bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I'd Still Prefer to Read the Hard Copy”: Adolescents’ Print and Digital Reading Habits
Authors: Loh Chin Ee , Sun Baoqi
Published: August 2018

Does print still matter in this digital age? What is the role of technology in reading? Do adolescents who enjoy reading view the reading of print and digital material differently from those who do not enjoy reading? Drawing on survey data from 6,005 students and focus group data with 96 students across six secondary schools, the authors conducted a mixed‐methods study to examine adolescents’ print and digital reading habits in Singapore. Findings show that adolescents prefer print but move toward more online reading as they get older. Adolescents’ online reading habits are reflective of their print preferences and behavior with physical books. The authors explain how both print and technology matter to motivate adolescent reading.
Forkhead box p3 controls progression of oral lichen planus by regulating microRNA‐146a
Authors: Wang Jing , Yang Lijie , Wang Luyao , Yang Yanjie , Wang Yannan
Published: August 2018

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a severe T cell–mediated disorder of the mucosa, which causes chronic inflammation. Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) regulates the immune response and plays an important role in immunological diseases. The current study aimed to determine the role of Foxp3 and microRNA (miR)‐146a in OLP. Western blot analysis and a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that the expression of Foxp3 and miR‐146a was upregulated in OLP tissues and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐incubated HaCaT cells, compared with controls. Foxp3 inhibition significantly decreased miR‐146a expression, ameliorated LPS stimulation by decreased cell proliferation, and apoptosis in LPS‐incubated HaCaT cells as compared with the LPS group. Cotransfection of Foxp3 small interfering RNA and miR‐146a mimics elevated cell proliferation and apoptosis compared with the Foxp3 small interfering RNA group. In addition, miR‐146a overexpression upregulated, whereas miR‐146a inhibition downregulated, the proliferation and apoptosis of LPS‐incubated HaCaT cells. The target gene of miR‐–146a, tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6), was predicted by bioinformatics software and identified by the luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, Foxp3/miR‐146a elevated T regulatory cells and regulated TRAF6 expression in CD4+ T cells that were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with OLP. In conclusion, our study suggests that Foxp3 and miR‐146a regulate the progression of OLP by negatively regulating TRAF6, which may provide a promising therapeutic target for OLP treatment.
Molecular docking and simulation study for synthesis of alternative dapsone derivative as a newer antileprosy drug in multidrug therapy
Authors: Swain Shasank S. , Paidesetty Sudhir K. , Dehury Budheswar , Sahoo Jyotirmaya , Vedithi Sundeep Chaitanya , Mahapatra Namita , Hussain Tahziba , Padhy Rabindra N.
Published: August 2018

Leprosy (causative, Mycobacterium leprae) continues to be the persisting public health problem with stable incidence rates, owing to the emergence of dapsone resistance that being the principal drug in the ongoing multidrug therapy. Hence, to overcome the drug resistance, structural modification through medicinal chemistry was used to design newer dapsone derivative(s) (DDs), against folic acid biosynthesis pathway. The approach included theoretical modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation as well as binding free energy estimation for validation of newly designed seven DDs, before synthesis. Theoretical modeling, docking, and MD simulation studies were used to understand the mode of binding and efficacy of DDs against the wild‐type and mutant dihydropteroate synthases (DHPS). Principal component analysis was performed to understand the conformational dynamics of DHPS‐DD complexes. Furthermore, the overall stability and negative‐binding free energy of DHPS‐DD complexes were deciphered using Molecular Mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area technique. Molecular mechanics study revealed that DD3 possesses higher binding free energy than dapsone against mutant DHPS. Energetic contribution analysis portrayed that van der Waals and electrostatic energy contributes profoundly to the overall negative free energy, whereas polar solvation energy opposes the binding. Finally, DD3 was synthesized and characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, UV, liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. This study suggested that DD3 could be further promoted as newer antileprosy agent. The principles of medicinal chemistry and bioinformatics tools help to locate effective therapeutics to minimize resources and time in current drug development modules.
Mechanism of imipenem resistance in metallo‐β‐lactamases expressing pathogenic bacterial spp. and identification of potential inhibitors: An in silico approach
Authors: Malathi Kullappan , Ramaiah Sudha
Published: August 2018

The World Health Organization reports that millions of people around the world are infected with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Such resistance is more common in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains because of the expression of the metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBLs) namely Imipenemase (IMP)‐1, IMP‐2, New Delhi metallo‐β‐lactamases‐, Verona imipenemase (VIM)‐4, VIM‐5, and VIM‐7. We did an in silico analysis to understand the resistance mechanism of imipenem at the structural level. Our modeling studies reveal that the VIM‐4‐imipenem complex has highest binding energy and forms a stable complex as indicated by a consensus score (C‐score) value of 5.44. The intense interaction between the substrate and the β‐lactamases leads to the increased hydrolysis of the substrate resulting in rapid hydrolysis of the antibiotic imipenem by VIM‐4. Virtual screening of compounds from the ZINC database targeting VIM‐4 was done, and we found compound ZINC44608383 as the high binding energy compound with the C‐score value of 5.58. This compound could be exploited for inhibitor design and development. The current study helps us to understand the resistance mechanism of imipenem in MBL‐expressing strains. Also, we have identified a probable inhibitor for VIM‐4. We believe that our results will be useful for researchers in designing potent inhibitors for VIM‐4.
Potential influence of the Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation in modulating the biennial relationship between Indian and Australian summer monsoons
Authors: Nagaraju Chilukoti , Ashok Karumuri , Balakrishnan Nair Thayannur Mullachery , Guan Zhaoyong , Cai Wenju
Published: August 2018

