bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled trial of the effect of amniotomy on the duration of spontaneous labor
Authors: Vadivelu Malarvizhi , Rathore Swati , Benjamin Santosh J. , Abraham Anuja , Belavendra Antonisamy , Mathews Jiji E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate the effect of amniotomy on the duration of spontaneous labor.

Methods

In the present randomized controlled trial, women in spontaneous labor with singleton pregnancies presenting at a tertiary teaching hospital in South India between August 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo amniotomy or conservative management. The primary outcome was the duration of labor. Per‐protocol analyses were performed and the duration of labor was compared between the groups of patients.

Results

There were 144 patients randomized to each group. The median duration of labor was 235 minutes (interquartile range 117–355) in the amniotomy group and 364 minutes (interquartile range 201–580) in the conservative management group (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Amniotomy was associated with a shorter duration of labor in comparison with conservative management in patients with singleton pregnancies experiencing spontaneous labor.

Clinical Trials Registry‐India: (CTRI) (CTRI/2014/12/005264)
Graphene and carbon nanotubes activate different cell surface receptors on macrophages before and after deactivation of endotoxins
Authors: Lahiani Mohamed H. , Gokulan Kuppan , Williams Katherine , Khodakovskaya Mariya V. , Khare Sangeeta
Published: May 2017

Nanomaterial synthesis and handling in a non‐sterile environment can result in the final product becoming contaminated with bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharides (LPB). During toxicological testing, the effects caused by endotoxin‐contaminated nanomaterials can be misinterpreted in the end‐point analysis (such as cytotoxicity and immune responses) and could result in erroneous conclusions. The objective of this study was twofold: (i) to test different carbon‐based nanomaterials (CBNs) [pristine graphene and multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)] for the presence of endotoxin and develop strategies for depyrogenation, and (ii) to compare the immune response exhibited by macrophages after exposure to native CBNs versus depyrogenated CBNs. The gel‐clot limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) and chromogenic‐based LAL assays were used to detect endotoxins. Results revealed that the CBNs contained greater amounts of endotoxin than are approved by major regulatory agencies (0.5 EU ml−1). Three repeated cycles of autoclaving reduced the endotoxin in the test materials. Macrophages were incubated with pyrogenated and depyrogenated pristine graphene and MWCNTs to test differences in phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, and expression of genes involved in macrophage activation. The uptake of depyrogenated CBNs was significantly reduced as compared with pyrogenated CBNs. Exposure of macrophages to depyrogenated CBNs resulted in a distinct pattern of gene expression for TLR signaling, NOD‐like receptor signaling, and downstream signal transduction molecules. Furthermore, macrophages exposed to both types of CBNs showed the downregulation of TLR5 and NLRC4 inflammasomes. The results of this study reaffirm that assessment of endotoxin and other bacterial contamination is critical when evaluating the cellular toxicity of nanomaterials. Published 2017. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Published 2017. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
A theoretical‐experimental methodology for assessing the sensitivity of biomedical spectral imaging platforms, assays, and analysis methods
Authors: Leavesley Silas J. , Sweat Brenner , Abbott Caitlyn , Favreau Peter , Rich Thomas C.
Published: May 2017

Spectral imaging technologies have been used for many years by the remote sensing community. More recently, these approaches have been applied to biomedical problems, where they have shown great promise. However, biomedical spectral imaging has been complicated by the high variance of biological data and the reduced ability to construct test scenarios with fixed ground truths. Hence, it has been difficult to objectively assess and compare biomedical spectral imaging assays and technologies. Here, we present a standardized methodology that allows assessment of the performance of biomedical spectral imaging equipment, assays, and analysis algorithms. This methodology incorporates real experimental data and a theoretical sensitivity analysis, preserving the variability present in biomedical image data. We demonstrate that this approach can be applied in several ways: to compare the effectiveness of spectral analysis algorithms, to compare the response of different imaging platforms, and to assess the level of target signature required to achieve a desired performance. Results indicate that it is possible to compare even very different hardware platforms using this methodology. Future applications could include a range of optimization tasks, such as maximizing detection sensitivity or acquisition speed, providing high utility for investigators ranging from design engineers to biomedical scientists.

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Quantifying intracellular equilibrium dissociation constants using single‐channel time‐resolved FRET
Authors: de las Heras‐Martínez Gloria , Andrieu Josu , Larijani Banafshé , Requejo‐Isidro Jose
Published: May 2017

Quantification of the intracellular equilibrium dissociation constant of the interaction, Kd, is challenging due to the variability of the relative concentrations of the interacting proteins in the cell. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of the donor provides an accurate measurement of the molecular fraction of donor involved in FRET, but the fraction of bound acceptor is also needed to reliably estimate Kd. We present a method that exploits the spectroscopic properties of the widely used eGFP – mCherry FRET pair to rigorously determine the intracellular Kd based on imaging the fluorescence lifetime of only the donor (single‐channel FLIM). We have assessed the effect of incomplete labelling and determined its range of application for different Kd using Monte Carlo simulations. We have demonstrated this method estimating the intracellular Kd for the homodimerisaton of the oncogenic protein 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) in different cell lines and conditions, revealing a competitive mechanism for its regulation. The measured intracellular Kd was validated against in‐vitro data. This method provides an accurate and generic tool to quantify protein interactions in situ.

