bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do capability and functioning differ? A study of U.K. survey responses
Authors: Al‐Janabi Hareth
Published: September 2017

A core feature of the capability approach is that a person's capabilities (what they are able to do and be in their life) can differ from their functionings (what they actually do and are in their life). However, the degree to which capability and functioning differ in practice is unclear. This paper investigates this issue, focusing on capability and functioning differences (CFD) across different aspects of life and different individuals. In the study, the ICECAP‐A capability questionnaire was modified to measure both functionings and capabilities and was completed by U.K.‐based convenience sample of 943 people. Around one third of people reported CFD in at least one area of their life, most commonly in terms of their “achievement.” People were more likely to report CFD when they had a degree‐level education and when they had impaired health. An additional finding was that capability varied more with education whereas functioning varied more with health status. This finding needs further examination, but it suggests that the choice of evaluative space may influence how priorities are set for public spending.
State Medicaid fees and access to primary care physicians
Authors: Sharma Rajiv , Tinkler Sarah , Mitra Arnab , Pal Sudeshna , Susu‐Mago Raven , Stano Miron
Published: September 2017

Medicaid and uninsured patients are disadvantaged in access to care and are disproportionately Black and Hispanic. Using a national audit of primary care physicians, we examine the relationship between state Medicaid fees for primary care services and access for Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured, and privately insured patients who differ by race/ethnicity and sex. We found that states with higher Medicaid fees had higher probabilities of appointment offers and shorter wait times for Medicaid patients, and lower probabilities of appointment offers and longer wait times for uninsured patients. Appointment offers and wait times for Medicare and privately insured patients were unaffected by Medicaid fees. At mean state Medicaid fees, our analysis predicts a 27‐percentage‐point disadvantage for Medicaid versus Medicare in appointment offers. This decreases to 6 percentage points when Medicaid and Medicare fees are equal, suggesting that permanent fee parity with Medicare could eliminate most of the disparity in appointment offers for Medicaid patients. The predicted decrease in the disparity is smaller for Black and Hispanic patients than for White patients. Our research highlights the importance of considering the effects of policy on nontarget patient groups, and the consequences of seemingly race‐neutral policies on racial/ethnic and sex‐based disparities.
Survival outcomes for stage‐matched endoscopic and open resection of olfactory neuroblastoma
Authors: Harvey Richard J. , Nalavenkata Sunny , Sacks Raymond , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Purkey Michael T. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Snyderman Carl , Wang Eric W. , Woodworth Bradford A. , Smee Robert , Havas Tom , Gallagher Richard
Published: September 2017

Background

Advanced‐stage olfactory neuroblastoma requires multimodal therapy for optimal outcomes. Debate exists over endoscopic endonasal surgery in this situation. Stage‐matched open and endoscopic surgical therapy were compared.

Methods

Patients from 6 cancer institutions were assessed. Stratification included dural involvement, Kadish stage, nodal disease, Hyams' grade, approach, and margin status. At follow‐up, local control, nodal status, and evidence of distant metastases were recorded with any subsequent therapy. Statistical analyses to identify risk factors for developing recurrence and survival differences were performed.

Results

One hundred nine patients were assessed (age 49.2 ± 13.0 years; 46% women) representing Kadish A stage (10%), Kadish B stage (25%), and Kadish C stage (65%). The majority of the patients (61.5%) underwent endoscopic resection, 53.5% within Kadish C stage. Within‐stage survival analysis favored endoscopic subgroup for Kadish C stage (log‐rank P = .017) nonsignificant for Kadish B stage (log‐rank P = .39).

Conclusion

Stage‐matched survival was better for the endoscopically treated group compared to the open surgery group, with high negative margin resections obtained.
Optimizing the amount of simulation training used to teach vaginal delivery skills to medical students
Authors: Nitsche Joshua F. , Butler Timberly R. , Shew Alison W. , Jin Sha , Brost Brian C.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine the amount of simulation training required for students to attain minimal competence and mastery of a vaginal delivery.

Methods

An observational study was conducted at a US medical school between May 11, 2015, and May 8, 2016. Using a modified Angoff method, 10 members of the Obstetrics and Gynecology faculty evaluated a vaginal delivery procedural checklist and established cutoff scores for minimal competence and mastery. During a 5‐week period, all third‐year students received between two and five 45‐minute vaginal delivery simulation sessions; performance was assessed during week 6. Performance according to the checklist was compared.

Results

The cutoff score was 20 and 26 out of 30 for minimal competence and mastery, respectively. Among 115 students, mean checklist scores in final assessment rose with increasing number of simulations: 23.6, 25.1, 27.5, and 27.6 points for two, three, four, and five training sessions, respectively (P<0.001). The proportion of patients achieving mastery also increased with number of simulations: 34%, 59%, 73%, and 93% for two, three, four, and five training sessions, respectively (P<0.001). Two or three training sessions were sufficient to attain minimal competence in most students; however, no significant between‐group difference was found.

