bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solomon Technique Versus Selective Coagulation for Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Slaghekke Femke , Oepkes Dick
Published: May 2016

Monochorionic twin pregnancies can be complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The best treatment option for TTTS is fetoscopic laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses between donor and recipient. After laser therapy, up to 33% residual anastomoses were seen. These residual anastomoses can cause twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and recurrent TTTS. In order to reduce the number of residual anastomoses and their complications, a new technique, the Solomon technique, where the whole vascular equator will be coagulated, was introduced. The Solomon technique showed a reduction of recurrent TTS compared to the selective technique. The incidence of recurrent TTTS after the Solomon technique ranged from 0% to 3.9% compared to 5.3–8.5% after the selective technique. The incidence of TAPS after the Solomon technique ranged from 0% to 2.9% compared to 4.2–15.6% after the selective technique. The Solomon technique may improve dual survival rates ranging from 64% to 85% compared to 46–76% for the selective technique. There was no difference reported in procedure-related complications such as intrauterine infection and preterm premature rupture of membranes. The Solomon technique significantly reduced the incidence of TAPS and recurrent TTTS and may improve survival and neonatal outcome, without identifiable adverse outcome or complications; therefore, the Solomon technique is recommended for the treatment of TTTS.
The molecular spectrum and distribution of haemoglobinopathies in Cyprus: a 20-year retrospective study
Authors: Kountouris Petros , Kousiappa Ioanna , Papasavva Thessalia , Christopoulos George , Pavlou Eleni , Petrou Miranda , Feleki Xenia , Karitzie Eleni , Phylactides Marios , Fanis Pavlos , Lederer Carsten W. , Kyrri Andreani R. , Kalogerou Eleni , Makariou Christiana , Ioannou Christiana , Kythreotis Loukas , Hadjilambi Georgia , Andreou Nicoletta , Pangalou Evangelia , Savvidou Irene , Angastiniotis Michael , Hadjigavriel Michael , Sitarou Maria , Kolnagou Annita , Kleanthous Marina , Christou Soteroula
Published: May 2016

Haemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic diseases, posing a major public health challenge worldwide. Cyprus has one the highest prevalences of thalassaemia in the world and has been the first country to introduce a successful population-wide prevention programme, based on premarital screening. In this study, we report the most significant and comprehensive update on the status of haemoglobinopathies in Cyprus for at least two decades. First, we identified and analysed all known 592 β-thalassaemia patients and 595 Hb H disease patients in Cyprus. Moreover, we report the molecular spectrum of α-, β- and δ-globin gene mutations in the population and their geographic distribution, using a set of 13824 carriers genotyped from 1995 to 2015 and estimate relative allele frequencies in carriers of β- and δ-globin gene mutations. Notably, several mutations are reported for the first time in the Cypriot population, whereas important differences are observed in the distribution of mutations across different districts of the island.
Coevolution analysis of Hepatitis C virus genome to identify the structural and functional dependency network of viral proteins
Authors: Champeimont Raphaël , Laine Elodie , Hu Shuang-Wei , Penin Francois , Carbone Alessandra
Published: May 2016

A novel computational approach of coevolution analysis allowed us to reconstruct the protein-protein interaction network of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) at the residue resolution. For the first time, coevolution analysis of an entire viral genome was realized, based on a limited set of protein sequences with high sequence identity within genotypes. The identified coevolving residues constitute highly relevant predictions of protein-protein interactions for further experimental identification of HCV protein complexes. The method can be used to analyse other viral genomes and to predict the associated protein interaction networks.
Temperature-mediated phase transformation, pore geometry and pore hysteresis transformation of borohydride derived in-born porous zirconium hydroxide nanopowders
Authors: Nayak Nadiya B. , Nayak Bibhuti B.
Published: May 2016

Development of in-born porous nature of zirconium hydroxide nanopowders through a facile hydrogen (H2) gas-bubbles assisted borohydride synthesis route using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and novel information on the temperature-mediated phase transformation, pore geometry as well as pore hysteresis transformation of in-born porous zirconium hydroxide nanopowders with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images are the main theme of this research work. Without any surfactants or pore forming agents, the borohydride derived amorphous nature of porous powders was stable up to 500 °C and then the seed crystals start to develop within the loose amorphous matrix and trapping the inter-particulate voids, which led to develop the porous nature of tetragonal zirconium oxide at 600 °C and further sustain this porous nature as well as tetragonal phase of zirconium oxide up to 800 °C. The novel hydrogen (H2) gas-bubbles assisted borohydride synthesis route led to develop thermally stable porous zirconium hydroxide/oxide nanopowders with an adequate pore size, pore volume and surface area and thus these porous materials are further suggested for promising use in different areas of applications.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Gd-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles and mechanism insight
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Da , Niu Feng , Wang Sen , Qin Laishun , Huang Yuexiang
Published: May 2016

