bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of metastable ɛ-Fe2O3 thin films using a GaFeO3 buffer
Authors: Thai Trang Minh Nguyen , Nguyen Dong Tri , Lee Nam-Suk , Rhyee Jong-Soo , Song Jonghyun , Kim Heon-Jung
Published: November 2016

This paper reports a simple and robust route to stabilize metastable ɛ-Fe2O3 as an epitaxial thin film using a GaFeO3 (GFO) buffer in pulsed laser deposition. The use of an isostructural GFO buffer widens the range of film growth, allowing for stabilization on a range of substrates even with different surface symmetries, such as Al2O3 (0001), SrTiO3 (111), and Y:ZrO2 (100). All films grown on these substrates were c-axis oriented with the characteristic in-plane domain structures. Magnetization of these buffered thin films showed considerable magnetic anisotropy at 350 K. In particular, in-plane magnetization was found to be relatively larger in the films grown on the Y:ZrO2 (100) compared to the other cases. Heterostructuring ɛ-Fe2O3 on GFO is promising in the applications of ε-Fe2O3 for magnetic and multiferroic devices in that it provides a larger growth window and an effective means to optimize the film properties beyond the simple substitution of Fe with Ga.
Investigation on the interfacial chemical state and band alignment for the sputtering-deposited CaF2/p-GaN heterojunction by angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Kexiong , Liao Meiyong , Sumiya Masatomo , Koide Yasuo , Sang Liwen
Published: November 2016

The interfacial chemical state and the band alignment of the sputtering-deposited CaF2/p-GaN hetero-structure were investigated by angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The dependence of Ga 3p core-level positions on the collection angles proves that the downward band bending of p-GaN is reduced from 1.51 to 0.85 eV after the deposition of CaF2, which may be due to the reduction of Mg-Ga-O-related interface states by the oxygen-free deposition of CaF2. The band gap of sputtering-deposited CaF2 is estimated to be about 7.97 eV with a potential gradient of 0.48 eV obtained by the variation of the Ca 2p3/2 position on different collection angles. By taking into account the p-GaN surface band bending and potential gradient in the CaF2 layer, large valence and conduction band offsets of 2.66 ± 0.20 and 1.92 ± 0.20 eV between CaF2 and p-GaN are obtained. These results indicate that CaF2 is a promising gate dielectric layer on the p-GaN for the application of metal-insulator-semiconductor devices.
Preparation of Bio-hydrogen and Bio-fuels from Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis-Oil
Authors: Jiang Pei-wen , Wu Xiao-ping , Liu Jun-xu , Li Quan-xin
Published: November 2016

In recent years, production of engine fuels and energy from biomass has drawn much interest. In this work, we conducted a novel integrated process for the preparation of bio-hydrogen and bio-fuels using lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis-oil (bio-oil). The process includes (i) the production of bio-hydrogen or bio-syngas by the catalytic cracking of bio-oil, (ii) the adjustment of bio-syngas, and (iii) the production of bio-fuels by olefinic polymerization (OP) together with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). Under the optimal conditions, the yield of bio-hydrogen was 120.9 g H2/(kg bio-oil). The yield of hydrocarbon bio-fuels reached 526.1 g/(kg bio-syngas) by the coupling of OP and FTS. The main reaction pathways (or chemical processes) were discussed based on the products observed and the catalyst property.
Milan's Studio di Fonologia: Voice Politics in the City, 1955–8
Authors: Casadei Delia
Published: November 2016

The Studio di Fonologia Musicale of Milan, Italy's first electronic music studio, opened in 1955. Housed in the national broadcasting (RAI) studios in Milan, the studio was founded by two celebrated Italian composers: Luciano Berio and Bruno Maderna. The institution is often remembered nowadays for being the first electronic music studio to focus its activity on the human voice. As I argue, this focus was not only of an aesthetic nature, but rather reflected long-standing political and intellectual conceptions of voice, speech and public space that were rooted in Italy's early days as a republic, and in mid-twentieth-century Milan as the flagship city for this newly achieved political modernity.
Do Water Level Fluctuations Influence Production of Walleye and Yellow Perch Young-of-the-Year in Large Northern Lakes?
Authors: Larson James H. , Staples David F. , Maki Ryan P. , Vallazza Jon M. , Knights Brent C. , Peterson Kevin E.
Published: November 2016

Many ecological processes depend on the regular rise and fall of water levels (WLs), and artificial manipulations to WL regimes can impair important ecosystem services. Previous research has suggested that differences in WL between late summer and early spring may alter the suitability of shoals used by Walleyes Sander vitreus for spawning. Other species, such as the Yellow Perch Perca flavescens, are unlikely to be affected in the same way by WL fluctuations because their spawning requirements are quite different. We used 11–23 years of data from six northern Minnesota lakes to assess the effects of WL fluctuations on the abundances of young-of-the-year (age-0) Walleyes and Yellow Perch. In two lakes (Rainy Lake and Lake Kabetogama), a change in WL management occurred in 2000, after which these lakes saw increased age-0 Walleye abundance, while the other study lakes experienced decreases or no change. Rainy Lake and Lake Kabetogama also had increases in age-0 Yellow Perch, but another study lake did also. We used partial least-squares regression to assess whether WL metrics were associated with variation in age-0 Walleye and Yellow Perch abundances, but WL metrics were seldom associated with age-0 abundance for either species. Our analysis suggested a potential influence of WL regulation on age-0 Walleye abundance, but we found no evidence that early spring access to spawning shoals was the mechanism by which this occurred.