Conclusion

Simulation training exerts an increasing effect on performance with each additional session that students receive.
Ultrafiltration of whey: membrane performance and modelling using a combined pore blocking–cake formation model
Authors: Corbatón‐Báguena María‐José , Álvarez‐Blanco Silvia , Vincent‐Vela María‐Cinta
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Ultrafiltration has been considered as a ‘green’ technique to treat different industrial wastewaters, such as whey in the dairy industry. However, fouling is one of the major drawbacks in the industrial implementation of this process. Thus, in this work, the performance of ultrafiltration membranes was investigated in terms of permeate flux and protein rejection when treating different whey model solutions. Modelling of permeate flux was performed combining two main fouling mechanisms (complete pore blocking and cake formation) by a time‐dependent pore blocking parameter.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that high protein concentration and the presence of calcium salts in the feed solution favoured permeate flux decline. The combined model was appropriate to describe the main fouling mechanisms, with fitting accuracies higher than 0.960. Model parameters were correlated with both calcium and protein concentration and the developed model was successfully validated with an additional fouling test.

CONCLUSION

All the membranes tested were suitable for carrying out whey protein separation, with rejection indexes greater than 99%. The combined model and the statistical correlation of model parameters with calcium and protein concentrations were useful to predict permeate flux decline when the ultrafiltration of a new whey model solution was performed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Is real‐time elastography helpful to differentiate acute from subacute deep venous thrombosis? A preliminary study
Authors: Aslan Ahmet , Barutca Hakan , Ayaz Ercan , Aslan Mine , Kocaaslan Cemal , Inan Ibrahim , Sahin Sinan , Yıkılmaz Ali
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To detect and characterize changes in stiffness of thrombus in patients with acute and subacute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by using real‐time elastography (RTE).

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with acute or subacute DVT were prospectively evaluated by B‐mode sonography (US), color Doppler US (CDUS), and RTE. Two radiologists evaluated the thrombus echogenicity, compressibility, and recanalization of the affected vein, and thrombus stiffness in consensus. The thrombi were classified into 3 groups as soft, intermediate, and hard on RTE images.

Results

The final study group consisted of 30 patients with acute DVT, among whom 10 were women (33%), and 19 patients with subacute DVT, among whom 6 were women (32%). The presence of hypoechoic thrombus, incompressible vein, and absence of recanalization on US and CDUS were significantly associated with acute DVT (P < .001 for all variables). The differences in elasticity pattern of the thrombi between acute and subacute DVT were not significant (P = .202).

Conclusion

Venous thrombus hardens with age; however, elastography pattern on RTE, in its present form, may not be able to differentiate acute DVT from subacute DVT.
Wear testing of a canine hip resurfacing implant that uses highly cross‐linked polyethylene
Authors: Warburton Kevin J. , Everingham John B. , Helms Jillian L. , Kazanovicz Andrew J. , Hollar Katherine A. , Brourman Jeff D. , Fox Steven M. , Lujan Trevor J.
Published: September 2017

Hip resurfacing offers advantages for young, active patients afflicted with hip osteoarthritis and may also be a beneficial treatment for adult canines. Conventional hip resurfacing uses metal‐on‐metal bearings to preserve bone stock, but it may be feasible to use metal‐on‐polyethylene bearings to reduce metal wear debris while still preserving bone. This study characterized the short‐term wear behavior of a novel hip resurfacing implant for canines that uses a 1.5 mm thick liner of highly cross‐linked polyethylene in the acetabular component. This implant was tested in an orbital bearing machine that simulated canine gait for 1.1 million cycles. Wear of the liner was evaluated using gravimetric analysis and by measuring wear depth with an optical scanner. The liners had a steady‐state mass wear rate of 0.99 ± 0.17 mg per million cycles and an average wear depth in the central liner region of 0.028 mm. No liners, shells, or femoral heads had any catastrophic failure due to yielding or fracture. These results suggest that the thin liners will not prematurely crack after implantation in canines. This is the first hip resurfacing device developed for canines, and this study is the first to characterize the in vitro wear of highly cross‐linked polyethylene liners in a hip resurfacing implant. The canine implant developed in this study may be an attractive treatment option for canines afflicted with hip osteoarthritis, and since canines are the preferred animal model for human hip replacement, this implant can support the development of metal‐on‐polyethylene hip resurfacing technology for human patients. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1196–1205, 2018.
Morbidity and mortality associated with preclinical tracheostomy models
Authors: Dion Gregory R. , Benedict Peter A. , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C.
Published: September 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

A secure airway is critical to study obstructive disorders of the larynx and trachea in preclinical models. Tracheostomy has been described in rabbits, swine, canines, and other mammals using tracheostomy tubes or permanent stomas. No studies specifically evaluated morbidity and mortality associated with these models, and existing studies using tracheostomy make little mention of tracheostomy‐related complications. We assessed the management, complications, and mortality associated with tracheostomy in a rabbit model that has recently gained significant attention.

Study Design

In vivo.

Methods

Twenty‐two female rabbits underwent tubeless tracheotomy. Rabbits were monitored hourly for the first 8 hours, with progressively increasing intervals between evaluations up to 7 days. A suctioning and tracheal moisture protocol was employed, and animals with signs of crusting or impending airway compromise underwent therapeutic bronchoscopy.