To investigate the effect of Gd doping on photocatalytic activity of BiFeO3 (BFO), Gd-doped BFO nanoparticles containing different Gd doping contents (Bi(1−x)GdxFeO3, x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) were synthesized using a facile sol-gel route. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. It was found that the Gd doping content could significantly affect the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared Gd-doped BFO, and the photocatalytic activity increased with increasing the Gd doping content up to the optimal value and then decreased with further enhancing Gd doping content. To elucidate the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism of Gd-doped BFO, the trapping experiments, photoluminescence, photocurrent and electrochemical impedance measurements were performed. On the basis of these experimental results, the enhanced photocatalytic activities of Gd-doped BFO could be ascribed to the increased optical absorption, the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers as well as the decreased recombination probability of electron-hole pairs derived from the Gd doping effect. Meanwhile, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of Gd-doped BFO was critically discussed.
A dual-detector optical receiver for PDM signals detection
Authors: Chen Guanyu , Yu Yu , Zhang Xinliang
Published: May 2016

We propose and fabricate a silicon based dual-detector optical receiver, which consists of a two dimensional (2D) grating coupler (GC) and two separate germanium photodetectors (Ge PDs). The 2D GC performs polarization diversity and thus demultiplexing and detection for polarization division multiplexed (PDM) signals can be achieved. Through a specific design with double-sides illumination, the space charge density can be reduced and the responsivity and saturation power can be improved significantly. The measured dark current, responsivity and bandwidth are 0.86 μA, 1.06 A/W and 36 GHz under 3 V reverse biased voltage, respectively. Both DC currents and eye diagrams are measured for the proposed device and the results validate its performance successfully. The power penalty between the single and dual polarized signals is about 1.9 dB under 10 and 20 Gb/s cases for both the two Ge PDs. The proposed direct detection (DD) for PDM signals with high speed, high responsivity and large saturation power is cost-effective and promising for short reach optical communication.
Growth responses of Ulva prolifera to inorganic and organic nutrients: Implications for macroalgal blooms in the southern Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Li Hongmei , Zhang Yongyu , Han Xiurong , Shi Xiaoyong , Rivkin Richard B. , Legendre Louis
Published: May 2016

The marine macrophyte Ulva prolifera is the dominant green-tide-forming seaweed in the southern Yellow Sea, China. Here we assessed, in the laboratory, the growth rate and nutrient uptake responses of U. prolifera to different nutrient treatments. The growth rates were enhanced in incubations with added organic and inorganic nitrogen [i.e. nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), urea and glycine] and phosphorus [i.e. phosphate (PO43−), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P)], relative to the control. The relative growth rates of U. prolifera were higher when enriched with dissolved organic nitrogen (urea and glycine) and phosphorus (ATP and G-6-P) than inorganic nitrogen (NO3− and NH4+) and phosphorus (PO43−). In contrast, the affinity was higher for inorganic than organic nutrients. Field data in the southern Yellow Sea showed significant inverse correlations between macroalgal biomass and dissolved organic nutrients. Our laboratory and field results indicated that organic nutrients such as urea, glycine and ATP, may contribute to the development of macroalgal blooms in the southern Yellow Sea.
Drosophila insulin-like peptide 1 (DILP1) is transiently expressed during non-feeding stages and reproductive dormancy
Authors: Liu Yiting , Liao Sifang , Veenstra Jan A. , Nässel Dick R.
Published: May 2016

The insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved in animals and is part of nutrient-sensing mechanisms that control growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress responses and lifespan. In Drosophila, eight insulin-like peptides (DILP1-8) are known, six of which have been investigated in some detail, whereas expression and functions of DILP1 and DILP4 remain enigmatic. Here we demonstrate that dilp1/DILP1 is transiently expressed in brain insulin producing cells (IPCs) from early pupa until a few days of adult life. However, in adult female flies where diapause is triggered by low temperature and short days, within a time window 0–10h post-eclosion, the dilp1/DILP1 expression remains high for at least 9 weeks. The dilp1 mRNA level is increased in dilp2, 3, 5 and dilp6 mutant flies, indicating feedback regulation. Furthermore, the DILP1 expression in IPCs is regulated by short neuropeptide F, juvenile hormone and presence of larval adipocytes. Male dilp1 mutant flies display increased lifespan and reduced starvation resistance, whereas in female dilp1 mutants oviposition is reduced. Thus, DILP1 is expressed in non-feeding stages and in diapausing flies, is under feedback regulation and appears to play sex-specific functional roles.
A dual-channel detection of mercuric ions using a label free G-quadruplex-based DNAzyme molecule
Authors: Ma Long , Liu Haiyan , Wu Guanrong , Sun Nana , Meng Lingpei , Li Yuyin , Liu Zhenxing , Diao Aipo
Published: May 2016

We have constructed a ‘turn-off’ and label free bio-sensor using a DNAzyme molecule.
Cluster size and composition dependent water deprotonation by free manganese oxide clusters
Authors: Lang Sandra M. , Bernhardt Thorsten M. , Kiawi Denis M. , Bakker Joost M. , Barnett Robert N. , Landman Uzi
Published: May 2016

