bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical morphology of anogenital warts is not a marker of atypical histology or of infection to the high‐risk human papillomavirus genotypes
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Bhari Neetu , Gupta Vishal , Ramachandran V. G. , Arava Sudheer , Dar Lalit , Sharma Vinod K. , Verma Kaushal K. , Dwivedi Sada N. , Gupta Somesh
Published: July 2017

Background

The clinical morphology of anogenital warts may vary from flat, filiform, papular, or verrucous to giant condyloma acuminatum. Clinically atypical‐looking genital warts may alarm the clinician because of their suspected malignant potential, which may cause anxiety, often leading to aggressive interventions.

Objective

To study if clinically atypical‐looking anogenital warts are more likely to be premalignant or malignant as compared to typical warts.

Method

Data of 41 (37 males, 4 females) patients with anogenital warts was retrospectively analyzed. After a detailed literature review and in‐house discussions, criteria for anogenital warts with typical and atypical clinical morphology were defined. Clinical photographs were independently reviewed by three dermatologists, and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping results, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemical analysis for p53 expression were evaluated.

Results

Fifteen (36.6%) anogenital warts were classified as atypical by at least two of three blinded dermatologists. The histological examination showed mitotic figures in 31/41 (75.6%) specimens, dysplasia in 14/41 (44.1%) specimens, and p53 positivity in 34/41 (82.9%) specimens. There was no significant difference in the high‐risk HPV genotyping (P = 0.67), frequency of dysplastic changes on histology (P = 0.19), and immunohistochemistry with p53 (P = 0.08) between clinically typical and atypical‐appearing anogenital warts. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the frequency of dysplastic changes (P = 0.67) or p53 expressions (P =0.41) based on the HPV genotypes.

Conclusions

The atypical clinical morphology of anogenital warts may not be a marker of increased malignant potential. High‐risk HPV genotypes do not have a statistically significant association with dysplasia or positive immunohistochemistry with p53.
Effectiveness of applying flipped learning to clinical nursing practicums for nursing students in Korea: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hyun Sook , Kim Mi Young , Cho Mi‐Kyoung , Jang Sun Joo
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop flipped learning models for clinical practicums and compare their effectiveness regarding learner motivation toward learning, satisfaction, and confidence in performing core nursing skills among undergraduate nursing students in Korea.

Methods

This study was a randomized clinical trial designed to compare the effectiveness of 2 flipped learning models. Data were collected for 3 days from October 21 to 23, 2015 before the clinical practicum was implemented and for 2 weeks from October 26 to December 18, 2015 during the practicum period.

Results

The confidence of the students in performing core nursing skills was likely to increase after they engaged in the clinical practicum in both study groups. However, while learner confidence and motivation were not affected by the type of flipped learning, learner satisfaction did differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that applying flipped learning allows students to conduct individualized learning with a diversity of clinical cases at their own level of understanding and at their own pace before they participate in real‐world practicums.
Clinical outcomes in patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor‐mutated non‐small‐cell lung cancer in South Western Sydney Local Health District
Authors: Ding Pei N. , Roberts Tara L. , Chua Wei , Becker Therese M. , Descallar Joseph , Yip Po Y. , Bray Victoria
Published: July 2017

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutated non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a subgroup of oncogene addicted lung cancer that predicts response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, there is variability in response and survival outcomes in patients with EGFR mutation treated with TKI.

Aim

To describe clinical characteristics, treatment patterns and factors influencing outcomes in patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC in South Western Sydney Local Health District.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC diagnosed between January 2010 and June 2016.

Results

A total of 85 EGFR‐mutated NSCLC patients was identified; 80 (94%) received first‐line treatment with EGFR‐TKI. The median follow‐up was 10.7 months with a median duration of treatment of 9 months. On disease progression (n = 44), 37% had best supportive care only, 30% received chemotherapy, 23% participated in clinical trials, 7% continued on a first generation EGFR‐TKI and 3% received afatinib. Overall response rate to first‐line EGFR‐TKI was 66%. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 10.7 months (range 2.7–55.9 months) and median overall survival (OS) was 23 months (range 0.4–35.8 months). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with lower disease burden (<4 sites) had longer PFS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.72, P = 0.004) but not OS. Good performance status predicts longer OS (HR 0.33, CI 0.14–0.77, P = 0.01). Lower (<5) pre‐treatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with better PFS (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18–0.87, P = 0.02) and OS (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.94, P = 0.04). There were no survival differences when patients were stratified by age, baseline albumin level and types of EGFR mutation.