Results

Nine of 22 (41%) rabbits succumbed to tracheostomy‐related complications, ranging from 1 to 7 days after tracheotomy. The experiment consisted of two study groups. The preliminary group of 10 rabbits studied over a 4‐day period had 40% mortality. After implementing modified preventive therapy guidelines and a new humidification system, the second group of 12 rabbits studied over a 7‐day period had 42% mortality. Average time to unrecoverable complication was 2.2 days (median = 2 days). Cause of death was airway obstruction in four animals and respiratory depression in three animals, and two animals were found unresponsive.

Conclusion

Tracheostomy in preclinical rabbit models should be temporally limited, and investigators should anticipate tracheostomy‐related complications during study design.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E68–E71, 2018
Influence of cyanobacteria, mixotrophic flagellates, and virioplankton size fraction on transcription of microcystin synthesis genes in the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Scherer Pia I. , Absmeier Carolin , Urban Maria , Raeder Uta , Geist Juergen , Zwirglmaier Katrin
Published: September 2017

Toxic cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa are a worldwide concern in freshwater reservoirs. Problems associated with their mass occurrence are predicted to increase in the future due to global warming. The hepatotoxic secondary metabolite microcystin is of particular concern in this context. This study aimed to determine whether co‐occurring microorganisms influence the expression of microcystin biosynthesis genes. To this end, we performed cocultivation experiments and measured mcyB and mcyD transcripts in M. aeruginosa using RT‐qPCR. We utilized representatives from three different plankton groups: the picocyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, the unicellular flagellate grazer Ochromonas danica, and virioplankton from two different lakes. The presence of S. elongatus significantly increased mcyB and mcyD transcription in M. aeruginosa. Cocultivation with the mixotrophic chrysophyte O. danica did not increase the transcription of mcyB and mcyD; in fact, mcyD transcripts decreased significantly. The virioplankton size fraction of environmental water samples induced a significant increase in mcyB and mcyD transcription when obtained from lakes with cyanobacterial blooms. Our results show that co‐occurring microorganisms influence the expression of microcystin biosynthesis genes in M. aeruginosa.
A new method for analysing transition to psychosis: Joint modelling of time‐to‐event outcome with time‐dependent predictors
Authors: Yuen Hok Pan , Mackinnon Andrew , Nelson Barnaby
Published: September 2017

An active area in psychosis research is the identification of predictors of transition to a psychotic state among those who are assessed as being at high risk of psychosis. Many of the potential predictors are time dependent in the sense that they may change over time and are measured at a number of assessment time points. Examples are various psychopathological measures such as negative symptoms, positive symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Most research in transition to psychosis has not made use of the dynamic nature of these measures, probably because suitable statistical methods and software have not been easily available. However, a relatively new statistical methodology is well suited to include such time‐dependent predictors in transition to psychosis analysis. This methodology is called joint modelling and has recently been incorporated in mainstream statistical software. This paper describes this methodology and demonstrates its usefulness using data from one of the pioneering studies on transition to psychosis.
Whole brain inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) imaging: Sensitivity enhancement within a steady‐state gradient echo sequence
Authors: Mchinda Samira , Varma Gopal , Prevost Valentin H. , Le Troter Arnaud , Rapacchi Stanislas , Guye Maxime , Pelletier Jean , Ranjeva Jean‐Philippe , Alsop David C. , Duhamel Guillaume , Girard Olivier M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To implement, characterize, and optimize an interleaved inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) gradient echo sequence allowing for whole‐brain imaging within a clinically compatible scan time.

Theory and Methods

A general framework for ihMT modelling was developed based on the Provotorov theory of radiofrequency saturation, which accounts for the dipolar order underpinning the ihMT effect. Experimental studies and numerical simulations were performed to characterize and optimize the ihMT‐gradient echo dependency with sequence timings, saturation power, and offset frequency. The protocol was optimized in terms of maximum signal intensity and the reproducibility assessed for a nominal resolution of 1.5 mm isotropic. All experiments were performed on healthy volunteers at 1.5T.

Results

An important mechanism driving signal optimization and leading to strong ihMT signal enhancement that relies on the dynamics of radiofrequency energy deposition has been identified. By taking advantage of the delay allowed for readout between ihMT pulse bursts, it was possible to boost the ihMT signal by almost 2‐fold compared to previous implementation. Reproducibility of the optimal protocol was very good, with an intra‐individual error < 2%.