Using observed and reanalysed data sets, we investigate the potential role of Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillations (AMO) in weakening the in‐phase association between Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and following Australian summer monsoon rainfall (ASMR) during the 1932–1966 period. This weakened inter‐monsoon link was earlier attributed to a complete breakdown of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) links with the ASMR. We now find that this weakening was associated with strengthening of low‐level westerlies and an increase in local low‐level convergence in the northern Australia associated with the warm phase of the AMO during this period. This increased background convergence resulted in relatively enhanced ASMR during the El Niño summers during this period.
The equivalence of the Calcium‐Acetate‐Lactate and Double‐Lactate extraction methods to assess soil phosphorus fertility
Authors: van Laak Michael , Klingenberg Uwe , Peiter Edgar , Reitz Thomas , Zimmer Dana , Buczko Uwe
Published: August 2018

A large variety of extraction methods are used worldwide for the estimation of “plant‐available P” in soils. In Germany, the standard extractants are Calcium‐Acetate‐Lactate (CAL) and Double‐Lactate (DL). Until now there is no validated transformation procedure available and studies on the comparability of both methods have reported conflicting evidence. The uncertainty about the equivalence of CAL‐P and DL‐P hinders a direct comparison of the P fertility status and P fertilizer recommendations across Germany. Based on 136 datasets for soil samples from an interlaboratory comparison program and three P fertilization field trial sites, for which plant‐available P had been determined by both the CAL and DL method, we assessed the comparability of both extraction methods and derived simple and multiple regression equations to transform DL‐P into CAL‐P values. On average, DL extracted 30% more P than CAL. However, this strongly depended on soil pH and carbonate content. A simple linear regression model explained 70% of the variance. However, if simple linear regression models were fitted to pH‐specific samples (pH range 4.5 to 7.0) the R2 increased to 0.96. Based on an independent validation dataset (n = 48) we demonstrated that such pH‐specific models were more accurate than models that did not consider pH when transforming DL‐P to CAL‐P values. Multiple regression results showed that out of soil pH, Corg, Nt, and C : N ratio, only soil pH improved the model. The transformation equations in this study provide a step towards an improved comparability of P fertility status assessments of soils across Germany.
Degradation of triadimefon and residue levels of metabolite triadimenol: tracing rapeseed from harvesting and storage to household oil processing
Authors: Li Yinghong , Hu Jing , Qian Mingrong , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hu
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Triadimefon is a fungicide used in agriculture to control fungal diseases such as sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

RESULTS

In field trials, rape plants were sprayed with triadimefon at three different dosages during the flowering period. The degradation of triadimefon and the residue levels of its metabolite, triadimenol, in rapeseed obtained from harvesting, storage, and household oil processing were traced and evaluated. The pesticides were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) at each processing step. Triadimefon degraded completely and only its metabolite, triadimenol, was detected in rapeseed after harvesting. The stability of triadimenol in rapeseed was studied at weekly storage intervals, from 0 to 7 weeks at ambient temperature (25 °C) and freezing temperature (−20 °C), respectively. Storage temperature had an important influence on the residue levels of triadimenol. The processing factor (PF) was defined as the ratio of pesticide residue levels in rapeseed to rapeseed oil levels during household oil processing. The average PF of triadimenol was about 0.96 for a hot pressing technique and 0.88 for a cold pressing technique.

CONCLUSION

Different storage conditions and food processing could reduce the pesticide level to a greater or lesser extent. However, it is not easy to eliminate or significantly weaken triadimenol once triadimefon has degraded completely. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Existence results for fractional integral boundary value problem involving fractional derivatives on an infinite interval
Authors: Hao Xinan , Sun Hui , Liu Lishan
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study a integral boundary value problem of fractional differential equation with the nonlinearity depending on fractional derivatives of lower order on an infinite interval. We establish a proper compactness criterion in a special function space. By using the Schauder fixed point theorem and Banach contraction mapping principle, we show the existence and uniqueness results of solutions. Two examples are also provided to illustrate the main results. The results obtained generalize and include some known results.
Ethical considerations for modern molecular pathology
Authors: Vos Shoko , van Diest Paul J , Ausems Margreet GEM , van Dijk Marijke R , de Leng Wendy WJ , Bredenoord Annelien L
Published: August 2018

