bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing caused by biogenic new particle formation
Authors: Gordon Hamish , Sengupta Kamalika , Rap Alexandru , Duplissy Jonathan , Frege Carla , Williamson Christina , Heinritzi Martin , Simon Mario , Yan Chao , Almeida João , Tröstl Jasmin , Nieminen Tuomo , Ortega Ismael K. , Wagner Robert , Dunne Eimear M. , Adamov Alexey , Amorim Antonio , Bernhammer Anne-Kathrin , Bianchi Federico , Breitenlechner Martin , Brilke Sophia , Chen Xuemeng , Craven Jill S. , Dias Antonio , Ehrhart Sebastian , Fischer Lukas , Flagan Richard C. , Franchin Alessandro , Fuchs Claudia , Guida Roberto , Hakala Jani , Hoyle Christopher R. , Jokinen Tuija , Junninen Heikki , Kangasluoma Juha , Kim Jaeseok , Kirkby Jasper , Krapf Manuel , Kürten Andreas , Laaksonen Ari , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Makhmutov Vladimir , Mathot Serge , Molteni Ugo , Monks Sarah A. , Onnela Antti , Peräkylä Otso , Piel Felix , Petäjä Tuukka , Praplan Arnaud P. , Pringle Kirsty J. , Richards Nigel A. D. , Rissanen Matti P. , Rondo Linda , Sarnela Nina , Schobesberger Siegfried , Scott Catherine E. , Seinfeld John H. , Sharma Sangeeta , Sipilä Mikko , Steiner Gerhard , Stozhkov Yuri , Stratmann Frank , Tomé Antonio , Virtanen Annele , Vogel Alexander Lucas , Wagner Andrea C. , Wagner Paul E. , Weingartner Ernest , Wimmer Daniela , Winkler Paul M. , Ye Penglin , Zhang Xuan , Hansel Armin , Dommen Josef , Donahue Neil M. , Worsnop Douglas R. , Baltensperger Urs , Kulmala Markku , Curtius Joachim , Carslaw Kenneth S.
Published: October 2016

Significance

A mechanism for the formation of atmospheric aerosols via the gas to particle conversion of highly oxidized organic molecules is found to be the dominant aerosol formation process in the preindustrial boundary layer over land. The inclusion of this process in a global aerosol model raises baseline preindustrial aerosol concentrations and could lead to a reduction of 27% in estimates of anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing.
Moderating attitudes in times of violence through paradoxical thinking intervention
Authors: Hameiri Boaz , Porat Roni , Bar-Tal Daniel , Halperin Eran
Published: October 2016

Significance

Societies involved in intractable conflicts are typically polarized in their views on how to resolve the conflict. Hawkish members of society adhere to an uncompromising and nonconciliatory ideology. Therefore, interventions that may change their attitudes are particularly important but simultaneously are very difficult to apply because hawks tend to reject messages that propagate peaceful resolution of the conflict. In the current investigation, we tested whether a large-scale campaign based on the paradoxical thinking framework can moderate attitudes during a widespread outbreak of violence. We found that rightwing (i.e., hawkish) participants exposed to the campaign decreased their adherence to conflict-supporting attitudes over time, were more supportive of conciliatory policies, and less supportive of aggressive policies.
Microbial-type terpene synthase genes occur widely in nonseed land plants, but not in seed plants
Authors: Jia Qidong , Li Guanglin , Köllner Tobias G. , Fu Jianyu , Chen Xinlu , Xiong Wangdan , Crandall-Stotler Barbara J. , Bowman John L. , Weston David J. , Zhang Yong , Chen Li , Xie Yinlong , Li Fay-Wei , Rothfels Carl J. , Larsson Anders , Graham Sean W. , Stevenson Dennis W. , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Gershenzon Jonathan , Chen Feng
Published: October 2016

Significance

Terpenoids are ubiquitous products made by land plants with diverse biological functions. Their formation in seed plants is catalyzed by typical plant terpene synthases (TPSs), a well-characterized group of enzymes. In contrast, our knowledge of terpenoid biosynthesis in nonseed plants is very limited. By systematically analyzing the transcriptomes and/or genomes of more than 1000 plant species, we report that microbial terpene synthase-like genes, which are only distantly related to typical plant
TPS
genes, are widely distributed in nonseed plants, but virtually absent in seed plants. The study provides insights into the evolution
of TPS
genes in early land plants and opens the door to investigating the diversity and functions of terpenoids in nonseed plants.
Approaching a realistic force balance in geodynamo simulations
Authors: Yadav Rakesh K. , Gastine Thomas , Christensen Ulrich R. , Wolk Scott J. , Poppenhaeger Katja
Published: October 2016

