bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting of heme oxygenase‐1 as a novel immune regulator of neuroblastoma
Authors: Fest Stefan , Soldati Rocio , Christiansen Nina M. , Zenclussen Maria L. , Kilz Jana , Berger Elisa , Starke Sven , Lode Holger N. , Engel Christoph , Zenclussen Ana C. , Christiansen Holger
Published: November 2015

Heme oxygenase (HO)−1 catalyzes the degradation of cytotoxic heme into biliverdin and blocks antitumor immune responses, thus protecting cancer against host defense. Whether this scenario also applies to neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid childhood tumor, is not known. Here, we demonstrate for the first time a prognostic relevance of HO‐1 expression in samples from NB patients and show that targeting of HO‐1 prevents both cancer resistance against cellular stress and immune escape in the syngeneic NXS2 A/J mouse model of NB. High HO‐1 RNA expression in NB tissues emerged as unfavorable prognostic marker, in particular for patients older than 18 months as indicated by univariate as well as multivariate survival probability analyses including disease stage and MYCN status. On the basis of this observation we aimed to target HO‐1 by systemic as well as tumor‐specific zinc protoporphyrin‐mediated HO‐1 suppression in a syngeneic immunocompetent NB mouse model. This resulted in 50% reduction of primary tumor growth and a suppression of spontaneous liver metastases. Importantly, HO‐1 inhibition abrogated immune cell paralysis affecting CD4 and CD8 T‐effector cells. This in turn reverted HO‐1‐dependent immune escape mechanisms in NB by increasing NB apoptosis and improved DC maturation. In summary, HO‐1 emerges as a novel immune regulator in NB and emerges as a promising target for the development of therapeutic approaches.
Menopausal hormone therapy use and breast cancer risk in Australia: Findings from the New South Wales Cancer, Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk study
Authors: Salagame Usha , Banks Emily , Sitas Freddy , Canfell Karen
Published: November 2015

Randomised controlled trials and large‐scale observational studies have found that current use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer; this risk is higher for oestrogen–progestagen combination therapy than for oestrogen‐only therapy. Our study was designed to estimate MHT‐associated breast cancer risk in a population of Australian women. Data were analysed for postmenopausal women with self‐reported incident invasive breast cancer (n = 1,236) and cancer‐free controls (n = 862), recruited between 2006 and 2014 into a large case–control study for all cancer types, the NSW CLEAR study. Information on past and current MHT use was collected from all participants, along with other lifestyle and demographic factors, using a self‐administered questionnaire. Unmatched multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for socio‐demographic, reproductive and health behaviour variables, body mass index and breast screening history. Compared to never users of MHT, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for breast cancer in current users of any type of MHT was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.57–2.78; p < 0.0001) and for past users of any type of MHT was 1.03 (0.82–1.28; p = 0.8243). For current users of oestrogen‐only and oestrogen–progestagen therapy, aORs were 1.80 (1.21–2.68; p = 0.0039) and 2.62 (1.56–4.38; p = 0.0003), respectively. These findings are consistent with those from other international observational studies, that current, but not past, use of MHT is associated with a substantially increased risk of breast cancer.
Preparation and evaluation of a molecularly imprinted sol–gel material as the solid‐phase extraction adsorbents for the specific recognition of cloxacilloic acid in cloxacillin
Authors: Du Kangli , Luo Zhimin , Guo Pengqi , Tang Weili , Wu Ningli , Zheng Penglei , Du Wei , Zeng Aiguo , Jing Wanghui , Chang Chun , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2015

Highly selective molecularly imprinted polymers on the surface of silica gels were prepared by a sol–gel process and used as solid‐phase extraction adsorbents for the specific recognition, enrichment and detection of cloxacilloic acid in cloxacillin. The obtained polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The imprinted polymers not only possessed high adsorption capacity (6.5 μg/mg), but also exhibited fast adsorption kinetics (they adsorb 80% of the maximum amount within 20 min) and excellent selectivity (the imprinted factor was 3.6). A method using the imprinted polymers as solid‐phase extraction adsorbents coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was established with good specificity, linearity (r = 0.9962), precision (ranging from 0.5 to 6.7%), accuracy (ranging from 93.9 to 97.7%) and extraction recoveries (ranging from 78.8 to 89.8%). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.07 and 0.25 mg/g, respectively. This work could provide a promising method in the enrichment, extraction and detection of allergenic impurities in the manufacture, storage and application of cloxacillin.
Development and evaluation of a rigid esophagoscopy simulator for residency training
Authors: Allak Amir , Liu Yizhen E. , Oliynyk Marianna S. , Weng Kai H. , Jameson Mark J. , Shonka David C.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Rigid esophagoscopy is performed less frequently by resident trainees. Nonetheless, it remains important for certain indications, including foreign body extraction. This study describes the construction of a simulator and evaluates its utility in training residents.

Study Design

Simulator development, fabrication, and procedural evaluation of postgraduate trainees.