Conclusion

The proposed sensitivity‐boosted and time‐efficient steady‐state ihMT‐gradient echo sequence, implemented and optimized at 1.5T, allowed robust high‐resolution 3D ihMT imaging of the whole brain within a clinically compatible scan time. Magn Reson Med 79:2607–2619, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Synthesis of self‐matting waterborne polyurethane coatings with excellent transmittance
Authors: Sun Zhe , Fan Haojun , Chen Yi , Huang Junjiang
Published: September 2017

The effect of structural factors, including the type of diisocyanates and glycols, degree of crosslinking, hard‐segment content, crystallinity and hydrophilic group content, on optical properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was investigated. Based on the relationship between structure and properties, a series of self‐matting WPUs with excellent transmittance were synthesized. Results demonstrated that refractive index of constituent groups was an important factor to influence the optical properties of coatings. For multiphase polyurethane, aromatic ring, ester bond, NHCOO and urea groups with high refractive index could decrease the matting effect and transmittance. Higher hard‐segment content resulting in an increase of the number of NHCOO or urea bonds also decreased the matting effect and transmittance. The aggregation structure of WPU was another factor to influence the optical properties of coatings. Crystalline soft and hard segment domains could decrease the transmittance and matting effect, whilst non‐crystalline segments, pendent groups and crosslinking destroyed the regularity or crystallinity of macromolecules, behaving as an auxiliary function to improve the transmittance. The particle size of WPU was of great importance for the matting effect. Smaller particle size (<5.0 µm) would endow the coating with a smoother surface and higher reflected light ratio, and thus the expected matting effect was hard to be achieved. A larger particle size could improve the matting effect but impart to the coating a coarse surface and hand‐feel. When the 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid content was 1.6 wt%, spherical particles with a size distribution of 7–8 µm were aggregated on the coating surface, giving the coating an excellent matting effect and hand‐feel. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Tyrosine hydroxylase coordinates larval–pupal tanning and immunity in oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
Authors: Chen Er‐Hu , Hou Qiu‐Li , Wei Dan‐Dan , Dou Wei , Liu Zhao , Yang Pei‐Jin , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a notorious world pest infesting fruits and vegetables, has evolved a high level of resistance to many commonly used insecticides. In this study, we investigate whether tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) that is required for cuticle tanning (sclerotization and pigmentation) in many insects, could be a potential target in controlling B. dorsalis.

RESULTS

We cloned TH cDNA (BdTH) of B. dorsalis. The complete open reading frame of BdTH (KY911196) was 1737 bp in length, encoding a protein of 578 amino acids. Quantitative real‐time PCR confirmed that BdTH was highly expressed in the epidermis of 3rd instar larvae, and its expression increased prior to pupation, suggesting a role in larval–pupal cuticle tanning. When we injected dsBdTH or 3‐iodo‐tyrosine (3‐IT) as a TH inhibitor or fed insect diet supplemented with 3‐IT, there was significant impairment of larval–pupal cuticle tanning and a severe obstacle to eclosion in adults followed by death in most. Furthermore, injection of Escherichia coli into larvae fed 3‐IT resulted in 92% mortality and the expressions of four antimicrobial peptide genes were significantly downregulated.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that BdTH might play a critical role in larval–pupal tanning and immunity of B. dorsalis, and could be used as a potential novel target for pest control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of fluorine‐containing usnic acid and fungus Beauveria bassiana on the survival and immune–physiological reactions of Colorado potato beetle larvae
Authors: Kryukov Vadim Yu , Tomilova Oksana G , Luzina Olga A , Yaroslavtseva Olga N , Akhanaev Yuriy B , Tyurin Maksim V , Duisembekov Bahytzhan A , Salakhutdinov Nariman F , Glupov Viktor V
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The search for compounds that interact synergistically with entomopathogenic fungi is aimed at enhancing the efficacy and stability of biological products against pest insects, for example, against the Colorado potato beetle (CPB). We hypothesized that fluorine‐containing derivatives of usnic acid (FUA) might be candidates for the development of multicomponent bio‐insecticides. The aim of this study was to analyze the co‐influence of FUA and Beauveria bassiana on the survival and immune–physiological reactions of CPB larvae.

RESULTS

Synergy between FUA and B. bassiana was observed after treatment of second, third and fourth larvae instars under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, synergy was observed in field trials in continental climate conditions in southeastern Kazakhstan. In a field experiment, the median lethal time was shortened three‐fold, and cumulative mortality for 15 days increased by 36% in the combined treatment compared with a fungal infection alone. FUA treatment delayed larval development, decreased the total hemocyte count, and increased both the phenoloxidase activity in integuments and the detoxification enzyme rate in hemolymph. A combined treatment with fungus and FUA led to increases in the aforementioned changes.

CONCLUSION

Toxicosis caused by FUA provides a stable synergistic effect between FUA and B. bassiana. The combination can be promising for the development of highly efficient products against CPB. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Controlling the Decoration of the Reduced Graphene Oxide Surface with Pyrene‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Gabrielli Luca , Altoè Giulia , Glaeske Mareen , Juergensen Sabrina , Reich Stephanie , Setaro Antonio , Menna Enzo , Mancin Fabrizio , Gatti Teresa
Published: September 2017