Conclusion

Results from this community‐based cohort confirm known prognostic factors in patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC receiving TKI and suggest the negative influence of a heightened host systemic inflammatory response on patient outcomes.
Disruption of theATP/adenosine balance inCD39−/−mice is associated with handling‐induced seizures
Authors: Lanser Amanda J. , Rezende Rafael M. , Rubino Stephen , Lorello Paul J. , Donnelly Dustin J. , Xu Huixin , Lau Lauren A. , Dulla Chris G. , Caldarone Barbara J. , Robson Simon C. , Weiner Howard L.
Published: July 2017

Seizures are due to excessive, synchronous neuronal firing in the brain and are characteristic of epilepsy, the fourth most prevalent neurological disease. We report handling‐induced and spontaneous seizures in mice deficient forCD39, a cell‐surfaceATPase highly expressed on microglial cells.CD39−/−mice with handling‐induced seizures had normal input–output curves and paired‐pulse ratio measured from hippocampal slices and lacked microgliosis, astrogliosis or overt cell loss in the hippocampus and cortex. As expected, however, the cerebrospinal fluid ofCD39−/−mice contained increased levels ofATPand decreased levels of adenosine. To determine if immune activation was involved in seizure progression, we challenged mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and measured the effect on microglia activation and seizure severity. SystemicLPSchallenge resulted in increased cortical staining of Iba1/CD68 and gene array data from purified microglia predicted increased expression of interleukin‐8, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1, p38, pattern recognition receptors, death receptor, nuclear factor‐κB , complement, acute phase, and interleukin‐6 signalling pathways inCD39−/−versusCD39+/+mice. However,LPStreatment did not affect handling‐induced seizures. In addition, microglia‐specificCD39 deletion in adult mice was not sufficient to cause seizures, suggesting instead that altered expression ofCD39 during development or on non‐microglial cells such as vascular endothelial cells may promote the seizure phenotype. In summary, we show a correlation between altered extracellularATP/adenosine ratio and a previously unreported seizure phenotype inCD39−/−mice. This work provides groundwork for further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy.
Tasting novel foods and selecting nutrient content in a highly successful ecological invader, the common myna
Authors: Peneaux Chloe , Machovsky‐Capuska Gabriel E. , Raubenheimer David , Lermite Francoise , Rousseau Charlotte , Ruhan Tanya , Rodger John C. , Griffin Andrea S.
Published: July 2017

Invasion success is dependent on the ability of a species to discover and exploit novel food resources. Within this context, individuals must be willing to taste novel foods. They must also be capable of evaluating the nutritional content of new foods, and selecting their relative intake in order to fulfil their nutritional needs. Whereas the former capacity is well studied, little is known about the latter capacity. First, using the common myna as a model avian invader species, we quantified the willingness of mynas to taste novel foods relative to familiar ones. Mynas readily tasted high protein (HP) novel foods and consumed them in higher quantities compared to a familiar food. Data showed that at three different levels – mixes, ingredients and macronutrients – intake could not be explained by a random model. In experiment 2, we confirmed that mynas were making their selection based on protein (P) content rather than a selection for novelty per se. When given the choice of three equally unfamiliar foods, mynas again ate disproportionately from the high protein relative to high lipid and high carbohydrate foods. Analysis revealed that mynas consumed amounts of protein that were closer to the ones in their natural diet. Finally, in experiment 3, we measured inter‐individual variation in innovation and exploration propensities, and examined associations with inter‐individual variation in consumption of specific macronutrients. This analysis revealed that individuals that selected HP pellets were more exploratory and individuals that selected HC pellets were quicker to solve the innovative foraging task. These findings indicate that not only the willingness to taste novel foods, but also the capacity to evaluate their nutritional content, might be central to the myna's substantial ecological success.
A temporally explicit species distribution model for a long distance avian migrant, the common cuckoo
Authors: Williams Heather M. , Willemoes Mikkel , Thorup Kasper
Published: July 2017

Modelling the distribution of migratory species has rarely been extended beyond breeding and wintering ranges despite many species showing much more complex movement patterns with multiple stopovers. We aimed to create a temporally explicit species distribution model describing the full annual distribution cycle, and use it to model the complex seasonal shifts in distribution of the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, a declining long‐distance migrant. To do this we used full‐year satellite telemetry occurrence data, with their associated temporal information, to inform a temporally explicit species distribution model using MaxEnt. The resulting full‐year distribution model was highly predictive (AUC = 0.894) and appeared to have generality at the species‐level despite being informed by data from a single breeding population. Comparison of our methodology with seasonal distribution models describing the breeding, winter and migration ranges separately showed that our full‐year method provided more general and extensive predictions and performed better when tested with an independent dataset. When species distribution models based on a single season exclude environmental conditions experienced by birds in other parts of the annual cycle they risk underestimating niche breadth and neglecting the importance of stopover habitat. Conversely, models which simply average conditions across a season may miss the significance of finer scale within‐season movements and overestimate niche breadth. In contrast, our framework for a full‐year migrant distribution model successfully captures the finer‐scale changes expected in seasonal environments and can be used to inform conservation management at every stage of migration. The full‐year model framework appears to produce temporal distribution models generalised to the species‐level from occurrence data limited to few individuals of a single population and may have particular utility when aiming to describe the distribution of species with complex migration patterns from telemetry data.
Triploidy in a sexually dimorphic passerine provides new evidence for the effect of the W chromosome on secondary sexual traits in birds
Authors: de Camargo Crisley , Gibbs H. Lisle , Costa Mariellen C. , Silveira Luís F. , Rainho Cláudia A. , Ribolla Paulo E. M. , Wasko Adriane P. , Francisco Mercival R.
Published: July 2017