Received August 19, 2015; accepted July 15, 2016 Published online November 10, 2016
On the strange duality conjecture for abelian surfaces II
Authors: Bolognese Barbara , Marian Alina , Oprea Dragos , Yoshioka Kota
Published: November 2016

In the prequel to this paper, two versions of Le Potier’s strange duality conjecture for sheaves over abelian surfaces were studied. A third version is considered here. In the current setup, the isomorphism involves moduli spaces of sheaves with fixed determinant and fixed determinant of the Fourier-Mukai transform on one side, and moduli spaces where both determinants vary, on the other side. We first establish the isomorphism in rank 1 using the representation theory of Heisenberg groups. For product abelian surfaces, the isomorphism is then shown to hold for sheaves with fiber degree

1
1

via Fourier-Mukai techniques. By degeneration to product geometries, the duality is obtained generically for a large number of numerical types. Finally, it is shown in great generality that the Verlinde sheaves encoding the variation of the spaces of theta functions are locally free over moduli.
Multiphasic dynamics of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate during phagocytosis
Authors: Levin Roni , Hammond Gerald R. V. , Balla Tamas , De Camilli Pietro , Fairn Gregory D. , Grinstein Sergio
Published: November 2016

We analyzed the distribution, fate, and functional role of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) during phagosome formation and maturation. To this end, we used genetically encoded probes consisting of the PtdIns4P-binding domain of the bacterial effector SidM. PtdIns4P was found to undergo complex, multiphasic changes during phagocytosis. The phosphoinositide, which is present in the plasmalemma before engagement of the target particle, is transiently enriched in the phagosomal cup. Soon after the phagosome seals, PtdIns4P levels drop precipitously due to the hydrolytic activity of Sac2 and phospholipase C, becoming undetectable for ∼10 min. PtdIns4P disappearance coincides with the emergence of phagosomal PtdIns3P. Conversely, the disappearance of PtdIns3P that signals the transition from early to late phagosomes is accompanied by resurgence of PtdIns4P, which is associated with the recruitment of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase 2A. The reacquisition of PtdIns4P can be prevented by silencing expression of the kinase and can be counteracted by recruitment of a 4-phosphatase with a heterodimerization system. Using these approaches, we found that the secondary accumulation of PtdIns4P is required for proper phagosomal acidification. Defective acidification may be caused by impaired recruitment of Rab7 effectors, including RILP, which were shown earlier to displace phagosomes toward perinuclear lysosomes. Our results show multimodal dynamics of PtdIns4P during phagocytosis and suggest that the phosphoinositide plays important roles during the maturation of the phagosome.
Opposing roles for distinct LINC complexes in regulation of the small GTPase RhoA
Authors: Thakar Ketan , May Christopher K. , Rogers Anna , Carroll Christopher W.
Published: November 2016

Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes span the nuclear envelope and transduce force from dynamic cytoskeletal networks to the nuclear lamina. Here we show that LINC complexes also signal from the nuclear envelope to critical regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Specifically, we find that LINC complexes that contain the inner nuclear membrane protein Sun2 promote focal adhesion assembly by activating the small GTPase RhoA. A key effector in this process is the transcription factor/coactivator complex composed of SRF/Mkl1. A constitutively active form of SRF/Mkl1 was not sufficient to induce focal adhesion assembly in cells lacking Sun2, however, suggesting that LINC complexes support RhoA activity through a transcription-independent mechanism. Strikingly, we also find that the inner nuclear membrane protein Sun1 antagonizes Sun2 LINC complexes and inhibits RhoA activation and focal adhesion assembly. Thus different LINC complexes have opposing roles in the transcription-independent control of the actin cytoskeleton through the small GTPase RhoA.
The acyltransferase LYCAT controls specific phosphoinositides and related membrane traffic
Authors: Bone Leslie N. , Dayam Roya M. , Lee Minhyoung , Kono Nozomu , Fairn Gregory D. , Arai Hiroyuki , Botelho Roberto J. , Antonescu Costin N.
Published: November 2016

