bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Substructural Modal Logic of Utility
Authors: Anderson Gabrielle , Pym David
Published: December 2016

We introduce a substructural modal logic of utility that can be used to reason aboutoptimality with respect to properties of states. Our notion of state is quite general, and is able to represent resource allocation problems in distributed systems. The underlying logic is a variant of the modal logic of bunched implications, and based on resource semantics, which is closely related to concurrent separation logic. We consider a labelled transition semantics and establish conditions under which Hennessy—Milner soundness and completeness hold. By considering notions of cost, strategy and utility, we are able to formulate characterizations of Pareto optimality, best responses, and Nash equilibrium within resource semantics. We also show that our logic is able to serve as a logic for a fully featured process algebra and explain the interaction between utility and the structure of processes.
A Conserved Puccinia striiformis Protein Interacts with Wheat NPR1 and Reduces Induction of Pathogenesis-Related Genes in Response to Pathogens
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Yang Baoju , Li Kun , Kang Zhensheng , Cantu Dario , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: November 2016

In Arabidopsis, NPR1 is a key transcriptional coregulator of systemic acquired resistance. Upon pathogen challenge, NPR1 translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, in which it interacts with TGA-bZIP transcription factors to activate the expression of several pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. In a screen of a yeast two-hybrid library from wheat leaves infected with Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, we identified a conserved rust protein that interacts with wheat NPR1 and named it PNPi (for Puccinia NPR1 interactor). PNPi interacts with the NPR1/NIM1-like domain of NPR1 via its C-terminal DPBB_1 domain. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we detected the interaction between PNPi and wheat NPR1 in the nucleus of Nicotiana benthamiana protoplasts. A yeast three-hybrid assay showed that PNPi interaction with NPR1 competes with the interaction between wheat NPR1 and TGA2.2. In barley transgenic lines overexpressing PNPi, we observed reduced induction of multiple PR genes in the region adjacent to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 infection. Based on these results, we hypothesize that PNPi has a role in manipulating wheat defense response via its interactions with NPR1.
Comparision of Optical Low Coherence Reflectometry Versus Ultrasonic Biometry in High Hypermetropia
Authors: Aydin Rukiye , Karaman Erdur Sevil , Serefoglu Cabuk Kubra , Karahan Eyyup , Kaynak Suleyman
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To compare anterior chamber depth (ACD), axial length (AL), and lens thickness (LT) measurements obtained by the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit AG) optical low-coherence reflectometry with those obtained by the A-scan contact ultrasound among patients with moderate and high hypermetropia.

Methods:

Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients with moderate and high hypermetropia (spherical equivalent of +4 D or more) were examined in this study measurements of ACD, AL, and LT obtained by Lenstar were compared with those obtained by applanation A-scan ultrasound. All measurements were obtained by two independent examiners. The interdevice agreements were evaluated with Bland–Altman analyses.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 54.78±12.77 years (range 18–74 years). The mean spherical equivalent refractive power was +5.16±1.12 D (+4.0 to +8.75). The mean values of ACD, AL, and LT with A-scan were 3.05±0.34, 21.55±0.75, and 4.33±0.49 mm, respectively, whereas these values were 2.99±0.45, 21.58±0.78, and 4.20±0.44 mm, respectively, with Lenstar. There was statistically significant difference of LT between the two methods (P=0.02). The mean differences (lower/upper limit of agreement) of the ACD, AL, and LT values for A-scan ultrasound and Lenstar were −0.06 (−0.594/0.474), 0.04 (−0.380/0.459), and −0.12 (−0.739/0.502), respectively.

Conclusion:

Among patients with moderate and high hypermetropia, the biometric measurements of ACD, AL, and LT by ultrasound and optical biometry were determined to be correlated and there was a high degree of agreement between contact A-scan ultrasonic biometry and Lenstar.
Experienced DSAEK Surgeon's Transition to DMEK: Outcomes Comparing the Last 100 DSAEK Surgeries With the First 100 DMEK Surgeries Exclusively Using Previously Published Techniques
Authors: Phillips Paul M. , Phillips Louis J. , Muthappan Valliamai , Maloney Charlene M. , Carver Christopher N.
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To compare outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) when an experienced DSAEK surgeon transitions to DMEK while following 2 published endothelial keratoplasty surgical techniques.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of 200 eyes of 132 patients with Fuchs corneal dystrophy that underwent endothelial keratoplasty performed by one surgeon. Published, standardized techniques were followed for both DSAEK and DMEK. Postoperative complications were recorded. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), intraocular pressure, and central endothelial cell loss (ECL) were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