In birds, there are two main models for the determination of sex: the ‘Z Dosage’ model in which the number, or dose, of Z chromosomes determines sex, and the ‘Dominant W’ model which argues that a specific gene in the W chromosome may influence Z gene expression and determine sex. The best evidence for W determination of sex comes from birds with 2 copies of the Z chromosome paired with a single W (e.g. ZZW) which are nonetheless females. Here, we expand the species where such a mechanism may operate by reporting a case of a triploid Neotropical passerine bird with sexually dimorphic plumage, the São Paulo marsh antwren Formicivora paludicola. Evidence from 17 autosomal unlinked microsatellite loci, and CHD1 sex‐linked locus, indicate that this individual is a 3n ZZW triploid with intermediate plumage pattern. This example expands our knowledge of sex determination mechanisms in birds by demonstrating that both the W and the two Z chromosomes affect the expression of morphological secondary sexual traits in a non‐galliform bird.
Two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability test for evaluating masticatory performance in children with mixed dentition: validity and reliability study
Authors: Kaya M. S. , Güçlü B. , Schimmel M. , Akyüz S.
Published: July 2017

The unappealing taste of the chewing material and the time‐consuming repetitive task in masticatory performance tests using artificial foodstuff may discourage children from performing natural chewing movements. Therefore, the aim was to determine the validity and reliability of a two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability test for masticatory performance (MP) assessment in mixed dentition children. Masticatory performance was tested in two groups: systemically healthy fully dentate young adults and children in mixed dentition. Median particle size was assessed using a comminution test, and a two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability test was applied for MP analysis. Validity was tested with Pearson correlation, and reliability was tested with intra‐class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman plots. Both comminution and two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability tests revealed statistically significant MP differences between children (n = 25) and adults (n = 27, both P < 0·01). Pearson correlation between comminution and two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability tests was positive and significant (r = 0·418, P = 0·002). Correlations for interobserver reliability and test–retest values were significant (r = 0·990, P = 0·0001 and r = 0·995, P = 0·0001). Although both methods could discriminate MP differences, the comminution test detected these differences generally in a wider range compared to two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability test. However, considering the high reliability of the results, the two‐colour chewing gum mixing ability test can be used to assess masticatory performance in children, especially at non‐clinical settings.
Effect of MDP‐Based Silane and Different Surface Conditioner Methods on Bonding of Resin Cements to Zirconium Framework
Authors: Özdemir Hatice , Yanikoğlu Nuran , Sağsöz Nurdan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To determine the shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconium framework and resin cements after different surface conditioner methods and after application of 10‐methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) based silane and a bonding agent mix.

Materials and Methods

128 disc‐shaped zirconium‐oxide specimens were prepared. Specimens were placed in autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The bonding surface of specimens was smoothed consecutively with 600‐, 800‐, and 1200‐grit silicon carbide papers under water cooling. Eight groups were prepared: CJ, Co‐Jet; N, Nd‐YAG laser; E, Er‐YAG laser; NS, Nd‐YAG laser + silane; ES, Er‐YAG laser + silane; CJB, Co‐Jet + bonding agent; NSB, Nd‐YAG laser + silane + bonding agent; ESB, Er‐YAG laser + silane + bonding agent. SEM analysis was performed under 2000× magnification. Dual‐ and self‐cured resin cements were bonded to specimens, and shear force was applied. Data were analyzed with one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test (p < 0.05).

Results

The SBS values differed from each other among the groups. While the CJB group showed the highest values, the N group showed the lowest. The treatment with MDP‐based silane and bonding agent mix increased SBS values of each cement belonging to each group. SB values of dual‐cure resin cement were higher than those of self‐cure resin cements.

Conclusion

Different surface conditioner methods exhibit an important effect on the SBS of resin cements to zirconium. The application of MDP‐based silane and bonding agent mix enhanced SB values.
Trends in HCV treatment uptake, efficacy and impact on liver fibrosis in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Béguelin Charles , Suter Annatina , Bernasconi Enos , Fehr Jan , Kovari Helen , Bucher Heiner C. , Stoeckle Marcel , Cavassini Mathias , Rougemont Mathieu , Schmid Patrick , Wandeler Gilles , Rauch Andri ,   The Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: July 2017

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies with interferon‐free second‐generation direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective and well tolerated. They have the potential to increase treatment eligibility and efficacy in HIV‐infected patients. We assessed the impact of DAAs on treatment uptake and efficacy, as well as its impact on the burden of liver disease in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).