Phosphoinositides (PIPs) are key regulators of membrane traffic and signaling. The interconversion of PIPs by lipid kinases and phosphatases regulates their functionality. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) and PIPs have a unique enrichment of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonyl acyl species; however, the regulation and function of this specific acyl profile remains poorly understood. We examined the role of the PI acyltransferase LYCAT in control of PIPs and PIP-dependent membrane traffic. LYCAT silencing selectively perturbed the levels and localization of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] and phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate and the membrane traffic dependent on these specific PIPs but was without effect on phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate or biosynthetic membrane traffic. The acyl profile of PI(4,5)P2was selectively altered in LYCAT-deficient cells, whereas LYCAT localized with phosphatidylinositol synthase. We propose that LYCAT remodels the acyl chains of PI, which is then channeled into PI(4,5)P2. Our observations suggest that the PIP acyl chain profile may exert broad control of cell physiology.
Agricultural Index Insurance for Development
Authors: Jensen Nathaniel , Barrett Christopher
Published: November 2016

Index insurance is often promoted as a solution to many of the barriers that are thought to limit the supply of formal insurance coverage to smallholder farmers and livestock owners in developing countries. This manuscript summarizes the state of index insurance, paying special attention to the key challenges facing index insurance if it is to become a more effective tool for development. We then offer recommendations to tackle those challenges by strategically investing in a set of public goods and services geared towards addressing key informational gaps and improving the quality of index insurance products around the world.
Health and Women’s Role in Agricultural Production Efficiency
Authors: Gkiza Ioanna G. , Nastis Stefanos A.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this article is to examine the direct and indirect links between production efficiency and farmers’ health. Using a sample of male farm leaders, the role of both genders’ health in production efficiency is measured. More specifically, the effect of the farm household’s health through the direct effect of the male farmer’s health and the indirect effect of the woman’s health on production efficiency is examined. An increase in the frequency of illness of the female in the family farm decreases production efficiency, suggesting distinct gender roles in the agricultural household.
Recycler: an algorithm for detecting plasmids from de novo assembly graphs
Authors: Rozov Roye , Brown Kav Aya , Bogumil David , Shterzer Naama , Halperin Eran , Mizrahi Itzhak , Shamir Ron
Published: November 2016

Motivation

Plasmids and other mobile elements are central contributors to microbial evolution and genome innovation. Recently, they have been found to have important roles in antibiotic resistance and in affecting production of metabolites used in industrial and agricultural applications. However, their characterization through deep sequencing remains challenging, in spite of rapid drops in cost and throughput increases for sequencing. Here, we attempt to ameliorate this situation by introducing a new circular element assembly algorithm, leveraging assembly graphs provided by a conventional de novo assembler and alignments of paired-end reads to assemble cyclic sequences likely to be plasmids, phages and other circular elements.

Results

We introduce Recycler, the first tool that can extract complete circular contigs from sequence data of isolate microbial genomes, plasmidome and metagenome sequence data. We show that Recycler greatly increases the number of true plasmids recovered relative to other approaches while remaining highly accurate. We demonstrate this trend via simulations of plasmidomes, comparisons of predictions with reference data for isolate samples, and assessments of annotation accuracy on metagenome data. In addition, we provide validation by DNA amplification of 77 plasmids predicted by Recycler from the different sequenced samples in which Recycler showed mean accuracy of 89% across all data types—isolate, microbiome and plasmidome.

Availability and Implementation

Recycler is available at http://github.com/Shamir-Lab/Recycler

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Standardized Methods for Enhanced Quality and Comparability of Tuberculous Meningitis Studies
Authors: Marais Ben J. , Heemskerk Anna D. , Marais Suzaan S. , van Crevel Reinout , Rohlwink Ursula , Caws Maxine , Meintjes Graeme , Misra Usha K. , Mai Nguyen T. H. , Ruslami Rovina , Seddon James A. , Solomons Regan , van Toorn Ronald , Figaji Anthony , McIlleron Helen , Aarnoutse Robert , Schoeman Johan F. , Wilkinson Robert J. , Thwaites Guy E. ,   for the Tuberculous Meningitis International Research Consortium
Published: November 2016

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains a major cause of death and disability in tuberculosis-endemic areas, especially in young children and immunocompromised adults. Research aimed at improving outcomes is hampered by poor standardization, which limits study comparison and the generalizability of results. We propose standardized methods for the conduct of TBM clinical research that were drafted at an international tuberculous meningitis research meeting organized by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam. We propose a core dataset including demographic and clinical information to be collected at study enrollment, important aspects related to patient management and monitoring, and standardized reporting of patient outcomes. The criteria proposed for the conduct of observational and intervention TBM studies should improve the quality of future research outputs, can facilitate multicenter studies and meta-analyses of pooled data, and could provide the foundation for a global TBM data repository.
$\vee$ -Systems, Holonomy Lie Algebras, and Logarithmic Vector Fields
Authors: Feigin Misha V , Veselov Alexander P
Published: November 2016

