bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two successive amorphous‐to‐amorphous phase transformations in TiO2
Authors: Durandurdu Murat
Published: April 2017

Based on constant pressure ab initio simulations, we propose, for the first time, two successive amorphous‐to‐amorphous phase transformations for TiO2. The first one is a gradual phase transformation from a low‐density amorphous phase to a high‐density amorphous phase, whereas the second one is a first‐order phase transformation from the high‐density amorphous phase to a very high‐density amorphous phase. The low‐density amorphous to high‐density amorphous phase change is irreversible, whereas the high‐density amorphous to very high‐density amorphous phase transformation is reversible. The high‐density amorphous and very high‐density amorphous phases consist of differently coordinated configurations. The sevenfold and ninefold‐coordinated arrangements formed in amorphous TiO2 under pressure are similar to the main building motif of the baddeleyite and cotunnite polymorphs of TiO2, respectively, while the eightfold‐coordinated configuration is different from the local structure of the cubic TiO2 phase. The electronic structure calculations suggest that both dense amorphous phases present a semiconducting character with a band gap energy less than that of the original low‐density amorphous phase.
Exploring guideline adaptation strategy for Turkey: Is “ADAPTE” feasible or does it need adaptation as well?
Authors: Ayhan Baser Duygu , Kahveci Rabia , Baydar Artantas Aylin , Yasar İlknur , Aksoy Hilal , Koc Esra Meltem , Kasim İsmail , Kunnamo Ilkka , Özkara Adem
Published: April 2017

Rationale, aims, objectives

Clinical Practice Guidelines are mostly developed by 3 methods; namely, de novo, adoption, and adaptation. Nonpublished studies and authors experience shows that most guidelines in Turkey are either by adoption or by adaptation. There is no available local tool for adaptation, so the process is not standardized and most of the time not explicitly defined. The objective of this study is to search for international guideline adaptation tools and test their feasibility in Turkish context, to serve a final goal of developing a unique local strategic tool for guideline adaptation.

Methods

The methodological design of this study includes selection of an international tool for Clinical Practice Guideline adaptation, piloting this tool with selected Turkish guidelines, identifying the feasibility of this tool and exploring the needs for adaptation of the tool, drawing recommendations for adaptation of the strategies, and validation of the process by local experts.

Results

The study from planning phase to finalizing the guidance, including pilot studies and panel but excluding translation of ADAPTE, lasted 18 months. Nine researchers were involved in the adaptation process and 15 more experts were involved in the validation panel. Following the suggestions of the research team on modifications and validation through the expert panel; 2 steps of the ADAPTE toolkit were rejected, 2 steps were accepted by modification, 7 steps were accepted by additional recommendations. In addition, 2 tools were suggested to be added to the toolkit.

Conclusion

This is the first study on adaptation of guidelines in Turkey. Pilot adaptation of 2 guidelines with ADAPTE revealed that ADAPTE is a useful and feasible tool in Turkish setting, but might require certain changes in recommendations and revision of tools.
Physiological responses of reared sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) to an Amyloodinium ocellatum outbreak
Authors: Moreira M , Schrama D , Soares F , Wulff T , Pousão‐Ferreira P , Rodrigues P
Published: April 2017

Amyloodiniosis represents a major bottleneck for semi‐intensive aquaculture production in Southern Europe, causing extremely high mortalities. Amyloodinium ocellatum is a parasitic dinoflagellate that can infest almost all fish, crustacean and bivalves that live within its ecological range. Fish mortalities are usually attributed to anoxia, associated with serious gill hyperplasia, inflammation, haemorrhage and necrosis in heavy infestations; or with osmoregulatory impairment and secondary microbial infections due to severe epithelial damage in mild infestation. However, physiological information about the host responses to A. ocellatum infestation is scarce. In this work, we analysed the proteome of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) plasma and relate it with haematological and immunological indicators, in order to enlighten the different physiological responses when exposed to an A. ocellatum outbreak. Using 2D‐DIGE, immunological and haematological analysis and in response to the A. ocellatum contamination we have identified several proteins associated with acute‐phase response, inflammation, lipid transport, homoeostasis, and osmoregulation, wound healing, neoplasia and iron transport. Overall, this preliminary study revealed that amyloodiniosis affects some fish functional pathways as revealed by the changes in the plasma proteome of S. aurata, and that the innate immunological system is not activated in the presence of the parasite.
The environmental and host‐associated bacterial microbiota of Arctic seawater‐farmed Atlantic salmon with ulcerative disorders
Authors: Karlsen C , Ottem K F , Brevik Øyvind Jakobsen , Davey M , Sørum H , Winther‐Larsen H C
Published: April 2017