Molecular pathology is becoming an increasingly important discipline in oncology as molecular tumor characteristics will increasingly determine targeted clinical cancer care. In recent years, many technological advances have taken place that contributed to the development of molecular pathology. However, attention to ethical aspects has been lagging behind as illustrated by the lack of publications or professional guidelines. Existing guidelines or publications on ethical aspects of DNA sequencing are mostly aimed at germline or tumor sequencing in clinical genetics or biomedical research settings. As a result, large differences have been demonstrated in the process of tumor sequencing analysis between laboratories. In this perspective we discuss the ethical issues to consider in molecular pathology by following the process of tumor DNA sequencing analysis from the preanalytical to postanalytical phase. For the successful and responsible use of DNA sequencing in clinical cancer care, several moral requirements must be met, for example, those related to the interpretation and returning of genetic results, informed consent, and the retrospective as well as future use of genetic data for biomedical research. Many ethical issues are new to pathology or more stringent than in current practice because DNA sequencing could yield sensitive and potentially relevant data, such as clinically significant unsolicited findings. The context of molecular pathology is unique and complex, but many issues are similar to those applicable to clinical genetics. As such, existing scholarship in this discipline may be translated to molecular pathology with some adaptations and could serve as a basis for guideline development. For responsible use and further development of clinical cancer care, we recommend that pathologists take responsibility for the adequate use of molecular analyses and be fully aware and capable of dealing with the diverse, complex, and challenging aspects of tumor DNA sequencing, including its ethical issues. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alveolar soft‐part sarcoma: Primary metastatic disease and metastatic relapse occurring during long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Seitz Guido , von Kalle Thekla , Vokuhl Christian , Scheer Monika , Münter Marc , Bielack Stefan S. , Kazanowska Bernarda , Ladenstein Ruth , Niggli Felix , Klingebiel Thomas , Fuchs Joerg , Koscielniak Ewa ,   on behalf of the CWS Study Group
Published: August 2018

Background

Patients with metastatic alveolar soft‐part sarcoma (ASPS) are known to have a very poor prognosis. Little is known about best treatment of primary metastatic disease (MD) or relapsed metastatic disease (rMD).

Patients and methods

Patients with localized disease (LD), primary MD, and metastatic recurrence after complete remission (CR) treated within the CWS‐86, −91, −96, −2002P trials and the recent registry SoTiSaR (1985–2016) were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen of 61 patients had primary metastases at initial diagnosis at the age of 14.6 years (range, 7.8–19.7). Nine of 46 patients with initial LD suffered of rMD at a median age of 9.9 years (range, 3.5–30), 3.75 years (0.75–21) after CR of primary disease. Complete resection (microscopically or macroscopically) was possible in 2 of 15 patients with MD and in 5 of 9 with rMD. RT was administered in 4 of 15 MD and 1 of 9 rMD. Chemotherapy was administered to 11 of 15 MD and 3 of 9 rMD, targeted therapy to 3 of 15 MD and 1 of 9 rMD. Median time to progression of patients treated with targeted therapy (n = 4), CHT (n = 14), and resection only (n = 6) was 56, 17, and 23 months, respectively. The 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 19.8% and 61%, respectively, for patients with MD compared with 79% and 98% for patients with LD. The 5‐year progression‐free survival and OS were 67% and 100% for patients with rMD.

Conclusions

Complete tumor resection correlates with long‐term survival in patients with primary and relapsed MD.
Is the cancer survival improvement in European and American adolescent and young adults still lagging behind that in children?
Authors: Trama Annalisa , Bernasconi Alice , McCabe Martin G. , Guevara Marcela , Gatta Gemma , Botta Laura ,   the RARECAREnet Working Group, Ries Lynn , Bleyer Archie
Published: August 2018

Improvements during 1978 to 2006 in the 5‐year survival rate of adolescents and young adults (AYAs, age 15–39) and children with cancers common to both age groups were evaluated for 1978 to 2006 in Europe and the USA. AYAs had absolute survival increases of 25% and 15% in Europe and the USA, respectively, but in both cases, AYA 5‐year survival was, as of 2006, 4% lower than those in children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) explained most of the survival difference between AYAs and children on both the continents. In the USA, 20‐ to 39‐year‐olds with ALL have had less survival improvement than those in Europe.
The role of routine imaging in pediatric cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Halalsheh Hadeel , Kaste Sue C. , Navid Fariba , Bahrami Armita , Shulkin Barry L. , Rao Bhaskar , Kunkel Michelle , Artz Nathan , Pappo Alberto
Published: August 2018

Background

Optimal imaging for children with pediatric malignant melanoma (MM) is unknown.

Methods

We reviewed clinical and imaging findings of patients with American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) stage IIC‐IV MM treated on our institutional MEL06 trial. All patients had baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), CT chest, abdomen, and pelvis (CTCAP). Patients on stratum A (PEG‐interferon, where PEG is pegylated; AJCC IIC, IIIA, IIIB; n = 16) had imaging every 6 months; stratum B1 (PEG‐interferon and temozolomide; unresectable measurable disease, metastatic, or recurrent; n = 2) had PET/CT scans every 2 months and brain imaging studies every 4 months; stratum B2 patients (PEG‐interferon and temozolomide; unresectable nonmeasurable, metastatic, or recurrent, n = 3) had imaging every 4 months. Off‐therapy imaging was done every 6 months for 3 years.