We exploited a non‐covalent approach based on π‐stacking interactions to address the formation of hybrids between pyrene‐functionalized gold nanoparticles (PyAuNPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), in which the former are distributed homogeneously on the surface of the latter with a high degree of coverage. We used water soluble PyAuNPs of two different average dimensions, namely 2 and 8 nm, in which the pendant pyrene moieties were introduced within a mixed monolayer with a choline derivative. The combination with RGO originates highly insoluble materials, in which microscopy evidences a complete adhesion of the PyAuNPs onto the carbon nanomaterial layers in a highly homogeneous fashion, with no traces of free particles, confirming the high affinity between pyrene‐functionalized species and conjugated carbon nanostructure surfaces.
Design of conjugated microporous polymer nanotubes for efficient benzene molecular adsorptions
Authors: Fan Wen‐Jie , Zhao Yan‐Ling , Hu Yu‐Cai , Shi Hua , Tan Da‐Zhi , Zhang Rui‐Qin
Published: September 2017

Single‐walled conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) nanotubes containing alternative phenylene and ethynylene units were described computationally for the first time in this work. The electronic structures and adsorption properties were studied by the density‐functional tight‐binding method augmented with a van der Waals dispersion term. Our calculations show that the morphology of CMP influences the benzene‐adsorption performance significantly. The tubes show smaller binding energies to benzene molecule than the film counterparts, consistent with the observation of low adsorption capacities of tubular materials in our experiments. Enlarging the linker or adding substituents in the node can both reduce the tube's band gap. The introduction of OH or NH2 substituents in the tube node increases the binding strength between the adsorbent and the adsorbate, which is energetically favorable to enhance the adsorption capacity. Our results are expected to provide theoretical insights into the rational design of novel CMP nanotubes with improved adsorption capacities for organics.
Network coding for system‐level throughput improvement in satellite systems
Authors: Alegre‐Godoy R. , Vázquez‐Castro M. Ángeles
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we introduce 2 designs based on network coding (NC) for system‐level throughput improvement in satellite systems. The first design is applied to the forward downlink of multibeam satellite systems using an adaptive physical layer. In this type of systems, user terminals (UTs) receiving a satellite channel happen to also be able to receive physical links transmitted towards other UTs in other geographical areas. Hence, if UTs were able to tune other physical channels, they could access and decode all such signals. Assuming such multilink reception, the overall system would have an enormous increase of useful throughput, and moreover, multiple paths would become available to every UT. NC can then be naturally used to optimally mix the traffic towards the users through such multiple physical paths. The proposed full design targets multicast applications and achieves throughput improvements of up to the 88% with regard to state‐of‐the‐art schemes. The second design applies to systems where multiple sources transmitting to one or more satellites experience severe packet losses (eg, forward uplink through multiple gateways). Nowadays, system availability is achieved by transmitting the same packets in different spatial channels, ie, using spatial diversity. Using NC to encode the data across users, and introducing novel cognitive elements, the system outage probability can be reduced, thus increasing the throughput. The design is shown to achieve more than one order of magnitude system outage probability advantage for a sufficient number of UTs. Furthermore, a methodology determining the optimal number of transmitting UTs and code rate is derived.
Engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens α‐Amylase with Improved Calcium Independence and Catalytic Efficiency by Error‐Prone PCR
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Tian Xiaojing , Dong Zixing , Zhang Yongjie , Huang Lei , Liu Xiaoguang , Jin Peng , Lu Fuping , Wang Zhengxiang
Published: September 2017

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens α‐amylase (BAA) is one of the most important amylases and presents a wide range of applications in many processes involving starch‐liquefaction. However, its activity and thermostability largely depend on the existence of calcium ions, which is a major obstacle for its wide‐scale industrial applications. In the present study, to enhance the calcium independence of a mesophilic α‐amylase from B. amyloliquefaciens CICIM B2125, a novel calcium‐independent mutant Q264S is evolved by directed evolution using error‐prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enzymatic properties and kinetic parameters of mutant Q264S were subsequently analyzed. Although the thermostability at 60°C and optimum temperature of Q264S are slightly decreased, its calcium independence and catalytic efficiency are significantly improved, with no apparent changes of specific activity and optimum pH compared with those of the wild‐type enzyme. Furthermore, three‐dimensional structure analysis showed that the improved calcium independence and catalytic efficiency of Q264S are most likely to be a subtle balance among the hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic forces, and hydrogen bonds around calcium‐binding sites and active‐site regions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on increasing calcium independence of BAA by error‐prone PCR. These results could aid the understanding of mechanistic bases of calcium independence of BAA and thus facilitate the design and engineering of more efficient and robust calcium‐independent BAA variants.
Retracted: Pulmonary fibrosis of mice and its molecular mechanism following chronic inhaled exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Hong Fashui , Ji Li , Zhou Yingjun , Wang Ling
Published: September 2017

Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nano–TiO2) has been widely used in industry, medicine and daily life. However, assessment of nano–TiO2 toxicity on health is an important occupational safety issue. Numerous studies have demonstrated that nano‐TiO2 can induced sustained pulmonary inflammation, but whether chronic exposure to nano–TiO2 results in pulmonary fibrosis is unclear. In this study, therefore, nano–TiO2 was administered to the male mice by nasal administration for six consecutive months, the inflammatory and/or fibrogenic responses induced by nano–TiO2 were investigated. The results showed that chronic inhaled nano–TiO2 induced pulmonary inflammation and firosis, increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic cytokines including nuclear factor‐κB, interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor–α, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein–2, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, transform growth factor –β1, osteopontin, matrix metalloproteinase–1, −2, −3, and −9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1, collagen, platelet derived growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor in mouse lung. Taken together, nano‐TiO2‐induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis are closely associated with increased expression of inflammatory and/or fibrotic cytokines, an imbalanced production of MMPs and TIMP–1 that favors fibrosis in mice, implying that nano–TiO2 may lead to potential health effects.
¿Cómo Lo Escribo en Inglés o en Español? Writing in Dual‐Language Learners
Authors: Gillanders Cristina
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this article is to describe the development of writing in young dual language learners, who are children under 5 years old who are learning the dominant language and another language at the same time. Early writing has been associated with literacy outcomes in the later years of elementary school. The article presents samples of different forms of young dual language learners’ writing and ways to interpret them. It also describes strategies for teachers to observe dual language learners’ writing development, create meaningful writing opportunities in the classroom that are based on authentic uses of writing in their homes and communities, and provide scaffolding for students’ learning. Examples are given to illustrate how teachers can promote opportunities to write and encourage the discovery of the specific characteristics of the written system in each language.
Damage Control Surgery for Non‐traumatic Abdominal Emergencies
Authors: Girard Edouard , Abba Julio , Boussat Bastien , Trilling Bertrand , Mancini Adrian , Bouzat Pierre , Létoublon Christian , Chirica Mircea , Arvieux Catherine
Published: September 2017

Background

Damage control surgery (DCS) was a major paradigm change in the management of critically ill trauma patients and has gradually expanded in the general surgery arena, but data in this setting are still scarce. The study aim was to evaluate outcomes of DCS in patients with general surgery emergencies.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2015, 164 patients (104 men, age 66) underwent DCS for non‐traumatic abdominal emergencies. The decision to perform DCS was triggered by the presence of at least one trauma DCS criterion: hypotension (<70 mmHg), hypothermia (<35 °C), acidosis (pH < 7.25), coagulopathy (INR ≥ 1.7) and massive (>5 RBC) transfusion. Statistical tests were performed to identify risk factors for operative mortality. Observed outcomes were compared to those predicted by commonly employed scores (APACHE II, POSSUM, P‐POSSUM, SAPS II).

Results

DCS was performed for acute mesenteric ischemia (n = 68), peritonitis (n = 44), pancreatitis (n = 28), bleeding (n = 14) and other (n = 10). Abdominal compartment syndrome was associated in 52 patients (32%). Seventy‐four (45%) patients died and 150 patients (91%) experienced complications. On multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.018) and INR ≥ 1.7 (p = 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. Mortality was 24% (13/55), 48% (22/46) and 62% (39/63) in patients with one, two and ≥3 DCS criteria, respectively. Comparison of observed and score‐predicted mortality suggested DCS use resulted in significant survival benefit of the whole cohort and of patients with pancreatitis and postoperative peritonitis.

Conclusions

DCS can be lifesaving in critically ill patients with general surgery emergencies. Patients with peritonitis and acute pancreatitis are those who benefit most of the DCS approach.
Climatic control of seed longevity of Silene during the post‐zygotic phase: do seeds from warm, dry climates possess higher maturity and desiccation tolerance than seeds from cold, wet climates?
Authors: Zani Deborah , Müller Jonas V.
Published: September 2017

Seed longevity derived from artificial ageing experiments has been shown to be related to the macroclimate at the sampling site and with individual seed traits. Nevertheless, the ecological interpretation of artificial seed longevity remains to be clarified. In this article, the ecological significance of seed longevity expressed by the p50 index was explored using 16 closely related populations of the genus Silene L. Seeds were subjected to an artificial ageing treatment at 45 °C, 60% relative humidity and regularly tested for germination. The decline of viability to 50% (p50 index) was calculated using probit analysis. Its relationship with known ecological predictors of seed longevity was assessed by multiple regression analysis. Values of p50 ranged from 3.7 to 68.3 days. Seed lots which normally experience drought during the post‐zygotic phase in a dry, warm environment, were long‐lived. Consistently, precipitation during the driest months of the reproductive period was the strongest predictor of p50 variability (partial regression, R2 = 0.424). We could not find any relationship between ex situ seed longevity and soil seed bank formation or seed size. Our results indicate that ex situ seed longevity has an ecological significance related to long‐term climatic differences at population site. Increased longevity presumably reflects resistance to desiccation stress attained by seeds through local adaptation to warm, dry climates. We cannot exclude that seed tolerance to ageing could also represent phenotypic plasticity mediated by a drier maturation environment. The vulnerability of seeds from wet, cool climates and the adaptive response of seed longevity to different environments may have implications for ex situ conservation in the face of climate warming.
Detergent‐Compatible Robust Alkaline Protease from Newly Isolated Halotolerant Salinicoccus sp. UN‐12
Authors: Mokashe Narendra , Chaudhari Bhushan , Patil Ulhas
Published: September 2017