The Norwegian aquaculture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) is hampered by ulcerative disorders associated with bacterial infections. Chronic ulceration may provide microenvironments that disturb the normal microbial biodiversity of external surfaces. Studying the composition of microbial communities in skin ulcers will enhance our understanding of ulcer aetiology. To achieve this, we tested marine farmed Atlantic salmon and sampled the base and edge of ulcers at the end of winter (April) and end of summer (September), in addition to skin mucus of healthy individuals. In order to assess microbiota associated with the host and obtain insight into the environmental ecology, we also sampled sea water, the sediment layer underneath the farm facility and the distal intestine of Atlantic salmon. The skin microbiota of Atlantic salmon was different from that of the surrounding water. Residential Tenacibaculum and Arcobacter species persistently dominated the cutaneous skin and ulcer mucus surfaces of Atlantic salmon during both winter and summer periods. The intestinal microbiota was dominated by Mycoplasma with an increase in Aliivibrio and Alcaligenes abundance in the intestine of fish with ulcerative disorder at the end of winter. These findings suggest the presence of resilient microbes in the mucus surfaces of Atlantic salmon.
Systematic review: Current evidence in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease lacks relevance to patients with advanced fibrosis
Authors: Parker Richard , Hodson James , Rowe Ian A C
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Epidemiological data have shown that individuals with advanced fibrosis are at greatest risk of premature morbidity in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Individuals included in clinical trials are often highly selected to remove confounding factors, but selection can introduce bias and limit external validity. We examined the external validity of trials in NAFLD by examining characteristics of participants in observational studies (OS) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) in NAFLD.

Design

A systematic review was performed with structured literature searches for relevant OS and RCT using PubMed and Ovid Embase (1948–2016). Identified studies were screened for inclusion by the authors and data extracted. Study populations were compared using t‐tests to compare means and variances, in each case weighted by the size of individual studies. Dichotomous data were compared by Chi‐squared test.

Results

In total, 148 studies were included: 67 RCT and 81 OS including data from 44 860 individuals. Fifteen RCT participants differed from individuals in OS with regard to age, body mass index, prevalence of Diabetes mellitus, and gender (P < 0.001 in each case). The most pronounced differences were seen between RCT participants and patients with advanced fibrosis. Comorbid conditions prevalent among individuals with NAFLD were frequent exclusion criteria in RCT.

Conclusions

The characteristics of participants in randomized controlled trials differ to those of the wider population of individuals with NAFLD. These differences may reduce the utility of trial data to individuals with NAFLD at greatest risk of death.
Serum vitamin D level is related to disease severity in pediatric alopecia areata
Authors: Unal Mehmet , Gonulalan Gulsum
Published: April 2017

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is the most common cause of inflammatory hair loss. AA is considered an autoimmune disease and occurs with various autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have revealed connection between autoimmune diseases and vitamin D deficiency.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated vitamin D status in AA and its relationship with disease severity, number of patches, and disease duration.

Methods

This study included 20 pediatric patients with AA and 34 pediatric healthy controls. The serum vitamin D levels were evaluated.

Results

The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of patients was 15.47±7.66 ng/mL and of control group was 11.09±10.53 ng/mL. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P: .084). Vitamin D concentration had significantly and negatively correlated with SALT score (P<.001 and r: −.831), number of patch (P<.001 and r: −.989), and disease duration (P<.001 and r: −.997).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is not the only etiologic factor in AA pathogenesis, but in the presence of other etiological factors, this deficiency can aggravate AA severity, and thus, vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in treatment of pediatric AA.
Patent Protection and R&D with Endogenous Market Structure
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit
Published: April 2017

In a model with endogenous number of innovating firms, we show that whether patent protection increases R&D investment is ambiguous, and depends on the market demand function and the cost of R&D. If the market size increases with number of firms, patent protection reduces R&D investment if the cost of R&D is sufficiently high, and higher product differentiation increases the possibility of lower R&D investment under patent protection. If the market size does not increase with number of firms, patent protection never reduces R&D investment. We find that welfare is lower under patent protection than under no patent protection.
Current use of chromosomal microarray by Australian paediatricians and implications for the implementation of next generation sequencing
Authors: McKay Victoria , Efron Daryl , Palmer Elizabeth E , White Susan M , Pearson Chris , Danchin Margie
Published: April 2017

Aim

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is an important diagnostic test for children with multiple congenital anomalies or certain developmental behavioural problems suggestive of an underlying genetic diagnosis. However, there are medical and ethical complexities to its use and few Australian policies to guide practice. We aimed to describe the current practice of Australian paediatricians in relation to CMA testing. We hypothesised that there are knowledge gaps in their use of CMA.

Methods

Online survey completed between September 2015 and January 2016 by paediatricians in secondary care settings. Participants were members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network. One hundred and sixty five (43%) of 383 active members responded. Our main outcome measures comprised: (i) the indications for which paediatricians request CMA; (ii) their approach to consent; (iii) their interpretation of results; and (iv) their understanding of the impact on patient management.

Results

A significant proportion of paediatricians (21–52%) did not regularly use CMA for conditions with established evidence of diagnostic yield. Paediatricians under‐estimated the potential for CMA findings to alter patient management. There was wide variability in paediatricians’ approach to consent, and low use of consent forms and fact sheets. Paediatricians reported difficulties interpreting CMA results, with high rates of referral to clinical genetics services.