Results

There were 21 patients (11 females, 11 spitzoid, median age 14 years, head/neck [6], trunk [7], extremities [8]). Patients with spitzoid melanoma underwent 236 imaging studies in total (86 PET/CT, 81 CTCAP, 11 CT chest, 10 CT brain, 48 MRI brain) at a median cost per patient of $32,718. Thirteen studies (5.8%) had findings that led to two biopsies (one positive). For conventional MM, 162 studies (61 PET/CT, 57 CTCAP, 8 CT chest, 7 CT brain, and 29 MRI brain) were performed with a median cost per patient of $23,420. Twenty (14%) had findings leading to six biopsies (four positive). At 6.3 years (range 0.4‐9.2), 17 patients remain disease‐free.

Conclusion

Children with spitzoid melanoma require minimal imaging at diagnosis and follow‐up. Patients with conventional MM should be imaged according to adult guidelines.
SIGN on the pharmacological management of migraine
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: August 2018

In February 2018, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) published a new guideline on the pharmacological management of migraine (SIGN 155). This article discusses the main recommendations of the guidance and how it compares with other UK headache guidelines, including NICE.
Heat Dissipation Properties of Thin‐Film Encapsulation by Insertion of a Metal Thin Film for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Wu Zhaoxin , Dong Jun , Yan Xuewen , Gao Wei , Ma Ruiqiong , Hou Xun
Published: August 2018

Thin‐film encapsulation (TFE) technology composed of alternating inorganic/organic materials is a popular encapsulation technology for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), showing excellent heat‐transfer properties combined with a thick heat sink. TFE by inserting a metal thin film is proposed to improve the heat‐transfer property of an OLED without a separate thick heat sink. According to the presence of metal and its thickness and position, the heat dissipation effect of TFE is compared and optimized via finite element simulations. An obvious temperature‐reduction effect is observed by placing a metal thin film after each inorganic/organic unit compared with that found by placing a metal film after an inorganic/organic unit. Here, the TFE technology composed of alternating inorganic/organic/metal materials is defined as MET‐TFE. At a power density of 900 KW m−2, the highest internal temperatures of the devices were 70.14 °C (with glass encapsulation), 72.37 °C (with TFE) and 65.63 °C (with MET‐TFE). Furthermore, the simulated thermal analysis results show that the reduction rate of device temperature for a device with MET‐TFE is comparatively faster than those of devices with TFE and glass encapsulation when increasing the convective heat‐transfer coefficient. These results suggest that the MET‐TFE structure can effectively improve heat dissipation properties.
Properties and Structure in Ternary Meta‐, Pyro‐, and Ortho‐Zinc Tin Phosphate Glasses With Small Photoelasticity
Authors: Saitoh Akira , Hashida Yuto , Tricot Grégory , Takebe Hiromichi
Published: August 2018

The authors report thermal and optical properties of ternary meta‐, pyro‐, and ortho‐zinc tin phosphate glasses, which are glasses that exhibit low glass transition temperature, small photoelastic constants (PECs), and high refractive index. Solid state 31P magic‐angle nuclear magnetic resonance, micro‐Raman, and infrared spectroscopies are used to characterize the phosphate anions that constitute the glass structure. Glass transition temperatures, thermal coefficient constants, and refractive index are in proportion with ZnO content. Weight loss measurements in water are studied, and then durable glasses are obtained with greater ZnO content. PECs of ternary glasses are dependent on the relative ZnO content. The ratio of measured SnO concentration divided by the fraction of measured phosphate unit predicted the composition with small PEC. High polarizable Sn2+ ions and major dimer phosphate units with non‐bridging oxygens are correlated in the very small photoelastic response.
Explaining Trends in Risk Governance: How Problem Definitions Underpin Risk Regimes
Authors: Ansell Christopher , Baur Patrick
Published: August 2018

Profound changes in risk regulation have been brewing over the last few decades. These changes include an explosion of new institutional forms and strategies that decenter risk regulation and introduce a role for meta‐regulation, a growing reliance on risk‐based analysis to organize decision making and management, an increasingly preventive approach to regulation that requires an expansion of surveillance to better characterize and monitor risks, and a sharpening of contestation over strategies for evaluating and responding to risk. We distill two perspectives from the existing literature on risk regulation that can plausibly provide overarching explanations for these trends. The first perspective explains these trends as a reflection of the refashioning of state, market, and society to privilege economic liberty—an explanatory framework we call “neoliberal governmentality.” The second perspective argues that these trends reflect practical demands for more efficient and effective risk regulation and management—an explanatory framework we refer to as “functional adaptation.” The central purpose of this paper is to advance a third explanation that we call a “problem definition and control” approach. It argues that trends in risk regulation reflect interactions between how society defines risks and how regulatory regimes seek to control those risks.
Finite‐time synchronization for memristor‐based BAM neural networks with stochastic perturbations and time‐varying delays
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Xiao Jinghua , Yang Yixian , Zheng Mingwen , Zhao Hui
Published: August 2018