Methods

We describe clinical and virological characteristics of patients treated with second‐generation DAAs. We compared treatment incidence, sustained virological response (SVR)12 and liver fibrosis stages between three time periods: period 1, 01/2009‐08/2011 (prior to the availability of DAAs); period 2, 09/2011‐03/2014 (first generation DAAs); period 3, 04/2014‐12/2015 (second generation DAAs).

Results

At the beginning of the third period, 876 SHCS participants had a chronic HCV infection of whom 180 (20%) started treatment with a second‐generation DAA. Three‐quarters of them had advanced liver fibrosis (Metavir ≥ F3) of whom 80% were cirrhotics. SVR12 was achieved in 173/180 (96%) patients, three patients died and four experienced a virological failure. Over the three time periods, treatment uptake (4.5/100 py, 5.7/100 py, 22.4/100 py) and efficacy (54%, 70%, 96% SVR12) continuously increased. The proportion of cirrhotic patients with replicating HCV infection in the SHCS declined from 25% at the beginning to 12% at the end of the last period.

Conclusions

After the introduction of second‐generation DAAs, we observed an increase in treatment uptake and efficacy which resulted in a significant reduction in the number of cirrhotic patients with a replicating HCV infection in the SHCS.
Shotgun mitogenomics across body size classes in a local assemblage of tropical Diptera: Phylogeny, species diversity and mitochondrial abundance spectrum
Authors: Choo Le Qin , Crampton‐Platt Alex , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: July 2017

Mitochondrial genomes can be assembled readily from shotgun‐sequenced DNA mixtures of mass‐trapped arthropods (“mitochondrial metagenomics”), speeding up the taxonomic characterization. Bulk sequencing was conducted on some 800 individuals of Diptera obtained by canopy fogging of a single tree in Borneo dominated by small (<1.5 mm) individuals. Specimens were split into five body size classes for DNA extraction, to equalize read numbers across specimens and to study how body size, a key ecological trait, interacts with species and phylogenetic diversity. Genome assembly produced 304 orthologous mitochondrial contigs presumed to each represent a different species. The small‐bodied fraction was the by far most species‐rich (187 contigs). Identification of contigs was through phylogenetic analysis together with 56 reference mitogenomes, which placed most of the Bornean community into seven clades of small‐bodied species, indicating phylogenetic conservation of body size. Mapping of shotgun reads against the mitogenomes showed wide ranges of read abundances within each size class. Ranked read abundance plots were largely log‐linear, indicating a uniformly filled abundance spectrum, especially for small‐bodied species. Small‐bodied species differed greatly from other size classes in neutral metacommunity parameters, exhibiting greater levels of immigration, besides greater total community size. We suggest that the established uses of mitochondrial metagenomics for analysis of species and phylogenetic diversity can be extended to parameterize recent theories of community ecology and biodiversity, and by focusing on the number mitochondria, rather than individuals, a new theoretical framework for analysis of mitochondrial abundance spectra can be developed that incorporates metabolic activity approximated by the count of mitochondria.
Regulation of transposable elements: Interplay between TE‐encoded regulatory sequences and host‐specific trans‐acting factors in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jakšić Ana Marija , Kofler Robert , Schlötterer Christian
Published: July 2017

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that can move around the genome, and their expression is one precondition for this mobility. Because the insertion of TEs in new genomic positions is largely deleterious, the molecular mechanisms for transcriptional suppression have been extensively studied. In contrast, very little is known about their primary transcriptional regulation. Here, we characterize the expression dynamics of TE families in Drosophila melanogaster across a broad temperature range (13–29°C). In 71% of the expressed TE families, the expression is modulated by temperature. We show that this temperature‐dependent regulation is specific for TE families and strongly affected by the genetic background. We deduce that TEs carry family‐specific regulatory sequences, which are targeted by host‐specific trans‐acting factors, such as transcription factors. Consistent with the widespread dominant inheritance of gene expression, we also find the prevailing dominance of TE family expression. We conclude that TE family expression across a range of temperatures is regulated by an interaction between TE family‐specific regulatory elements and trans‐acting factors of the host.
A Fuzzy Adaptive Resonance Theory‐Based Model for Mix Proportion Estimation of High‐Performance Concrete
Authors: Chiew Fei Ha , Ng Chee Khoon , Chai Kok Chin , Tay Kai Meng
Published: July 2017

A new approach that adopts the use of fuzzy adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural network in estimating high‐performance concrete (HPC) mix proportion from experimental data is devised. The proposed model receives a set of desired concrete performances, searches for a set of mix proportions that is near to the desired concrete performances, classifies the mix proportions into clusters, measures the similarity between performances of deduced clusters with desired performances, and deduces a mix proportion. The proposed model was used to estimate the mix proportions of five batches of concrete based on the performance criteria of 7th and 28th day compressive strengths. The generated mix proportions were used in an experimental work and the errors were within 13% for 7th compressive strength; and 7% for the 28th day compressive strength, signifying the reliability of the fuzzy ART‐based model in estimating the mix proportion of HPC. This article contributes to an alternative method of mix proportion estimation of HPC by avoiding the use of complicated function approximation techniques.
Foreign Language Educators’ Exposure to Research: Reported Experiences, Exposure Via Citations, and a Proposal for Action
Authors: MARSDEN EMMA , KASPROWICZ ROWENA
Published: July 2017