There were no intraoperative complications. One DSAEK and 5 DMEK grafts developed graft detachment requiring rebubbling (P = 0.097). No iatrogenic primary graft failures occurred in the DSAEK group compared with one in the DMEK group. No pupil block episodes occurred in the DSAEK group compared with one in the DMEK group. Posterior synechiae formation occurred 15 times in the DMEK group and did not occur in the DSAEK group (P < 0.001). At 6 months, BSCVA was better in the DMEK group than in the DSAEK group (20/24; logMAR = 0.0844–20/32; logMAR = 0.2063) (P < 0.001). More eyes reached 20/20 or better BSCVA in the DMEK group compared with DSAEK (54.5%–13%) (P < 0.011). At 6 months, ECL was higher in the DMEK group than in the DSAEK group (31.9%–19.9%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Complications can be minimized and excellent outcomes can be achieved, without a steep learning curve, when an experienced DSAEK surgeon transitions to DMEK following a standardized technique. Six-month vision outcomes are better in the DMEK group; however, the rate of a newly described complication, posterior synechiae formation, and 6-month ECL are higher in the DMEK group than in the DSAEK group.
Refractory Tamoxifen-Induced Keratopathy Despite Drug Withdrawal
Authors: Andreanos Konstantinos , Oikonomakis Konstantinos , Droutsas Konstantinos , Petrelli Myrsini , Kymionis George
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To report a case with refractory tamoxifen-induced keratopathy despite drug withdrawal.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 50-year-old woman, diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer underwent mastectomy in 2005. She was treated with tamoxifen citrate from 2005 to 2012. According to her medical history, no corneal abnormalities had been documented during past ophthalmological examinations except low myopia, before initiation of tamoxifen treatment. In 2009, 4 years after start of treatment, she was diagnosed with subepithelium deposits compatible with drug-induced keratopathy. The patient was examined again in 2016, 4 years after withdrawal of the drug with persistent tamoxifen-induced keratopathy.

Conclusions:

Contrary to current literature, it seems that tamoxifen-induced corneal abnormalities may persist for years after drug withdrawal.
Alternative Treatment for Residual Aortobronchial Fistula after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Ujihira Kosuke , Kurimoto Yoshihiko , Maruyama Ryushi , Iba Yutaka , Nishioka Naritomo , Yamada Akira , Nakanishi Katsuhiko , Kato Hiroaki , Abe Masaru , Narita Yoshiaki , Osawa Masayuki
Published: December 2016

A patient with an aortobronchial fistula secondary to a thoracic endovascular aortic repair was successfully treated with a re-thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching technique. Five months postoperatively, the aneurysm had shrunk; however, computed tomography revealed air in the thrombo-excluded aortic aneurysmal sac without signs of infection. Because of worsening air finding at the eighth month, we performed a resection of the residual fistula and wrapped the stent graft in a pedicled muscle flap.
Influence of a Parent–Child Interaction Focused Bookmaking Approach on Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy
Authors: Boyce Lisa K. , Seedall Ryan B. , Innocenti Mark S. , Roggman Lori A. , Cook Gina A. , Hagman Amanda M. , Jump Norman Vonda K.
Published: November 2016

We examined the effects of our parent-child interaction focused bookmaking intervention with 89 families and their toddlers receiving early intervention services. Participating early intervention providers (N = 24) were assigned to either continue providing services as usual or participate in training to implement the bookmaking approach in their home visits. Compared with those receiving services as usual, the mothers in the treatment group showed greater maternal parenting self-efficacy, which in turn, predicted better child language development and fewer behavior problems. A significant interaction of treatment with maternal depression suggests that being in the treatment group reduced the association of depression with parenting self-efficacy. These findings suggest that early intervention approaches focused on parent–child interaction and other family-centered practices may be effective at increasing parenting self-efficacy, buffering against the potential deleterious effects of depression on parenting self-efficacy, and strengthening parents' confidence in their own ability to promote their children's development, resulting in gains in social–emotional and language domains.
Ewing Sarcoma of the Bone With EWS/FLI1 Translocation After Successful Treatment of Primary Osteosarcoma
Authors: Yodoya Noriko , Iwamoto Shotaro , Matsumine Akihiko , Azuma Eiichi , Toyoda Hidemi , Miura Yoshihiro , Nakatani Kaname , Imai Hiroshi , Hirayama Masahiro , Komada Yoshihiro
Published: December 2016

Although prognosis in patients with localized osteosarcoma has been dramatically improved by the introduction of multiple chemotherapy agents known as combination chemotherapy, there is growing concern about the development of secondary malignant neoplasms. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl in whom the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma of bone localized on the shaft of left femur was made 2 years after successful treatment without radiotherapy for osteosarcoma of right proximal femur. EWS-FLI1 fusion gene was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. To our knowledge, this is the first case with Ewing sarcoma of the bone as a secondary malignant neoplasm developed in osteosarcoma survivor. We collected 15 cases, included this case, with secondary Ewing sarcoma family of tumor by utilizing the PubMed search and might consider the causes of this secondary cancer.
A Case of Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis Presenting With Signs and Symptoms Mimicking Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Doğruel Dilek , Erbay Ayşe , Yazici Nalan , Arslan Alev , Hasbay Biçen Bermal
Published: December 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is primarily a disorder of childhood, which is characterized by hemoptysis, iron deficiency anemia, and diffuse parenchymal infiltrates on chest x-ray secondary to recurrent attacks of alveolar hemorrhage. It can be diagnosed by showing hemosiderin laden macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after other specific causes of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage are definitely excluded. A 5-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with sudden-onset pallor during iron therapy given for anemia. While he was being investigated for clinical and laboratory signs mimicking hemolytic anemia, he developed cough and dyspnea. He had infiltrates on chest x-ray and scattered patchy infiltrates in both lungs on high-resolution computed tomography. Hemosiderin laden macrophages were identified in fasting gastric juice and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and started corticosteroid therapy.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Perceptions of Factors Impacting Patient Safety
Authors: McMullan Susan P. , Thomas-Hawkins Charlotte , Shirey Maria R.
Published: December 2016