Significance

Flow in Earth’s liquid core is expected to be primarily governed by the Coriolis force due to Earth’s rotation, the buoyancy force driving the convection, and the Lorentz force due to the geomagnetic field. A relevant geodynamo model has to be in such a force balance. Contemporaneous simulations invoke high viscosities to suppress flow turbulence to keep the computational costs manageable. The unrealistically large viscosity in these simulations is a major concern. Here we show that the state-of-the-art simulations with a viscosity that is lower than in most simulations, but still much larger than in Earth’s core, can approach a realistic force balance. Our simulations produce many properties that have been theoretically predicted in the past.
Formation of raiding parties for intergroup violence is mediated by social network structure
Authors: Glowacki Luke , Isakov Alexander , Wrangham Richard W. , McDermott Rose , Fowler James H. , Christakis Nicholas A.
Published: October 2016

Significance

The social network structure of a small-scale society is crucial to formation of raiding parties involved in violent between-group raids. We mapped the social networks among Nyangatom men in a defined area of Ethiopia and ascertained membership in 39 intergroup raiding parties over 3 y. Although a small set of leaders initiated raids, they were not especially crucial for the composition of the raiding parties; instead, aspects of social network structure served to determine group composition and to amplify group size, once a raid was initiated. Intergroup violence, like other forms of collective action, depends on social structure and not just individual agency. This is relevant to spontaneous violent activities in settings as diverse as revolutions, gangs, and terrorist groups.
Effects of tool wear on friction stir welded joints of Ti–6Al–4V alloy
Authors: Nasresfahani A. R. , Soltanipur A. R. , Farmanesh K. , Ghasemi A.
Published: October 2016

Tool wear behaviour on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded zones of Ti–6Al–4V alloy was evaluated. SEM examination, EDS analysis and X-ray diffraction results indicated that severe wear of the tool is indicated by the presence of WC-Co particles in the stir zone at rotational speed of 630 rev min−1 and travel speed of 8 mm min−1. Micro-hardness, tensile tests and fractographical examinations also reflected that these particles make the material more brittle and reduce the mechanical strength by 40%. However at travel speed of 22 mm min−1, tool wear is less, hardness distribution is more uniform and enhanced ductility and strength is achieved.
Increased fatigue strength of partially stabilised zirconia achieved by shot peening
Authors: Takahashi K. , Iwanaka K. , Koike H.
Published: October 2016

The effects of shot peening (SP) on the fatigue strength of partially stabilised zirconia were studied. Smooth specimens and specimens containing a surface pre-crack with depths in the range 35–110 μm were subjected to SP. The cyclic fatigue tests were performed using a three-point bending setup. SP introduced compressive residual stresses on the specimens and improved their fatigue strengths. The shot peened specimens with pre-crack depths ≤ 50 μm fractured outside the pre-crack area and exhibited considerably high fatigue limits, equivalent to those of the shot peened smooth specimens. Therefore, the pre-cracks with depths ≤ 50 μm could be rendered harmless by SP, which was confirmed by the theoretical estimations based on fracture mechanics.
DTT: a divertor tokamak test facility for the study of the power exhaust issues in view of DEMO
Authors: Albanese R.
Published: October 2016

In parallel with the programme to optimize the operation with a conventional divertor based on detached conditions to be tested on the ITER device, a project has been launched to investigate alternative power exhaust solutions for DEMO, aimed at the definition and the design of a divertor tokamak test facility (DTT). The DTT project proposal refers to a set of parameters selected so as to have edge conditions as close as possible to DEMO, while remaining compatible with DEMO bulk plasma performance in terms of dimensionless parameters and given constraints. The paper illustrates the DTT project proposal, referring to a 6 MA plasma with a major radius of 2.15 m, an aspect ratio of about 3, an elongation of 1.6–1.8, and a toroidal field of 6 T. This selection will guarantee sufficient flexibility to test a wide set of divertor concepts and techniques to cope with large heat loads, including conventional tungsten divertors; liquid metal divertors; both conventional and advanced magnetic configurations (including single null, snow flake, quasi snow flake, X divertor, double null); internal coils for strike point sweeping and control of the width of the scrape-off layer in the divertor region; and radiation control. The Poloidal Field system is planned to provide a total flux swing of more than 35 Vs, compatible with a pulse length of more than 100 s. This is compatible with the mission of studying the power exhaust problem and is obtained using superconducting coils. Particular attention is dedicated to diagnostics and control issues, especially those relevant for plasma control in the divertor region, designed to be as compatible as possible with a DEMO-like environment. The construction is expected to last about seven years, and the selection of an Italian site would be compatible with a budget of 500 M€.
Diffusion of Drip Irrigation: The Case of California
Authors: Taylor Rebecca , Zilberman David
Published: October 2016

This article provides insights regarding the state of the literature on the economics of drip irrigation adoption and diffusion. Our literature review finds that the methodological approaches to studying diffusion—conceptual modeling, empirical analysis, and historical narratives—are complementary, yet historical analyses have been underemphasized. To address this gap, we conduct a historical analysis of the diffusion of drip irrigation in California. Our forty‐five‐year narrative highlights that the successful adoption of drip irrigation to diverse crops and locations required (i) coevolution of the technology and complementary production processes, and (ii) joint efforts by private and public experts at the local level.
Excess Pressure Integral Predicts Long-Term All-Cause Mortality in Stable Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Wang Wei-Ting , Sung Shih-Hsien , Wang Jiun-Jr , Wu Cho-Kai , Lin Lian-Yu , Lee Jia-Chun , Cheng Hao-Min , Chen Chen-Huan
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Excess pressure integral (XSPI) derived from reservoir-excess pressure analysis is proposed as a novel indicator of cardiovascular dysfunction in hypertensives. Our study investigated the prognostic value of XSPI for stable heart failure (HF) patients.