Vibrational spectroscopy and first-principles calculations reveal basic concepts of the interaction between manganese oxide clusters and water which could aid the future design of artificial water-splitting molecular catalysts.
Luminescence mechanisms of defective ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Camarda Pietro , Messina Fabrizio , Vaccaro Lavinia , Agnello Simonpietro , Buscarino Gianpiero , Schneider Reinhard , Popescu Radian , Gerthsen Dagmar , Lorenzi Roberto , Gelardi Franco Mario , Cannas Marco
Published: May 2016

Thermal annealing effects on the emission properties of defective wurtzite-ZnO nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in water.
Origin of non-linearity in phase solubility: solubilisation by cyclodextrin beyond stoichiometric complexation
Authors: Nicol Thomas W. J. , Matubayasi Nobuyuki , Shimizu Seishi
Published: May 2016

The low solubility of drugs, which poses a serious problem in drug development, can in part be overcome by the use of cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives.
Insight into both coverage and surface structure dependent CO adsorption and activation on different Ni surfaces from DFT and atomistic thermodynamics
Authors: Hao Xiaobin , Wang Baojun , Wang Qiang , Zhang Riguang , Li Debao
Published: May 2016

CO adsorption and activation from low to high coverage on Ni catalyst.
Variation in the c-axis conductivity of multi-layer graphene due to H2 exposure
Authors: Kim Jaekyung , Kwak Cheol Hwan , Jung Woochan , Huh Yun Suk , Kim Byung Hoon
Published: May 2016

The decrease in c-axis conductivity of a multilayer graphene (MLG) as a function of H2 pressure from vacuum to 20 bar proves the dissociative H2 adsorption of MLG.
The nature of excited states in dipolar donor/fullerene complexes for organic solar cells: evolution with the donor stack size
Authors: Shen Xingxing , Han Guangchao , Yi Yuanping
Published: May 2016

The influence of the donor stack size on the nature of excited states of DTDCTB/C60 complexes is revealed by TDDFT with a ω-tuned long-range corrected functional.
1/f 2 noise in bistable electrocatalytic reactions on mesoscale electrodes
Authors: Bozdech S. , Krischer K. , Crespo-Yapur D. A. , Savinova E. , Bonnefont A.
Published: May 2016

The formation of a self-organized spatial domain during current-controlled CO oxidation, a kinetically bistable reaction, is investigated experimentally and by deterministic simulations as a function of the electrode size and of the supporting electrolyte concentration. Decreasing the microelectrode size leads to the suppression of the spatial instability at the electrode and thus stabilizes the S-NDR branch of the reaction. The critical microelectrode size capable of supporting sustained domain formation is shown to be strongly affected by the sulfuric acid concentration, the characteristic time of the positive feedback loop increasing with the sulfate concentration. Furthermore, we demonstrate that for microelectrode diameters close to the instability threshold, small amplitude electrochemical potential fluctuations appear in the system. These potential fluctuations cannot be captured by deterministic mathematical models and are attributed to a strong enhancement of molecular fluctuations or intrinsic noise in the vicinity of the spatial instability. Analysis of the electrochemical noise revealed a 1/f 2 frequency dependence and several common features with neuronal shot noise.
Mechanistic aspects of hydrazine-induced Pt colloid instability and monitoring aggregation kinetics with nanoparticle impact electroanalysis
Authors: Robinson D. A. , Duay J. , Kondajji A. M. , Stevenson K. J.
Published: May 2016

Here we investigate the mechanistic aspects of Pt nanoparticle (NP) aggregation in solutions typically used for detecting NP/electrode impacts by electrocatalytic amplification (ECA). We previously proposed a general mechanism for Pt colloid destabilization that involved the participation of both the hydrazine redox probe and the pH buffer species as coagulants. Herein the Pt NP coagulation and aggregation mechanisms were further investigated with microscopic kinetic NP concentration monitoring and zeta potential measurements using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), as well as open circuit potential experiments with a citrate-treated polycrystalline Pt surface to assess electrical double layer potential. After considering the combined results of these experiments we propose that the colloidal stability of citrate-capped platinum nanoparticles involves much more than the typical physicochemical interactions predicted by DLVO theory. A structure based on intermolecular H-bonding in the citrate capping layer is the most plausible explanation for the exceptional stability of large Pt NPs in high ionic strength buffers. Thus, the mechanism of Pt NP aggregation includes specific reactive contributions from hydrazine. The catalytic decomposition of hydrazine, in particular, is thought to occur to some extent at the citrate-coated Pt surface while the citrate remains adsorbed. Evolved gases such as ammonia and possible surface bound intermediates from Pt-catalyzed decomposition of hydrazine may disrupt the stability of the citrate layer, causing colloidal instability and thus promoting Pt NP coagulation. In the closing section, we demonstrate nanoparticle impact electroanalysis by ECA detection as a method to quantify Pt NP concentration with adequate time resolution for monitoring the kinetics of Pt NP coagulation.
Chemical characterization of the main bioactive constituents from fruits of Ziziphus jujuba
Authors: Bai Lu , Zhang Hai , Liu Qingchao , Zhao Yong , Cui Xueqin , Guo Sen , Zhang Li , Ho Chi-Tang , Bai Naisheng
Published: May 2016