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) provide more than 40 million anesthetics each year in the United States. This article describes a study that investigates relationships among CRNA organizational structures (CRNA practice models, work setting, workload, level of education, work experience), CRNA ratings of patient safety culture, and CRNA adverse anesthesia-related event (ARE) reporting. This is a cross-sectional survey study of 336 CRNAs randomly selected from American Association of Nurse Anesthetists database. Workload was measured using NASA Task-Load Index and the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Overall Perceptions of Safety Scale and Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Patient Safety Grade Scale were utilized to measure safety culture. Dependent variables (ARE) included difficult intubation/extubation, inadequate ventilation/oxygenation, and pulmonary aspiration. The Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale workload was significantly associated with ARE. Years' experience and Patient Safety Grade Scale were inversely associated with ARE. Overall Perceptions of Safety Scale was significantly and inversely associated with ARE. Practice model, education, and work setting were not associated with ARE. Based on findings, CRNA workload, years' experience, and patient safety culture may be important markers for ARE. Administrative interventions designed to upgrade patient safety culture and ensure manageable CRNA workload may foster quality patient care.
Group Psychotherapeutic Factors and Perceived Social Support Among Veterans With PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Cox Daniel W. , Owen Jess J. , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: December 2016

One of the most potent protective factors against psychiatric symptoms after military trauma is perceived social support. Although group psychotherapy has been linked with increasing social support, no research has evaluated which therapeutic mechanisms are associated with this increase beyond symptom reduction. We investigated which interpersonal therapeutic factors were related to changes in social support, beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reduction. Participants were 117 veterans in a multimodal outpatient group psychotherapy treatment designed to reduce PTSD symptoms and interpersonal difficulties. Generally, therapeutic factors were related to improvements in social support from baseline to posttreatment beyond the effects of PTSD symptom reduction. Specifically, social learning was associated with changes in appraisal support, secure emotional expression was associated with changes in tangible support, and neither was associated with changes in belonging support. Depending on the goals of treatment, understanding these variations are important so clinicians and researchers can appropriately design and target their interventions to facilitate desired changes.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing and Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in a Large Online Survey of US Men Who Have Sex With Men at Risk for HIV Infection, 2012
Authors: Kahle Erin M. , Meites Elissa , Sineath R. Craig , Nasrullah Muazzam , Bowles Kristina E. , DiNenno Elizabeth , Sullivan Patrick S. , Sanchez Travis
Published: November 2016

National guidelines recommend annual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted disease testing for sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) and vaccination against human papillomavirus for MSM through age 26. A 2012 online survey of 2,794 MSM found that 51%, 36%, and 14% reported receiving human immunodeficiency virus testing, sexually transmitted disease testing, and human papillomavirus vaccination, respectively.
Personalized Progressive Addition Lenses: Correlation between Performance and Design
Authors: Forkel Johanne , Reiniger Jenny Lorén , Muschielok Adam , Welk Andrea , Seidemann Anne , Baumbach Peter
Published: December 2016

Purpose

A continuous set of personalized designs (design space) for progressive addition lenses (PALs) is investigated. The main goals are (1) to study how the subjects’ perception of a personalized design depends on its position in the design space and (2) to compare the performance of personalized PALs to a conventional PAL with a fixed design.

Methods

In a double-blind study, 51 subjects compared Rodenstock Impression FreeSign 3, which is a family of PALs with a continuously controllable personalized design, and Rodenstock Progressiv Life Free, which is a conventional PAL with a single fixed design. The positions and sizes of viewing zones and the softness of gradients of mean power and astigmatism of personalized lenses were customized to individual viewing preferences. These designs were represented as points in a design space comprising a continuum of PAL designs. Subjective ratings and experimental measurements were used to study viewing zone widths, blur gradient smoothness, amount of distortion, the feeling of safety during motion, and overall wearing comfort.

Results

(1) Far viewing zone width (experiments and ratings), near viewing zone width (experiments), blur gradient smoothness, and the amount of distortion (ratings) were significantly dependent on the position of the personalized lens design in the design space. This was consistent with the structure of the design space. (2) 82% of the subjects chose personalized lenses as their favorite. Most subjects reported higher wearing comfort and tolerability with personalized lenses than with conventional lenses.