METHODS

In total, 238 subjects (mean age 63 ± 18 years, 111 male), comprising 168 stable HF patients with either reduced (SHF; n = 64) left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) or isolated diastolic dysfunction (DHF, n = 104), and 70 healthy controls, were enrolled. Tonometry-derived carotid pressure waveforms were analyzed with the reservoir pressure theory. XSPI was calculated by subtracting the reservoir pressure from carotid pressure waveform.

RESULTS

XSPI in SHF and DHF (14.01 ± 5.16 and 13.90 ± 5.05 mm Hg•s) were significantly higher than that in controls (11.01 ± 3.67 mm Hg•s, both P < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 9.9 years, 56 deaths occurred. XSPI was a significant independent predictor of total mortality after adjusting for age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (hazard ratio = 4.37 per 1 SD, 95% confidence interval, 1.31–14.58). In subgroup analysis by different baseline characteristics including age, gender, NT-proBNP, LVEF, and GFR, higher XSPI was consistently associated with greater risk of total mortality.

CONCLUSION

In patients with stable HF, XSPI, a novel maker of cardiovascular dysfunction, was associated with long-term risk of total mortality.
Non-native populations of an invasive tree outperform their native conspecifics
Authors: Hirsch Heidi , Hensen Isabell , Wesche Karsten , Renison Daniel , Wypior Catherina , Hartmann Matthias , von Wehrden Henrik
Published: October 2016

Introduced plants often face new environmental conditions in their non-native ranges. To become invasive, they need to overcome several biotic and abiotic filters that may trigger adaptive changes in life-history traits, like post-germination processes. Such early life cycle traits may play a crucial role in the colonization and establishment success of invasive plants. As a previous study revealed that seeds of non-native populations of the woody Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila, germinated faster than those of native populations, we expected growth performance of seedlings to mirror this finding. Here, we conducted a common garden greenhouse experiment using different temperature and watering treatments to compare the biomass production of U. pumila seedlings derived from 7 native and 13 populations from two non-native ranges. Our results showed that under all treatments, non-native populations were characterized by higher biomass production and enhanced resource allocation to aboveground biomass compared to the native populations. The observed enhanced growth performance of non-native populations might be one of the contributing factors for the invasion success of U. pumila due to competitive advantages during the colonization of new sites.
Uncertainty estimation of predictions of peptides’ chromatographic retention times in shotgun proteomics
Authors: Maboudi Afkham Heydar , Qiu Xuanbin , The Matthew , Käll Lukas
Published: October 2016

Motivation

Liquid chromatography is frequently used as a means to reduce the complexity of peptide-mixtures in shotgun proteomics. For such systems, the time when a peptide is released from a chromatography column and registered in the mass spectrometer is referred to as the peptide’s retention time. Using heuristics or machine learning techniques, previous studies have demonstrated that it is possible to predict the retention time of a peptide from its amino acid sequence. In this paper, we are applying Gaussian Process Regression to the feature representation of a previously described predictor Elude. Using this framework, we demonstrate that it is possible to estimate the uncertainty of the prediction made by the model. Here we show how this uncertainty relates to the actual error of the prediction.

Results

In our experiments, we observe a strong correlation between the estimated uncertainty provided by Gaussian Process Regression and the actual prediction error. This relation provides us with new means for assessment of the predictions. We demonstrate how a subset of the peptides can be selected with lower prediction error compared to the whole set. We also demonstrate how such predicted standard deviations can be used for designing adaptive windowing strategies.

Availability and Implementation

Our software and the data used in our experiments is publicly available and can be downloaded from https://github.com/statisticalbiotechnology/GPTime.
Assocplots: a Python package for static and interactive visualization of multiple-group GWAS results
Authors: Khramtsova Ekaterina A , Stranger Barbara E
Published: October 2016

Over the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have generated vast amounts of analysis results, requiring development of novel tools for data visualization. Quantile–quantile (QQ) plots and Manhattan plots are classical tools which have been utilized to visually summarize GWAS results and identify genetic variants significantly associated with traits of interest. However, static visualizations are limiting in the information that can be shown. Here, we present Assocplots, a Python package for viewing and exploring GWAS results not only using classic static Manhattan and QQ plots, but also through a dynamic extension which allows to interactively visualize the relationships between GWAS results from multiple cohorts or studies.