Conclusions

The reported practice of Australian paediatricians is not consistent with international standards on CMA. Australian practice could be improved by a standardised approach to ordering CMA, consenting patients and interpreting results. We provide resources for CMA ordering and make recommendations about preparation for next generation sequencing.
The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris inclusion on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids profile and enzymes activities related to oxidation
Authors: Tsiplakou E. , Abdullah M. A. M. , Mavrommatis A. , Chatzikonstantinou M. , Skliros D. , Sotirakoglou K. , Flemetakis E. , Labrou N. E. , Zervas G.
Published: April 2017

The impact of dietary supplementation with microalgae on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids (FA) profile and enzymes activities related to antioxidant mechanism has not been well documented. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris on the following: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile, (ii) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in blood plasma and (iii) the activities of SOD, GR and lactoperoxidase (LPO) in milk of goats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2, 2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC)] were also determined in blood plasma and milk of the animals. For this purpose, 16 cross‐bred goats were divided into two homogenous groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group (Control) had no microalgae, while those of the Chlorella group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrates (Chlorella). Thus, the average intake was 5.15 g Chlorella vulgaris/kg DM. The results showed that the dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris had not noticeable impact on goat's milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile. Significantly higher SOD (by 10.31%) and CAT (by 18.66%) activities in the blood plasma of goats fed with Chlorella vulgaris compared with the control were found. Moreover, the dietary supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris caused a significant increase in SOD (by 68.84%) activity and a reduction in PC (by 24.07%) content in goat's milk. In conclusion, the Chlorella vulgaris inclusion in goat's diets improved the antioxidant status of both animals and milk.
Alpha‐lipoic acid: An inimitable feed supplement for poultry nutrition
Authors: Sohaib M. , Anjum F. M. , Nasir M. , Saeed F. , Arshad M. S. , Hussain S.
Published: April 2017

Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) is a multifunction antioxidant that is produced in small amount by cells as well as its dietary provision facilitates fatty acid mobilization, energy expenditure as well as can scavenge free radicals in poultry birds. It exists in oxidized as well as reduced form, characterized by growth promoting, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, immunostimulatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties when fed as dietary supplement to farm animals particularly chicken birds. Recently, several studies reported that dietary supplementation of ALA can influence growth performance indicators, immunological, biochemical characteristics, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress as well as increase antioxidant potential and storability of poultry meat and meat products. Accordingly, this paper adds the reviews and discusses the outcomes of studies documenting the effect of lipoic acid dietary fortification on growth performance, biochemical, and immunological characteristics as well as the effects on lipid peroxidation of fresh meat and meat‐based products. Furthermore, this paper also describes the possibilities of utilization of ALA as a feed additive in poultry nutrition to improve the growth performance of poultry as well as meat quality of resultant chicken birds.
Marginal deficiencies of dietary arginine and methionine could suppress growth performance and immunological responses in broiler chickens
Authors: Jahanian R. , Khalifeh‐Gholi M.
Published: April 2017

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary arginine (Arg) and methionine (Met) on performance, immune responses, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 540 day‐old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into the nine experimental diets, consisting five replicates of 12 birds each. Dietary treatments included three different levels (90%, 100%, and 110% of National Research Council [NRC] specifications) of either dietary Arg or Met, which were fed to the birds according to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments during a 42 days feeding trial. Results showed that supplementation of Arg and Met into the deficient‐diets increased (p < .01) weight gains during all trial periods. Although average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not influenced by dietary treatments, increasing Arg up to 100% of NRC recommendations improved (p < .05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the trial period. Similarly, supplementation of deficient‐diets with Met improved FCR values. There was a significant (p < .01) Arg × Met interaction for ADFI during the starter period; increasing the dietary Arg level increased ADFI when the diets were deficient in Met, while had an opposite effect in diets containing higher dietary Met levels. On the other hand, dietary Met fortification improved (p = .067) FCR values to a greater extent in 110% Arg‐diets during the entire trial period. Although different levels of Arg and Met had no marked effects on carcass yield and abdominal fat percentage, supplemental Arg up to 100% of NRC values increased (p < .01) the relative weights of spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Furthermore, bursa weight was affected by Arg × Met interaction (p < .01), so that supplemental Arg level of 100% of NRC increased the relative bursa weight in birds that were fed diets containing 90% and 110% of Met. Serum uric acid level was decreased (p < .05) as a result of dietary Arg fortification up to 110% of NRC recommended values. Supplementation of deficient‐diets with Met decreased (p < .05) serum cholesterol level. Although Newcastle antibody titer was not affected by dietary Arg or Met levels, Arg fortification of deficient‐diets increased (p < .001) antibody responses against infectious bronchitis (IBV) and bursal (IBD) disease viruses. Similarly, Met supplementation of deficient‐diets increased IBD antibody titer. There were significant (p < .05) Arg × Met interactions for IBV and IBD titers; Met fortification of 110% Arg‐diets was more effective in increasing antibody titers. An increase in dietary Met level up to 100% of NRC values increased (p < .001) serum concentration of γ‐globulins. The present findings imply that supplemental Arg could affect feed efficiency and antibody responses when the diets were already fortified with a sufficient Met level.
High non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations promote expression and secretion of fibroblast growth factor 21 in calf hepatocytes cultured in vitro
Authors: Wang J. G. , Guo Y. Z. , Kong Y. Z. , Dai S. , Zhao B. Y.
Published: April 2017