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Structural observations and biomechanical measurements of clarinet reeds made from Arundo donax
Authors: Kawasaki Masahiro , Nobuchi Tadashi , Nakafushi Yuta , Nose Masateru , Shibata Masateru , Li Peng , Shiojiri Makoto
Published: May 2017

Plant anatomy was examined for two clarinet reeds made out of Arundo donax by different means of microscopy: light microscopy, low‐energy secondary electron scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscattered electron SEM, and helium ion microscopy (HiM). The local indentation hardness HIT and Young's modulus EIT of different tissues on their cross sections were measured. A vascular bundle (Vb) (HIT = 60–100 MPa, EIT = 1,500–2,000 MPa) that includes soft tissues of phloem and xylem and a vascular bundle sheath (Bs) (HIT = 300–500 MPa, EIT = ∼7,000 MPa) form a pipe of the strong string along the longitudinal direction of the cane. This Vb/Bs string is connected transversally with a net of thin cell‐walls of parenchyma cells (Pa) (HIT = 70–200 MPa, EIT = 2,000–3,000 MPa) that also range along the longitudinal direction of the cane. It was turned out that the acoustic quality of a reed is mainly ascribed to the shape and configuration of Vb and the size of Pa. A reed where Vb bundles with continuous Bs rings are homogeneously distributed with higher proportion among a softer network of small Pa cells enables musical performance.
The climatology of the Red Sea – part 2: the waves
Authors: Langodan Sabique , Cavaleri Luigi , Pomaro Angela , Vishwanadhapalli Yesubabu , Bertotti Luciana , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The wave climatology of the Red Sea is described based on a 30‐year hindcast generated using WAVEWATCH III configured on a 5‐km resolution grid and forced by Red Sea reanalysis surface winds from the advanced Weather Research and Forecasting model. The wave simulations have been validated using buoy and altimeter data. The four main wind systems in the Red Sea characterize the corresponding wave climatology. The dominant ones are the two opposite wave systems with different genesis, propagating along the axis of the basin. The highest waves are generated at the centre of the Red Sea as a consequence of the strong seasonal winds blowing from the Tokar Gap on the African side. There is a general long‐term trend toward lowering the values of the significant wave height over the whole basin, with a decreasing rate depending on the genesis of the individual systems.
Serum creatinine and albumin predict sarcoma‐specific survival in patients with myofibroblastic and fibroblastic sarcomas
Authors: Willegger Madeleine , Posch Florian , Schieder Sophie , Funovics Philipp Theodor , Scharrer Anke , Brodowicz Thomas , Ay Cihan , Windhager Reinhard , Panotopoulos Joannis
Published: May 2017

Recent evidence suggests that common prognostic factors predicting disease progression and survival in soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are not applicable to all STS entities, indicating the need for histotype specific evaluation of new prognosticators. This study aimed at evaluating preoperative serum creatinine, albumin, and the albumin‐creatinine ratio (ACR) as markers for survival in patients with malignant fibroblastic and myofibroblastic sarcomas. One hundred and thirty‐two patients who underwent sarcoma resection have been included. Statistical analysis comprised uni‐ and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, competing risk analysis and Kaplan–Meier estimates. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was estimated at 64.1% (95%CI: 53.7–72.8) and the 5‐year sarcoma‐specific mortality was 19.9% (95%CI: 12.8–28.1). Elevated serum creatinine levels were significantly associated with an impaired sarcoma‐specific survival (SSS) adjusted for tumor stage (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) per 1 mg/dl increase: 3.27; 95%CI: 1.87–5.73; p < 0.0001). Low serum albumin levels were associated with a shorter recurrence‐free survival (RFS) experience (HR per 10 g/L increase: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.41–0.94; p = 0.024). The ACR emerged as an AJCC‐stage‐independent prognosticator of SSS (SHR per 1 unit increase: 0.94; 95%CI: 0.90–0.98; p = 0.003). In conclusion, serum albumin and creatinine have been confirmed as predictive biomarkers for disease‐specific outcomes in myofibroblastic and fibroblastic sarcomas. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2815–2824, 2017.
Biologic response of human anterior cruciate ligamentocytes on collagen‐patches to platelet‐rich plasma formulations with and without leucocytes
Authors: Krismer Anna M. , Cabra Romina S. , May Rahel D. , Frauchiger Daniela A. , Kohl Sandro , Ahmad Sufian S. , Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: May 2017

