December 2016

Ponderomotive non-linearities arising by propagation of a linearly polarized laser beam through high-density quantum plasma are studied. The intense laser beam sets the plasma electrons in quiver motion and consequently ponderomotive non-linearity sets in leading to electron density perturbation inside the plasma. The interaction formalism has been built using the quantum hydrodynamic model. Laser beam traversing through high-density quantum plasma acquires an additional focusing tendency due to the perturbation induced by ponderomotive force in the plasma density. The ponderomotive force causes the beam to focus and the quantum effects contribute in focusing. The transverse magnetization of quantum plasma enhances the self-focusing and increase in magnetic field limits the spot size.
Powder diffraction data for ferrous gluconate
Authors: Reid Joel W.
Published: December 2016

Synchrotron powder diffraction data have been obtained and indexed for ferrous gluconate, a common supplement used for the treatment and prevention of iron-deficiency anemia. Ferrous gluconate (Fe(C6H11O7)2 · x H2O, Z = 4) crystallizes in a monoclinic cell (space group I2, #5) with lattice parameters a = 19.953 16(9) Å, b = 5.513 92(3) Å, c = 18.470 58(9) Å, and β = 111.3826(3)°. The pattern shows no evidence of impurity reflections.
Ending Statelessness Through Belonging: A Transformative Agenda?
Authors: Belton Kristy A.
Published: December 2016

Belonging. The subject conjures up a realm of emotions. In today's world, where increasing numbers of people are on the move, whether voluntarily or forced, it captures the nostalgia one feels for a home left behind or the yearning one has for acceptance in a new community. It can produce feelings of joy or loss even from a distance, as when one follows political, sporting, or family events from afar. It encompasses sentiments of anguish, fear, and resentment when those who wish to belong are rejected or when those within a group feel threatened by those from without. For all the talk today of an interconnected, globalizing world where borders are “not just permeable, but . . . shot through with large holes,” most of us still expect our national borders—the borders of the state where we belong—to be impenetrable, except through the preapproved legal channels.
Trends and risk factors for human Q fever in Australia, 1991–2014
Authors: SLOAN-GARDNER T. S. , MASSEY P. D. , HUTCHINSON P. , KNOPE K. , FEARNLEY E.
Published: December 2016

Australian abattoir workers, farmers, veterinarians and people handling animal birthing products or slaughtering animals continue to be at high risk of Q fever despite an effective vaccine being available. National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System data were analysed for the period 1991–2014, along with enhanced risk factor data from notified cases in the states of New South Wales and Queensland, to examine changes in the epidemiology of Q fever in Australia. The national Q fever notification rate reduced by 20% [incident rate ratio (IRR) 0·82] following the end of the National Q fever Management Program in 2006, and has increased since 2009 (IRR 1·01–1·34). Highest rates were in males aged 40–59 years (5·9/100 000) and 87% of Q fever cases occurred in New South Wales and Queensland. The age of Q fever cases and proportion of females increased over the study period. Based on the enhanced risk factor data, the most frequently listed occupation for Q fever cases involved contact with livestock, followed by ‘no known risk’ occupations. More complete and comparable enhanced risk factor data, at the State/Territory and national levels, would aid in further understanding of the epidemiology of Q fever.
The effects of needle-sharing and opioid substitution therapy on incidence of hepatitis C virus infection and reinfection in people who inject drugs
Authors: AITKEN C. K. , AGIUS P. A. , HIGGS P. G. , STOOVÉ M. A. , BOWDEN D. S. , DIETZE P. M.
Published: December 2016

Although high hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence has been observed in people who inject drugs (PWID) for decades, research suggests incidence is falling. We examined whether PWIDs’ use of opioid substitution therapy (OST) and their needle-and-syringe sharing behaviour explained HCV incidence. We assessed HCV incidence in 235 PWID in Melbourne, Australia, and performed discrete-time survival with needle-sharing and OST status as independent variables. HCV infection, reinfection and combined infection/reinfection incidences were 7·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·8–11·9], 12·4 (95% CI 9·1–17·0) and 9·7 (95% CI 7·4–12·6) per 100 person-years, respectively. Needle-sharing was significantly associated with higher incidence of naive HCV infection [hazard ratio (HR) 4·9, 95% CI 1·3–17·7] but not reinfection (HR 1·85, 95% CI 0·79–4·32); however, a cross-model test suggested this difference was sample specific. Past month use of OST had non-significant protective effects against naive HCV infection and reinfection. Our data confirm previous evidence of greatly reduced HCV incidence in PWID, but not the significant protective effect of OST on HCV incidence detected in recent studies. Our findings reinforce the need for greater access to HCV testing and prevention services to accelerate the decline in incidence, and HCV treatment, management and support to limit reinfection.
Recruitment and Retention of New Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics
Authors: Chapman Susan A. , Crowe Remle P. , Bentley Melissa A.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to describe factors important for the recruitment and retention of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and EMT-Paramedics new to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field (defined as two years or less of EMS employment) through an analysis of 10 years of Longitudinal EMT Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) data.