This paper focuses on the finite‐time synchronization issue of drive‐response memristor‐based bidirectional associative memory neural networks (MBAMNNs) with stochastic perturbations and time‐varying delays. Based on the mathematical model of memristor, definition of finite‐time stability for stochastic differential system and the drive‐response concept, some novel sufficient conditions are given to ensure the finite‐time synchronization of drive‐response MBAMNNs with stochastic perturbations and time‐varying delays. We design novel nonlinear feedback controllers to control the synchronization error to converge zero in a finite time, and the settling time for synchronization can be easily obtained. In addition, as two special cases, the finite‐time synchronization control criteria for bidirectional associative memory neural networks with stochastic perturbations and time‐varying delays and MBAMNNs without stochastic perturbations are also given. Finally, two numerical simulations are showed to demonstrate the correctness of main results.
Controlling Surface Carrier Density via a PEDOT:PSS Gate: An Application to the Study of Silicon‐Dielectric Interface Recombination
Authors: Bonilla Ruy S.
Published: August 2018

This communication reports a technique to control the surface carrier population of silicon during photo‐conductance decay measurements, by using a semi‐transparent PEDOT:PSS gate. The potential of this technique has been demonstrated by characterizing carrier‐dependent surface recombination of 1  cm n‐type float zone silicon, passivated with dielectric stack layers of either SiO2, SiO2/SiNx, a‐Si/SiOx, a‐Si/SiOx/SiNx, AlOx, or AlOx/SiNx. Carrier density at the Si‐dielectric interface has been controlled from heavy inversion to heavy accumulation regimes despite leakage currents. This has provided insightful information into the recombination activity at the silicon surface.
Liver Resection for Solitary Transplantable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of AFP‐Score
Authors: Menahem Benjamin , Duvoux Christophe , Ganne Nathalie , Mallat Ariane , Seror Olivier , Calderaro Julien , Launoy Guy , Alves Arnaud , Cherqui Daniel , Luciani Alain , Laurent Alexis
Published: August 2018

Background

In 2012, the Liver Transplant French Study Group built the alpha‐fetoprotein‐score (AFP‐score), which improved significantly the prediction of tumor recurrence in case of liver transplantation for HCC when compared to Milan criteria. The aim of the study was to test the AFP score in case of liver resection (LR) for HCC.

Methods

From 1990 to 2012, 347 patients underwent a liver resection for HCC developed on chronic liver disease (CLD). All patients with solitary HCC <60 mm were included. The primary end point was to investigate if the AFP‐score at the first LR was predictive of recurrence and if recurrence occurred within the AFP‐score. The secondary end points were overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival.

Results

One hundred and eight patients fulfilled the inclusions criteria. After a median follow‐up of 65.4IQR [13–114] months, recurrence occurred in 64.8% (70/108) patients. Among the study population, 96 were “in AFP‐score” (i.e., ≤2) of whom 60.4% (58/96) developed a recurrence that was cured in curative intent. In contrast, all patients “out AFP‐score” experienced recurrence, and 25% were eligible for curative treatment. At the end of the follow‐up, 26 patients were listed for liver transplantation (LT). Among them, 21 were finally transplanted. The 5‐year OS after salvage LT was 68.5%95%CI [50.2–93.0].

Conclusion

AFP‐score is a useful tool for patients selection after LR for solitary HCC developed on CLD. For patients “in AFP‐score,” up‐front LR provides good survival and allows to avoid up‐front LT in case of recurrence.
Self-documentary in the emergency department: Perspectives on patients recording their own procedures
Authors: Oyedokun Taofiq , Donauer Andrew , Stempien James , McKay Shari
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Patients often bring their smartphones to the emergency department (ED) and want to record their procedures. There was no clear ED recording policy in the Saskatoon Health Region nor is there in the new Saskatchewan Health Authority. With limited literature on the subject, clinicians currently make the decision to allow/deny the request to record independently. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare patient and clinician perspectives concerning patients recording, in general, and recording their own procedures in the ED.

Methods

Surveys were developed for patients and clinicians with respect to history and opinions about recording/being recorded. ED physicians and nurses, and patients>17 years old who entered the ED with a laceration requiring stitches were recruited to participate; 110 patients and 156 staff responded.

Results

There was a significant difference between the proportion of patients (61.7% [66/107]) and clinicians (28.1% [41/146]) who believed that patients should be allowed to video record their procedure. There was also a significant difference between clinicians and patients with regard to audio recording, but not “selfies” (pictures). However, with no current policy, 47.8% (66/138) of clinicians said that they would allow videos if asked, with caveats about staff and patient privacy, prior consent, and procedure/patient care.