Due to the poor self‐healing capacities of the anterior cruciate ligament, previous primary repair attempts have failed. To enhance biologic healing, platelet rich plasma and collagen scaffold have shown promise in animal models. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is already used in several clinical applications although outcomes are quite debated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different PRP formulations during 21 days: With leucocytes and pure PRP on human anterior cruciate ligament‐derived ligamentocytes grown on collagen patches in 3D cell cultures in vitro. Three experimental groups were formed: 2.5% leucocyte rich PRP, 2.5% pure PRP, 20% leucocyte rich PRP, a negative control, and a positive control. Cell proliferation, cell phenotype on mRNA transcript level, and extracellular matrix production (total collagen and glycosaminoglycan content) were evaluated. DNA content and metabolic cell activity increased significantly in all groups on day 21 compared to day 7, except in the negative control. No changes in extracellular matrix production were detected. Different catabolic genes were induced depending on the concentration of leucocyte rich PRP. PRP with and without leucocytes treated anterior cruciate ligamentocytes significantly increased cell proliferation but not extracellular matrix production. However, the specific activation of different catabolic genes was dependent on the relative content of leucocytes. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2733–2739, 2017.
Climate change and resilience of deciduous Nothofagus forests in central–east Chilean Patagonia over the last 3200 years
Authors: Simi E. , Moreno P. I. , Villa‐Martínez R. , Vilanova I. , de Pol‐Holz R.
Published: May 2017

We examine the response of Nothofagus forests to climate change and disturbance regimes over the last 3200 years near Coyhaique (45°S), central–east Chilean Patagonia, using fine‐resolution pollen and charcoal records from lake sediment cores. Closed‐canopy deciduous Nothofagus forests have dominated the region with little variation until the arrival of Chilean–European settlers, suggesting a predominance of cool‐temperate and wet conditions. Within this state we identify centennial‐scale episodes of forest fragmentation, increase in littoral macrophytes and volcanic/paleofire disturbance between 2700 and 3000 cal a BP, 2200 and 2500 cal a BP and over the last ∼250 years, which we interpret as intervals with negative hydrologic balance. Natural variability caused little impact on the physiognomy and composition of the vegetation in pre‐European time, in contrast to the accelerated shift that started during the late 19th century associated with deforestation, homogenization and synchronization of ecosystem changes at the landscape level, and spread of exotic plant species brought by Chilean and European settlers during a warm/dry interval. The resilience of deciduous Nothofagus forests to natural disturbance regimes and climate change was exceeded by large‐scale human disturbance since the late 19th century by fire, timber exploitation and livestock grazing. These disturbances caused an ecosystem shift towards artificial meadows and scrublands with frequent high‐magnitude fires. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotype, environment, seeding rate, and top‐dressed nitrogen effects on end‐use quality of modern Nebraska winter wheat
Authors: Bhatta Madhav , Regassa Teshome , Rose Devin J , Baenziger P Stephen , Eskridge Kent M , Santra Dipak K , Poudel Rachana
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Fine‐tuning production inputs such as seeding rate, nitrogen (N), and genotype may improve end‐use quality of hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivium L.) when growing conditions are unpredictable. Studies were conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm (ARF; Lincoln, NE, USA) and the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory (HPAL; Sidney, NE, USA) in 2014 and 2015 in Nebraska, USA, to determine the effects of genotype (6), environment (4), seeding rate (3), and flag leaf top‐dressed N (0 and 34 kg N ha−1) on the end‐use quality of winter wheat.

RESULTS

End‐use quality traits were influenced by environment, genotype, seeding rate, top‐dressed N, and their interactions. Mixograph parameters had a strong correlation with grain volume weight and flour yield. Doubling the recommended seeding rate and N at the flag leaf stage increased grain protein content by 8.1% in 2014 and 1.5% in 2015 at ARF and 4.2% in 2014 and 8.4% in 2015 at HPAL.

CONCLUSION

The key finding of this research is that increasing seeding rates up to double the current recommendations with N at the flag leaf stage improved most of the end‐use quality traits. This will have a significant effect on the premium for protein a farmer could receive when marketing wheat. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Environment effects for earliness and grain yield traits in F1 diallel populations of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Ali Sardar , Khan Naqib Ullah , Khalil Iftikhar Hussain , Iqbal Muhammad , Gul Samrin , Ahmed Sheraz , Ali Naushad , Sajjad Mohammad , Afridi Khilwat , Ali Imtiaz , Khan Shah Masaud
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Five maize inbred lines, 20 F1 diallel hybrids and two check genotypes were evaluated through genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and GGE biplot for earliness and yield traits at four locations.

RESULTS

Genotype, environment and GEI showed highly significant differences for all the traits. In total sum of squares, environment and genotype played a primary role, followed by GEI. Larger effects of environment and genotype to total variation influence the earliness and yield traits. However, according to the GGE biplot, the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 95% of the variation caused by GEI. GGE biplot confirmed the differential response of genotypes across environments. F1 hybrid SWAJK‐1 × FRHW‐3 had better stability, with a good yield, and was considered an ideal genotype. F1 hybrid FRHW‐2 × FRHW‐1 showed more earliness at CCRI and Haripur, followed by PSEV3 × FRHW‐2 and its reciprocal at Swat and Mansehra, respectively. F1 hybrids FRHW‐1 × SWAJK‐1, PSEV3 × SWAJK‐1 and SWAJK‐1 × FRHW‐3 at Mansehra and Swat produced maximum grain yield, followed by SWAJK‐1 × FRHW‐1 and PSEV3 × FRHW‐1 at Haripur and CCRI, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Overall, maize genotypes showed early maturity in plain areas (CCRI and Haripur) but higher yield in hilly areas (Mansehra and Swat). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The sensory quality of allergen‐controlled, fat‐reduced, salt‐reduced pork‐ostrich sausages during storage
Authors: Guzek Dominika , Głąbska Dominika , Brodowska Marta , Godziszewska Jolanta , Górska‐Horczyczak Elżbieta , Pogorzelska Ewelina , Wojtasik‐Kalinowska Iwona , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