The fruit ofZiziphus jujubaMill., also called hongzao in Chinese, has a long history of cultivation in China.
Atmospheric sink of methyl chlorodifluoroacetate and ethyl chlorodifluoroacetate: temperature dependent rate coefficients, product distribution of their reactions with Cl atoms and CF2ClC(O)OH formation
Authors: Blanco María B. , Barnes Ian , Wiesen Peter , Teruel Mariano A.
Published: May 2016

Rate coefficients as a function of temperature and product distribution studies have been performed for the first time for the gas-phase reactions of chlorine atoms with methyl chlorodifluoracetate (k1) and ethyl chlorodifluoroacetate (k2) using the relative rate technique.
Luminescence properties and Judd–Ofelt analysis of TiO2:Eu3+ nanofibers via polymer-based electrospinning method
Authors: Chang Meiqi , Sheng Ye , Song Yanhua , Zheng Keyan , Zhou Xiuqing , Zou Haifeng
Published: May 2016

Formation mechanism and luminescence properties of TiO2:Eu3+ have been discussed in detail.
2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions via multistep electron transfers with iron(ii) phthalocyanine as an electron-transfer mediator
Authors: Hong Yiming , Fang Tiantian , Li Meichao , Shen Zhenlu , Hu Xinquan , Mo Weimin , Hu Baoxiang , Sun Nan , Jin Liqun
Published: May 2016

A new biomimetic catalytic oxidation system was developed for oxidative deprotection of PMB ethers, alcohol oxidation, aromatization and α,β-unsaturated aldehyde formation.
Size-dependent Raman and SiV-center luminescence in polycrystalline nanodiamonds produced by shock wave synthesis
Authors: Bogdanov K. V. , Osipov V. Yu. , Zhukovskaya M. V. , Jentgens C. , Treussart F. , Hayashi T. , Takai K. , Fedorov A. V. , Baranov A. V.
Published: May 2016

30 × 30 nm TEM image of diamond polycrystal consisting cubic nanodiamonds of different orientation doped by luminescent SiV centers with luminescent intensity depended on mean size of the polycrystals.
The effect of structural heterogeneity on the conformation and stability of Aβ–tau mixtures
Authors: Choi Hyunsung , Lee Myeongsang , Park Harold S. , Na Sungsoo
Published: May 2016

Oligomeric and fibrillar amyloids, which cause neurodegenerative diseases, are typically formed through repetitive fracture and elongation processes involving single homogeneous amyloid monomers.
Controlling mixed conductivity in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 using A-site non-stoichiometry and Nb-donor doping
Authors: Li Linhao , Li Ming , Zhang Huairuo , Reaney Ian M. , Sinclair Derek C.
Published: May 2016

Bi-excess and Nb-doping can both be used to fine-tune the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 oxygen-ion transport number from near zero to one.
Nocturnal foraging enhanced by enlarged secondary eyes in a net-casting spider
Authors: Stafstrom Jay A. , Hebets Eileen A.
Published: May 2016

Animals that possess extreme sensory structures are predicted to have a related extreme behavioural function. This study focuses on one such extreme sensory structure—the posterior median eyes of the net-casting spiderDeinopis spinosa.Although past research has implicated the importance of vision in the nocturnal foraging habits ofDeinopis, no direct link between vision in the enlarged eyes and nocturnal foraging has yet been made. To directly test the hypothesis that the enlarged posterior median eyes facilitate visually based nocturnal prey capture, we conducted repeated-measures, visual occlusion trials in both natural and laboratory settings. Our results indicate thatD. spinosarelies heavily on visual cues detected by the posterior median eyes to capture cursorial prey items. We suggest that the enlarged posterior median eyes benefitD. spinosanot only through increased diet breadth, but also by allowing spiders to remain active solely at night, thus evading predation by diurnal animals.
Seismic assessment of low ductile RC structures: buildings from before the modern seismic codes
Authors: Dias-Oliveira João , Rodrigues H , Varum Humberto
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– When a numerous amount of buildings was built in reinforced concrete, in a period when the regulations did not have the design philosophy for the occurrence of earthquakes, it is of extreme importance to carry out full and effective structural assessments, specially considering and comparing bare frame and infilled structure. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Among several possibilities to make the evaluation as, simplified, linear analysis and static non-linear analysis, the non-linear dynamic can provide the most accurate numerical behaviour compared to the real one. The time-history non-linear analyses are developed on the software SeismoStruct for different levels of intensity. Local verifications are then applied separately from both Eurocode and Italian Code.

Findings

– The application of validated models for the analysis of real buildings allows a complete seismic assessment. The level of uncertainty increases integrating particularities regarding the infill masonry walls. The paper shows important global and local seismic safety for these complex typology of buildings.