Methods

A simulator was developed and constructed in collaboration with a biomedical engineering team. Residents with varied experience in upper aerodigestive procedures performed rigid esophagoscopy on the model. Key steps and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) criteria for rigid esophagoscopy were evaluated by a faculty surgeon. Pressure measurements were obtained from force sensors at the tip of the endoscope and incisors.

Results

Fourteen trainees were evaluated. Operative rigid esophagoscopy and direct laryngoscopy case numbers were noted for each subject. OSATS scores and key steps of the procedure correlated with resident experience (R2 = 0.75, P < .0001 and R2 = 0.66, P < .001, respectively). Maximal pressure exerted on the simulator esophagus by the esophagoscope was inversely correlated with case number and was statistically significant (R2 = 0.51, P = .02), whereas length of procedure did not correlate (R2 = 0.04, P = .49). Maximal pressure on the incisors did not correlate (R2 = 0.25, P = .15).

Conclusions

A simulator for training residents to perform rigid esophagoscopy was developed and utilized by a faculty proctor to objectively evaluate trainees. OSATS scores, performance of key procedural steps, and pressure exerted on the simulator tissue correlated with upper aerodigestive cases performed, demonstrating validity of the simulator.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:616–619, 2016
Gaps in evidence: Management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea without tonsillar hypertrophy
Authors: Tang Alice , Gropler Matthew , Duggins Angela L. , Amin Raouf S. , Shott Sally R. , Chini Barbara , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is demonstrated in 40% of children after adenotonsillectomy. We previously evaluated the basis of management decisions in children with OSA without tonsillar hypertrophy and found that 61% of decisions were non–evidence based. The aim of this study was to identify gaps in evidence for the management of children with OSA without tonsillar hypertrophy.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

We recorded all real‐time decisions made by pediatric subspecialists from eight disciplines that participated in an upper airway clinic and management conferences. Practitioners were immediately queried regarding the basis of their decisions, and non–evidence‐based decisions were categorized.

Results

During 10 case conferences and five clinics, 507 decisions were made for 63 children (43% with Down syndrome, 20% with Pierre Robin sequence). The 309 non–evidence‐based decisions most commonly pertained to follow‐up timing and appropriate subspecialty clinic location (116/309, 38%) as well as timing for repeat polysomnography (35/309, 11%), especially in children at high risk for persistent OSA after treatment. Additional gaps identified included the likelihood of OSA improvement from weight loss, and effectiveness of sleep surgical procedures (i.e., lingual tonsillectomy, posterior midline glossectomy, and craniofacial surgery) alone or in combination.

Conclusions

Identified gaps in evidence included timing and location of follow‐up, appropriate use of polysomnography for surveillance, effectiveness of specific surgical procedures performed alone and in combination, and the use of oral appliances and continuous positive airway pressure therapy in children with Down syndrome. We also found a need for studies to compare the effectiveness of these treatment options in diverse patient populations.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:758–762, 2016
Flushing the liver with urokinase before transplantation does not prevent nonanastomotic biliary strictures
Authors: Pietersen Lars C. , den Dulk A. Claire , Braat Andries E. , Putter Hein , Korkmaz Kerem Sebib , Baranski Andre G. , Schaapherder Alexander F. M. , Dubbeld Jeroen , van Hoek Bart , Ringers Jan
Published: November 2015

The aim of the present study was to assess whether flushing the donor liver with urokinase immediately before implantation reduces the incidence of nonanastomotic biliary strictures (NASs) after liver transplantation, without causing increased blood loss, analyzed as a historical cohort study. Between January 2005 and October 2012, all liver (re‐)transplantations were included. Of the 185 liver transplant recipients included, 63 donor livers between January 2010 and October 2012 received urokinase (study group), whereas the donor liver of 122 consecutive recipients, who served as a historical control group, between January 2005 and January 2010 did not receive urokinase. Basic donor (Eurotransplant donor risk index) and recipient (age, body mass index, laboratory Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score) characteristics did not significantly differ in both groups. Thirty‐three recipients developed NASs: 22 in the control group (18%) and 11 (17.5%) in the study group (P = 0.68). Analyzed separately for donation after circulatory death (P = 0.42) or donation after brain death (P = 0.89), there was no difference between the groups in incidence of NAS. Of all the recipients developing NAS, 7 (21%) needed retransplantation and all others were treated conservatively. Autologous blood transfusion requirements did not differ significantly between both groups (P = 0.91), whereas interestingly, more heterologous blood transfusions were needed in the control group (P < 0.001). This study has its limitations by its retrospective character. A multi‐institutional prospective study could clarify this issue. In conclusion, arterial flushing of the liver with urokinase immediately before implantation did not lead to a lower incidence of NAS in this study, nor did it lead to increased blood loss. Liver Transplantation 22 420‐426 2016 AASLD
“String Hallucinations”: Multimodal Tactile and Visual Hallucinations in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Pagonabarraga Javier , Fernández‐Bobadilla Ramón , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: November 2015