New meat products tailored to consumer health should be characterised by reduced sodium, fat and cholesterol contents and other health‐promoting benefits. However, the food sector's greatest challenge is allergen‐free production. Consumers are not willing to compromise the sensory quality of meat products for health. The aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of the storage time on the physical properties and consumer acceptance of allergen‐controlled, fat‐reduced, salt‐reduced pork‐ostrich sausages. The study focused on pork‐ostrich sausages produced in accordance with a new patented technology, which focused on eliminating cross‐contamination on‐line in the plant, eliminating cross‐contamination after preparation, and eliminating spices with high allergy potential. The production was focused on reducing fat (by approximately 50%) and salt (by approximately 30%) levels.

RESULTS

No changes in the texture parameters of the sausage were observed during storage time; however, some changes in colour were observed. There were no significant differences in sensory consumer acceptability of pork‐ostrich sausage after 14 days of storage; thus, it may be stated that the instrumentally assessed differences in colour did not influence consumer acceptance.

CONCLUSION

The applied fat and NaCl reduction in the pork‐ostrich sausages contributed to high consumer ratings and was not correlated with saltiness acceptability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Exosomes mediate interepithelial transfer of functional P‐glycoprotein in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Nocera Angela L. , Miyake Marcel M. , Seifert Philip , Han Xue , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: May 2017

Objective

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) drives type‐2 helper T‐cell inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) through unknown posttranslational mechanisms of overexpression. A recent randomized clinical trial demonstrated that inhibition of P‐gp was as effective as oral steroids and biologics in treating CRSwNP. Exosomes are 30‐ to 150‐nm vesicles capable of intercellular membrane protein transfer. The aims of this study were 1) to determine whether CRSwNP mucus exosomes are enriched with P‐gp, and 2) whether exosomal P‐gp can be functionally transferred to autologous epithelial cells as a putative mechanism for the proinflammatory overexpression of P‐gp in CRSwNP.

Study Design

Institutional review board‐approved study in CRSwNP and control patients (n = 10 per group).

Methods

P‐gp content of purified mucus exosomes was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Epithelial transfer of exosomal P‐gp was determined by time‐lapse fluorescent microscopy and calcein acetoxymethylester functional P‐gp assay.

Results

CD63+/P‐gp+ exosomes were detected in both groups. P‐gp was significantly enriched in CRSwNP exosomes relative to control (median 198.5; interquartile range 123.6–270.5 vs. 74.4; 41.3–95.0 pcg P‐gp/109 exosomes, P = 0.002). Exosomes were absorbed by epithelial cells within 10 minutes, resulting in a significant increase in P‐gp activity in CRSwNP patients relative to control (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Here we demonstrate the presence and P‐gp enrichment of mucus‐derived exosomes, or rhinosomes, in CRSwNP. These rhinosomes are capable of rapid intercellular transfer of P‐gp, leading to increased P‐gp function within recipient cells. This represents a novel mechanism for maintaining P‐gp overexpression in CRSwNP, and more generally for interepithelial transfer of other proteins between mucosal epithelial cells.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E295–E300, 2017
Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Grafted PAMAM‐Paclitaxel Conjugate Exhibits Enhanced Anticancer Activity in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells
Authors: Dichwalkar Tanmay , Patel Shraddha , Bapat Samhita , Pancholi Priya , Jasani Neel , Desai Bina , Yellepeddi Venkata K. , Sehdev Vikas
Published: May 2017

Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers (UGCs) are a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Paclitaxel (PTX) is frequently used for the treatment of UGCs; however, low bioavailability, reduced solubility, and dose‐dependent toxicity impede its therapeutic use. PAMAMG4.0‐NH2‐DHA is synthesized by linking amine‐terminated fourth‐generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAMG4.0‐NH2) dendrimers with omega‐3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Next, PAMAMG4.0‐NH2‐DHA‐PTX (DHATX) and PAMAMG4.0‐NH2‐PTX (PAX) conjugates are synthesized by subsequent covalent binding of PTX with PAMAMG4.0‐NH2‐DHA and PAMAMG4.0‐NH2, respectively. 1H‐NMR and MALDI‐TOF analyses are performed to confirm conjugation of DHA to PAMAMG4.0‐NH2 and PTX to PAMAMG4.0‐NH2‐DHA. The cell viability, clonogenic cell survival, and flow cytometry analyses are used to determine the anticancer activity of PTX, PAX, and DHATX in UGC cell lines. The in vitro data indicate that treatment with DHATX is significantly more potent than PTX or PAX at inhibiting cellular proliferation, suppressing long‐term survival, and inducing cell death in UGC cells.