Availability and Implementation

The Assocplots package is open source and distributed under the MIT license via GitHub (https://github.com/khramts/assocplots) along with examples, documentation and installation instructions.
Visualizing the geography of genetic variants
Authors: Marcus Joseph H , Novembre John
Published: October 2016

One of the key characteristics of any genetic variant is its geographic distribution. The geographic distribution can shed light on where an allele first arose, what populations it has spread to, and in turn on how migration, genetic drift, and natural selection have acted. The geographic distribution of a genetic variant can also be of great utility for medical/clinical geneticists and collectively many genetic variants can reveal population structure. Here we develop an interactive visualization tool for rapidly displaying the geographic distribution of genetic variants. Through a REST API and dynamic front-end, the Geography of Genetic Variants (GGV) browser (http://popgen.uchicago.edu/ggv/) provides maps of allele frequencies in populations distributed across the globe.

Availability and Implementation

GGV is implemented as a website (http://popgen.uchicago.edu/ggv/) which employs an API to access frequency data (http://popgen.uchicago.edu/freq_api/). Python and javascript source code for the website and the API are available at: http://github.com/NovembreLab/ggv/ and http://github.com/NovembreLab/ggv-api/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
iATC-mISF: a multi-label classifier for predicting the classes of anatomical therapeutic chemicals
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Zhao Shu-Guang , Xiao Xuan , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: October 2016

Motivation: Given a compound, can we predict which anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) class/classes it belongs to? It is a challenging problem since the information thus obtained can be used to deduce its possible active ingredients, as well as its therapeutic, pharmacological and chemical properties. And hence the pace of drug development could be substantially expedited. But this problem is by no means an easy one. Particularly, some drugs or compounds may belong to two or more ATC classes.

Results: To address it, a multi-label classifier, called iATC-mISF, was developed by incorporating the information of chemical–chemical interaction, the information of the structural similarity, and the information of the fingerprintal similarity. Rigorous cross-validations showed that the proposed predictor achieved remarkably higher prediction quality than its cohorts for the same purpose, particularly in the absolute true rate, the most important and harsh metrics for the multi-label systems.

Availability and Implementation: The web-server for iATC-mISF is accessible at http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/iATC-mISF. Furthermore, to maximize the convenience for most experimental scientists, a step-by-step guide was provided, by which users can easily get their desired results without needing to go through the complicated mathematical equations. Their inclusion in this article is just for the integrity of the new method and stimulating more powerful methods to deal with various multi-label systems in biology.

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CloudPhylo: a fast and scalable tool for phylogeny reconstruction
Authors: Xu Xingjian , Ji Zhaohua , Zhang Zhang
Published: October 2016

Phylogeny reconstruction is fundamentally crucial for molecular evolutionary studies but remains computationally challenging. Here we present CloudPhylo, a tool built on Spark that is capable of processing large-scale datasets for phylogeny reconstruction. As testified on empirical data, CloudPhylo is well suited for big data analysis, achieving high efficiency and good scalability on phylogenetic tree inference.

Availability and Implementation

https://github.com/XingjianXu/cloudphylo

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Assessment of six commercial plasma small RNA isolation kits using qRT-PCR and electrophoretic separation: higher recovery of microRNA following ultracentrifugation
Authors: Meerson Ari , Ploug Thorkil
Published: October 2016

Growing interest in blood-borne microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers has led to the introduction of a number of commercial kits for isolating small RNAs from plasma/serum. We sought to compare the efficacy of six such kits in isolating miRNAs from either whole plasma or a plasma-derived ultracentrifugation (UC) fraction from 2 healthy volunteers with some of the results being validated in 10 additional subjects. To assess the overall yield and concentration of isolated small RNAs, we measured the levels of one spiked-in and four endogenous miRNAs by quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also tested the performance of the Agilent Bioanalyzer small RNA assay with these RNA samples. Additionally, we tested the effects of hemolysis on measured miRNA levels in whole plasma and in the UC fraction. Both the efficiency of RNA isolation and the relative levels of specific miRNAs in different samples varied considerably between the tested extraction methods. Of all kits tested, the QIAGEN miRNeasy kits (Mini and Serum/Plasma kits) and the Macherey-Nagel NucleoSpin kit produced the highest RNA yields. The QIAGEN Exo kit produced lesser yields than what could be extracted from the UC fraction using the QIAGEN miRNeasy kits and the Macherey-Nagel NucleoSpin kit. Bioanalyzer results showed an average correlation of R2 = 0.8 with endogenous miRNA qRT-PCR results, for sample concentrations >40 pg/µl. The levels of the endogenous miRNAs measured in the two volunteer samples were compared with those in a larger group of subjects (n = 10) and found to be typical. Our comparison favors the use of the QIAGEN Serum/Plasma kit and the Macherey-Nagel NucleoSpin kit for plasma miRNA applications. Furthermore, extraction of miRNAs from the UC fraction results in higher yield than extraction from whole plasma.
Pursuit of a moving target with bounded speed on a directed acyclic graph under partial information
Authors: Kalyanam Krishnamoorthy , Casbeer David , Pachter Meir
Published: October 2016