This article reports on 2 connected studies that provide data about the flow of research to foreign language (FL) educators in majority Anglophone contexts. The first study investigated exposure to research among FL educators in the United Kingdom using 2 surveys (n = 391; n = 183). The data showed (a) some limited exposure to research via professional association publications and events, (b) negligible direct exposure to publications in the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI), (c) barriers to exposure caused by poor physical and conceptual access, despite generally positive perceptions of research, and (d) the importance of university‐based teacher educators for research–practice interfaces. The second study investigated the potential for indirect exposure to research from 7 professional publications over 5 years in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We systematically reviewed the extent to which these professional publications referenced 29 SSCI journals that aim to publish pedagogy‐relevant research. In our corpus of 8,516 references in 284 articles in professional journals, the mean proportion of references to all 29 SSCI journals, combined, was 12.43% per professional article. The overall mean number of references to each SSCI journal was 0.17 per professional article. The emerging picture is rather bleak, and we propose action from academic journals and researchers to promote a more international, systematic, and sustainable flow of research.
Dynamic Carboniferous tropical forests: new views of plant function and potential for physiological forcing of climate
Authors: Wilson Jonathan P. , Montañez Isabel P. , White Joseph D. , DiMichele William A. , McElwain Jennifer C. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Hren Michael T.
Published: July 2017

The Carboniferous, the time of Earth's penultimate icehouse and widespread coal formation, was dominated by extinct lineages of early‐diverging vascular plants. Studies of nearest living relatives of key Carboniferous plants suggest that their physiologies and growth forms differed substantially from most types of modern vegetation, particularly forests. It remains a matter of debate precisely how differently and to what degree these long‐extinct plants influenced the environment. Integrating biophysical analysis of stomatal and vascular conductivity with geochemical analysis of fossilized tissues and process‐based ecosystem‐scale modeling yields a dynamic and unique perspective on these paleoforests. This integrated approach indicates that key Carboniferous plants were capable of growth and transpiration rates that approach values found in extant crown‐group angiosperms, differing greatly from comparatively modest rates found in their closest living relatives. Ecosystem modeling suggests that divergent stomatal conductance, leaf sizes and stem life span between dominant clades would have shifted the balance of soil–atmosphere water fluxes, and thus surface runoff flux, during repeated, climate‐driven, vegetation turnovers. This synthesis highlights the importance of ‘whole plant’ physiological reconstruction of extinct plants and the potential of vascular plants to have influenced the Earth system hundreds of millions of years ago through vegetation–climate feedbacks.

Contents

Summary
1333

I.
Introduction
1334

II.
Plants of the Pennsylvanian Tropical Realm
1335

III.
Conceptual insights into paleoecophysiology
1339

IV.
High‐productivity Carboniferous plants
1344

V.
Lessons learned
1347

VI.
The big picture: an active role for early forests In Late Paleozoic climate
1347

Acknowledgements
1348

Author contributions
1348

References
1348
Nutrition status of children in Latin America
Authors: Corvalán C. , Garmendia M. L. , Jones‐Smith J. , Lutter C. K. , Miranda J. J. , Pedraza L. S. , Popkin B. M. , Ramirez‐Zea M. , Salvo D. , Stein A. D.
Published: July 2017

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rapidly increasing among Latin American children, posing challenges for current healthcare systems and increasing the risk for a wide range of diseases. To understand the factors contributing to childhood obesity in Latin America, this paper reviews the current nutrition status and physical activity situation, the disparities between and within countries and the potential challenges for ensuring adequate nutrition and physical activity. Across the region, children face a dual burden of undernutrition and excess weight. While efforts to address undernutrition have made marked improvements, childhood obesity is on the rise as a result of diets that favour energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods and the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. Over the last decade, changes in socioeconomic conditions, urbanization, retail foods and public transportation have all contributed to childhood obesity in the region. Additional research and research capacity are needed to address this growing epidemic, particularly with respect to designing, implementing and evaluating the impact of evidence‐based obesity prevention interventions.
Preventing childhood obesity in Latin America: an agenda for regional research and strategic partnerships
Authors: Caballero B. , Vorkoper S. , Anand N. , Rivera J. A.
Published: July 2017