Conclusions

The designs of the tested personalized lenses were perceived by the subjects as intended. This is a prerequisite to the successful customization of PALs to individual wearing preferences. Possible reasons for the preference of the tested personalized lenses are the optimization with respect to individual wearing conditions and the personalization.
Factors Associated With Intestinal Constipation in Chronic Patients With Stroke Sequelae Undergoing Rehabilitation
Authors: Engler Tânia Mara Nascimento de Miranda , Aguiar Márcia Helena de Assis , Furtado Íris Aline Brito , Ribeiro Samile Pereira , de Oliveira Pérola , Mello Paulo Andrade , Padula Marcele Pescuma Capeletti , Beraldo Paulo Sérgio Siebra
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to define which stroke-related factors constitute independent variables in the incidence of intestinal constipation (IC) of chronic patients admitted to a hospital rehabilitation program. All patients consecutively admitted for rehabilitation were recruited for the study. In the Poisson multiple regression analysis using a hierarchical model, sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, medication, previous history of constipation, life habits, and stroke-related variables were considered for defining factors associated with IC. A 31% prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.3–37.1) of IC was detected. Among the factors associated, female gender (adjusted prevalence ratio [PRadjusted] = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.20–2.68), intestinal complaints prior to stroke (PRadjusted = 3.71; 95% CI: 2.60–5.31), intake of less than 800 ml of fluid per day (PRadjusted = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.20– 2.45), age greater than 65 years at brain injury (PRadjusted = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.01–2.75), and partially impaired anterior brain circulation (PRadjusted = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.02–10.97) were associated with IC. Female gender, elderly, prior history of IC, low fluid intake, and partial impairment of anterior brain circulation were factors independently associated with IC in stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation. These findings require further validation and may serve toward improving bowel retraining programs for this patient group.
Fatigue Measures in Noncancer Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Jungyoun Han Claire , Heitkemper Margaret M. , Jarrett Monica E.
Published: December 2016

Fatigue is commonly reported by patients with noncancer gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as organic and functional GI disorders. This critical review was conducted to evaluate fatigue measures that have been used in these patients. A systematic search using six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Cochrane Review) was conducted from January 2000 to June 2014, and evaluations and reviews of fatigue instruments were performed by two independent reviewers (author and medical librarian). Fourteen instruments from 25 studies were identified. Ten instruments were solely focused on fatigue and four were multisymptom instruments. The average quality score of the 14 instruments was 10.7 (range, 6–14) out of 14. There were five instruments with high overall scores based on usability/feasibility, clinical/research utility, and psychometric properties (3 fatigue-specific and 2 multisymptom). There are valid and reliable measures that are currently available to assess fatigue in noncancer GI patients. Utilization of these common measures may assist clinicians (GI healthcare providers) and researchers to better understand the impact of fatigue in these patients. The instruments with low-quality scores cannot be chosen for routine use without further validation.
A 5-Year Follow-Up of Study Patients With Asymptomatic Iron-Deficiency Anemia Using a Nurse-Led Pathway
Authors: Townsend Sarah Ann , Cheung Danny , Horne Elaine , Ransford Rupert
Published: December 2016

A protocol-driven, systematic pathway was developed to allow rapid and coordinated investigation of patients with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in a nurse-delivered outpatient setting. The study objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of the pathway by 5-year outcome data for the exclusion of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy. This is a 5-year follow-up study of 122 patients entered onto the pathway with negative initial upper and lower GI investigations. The study was conducted at Hereford County Hospital NHS Trust (a district general hospital serving 220,00 people). Clinical outcomes of patients at 5 years and service efficiency at detecting relevant pathology were observed. A total of 272 patients were investigated through the pathway, and in 150 patients a GI cause for IDA was found. We established the outcome in 97% of the 122 patients with normal GI investigation at 5 years after their initial investigation. Of the 118 patients followed up, 92 patients were alive and well and 26 had died or developed malignancy. With the exception of diabetes (odds ratio 0.24; 95% confidence interval [0.1, 0.8]; p = .02), no features were found to be a significant risk factor for poor prognosis, including age, gender, hemoglobin level, anemia at 3 months, or other comorbidities. Three patients developed colonic malignancy; two patients had diverticular disease at barium enema and presented 4 years later with colorectal cancer. One patient declined lower GI investigation and presented with metastatic colon cancer on computed tomography scan at 1 year. No other GI cancers were diagnosed. Our nurse-delivered, protocol-driven pathway is a highly effective and safe system for the exclusion of GI cancer within 5 years of follow-up.
The Effects of a Genital Vibratory Stimulation Device on Sexual Function and Genital Sensation
Authors: Guess Marsha K. , Connell Kathleen A. , Chudnoff Scott , Adekoya Olusola , Richmond Cherrilyn , Nixon Kayla E. , Freeman Katherine , Melman Arnold
Published: December 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a genital vibratory stimulation device in improving sexual function in women with arousal and orgasm disorders.