The aim of this work was to report on 7 patients presenting a distinctive form of multimodal (tactile and visual) hallucinations for which the term “string hallucinations” is proposed. Having observed a patient interacting with imaginary strips of skin in his hands at our movement disorders unit, we prospectively studied PD patients and caregivers over a 6‐month period using a semistructured interview addressed to this particular phenomenon. Demographic characteristics as well as cognitive and motor function were assessed. A total of 7 of 164 PD patients (4.3%) observed during the study period had string hallucinations. One patient was cognitively intact and the other 6 had some degree of cognitive impairment. Common to the phenomenology of the hallucinations was the unpleasant feeling and vision of threads emerging from the subjects’ hands. Patients interacted with these “threads,” trying to remove them from their hands. Our study identifies a previously undescribed type of hallucinations in PD, characterized by a complex pattern of multimodal tactile and visual hallucinations.
Chronic insufficient sleep and diet quality: Contributors to childhood obesity
Authors: Cespedes Elizabeth M. , Hu Frank B. , Redline Susan , Rosner Bernard , Gillman Matthew W. , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Taveras Elsie M.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To examine associations of chronic insufficient sleep with diet and whether diet explains the sleep‐adiposity relationship.

Methods

In Project Viva, 1,046 parents reported children's sleep duration at 6 m and annually until midchildhood (7 y). The main exposure was a sleep curtailment score (6 m‐7 y) ranging from 0 (maximal curtailment) to 13 (adequate sleep). In mid‐childhood, parents reported children's diet; researchers measured height/weight. Multivariable linear regression assessed associations of sleep with diet (Youth Healthy Eating Index [YHEI]); sleep with BMI z‐score adjusting for YHEI; and, secondarily, joint associations of sleep and YHEI with BMI.

Results

Mean (SD) sleep and YHEI scores were 10.21 (2.71) and 58.76 (10.37). Longer sleep duration was associated with higher YHEI in mid‐childhood (0.59 points/unit sleep score; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.86). Although higher YHEI was associated with lower BMI z‐score (−0.07 units/10‐point increase; 95% CI: −0.13, −0.01), adjustment for YHEI did not attenuate sleep‐BMI associations. Children with sleep and YHEI scores below the median (<11 and <60) had BMI z‐scores 0.34 units higher (95% CI: 0.16, 0.51) than children with sleep and YHEI scores above the median.

Conclusions

While parent‐reported diet did not explain inverse associations of sleep with adiposity, both sufficient sleep and high‐quality diets are important to obesity prevention.
Preventing excessive gestational weight gain among African American women: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Herring Sharon J. , Cruice Jane F. , Bennett Gary G. , Rose Marisa Z. , Davey Adam , Foster Gary D.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Evidence is lacking regarding effective weight control treatments in pregnancy for ethnic minority women with obesity. This study evaluated whether a technology‐based behavioral intervention could decrease the proportion of African American women with overweight or obesity who exceeded Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for gestational weight gain.

Methods

We conducted a two‐arm pilot randomized clinical trial. Participants were 66 socioeconomically disadvantaged African American pregnant women (12.5 ± 3.7 weeks' gestation; 36% overweight, 64% obesity) recruited from two outpatient obstetric practices at Temple University between 2013 and 2014. We randomized participants to usual care (n = 33) or a behavioral intervention (n = 33) that promoted weight control in pregnancy. The intervention included: (1) empirically supported behavior change goals; (2) interactive self‐monitoring text messages; (3) biweekly health coach calls; and (4) skills training and support through Facebook.

Results

The intervention reduced the proportion of women who exceeded IOM guidelines compared to usual care (37% vs. 66%, P = 0.033). Intervention participants gained less weight during pregnancy (8.7 vs. 12.3 kg, adjusted mean difference: −3.1 kg, 95% CI: −6.2 to −0.1). No group differences in neonatal or obstetric outcomes were found.

Conclusions

The intervention resulted in lower prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain.
Body fatness charts based on BMI and waist circumference
Authors: Lee Wang‐Sheng
Published: November 2015

Objective

To present percent body fat (PBF) charts based on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) which can supplement current public health guidelines for obesity.

Methods

Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III for 18‐ to 65‐year‐olds, a semi‐parametric spline approach was utilized, in which no specific functional forms for BMI and WC are assumed, to depict graphically the relationship between BMI, WC, and PBF. Four distinct PBF charts were created, categorized by gender and ethnicity which are based on data from 2,170 white females, 1,902 African American females, 1,905 white males, and 1,635 African American males.

Results

PBF prediction based on the semi‐parametric spline model outperformed competing linear models. For men, BMI is largely inconsequential, and WC plays a primary role in determining PBF levels. For women, the interaction between BMI and WC is more complex. To have low body fat, women would need to watch both their BMI and WC measurements carefully.