It is shown that the description of certain class of representations of the holonomy Lie algebra $\mathfrak g_{\Delta}$ associated with hyperplane arrangement $\Delta$ is essentially equivalent to the classification of $\vee$-systems associated with $\Delta.$ The flat sections of the corresponding $\vee$-connection can be interpreted as vector fields, which are both logarithmic and gradient. We conjecture that the hyperplane arrangement of any $\vee$-system is free in Saito's sense and show this for all known $\vee$-systems and for a special class of $\vee$-systems called harmonic, which includes all Coxeter systems. In the irreducible Coxeter case the potentials of the corresponding gradient vector fields turn out to be Saito flat coordinates, or their one-parameter deformations. We give formulas for these deformations as well as for the potentials of the classical families of harmonic $\vee$-systems.
Accuracy and Efficiency of Recording Pediatric Early Warning Scores Using an Electronic Physiological Surveillance System Compared With Traditional Paper-Based Documentation
Authors: Sefton Gerri , Lane Steven , Killen Roger , Black Stuart , Lyon Max , Ampah Pearl , Sproule Cathryn , Loren-Gosling Dominic , Richards Caitlin , Spinty Jean , Holloway Colette , Davies Coral , Wilson April , Chean Chung Shen , Carter Bernie , Carrol E.D.
Published: November 2016

Pediatric Early Warning Scores are advocated to assist health professionals to identify early signs of serious illness or deterioration in hospitalized children. Scores are derived from the weighting applied to recorded vital signs and clinical observations reflecting deviation from a predetermined “norm.” Higher aggregate scores trigger an escalation in care aimed at preventing critical deterioration. Process errors made while recording these data, including plotting or calculation errors, have the potential to impede the reliability of the score. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a controlled study of documentation using five clinical vignettes. We measured the accuracy of vital sign recording, score calculation, and time taken to complete documentation using a handheld electronic physiological surveillance system, VitalPAC Pediatric, compared with traditional paper-based charts. We explored the user acceptability of both methods using a Web-based survey. Twenty-three staff participated in the controlled study. The electronic physiological surveillance system improved the accuracy of vital sign recording, 98.5% versus 85.6%, P < .02, Pediatric Early Warning Score calculation, 94.6% versus 55.7%, P < .02, and saved time, 68 versus 98 seconds, compared with paper-based documentation, P < .002. Twenty-nine staff completed the Web-based survey. They perceived that the electronic physiological surveillance system offered safety benefits by reducing human error while providing instant visibility of recorded data to the entire clinical team.
Proof of Concept of an Endoscopic Sutureless Valve Sizer
Authors: Vola Marco , Maureira Juan Pablo , Ruggieri Vito Giovanni , Fuzellier Jean-François , Campisi Salvatore , Favre Jean-Pierre , Gerbay Antoine , Folliguet Thierry A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

In this paper, we present an endoscopic expandable sizer conceived to allow thoracoscopic aortic valve replacement with a sutureless prosthesis using a dynamic sizing of the aortic annulus.

Methods

Ten aortic torsos were prepared using a five-trocar thoracoscopic setting. Once the aortotomy was performed and the aortic valve leaflets removed, the technical feasibility of the endoscopic sizing (introduction into the trocar, expansion into the aortic annulus, determination of the valve size, and retraction) with the device was assessed. In case of successful thoracoscopic sizing, endoscopic implantation of a sutureless valve (five LivaNova Perceval prosthesis and five Medtronic 3f Enable bioprosthesis) was performed. Before ascending aorta closure, we assessed the appropriate sealing of the bioprosthesis in the native annulus with camera visualization and a nerve hook inspection.

Results

All the 10 endoscopic sizings were technically feasible. The scheduled aortic sutureless valve implantations were successfully performed. In all cases, fitting and placement of the sutureless bio-prosthesis in the flaccid heart was satisfactory, with no paraprosthetic leakage detectable by the nerve hook.

Conclusions

The use of the endoscopic expandable sizer is technically possible. In this early-stage test in the flaccid heart, selection of the valve size was satisfactory during thoracoscopic sutureless aortic bioprosthesis implantation. Further laboratory evaluation with fluid dynamics (aortic root pressurization) will be performed before a clinical study is started.
Reconstruction Outcomes Following Lateral Skull Base Resection
Authors: Thompson Nicholas J. , Roche Joseph P. , Schularick Nathan M. , Chang Kristi E. , Hansen Marlan R.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

Compare reconstruction outcomes for various lateral skull base closure techniques.

Study Design:

Retrospective medical records review.

Setting:

University-based tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Patients who underwent resections of tumors involving the lateral skull base requiring reconstruction beyond primary closure.

Intervention(s):

Reconstructive techniques, from rotational flaps to free tissue transfer.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Outcome data including wound complications, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and need for surgical revision were tabulated.