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Combination of Nexrutine and docetaxel suppresses NFκB‐mediated activation of c‐FLIP
Authors: Zhang Yangang , Li Li , Wang Jingyu , Cheng Wei , Zhang Jiandong , Li Xueting , Zhang Zhenhua , Gong Jingjing , Ghosh Rita , Kumar Addanki P. , Xie Jianping
Published: May 2017

Lack of effective options following failure to conventional chemotherapeutic agent such as Docetaxel (DX) is a major clinical challenge in the management of prostate cancer. These observations underscore the need for deciphering the underlying mechanism of DX resistance to enable the development of effective therapeutic approaches. We observed up regulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein c‐FLIP and its up stream regulators including receptor tyrosine kinase RON and transcription factor NFκB (p65) in tumors obtained from metastatic prostate cancer patients. We also observed significant downregulation of these molecules in prostate tumors isolated from patients treated with DX as first line therapy. Further, we identified the over the counter anti‐inflammatory agent, Nexrutine (NX) suppresses c‐FLIP protein levels, and expression in androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells (PC‐3). Remarkably, the observed decreased levels of c‐FLIP were further reduced in combination with DX. Transient expression assays coupled with electrophoretic mobility shift and DNA affinity protein assay revealed that NX and DX suppresses c‐FLIP promoter activity by preventing p65 binding. Notably, NX in combination with DX abolished binding of p65 to the c‐FLIP promoter sequence containing NFκB binding sites. Biologically, these alterations resulted in reduced growth of PC‐3 cells. Taken together, these observations suggest the utility of RON, p65, and c‐FLIP as potential markers to predict response to DX treatment. Furthermore, our results also identified NX as an agent to potentiate the therapeutic response of DX by suppressing activation of c‐FLIP and its upstream regulators.
Soft Sensor Applications in Industrial Vinylacetate‐ethylene (VAE) Polymerization Processes
Authors: Frauendorfer Eric , Hergeth Wolf‐Dieter
Published: May 2017

Measuring product properties during vinylacetate‐ethylene (VAE) polymerizations can be difficult due to economic and technical limitations. The use of soft sensors, mathematical methods using available process data (current and historic), can be an effective solution to infer the sought after property and calculate properties not directly measurable. The setup of a soft sensor in an industrial environment for a long term, successful application needs to take into account several additional hurdles. These include the variability of the process, soft factors leading to the acceptance of this tool in production, and the effort needed for long‐term support and maintenance among others. These points are illuminated using the successful development and implementation of a VAE dispersion process based tile adhesive tensile strength soft sensor.

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Botnet behaviour analysis: How would a data analytics‐based system with minimum a priori information perform?
Authors: Haddadi Fariba , Zincir‐Heywood A. Nur
Published: May 2017

Botnets, as one of the most aggressive threats, has used different techniques, topologies, and communication protocols in different stages of their lifecycle since 2003. Hence, identifying botnets has become very challenging specifically given that they can upgrade their methodology at any time. Various detection approaches have been proposed by the cyber‐security researchers, focusing on different aspects of these threats. In this work, 5 different botnet detection approaches are investigated. These systems are selected based on the technique used and type of data used where 2 are public rule–based systems (BotHunter and Snort) and the other 3 use machine learning algorithm with different feature extraction methods (packet payload based and traffic flow based). On the other hand, 4 of these systems are based on a priori knowledge while one is using minimum a priori information. The objective in this analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches under different scenarios (eg, multi‐botnet and single‐botnet classifications) as well as exploring how a system with minimum a priori information would perform. The goal is to investigate if a system with minimum a priori information could result in a competitive performance compared to systems using a priori knowledge. The evaluation is shown on 24 publicly available botnet data sets. Results indicate that a machine learning–based system with minimum a priori information not only achieves a very high performance but also generalizes much better than the other systems evaluated on a wide range of botnet structures (from centralized to decentralized botnets).
Beyond Cans and Capacity
Authors: Daniel Jamie Levine , Moulton Stephanie
Published: May 2017

Many essential public services are provided through networks of community‐based nonprofit organizations. Previous research has demonstrated that simply providing additional resources to these organizations is insufficient to better address demands for public services. We also know little about how and why these organizations adopt network‐level objectives related to service provision. In this analysis, we expand the focus of service provision beyond capacity to incorporate the unique roles that define the very existence of nonprofit organizations, and how these roles affect organizational behavior with respect to service network objectives. We use focus group, survey, and administrative data from one hundred community‐based nonprofit organizations in an emergency food service network to explore the relationships among capacity, roles, and specific program objectives.
Evaluation of algorithms to identify delirium in administrative claims and drug utilization database
Authors: Kim Dae Hyun , Lee Jung , Kim Caroline A. , Huybrechts Krista F. , Bateman Brian T. , Patorno Elisabetta , Marcantonio Edward R.
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of delirium‐identification algorithms in administrative claims and drug utilization data.

Methods

We used data from a prospective study of 184 older adults who underwent aortic valve replacement at a single academic medical center to evaluate the following delirium‐identification algorithms: (1) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis codes for delirium; (2) antipsychotics use; (3) either ICD diagnosis codes or antipsychotics use; and (4) both ICD diagnosis codes and antipsychotics use. These algorithms were evaluated against a validated bedside assessment, the Confusion Assessment Method, and a validated delirium severity scale, the CAM‐S.