Negative energy balance is considered as the pathological basis of energy metabolic disorders in periparturient dairy cows. Serum non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are one of the most important indicators of energy balance status. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified as a hepatokine involved in regulation of metabolic adaptations, such as promoting hepatic lipid oxidation and ketogenesis, during energy deprivation. However, the direct effects of NEFA on FGF21 expression and secretion in bovine hepatocytes are not entirely clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different NEFA concentrations on FGF21 expression and secretion in calf hepatocytes cultured in vitro. NEFA were added to the culture solution at final concentrations of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 mmol/L. After 24 hr of continuous culture, FGF21 mRNA and protein expression levels in the hepatocytes were determined by real‐time PCR and Western blot respectively. FGF21 secretion in the supernatant was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that expression and secretion of FGF21 at 0.6 mmol/L NEFA‐treated hepatocytes was higher than that of the control group (p < .05). The FGF21 expression and secretion were similar at 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 mmol/L NEFA‐treated hepatocytes and significantly higher than those observed for controls (p < .01). These data suggest that high concentrations of NEFA significantly promote FGF21 expression and secretion in bovine hepatocytes. In particular, this promotion occurs in a dose‐dependent manner and may be involved in the pathological processes of energy metabolism disorders of dairy cows in the peripartum period.
Trends and factors associated with insomnia and sleep apnea in all United States military service members from 2005 to 2014
Authors: A. Caldwell John , Knapik Joseph J. , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: April 2017

Sleep disorders are a critical issue for the military, as they impact operational readiness, personnel health, wellbeing and health‐care costs. The incidence of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are increasing in the United States civilian population, and rates in military personnel exceed those of civilians. Using a comprehensive database, rates of medical encounters for insomnia and OSA were investigated and their associations with various demographic factors examined in the total US military population [1,381,406 ± 25,123, mean ± standard deviation (SD) personnel per year] from 2005 to 2014. Encounters for insomnia increased from 16 of 1000 in 2005 to 75 of 1000 in 2014 (372%). Encounters for OSA increased from 44 of 1000 in 2005 to 273 of 1000 in 2014 (517%). Those experiencing the greatest increases in insomnia included women, individuals ≥40 years of age, blacks, senior enlisted personnel and Army personnel compared to other military services. Those experiencing the greatest rates of OSA included men, individuals ≥40 years of age, blacks, senior officers and Army personnel. Rates of insomnia and OSA increased linearly over time (R2 = 0.95–0.99; P < 0.01) for every subpopulation except those aged <20 years. In response to this epidemic‐like increase in sleep disorders, their prevention, identification and aggressive treatment should become a health‐care priority of the US military.
A qualitative study of the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D
Authors: Rutkowski David , Farrar Mark D. , Osman Joanne E. , Webb Ann R. , Rhodes Lesley E.
Published: April 2017

Background

Solar UVR is a major cause of skin cancer but also an important source of vitamin D (VitD), essential for musculoskeletal health. Conflicting public health messages may confuse patients with skin cancer prone to further skin cancer.

Objective

To explore the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer to sunlight exposure and VitD sources.

Methods

Patients (n = 10) previously treated for multiple basal cell cancer in a hospital setting participated in focus group sessions with semi‐structured discussions to explore: knowledge of VitD, sun‐avoidance behaviour and attitude towards sunlight exposure messages. Thematic data analysis was performed using software programme MAXQDA11.

Results

Pre‐existing knowledge of VitD was low. Most patients practised sun avoidance and were not inclined to increase exposure. Patients did not perceive VitD deficiency as a substantial risk to their own health, or a need to take VitD supplements. They aimed to increase VitD status through dietary intake, but knowledge of food VitD content was lacking.

Conclusions

The patients with skin cancer, appropriate to their heightened skin cancer risk, appeared unlikely to increase their sun exposure to gain VitD. However, education is required regarding the generally low levels of VitD in foodstuffs, and the requirement for supplements/fortified foods if strict sun avoidance is employed.
Osmotic stress decreases complexity underlying the electrophysiological dynamic in soybean
Authors: Saraiva G. F. R. , Ferreira A. S. , Souza G. M.
Published: April 2017

Studies on plant electrophysiology are mostly focused on specific traits of single cells. Inspired by the complexity of the signalling network in plants, and by analogy with neurons in human brains, we sought evidence of high complexity in the electrical dynamics of plant signalling and a likely relationship with environmental cues.