Originality/value

– A representative common concrete structure without seismic provisions is first analysed and discussed in terms of global behaviour, deformations and progression of forces. The case study structure is considered both as bare structure and with integrated infill panels. It is also discussed in a local level, about brittle and ductile mechanisms, and extra comparisons between different interpretations of different standards. The case study structure is considered both as bare structure and with integrated infill panels.
Simulation-driven design of compact ultra-wideband antenna structures
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate strategies and algorithms for expedited design optimization and explicit size reduction of compact ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas.

Design/methodology/approach

– Formulation of the compact antenna design problem aiming at explicit size reduction while maintaining acceptable electrical performance is presented. Algorithmic frameworks are described suitable for handling various design situations and involving simulation models without and with response gradients available. Numerical and experimental case studies are provided demonstrating feasibility of solving real-world miniaturized antenna design tasks.

Findings

– It is possible, through appropriate combination of the global and local optimization methods, surrogate modeling techniques and response correction methods, to find optimum dimensions of antenna structures that minimize antenna size while maintaining acceptable electrical performance. Design optimization can be performed at practically feasible computational costs.

Research limitations/implications

– The study summarizes recent advances in miniaturization-oriented design optimization of UWB antennas. The presented techniques reach far beyond the commonly used design approaches based on parameter sweeps and similar hands-on methods, particularly in terms of automation, reliability, and reduction of the computational costs of the design processes.

Originality/value

– The proposed design problem formulation and algorithmic frameworks proved useful for rapid design of compact UWB antenna structures, which is extremely challenging when using conventional methods. To the knowledge, this is the first attempt to efficient solving of this type of design problems, especially in the context of explicit antenna size reduction.
Design of TENS electrodes using conductive yarn
Authors: Erdem Duygu , Yesilpinar Sevil , Senol Yavuz , Karadibak Didem , Akkan Taner
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop textile-based transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electrodes using conductive yarn to bring a solution to uncomfortable feelings and hygiene problems of conventional conductive hydrogel electrodes. It proposes washing process, resistance measurements and subjective tests to evaluate the performance of the developed textile-based electrode.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, six different textile electrode pairs were designed and produced with different patterns. Designed electrodes were washed for ten times. In order to evaluate the effect of pattern differences and washing process on electrode performances, two different tests were realized before and after washing. The first of these tests is resistance measurement with a multimeter, and the second one is subjective test carried out on subjects.

Findings

– The results obtained from resistance measurements indicated that the pattern differences cause resistance values of electrodes to change. It is reported that subjects had electrical stimulation from all electrode samples in conducted trials and it is noticed that washing process does not cause any stimulation problems.

Originality/value

– In this study, textile-based TENS electrodes having different patterns were produced by machine stitching technique and their long-term usage behaviors were examined with repeated washing processes and trials on the subjects.
Designing and delivering online curriculum in higher education: riding the perfect storm
Authors: Chernikova Irina A. , Varonis Evangeline Marlos
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– In a time that could be described as a “perfect storm” in higher education, faculty and administration have been exploring all possible tools to attract students and help them stay on a curriculum path so they can graduate within a reasonable time. The purpose of this paper is to explore three strategies for riding the storm in a large mid-western USA university.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors identify three strategies for increasing student retention and course completion, including: increased choices in scheduling; redesigning the curriculum; and offering multiple options for mode of delivery. In addition, the pilot of these strategies in a Technical Data Analysis class will be described and evaluated.

Findings

– Providing choices in scheduling courses (strategy 1), redesigning the curriculum to offer flexible pathways to graduation (strategy 2), and offering students options in delivery modes (strategy 3) increase the likelihood of student success, allowing them to find a way out of and therefore escape the “perfect storm” that higher education finds itself in today.

Practical implications

– Flexibility in scheduling courses by offering multiple delivery modes increases student access while maintaining the same learning objectives and outcomes.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses a known challenge in higher education and offers three strategies to improve retention and completion.
Online (web-based) education for mentors of newly qualified teachers
Authors: Fransson Göran
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project concerning a web-based (online) course for mentors of newly qualified teachers (NQTs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed-method approach with questionnaires and interviews was used to collect the data.

Findings

– Positive attitudes towards online education were discerned and initial concerns about the use of technical tools were dissipated during the course. It was found that the mentoring-related content of the online course could be mediated. The most significant difference in the participants’ meaning making and ability to “connect theory and practice” with “concrete knowledge” was between those with experience of mentorship before or during the course and those without.

Research limitations/implications

– The study focuses on one cohort of mentor participants (n=18) attending one mentor education course.

Practical implications

– The paper contributes to the value of online education for mentors of NQTs and includes some practical recommendations for mentor education providers.

Originality/value

– This paper reports on an under-researched area. Research on professional development programmes for mentors in general is limited, and even more so when it comes to online education for mentors.
Fuzzy risk assessment for electro-optical target tracker
Authors: Roy Soumen Kumar , Sarkar A K , Mahanty Biswajit
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evolve a guideline for scientists and development engineers to the failure behavior of electro-optical target tracker system (EOTTS) using fuzzy methodology leading to success of short-range homing guided missile (SRHGM) in which this critical subsystems is exploited.