Results

Delirium occurred in 66 patients (36%), of which 14 (21%) had hyperactive or mixed features and 15 (23%) had severe delirium. ICD diagnosis codes for delirium were present in 15 patients (8%). Antipsychotics were used in 13 patients (7%). ICD diagnosis codes alone and antipsychotics use alone had comparable sensitivity (18% vs. 18%) and specificity (98% vs. 99%). Defining delirium using either ICD diagnosis codes or antipsychotics use, sensitivity improved to 30% with little change in specificity (97%). This algorithm showed higher sensitivity for hyperactive or mixed delirium (64%) and severe delirium (73%). Requiring both ICD diagnosis codes and antipsychotics use resulted in perfect specificity but low sensitivity (6%).

Conclusion

Delirium‐identification algorithms in claims data have low sensitivity and high specificity. Defining delirium using ICD diagnosis codes or antipsychotics use performs better than considering either type of information alone. This information should inform the design and interpretation of claims‐based comparative effectiveness and safety research. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Xenon Flash Lamp‐Induced Ultrafast Multilayer Graphene Growth
Authors: Im Tae Hong , Park Dae Yong , Lee Hwan Keon , Park Jung Hwan , Jeong Chang Kyu , Joe Daniel J. , Lee Keon Jae
Published: May 2017

Optically induced annealing technology has provided promising strategies to synthesize graphene for future flexible electronics. Focused laser‐assisted methods have the capability of direct graphene growth, but have significant drawbacks such as small beam size, and locally different intrinsic properties caused by energy variations of each pulsed shot. Herein, a novel synthesis method of multilayer graphene (MLG) via xenon flash lamp with intense and achromatic light is presented. An extremely high temperature (over 1500 °C) by a single flash irradiation induces the MLG with about 15 layers in milliseconds time scale. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal characteristics of the MLG with I
2D/I
G of 0.65 and average sheet resistance of 3.272 × 103 Ω sq−1 as well as photothermal interactions between flash and metal catalyst. The synthesized MLG is successfully transferred onto plastic substrates, demonstrating a new feasibility of the flash lamp system for next‐generation flexible electronics.
Theoretical insights into the protonation states of active site cysteine and citrullination mechanism of Porphyromonas gingivalis peptidylarginine deiminase
Authors: Zhao Chenxiao , Ling Baoping , Dong Lihua , Liu Yongjun
Published: May 2017

Porphyromonas gingivalis peptidylarginine deiminase (PPAD) catalyzes the citrullination of peptidylarginine, which plays a critical role in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gene regulation. For a better understanding of citrullination mechanism of PPAD, it is required to establish the protonation states of active site cysteine, which is still a controversial issue for the members of guanidino‐group‐modifying enzyme superfamily. In this work, we first explored the transformation between the two states: State N (both C351 and H236 are neutral) and State I (both residues exist as a thiolate–imidazolium ion pair), and then investigated the citrullination reaction of peptidylarginine, using a combined QM/MM approach. State N is calculated to be more stable than State I by 8.46 kcal/mol, and State N can transform to State I via two steps of substrate‐assisted proton transfer. Citrullination of the peptidylarginine contains deamination and hydrolysis. Starting from State N, the deamination reaction corresponds to an energy barrier of 18.82 kcal/mol. The deprotonated C351 initiates the nucleophilic attack to the substrate, which is the key step for deamination reaction. The hydrolysis reaction contains two chemical steps. Both the deprotonated D238 and H236 can act as the bases to activate the hydrolytic water, which correspond to similar energy barriers (∼17 kcal/mol). On the basis of our calculations, C351, D238, and H236 constitute a catalytic triad, and their protonation states are critical for both the deamination and hydrolysis processes. In view of the sequence similarity, these findings may be shared with human PAD1–PAD4 and other guanidino‐group‐modifying enzymes. Proteins 2017; 85:1518–1528. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The long unstructured region of Bcl‐xl modulates its structural dynamics
Authors: Priya Prerna , Maity Atanu , Ghosh Dastidar Shubhra
Published: May 2017

Bcl‐xl protein has a long unstructured loop attached to its structured region which joins two helices. The necessity to have this unstructured segment in Bcl‐xl is not yet well understood. To what extent the unstructured segment can influence the dynamics of the structured region of protein, with potential to influence the function, has been investigated in this work. Molecular dynamics simulation and principal component analysis show how the loop affects the internal motions of the protein, particularly its ligand binding pocket. Generally an unstructured region in the structure would promote flexibility resulting entropic stability but in contrary, here it narrows down the conformational space of the structured region of protein that could be hypothesized to impact the functional precision. Effects of the loop propagate to the binding pocket through structural rearrangements of polar side chains. The immediate suspicion of possible impact of phosphorylation to modulate the function of the protein is proven to be a fact, as the phosphorylated S49 and S62 located on the large unstructured region are seen to perturb the electrostatic network of the structure; an observation that validates and clarifies the role of loop as a modulator through biophysical and biochemical mechanisms. Proteins 2017; 85:1567–1579. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyclohexylamine inexplicably induces antennae loss in Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki): cyclohexylamine hydrogen phosphate salts are novel termiticides
Authors: Grimball Brantley , Veillon Lucas , Calhoun Tara , Fronczek Frank R , Arceneaux Emily , Laine Roger A
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

In experiments with Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus Shirakii), myo‐inositol‐2‐monophosphate as the dicyclohexylammonium salt was tested among other sugar derivatives, and was found to be toxic to C. formosanus when added to a moistened filter paper food source in plastic Petri dishes.