An EEG‐like standard protocol was adopted for high‐resolution measurements of the electrical signal in Glycine max seedlings. The signals were continuously recorded in the same plants before and after osmotic stimuli with a −2 MPa mannitol solution. Non‐linear time series analyses methods were used as follows: auto‐correlation and cross‐correlation function, power spectra density function, and complexity of the time series estimated as Approximate Entropy (ApEn).

Using Approximate Entropy analysis we found that the level of temporal complexity of the electrical signals was affected by the environmental conditions, decreasing when the plant was subjected to a low osmotic potential. Electrical spikes observed only after stimuli followed a power law distribution, which is indicative of scale invariance.

Our results suggest that changes in complexity of the electrical signals could be associated with water stress conditions in plants. We hypothesised that the power law distribution of the spikes could be explained by a self‐organised critical state (SOC) after osmotic stress.
Scandiatransplant acceptable mismatch program (STAMP) a bridge to transplanting highly immunized patients
Authors: Koefoed‐Nielsen P. , Weinreich I. , Bengtsson M. , Lauronen J. , Naper C. , Gäbel M. , Sørensen S. S. , Wennberg L. , Reisæter A. V. , Møller B. K. ,   On behalf of the Nordic Kidney group and the Tissue Typing group in Scandiatransplant
Published: April 2017

Background

Highly immunized patients are a challenge for organ transplantation programs. One way of increasing the likelihood of transplantation in this group of patients is to expand the possible donations by defining acceptable HLA mismatches. In the Scandiatransplant Acceptable Mismatch Program (STAMP), a de‐centralized approach has been implemented in 2009.

Aims

The program has been improved during the years from utilizing HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DR matching only to include typing of all deceased donors for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1. The calculation of a transplantability score (TS) has been introduced in order to take both HLA and AB0 into consideration resulting in a more realistic picture of the transplantability chance.

Materials and Methods

Patients were selected for eligibility and results of immunisation status were prepared in each of the 9 tissue typing laboratories, while access to the program is finally governed by a common steering group of immunologists and clinicians.

Results

In the period from March 2009 until February 2015, 96 patients were transplanted within this program. The mean recipient age was 49 years and 57% were females, 30% of the patients were first transplants and of these 93% were females. The majority of the patients had 2‐5 HLA‐A, ‐B. ‐DR mismatches. The allograft survival at 60 months was 79.1%. Applying the TS to the cohort confirmed that patients with a low TS score had longer waiting times.

Conclusion

The program has matured during the years and now proves to be a valid approach for transplanting highly immunized patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic characteristics of a glioma causing calvarial erosion in a dog
Authors: Recio Alfredo , de la Fuente Cristian , Pumarola Martí , Espada Yvonne , Añor Sònia
Published: April 2017

An 8‐year‐old female Boxer was examined for acute onset of seizures. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an intra‐axial mass with imaging features consistent with glioma was observed in the right cerebral hemisphere. A defect in the temporal bone adjacent to the mass was observed. Postmortem computed tomography (CT) confirmed temporal bone osteolysis and necropsy demonstrated a glioblastoma with associated calvarial erosion. Although occasionally described in human medicine, to our knowledge, this is the first description of a brain glioma causing calvarial erosion in a dog. Glioma should be included as a differential diagnosis for intracranial lesions that could cause bony changes in the skull.
Sustaining Nurse‐Led Task‐Shifting Strategies for Hypertension Control: A Concept Mapping Study to Inform Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Blackstone Sarah , Iwelunmor Juliet , Plange‐Rhule Jacob , Gyamfi Joyce , Quakyi Nana Kofi , Ntim Micheal , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: April 2017

Background

The use of task‐shifting is an increasingly widespread delivery approach for health interventions targeting prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension in adults living in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Addressing a gap in the literature, this research examined the sustainability of an ongoing task‐shifting strategy for hypertension (TASSH) from the perspectives of community health nurses (CHNs) implementing the program.

Methods

We used concept‐mapping, a mixed‐methods participatory approach to understand CHNs’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to sustaining a task‐shifting program. Participants responded to focal prompts, eliciting statements regarding perceived barriers and enablers to sustaining TASSH, and then rated these ideas based on importance to the research questions and feasibility to address. Twenty‐eight community health nurses (21 women, 7 men) from the Ashanti region of Ghana completed the concept‐mapping process.

Results

Factors influencing sustainability were grouped into five categories: Limited Drug Supply, Financial Support, Provision of Primary Health Care, Personnel Training, and Patient‐Provider Communication. The limited supply of antihypertensive medication was considered by CHNs as the most important item to address, while providing training for intervention personnel was considered most feasible to address.