Design/methodology/approach

– Technology index (TI) and fuzzy failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) are used to build an integrated framework to facilitate the system technology assessment and failure modes. Failure mode analysis is carried out for the system using data gathered from technical experts involved in design and realization of the EOTTS. In order to circumvent the limitations of the traditional failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), fuzzy FMCEA is adopted for the prioritization of the risks. FMEA parameters – severity, occurrence and detection are fuzzifed with suitable membership functions. These membership functions are used to define failure modes. Open source linear programming solver is used to solve linear equations.

Findings

– It is found that EOTTS has the highest TI among the major technologies used in the SRHGM. Fuzzy risk priority numbers (FRPN) for all important failure modes of the EOTTS are calculated and the failure modes are ranked to arrive at important monitoring points during design and development of the weapon system.

Originality/value

– This paper integrates the use of TI, fuzzy logic and experts’ database with FMEA toward assisting the scientists and engineers while conducting failure mode and effect analysis to prioritize failures toward taking corrective measure during the design and development of EOTTS.
Functional properties and safety assessment of lactic acid bacteria isolated from goat colostrum for application in food fermentations
Authors: Ruiz Patricia , Barragán Iris , Seseña Susana , Palop María Llanos
Published: May 2016

Thirty representative isolates from genotypes obtained after RAPD‐PCR analysis of 191 presumptive LAB isolates from goat colostrum were assessed. They were identified as Leu. mesenteroides, Leu. lactis and Lac. garvieae. Only Lac. garvieae P27M15 showed a high resistance to low pH, while 93.3% of the isolates retained their viability after exposure to bile salts. Leu. lactis V22M11, V42M18 and V23M15 displayed the best technological properties. Lac. garvieae P27M15 and Leu. lactis V22M11, V42M18 and V23M15 were susceptible to 8 of the 13 antibiotics assayed. Therefore, it can be concluded that the isolates P27M15, V22M11, V42M18 and V23M15, showing potentially important properties, could be valuable for practical applications in biotechnological processes.
Selection of Streptococcus thermophilus strains able to produce exopolysaccharides in milk
Authors: Tidona Flavio , Zago Miriam , Corredig Milena , Locci Francesco , Contarini Giovanna , Giraffa Giorgio , Carminati Domenico
Published: May 2016

A collection of 139 Streptococcus thermophilus strains was genetically screened by PCR targeting some genes involved in exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis. Twenty‐nine strains were found to be PCR positive and were grown in skim milk to highlight their ropy character, that is the ability to efficiently thicken the milk cultures and minimise syneresis. Three strains producing a skim milk culture with apparent viscosities of 275 ± 14, 340 ± 21 and 510 ± 42 mPa.s, significantly higher than the average value (135 ± 87.3 mPa.s), were selected. EPS from milk cultures of these three strains was extracted and quantified from 84.4 to 209.2 mg/L.
The medication reconciliation process and classification of discrepancies: a systematic review
Authors: Almanasreh Enas , Moles Rebekah , Chen Timothy F.
Published: May 2016

Aims

Medication reconciliation is a part of the medication management process and facilitates improved patient safety during care transitions. The aims of the study were to evaluate how medication reconciliation has been conducted and how medication discrepancies have been classified.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), and Web of Science (WOS), in accordance with the PRISMA statement up to April 2016. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the types of medication discrepancy found through the medication reconciliation process and contained a classification system for discrepancies. Data were extracted by one author based on a predefined table, and 10% of included studies were verified by two authors.

Results

Ninety‐five studies met the inclusion criteria. Approximately one‐third of included studies (n = 35, 36.8%) utilized a ‘gold’ standard medication list. The majority of studies (n = 57, 60%) used an empirical classification system and the number of classification terms ranged from 2 to 50 terms. Whilst we identified three taxonomies, only eight studies utilized these tools to categorize discrepancies, and 11.6% of included studies used different patient safety related terms rather than discrepancy to describe the disagreement between the medication lists.

Conclusions

We suggest that clear and consistent information on prevalence, types, causes and contributory factors of medication discrepancy are required to develop suitable strategies to reduce the risk of adverse consequences on patient safety. Therefore, to obtain that information, we need a well‐designed taxonomy to be able to accurately measure, report and classify medication discrepancies in clinical practice.
Design of peptides as inhibitors of human papillomavirus 16 transcriptional regulator E1–E2
Authors: Kantang Worrapon , Chunsrivirot Surasak , Muangsin Nongnuj , Poovorawan Yong , Krusong Kuakarun
Published: May 2016