The optimal control of a ‘blind’ airborne pursuer searching for an evader moving on a road network with positive bounded speed toward a set of goal vertices is considered. To aid the pursuer and provide feedback information, certain roads in the network have been instrumented with unattended ground sensors (UGSs) that detect evader motion. When the pursuer arrives at an instrumented node, the UGS therein informs the pursuer if and when the evader visited the node. The pursuer is aware of the bounds on the evader’s speed. Moreover, the embedded graph with the UGSs as vertices and connecting roads as edges is restricted to be a directed acyclic graph (DAG). At time $0$, the evader’s entry into the road network is registered at UGS $1$, the entry node. The pursuer also arrives at the entry node after some delay $d>0$ and is thus informed about the presence of the intruder/evader in the network, whereupon the chase is on. Capture entails the pursuer and evader being co-located at an UGS location. However, if the evader reaches an exit node of the graph without being captured, it is deemed to have escaped. We compute the maximum initial delay $d$ and the ensuing pursuit policy, for which capture is guaranteed.
Anonymization for outputs of population health and health services research conducted via an online data center
Authors: O’Keefe Christine M , Westcott Mark , O’Sullivan Maree , Ickowicz Adrien , Churches Tim
Published: October 2016

Objective: Online data centers (ODCs) are becoming increasingly popular for making health-related data available for research. Such centers provide good privacy protection during analysis by trusted researchers, but privacy concerns may still remain if the system outputs are not sufficiently anonymized. In this article, we propose a method for anonymizing analysis outputs from ODCs for publication in academic literature.

Methods: We use as a model system the Secure Unified Research Environment, an online computing system that allows researchers to access and analyze linked health-related data for approved studies in Australia. This model system suggests realistic assumptions for an ODC that, together with literature and practice reviews, inform our solution design.

Results: We propose a two-step approach to anonymizing analysis outputs from an ODC. A data preparation stage requires data custodians to apply some basic treatments to the dataset before making it available. A subsequent output anonymization stage requires researchers to use a checklist at the point of downloading analysis output. The checklist assists researchers with highlighting potential privacy concerns, then applying appropriate anonymization treatments.

Conclusion: The checklist can be used more broadly in health care research, not just in ODCs. Ease of online publication as well as encouragement from journals to submit supplementary material are likely to increase both the volume and detail of analysis results publicly available, which in turn will increase the need for approaches such as the one suggested in this paper.
Problems with health information technology and their effects on care delivery and patient outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Kim Mi Ok , Coiera Enrico , Magrabi Farah
Published: October 2016

Objective: To systematically review studies reporting problems with information technology (IT) in health care and their effects on care delivery and patient outcomes.

Materials and methods: We searched bibliographic databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Science Citation Index Expanded from January 2004 to December 2015 for studies reporting problems with IT and their effects. A framework called the information value chain, which connects technology use to final outcome, was used to assess how IT problems affect user interaction, information receipt, decision-making, care processes, and patient outcomes. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results: Of the 34 studies identified, the majority (n = 14, 41%) were analyses of incidents reported from 6 countries. There were 7 descriptive studies, 9 ethnographic studies, and 4 case reports. The types of IT problems were similar to those described in earlier classifications of safety problems associated with health IT. The frequency, scale, and severity of IT problems were not adequately captured within these studies. Use errors and poor user interfaces interfered with the receipt of information and led to errors of commission when making decisions. Clinical errors involving medications were well characterized. Issues with system functionality, including poor user interfaces and fragmented displays, delayed care delivery. Issues with system access, system configuration, and software updates also delayed care. In 18 studies (53%), IT problems were linked to patient harm and death. Near-miss events were reported in 10 studies (29%).

Discussion and conclusion: The research evidence describing problems with health IT remains largely qualitative, and many opportunities remain to systematically study and quantify risks and benefits with regard to patient safety. The information value chain, when used in conjunction with existing classifications for health IT safety problems, can enhance measurement and should facilitate identification of the most significant risks to patient safety.
From loquacious to reticent: understanding patient health information communication to guide consumer health IT design
Authors: Valdez Rupa S , Guterbock Thomas M , Fitzgibbon Kara , Williams Ishan C , Wellbeloved-Stone Claire A , Bears Jaime E , Menefee Hannah K
Published: October 2016

Background and significance. It is increasingly recognized that some patients self-manage in the context of social networks rather than alone. Consumer health information technology (IT) designed to support socially embedded self-management must be responsive to patients’ everyday communication practices. There is an opportunity to improve consumer health IT design by explicating how patients currently leverage social media to support health information communication.

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine types of health information communication patterns that typify Facebook users with chronic health conditions to guide consumer health IT design.

Materials and methods. Seven hundred participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited through a commercial survey access panel. Cluster analysis was used to identify distinct approaches to health information communication both on and off Facebook. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods were used to identify demographic and behavioral differences among profiles. Secondary analysis of qualitative interviews (n = 25) and analysis of open-ended survey questions were conducted to understand participant rationales for each profile.

Results. Our analysis yielded 7 distinct health information communication profiles. Five of 7 profiles had consistent patterns both on and off Facebook, while the remaining 2 demonstrated distinct practices, with no health information communication on Facebook but some off Facebook. One profile was distinct from all others in both health information communication practices and demographic composition. Rationales for following specific health information communication practices were categorized under 6 themes: altruism, instrumental support, social support, privacy and stigma, convenience, and Facebook knowledge.