Conclusion

Contrary to patients’ views, clinicians were not in favour of allowing audio or video recordings in the ED. Concerns around consent, staff and patient privacy, and legal issues warrant the development of a detailed policy if the decision is made in favour of recording.
Diversifying Methodologies: A Haudenosaunee/Settler Approach for Measuring Indigenous-Local Intergovernmental Success
Authors: Alcantara Christopher , Kalman Ian
Published: August 2018

Intergovernmental agreements between municipal and Indigenous governments are rapidly expanding in number and importance in Canada and the United States, yet they remain underexamined in the literature. This article considers how to measure the success of these agreements. It takes as a case study the port divestiture agreement between the City of Cornwall (Ontario, Canada), and a neighbouring Indigenous government, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. While the agreement represents a partial success and partial failure by conventional public policy and public administration metrics, these evaluations are different when measured against the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) principle of “one-mindedness.” Findings, which were generated using anthropological and qualitative political science methods, suggest that the use of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous frameworks are required to produce accurate and comprehensive evaluations of these agreements and the outcomes that are produced by them.
Vertical Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with H∞ Controller and the Artificial Potential Field Method
Authors: Wang Shun-Min , Fang Ming-Chung , Hwang Cheng-Neng
Published: August 2018

An H∞ controller combined with an Artificial Potential Field Method (APFM) was applied to seabed navigation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), aimed particularly at obstacle avoidance and bottom-following operations in the vertical plane. Depth control and altitude control prevented the AUV from colliding with the sea bottom or with obstacles and prevented the AUV from diving beyond its maximum depth limit when bottom following. Simulation and laboratory trials with various seabed contours indicated that with the H∞ controller, the AUV was able to safely reach appointed destinations without collisions. Tests also showed that the H∞ controller was robust and suppressed interference, hence ensuring the precision of its navigation control. The proposed H∞ controller combined with the APFM has thus been proved to be both feasible and effective.
An analysis of aging-related genes derived from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project (GTEx)
Authors: Jia Kaiwen , Cui Chunmei , Gao Yuanxu , Zhou Yuan , Cui Qinghua
Published: August 2018

Aging is a complex biological process that is far from being completely understood. Analyzing transcriptional differences across age might help uncover genetic bases of aging. In this study, 1573 differentially expressed genes, related to chronological age, from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, were categorized as upregulated age-associated genes (UAGs) and downregulated age-associated genes (DAGs). Characteristics in evolution, expression, function and molecular networks were comprehensively described and compared for UAGs, DAGs and other genes. Analyses revealed that UAGs are more clustered, more quickly evolving, more tissue specific and have accumulated more single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and disease genes than DAGs. DAGs were found with a lower evolutionary rate, higher expression level, greater homologous gene number, smaller phyletic age and earlier expression in body development. UAGs are more likely to be located in the extracellular region and to occur in both immune-relevant processes and cancer-related pathways. By contrast, DAGs are more likely to be located intracellularly and to be enriched in catabolic and metabolic processes. Moreover, DAGs are also critical in a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, whereas UAGs have more influence on a signaling network. This study highlights characteristics of the aging transcriptional landscape in a healthy population, which may benefit future studies on the aging process and provide a broader horizon for age-dependent precision medicine.
Biogenic volatile release from permafrost thaw is determined by the soil microbial sink
Authors: Kramshøj Magnus , Albers Christian N. , Holst Thomas , Holzinger Rupert , Elberling Bo , Rinnan Riikka
Published: August 2018

Warming in the Arctic accelerates thawing of permafrost-affected soils, which leads to a release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. We do not know whether permafrost thaw also releases non-methane volatile organic compounds that can contribute to both negative and positive radiative forcing on climate. Here we show using proton transfer reaction–time of flight–mass spectrometry that substantial amounts of ethanol and methanol and in total 316 organic ions were released from Greenlandic permafrost soils upon thaw in laboratory incubations. We demonstrate that the majority of this release is taken up in the active layer above. In an experiment using 14C-labeled ethanol and methanol, we demonstrate that these compounds are consumed by microorganisms. Our findings highlight that the thawing permafrost soils are not only a considerable source of volatile organic compounds but also that the active layer regulates their release into the atmosphere.
Networking chemical robots for reaction multitasking
Authors: Caramelli Dario , Salley Daniel , Henson Alon , Camarasa Gerardo Aragon , Sharabi Salah , Keenan Graham , Cronin Leroy
Published: August 2018

The development of the internet of things has led to an explosion in the number of networked devices capable of control and computing. However, whilst common place in remote sensing, these approaches have not impacted chemistry due to difficulty in developing systems flexible enough for experimental data collection. Herein we present a simple and affordable (<$500) chemistry capable robot built with a standard set of hardware and software protocols that can be networked to coordinate many chemical experiments in real time. We demonstrate how multiple processes can be done with two internet-connected robots collaboratively, exploring a set of azo-coupling reactions in a fraction of time needed for a single robot, as well as encoding and decoding information into a network of oscillating reactions. The system can also be used to assess the reproducibility of chemical reactions and discover new reaction outcomes using game playing to explore a chemical space.
Exploiting the tunability of stimulated emission depletion microscopy for super-resolution imaging of nuclear structures
Authors: Sarmento Maria J. , Oneto Michele , Pelicci Simone , Pesce Luca , Scipioni Lorenzo , Faretta Mario , Furia Laura , Dellino Gaetano Ivan , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Bianchini Paolo , Diaspro Alberto , Lanzanò Luca
Published: August 2018