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) is a DNA virus that is capable of infecting humans and causing cervical cancer. HPV16 E2 plays an important role in viral gene regulation. This work aims to predict the binding conformations and interactions between the dodecapeptides and HPV16 E2 as well as to design novel peptide inhibitors that are capable of binding to HPV16 E2 and disrupt the transcriptional regulator E1–E2 complex formation, using computational protein design techniques. Based on previously reported peptide4 (TWFWPYPYPHLP), novel peptide inhibitors were designed and five peptides that showed lower binding energy to HPV16 E2 than that of peptide4, were selected for in vitro experiments. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay showed that Y6R, W4H_Y6R, and W4H peptides bound to HPV16 E2 with higher affinity than peptide4 did. Moreover, Y6R, W4H_Y6R, and W4H peptides more effectively inhibited E1–E2 complex formation than peptide4. This work revealed important interactions between the peptides and E1–E2 complex, suggesting a strategy for development of more potent peptide inhibitors.
Anti-C1q autoantibodies are linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders in pregnant women
Authors: Vitkova H , Jiskra J , Springer D , Limanova Z , Telicka Z , Bartakova J , Trendelenburg M , Potlukova E
Published: May 2016

Anti-C1q antibodies (anti-C1q) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between anti-C1q and thyroid function in pregnancy-associated AITD. In 96 pregnant women screened positive for AITD (thyroid dysfunction and/or antibodies against thyroperoxidase – TPOAb), anti-C1q were measured during the 9-11th gestational week and after delivery (median 16 months after delivery), and compared to the corresponding serum levels of thyroid hormones. As controls, 80 healthy pregnant women, 72 non-pregnant AITD patients and 72 blood donors were included. In the non-pregnant AITD group, two serum samples ≥ 6 months apart were analysed. Compared to blood donors, anti-C1q levels were substantially higher in all pregnant women analysed. In pregnancy, anti-C1q levels were higher in the TPOAb-positive women than in controls (37 versus 17·5%, P < 0·0001). Anti-C1q-positive pregnant women screened positive for AITD had higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels than anti-C1q-negative women (2·41 versus 1·94 mU/l, P = 0·01), and TSH correlated positively with anti-C1q (r = 0·226, P = 0·045) in the TPOAb-positive women. After delivery, serum levels of anti-C1q decreased in the positively screened TPOAb-negative women (8·8 versus 5·9 U/l, P = 0·002), but not in the TPOAb-positive ones, and they no longer correlated with TSH. Anti-C1q antibody levels increase during pregnancy in general and even more in the context of AITD, where they correlate with thyroid stimulating hormone levels.
Ageing and inflammation in patients with HIV infection
Authors: Nasi M , De Biasi S , Gibellini L , Bianchini E , Pecorini S , Bacca V , Guaraldi G , Mussini C , Pinti M , Cossarizza A
Published: May 2016

Nowadays, HIV+ patients have an expected lifespan that is only slightly shorter than healthy individuals. For this reason, along with the fact that infection can be acquired at a relatively advanced age, the effects of ageing on HIV+ people have begun to be evident. Successful anti-viral treatment is, on one hand, responsible for the development of side effects related to drug toxicity; on the other hand, it is not able to inhibit the onset of several complications caused by persistent immune activation and chronic inflammation. Therefore, patients with a relatively advanced age, i.e. aged more than 50 years, can experience pathologies that affect much older citizens. HIV+ individuals with non-AIDS-related complications can thus come to the attention of clinicians because of the presence of neurocognitive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, bone abnormalities and non-HIV-associated cancers. Chronic inflammation and immune activation, observed typically in elderly people and defined as ‘inflammaging’, can be present in HIV+ patients who experience a type of premature ageing, which affects the quality of life significantly. This relatively new condition is extremely complex, and important factors have been identified as well as the traditional behavioural risk factors, e.g. the toxicity of anti-retroviral treatments and the above-mentioned chronic inflammation leading to a functional decline and a vulnerability to injury or pathologies. Here, we discuss the role of inflammation and immune activation on the most important non-AIDS-related complications of chronic HIV infection, and the contribution of aging per se to this scenario.
Reconstruction of the severely atrophic edentulous maxillae with calvarial bone grafts
Authors: Mertens Christian , Freier Kolja , Engel Michael , Krisam Johannes , Hoffmann Jürgen , Freudlsperger Christian
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Treatment of the severely atrophic maxilla with dental implants is challenging due to the insufficient horizontal and vertical bone volume and centripetal resorption pattern of the maxilla. Bone‐augmentation procedures are often necessary prior to implant placement. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of using calvarial bone grafts to enable implant placement in severely atrophic maxillae.

Material and Methods

Seventeen patients with severe atrophic edentulous maxillae were reconstructed with autogenous calvarial bone grafts. After a 4‐month healing period, the patients received a total of 134 dental implants, which were left to heal in submerged positions for 3 months before prosthetic rehabilitation was performed. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for an average observation period of 53.94 months.

Results

At the intraoral recipient sites, two infections developed, causing partial loss of the respective bone grafts. Implant placement, however, was possible at all sites. No donor‐site complications occurred. Two of 134 implants were lost in two patients prior to prosthetic loading. The implant survival rate was 98.51%. The implant success rate was 87.6%, and a mean marginal bone loss of 0.62 mm (SD 0.77 mm) was documented.