Results:

Eighty-six patients underwent lateral skull base tumor resection and reconstruction. Procedures were primarily lateral temporal bone resections but also included subtotal temporal bone, total temporal bone, and infratemporal fossa resections. Cutaneous malignancy was the most common resection indication (83%) and the temporalis rotational flap was the most commonly employed reconstructive option (30%). When free tissue transfer techniques were used, the radial forearm, anterolateral thigh, and latissimus dorsi were the most frequent donor sites. Patients with T2 disease were more likely to undergo temporalis flaps, whereas patients with T4 disease were more likely to undergo free flap reconstruction. Major complications were uncommon (∼8%), the most frequent being stroke (∼3%). The postoperative wound complication rate was approximately 45%. The majority involved minor dehiscences and were managed conservatively. Patients with T4 disease were more likely to have wound complications (p < 0.05). Radial forearm free flaps were less likely to have wound complications when compared with other reconstruction techniques (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Many factors go into planning lateral skull base reconstruction. Free flaps were more often used for T4 disease. Radial forearm free flaps tended to have lower wound complication rates when compared with other techniques.
Improving prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Ireland 1994–2008
Authors: Gaynor Caroline , Iqbal Masood , Comber Harry , Deady Sandra , McCormick P Aiden
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in low-prevalence countries such as the USA, UK and Ireland. Over the past two decades, diagnostic techniques have improved and new treatments have been introduced. The aim of this study was to determine whether there has been an impact on hepatoma mortality in Ireland.

Methods

Anonymized cancer registration data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland were used to investigate patient characteristics and trends in treatment and survival for Irish patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed HCC between 1994 and 2008. Analyses were carried out according to sex, age, stage of disease treatment received and period of incidence.

Results

The incidence of HCC in Ireland increased steadily from 1994 to 2008. The median overall survival was 580 days for the entire cohort, with 1, 2, 3 and 5-year survivals of 56, 46, 39 and 36%, respectively. One-year cause-specific survival improved from 38% during 1994–1998, to 51% during 1999–2002 and to 66% during 2003–2007. Five-year cause-specific survival also improved over time from 19 to 34 to 38%, respectively. Surgery was associated with 1, 2, 3 and 5-year survivals of 92, 82, 78 and 78%, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first population-based report of incidence, treatment patterns and outcomes of HCC in Ireland. Prognosis improved over time in this biopsy-proven cohort of patients with HCC. This improvement in survival seemed to be largely because of the effect of surgical interventions.
A clinician’s guide to the cost and health benefits of hepatitis C cure assessed from the individual patient perspective
Authors: McEwan Phil , Selvapatt Nowlan , Brown Ashley , Thursz Mark , Bennett Hayley , Webster Samantha , Kalsekar Anupama , Yuan Yong , Brenner Michael , Gordon Jason
Published: November 2016

Background and aims

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a considerable public health challenge. Novel direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens offer high cure rates and the promise of reduced HCV incidence and prevalence following the up-scaling of treatment. This has focused attention towards affordability. This study aimed to estimate the economic value of cure to evaluate the treatment costs justifiable from the patient perspective.

Patients and methods

A published, validated HCV model was utilized to contrast clinical and cost outcomes for patients aged 30–70 years, stratified by METAVIR F0–F4, for (i) no treatment and (ii) successful treatment [i.e. sustained virologic response (SVR)] ignoring the cost of treatment. Regression equations were fitted and used to determine the financial expenditure justifiable to achieve a cost-neutral or a cost-effective [£20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)] cure. Model inputs were derived from UK literature; costs and utilities were discounted at 3.5% over a lifetime horizon.

Results

To achieve cost-neutrality, the maximum discounted expenditure justifiable for SVR was £3774–43 607 across ages and fibrosis stages. Spending between £19 745 (70 years, F0) and £188 420 (30 years, F4) on SVR is expected to be cost-effective at £20 000/QALY willingness-to-pay threshold.

Conclusion

Heterogeneity across HCV patients is considerable, which can obscure the relevance of conventional cohort-based economic models evaluated at the mean, particularly when considering the value of treatment at the individual patient level. By quantifying the full exposition of HCV cost-savings and health benefits realizable following HCV cure, this study provides insight into the economic value of successful treatment from the patient perspective.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on insulin resistance and metabolic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Upala Sikarin , Sanguankeo Anawin , Saleem Sheikh A. , Jaruvongvanich Veeravich
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Previous studies have shown a close relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), insulin resistance, and altered metabolic parameters. However, the effects of H. pylori eradication on these conditions remain controversial. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of H. pylori eradication on insulin resistance and metabolic parameters.

Methods

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from their inception to July 2016. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides (TG), high-density and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were compared between patients with and without H. pylori eradication using a random-effects model. We reported pooled mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the change in outcomes.

Results

Data from five studies showed no difference in HOMA-IR after H. pylori eradication (pooled MD=−0.52, 95% CI: −1.47 to 0.42). Eradication significantly increased BMI (MD=0.36, 95% CI: 0.11–0.60) and BW (MD=1.1, 95% CI: 0.8–1.5), but had no significant effects on TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, or FBG.