Linking Evidence to Action

This study's findings highlight the importance of examining nurses’ perceptions of factors likely to influence the sustainability of evidence‐based, task‐shifting interventions. Nurses’ perceptions can guide the widespread uptake and dissemination of these interventions in resource‐limited settings.
The Effect of Reading Comprehension and Problem Solving Strategies on Classifying Elementary 4th Grade Students with High and Low Problem Solving Success
Authors: Ulu Mustafa
Published: April 2017

In this study, the effect of fluent reading (speed, reading accuracy percentage, prosodic reading), comprehension (literal comprehension, inferential comprehension) and problem solving strategies on classifying students with high and low problem solving success was researched. The sampling of the research is composed of 279 students at elementary school 4th grade. In the research, in order to figure out reading accuracy percentage and reading rate, 5 scales were used: a reading text, prosodic reading scale, literal comprehension scale, inferential comprehension scale and problem solving scale. In order to see the effect of fluent reading and comprehension skills on classifying students with high and low problem solving success, logistic analysis was conducted while discriminant analysis was conducted to determine the effect of problem solving skills. At the end of the study, it was seen that fluent reading skills had no effect on classifying students according to their problem solving success. It was concluded that both comprehension skills are 77% effective in classifying problem solving success, but inferential comprehension is more effective than literal comprehension. It was found that problem solving strategies were effective on classifying students with high and low problem solving success problem at 88% level; that the most important factors while classifying were estimation and control, systematic listing, looking for a pattern and drawing figures and diagrams respectively; and that backward-studying strategies were inadequate in classifying successful and unsuccessful students. At the end of the study, mathematical sentence writing strategy appeared to be the most important strategy in classifying students with high and low problem solving success, but it had a negative correlation. In other words, a rise in the usage rate of this strategy increased the likelihood for individuals to be in the group with low problem solving success.
Forced Convection in a Bidisperse Porous Medium Embedded in a Circular Pipe
Authors: Wang Keyong , Vafai Kambiz , Li Peichao , Cen Hao
Published: April 2017

Compared to the regular (monodisperse) porous medium (MDPM) with one porosity scale, the bidisperse porous medium (BDPM) has two porosity scales, which may enhance the heat transfer capability. This work investigates the forced convective heat transport through a circular pipe filled with a BDPM. The two-velocity two-temperature model is utilized to describe the flow and temperature fields for both the fracture phase (macropores) and the porous phase (the matrix with micropores). The bidispersion effect is taken into account by altering the permeability of the porous phase in the medium. Analytical solutions of the velocities and temperatures for both phases are derived under the constant wall heat flux boundary condition. The local Nusselt number and heat transfer performance (HTP) are also developed to investigate how the bidispersivity affects the thermal characteristics over a wide range of parameter space.
Screw-Based Modeling of Soft Manipulators With Tendon and Fluidic Actuation
Authors: Renda Federico , Cianchetti Matteo , Abidi Haider , Dias Jorge , Seneviratne Lakmal
Published: April 2017

A screw-based formulation of the kinematics, differential kinematics, and statics of soft manipulators is presented, which introduces the soft robotics counterpart to the fundamental geometric theory of robotics developed since Brockett's original work on the subject. As far as the actuation is concerned, the embedded tendon and fluidic actuation are modeled within the same screw-based framework, and the screw-system to which they belong is shown. Furthermore, the active and passive motion subspaces are clearly differentiated, and guidelines for the manipulable and force-closure conditions are developed. Finally, the model is validated through experiments using the soft manipulator for minimally invasive surgery STIFF-FLOP.
Naturally acidified habitat selects for ocean acidification–tolerant mussels
Authors: Thomsen Jörn , Stapp Laura S. , Haynert Kristin , Schade Hanna , Danelli Maria , Lannig Gisela , Wegner K. Mathias , Melzner Frank
Published: April 2017

Mussels are able to adapt to ocean acidification over multiple generations.
Kin-based cultural transmission of tool use in wild chimpanzees
Authors: Lamon Noemie , Neumann Christof , Gruber Thibaud , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: April 2017

The acquisition of a novel tool behavior to drink water spreads culturally through families in wild chimpanzees.
Mechanism and color modulation of fungal bioluminescence
Authors: Kaskova Zinaida M. , Dörr Felipe A. , Petushkov Valentin N. , Purtov Konstantin V. , Tsarkova Aleksandra S. , Rodionova Natalja S. , Mineev Konstantin S. , Guglya Elena B. , Kotlobay Alexey , Baleeva Nadezhda S. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Arseniev Alexander S. , Gitelson Josef I. , Lukyanov Sergey , Suzuki Yoshiki , Kanie Shusei , Pinto Ernani , Di Mascio Paolo , Waldenmaier Hans E. , Pereira Tatiana A. , Carvalho Rodrigo P. , Oliveira Anderson G. , Oba Yuichi , Bastos Erick L. , Stevani Cassius V. , Yampolsky Ilia V.
Published: April 2017

Study of fungal bioluminescence mechanisms generates development of a multicolor enzymatic chemiluminescence system.
Vaccine myths
Authors: Wessel Lindzi
Published: April 2017