Currently, enzyme‐containing blended detergent preparations are favored in the detergent industry. The detergent compatibility of an enzyme depends on its robustness to withstand harsh operating conditions and maintain efficient functioning in the presence of various surfactants and detergents. Alkaline proteases from halotolerant microbes having the capability to work in demanding environments are desirable for their application in the detergent industry. The protease secreted by a halotolerant soil isolate Salinicoccus sp. UN‐12 was evaluated for its suitability in detergent formulations. The studied enzyme is an alkaline serine protease (63 kDa) with an optimum temperature of 55 °C and optimum pH of 8.5. The protease was purified 17‐fold with a 4% yield. The protease was active in NaCl (up to 4 mol) and showed enhanced activity in the presence of CaCl2, KCl, and MnCl2. In addition, the proteolytic activity was sustained in the presence of various organic solvents, cyclodextrin, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, ionic liquids, hydrotropes, and ultrasound. This report is the first to document the multifarious robustness and novel attributes of a protease secreted by the newly isolated Salinicoccus sp. UN‐12. The protease‐detergent formulation efficiently removes blood, egg, grass, and tomato sauce stains. This protease is now available for efficient and eco‐friendly applications in the detergent industry.
The role of the mother‐child relationship in the route from child ADHD to adolescent symptoms of depressed mood☆
Authors: Giannotta Fabrizia , Rydell Ann‐Margret
Published: September 2017

We attempt to explain the co‐variation between ADHD and symptoms of depressed mood, focusing on the family context and testing whether the mother‐child relationship mediates or moderates the link between child ADHD and youth depressed mood symptoms. In a longitudinal study, we used mother and youth reports for 596 Swedish youth, 50% boys, from a community sample at 10, 15, and 18 years of age. The results did not support the mediation hypothesis. Only one moderation effect was found. Mother‐child conflicts in mid‐adolescence, as rated by mothers, increased symptoms of depressed mood symptoms in late adolescent only for youth with high levels of hyperactivity symptoms. However, depressed mood symptoms at age 18 were predicted by low mother‐child involvement in mid‐adolescence, over and above the effects of inattention symptoms. This latter finding was consistent across mother and youth ratings of the relationship. Implications of these results are discussed.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND MIGRATION ALONG A MISSISSIPPIAN PERIPHERY: A FORT ANCIENT EXAMPLE
Authors: Comstock Aaron R. , Cook Robert A.
Published: September 2017

Archaeologists have long recognized an important relationship between climate change and the trajectory of the Mississippian polity at Cahokia, with twelfth- and thirteenth-century droughts playing a key role in transforming social relationships and the pace of monument construction. This environmental transition may have spurred emigration from Cahokia and surrounding farming communities. This raises the questions: What was the nature of environmental change and cultural transformations on the Mississippian peripheries and where did these Mississippian emigrants go? This paper provides a case study from the Middle Ohio Valley that brings together spatiotemporal patterns in moisture availability between AD 1000 and AD 1300 and new archaeological data from Fort Ancient villages located in southeast Indiana and southwest Ohio that were occupied during this same temporal interval. We suggest that droughts in the American Bottom region pushed Mississippians to less drought-stricken areas such as the Middle Ohio Valley, which experienced concurrent periods of wetness. This pattern builds on a growing body of data suggesting that the movement of individuals and communities played a large role in the process of Mississippianization throughout the midcontinental and southeastern United States.
The pros and cons of listening devices
Authors: DALE ROBERT
Published: September 2017

Vastly improved speech recognition, backed by a more slowly improving ability to make sense of the recognized speech, has brought state-of-the-art NLP into our homes in the form of smart speakers and other devices that listen. There’s no doubt these devices can be incredibly useful, but they also may also support incursions into our privacy. We look at where we are today, consider what might be coming, and express just a tad of caution.
Simplifying choices in defined contribution retirement plan design: a case study
Authors: KEIM DONALD B. , MITCHELL OLIVIA S.
Published: September 2017

The growth and popularity of defined contribution pensions, along with the government's increasing attention to retirement plan costs and investment choices provided, make it important to understand how people select their retirement plan investments. This paper shows how employees in a large firm altered their fund allocations when the employer streamlined its pension fund menu and deleted nearly half of the offered funds. Using administrative data, we examine the changes in plan participant investment choices that resulted from the streamlining and how these changes might affect participants’ eventual retirement wellbeing. We show that streamlined participants’ new allocations exhibited significantly lower within-fund turnover rates and expense ratios, and we estimate this could lead to aggregate savings for these participants over a 20-year period of $20.2 M, or in excess of $9,400 per participant. Moreover, after the reform, streamlined participants’ portfolios held significantly less equity and exhibited significantly lower risks by way of reduced exposures to most systematic risk factors, compared with their non-streamlined counterparts.
A New Tool for Deep-Down Data Mining
Authors: Peters Shanan , Ross Ian , Czaplewski John , Glassel Aimee , Husson Jon , Syverson Valerie , Zaffos Andrew , Livny Miron
Published: September 2017