Methods

In this single-arm, prospective study, baseline and 1- and 3-month assessments were performed to evaluate women with sexual arousal and/or orgasmic disorders, who received therapy using a genital vibratory stimulation device. Sexual function, satisfaction, and distress were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale, and the Female Intervention Efficacy Index questionnaires. Genital sensation was evaluated using quantitative sensory testing.

Results

Seventy women, aged 19 to 64 years, were evaluated from October 2009 to August 2013. Forty-seven (67.1%) and 37 (52.9%) women completed 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively. The FSFI arousal and orgasm domain scores and total FSFI scores improved at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.001 for all outcomes). Mean (SD) total FSFI scores increased from 20.04 (4.65) (baseline) to 25.03 (5.21) (1 month) to 26.66 (5.42) (3 months; both Ps < 0.0001). Female Sexual Distress Scale scores reflected significantly decreased distress at 1 (P = 0.0006) and 3 (P < 0.0001) months compared with baseline and at 3 months compared with 1 month (P = 0.03). Neurological sensation was increased at all genital sites at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.0001 for all). After adjustment for age, there was a significant interaction between arousal domain scores and clitoral and right labial sensation. At 3 months, perceptions of increased vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and genital sensation were reported by 67.5%, 65.0%, and 82.5% of the participants. No major adverse events were noted.

Conclusions

Genital vibratory stimulation device use resulted in uniform improvements in sexual function, satisfaction, sexually related distress and genital sensation.
Flue-gas and direct-air capture of CO
2
by porous metal–organic materials
Authors: Madden David G. , Scott Hayley S. , Kumar Amrit , Chen Kai-Jie , Sanii Rana , Bajpai Alankriti , Lusi Matteo , Curtin Teresa , Perry John J. , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: November 2016

Sequestration of CO
2
, either from gas mixtures or directly from air (direct air capture), is a technological goal important to large-scale industrial processes such as gas purification and the mitigation of carbon emissions. Previously, we investigated five porous materials, three porous metal–organic materials (MOMs), a benchmark inorganic material,
Zeolite 13X
and a chemisorbent,
TEPA-SBA-15
, for their ability to adsorb CO
2
directly from air and from simulated flue-gas. In this contribution, a further 10 physisorbent materials that exhibit strong interactions with CO
2
have been evaluated by temperature-programmed desorption for their potential utility in carbon capture applications: four hybrid ultramicroporous materials,
SIFSIX-3-Cu
,
DICRO-3-Ni-i
,
SIFSIX-2-Cu-i
and
MOOFOUR-1-Ni
; five microporous MOMs,
DMOF-1
,
ZIF-8
,
MIL-101
,
UiO-66
and

UiO-66-NH
2

; an ultramicroporous MOM,
Ni-4-PyC
. The performance of these MOMs was found to be negatively impacted by moisture. Overall, we demonstrate that the incorporation of strong electrostatics from inorganic moieties combined with ultramicropores offers improved CO
2
capture performance from even moist gas mixtures but not enough to compete with chemisorbents.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks: materials by design’.
A Sr
2+
-metal–organic framework with high chemical stability: synthesis, crystal structure and photoluminescence property
Authors: Jia Yan-Yuan , Liu Xiao-Ting , Wang Wen-He , Zhang Li-Zhu , Zhang Ying-Hui , Bu Xian-He
Published: November 2016

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically built by assembly of metal centres and organic linkers, and have emerged as promising crystalline materials in a variety of fields. However, the stability of MOFs is a key limitation for their practical applications. Herein, we report a novel Sr

2+

-MOF [Sr
4
(Tdada)
2
(H
2
O)
3
(DMF)
2
] (denoted as NKU-
105
, NKU = Nankai University; H
4
Tdada = 5,5'-((thiophene-2,5-dicar bonyl)bis(azanediyl))diisophthalic acid; DMF = 
N,N
-dimethylformamide) featuring an open square channel of about 6 Å along the
c
-axis. Notably, NKU-
105
exhibits much outstanding chemical stability against common organic solvents, boiling water, acids and bases, relative to most MOF materials. Furthermore, NKU-
105
is an environment-friendly luminescent material with a bright cyan emission.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks: materials by design’.
The modulator driven polymorphism of Zr(IV) based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Drache Franziska , Bon Volodymyr , Senkovska Irena , Getzschmann Jürgen , Kaskel Stefan
Published: November 2016