Conclusions

PBF charts, which incorporate information from three dimensions that are as simple to read as a BMI chart to help determine a person's level of fatness, were proposed.
A Review of Antibiotic Use in Pregnancy
Authors: Bookstaver P. Brandon , Bland Christopher M. , Griffin Brooke , Stover Kayla R. , Eiland Lea S. , McLaughlin Milena
Published: November 2015

During pregnancy, untreated sexually transmitted or urinary tract infections are associated with significant morbidity, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion. Approximately one in four women will be prescribed an antibiotic during pregnancy, accounting for nearly 80% of prescription medications in pregnant women. Antibiotic exposures during pregnancy have been associated with both short‐term (e.g., congenital abnormalities) and long‐term effects (e.g., changes in gut microbiome, asthma, atopic dermatitis) in the newborn. However, it is estimated that only 10% of medications have sufficient data related to safe and effective use in pregnancy. Antibiotics such as beta‐lactams, vancomycin, nitrofurantoin, metronidazole, clindamycin, and fosfomycin are generally considered safe and effective in pregnancy. Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines are generally avoided in pregnancy. Physiologic changes in pregnancy lead to an increase in glomerular filtration rate, increase in total body volume, and enhanced cardiac output. These changes may lead to pharmacokinetic alterations in antibiotics that require dose adjustment or careful monitoring and assessment.
Possible Rivaroxaban Failure during the Postpartum Period
Authors: Rudd Kelly M. , Winans Amanda R. McFee , Panneerselvam Narmadha
Published: November 2015

Rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, is a direct‐acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) indicated for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and for reducing the risk of DVT and PE recurrence. To our knowledge, no data are presently available to guide DOAC dosing in the postpartum period when pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes induced by pregnancy have an impact on drug clearance and increase hypercoagulability for a period of 6–8 weeks after delivery. We describe the case of a 35‐year‐old postpartum woman who presented to the emergency department with a diagnosis of a new multiple segmental PE 5 days after starting rivaroxaban therapy for a diagnosis of DVT. No precipitating cause, including noncompliance, was identified as a source of thrombosis embolization or extension. The patient was admitted, a heparin infusion was started for the management of PE, and rivaroxaban was discontinued. She was transitioned to enoxaparin 1 mg/kg (90 mg) subcutaneously every 12 hours the next day, bridged to warfarin, and discharged home on the overlapping regimen with close follow‐up by the pharmacist‐managed outpatient Anticoagulation Management Service. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of potential failure associated with rivaroxaban therapy in the postpartum period, possibly due to pharmacokinetic alterations seen in the postpartum period contributing to decreased drug exposure, yielding reduced anticoagulant efficacy. Clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of DOAC therapy in postpartum patients or other special populations requiring anticoagulation therapy. This report also highlights the need for further research identifying the impact of pharmacokinetic changes induced by special populations and the need to develop monitoring assays for such clinical situations.
Efficient synthesis of ionic triblock copolyesters and facile access to charge‐reversal hybrid micelles
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Zheng Liuchun , Zhou Wen , Li Chuncheng , Xiao Yaonan , Zhu Wenxiang
Published: November 2015

Novel carboxyl‐ and amino‐functionalized copolyesters, based on poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(butylene fumarate)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone), were efficiently synthesized via Michael‐type thiol‐ene click chemistry. The resulting amphiphilic copolyesters with controllable molecular weights and abundant positively or negatively charged groups could spontaneously form pH‐sensitive micelles in aqueous solutions, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence probing technique, and zeta potential analyses. Importantly, charge‐reversal hybrid micelles can be obtained by co‐assembly of carboxyl‐ and amino‐functionalized copolyesters. The surface charges of hybrid micelles reversed rapidly from negative to positive at isoelectric point via protonation of surface carboxyl and amino groups. Interestingly, the hybrid micelles showed apparent pH‐triggered Nile red‐release behavior in acidic condition resembling tumor intracellular environment, which is fairly desirable for drug delivery. Our work indicates that co‐assembly is a facile but efficient way to prepare charge‐reversal micelles, which have great potential to be used as intelligent drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1259–1267
Preparation and properties of thermoresponsive and conductive composite fibers with core‐sheath structure
Authors: Lin Mei‐Fei , Don Trong‐Ming , Chang Fang‐Tzu , Huang Shih‐Ru , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: November 2015