Health officials say vaccines are safe, so where do common vaccine concerns come from?
Toward autonomous architecture: The convergence of digital design, robotics, and the built environment
Authors: Pawar Vijay M. , Stuart-Smith Robert , Scully Peter
Published: April 2017

Greater integration of robotic and autonomous systems is challenging the way we design, construct, and inhabit buildings.
Collateral Damage during Dengue Virus Infection: Making Sense of DNA by cGAS
Authors: Aguirre Sebastian , Fernandez-Sesma Ana
Published: April 2017

Early sensing of viral components or infection-induced tissue damage is a prerequisite for the successful control of pathogenic viruses by the host innate immune system. Recent results from our laboratory show how immune cells use the DNA-sensing machinery to detect intracellular damage generated early during infection by an RNA virus, namely, dengue virus (DENV). Conversely, we found that DENV can efficiently dismantle this sensing mechanism by targeting the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and the stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING), two crucial host factors involved in DNA detection and type I IFN production. These findings highlight the relevance of the DNA-sensing mechanism in the detection and control of infections by RNA viruses. In this review, we discuss how DENV modulates the innate immune DNA-sensing pathway, activated in the context of cellular damage during infection.
Paracentral acute middle maculopathy: precursor to macular thinning in sickle cell retinopathy
Authors: Hussnain Syed Amal , Coady Patrick A , Stoessel Kathleen M
Published: April 2017

We present a case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD). Though gradual capillary loss may contribute to pathophysiology of sickle cell retinopathy as well, our case suggests that PAMM may be the precursor lesion to macular thinning commonly observed in patients with SCD. In addition, fluorescein angiography may be unable to detect these acute vascular events occurring at the deep capillary plexus.
Ecosystem size and flooding drive trophic dynamics of riparian spiders in a fire-prone Sierra Nevada river system
Authors: Jackson Breeanne K. , Sullivan S. Mažeika P.
Published: April 2017

Disturbance can play an important role in structuring stream food webs. Although floods have received the greatest attention as a disturbance agent in rivers, wildfire — which can strongly influence fluvial ecosystem structure and function — may also drive consumer trophic dynamics. We measured the relative effects of wildfire, hydrologic disturbance, ecosystem size, and canopy openness (as a proxy for in-stream productivity) on trophic position and reliance on aquatically-derived nutritional subsidies of riparian spiders of the family Tetragnathidae along two rivers on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada in California, USA. Ecosystem size received strong support as an environmental determinant of both trophic measures, with variability in flood magnitude emerging as an important mechanism linking ecosystem size and trophic responses. Piecewise linear regression revealed significant breakpoints in spider trophic position and reliance on aquatically-derived nutritional subsidies that were related to thresholds in fire extent within the catchment. These nonlinear relationships with wildfire may lend additional insight into the potential interactions among ecosystem size, productivity, and disturbance that determine stream–riparian food-web architecture.
Patterns of bryophyte succession in a 160-year chronosequence in deciduous and coniferous forests of boreal Alaska
Authors: Jean Mélanie , Alexander Heather D. , Mack Michelle C. , Johnstone Jill F.
Published: April 2017

Bryophytes are dominant components of boreal forest understories and play a large role in regulating soil microclimate and nutrient cycling. Therefore, shifts in bryophyte communities have the potential to affect boreal forests’ ecosystem processes. We investigated how bryophyte communities varied in 83 forest stands in interior Alaska that ranged in age (since fire) from 8 to 163 years and had canopies dominated by deciduous broadleaf (Populus tremuloides Michx. or Betula neoalaskana Sarg.) or coniferous trees (Picea mariana Mill B.S.P.). In each stand, we measured bryophyte community composition, along with environmental variables (e.g., organic layer depth, leaf litter cover, moisture). Bryophyte communities were initially similar in deciduous vs. coniferous forests but diverged in older stands in association with changes in organic layer depth and leaf litter cover. Our data suggest two tipping points in bryophyte succession: one at the disappearance of early colonizing taxa 20 years after fire and another at 40 years after fire, which corresponds to canopy closure and differential leaf litter inputs in mature deciduous and coniferous canopies. Our results enhance understanding of the processes that shape compositional patterns and ecosystem services of bryophytes in relation to stand age, canopy composition, and changing disturbances such as fire that may trigger changes in canopy composition.
Some exact solutions in f(𝒢,T) gravity via Noether symmetries
Authors: Shamir M. Farasat , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: April 2017

This paper is devoted to investigate the recently proposed modified Gauss–Bonnet [Formula: see text] gravity, with [Formula: see text], the Gauss–Bonnet term, coupled with [Formula: see text], the trace of energy–momentum tensor. We have used the Noether symmetry methodology to discuss some cosmologically important [Formula: see text] gravity models with anisotropic background. In particular, the Noether symmetry equations for modified [Formula: see text] gravity are reported for locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type I universe. Explicitly, two models have been proposed to explore the exact solutions and the conserved quantities. It is concluded that the specific models of modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity may be used to reconstruct [Formula: see text]CDM cosmology without involving any cosmological constant.
Improved corrosion resistance of new Fe-based amorphous alloys
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhao Xu , Lv Fang , Liu Fang , Wang Yuxin
Published: April 2017