Conclusion

H. pylori eradication does not improve insulin resistance, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, or FBG, but may increase BW and BMI. Further studies are needed to clarify the effect of H. pylori eradication on metabolism.
Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention to Address Targeted Therapy–Related Fatigue in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Poort Hanneke , Meade Cathy D. , Knoop Hans , Gielissen Marieke F.M. , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Fatigue is one of the most important quality of life issues experienced by patients being treated with oral targeted therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, no intervention exists that specifically addresses strategies to reduce targeted therapy–related fatigue.

Objective:

This study adapted an evidence-based clinic-delivered intervention (EBI) “cognitive behavior therapy for post-cancer fatigue” for use in CML patients. The existing EBI was based on 6 established perpetuating factors of fatigue (ie, sleep, activity, helpful thinking, coping with cancer, social support, and fear of disease recurrence). Study aims were to gauge reactions to (1) existing content and (2) a new Internet-assisted intervention delivery format.

Methods:

Guided by the ADAPT-ITT framework, we used a series of systematic steps and adaptation methodologies, including semistructured interviews with CML patients and providers and feedback from topical experts.

Results:

Patients were receptive to existing content topics and an Internet-assisted delivery format was acceptable. A key theme reflected the need for a new customized psychoeducational module about CML as a disease and its treatment. Both providers and patients held positive views about the potential of the adapted EBI to improve fatigue.

Conclusions:

Findings offered essential guidance for the adaptation and reinforced the utility of the adapted intervention.

Implications for Practice:

Adapting existing EBIs for new audiences contributes to advancing findings of evidence-based research, ultimately providing nurses and other healthcare providers with important referral options to interventions that may provide useful strategies to improve quality of life and reduce targeted therapy–related fatigue.
Hospital Nurses' Work Activity in a Technology-Rich Environment
Authors: Higgins Linda W. , Shovel Judith A. , Bilderback Andrew L. , Lorenz Holly L. , Martin Susan C. , Rogers Debra J. , Minnier Tamra E.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this project was to describe hospital nurses' work activity through observations, nurses' perceptions of time spent on tasks, and electronic health record time stamps. Nurses' attitudes toward technology and patients' perceptions and satisfaction with nurses' time at the bedside were also examined. Activities most frequently observed included documenting in and reviewing the electronic health record. Nurses' perceptions of time differed significantly from observations, and most patients rated their satisfaction with nursing time as excellent or good.
An Event-Level Analysis of Condom Use During Anal Intercourse Among Self-Reported Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Negative Gay and Bisexual Men in a Treatment as Prevention Environment
Authors: Lachowsky Nathan John , Tanner Zach , Cui Zishan , Sereda Paul , Rich Asheligh , Jollimore Jody , Montaner Julio SG , Hogg Robert S , Moore David M , Roth Eric A
Published: November 2016

Background

We sought to identify factors associated with condom use during anal intercourse among self-identified human immunodeficiency virus–negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Vancouver, Canada following “treatment as prevention” (TasP) scale-up in 2010.

Methods

Sexually active GBM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling from 2012 to 2014. We analyzed participants' most recent sexual encounter with up to their last 5 sexual partners within the past 6 months. In addition to individual- and event-level explanatory factors, we assessed potential associations with TasP awareness, TasP-related prevention practice (viral load sorting), and TasP-related attitudes (human immunodeficiency virus treatment optimism). Accounting for clustering at the respondent-driven sampling chain-level and participant-level, factors associated with event-level condom use versus nonuse were determined using a multivariable generalized linear mixed model built using backward selection and AIC minimization.

Results

Of 513 participants, 436 GBM (85%) reported a total of 1196 anal sex events with 56% condom use. The proportion of condom-protected sexual events decreased monthly over the study period (odds ratio [OR], 0.95 per month, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92–0.98). The TasP practices and attitudes were significantly associated with lower odds of condom use at the univariate level, but were no longer significant at multivariate level. In the multivariable model, event-level partner methamphetamine use (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06–0.58), frequency of recent anal intercourse with that partner (aOR, 0.97 per act; 95% CI, 0.95–0.98) and time since first sex with that partner (aOR, 0.97 per 6 months; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99) were associated with lower odds of condom use, whereas event-level participant alcohol use (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01–1.98) and no planned future sex with that partner (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08–2.27) were associated with greater odds of condom use. Event-level receptive-only (aOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.38–3.20) or insertive-only (aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.64–3.90) sexual positions were associated with greater odds of condom use compared with reporting both positions.

Conclusions

The TasP-related factors were not the most salient predictors of GBM's condom use. Health promotion must consider associations between condomless anal sex and substance use and relational factors.
RBC Distribution Width: Biomarker for Red Cell Dysfunction and Critical Illness Outcome?*
Authors: Said Ahmed S. , Spinella Philip C. , Hartman Mary E. , Steffen Katherine M. , Jackups Ronald , Holubkov Richard , Wallendorf Mike , Doctor Allan
Published: November 2016

Objectives:

RBC distribution width is reported to be an independent predictor of outcome in adults with a variety of conditions. We sought to determine if RBC distribution width is associated with morbidity or mortality in critically ill children.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

Tertiary PICU.