In this research, thermoresponsive and conductive fibers with core‐sheath structure were fabricated by coaxial electrospinning. For preparing the spinning sheath solution, poly‐(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐methylolacrylamide) (PNN) copolymer having thermoresponsive and cross‐linkable properties was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization using redox initiators; it was then mixed with the conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) at different weight ratios in water. On the other hand, poly(butyl acrylate‐co‐styrene) (PBS) copolymer synthesized by emulsion polymerization was dissolved in chloroform and used as the spinning core solution. After electrospinning, the fibers were treated at 110 °C for 1 h to cross‐link the PNN portion in the sheath for strengthening the fibers. Well‐defined core‐sheath fibers were observed from SEM pictures; the outside and inside (core) diameters were 568 ± 24 and 290 ± 40 nm, respectively, as determined from TEM pictures. The fiber mats were further doped by DMSO to enhance their conductivity. For the fiber mat with the weight ratio of PEDOT:PSS/PNN at 0.20 in the sheath, its surface conductivity could reach 29.4 S/cm. In addition, the fiber mats exhibited thermoresponsive properties that both swelling ratio and electric resistance decreased with temperature. Furthermore, the fiber mats exhibited improved flexibility as evaluated via bending test. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1299–1307
Abbreviation modalities of nitrogen multiple‐breath washout tests in school children with obstructed lung disease
Authors: Green Kent , Ejlertsen Jacob S. , Madsen Astrid , Buchvald Frederik F. , Kongstad Thomas , Kobbernagel Helene , Gustafsson Per M. , Nielsen Kim G.
Published: November 2015

Rationale: Nitrogen multiple‐breath washout (N2 MBW) is a promising tool for assessing early lung damage in children with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but it can be a time‐consuming procedure. We compared alternative test‐shortening endpoints with the most commonly reported N2 MBW outcome, the lung clearance index, calculated as lung volume turnovers required to reach 2.5% of the starting N2 concentration (LCI2.5). Methods: Cross‐sectional study of triplicate N2 MBW measurements obtained in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (N = 60), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients (N = 28), and matched healthy controls (N = 48) aged 5–18 years. Bland–Altman analysis was used to compare LCI2.5 with earlier LCI endpoints (3%, 4%, 5%, 7%, and 9% of starting N2 concentration), Cn@TO6 (defined as % of N2 starting concentration when reaching six lung volume turnovers), and LCI derived from only two N2 MBW runs in each session. N2 MBW endpoints were analyzed as z‐scores calculated from healthy controls. Results: In PCD, Cn@TO6 and LCI2.5 exhibited similar values (mean [95%CI] difference: 0.33 [−0.24; 0.90] z‐scores), reducing the test duration by one‐third (5.4 min; 95%CI: 4.0; 6.8). All other tested alternative endpoints exhibited increasing disagreement with increasing LCI2.5. With an average reduction in test duration of 40%, LCI2.5 derived from two runs exhibited good agreement in all children. Conclusions: Cn@TO6 may be suggested as a potential test‐shortening endpoint in school children with PCD. In CF, early test termination may reduce measurement power with advancing pulmonary disease, suggesting differences in underlying pathophysiology. Two technically acceptable N2 MBW runs may be sufficient in school children irrespective of diagnosis with CF or PCD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:624–632. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cracking the code of process safety culture with organizational network analysis
Authors: Hunter Keith O. , Wolf Elliot M.
Published: November 2015

Organizations in the chemical process industry invest considerable amounts of time and resources managing change and implementing best practices to maintain safe operations and achieve operational objectives. Consequently, most executives and senior managers responsible for performance rely on formal organizational structure to achieve these objectives. However, front line employees responsible for ensuring safe operation of hazardous chemical processes are often influenced more by the informal than the formal organization in their daily activities. The dynamics of informal networks among workers are critical determinants of strong operational discipline (OD), process safety culture, and business performance. Yet, organizational social networks are often overlooked or not well understood by management. We discuss how organizational network analysis may improve our understanding of process safety culture. We also share results from our exploratory study that used a novel survey instrument to measure OD at the individual level in conjunction with a social network survey indicating interaction for the exchange of job task information and process safety advice, respectively. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 276–285, 2016
Synchronisation of the equatorial QBO by the annual cycle in tropical upwelling in a warming climate
Authors: Rajendran Kylash , Moroz Irene M. , Read Peter L. , Osprey Scott M.
Published: November 2015

The response of the period of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) to increases in tropical upwelling are considered using a one‐dimensional model. We find that the imposition of the annual cycle in tropical upwelling creates substantial variability in the period of the QBO. The annual cycle creates synchronisation regions in the wave forcing space, within which the QBO period locks onto an integer multiple of the annual forcing period. Outside of these regions, the QBO period undergoes discrete jumps as it attempts to find a stable relationship with the oscillator forcing. The resulting set of QBO periods can be either discrete or broad‐banded, depending on the intrinsic period of the QBO.