The reaction of ZrCl
4
and 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (H
2
tdc) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (Htfa) as modulator results in the formation of the new metal–organic framework (MOF) named DUT-126 (DUT = Dresden University of Technology). The nature and concentration of modulators are found to be decisive synthetic parameters affecting the topology of the formed product. DUT-126 (
hbr
) extends the series of polymorphs differing in topology, namely DUT-67 (
reo
), DUT-68 (
bon
) and DUT-69 (
bct
) to four, where DUT-67 and DUT-68 show the same eight-connected secondary building units as in DUT-126. In DUT-126, linker molecules have a peculiar orientation, resulting in
hbr
topology, which is described for the first time in this work for MOFs. DUT-126 contains three pore types, including two micropores surrounding mesoporous channels. DUT-126 is stable against hydrolysis and features permanent porosity with a specific surface area of 1297 m
2
 g
−1
and a total pore volume of 0.48 cm
3
 g
−1
, calculated from the nitrogen physisorption isotherm measured at 77 K.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks: materials by design’.
Complicated sea urchin-induced wound infection caused by Vibrio
alginolyticus and Staphylococcus lugdunensis in a 14-year-old boy
Authors: Bultmann Christoph André , Steiß Jens-Oliver , Langner Cornelia , Benkert Birgit , Havener Magdalena , Küsters Uta , Hühn-Lindenbein Stephan Georg , Mack Dietrich
Published: December 2016

Introduction:

Wound infections with Vibrio alginolyticus, a Gram-negative bacterium found in all temperate oceans, are rarely reported. However, a rising incidence of wound infections caused by V. alginolyticus requires better knowledge about this infectious agent.

Case presentation:

We report the case of a 14-year-old boy suffering from a wound infection caused by V. alginolyticus and Staphylococcus lugdunensis after stepping on a sea urchin. Despite wound debridement and antibiotic therapy with cefaclor, the lesion did not heal over several weeks. After identification of the pathogens and antibiotic-susceptibility testing, antibiotic therapy was switched to ciprofloxacin, followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Two months after the accident the wound was re-epithelialized. Follow up after 6 months revealed a painful scar.

Conclusion:

Non-cholera vibrios like V. alginolyticus should be considered as possible causative agents in seawater-contaminated wounds. S. lugdunensis is a relevant pathogen in mixed wound infections. Early microbiological diagnosis and antibiotic-susceptibility testing is crucial to prevent therapeutic failure.
Evolution of a zoonotic pathogen: investigating prophage diversity in enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 by long-read sequencing
Authors: Shaaban Sharif , Cowley Lauren A. , McAteer Sean P. , Jenkins Claire , Dallman Timothy J. , Bono James L. , Gally David L.
Published: December 2016

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157 is a zoonotic pathogen for which colonization of cattle and virulence in humans is associated with multiple horizontally acquired genes, the majority present in active or cryptic prophages. Our understanding of the evolution and phylogeny of EHEC O157 continues to develop primarily based on core genome analyses; however, such short-read sequences have limited value for the analysis of prophage content and its chromosomal location. In this study, we applied Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) sequencing, using the Pacific Biosciences long-read sequencing platform, to isolates selected from the main sub-clusters of this clonal group. Prophage regions were extracted from these sequences and from published reference strains. Genome position and prophage diversity were analysed along with genetic content. Prophages could be assigned to clusters, with smaller prophages generally exhibiting less diversity and preferential loss of structural genes. Prophages encoding Shiga toxin (Stx) 2a and Stx1a were the most diverse, and more variable compared to prophages encoding Stx2c, further supporting the hypothesis that Stx2c-prophage integration was ancestral to acquisition of other Stx types. The concept that phage type (PT) 21/28 (Stx2a+, Stx2c+) strains evolved from PT32 (Stx2c+) was supported by analysis of strains with excised Stx-encoding prophages. Insertion sequence elements were over-represented in prophage sequences compared to the rest of the genome, showing integration in key genes such as stx and an excisionase, the latter potentially acting to capture the bacteriophage into the genome. Prophage profiling should allow more accurate prediction of the pathogenic potential of isolates.
The commercial antimicrobial triclosan induces high levels of antibiotic tolerancein vitroand reduces antibiotic efficacy up to 100-foldin vivo
Authors: Westfall Corey , Flores-Mireles Ana Lidia , Robinson John Isaac , Lynch Aaron J.L. , Hultgren Scott , Henderson Jeffrey P. , Levin Petra Anne
Published: December 2016

The antimicrobial triclosan is used in a wide range of consumer products ranging from toothpaste, cleansers, socks, and baby toys. A bacteriostatic inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, triclosan is extremely stable and accumulates in the environment. Approximately 75% of adults in the US have detectable levels of the compound in their urine, with a sizeable fraction of individuals (>10%) having urine concentrations equal to or greater than the minimal inhibitory concentration forEscherichia coliand methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). Previous work has identified connections between defects in fatty acid synthesis and accumulation of the alarmone guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp), which has been repeatedly associated with antibiotic tolerance and persistence. Based on these data, we hypothesized that triclosan exposure may inadvertently drive bacteria into a state in which they are able to tolerate normally lethal concentrations of antibiotics. Here we report that clinically relevant concentrations of triclosan increasedE. coliand MRSA tolerance to bactericidal antibiotics as much as 10,000 foldin vitroand reduced antibiotic efficacy up to 100-fold in a mouse urinary tract infection model. Genetic analysis indicated that triclosan-mediated antibiotic tolerance requires ppGpp synthesis, but is independent of growth. These data highlight an unexpected and certainly unintended consequence of adding high concentrations of antimicrobials in consumer products, supporting an urgent need to reevaluate the costs and benefits of the prophylactic use of triclosan and other bacteriostatic compounds.