Developing amorphous alloys with good corrosion resistance has attracted wide interests recently. In this work, a series of Fe[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Cu1Nb3Si[Formula: see text]B9 ([Formula: see text], 1, 2, 3 and 4 at.%) amorphous alloys are fabricated. The influence of Ni addition on the structure and corrosion resistance of the alloys in KNO3 solution was investigated. The amorphous ribbons showed excellent corrosion resistance due to the formation of a stable passive film that ensured a very large passivation plateau. The corrosion resistance is sensitive to the minor addition of Ni ([Formula: see text]4 at.%), which significantly improved the corrosion resistance according to the results of electrochemical measurements.
Behavior-aware cache hierarchy optimization for low-power multi-core embedded systems
Authors: Zhao Huatao , Luo Xiao , Zhu Chen , Watanabe Takahiro , Zhu Tianbo
Published: April 2017

In modern embedded systems, the increasing number of cores requires efficient cache hierarchies to ensure data throughput, but such cache hierarchies are restricted by their tumid size and interference accesses which leads to both performance degradation and wasted energy. In this paper, we firstly propose a behavior-aware cache hierarchy (BACH) which can optimally allocate the multi-level cache resources to many cores and highly improved the efficiency of cache hierarchy, resulting in low energy consumption. The BACH takes full advantage of the explored application behaviors and runtime cache resource demands as the cache allocation bases, so that we can optimally configure the cache hierarchy to meet the runtime demand. The BACH was implemented on the GEM5 simulator. The experimental results show that energy consumption of a three-level cache hierarchy can be saved from 5.29% up to 27.94% compared with other key approaches while the performance of the multi-core system even has a slight improvement counting in hardware overhead.
Can Decay Be Ascribed to Classical Noise?
Authors: Burgarth Daniel , Facchi Paolo , Garnero Giancarlo , Nakazato Hiromichi , Pascazio Saverio , Yuasa Kazuya
Published: April 2017

No.
Non-Markovian Dynamics of Spin Squeezing Under Detuning Modulation
Authors: Xiao Xing , Wu Jia-Ju , Zhong Wo-Jun , Li Yan-Ling
Published: April 2017

The dynamics of spin squeezing of an ensemble of N separate spin-1/2 particles, each coupled to a zero-temperature non-Markovian reservoir have been investigated. We show that the initial spin squeezing could be prolonged for a long time by utilizing detuning modification. We further explore that the spin squeezing sudden death (SSSD) could be circumvented with the increasing of detuning. By comparison with the results in Markovian regime with detuning and those in non-Markovian regime without detuning, we conclude that the disappearance of SSSD and the robust preservation of spin squeezing should be attributed to the combination of detuning and non-Markovian effect. The present results may be of direct importance for quantum metrology in open systems.
Entrainment of visual steady-state responses is modulated by global spatial statistics
Authors: Nguyen Thomas , Kuntzelman Karl , Miskovic Vladimir
Published: April 2017

The rhythmic delivery of visual stimuli evokes large-scale neuronal entrainment in the form of steady-state oscillatory field potentials. The spatiotemporal properties of stimulus drive appear to constrain the relative degrees of neuronal entrainment. Specific frequency ranges, for example, are uniquely suited for enhancing the strength of stimulus-driven brain oscillations. When it comes to the nature of the visual stimulus itself, studies have used a plethora of inputs ranging from spatially unstructured empty fields to simple contrast patterns (checkerboards, gratings, stripes) and complex arrays (human faces, houses, natural scenes). At present, little is known about how the global spatial statistics of the input stimulus influence entrainment of scalp-recorded electrophysiological signals. In this study, we used rhythmic entrainment source separation of scalp EEG to compare stimulus-driven phase alignment for distinct classes of visual inputs, including broadband spatial noise ensembles with varying second-order statistics, natural scenes, and narrowband sine-wave gratings delivered at a constant flicker frequency. The relative magnitude of visual entrainment was modulated by the global properties of the driving stimulus. Entrainment was strongest for pseudo-naturalistic broadband visual noise patterns in which luminance contrast is greatest at low spatial frequencies (a power spectrum slope characterized by 1/ƒ−2).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rhythmically modulated visual stimuli entrain the activity of neuronal populations, but the effect of global stimulus statistics on this entrainment is unknown. We assessed entrainment evoked by 1) visual noise ensembles with different spectral slopes, 2) complex natural scenes, and 3) narrowband sinusoidal gratings. Entrainment was most effective for broadband noise with naturalistic luminance contrast. This reveals some global properties shaping stimulus-driven brain oscillations in the human visual system.