Conclusion. Facebook has been widely adopted for health information communication; This study demonstrates that Facebook has been widely adopted for health information communication. It also shows that the ways in which patients communicate health information on and off Facebook are diverse.
Prospective Longitudinal Analysis of Immune Responses in Pediatric Subjects After Pharyngeal Acquisition of Group A Streptococci
Authors: Hysmith Nicholas D. , Kaplan Edward L. , Cleary P. Patrick , Johnson Dwight R. , Penfound Thomas A. , Dale James B.
Published: October 2016

Background.

Despite the significant burden of disease associated with infection by group A streptococcus (GAS), little is known about the human immune response to GAS antigens after natural infection.

Methods.

We evaluated 195 serum samples obtained prospectively over a consecutive 24-month period from 41 pediatric subjects who experienced a new pharyngeal GAS acquisition. An enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to determine the kinetics and antigen specificity of antibodies against 13 shared GAS antigens and 18 type-specific M peptides. The majority of the antigens tested are currently being considered as vaccine candidates.

Results.

Twelve M types of GAS were recovered from 41 subjects who experienced 51 new GAS acquisitions that elicited antibody responses against at least 1 of the 31 antigens tested (immunologically significant new GAS acquisitions). The immune responses to the 13 shared antigens were highly variable. Increases in antibody levels were detected against a mean of 3.5 shared antigens (range, 1–8). Antibody responses to the homologous M peptide were observed in 32 (63%) of the 51 episodes. Seven subjects acquired more than 1 M type of GAS. There were no new immunologically significant acquisitions of an M type against which the subject had preexisting antibodies to the homologous M peptide. Of the subjects with new GAS acquisition, 65% were asymptomatic, yet immune responses were detected against 1 or more GAS antigens. Immune responses to streptolysin O and/or deoxyribonuclease B were observed after 67% of the new GAS acquisitions. Persistently positive (>12 weeks) throat culture results were returned for 20% of the 41 subjects despite immune responses to homologous M peptides and/or shared antigens.

Conclusions.

The availability of throat culture results, GAS isolates, and serial serum samples collected prospectively over a 2-year period of observation provided a unique opportunity for us to assess the serologic status of pediatric subjects before and after new pharyngeal acquisitions of GAS. With the exception of antibody responses to the homologous M peptides, no clear pattern of immune responses against the remaining GAS antigens was seen. There were no new immunologically significant acquisitions ofemm types of GAS against which the subjects had preexisting elevated levels of antibodies against the homologous M peptide. The observation that 65% of new GAS acquisitions caused no symptoms yet were immunologically significant suggests that the majority of infections are not detected, which would result in missed opportunities for primary prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Effect of Dehulling and Germination on Physicochemical and Pasting Properties of Black Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Guajardo‐Flores Daniel , Pérez‐Carrillo Esther , Romo‐López Irasema , Ramírez‐Valdez Liliana E. , Moreno‐García Beatriz E. , Gutiérrez‐Uribe Janet A.
Published: October 2016

Dehulled and/or germinated black bean flours were physicochemically characterized, including pasting properties, along with the trypsin inhibitor and antioxidant phenolics. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that, using nonparametric correlations and principal component analysis, identifies the parameters affecting the pasting properties of germinated black bean flour. The carbohydrate loss observed after black bean germination was indirectly correlated with the crude fiber content. Therefore, germination increased the protein and crude fiber contents compared with raw seeds (from 19.1 and 2.4% to 24.0 and 5.1%, respectively). Additionally, the highest protein digestibility was obtained in dehulled germinated black bean flour (78.4%), followed by whole germinated seed flour (74.1%). The dehulling process increased the total starch content 13.5 and 18.8% compared with raw and germinated whole bean flours, respectively. Dehulling decreased both trypsin inhibitor activity and antioxidant phenolics. Germination reduced by twofold the peak and final viscosities of black bean flours. Interestingly, both viscosities were negatively correlated with protein and positively correlated with fat and insoluble dietary fiber. Although resistant starch content was not affected by germination or dehulling, its interactions with fat and insoluble dietary fiber were responsible of the changes observed in pasting properties of germinated black bean flour.
Identification of Fungal Species Associated with Branch Dieback of Olive and Resistance of Table Cultivars to Neofusicoccum mediterraneum and Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Moral Juan , Agustí-Brisach Carlos , Pérez-Rodríguez Mario , Xaviér Carlos , Raya M. Carmen , Rhouma Ali , Trapero Antonio
Published: October 2016