Patients:

All admissions to St. Louis Children’s Hospital PICU between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012.

Interventions:

We collected demographics, laboratory values, hospitalization characteristics, and outcomes. We calculated the relative change in RBC distribution width from admission RBC distribution width to the highest RBC distribution width during the first 7 days of hospitalization. Our primary outcome was ICU mortality or use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a composite. Secondary outcomes were ICU- and ventilator-free days.

Measurements and Main Results:

We identified 3,913 eligible subjects with an estimated mortality (by Pediatric Index of Mortality 2) of 2.94% ± 9.25% and an actual ICU mortality of 2.91%. For the study cohort, admission RBC distribution width was 14.12% ± 1.89% and relative change in RBC distribution width was 2.63% ± 6.23%. On univariate analysis, both admission RBC distribution width and relative change in RBC distribution width correlated with mortality or the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.12–1.27] and odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.04–1.08], respectively; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, including severity of illness, both admission RBC distribution width (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03–1.24) and relative change in RBC distribution width (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07) remained independently associated with ICU mortality or the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Admission RBC distribution width and relative change in RBC distribution width both weakly correlated with fewer ICU- (r
2 = 0.038) and ventilator-free days (r
2 = 0.05) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Independent of illness severity in critically ill children, admission RBC distribution width is associated with ICU mortality and morbidity. These data suggest that RBC distribution width may be a biomarker for RBC injury that is of sufficient magnitude to influence critical illness outcome, possibly via oxygen delivery impairment.
Establishing wonder oil, Solanesol, as a novel inhibitor for Focal Adhesive Kinase by in silico strategies
Authors: Daneial Betty , Das Devashish , Jacob Paul V. J. , Guruprasad R.
Published: November 2016

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a primary role in regulating the activity of many signaling molecules. Increased FAK expression has been implicated in a series of cellular processes, including cell migration and survival. Inhibiting the activity of FAK for cancer therapy is currently under investigation. Hence, FAK and its inhibitors has been the subject of intensive research. To understand the structural factors affecting inhibitory potency, kinetic analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were studied in this project. Though, Solanesol was found have inhibitory activities towards FAK, noin silicotests were ever done on the same.

Due to high flexibility of Solanesol (Rotatable bonds = 25), it is difficult to analyze using normal docking protocols. This paper introduces a novel method to dock and analyze molecules with high flexibility based on weighed contact based scoring method. This method uses blind docking technique, which was developed for protein peptide docking method, to generate conformations which were used to calculate contact based weights of residues. This method reveals the possible binding site for the small molecule. An exhaustive docking search on the acquired area reveals the docked confirmation of the compound. The final docked conformation was subjected to molecular dynamics to understand of binding stability. This study is in a good agreement with experimental results which shows Solanesol binds at ATP binding site and inhibit the phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase.
Unified Framework for Representing and Ranking
Authors: Wang Jim Jing-Yan , Bensmail Halima
Published: November 2016

In the database retrieval and nearest neighbor classification tasks, the two basic problems are to represent the query and database objects, and to learn the ranking scores of the database objects to the query. Many studies have been conducted for the representation learning and the ranking score learning problems, however, they are always learned independently from each other. In this paper, we argue that there are some inner relationships between the representation and ranking of database objects, and try to investigate their relationships by learning them in a unified way. To this end, we proposed theUnified framework forRepresentation andRanking (UR2) of objects for the database retrieval and nearest neighbor classification tasks. The learning of representation parameter and the ranking scores are modeled within one single unified objective function. The objective function is optimized alternately with regarding to representation parameter and the ranking scores. Based on the optimization results; iterative algorithms are developed to learn the representation parameter and the ranking scores on a unified way. Moreover, with two different formulas of representation (feature selection and subspace learning), we give two versions of UR2. The proposed algorithms are tested on two challenging tasks - MRI image based brain tumor retrieval and nearest neighbor classification based protein identification. The experiments show the advantage of the proposed unified framework over the state-of-the-art independent representation and ranking methods.
3-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)propanoic acid
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Jasinski Jerry P. , El-Emary Talaat I. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2016

The title compound, C15H13NO2, crystallizes with two molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The carbazole ring systems of both molecules are close to planar (r.m.s deviations = 0.035 and 0.053 Å). In the crystal,A+AandB+Binversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops and weak C—H...π interactions link the dimers into a three-dimensional network.
Luxury implications of showcasing a product with its “cast” shadow
Authors: Sharma Nazuk
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of showcasing a product with its cast shadow (formed in the ad’s background by the advertised product) on consumer product perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experimentally designed studies, incorporating two product categories, demonstrate the impact of visual presentation of a product with its shadow on consumer evaluations. A total of 203 participants (MTurkers, and student respondents at a southern university) provided data for these studies through questionnaires (online as well as paper-pencil formats).