Methods

Data were obtained from 10 years of LEADS surveys (1999-2008). Individuals new to the profession were identified through responses to a survey item. Their responses were analyzed using weights reflecting each individual’s probability of selection. Means, proportions, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined and used to identify statistically significant differences.

Results

There were few changes in the demographic characteristics of new EMT-Basics and Paramedics across survey years. New EMT-Basics tended to be older and less likely to have a college degree than new EMT-Paramedics. More new EMT-Basics than EMT-Paramedics worked in rural areas and small towns and reported that they were working as a volunteer. There were differences between new EMT-Basics and EMT-Paramedics in several of the reasons for entering the profession and in facets of job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The findings provide guidance for recruiters, educators, employers, and governmental EMS policy organizations and will provide better insight into how to attract and retain new entrants to the field.

ChapmanSA, CroweRP, BentleyMA. Recruitment and retention of new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s70–s86.
Hospitals: Soft Target for Terrorism?
Authors: De Cauwer Harald , Somville Francis , Sabbe Marc , Mortelmans Luc J.
Published: December 2016

In recent years, the world has been rocked repeatedly by terrorist attacks. Arguably, the most remarkable were: the series of four coordinated suicide plane attacks on September 11, 2001 on buildings in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, USA; and the recent series of two coordinated attacks in Brussels (Belgium), on March 22, 2016, involving two bombings at the departure hall of Brussels International Airport and a bombing at Maalbeek Metro Station located near the European Commission headquarters in the center of Brussels.

This statement paper deals with different aspects of hospital policy and disaster response planning that interface with terrorism. Research shows that the availability of necessary equipment and facilities (eg, personal protective clothing, decontamination rooms, antidotes, and anti-viral drugs) in hospitals clearly is insufficient. Emergency teams are insufficiently prepared: adequate and repetitive training remain necessary.

Unfortunately, there are many examples of health care workers and physicians or hospitals being targeted in both political or religious conflicts and wars. Many health workers were kidnapped and/or killed by insurgents of various ideology. Attacks on hospitals also could cause long-term effects: hospital units could be unavailable for a long time and replacing staff could take several months, further compounding hospital operations. Both physical and psychological (eg, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) after-effects of a terrorist attack can be detrimental to health care services. On the other hand, physicians and other hospital employees have shown to be involved in terrorism. As data show that some offenders had a previous history with the location of the terror incident, the possibility of hospitals or other health care services being targeted by insiders is discussed.

The purpose of this report was to consider how past terrorist incidents can inform current hospital preparedness and disaster response planning.

De CauwerH,SomvilleF,SabbeM,MortelmansLJ.Hospitals: soft target for terrorism?Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(1):94–100.
Development of a Mass-Gathering Triage Tool: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Cannon Matt , Roitman Rebecca , Ranse Jamie , Morphet Julia
Published: December 2016

Many health service organizations deploy first responders and health care professionals to mass gatherings to assess and manage injuries and illnesses. Patient presentation rates (PPRs) to on-site health services at a mass gathering range from 0.48-170 per 10,000 participants. Transport to hospital rates (TTHRs) range from 0.035-15 per 10,000 participants. The aim of this report was to outline the current literature pertaining to mass-gathering triage and to describe the development of a mass-gathering triage tool for use in the Australian context by first responders. The tool is based on the principles of triage, previous mass-gathering triage tools, existing Australian triage systems, and Australian contextual considerations. The model is designed to be appropriate for use by first responders.

CannonM, RoitmanR, RanseJ, MorphetJ. Development of a mass-gathering triage tool: an Australian perspective. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(1): 101–105.
Buzzing Ice Shelf Makes Waves in the Air Above
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: December 2016

The resonant vibrations of the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica are disturbing the atmosphere above it, creating huge ripples.
Using Qualitative Research Methods to Improve Clinical Care in Pediatric Psychology
Authors: Alderfer Melissa A. , Sood Erica
Published: December 2016