We use the same model to study the evolution of the QBO period as the strength of tropical upwelling increases, as would be expected in a warmer climate. The QBO period lengthens and migrates closer towards 36‐ and 48‐month locking regions as upwelling increases. The QBO period does not vary continuously with increased upwelling, however, but instead transitions through a series of two‐ and three‐cycles before becoming locked to the annual cycle. Finally, some observational evidence for the cyclical behaviour of the QBO periods in the real atmosphere is presented.
Many‐body effects in optical response of graphene‐based structures
Authors: Bulusheva L. G. , Sedelnikova O. V. , Okotrub A. V.
Published: November 2015

Graphene is an exciting material for optoelectronics and plasmonics. Its optical response may be changed under mechanical action, such as stretching or corrugation, and with confinement of a size in a certain direction. Theoretical investigations play an important role in interpretation of experimental data and stimulating a search for novel graphene architectures. Thereby, it is important to analyze restrictions of modern approaches in calculation of optical properties of graphene‐based objects and, particularly, to reveal an impact of electron–electron and electron–hole interactions on the position and shape of optical features. Here, we review the recent progress in quantum‐chemical calculations of monolayer and few‐layer graphenes, graphene ripples, and dots in a light of optical excitations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atomically Precise Prediction of 2D Self‐Assembly of Weakly Bonded Nanostructures: STM Insight into Concentration‐Dependent Architectures
Authors: El Garah Mohamed , Dianat Arezoo , Cadeddu Andrea , Gutierrez Rafael , Cecchini Marco , Cook Timothy R. , Ciesielski Artur , Stang Peter J. , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Samorì Paolo
Published: November 2015

A joint experimental and computational study is reported on the concentration‐dependant self‐assembly of a flat C3‐symmetric molecule on a graphite surface. As a model system a tripodal molecule, 1,3,5‐tris(pyridin‐3‐ylethynyl)benzene, has been chosen, which can adopt either C3h or Cs symmetry when planar, as a result of pyridyl rotation along the alkynyl spacers. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations of 2D nanopatterns with different surface coverage reveal that the molecule can generate different types of self‐assembled motifs. The stability of fourteen 2D patterns and the influence of concentration are analyzed. It is found that ordered, densely packed monolayers and 2D porous networks are obtained at high and low concentrations, respectively. A concentration‐dependent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) investigation of this molecular self‐assembly system at a solution/graphite interface reveals four supramolecular motifs, which are in perfect agreement with those predicted by simulations. Therefore, this DFT method represents a key step forward toward the atomically precise prediction of molecular self‐assembly on surfaces and at interfaces.
Vitamin D status in cats with feline immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Titmarsh Helen F. , Lalor Stephanie M. , Tasker Severine , Barker Emily N. , Berry Jacqueline , Gunn‐More Danielle , Mellanby Richard J
Published: November 2015

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that can lead to a syndrome of acquired immune dysfunction. Infected cats often remain asymptomatic for several years before immune dysfunction leads to an increased risk for the development of systemic diseases, neoplasia and opportunistic infections. FIV is structurally related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the pathogenesis of FIV‐related disease is similar to that seen in HIV‐infected patients. Observational studies have documented an association between low plasma vitamin D and HIV infection. Vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with HIV‐related disease progression, morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that vitamin D status, as assessed by serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, are lower in cats with FIV infection compared to healthy control cats. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in 20 healthy cats, 39 hospitalized ill cats and 59 cats infected with FIV. Cats which were FIV infected had significantly lower 25(OH)D concentrations compared to healthy control cats. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were not significantly different between FIV‐infected cats and hospitalized ill cats. Further investigations are warranted to determine whether vitamin D status influences the prognosis of cats infected with FIV.
Global Attractors of Sixth Order PDEs Describing the Faceting of Growing Surfaces
Authors: Korzec M. D. , Nayar P. , Rybka P.
Published: November 2015

A spatially two-dimensional sixth order PDE describing the evolution of a growing crystalline surface h(x, y, t) that undergoes faceting is considered with periodic boundary conditions, as well as its reduced one-dimensional version. These equations are expressed in terms of the slopes

$$u_1=h_{x}$$

u
1

=

h
x

and

$$u_2=h_y$$

u
2

=

h
y

to establish the existence of global, connected attractors for both equations. Since unique solutions are guaranteed for initial conditions in

$$\dot{H}^2_{per}$$

H
˙

p
e
r

2

, we consider the solution operator

$$S(t): \dot{H}^2_{per} \rightarrow \dot{H}^2_{per}$$

S

(
t
)

:

H
˙

p
e
r

2

→

H
˙

p
e
r

2

, to gain our results. We prove the necessary continuity, dissipation and compactness properties.
Optimization for Early-Warning Monitoring Networks in Well Catchments Should Be Multi-objective, Risk-Prioritized and Robust Against Uncertainty
Authors: Bode Felix , Nowak Wolfgang , Loschko Matthias
Published: November 2015