Importance

Added as a prophylactic to a wide range of consumer products, the fatty acid synthesis inhibitor triclosan accumulates to high levels in humans and the environment. Based on links between defects in fatty acid synthesis and accumulation of the alarmone ppGpp, we hypothesized that triclosan would render cells tolerant to bactericidal compounds due to ppGpp-mediated inhibition of biosynthetic capacity. Our data indicate that clinically relevant concentrations of triclosan induces higher tolerance ofE. coliand methicillin resistantS. aureus(MRSA) to a panel of bactericidal antibiotics up to 10,000-fold. In a urinary tract infection model, mice exposed to triclosan exhibited bacterial loads ~100-fold higher in the bladder than control animals following ciprofloxacin challenge. These findings highlight an unexpected consequence of antimicrobials in consumer products and support an urgent need to reevaluate the costs and benefits of the prophylactic use of triclosan and other bacteriostatic compounds.
New genes and functional innovation in mammals
Authors: Villanueva-Cañas José Luis , Ruiz-Orera Jorge , Agea M.Isabel , Gallo Maria , Andreu David , Albà M.Mar
Published: December 2016

The birth of genes that encode new protein sequences is a major source of evolutionary innovation. However, we still understand relatively little about how these genes come into being and which functions they are selected for. To address these questions we have obtained a large collection of mammalian-specific gene families that lack homologues in other eukaryotic groups. We have combined gene annotations andde novotranscript assemblies from 30 different mamalian species, obtaining about 6,000 gene families. In general, the proteins in mammalian-specific gene families tend to be short and depleted in aromatic and negatively charged residues. Proteins which arose early in mammalian evolution include milk and skin polypeptides, immune response components, and proteins involved in reproduction. In contrast, the functions of proteins which have a more recent origin remain largely unknown, despite the fact that these proteins also have extensive proteomics support. We identify several previously described cases of genes originatedde novofrom non-coding genomic regions, supporting the idea that this mechanism frequently underlies the evolution of new protein-coding genes in mammals. Finally, we show that most young mammalian genes are preferentially expressed in testis, suggesting that sexual selection plays an important role in the emergence of new functional genes.
Enhancers and super-enhancers have an equivalent regulatory role in embryonic stem cells through regulation of single or multiple genes
Authors: Moorthy Sakthi D. , Davidson Scott , Shchuka Virlana M. , Singh Gurdeep , Malek-Gilani Nakisa , Langroudi Lida , Martchenko Alexandre , So Vincent , Macpherson Neil N. , Mitchell Jennifer A.
Published: November 2016

Transcriptional enhancers are critical for maintaining cell-type–specific gene expression and driving cell fate changes during development. Highly transcribed genes are often associated with a cluster of individual enhancers such as those found in locus control regions. Recently, these have been termed stretch enhancers or super-enhancers, which have been predicted to regulate critical cell identity genes. We employed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion approach to study the function of several enhancer clusters (ECs) and isolated enhancers in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Our results reveal that the effect of deleting ECs, also classified as ES cell super-enhancers, is highly variable, resulting in target gene expression reductions ranging from 12% to as much as 92%. Partial deletions of these ECs which removed only one enhancer or a subcluster of enhancers revealed partially redundant control of the regulated gene by multiple enhancers within the larger cluster. Many highly transcribed genes in ES cells are not associated with a super-enhancer; furthermore, super-enhancer predictions ignore 81% of the potentially active regulatory elements predicted by cobinding of five or more pluripotency-associated transcription factors. Deletion of these additional enhancer regions revealed their robust regulatory role in gene transcription. In addition, select super-enhancers and enhancers were identified that regulated clusters of paralogous genes. We conclude that, whereas robust transcriptional output can be achieved by an isolated enhancer, clusters of enhancers acting on a common target gene act in a partially redundant manner to fine tune transcriptional output of their target genes.
X-ray fluorescence at nanoscale resolution for multicomponent layered structures: a solar cell case study
Authors: West Bradley M. , Stuckelberger Michael , Jeffries April , Gangam Srikanth , Lai Barry , Stripe Benjamin , Maser Jörg , Rose Volker , Vogt Stefan , Bertoni Mariana I.
Published: December 2016

The study of a multilayered and multicomponent system by spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence microscopy poses unique challenges in achieving accurate quantification of elemental distributions. This is particularly true for the quantification of materials with high X-ray attenuation coefficients, depth-dependent composition variations and thickness variations. A widely applicable procedure for use after spectrum fitting and quantification is described. This procedure corrects the elemental distribution from the measured fluorescence signal, taking into account attenuation of the incident beam and generated fluorescence from multiple layers, and accounts for sample thickness variations. Deriving from Beer–Lambert's law, formulae are presented in a general integral form and numerically applicable framework. The procedure is applied using experimental data from a solar cell with a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorber layer, measured at two separate synchrotron beamlines with varied measurement geometries. This example shows the importance of these corrections in real material systems, which can change the interpretation of the measured distributions dramatically.
Sports and intellectual disability: a clash of cultures?
Authors: McConkey Roy
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that sports, play and games have contributed immensely to human evolution and development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a commentary.