The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in Latin America poses a major public health challenge to the region. In response, many countries are implementing obesity prevention programmes aimed at modifying known risk factors. However, the limited scientific evidence inhibits the development and implementation of novel, effective interventions across the region. To address these gaps, the NIH Fogarty International Center convened a workshop of researchers, policymakers, programme implementers and public health advocates who are actively engaged in the region to prevent childhood obesity. Major aims of the meeting were to define the current status of childhood obesity, identify the scientific gaps in our understanding of the epidemic, point out the barriers and opportunities for research and outline a plan for capacity building in the region in the area of childhood obesity. This series of articles reflects the key outcome of the meeting and offers an analysis of the knowledge translation needed for evidence‐based policy initiatives, a review of the research agenda and an evaluation of research capacity in the region. The goal of the papers is to inform the development of multidisciplinary and multisector research collaborations, which are essential to the implementation of successful childhood obesity prevention strategies in the region.
Research capacity for childhood obesity prevention in Latin America: an area for growth
Authors: Parra Diana C. , Vorkoper Susan , Kohl Harold W. , Caballero Benjamin , Batis Carolina , Jauregui Alejandra , Mason Jessica , Pratt Michael
Published: July 2017

Background

The rise of childhood obesity in Latin America calls for research capacity to understand, monitor and implement strategies, policies and programmes to address it.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess current research capacity in Latin America related to childhood obesity, nutrition and physical activity.

Methods

We conducted a search of peer‐reviewed articles on childhood obesity in Latin America with at least one Latin American author from 2010 to May 2015. We coded 484 published articles for author affiliation, study subjects' nationality, research topic and study design and extracted a series of networks per research topic, study design and collaborating country for each of the countries.

Results

Obesity is the most frequently explored topic. Nutrition and obesity are somewhat better developed compared with physical activity and sedentary behaviour. There are numerous observational and cross‐sectional studies, indicating either a lack of capacity required for more complex research or the extent of the problem and associated factors is still unknown. The low number of intervention studies and the near absence of policy articles suggest a void in research capacity.

Conclusion

For childhood obesity, there is a clear need to build research capacity that documents the current state of the problem and design evidence‐based prevention and intervention efforts.
Connecting salt stress signalling pathways with salinity‐induced changes in mitochondrial metabolic processes inC3 plants
Authors: Che‐Othman M. Hafiz , Millar A. Harvey , Taylor Nicolas L.
Published: July 2017

Salinity exerts a severe detrimental effect on crop yields globally. Growth of plants in saline soils results in physiological stress, which disrupts the essential biochemical processes of respiration, photosynthesis, and transpiration. Understanding the molecular responses of plants exposed to salinity stress can inform future strategies to reduce agricultural losses due to salinity; however, it is imperative that signalling and functional response processes are connected to tailor these strategies. Previous research has revealed the important role that plant mitochondria play in the salinity response of plants. Review of this literature shows that 2 biochemical processes required for respiratory function are affected under salinity stress: the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the transport of metabolites across the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, the mechanisms by which components of these processes are affected or react to salinity stress are still far from understood. Here, we examine recent findings on the signal transduction pathways that lead to adaptive responses of plants to salinity and discuss how they can be involved in and be affected by modulation of the machinery of energy metabolism with attention to the role of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes and mitochondrial membrane transporters in this process.
Involvement of Arabidopsis glutaredoxin S14 in the maintenance of chlorophyll content
Authors: Rey Pascal , Becuwe Noëlle , Tourrette Sébastien , Rouhier Nicolas
Published: July 2017

Plant class‐II glutaredoxins (GRXs) are oxidoreductases carrying a CGFS active site signature and are able to bind iron–sulfur clusters in vitro. In order to explore the physiological functions of the 2 plastidial class‐II isoforms, GRXS14 and GRXS16, we generated knockdown and overexpression Arabidopsis thaliana lines and characterized their phenotypes using physiological and biochemical approaches. Plants deficient in one GRX did not display any growth defect, whereas the growth of plants lacking both was slowed. Plants overexpressing GRXS14 exhibited reduced chlorophyll content in control, high‐light, and high‐salt conditions. However, when exposed to prolonged darkness, plants lacking GRXS14 showed accelerated chlorophyll loss compared to wild‐type and overexpression lines. We observed that the GRXS14 abundance and the proportion of reduced form were modified in wild type upon darkness and high salt. The dark treatment also resulted in decreased abundance of proteins involved in the maturation of iron–sulfur proteins. We propose that the phenotype of GRXS14‐modified lines results from its participation in the control of chlorophyll content in relation with light and osmotic conditions, possibly through a dual action in regulating the redox status of biosynthetic enzymes and contributing to the biogenesis of iron–sulfur clusters, which are essential cofactors in chlorophyll metabolism.
Sexes in gynodioecious Geranium sylvaticum do not differ in their isotopic signature or photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Varga S. , Kytöviita M.‐M.
Published: July 2017

In gynodioecious plants, females are expected to produce more or better seeds than hermaphrodites in order to be maintained within the same population. Even though rarely measured, higher seed production can be achieved through differences in physiology.

In this work, we measured sexual dimorphism in several physiological traits in the gynodioecious plant Geranium sylvaticum. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, WUE and isotopic signatures were measured in plants growing in two habitats differing in light availability.