Over two consecutive seasons, 16 olive orchards with trees exhibiting dieback symptoms on branches were surveyed in southern Spain. The six dominant fungal species recovered were characterized by means of phenotypic observations, DNA analysis (by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin, and large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA regions), and pathogenicity tests. Additionally, three isolates collected from Tunisian olive trees showing similar dieback symptoms, one isolate of Colletotrichum godetiae, and a reference isolates of Neofusicoccum mediterraneum were included. The resistance of the 11 most important table cultivars to N. mediterraneum and Botryosphaeria dothidea, the causal agent of “escudete” (small shield) of fruit, was studied by the inoculation of branches and immature fruit, respectively. The species Cytospora pruinosa, N. mediterraneum, Nothophoma quercina, Comoclathris incompta, and Diaporthe sp. were identified. Only N. mediterraneum and C. incompta were able to induce the typical dieback symptoms and cankers that affected the development of the plants. The species N. mediterraneum was the most virulent among the evaluated species, although differences in virulence among its isolates were observed. The remaining fungal species were weakly pathogenic to nonpathogenic on plants. According to resistance tests, ‘Gordal Sevillana’ and ‘Manzanilla Cacereña’ were the most susceptible to branch dieback caused by N. mediterraneum. Furthermore, the fruit of ‘Aloreña de Atarfe’ and ‘Manzanilla de Sevilla’ were the most susceptible to B. dothidea. Knowledge of the etiology and cultivar resistance of these diseases will help to establish better control measures.
Genetic Structure of Populations of the Wheat Sharp Eyespot Pathogen Rhizoctonia cerealis Anastomosis Group D Subgroup I in China
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Yingpeng , Zhang Aixiang , Chen Huaigu
Published: October 2016

Sharp eyespot on wheat is caused by Rhizoctonia cerealis anastomosis group D subgroup I (AG-DI) and is an economically important stem-base disease of wheat in temperate regions worldwide. However, the understanding about the field population structure of R. cerealis is limited. In this study, the genetic structure of four wheat-infecting populations in China was investigated using six microsatellite markers characterized from the transcriptome data of R. cerealis AG-DI. A total of 173 unique genotypes were identified among 235 fungal isolates. Departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, a significant degree of inbreeding, and a significant deficit in heterozygotes indicated a nonrandom mating pattern. Combining the low to intermediate degrees of gametic disequilibrium, although with high genotypic diversity and low to moderate clonal fractions, sexual reproduction probably existed, but the asexual reproduction should be the predominant reproductive mode. Structural analysis showed three gene pools among the four populations, which indicated the existence of three evolutionary origins of R. cerealis AG-DI. The long-distance movement of contaminated material, especially the infected seed, might have caused the moderate gene flow among these populations, which was consistent with the high differentiation among these populations. Overall, the genetic characteristics of the populations suggested a moderate evolutionary potential for R. cerealis AG-DI in China.
Implementation of Feeding Guidelines Hastens the Time to Initiation of Enteral Feeds and Improves Growth Velocity in Very Low Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Culpepper Christine , Hendrickson Kendra , Marshall Susan , Benes Jessica , Grover Theresa R.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Growth and nutrition are critical in neonatal care. Whether feeding guidelines improve growth and nutrition and reduce morbidity is unknown.

Purpose:

Feeding guidelines for very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants were implemented in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to start and achieve full enteral feeds sooner, and increase weight gain over the first month.

Methods:

Feeding guidelines for VLBW infants were implemented in January 2014, stratified by birth weight (<750, 750-1000, and 1000-1500 g). After trophic feedings, enteral feedings were advanced by 20 to 30 mL/kg/d.

Data were analyzed for 2 years prior (baseline) and 6 months after (guideline) guidelines were implemented and included days to initiation of enteral feeds, days on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and weight gain over the first month. Potential concomitant factors that could affect feeding tolerance were examined including indomethacin or dopamine treatment, delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and growth restriction.

Results:

A total of 95 infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g were included (59 baseline and 36 guideline). Days to start enteral feeds decreased by 47% (P < .01) and days on TPN decreased by 25% (16 days vs 11 days; P < .01). Weight gain over the first month of life increased by 15% (p < .05). Dopamine and indomethacin use decreased during the study period, and small for gestational age infants were overrepresented in the guideline group.

Implications for Practice/Research:

Establishment of feeding guidelines for VLBW infants in our NICU reduced the days to start feeds and days on TPN while increasing weight gain over the first month. Improving growth and nutrition and reducing need for TPN in this vulnerable population may ultimately prevent infection and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The obestatin/ghrelin ratio and ghrelin genetics in adult celiac patients before and after a gluten-free diet, in irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy individuals
Authors: Russo Francesco , Chimienti Guglielmina , Linsalata Michele , Clemente Caterina , Orlando Antonella , Riezzo Giuseppe
Published: October 2016

Background

Ghrelin levels and obestatin/ghrelin ratio have been proposed as activity markers in ulcerative colitis, but no data are available in celiac disease (CD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aims were as follows: (a) to assess obestatin and ghrelin concentrations in adult active CD patients, diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-d), and healthy controls (HC) in relation to intestinal permeability; (b) to evaluate the ghrelin–obestatin profile in CD patients after a 1-year gluten-free diet (GFD); and (c) to establish the impact of ghrelin genetics.