Imaging of nuclear structures within intact eukaryotic nuclei is imperative to understand the effect of chromatin folding on genome function. Recent developments of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques combine high specificity, sensitivity, and less-invasive sample preparation procedures with the sub-diffraction spatial resolution required to image chromatin at the nanoscale. Here, we present a method to enhance the spatial resolution of a stimulated-emission depletion (STED) microscope based only on the modulation of the STED intensity during the acquisition of a STED image. This modulation induces spatially encoded variations of the fluorescence emission that can be visualized in the phasor plot and used to improve and quantify the effective spatial resolution of the STED image. We show that the method can be used to remove direct excitation by the STED beam and perform dual color imaging. We apply this method to the visualization of transcription and replication foci within intact nuclei of eukaryotic cells.
SIRT6 haploinsufficiency induces BRAFV600E melanoma cell resistance to MAPK inhibitors via IGF signalling
Authors: Strub Thomas , Ghiraldini Flavia G. , Carcamo Saul , Li Man , Wroblewska Aleksandra , Singh Rajendra , Goldberg Matthew S. , Hasson Dan , Wang Zichen , Gallagher Stuart J. , Hersey Peter , Ma’ayan Avi , Long Georgina V. , Scolyer Richard A. , Brown Brian , Zheng Bin , Bernstein Emily
Published: August 2018

While multiple mechanisms of BRAFV600-mutant melanoma resistance to targeted MAPK signaling inhibitors (MAPKi) have been reported, the epigenetic regulation of this process remains undetermined. Here, using a CRISPR–Cas9 screen targeting chromatin regulators, we discover that haploinsufficiency of the histone deacetylase SIRT6 allows melanoma cell persistence in the presence of MAPKi. Haploinsufficiency, but not complete loss of SIRT6 promotes IGFBP2 expression via increased chromatin accessibility, H3K56 acetylation at the IGFBP2 locus, and consequent activation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and downstream AKT signaling. Combining a clinically applicable IGF-1Ri with BRAFi overcomes resistance of SIRT6 haploinsufficient melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Using matched melanoma samples derived from patients receiving dabrafenib + trametinib, we identify IGFBP2 as a potential biomarker for MAPKi resistance. Our study has not only identified an epigenetic mechanism of drug resistance, but also provides insights into a combinatorial therapy that may overcome resistance to standard-of-care therapy for BRAFV600-mutant melanoma patients.
Developing an interatomic potential for martensitic phase transformations in zirconium by machine learning
Authors: Zong Hongxiang , Pilania Ghanshyam , Ding Xiangdong , Ackland Graeme J. , Lookman Turab
Published: August 2018

Atomic simulations provide an effective means to understand the underlying physics of structural phase transformations. However, this remains a challenge for certain allotropic metals due to the failure of classical interatomic potentials to represent the multitude of bonding. Based on machine-learning (ML) techniques, we develop a hybrid method in which interatomic potentials describing martensitic transformations can be learned with a high degree of fidelity from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD). Using zirconium as a model system, for which an adequate semiempirical potential describing the phase transformation process is lacking, we demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach. Specifically, the ML-AIMD interatomic potential correctly captures the energetics and structural transformation properties of zirconium as compared to experimental and density-functional data for phonons, elastic constants, as well as stacking fault energies. Molecular dynamics simulations successfully reproduce the transformation mechanisms and reasonably map out the pressure–temperature phase diagram of zirconium.
Simulated microgravity and the antagonistic influence of strigolactone on plant nutrient uptake in low nutrient conditions
Authors: Liu Guowei , Bollier Daniel , Gübeli Christian , Peter Noemi , Arnold Peter , Egli Marcel , Borghi Lorenzo
Published: August 2018

Human-assisted space exploration will require efficient methods of food production. Large-scale farming in presence of an Earth-like atmosphere in space faces two main challenges: plant yield in microgravity and plant nutrition in extraterrestrial soils, which are likely low in nutrients compared to terrestrial farm lands. We propose a plant-fungal symbiosis (i.e. mycorrhiza) as an efficient tool to increase plant biomass production in extraterrestrial environments. We tested the mycorrhization of Solanaceae on the model plant Petunia hybrida using the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis under simulated microgravity (s0-g) conditions obtained through a 3-D random positioning machine. Our results show that s0-g negatively affects mycorrhization and plant phosphate uptake by inhibiting hyphal elongation and secondary branching. However, in low nutrient conditions, the mycorrhiza can still support plant biomass production in s0-g when colonized plants have increased SL root exudation. Alternatively, s0-g in high nutrient conditions boosts tissue-specific cell division and cell expansion and overall plant size in Petunia, which has been reported for other plants species. Finally, we show that the SL mimic molecule rac-GR24 can still induce hyphal branching in vitro under simulated microgravity. Based on these results, we propose that in nutrient limited conditions strigolactone root exudation can challenge the negative microgravity effects on mycorrhization and therefore might play an important role in increasing the efficiency of future space farming.
ESCC ATLAS: A population wide compendium of biomarkers for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tungekar Asna , Mandarthi Sumana , Mandaviya Pooja Rajendra , Gadekar Veerendra P. , Tantry Ananthajith , Kotian Sowmya , Reddy Jyotshna , Prabha Divya , Bhat Sushma , Sahay Sweta , Mascarenhas Roshan , Badkillaya Raghavendra Rao , Nagasampige Manoj Kumar , Yelnadu Mohan , Pawar Harsh , Hebbar Prashantha , Kashyap Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2018