Groundwater abstraction wells are commonly protected by zones of restricted land use. Such well protection areas typically cannot cover the entire well catchment, and numerous risk sources remain. Each risk source could release contaminants at any time, affect the well earlier or later, and thus put the quality of supplied water at risk. In this context, it seems fortunate that most well catchments are equipped with monitoring networks. Such networks, however, often grew historically while following diverse purposes that changed with time. Thus, they are often inadequate (or at least suboptimal) as reliable risk control mechanism. We propose to optimize existing or new monitoring networks in a multi-objective setting. The different objectives are minimal costs, maximal reliability in detecting recent or future contaminant spills, and early detection. In a synthetic application scenario, we show that (1) these goals are in fact competing, and a multi-objective analysis is suitable, (2) the optimization should be made robust against predictive uncertainty through scenario-based or Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis, (3) classifying the risk sources (e.g., as severe, medium, almost tolerable) is useful to prioritize the monitoring needs and thus to obtain better compromise solutions under budgetary constraints, and (4) one can defend the well against risk sources at unknown locations through an adequate model for the residual risk. Overall, the concept brings insight into the costs of reliability, the costs of early warning, the costs of uncertainty, and into the trade-off between covering only severe risks versus the luxury situation of controlling almost tolerable risks as well.
Invasive Eupatorium catarium and Ageratum conyzoides benefit more than does a common native plant from nutrient addition in both competitive and non‐competitive environments
Authors: Huang Qiao Q. , Shen Yi D. , Li Xiao X. , Li Shao L. , Fan Zhi W.
Published: November 2015

We explored the roles of phenotypic plasticity and competition in contributing to the success of Eupatorium catarium, a recently invasive noxious annual forb in South China. We compared the growth and functional traits of E. catarium with those of a common native plant, Vernonia cinerea, and a long‐term historic invader, Ageratum conyzoides, along a nutrient gradient under both competitive and non‐competitive conditions. Under non‐competitive conditions, biomass differed little between species under low‐nutrient conditions. However, nutrient addition resulted in a greater increase in biomass of the two invasive species than that of V. cinerea. The greater increase in biomass in the two invasive plants may be partly explained by their greater plasticity in specific leaf area. The competition experiments involved different combinations of species: plants of E. catarium were grown with either a plant of A. conyzoides or with a plant of V. cinerea, or individual plants of all three species were grown in competition with a grassland sward grown from 1.5 g seeds of Digitaria radicosa. Relative to non‐competitive conditions, competition further increased the biomass difference between the two invasive plants and V. cinerea under high nutrient conditions. A. conyzoides outcompeted E. catarium in terms of biomass production under high nutrient conditions. Overall, these results indicate that A. conyzoides and E. catarium tend to outperform V. cinerea under high nutrient conditions and in both competitive and non‐competitive environments. However, E. catarium cannot outperform A. conyzoides in terms of biomass production under each of the nutrient and competitive conditions.
The Effect of Methanol on the Micellar Properties of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (DTAB) in Aqueous Medium at Different Temperatures
Authors: Shah Sujit Kumar , Chatterjee Sujeet Kumar , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: November 2015

The micellar properties of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) in water and methanol water mixtures at different temperatures have been studied by conductivity and surface tension measurements. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC), degree of ionization (α), standard Gibbs free energy of micellization (), standard enthalpy of micellization (), standard entropy of micellization () and free energy of transfer () were evaluated from conductivity data. The CMC, maximum excess surface concentration (
), area occupied per surfactant molecule (
), surface pressure at the CMC (
), packing parameter (P) and standard free energy interfacial adsorption ) were estimated from surface tension measurements. The CMC of DTAB was found to increase with increasing volume fraction of methanol and increasing temperature. Thermodynamic parameters and surface properties revealed that the addition of methanol changes the relevant physicochemical properties which affect the process of micellization.
New Nollywood: A Sketch of Nollywood’s Metropolitan New Style
Authors: Ryan Connor
Published: November 2015

Recent experimentation by Nollywood producers has encouraged increasing differentiation of film practices as a strategy for contending with a demanding video market. “New Nollywood” refers to a select group of aesthetically sophisticated films intended for a new tiered distribution method, beginning with theatrical release and ending with DVD release. Nigeria’s upscale multiplex cinemas are therefore a starting point for examining what is new—and not so new—in Nollywood. This article argues that New Nollywood films and the cinemas in which they appear appeal directly to spectators’ senses by promising not only a movie and shopping, but also an affective experience closely bound up with global consumerism. The films exhibit a metropolitan vantage point that emphasizes subjects such as airline travel, trendy technology, consumer culture, global pop culture, lifestyle brands, high fashion, and luxury goods. These films advertise their “modernity,” which is not presented as a consolidated order of knowledge and values, but rather as an assemblage of signifiers of city life. Whereas mainstream Nollywood continues to produce strong narratives that resonate with its intended audience, New Nollywood—with its emphasis on images and style—is a direct expression of the cultural and economic forces shaping life in Lagos today.
Virginity Testing, History, and the Nostalgia For Custom in Contemporary South Africa
Authors: Thornberry Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Over the past twenty years, South African civil society has engaged in an extended debate over the appropriate role of “custom” in public life, focusing on issues of gender and sexuality. The history of virginity testing in the Eastern Cape region shows that the nostalgia for custom points to the loss of sexual autonomy that accompanied colonialism. While the rhetoric that justified virginity testing in the precolonial and early colonial era was deeply patriarchal, the practice itself protected female sexual autonomy and provided protections that were undermined by the colonial legal regime and have yet to be effectively replaced.
Making the Decision to Remove a Child from Parental Care: Twelve Decision-Making Criteria
Authors: Broadley Karen
Published: November 2015