Females have been reported to produce more seeds than hermaphrodites. However, we did not observe any significant difference in seed output between the sexes in these experimental populations. Similarly, the sexes did not differ in any physiological trait measured. Seed production was strongly limited by light availability. Likewise, differences between plants growing in full light versus low light were detected in most physiological parameters measured.

Our results show that the sexes in G. sylvaticum do not show any evidence of sexual dimorphism in physiology, which concurred with a lack of sexual differences in seed output.
Antioxidants protect proteins' anchorage to the bilayer by improving plasma membrane integrity of ram spermatozoa during liquid preservation in a soya lecithin‐based diluent
Authors: Paul RK , Kumar D , Naqvi SMK
Published: July 2017

Contents

Antioxidants are known to prevent the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated peroxidative damage to the membrane lipids during hypothermic storage of mammalian spermatozoa. We hypothesized here that ROS also affect the lipid–protein interactions, thereby diminishing the membrane's integrity and proteins' anchorage to the bilayer. Antioxidants prevent these damages by scavenging the ROS. Ejaculates from Patanwadi rams were pooled after subjective evaluation and centrifuged using Percoll®. Sperm pellet was resuspended in soya lecithin–Tris–fructose diluent (400 × 106 cells/ml) containing either antioxidants (100 IU/ml catalase + 10 mM reduced glutathione) or no antioxidant. Aliquots were chilled to 5°C in a cabinet and stored in a refrigerator at 3–5°C for 72 hr. Sperm motility, viability, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOST) were performed at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hr. Sperm proteins extracted with 0.5% Triton X‐100 were resolved by SDS‐PAGE and quantified using Quantity One software (Bio‐Rad, USA). The rapid motility, linearity and straight‐line velocity (VSL) were found significantly (p < .05) higher in the antioxidant‐treated group compared to the control at 48 hr of storage. Sperm viability was found comparable between the groups. Higher HOST response and lower LPO were found in the antioxidant‐treated sample compared to the control both at 48 and at 72 hr. Overall, the proteins P1 (106.09 kDa), P2 (87.00 kDa) and P4 (51.14 kDa) were lower (p < .05) in the sperm extract of antioxidant‐treated group compared to the control. The content of P4 (51.14 kDa) in sperm extract was found to increase (p < .05) earlier (48 vs. 72 hr) in the control group compared to the antioxidant‐treated group. Altogether, the results suggested that antioxidants reduced LPO in spermatozoa, resulting in higher sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and protection of proteins' anchorage to the plasma membrane at 48 and 72 hr of storage.
HLA‐A*24:02:01:09, a new allele identified by sequence‐based typing in a Korean individual
Authors: Choi H. J. , Lee J. H. , Kim S. H. , Shin M. G.
Published: July 2017

One nucleotide insertion between residues 1804 and 1805 of HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐A*24:02:01:09.
Disparate peroxisome‐related defects in Arabidopsis pex6 and pex26 mutants link peroxisomal retrotranslocation and oil body utilization
Authors: Gonzalez Kim L. , Fleming Wendell A. , Kao Yun‐Ting , Wright Zachary J. , Venkova Savina V. , Ventura Meredith J. , Bartel Bonnie
Published: July 2017

Catabolism of fatty acids stored in oil bodies is essential for seed germination and seedling development in Arabidopsis. This fatty acid breakdown occurs in peroxisomes, organelles that sequester oxidative reactions. Import of peroxisomal enzymes is facilitated by peroxins including PEX5, a receptor that delivers cargo proteins from the cytosol to the peroxisomal matrix. After cargo delivery, a complex of the PEX1 and PEX6 ATPases and the PEX26 tail‐anchored membrane protein removes ubiquitinated PEX5 from the peroxisomal membrane. We identified Arabidopsis pex6 and pex26 mutants by screening for inefficient seedling β‐oxidation phenotypes. The mutants displayed distinct defects in growth, response to a peroxisomally metabolized auxin precursor, and peroxisomal protein import. The low PEX5 levels in these mutants were increased by treatment with a proteasome inhibitor or by combining pex26 with peroxisome‐associated ubiquitination machinery mutants, suggesting that ubiquitinated PEX5 is degraded by the proteasome when the function of PEX6 or PEX26 is reduced. Combining pex26 with mutations that increase PEX5 levels either worsened or improved pex26 physiological and molecular defects, depending on the introduced lesion. Moreover, elevating PEX5 levels via a 35S:PEX5 transgene exacerbated pex26 defects and ameliorated the defects of only a subset of pex6 alleles, implying that decreased PEX5 is not the sole molecular deficiency in these mutants. We found peroxisomes clustered around persisting oil bodies in pex6 and pex26 seedlings, suggesting a role for peroxisomal retrotranslocation machinery in oil body utilization. The disparate phenotypes of these pex alleles may reflect unanticipated functions of the peroxisomal ATPase complex.
The Process of Materials Selection for Pipeline Systems Optimization for Life Cycles
Authors: Narayanaswamy Ram
Published: July 2017

The selection of pipeline materials requires consideration of design, construction, operations, maintenance, threats, hazards, risks, safety and economics. Codes and standards provide mandatory and optional requirements and guidelines for the selection of materials. Experience and industry practice help to develop and implement requirements beyond mandatory and code minima, and to augment the achievement of safety and realization of the value of pipeline assets. Both codes and experience get updated over time. When selecting and using materials for pipeline systems, it becomes important to meet with code essentials, while simultaneously recognizing the recommendations of design engineers, materials specialists, manufacturers, installers and operators.