RESULTS

Curiously, over a nine‐day period, the moniliform (beaded) antenna of C. formosanus deteriorated in a stepwise fashion with the most distal pseudosegment (bead) turning brown and falling off, followed by the penultimate pseudosegment, sequentially, until 7–9 days when only a stub of the antenna remained. Termites became increasingly moribund with the loss of antennae, and quit normal behavior including consuming cellulose food, and died. sn‐Glycerol‐3‐phosphate as the dicyclohexylammonium salt also gave the same results. Dicyclohexylammonium hydrogen phosphate and monocyclohexylammonium dihydrogen phosphate were synthesized, to find a low‐cost form for application to baits, both of which also showed similar toxicity. In a trial with Fibonacci series dilutions of neat cyclohexylamine, the antenna‐affecting activity became apparent in the LD30 (14 days) to LD70 range of concentrations. At the higher concentrations, darkening of the most distal parts of leg extremities was noticed.

CONCLUSION

Cyclohexylamine appears to be a novel termiticide with a previously unreported mechanism of toxicity. Its hydrogen phosphate salts retain the toxic effect and are inexpensive and easily synthesized. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Context and Implications Document for: A scoping review of research on play‐based pedagogies in kindergarten education
Authors: Pyle Angela , DeLuca Christopher , Danniels Erica
Published: May 2017

This guide accompanies the following article: Pyle, A., DeLuca, C., & Danniels, E. (2017) A scoping review of research on play‐based pedagogies in kindergarten education. Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3097
Validation of surrogate endpoints in cancer clinical trials via principal stratification with an application to a prostate cancer trial
Authors: Tanaka Shiro , Matsuyama Yutaka , Ohashi Yasuo
Published: May 2017

Increasing attention has been focused on the use and validation of surrogate endpoints in cancer clinical trials. Previous literature on validation of surrogate endpoints are classified into four approaches: the proportion explained approach; the indirect effects approach; the meta‐analytic approach; and the principal stratification approach. The mainstream in cancer research has seen the application of a meta‐analytic approach. However, VanderWeele (2013) showed that all four of these approaches potentially suffer from the surrogate paradox. It was also shown that, if a principal surrogate satisfies additional criteria called one‐sided average causal sufficiency, the surrogate cannot exhibit a surrogate paradox. Here, we propose a method for estimating principal effects under a monotonicity assumption. Specifically, we consider cancer clinical trials which compare a binary surrogate endpoint and a time‐to‐event clinical endpoint under two naturally ordered treatments (e.g. combined therapy vs. monotherapy). Estimation based on a mean score estimating equation will be implemented by the expectation‐maximization algorithm. We will also apply the proposed method as well as other surrogacy criteria to evaluate the surrogacy of prostate‐specific antigen using data from a phase III advanced prostate cancer trial, clarifying the complementary roles of both the principal stratification and meta‐analytic approaches in the evaluation of surrogate endpoints in cancer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkali‐silica reaction performance testing of concrete considering external alkalis and preexisting microcracks
Authors: Giebson Colin , Voland Katja , Ludwig Horst‐Michael , Meng Birgit
Published: May 2017

In concrete elements, simultaneously subjected to cyclic loadings and external alkalis, the risk for damage caused by or under participation of an alkali‐silica reaction (ASR) is particularly high. This is of particular concern for concrete pavements due to the increasing heavy vehicle traffic and the application of sodium chloride (NaCl) de‐icer during winter. Since 2004, the climate simulation concrete prism test (CS‐CPT) has been used successfully to evaluate job mixtures for pavements by considering the impact of alkali‐containing de‐icers. However, the role of mechanical predamage on ASR is largely unclear. In a joint research project, the CS‐CPT has been used to investigate the influence of preexisting microcracks on ASR. It was evident that an ASR initiated earlier in the predamaged concrete prisms due to the more rapid ingress of NaCl solution through the microcracks.
A systematic review of local vulnerability to climate change in developing country agriculture
Authors: Crane Todd A. , Delaney Aogán , Tamás Peter A. , Chesterman Sabrina , Ericksen Polly
Published: May 2017