Conclusions

Patients with severe bone atrophy of the edentulous maxilla can be successfully reconstructed with calvarial bone grafts and dental implants and show a stable clinical and radiographic situation after a mean observation period of 53 months.
Evaluation of results from genome‐wide studies of language and reading in a novel independent dataset
Authors: Carrion‐Castillo A. , van Bergen E. , Vino A. , van Zuijen T. , de Jong P. F. , Francks C. , Fisher S. E.
Published: May 2016

Recent genome‐wide association scans (GWAS) for reading and language abilities have pin‐pointed promising new candidate loci. However, the potential contributions of these loci remain to be validated. In this study, we tested 17 of the most significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these GWAS studies (P < 10−6 in the original studies) in a new independent population dataset from the Netherlands: known as Familial Influences on Literacy Abilities. This dataset comprised 483 children from 307 nuclear families and 505 adults (including parents of participating children), and provided adequate statistical power to detect the effects that were previously reported. The following measures of reading and language performance were collected: word reading fluency, nonword reading fluency, phonological awareness and rapid automatized naming. Two SNPs (rs12636438 and rs7187223) were associated with performance in multivariate and univariate testing, but these did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. Another SNP (rs482700) was only nominally associated in the multivariate test. For the rest of the SNPs, we did not find supportive evidence of association. The findings may reflect differences between our study and the previous investigations with respect to the language of testing, the exact tests used and the recruitment criteria. Alternatively, most of the prior reported associations may have been false positives. A larger scale GWAS meta‐analysis than those previously performed will likely be required to obtain robust insights into the genomic architecture underlying reading and language.
The copulatory plug delays ejaculation by rival males and affects sperm competition outcome in house mice
Authors: Sutter A. , Lindholm A. K.
Published: May 2016

Females of many species mate with multiple males (polyandry), resulting in male–male competition extending to post‐copulation (sperm competition). Males adapt to such post‐copulatory sexual selection by altering features of their ejaculate that increase its competitiveness and/or by decreasing the risk of sperm competition through female manipulation or interference with rival male behaviour. At ejaculation, males of many species deposit copulatory plugs, which are commonly interpreted as a male adaptation to post‐copulatory competition and are thought to reduce or delay female remating. Here, we used a vertebrate model species, the house mouse, to study the consequences of copulatory plugs for post‐copulatory competition. We experimentally manipulated plugs after a female's first mating and investigated the consequences for rival male behaviour and paternity outcome. We found that even intact copulatory plugs were ineffective at preventing female remating, but that plugs influenced the rival male copulatory behaviour. Rivals facing intact copulatory plugs performed more but shorter copulations and ejaculated later than when the plug had been fully or partially removed. This suggests that the copulatory plug represents a considerable physical barrier to rival males. The paternity share of first males increased with a longer delay between the first and second males' ejaculations, indicative of fitness consequences of copulatory plugs. However, when males provided little copulatory stimulation, the incidence of pregnancy failure increased, representing a potential benefit of intense and repeated copulation besides plug removal. We discuss the potential mechanisms of how plugs influence sperm competition outcome and consequences for male copulatory behaviour.
Influence of larval rearing temperature on the quality of cold‐stored Oomyzus sokolowskii Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: Sun Y.‐X. , Tong C. , Liu T.‐X.
Published: May 2016

Oomyzus sokolowskii, an important parasitoid of Plutella xylostella, has great potential for use in biological control. Storage at suboptimal temperature is valuable for increasing the shelf‐life of insect parasitoids. In this study, O. sokolowskii larvae were reared at 30/25, 25/25 and 25/20°C light/dark (65 ± 5% RH, 16 : 8 h L : D) until pupation. The pupae were then cold‐stored at 4 ± 1°C (60 ± 5% RH, full darkness). The pupae were removed out from the storage at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after storage (DAS) and maintained at 25 ± 2°C until adults emerged or pupae died. Quality of the emerging adults and their F1 offspring were assessed. Incidence of parasitism by O. sokolowskii was higher at 30/25°C than at 25/20°C. Cold storage of O. sokolowskii pupae greatly affected the fitness of the parasitoid: adult emergence rates were lower in the 40 DAS treatment than in other treatments; when O. sokolowskii larvae developed at 25/25°C, female proportions of the emerged adults were lower in the 40 DAS treatment than in the 0 and 10 DAS treatments. Larval rearing temperature mildly affected the adult emergence rate, post‐storage developmental time and female proportion with a few exceptions. Number of parasitoids emerged per host pupa, and incidence of parasitism by the females were neither affected by larval rearing temperature nor cold storage duration. Trans‐generational effects on F1 offspring were evident in adult emergence rate, egg‐adult developmental time and female proportion which were negatively affected by long duration of storage (40 days), but not by larval rearing temperature with a few exceptions. In conclusion, O. sokolowskii pupae could be stored at 4°C for up to 30 days without significant fitness loss.