Removing a child from parental care is an important and difficult decision to make. There are far reaching consequences for the child and family. Whilst there is a plethora of literature in relation to child protection practice generally, research on decision making is minimal. In this practice paper, I present 12 decision-making criteria to assist practitioners make decisions about child removal. It is important for child protection practitioners to apply the same set of principles and consider the same factors when making these decisions. These criteria are as follows: the severity of the abusive incident; the presence of cumulative harm; whether the perpetrator has access to the child; the functioning of the parent; whether the perpetrator has been responsible for child abuse or intimate partner violence in the past; the cooperation of the parent; the intent of the perpetrator; the age of the child; the functioning of the child; the voice and expressed wishes of the child; protective relationships available to the child and the statutory requirement to cause no further harm. Referring to these criteria will assist practitioners be clear and explicit about how they reach a decision, and result in greater consistency of outcome for children and families.
Short- and Long-Intracortical Inhibition in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Mi Yiqun P. , Bailey Aaron Z. , Nelson Aimee J.
Published: November 2015

Background: Short- (SICI) and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) are involved in the control of movement and movement initiation. Alterations to the two circuits can result in direct alterations to the physiology of the muscles and can be used to explain the physiological changes to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: To probe changes in GABAergic function by characterizing the recruitment curves of SICI and LICI interval intracortical inhibition in an upper limb muscle in chronic SCI participants with injury between C3 and C7. Methods: Recruitment curves were elicited with conditioning stimulus intensities determined as a percentage of active motor threshold (AMT) (SICI, 60% to 110% AMT; LICI, 90% to 130% AMT) and recorded from the flexor carpi radialis muscle during an isometric contraction equal to 15% to 20% of maximum voluntary contraction. Results: AMT was greater and motor-evoked potential sizes were lower in SCI compared with uninjured controls. SICI magnitude was not different between groups, although the range of conditioning stimulus intensities to evoke SICI was unique to each group. LICI was reduced in the control group during active contraction and remained present in SCI. Discussion: LICI was increased in the actively contracted flexor carpi radialis muscle in individuals with SCI compared with age-matched controls. These findings indicate that GABAB function mediating LICI is different in SCI versus controls. Conclusions: Increased LICI in SCI may be attributed to the medication baclofen or to changes in the neural mechanisms controlling contraction-related modulation of the LICI circuit.
The Francis Effect on the Munus Docendi and Gubernandi of the Church
Authors: Bretzke James T.
Published: November 2015

Many observers detect a noticeable change in tone and practice between the pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI on the one hand, and that of Francis on the other, a shift from what some have called a more rigorously doctrinal and juridical approach to a more inclusive and pastoral one. This change has been dubbed “the Francis Effect,” and numerous commentators have attempted to discern its fundamental characteristics and its impact on the wider church. This roundtable, based on a “reading of the Roman tea leaves” first proposed by James T. Bretzke, SJ, at the 2015 College Theology Society Annual Convention and revised for this issue, offers an interpretation that focuses on the service (munus) of teaching and governing exercised by the pope and its practical impact on the church. In their responses to Bretzke, Julie Hanlon Rubio and Reid Locklin explore this impact further and point out both the strengths and the limits of the Francis Effect.1
The Reach and Limits of the Francis Effect: A Response to James T. Bretzke, SJ
Authors: Rubio Julie Hanlon
Published: November 2015

Many people sense that Pope Francis is doing something new. Not only theologians, but ordinary Catholics, people of other faiths, and secular observers are listening to this pope in a new way because he seems different from previous popes. Some argue that though Francis’ tone is distinct, much of what he is saying and doing was said and done by his predecessors. Others warn that while the new tone may be encouraging, moral norms (especially those related to sex, marriage, and gender) have not changed. James Bretzke does a great service by amassing large amounts of data to show that the “Francis Effect” or difference is both substantive and real.
Cartographies of Experience: Rethinking the Method of Liberation Theology
Authors: Justaert Kristien
Published: November 2015

The core of this article consists of a critical rethinking of the classical “see-judge-act” methodology of liberation theology. The article contends that this method threatens to install a dualism between a universal, secular experience of oppression and a Christian interpretation of it, thereby creating a hierarchical relation that reduces the complexity of the experience of poverty. The author investigates this issue by focusing on liberation theology's understanding of the “preferential option for the poor” (part 1) and the way in which the see-judge-act methodology affects this understanding (part 2). The article gradually moves on to alternative epistemologies, starting with a discussion of a hermeneutical approach (C. Boff and Schillebeeckx) and the method of “historicization” (Ellacuría), and eventually proposing a new phenomenologically and materially informed methodology for liberation theology that is called “cartography” and is grounded in a “new materialist” metaphysics as articulated by Deleuze, Braidotti, and Barad (part 3).