Findings

Often dismissed as past-times or amusements, a wealth of research has now evidenced the benefits of sports to children, youth, adults and senior citizens. Physical health, emotional well-being, friendships, learning/cognition and self-esteem are all positively impacted through participation in sports. Yet these benefits are rarely exploited for people with intellectual disabilities. A fundamental reason is that the culture of health and social services is the antithesis of that inherent in sports. Reconciliation is clearly desirable but it requires innovative and creative actions from both sectors.

Originality/value

Examples are given based on emerging experience and evidence but their implementation remains a daunting challenge with as yet few “fans” in support of harnessing the power of sport to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disability.
Distromed Bioclean Pvt. Ltd.
Authors: Avashia Vidhee , Narayanaswami Sundaravalli , Saxena Anurag
Published: December 2016

Subject area

The subject area is operations management.

Study level/applicability

The case is to be used at master’s level, for example, MBA courses on operations management, operations research, logistics management and supply chain management.

Case overview

It was the morning of 20 September 2012 and the three directors of Distromed Bioclean Pvt. Ltd. were in the office discussing the developments from past night’s meeting with the Rajkot Chapter of the Indian Medical Association. They are a bio-medical waste treatment facility involved in collection, treatment and disposal services and charge yearly subscription fees. On 13 September 2012, fuel prices had gone up consecutively for the second year. Last year, the doctors resisted the fee hike and seemed reluctant this year again. In response, management of the company was looking for ways to minimize the total distance travelled by its fleet to reduce the operating cost.

Expected learning outcomes

The paper enables illustration of concepts of routing/scheduling and generation of optimal solutions in a realistic setting; and developing the understanding regarding the travelling salesman problem, Chinese postman problem and the entire family of vehicle routing problems and vehicle scheduling problems.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Formalism for discrete multidimensional dynamic systems
Authors: Micó Joan C. , Caselles Antonio , Soler David , Romero Pantaleón D.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a formalism given by an equation suitable for simulating discrete systems with space-time variation in addition to other change variables. With such formalism, multidimensional dynamical models of discrete complex systems, such as the social systems and ecosystems, can be built.

Design/methodology/approach

This formalism is named as discrete multidimensional dynamic system (DMDS). The DMDS provides a way to consider the variation of the density of a state variable with regard to the variables of the change space as a function of multidimensional rates. Multidimensional rates describe this evolution as a consequence of the relation of each multidimensional-point with a given set of other points of the change space. This relation contains the accessibility domains (sets of space points with which each space point is related).

Findings

This equation is compared with both the reaction-diffusion equation written in its finite difference form and the cellular-automata model, demonstrating its compatibility with them and an increase in generality, widening the scope of application. The steps to construct models of systems with multidimensional variation based on the equation that defines the DMDS are specified and tested.

Research limitations/implications

Through the DMDS and a well-stated methodology, an application case is provided in order to describe the multidimensional demographic dynamics of an urban system. In this case, the numerical evolution of the population density by districts and cohorts is determined by the DMDS based on some hypothesis about functions of population diffusion between the different districts of the system.

Originality/value

The scope of application of the space-time dynamic system (STDS), given by the authors in a previous work, has been extended to discrete and multidimensional systems. STDS model produces better results than the reaction-diffusion model in validation.
A jump-diffusion real option approach for hotel investment under uncertain lodging demand
Authors: Ma Rufei , Zhai Pengxiang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

One of the important characteristics of the hotel business is uncertainty of lodging demand, which can jeopardize hotel operation and ultimately even threaten a hotel’s survival during an economic recession. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to determine optimal hotel investment issues under uncertain lodging demand.

Design/methodology/approach

Uncertainty of lodging demand is classified into two types: the impact of unexpected economic recession and the temporary imbalance between supply of hotel rooms and lodging demand. A jump-diffusion real option approach is proposed to analyze how these two types affect optimal investment timing and the potential value of new hotel projects. The case of hotel investment in Macao is used to illustrate the jump-diffusion real option approach.

Findings

The results of numerical analysis show that the uncertainty induced by temporary imbalance between supply of hotel rooms and lodging demand increases the threshold of investment and hotel value, while the uncertainty induced by unexpected economic recession has ambiguous effects on the value and optimal investment timing of new hotel projects.

Practical implications

The jump-diffusion real option approach increases managerial flexibility for managers when making investment decisions on new hotel projects, allowing greater value to be generated than is possible with the conventional discounted cash flow method.

Originality/value

The approach separates the impact of unexpected economic recession on lodging demand from that of “normal” fluctuations in lodging demand, and it considers the impact of both types of uncertainty on hotel investment.