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most aggressive malignancy and its treatment remains a challenge due to the lack of biomarkers that can facilitate early detection. EC is identified in two major histological forms namely - Adenocarcinoma (EAC) and Squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), each showing differences in the incidence among populations that are geographically separated. Hence the detection of potential drug target and biomarkers demands a population-centric understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of EC. To provide an adequate impetus to the biomarker discovery for ESCC, which is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide, here we have developed ESCC ATLAS, a manually curated database that integrates genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic ESCC-related genes from the published literature. It consists of 3475 genes associated to molecular signatures such as, altered transcription (2600), altered translation (560), contain copy number variation/structural variations (233), SNPs (102), altered DNA methylation (82), Histone modifications (16) and miRNA based regulation (261). We provide a user-friendly web interface (http://www.esccatlas.org, freely accessible for academic, non-profit users) that facilitates the exploration and the analysis of genes among different populations. We anticipate it to be a valuable resource for the population specific investigation and biomarker discovery for ESCC.
External Fixation versus Unreamed Tibial Intramedullary Nailing for Open Tibial Fractures: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Fu Qiang , Zhu Lei , Lu Jiajia , Ma Jun , Chen Aimin
Published: August 2018

Controversy exists over whether the use of external fixation (EF) or unreamed tibial intramedullary nailing (UTN) is optimal for the treatment of open tibial fractures. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in terms of postoperative superficial and deep infection, malunion, delayed union, nonunion and hardware failure between these two treatment methods. So a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. All available randomized controlled trials that compared the clinical results of EF to those of UTN were obtained and the reported numbers of citations for each observed item were extracted to perform data synthesis. Six published randomized controlled trials with a total of 407 cases fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Data analysis revealed that UTN reduced the incidence rates of superficial infection and malunion after fixation compared with EF. However, EF led to a significant reduction in hardware failure. For postoperative deep infection, delayed union and nonunion, the treatment effects were similar between these two groups. Therefore, we recommend UTN over EF for the management of open tibial fractures. However, patients’ postoperative weight bearing should be controlled to avoid hardware failure.
Significant and conservative long-range transport of dissolved organic nutrients in the Changjiang diluted water
Authors: Kwon Hyeong Kyu , Kim Guebuem , Hwang Jeomshik , Lim Weol Ae , Park Jong Woo , Kim Tae-Hoon
Published: August 2018

The Changjiang River is one of the main nutrient sources in the northwestern Pacific marginal seas. However, most of the previous studies have neglected the long-range transport (>200 km) of riverine nutrients since they are rapidly consumed. In this study, we examined the long-range transport (200–800 km) of nutrients in the surface layer during the summer of 2017. The plots of nutrients against salinity display that dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was conservative over ~800 km, while more than 99% of the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) was removed within 200 km. As a result, in the study region, DON concentrations (avg. 7.0 ± 1.3 µM), which are minor in the river water, were much higher than DIN concentrations (avg. 0.28 ± 0.26 µM). Both nutrients, N and P, showed a similar pattern. Our results suggest that dissolved organic nutrients play a critical role on the long-range transport of riverine nutrients in surface waters and subsequent ecosystem changes.
Impaired neural mechanism for online novel word acquisition in dyslexic children
Authors: Kimppa Lilli , Shtyrov Yury , Partanen Eino , Kujala Teija
Published: August 2018

Developmental dyslexia is characterised as an inability to read fluently. Apart from literacy problems, dyslexics have other language difficulties including inefficient speech encoding and deficient novel word learning. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying these impairments are largely unknown. We tracked online formation of neural memory traces for a novel spoken word-form in dyslexic and normal-reading children by recording the brain’s electrophysiological response dynamics in a passive perceptual exposure session. Crucially, no meaning was assigned to the new word-form nor was there any task related to the stimulus, enabling us to explore the memory-trace formation of a purely phonological form in the absence of any short-term or working memory demands. Similar to previously established neural index of rapid word learning in adults, the control children demonstrated an early brain response enhancement within minutes of exposure to the novel word-form that originated in frontal cortices. Dyslexic children, however, lacked this neural enhancement over the entire course of exposure. Furthermore, the magnitude of the rapid neural enhancement for the novel word-form was positively associated with reading and writing fluency. This suggests that the rapid neural learning mechanism for online acquisition of novel speech material is associated with reading skills. Furthermore, the deficient online learning of novel words in dyslexia, consistent with poor rapid adaptation to familiar stimuli, may underlie the difficulty of learning to read.