GeoDeepDive combines library science, computer science, and geoscience to dive into repositories of published text, tables, and figures and return valuable information.
Unprecedented Hurricane Season Sees Widespread Damage
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2017

This hurricane season has broken multiple records already.
PRAS40 promotes NF-κB transcriptional activity through association with p65
Authors: Zhu G , Qi Q , Havel J J , Li Z , Du Y , Zhang X , Fu H
Published: September 2017

PRAS40 has been shown to have a crucial role in the repression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Nonetheless, PRAS40 appears to have an oncogenic function in cancer cells. Whether PRAS40 mediates signaling independent of mTOR inhibition in cancer cells remains elusive. Here PRAS40 overexpression in lung adenocarcinoma and cutaneous melanoma was significantly correlated to worse prognosis. And we identified an unexpected role for PRAS40 in the regulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. P65, a subunit of the NF-κB transcription factor complex, was confirmed to associate with PRAS40 by glutathione S-transferase co-precipitation. Importantly, we found that PRAS40 can enhance NF-κB transcriptional activity in a manner dependent upon PRAS40–P65 association. Furthermore, we found that a small p65-derived peptide can disrupt the PRAS40–P65 association and significantly decrease NF-κB transcriptional activity. These findings may help elucidate the pleiotropic functions of PRAS40 in cells and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer patients with high expression of PRAS40 and NF-κB.
Exact mass analysis of sulfur clusters upon encapsulation by a polyaromatic capsular matrix
Authors: Matsuno Sho , Yamashina Masahiro , Sei Yoshihisa , Akita Munetaka , Kuzume Akiyoshi , Yamamoto Kimihisa , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: September 2017

Structural determination of inorganic clusters relies heavily on mass spectrometry because of, in most cases, their poor responsivities toward nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet/visible, and infrared analyses. Nevertheless, mass spectrometry analysis of oligosulfurs (S
n
), which are unique clusters with copious allotropic forms, usually displays their fragment peaks. Here we report that a polyaromatic capsule acts as a supramolecular matrix for the mass determination of the neutral sulfur clusters. Upon encapsulation, molecular ion peaks derived from the host–guest complexes including cyclic S6 and S8 clusters are exclusively detected by common electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis of a cyclic S12 cluster, which is in situ prepared from two S6 clusters within the matrix upon light irradiation, is achieved by the same way. The present matrix can remarkably stabilize the otherwise labile S6 and S12 clusters in the polyaromatic shell not only under mass spectrometry conditions but also in an ambient solution state.
Breathing dissipative solitons in optical microresonators
Authors: Lucas E. , Karpov M. , Guo H. , Gorodetsky M. L. , Kippenberg T. J.
Published: September 2017

Dissipative solitons are self-localised structures resulting from the double balance of dispersion by nonlinearity and dissipation by a driving force arising in numerous systems. In Kerr-nonlinear optical resonators, temporal solitons permit the formation of light pulses in the cavity and the generation of coherent optical frequency combs. Apart from shape-invariant stationary solitons, these systems can support breathing dissipative solitons exhibiting a periodic oscillatory behaviour. Here, we generate and study single and multiple breathing solitons in coherently driven microresonators. We present a deterministic route to induce soliton breathing, allowing a detailed exploration of the breathing dynamics in two microresonator platforms. We measure the relation between the breathing frequency and two control parameters—pump laser power and effective-detuning—and observe transitions to higher periodicity, irregular oscillations and switching, in agreement with numerical predictions. Using a fast detection, we directly observe the spatiotemporal dynamics of individual solitons, which provides evidence of breather synchronisation.
Peroxiredoxin 6 mediates Gαi protein-coupled receptor inactivation by cJun kinase
Authors: Schattauer Selena S. , Land Benjamin B. , Reichard Kathryn L. , Abraham Antony D. , Burgeno Lauren M. , Kuhar Jamie R. , Phillips Paul E. M. , Ong Shao En , Chavkin Charles
Published: September 2017

Inactivation of opioid receptors limits the therapeutic efficacy of morphine-like analgesics and mediates the long duration of kappa opioid antidepressants by an uncharacterized, arrestin-independent mechanism. Here we use an iterative, discovery-based proteomic approach to show that following opioid administration, peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is recruited to the opioid receptor complex by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. PRDX6 activation generates reactive oxygen species via NADPH oxidase, reducing the palmitoylation of receptor-associated Gαi in a JNK-dependent manner. Selective inhibition of PRDX6 blocks Gαi depalmitoylation, prevents the enhanced receptor G-protein association and blocks acute analgesic tolerance to morphine and kappa opioid receptor inactivation in vivo. Opioid stimulation of JNK also inactivates dopamine D2 receptors in a PRDX6-dependent manner. We show that the loss of this lipid modification distorts the receptor G-protein association, thereby preventing agonist-induced guanine nucleotide exchange. These findings establish JNK-dependent PRDX6 recruitment and oxidation-induced Gαi depalmitoylation as an additional mechanism of Gαi-G-protein-coupled receptor inactivation.