In the mid‐2000s, several highly‐cited papers called for improving conceptual coherence and methodological transparency in vulnerability research to support greater policy relevance. As reducing vulnerability rises on political agendas, identifying empirically validated measures will become increasingly important in the design and evaluation of multi‐site and multi‐scale programmatic interventions. Using a systematic review methodology, we analyze the current range of conceptual frameworks, operationalizations and research methodologies as used in empirical studies of local‐level vulnerability in agricultural settings. Detailed analysis of theories and methods provides a platform for moving toward reporting that supports valid comparisons between disparate studies. This in turn, enables the design and implementation of empirically‐informed programmatic interventions. The results show that earlier concerns remain relevant. Even the best reported cases do not support aggregated analysis because conceptual ambiguity and methodological heterogeneity renders each study effectively unique. While conceptualization is broadly consolidating around the IPCC framework, declaration of that framework does not predict consistent operationalization. Furthermore, emerging alternative frameworks, especially Vulnerability as Expected Poverty, reveal important limitations of the IPCC framework. Findings also highlight that reporting practices in vulnerability research perpetuate problematic ambiguity. When designing and reporting research, we recommend addressing six key questions that can help specify the objectives of the study: (1) Is this system vulnerable? (2) To what is this system vulnerable? (3) How vulnerable is this system? (4)What is causing this system to be vulnerable? (5) How is vulnerability distributed within the system? (6) What is causing the observed distribution of vulnerability within the system? WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e464. doi: 10.1002/wcc.464

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Malunion of Long‐Bone Fractures in a Conflict Zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bauhahn Grace , Veen Harald , Hoencamp Rigo , Olim Nelson , Tan Edward C. T. H.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Malunion is a well‐recognized complication of long‐bone fractures which accounts for more than 25% of injuries in conflict zones. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of malunion sustained by casualties with penetrating gunshot wounds in an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) surgical substitution project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and compare these results with current literature.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients admitted to the ICRC facility between the periods of 01.10.2014 and 31.12.2015 with long‐bone fractures caused by gunshot wound were included, and data were collected retrospectively from the patient’s hospital notes.

Results

A total of 191 fractures caused by gunshot were treated in the DRC at the ICRC surgical substitution project during the study period. On average, the fractures were 3 days old on admission and were all open, with 62% also being comminuted. The ICRC management protocol, which emphasizes debridement, antibiotic prophylaxis and conservative fracture stabilization, was followed in all cases. Forty‐eight percentage of the fractures were finally classified as ‘union without complication’; however, 17% were classified as ‘malunion’.

Conclusions

This study indicates that open long‐bone fractures that are managed by the ICRC surgical substitution project in DRC may have an increased likelihood of malunion as compared to long‐bone fractures treated in developed countries. Patient delay and mechanism of injury may have caused increased rates of infection which are likely behind these increased rates of malunion, alongside the lack of definitive fracture treatment options made available to the surgical team.
Increased seed predation in the second fruiting event during an exceptionally long period of community‐level masting in Borneo
Authors: Iku Asano , Itioka Takao , Kishimoto‐Yamada Keiko , Shimizu‐kaya Usun , Mohammad Fatimah Bte , Hossman Mohamad Yazid , Bunyok Azimah , Rahman Mohd Yusuf Abd , Sakai Shoko , Meleng Paulus
Published: May 2017

In Southeast Asian tropical rainforests, community‐level masting (CM) occurs at irregular intervals of 2–10 years. During CM periods, many plant species from various families synchronously flower and subsequently undergo community‐level fruiting. Seed predation is a key factor in understanding the ecological and evolutionary factors affecting CM. Masting is proposed to decrease seed mortality due to predation in two ways: by depressing predator abundance through extended and unpredictable absences of seeds; and by satiating predators via mass seed production (predator satiation hypothesis). If the hypothesis is valid in these rainforests, the incidence of seed predation will be higher in a fruiting event that occurs soon after a previous fruiting event, because the intervening period of seed absence would be inadequate to starve the predators. In this study, we examined seed predation by insects, focusing on five dipterocarp species that exceptionally reproduced twice during an extended CM period. All of the five species suffered more intense seed predation in the second fruiting event, consistent with the prediction expected from the predator satiation hypothesis. Weevils, bark beetles and mammals were the main cause of increased seed predation in three, one and one plant species, respectively. However, seed predation intensity did not increase during the second fruiting event in a few combinations of predator and plant species. We discuss the possibility that competition for seeds among predators and/or the interspecific differences in life history traits among predators might affect the varying intensities of seed predation among dipterocarp species by different seed predators.
Relationship violence victimization and binge drinking trajectories among a nationally representative sample of adolescents
Authors: Walsh Kate , Moreland Angela M. , Hanson Rochelle F. , Resnick Heidi S. , Saunders Benjamin E. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: May 2017

The present study evaluated the impact of relationship violence (RV) victimization on the longitudinal trajectory of binge drinking (BD) among 3614 US adolescents (51.2% male) who participated in an initial telephone interview regarding physical and sexual RV victimization and binge drinking. Two follow‐up phone interviews were completed over approximately three years. Multilevel modeling revealed small, but significant, increases in BD over time; older adolescents and those who had ever experienced RV victimization were more likely to report BD at Wave 1 compared to younger adolescents and non‐victims. Although new RV victimization reported during the study predicted an increase in the likelihood of BD at that occasion, those who had ever experienced RV victimization were less likely to report BD over time compared to non‐victims. Contrary to expectations, no sex differences emerged. Findings indicate that BD may precede RV. Interventions to reduce alcohol‐related RV may be especially useful in this population.