Methods

The study included 31 CD patients, 28 IBS-d patients, and 19 HC. Intestinal permeability, assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography determination of urinary lactulose (La)/mannitol (Ma), and circulating concentrations of obestatin, ghrelin, and their ratio were evaluated at enrollment and after GFD. The ghrelin single nucleotide polymorphisms Arg51Gln (rs34911341), Leu72Met (rs696217), and Gln90Leu (rs4684677) were analyzed.

Results

Intestinal permeability was impaired in CD patients and ameliorated after GFD. Ghrelin was significantly (P=0.048) higher and the obestatin/ghrelin ratio was significantly (P=0.034) lower in CD patients compared with both IBS-d and HC, and GFD reduced the peptide levels, but without reaching the concentrations in HC. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the Leu72Met polymorphism among groups, with the reduction of the GT genotype and the T allele in both CD and IBS-d patients compared with HC.

Conclusion

Intestinal permeability is altered in CD, but not in IBS-d patients, and ghrelin levels increase in CD patients as observed in other inflammatory conditions. Moreover, a role for ghrelin genetics is hypothesized in sustaining the many pathogenetic components of these different pathologies, but with a similar symptom profile.
Expression of TLE-1 and CD99 in Carcinoma: Pitfalls in Diagnosis of Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Zaccarini Daniel J. , Deng Xiaobing , Tull Jamie , Maciak Charlene , Valente Alfredo L. , Zhang Shengle
Published: October 2016

The characteristic immunoprofile for the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a neoplasm of unclear tissue origin, is expression of transducer-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE-1), CD99, partial expression of cytokeratin, and epithelial membrane antigen by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Diagnostic dilemma or misdiagnosis can occur due to overlap in IHC and morphology with carcinomas, and particularly poorly differentiated and metastatic tumors. The frequency of TLE-1 and CD99 expression in carcinomas by IHC has not been previously assessed. We evaluated TLE-1 and CD99 expression in various carcinomas and evaluated the expression of the SS18 (SYT) gene rearrangement (a characteristic biomarker for synovial sarcoma) in tumors with TLE-1 and/or CD99 expression. Immunostains of TLE-1 and CD99 were performed in 100 various carcinomas. Seven of the 98 cases (7%) of carcinomas showed TLE-1 expression, including 1 each of prostate adenocarcinoma (ADCA), esophageal ADCA, basal cell carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, endometrial ADCA, ovarian serous carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma. Twenty-one of the 100 cases (21%) of carcinomas demonstrated CD99 expression, including 6 prostate ADCA, 3 esophageal ADCA, 5 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 hepatocellular carcinomas, 1 each for endometrial ADCA, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. An esophageal ADCA was positive for both TLE-1 and CD99. None of the carcinomas with positive TLE-1 (n=7) or CD99 (n=21) by IHC showed SS18 gene rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization. TLE-1 and CD99 expression were identified in 7% and 21% of carcinomas, respectively. This is a potential pitfall in the IHC interpretation for diagnosis of synovial sarcoma. SS18 gene rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization is helpful for the diagnostically challenging cases, either for confirmation or exclusion of synovial sarcoma.
Os Odontoideum Discovered After Minor Cervical Trauma
Authors: Kim Tommy Y. , Ratnayake Kristin
Published: October 2016

Minor cervical spine injury is a common cause of pediatric emergency department visits. We present a case of a 10-year-old boy with transient paresthesia after minor cervical trauma found to have a rare cervical spine abnormality requiring surgical fusion. We present and discuss the management options for os odontoideum.
Implementation of the Spanish National Enhanced Recovery Program (ERAS) in Bariatric Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ruiz-Tovar Jaime , Royo Pablo , Muñoz José L. , Duran Manuel , Redondo Elisabeth , Ramirez Jose M.
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

The essence of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs is the multimodal approach, and many authors have demonstrated safety and feasibility in fast track bariatric surgery. According to this concept, a multidisciplinary ERAS program for bariatric surgery has been developed by the Spanish fast track group (ERAS Spain). The aim of this study was to analyze the initial implementation of this Spanish National ERAS protocol in bariatric surgery.

Patients and Methods:

A multicentric prospective pilot study was performed, including 125 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery at 3 Spanish hospitals between January and June 2015, after the Spanish National ERAS protocol in bariatric surgery. Compliance with the protocol, morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and readmission were evaluated.

Results:

Bariatric techniques performed included 68 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (54.4%) and 57 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (45.6%) cases. All surgeries were laparoscopically performed with conversion in only 1 case (0.8%). Median postoperative pain evaluated by visual analogic scale 24 hours after surgery was 2 (range, 0 to 5). Postoperative nausea or vomiting appeared in 7 patients (5.6%). Complications appeared in 6 patients (4.8%). The reoperation rate was 4%. The mortality rate was 0.8%. The median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 2 to 10 d) and readmission rate was 2.4%. The compliance of all the items of the protocol was achieved in 78.4% of the patients.

Conclusions:

The Spanish National ERAS protocol is a safe issue with a high implementation rate. It can be recommended to establish this protocol to other institutions.