There is a wide gamut of materials that can be considered for pipeline systems. These include metallic and non-metallic materials. While steels are still used as the workhorse material in the industry, several non-metallic materials are gaining prominence. These include thermoset materials, for example, reinforced plastics, and thermoplastic materials, such as high-density polyethylene.

In addition to pipe, there have been significant developments in other pipeline component materials, such as for valves, fittings, flanges, gaskets, seals, adhesives, bolts and nuts. Considerable advancements have also taken place in the realm of joining and repair methods, for metallic and non-metallic materials. Many of these materials and methodologies are of a proprietary nature, with limits on how much information is divulged by the manufacturers and producers, and what is subject to information that is shared based on confidentialities. Proprietary materials, especially non-metallic products, and some corrosion resistant alloys, are generally not extensively addressed in codes and standards, especially in comparison with steel-based materials that are of the commodity type. Some internationally recognized specifications and standards address the requirements for the qualification of pipeline components, including pipe, fittings, flanges and valves, based on non-metallic materials. Other internationally recognized standards and specifications address the requirements for apparently commodity type materials and materials that are considered to be generally corrosion resistant and relatively long lasting, however, can be susceptible to failure when subjected to specific threats.

This paper provides an overview of the process of selection of pipeline materials addressing the above considerations and gives an outline for the implementation of such a process. It describes ways in which a balanced approach to the use of codes and standards that are necessary for regulatory and mandatory compliance, and the application of the benefits of proprietary materials that are available for commercial purposes can be achieved. Thereby, the optimization of asset life cycle and augmentation of safety and reliability during pipeline operations can be enabled.
Pressurfect™ CNG-Advanced Material Grade for High Pressure CNG Fuel Line Applications
Authors: Pandit Vikram
Published: July 2017

In line with the government of India’s philosophy of going green to reduce emission levels in cities there is a thrust to increase the gas distribution network. With an increase in CNG vehicles, comes the safety of the people and we need to ensure that Safety is not comprised at any level.

To follow the Safety aspect, CNG is an excellent alternate fuel which can be used to minimize risks and increase life of the vehicles. Since this gas is used at very high pressures (in the range of 230–250 bar) and under severe conditions, special tubing must be used for the transportation to gas stations and in the vehicles. Therefore, the tubing should be able to not only withstand high pressure of the gas within but also the corrosion issues arising due to the extreme conditions the tubes within.

Sandvik did an extensive study of the conditions and came up with a material which is specifically developed for this high pressure application. The high pressure line is of Stainless Steel 316L but this material comes with certain modifications for this particular requirement. In this tubing the C content is lowered to 0.025% for better corrosion resistance, Ni is min 13% along with Mo min 2.5% this makes sure that the material not only has sufficient passivation properties but the strength also to withstand that kind of a pressure. Alongside a special production route also has been developed for the manufacturing of these tubing. This ensures Safety for the people throughout the life of the vehicle.
Innovative Method of Pipeline Protection by Sheet Piling in River Banks Susceptible to Erosion
Authors: Iyer Suresh S.
Published: July 2017

Unprecedented flooding in Narmada River in August 2013 caused massive bank erosion at the pipeline crossing location leading to snapping of three pipelines and exposing few others except Reliance Gas Transportation Infrastructure Limited (RGTIL’s) EWPL. All these pipelines were laid by conventional trenchless HDD method wherein the landfall point was located at a relatively safe distance from the bank line. The current velocity at the crossing location being higher during floods coupled with weak bank strata, suitable and tangible measures were required to be taken to protect the pipeline from the shore line to the land fall point in the event of reoccurrence of such an incident. The depth profile of EWPL pipeline from the shore line to the landfall point varied from −18 metre to −3.5 metre from the existing ground level which prompted RGTIL to neglect conventional methods like Pipe anchoring and Installation of rock filled gabions involving massive excavations which could have further destabilized the already fragile bank. In view of the prevailing soil conditions and construction difficulties associated with it, RGTIL adopted an innovative method of Installation of Sheet piles on the upstream and downstream of the pipeline to retain the soil around the pipeline and thereby preventing its exposure. Sheet piles are generally used as temporary structures to retain soil for facilitating deep excavations, as retaining system for large waterfront structures etc. These were perhaps never used in India earlier for any pipeline protection works.