The editors of Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology recently issued a call for articles reporting the use of qualitative methods in improving clinical care. This commentary describes the valuable role that qualitative research methods can play in the development, adaptation, and refinement of clinical care practices; highlights examples of this research from the current literature; and refers authors and readers to resources for reporting upon and evaluating the rigor of this scientific approach.
Non-amyloidogenic effects of α2 adrenergic agonists: implications for brimonidine-mediated neuroprotection
Authors: Nizari Shereen , Guo Li , Davis Benjamin M , Normando Eduardo M , Galvao Joana , Turner Lisa A , Bizrah Mukhtar , Dehabadi Mohammad , Tian Kailin , Cordeiro M Francesca
Published: December 2016

The amyloid beta (Aβ) pathway is strongly implicated in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and more recently, glaucoma. Here, we identify the α2 adrenergic receptor agonists (α2ARA) used to lower intraocular pressure can prevent retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death via the non-amyloidogenic Aβ-pathway. Neuroprotective effects were confirmed in vivo and in vitro in different glaucoma-related models using α2ARAs brimonidine (BMD), clonidine (Clo) and dexmedetomidine. α2ARA treatment significantly reduced RGC apoptosis in experimental-glaucoma models by 97.7% and 92.8% (BMD, P<0.01) and 98% and 92.3% (Clo, P<0.01)) at 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. A reduction was seen in an experimental Aβ-induced neurotoxicity model (67% BMD and 88.6% Clo, both P<0.01, respectively), and in vitro, where α2ARAs significantly (P<0.05) prevented cell death, under both hypoxic (CoCl2) and stress (UV) conditions. In experimental-glaucoma, BMD induced ninefold and 25-fold and 36-fold and fourfold reductions in Aβ and amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels at 3 and 8 weeks, respectively, in the RGC layer, with similar results with Clo, and in vitro with all three α2ARAs. BMD significantly increased soluble APPα (sAPPα) levels at 3 and 8 weeks (2.1 and 1.6-fold) in vivo and in vitro with the CoCl2 and UV-light insults. Furthermore, treatment of UV-insulted cells with an sAPPα antibody significantly reduced cell viability compared with BMD-treated control (52%), co-treatment (33%) and untreated control (27%). Finally, we show that α2ARAs modulate levels of laminin and MMP-9 in RGCs, potentially linked to changes in Aβ through APP processing. Together, these results provide new evidence that α2ARAs are neuroprotective through their effects on the Aβ pathway and sAPPα, which to our knowledge, is the first description. Studies have identified the need for α-secretase activators and sAPPα-mimetics in neurodegeneration; α2ARAs, already clinically available, present a promising therapy, with applications not only to reducing RGC death in glaucoma but also other neurodegenerative processes involving Aβ.
Inflammation and Notch signaling: a crosstalk with opposite effects on tumorigenesis
Authors: Fazio Chiara , Ricciardiello Luigi
Published: December 2016

The Notch cascade is a fundamental and highly conserved pathway able to control cell-fate. The Notch pathway arises from the interaction of one of the Notch receptors (Notch1–4) with different types of ligands; in particular, the Notch pathway can be activated canonically (through the ligands Jagged1, Jagged2, DLL1, DLL3 or DLL4) or non-canonically (through various molecules shared by other pathways). In the context of tumor biology, the deregulation of Notch signaling is found to be crucial, but it is still not clear if the activation of this pathway exerts a tumor-promoting or a tumor suppressing function in different cancer settings. Untill now, it is well known that the inflammatory compartment is critically involved in tumor progression; however, inflammation, which occurs as a physiological response to damage, can also drive protective processes toward carcinogenesis. Therefore, the role of inflammation in cancer is still controversial and needs to be further clarified. Interestingly, recent literature reports that some of the signaling molecules modulated by the cells of the immune system also belong to or interact with the canonical and non-canonical Notch pathways, delineating a possible link between Notch activation and inflammatory environment. In this review we analyze the hypothesis that specific inflammatory conditions can control the activation of the Notch pathway in terms of biological effect, partially explaining the dichotomy of both phenomena. For this purpose, we detail the molecular links reported in the literature connecting inflammation and Notch signaling in different types of tumor, with a particular focus on colorectal carcinogenesis, which represents a perfect example of context-dependent interaction between malignant transformation and immune response.
Engineering the magnetic coupling and anisotropy at the molecule–magnetic surface interface in molecular spintronic devices
Authors: Campbell Victoria E. , Tonelli Monica , Cimatti Irene , Moussy Jean-Baptiste , Tortech Ludovic , Dappe Yannick J. , Rivière Eric , Guillot Régis , Delprat Sophie , Mattana Richard , Seneor Pierre , Ohresser Philippe , Choueikani Fadi , Otero Edwige , Koprowiak Florian , Chilkuri Vijay Gopal , Suaud Nicolas , Guihéry Nathalie , Galtayries Anouk , Miserque Frederic , Arrio Marie-Anne , Sainctavit Philippe , Mallah Talal
Published: December 2016