Findings

Findings reveal that the presence of a product’s cast shadow in the ad frame increases its visual acuity, which in turn enhances its luxury perceptions. Downstream, a product shadow’s presence positively impacts its overall evaluations, through enhanced product luxury perceptions. Also, consumers with high Centrality of Visual Product Aesthetics (CVPA) demonstrate a stronger liking for such product presentations.

Research limitations/implications

The current findings not only demonstrate the positive impact of product shadows on consumer perceptions, but also enrich the luxury and aesthetics literature streams.

Practical implications

Advertisers often subjectively use product shadows as stylistic tools in marketing communications. This research offers some practical guidelines to use shadows in fostering product luxury perceptions and better target aesthetically-sensitive consumers.

Originality/value

Advertising research suggests that visual styling and presentation of products significantly impacts consumer perceptions. However, the role of product shadows has not yet been empirically examined. This paper makes an attempt to test whether and how product shadows impact consumer perceptions.
Grocery shopping, a one man job? Understanding the single shopper
Authors: Tariq Ayesha , D’Souza Giles , Allaway Arthur W.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Single males and females are an under-studied segment of grocery shoppers. This study aims to compare the shopping habits of single males with single females and couples.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is used to analyze purchase history data for testing the effect of household type on shopping trip metrics and budget allocation to product categories.

Findings

Although single male shoppers differ on some trip metrics from females, differences are more pronounced between single shoppers, male or female, and couples. The study also confirms the mediating effect of trip metrics on the relationship between demographics and allocation of budget to grocery product categories.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by identifying the differences and similarities between shopping behaviors of single males, single females and couples, developing an understanding of their budget allocation decisions to different product categories and testing and confirming that trip characteristics mediate the relationship between demographics and budget allocated to grocery products.
Strategic project management as an innovative approach for sustainable green campus buildings in Africa
Authors: Rwelamila Pantaleo Mutajwaa Daniel , Purushottam Neha
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Across the African continent many colleges and universities are facing hurdles in sustaining green building initiatives. Often the barriers to green building are not purely financial, they include a significant number of non-financial issues directly connected with the way green building initiatives are integrated within the management of these higher learning institutions (HLIs). The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons behind widespread barriers and the ways in which the barriers could be overcome through strategic project management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes a critical review of existing literature on barriers to sustaining green building initiatives and an argument is built on the need to manage these initiatives as projects. Consequently it establishes that there is a seamless connection between HLIs strategies and projects, hence strategic project management as a framework to sustain the green campus culture.

Findings

Despite numerous barriers facing African HLIs in embracing green campus buildings (GCBs) as part of their permanent business undertakings; this review strongly suggest a change of direction from “traditional approaches” to strategic project management, where all green building initiatives are transformed to programmes and portfolios dealing with sub-sets of the core business of HLIs.

Practical implications

Strategic decision to include green campus building initiatives (GCBIs) as part of HLIs core strategic business projects will bring permanence in GCB thinking and resources will be allocated to GCBIs and green campus thinking may become a norm and one of the metrics for organization success.

Social implications

Strategic project as a way to creating a conducive-environment for GCBIs success will become a constant and part of the way in which African HLIs are managed.

Originality/value

Contemporary management approaches like strategic project management is embraced as mean for allowing under-resourced African HLIs achieving significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Effects of Media Channel, Crisis Type and Demographics on Audience Intent to Follow Instructing Information During Crisis
Authors: Park Sejin , Avery Elizabeth Johnson
Published: November 2016

Media channel use during crisis is an underdeveloped area of crisis communication research. A thorough understanding of how and where people seek information during a crisis is central to effective crisis message strategy, and understanding how the media source of crisis information affects motivation to comply with crisis directives to audiences can further inform crisis management. A survey (N = 454) examines how audiences use media during crisis communication and reveals that (1) people use different media for information seeking during different types of crisis, (2) among demographics, age predicts preferences in information channels during crisis and (3) crisis type and age shape the relationship between media choice and intent to follow recommended behaviours. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
It is Not About Facts – It is About Framing. The App Generation's Information‐Seeking Tactics: Proactive Online Crisis Communication
Authors: Sjöberg Ulrika
Published: November 2016

The article examines Swedish children's information‐seeking tactics before and during a crisis. Using the 2014 Ebola outbreak as a case in point, special attention is drawn to how source credibility is assessed on the Internet. If the individual perspective is to be taken seriously within crisis management/crisis communication, empirical studies with various stakeholders, such as children, are needed. With the theoretical framework of framing, the importance of children's personal experiences is brought to the fore. Developing strategic means of listening to children rather than operating from a top‐down perspective constitutes a main point of departure in the study. Framings are in the article suggested as a suitable strategic tool for proactive online crisis communication with a specific focus on public agencies.