A challenge in molecular spintronics is to control the magnetic coupling between magnetic molecules and magnetic electrodes to build efficient devices. Here we show that the nature of the magnetic ion of anchored metal complexes highly impacts the exchange coupling of the molecules with magnetic substrates. Surface anchoring alters the magnetic anisotropy of the cobalt(II)-containing complex (Co(Pyipa)2), and results in blocking of its magnetization due to the presence of a magnetic hysteresis loop. In contrast, no hysteresis loop is observed in the isostructural nickel(II)-containing complex (Ni(Pyipa)2). Through XMCD experiments and theoretical calculations we find that Co(Pyipa)2 is strongly ferromagnetically coupled to the surface, while Ni(Pyipa)2 is either not coupled or weakly antiferromagnetically coupled to the substrate. These results highlight the importance of the synergistic effect that the electronic structure of a metal ion and the organic ligands has on the exchange interaction and anisotropy occurring at the molecule–electrode interface.
Evidence for social parasitism of early insect societies by Cretaceous rove beetles
Authors: Yamamoto Shûhei , Maruyama Munetoshi , Parker Joseph
Published: December 2016

The evolution of eusociality in ants and termites propelled both insect groups to their modern ecological dominance. Yet, eusociality also fostered the evolution of social parasitism—an adverse symbiosis, in which the superorganismal colonies formed by these insects are infiltrated by a profusion of invertebrate species that target nest resources. Predominant among these are the aleocharine rove beetles (Staphylinidae), a vast and ecologically diverse subfamily with numerous morphologically and behaviourally specialized socially parasitic lineages. Here, we report a fossil aleocharine,Mesosymbion compactusgen. et sp. nov., in Burmese amber (∼99 million years old), displaying specialized anatomy that is a hallmark of social parasites.Mesosymbioncoexisted in the Burmese palaeofauna with stem-group ants and termites that provide the earliest indications of eusociality in both insect groups. We infer that the advent of eusociality led automatically and unavoidably to selection for social parasitism. The antiquity and adaptive flexibility of aleocharines made them among the first organisms to engage in this type of symbiosis.
Acquired RAS or EGFR mutations and duration of response to EGFR blockade in colorectal cancer
Authors: Van Emburgh Beth O. , Arena Sabrina , Siravegna Giulia , Lazzari Luca , Crisafulli Giovanni , Corti Giorgio , Mussolin Benedetta , Baldi Federica , Buscarino Michela , Bartolini Alice , Valtorta Emanuele , Vidal Joana , Bellosillo Beatriz , Germano Giovanni , Pietrantonio Filippo , Ponzetti Agostino , Albanell Joan , Siena Salvatore , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Montagut Clara , Bardelli Alberto
Published: December 2016

Blockade of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with the monoclonal antibodies cetuximab or panitumumab is effective in a subset of colorectal cancers (CRCs), but the emergence of resistance limits the efficacy of these therapeutic agents. At relapse, the majority of patients develop RAS mutations, while a subset acquires EGFR extracellular domain (ECD) mutations. Here we find that patients who experience greater and longer responses to EGFR blockade preferentially develop EGFR ECD mutations, while RAS mutations emerge more frequently in patients with smaller tumour shrinkage and shorter progression-free survival. In circulating cell-free tumour DNA of patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies, RAS mutations emerge earlier than EGFR ECD variants. Subclonal RAS but not EGFR ECD mutations are present in CRC samples obtained before exposure to EGFR blockade. These data indicate that clonal evolution of drug-resistant cells is associated with the clinical outcome of CRC patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies.
A large carnivorous mammal from the Late Cretaceous and the North American origin of marsupials
Authors: Wilson Gregory P. , Ekdale Eric G. , Hoganson John W. , Calede Jonathan J. , Vander Linden Abby
Published: December 2016

Marsupial mammal relatives (stem metatherians) from the Mesozoic Era (252–66 million years ago) are mostly known from isolated teeth and fragmentary jaws. Here we report on the first near-complete skull remains of a North American Late Cretaceous metatherian, the stagodontid Didelphodon vorax. Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that marsupials or their closest relatives evolved in North America, as part of a Late Cretaceous diversification of metatherians, and later dispersed to South America. In addition to being the largest known Mesozoic therian mammal (node-based clade of eutherians and metatherians), Didelphodon vorax has a high estimated bite force and other craniomandibular and dental features that suggest it is the earliest known therian to invade a durophagous predator–scavenger niche. Our results broaden the scope of the ecomorphological diversification of Mesozoic mammals to include therian lineages that, in this case, were linked to the origin and evolution of marsupials.