bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A general risk-based adaptive management scheme incorporating the Bayesian Network Relative Risk Model with the South River, Virginia, as case study
Authors: Landis Wayne G , Markiewicz April J , Ayre Kim K , Johns Annie F , Harris Meagan J , Stinson Jonah M , Summers Heather M
Published: June 2016

Adaptive management has been presented as a method for the remediation, restoration, and protection of ecological systems. Recent reviews have found that the implementation of adaptive management has been unsuccessful in many instances. We present a modification of the model first formulated by Wyant and colleagues that puts ecological risk assessment into a central role in the adaptive management process. This construction has 3 overarching segments. Public engagement and governance determine the goals of society by identifying endpoints and specifying constraints such as costs. The research, engineering, risk assessment, and management section contains the decision loop estimating risk, evaluating options, specifying the monitoring program, and incorporating the data to re-evaluate risk. The 3rd component is the recognition that risk and public engagement can be altered by various externalities such as climate change, economics, technological developments, and population growth. We use the South River, Virginia, USA, study area and our previous research to illustrate each of these components. In our example, we use the Bayesian Network Relative Risk Model to estimate risks, evaluate remediation options, and provide lists of monitoring priorities. The research, engineering, risk assessment, and management loop also provides a structure in which data and the records of what worked and what did not, the learning process, can be stored. The learning process is a central part of adaptive management. We conclude that risk assessment can and should become an integral part of the adaptive management process. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:115–126. © 2016 SETAC.

Key Points

Ecological risk assessment will enhance the adaptive management process and provide a structure for learning and communication. We have proposed an adaptive management structure that incorporates risk assessment, the inclusion of governance and public engagement, and recognizes that externalities will change the parameters and decisions to be made. The South River is a case study that incorporates each of the components of the adaptive management process and explicitly uses risk assessment as a critical part of the remediation plan.
Prognostic significance of hematological profiles in melanoma patients
Authors: Gandini Sara , Ferrucci Pier Francesco , Botteri Edoardo , Tosti Giulio , Barberis Massimo , Pala Laura , Battaglia Angelo , Clerici Alessandra , Spadola Giuseppe , Cocorocchio Emilia , Martinoli Chiara
Published: June 2016

Cancer‐related inflammation may play an important role in disease progression and patient outcome, and could be easily monitored through indirect parameters routinely evaluated at diagnosis. Here, we investigated if peripheral blood cells and the ratios of neutrophils to lymphocytes (NLR) and of lymphocytes to monocytes (LMR) as surrogate markers of cancer related inflammation are associated with disease progression and survival of melanoma patients at any stage of the disease. Records of 1,182 melanoma patients included in an Institutional tumor registry in the period 2000–2010, were reviewed. Among them, 584 patients with a cutaneous or unknown primary melanoma and available pre‐operative blood tests were analyzed. Survival was estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method, and analyzed using Log‐rank test, Cox regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. We found that patients presenting with distant metastases had higher leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, and lower lymphocytes compared to Stage I–III patients. Furthermore, at a single‐patient level, hematological profiles changed on disease progression from regional to distant metastatic, with significantly increased circulating leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, and decreased lymphocytes. Peripheral blood cell counts were not associated with survival of patients with a localized or regionally metastasized melanoma. Instead, in Stage IV patients, leukocytes (p = 0.001), neutrophils (p = 0.0002), monocytes (p = 0.002), NLR (p < 0.0001) and LMR (p = 0.005) were all significantly associated with survival, independently of other known prognostic factors. These results suggest that cellular components of peripheral blood do count for survival of patients with advanced melanoma.
Gain or non‐loss: The message matching effect of regulatory focus on moral judgements of other‐orientation lies
Authors: Wu Song , Cai Wei , Jin Shenghua
Published: June 2016

Previous studies found that individuals with promotion focus are more likely to be persuaded by messages framed in terms of gain‐related words; individuals with prevention focus are more likely to be persuaded by messages framed in terms of loss‐related words. This is known as the message matching effect of regulatory focus. The present study extended this effect into the field of moral judgement of other‐orientation lies. Two experiments were conducted, revealing that (a) individuals with promotion focus judged gain‐framed other‐orientation lies to be more moral, while individuals with prevention focus judged non‐loss‐framed other‐orientation lies to be more moral; and (b) the subjective processing fluency had a partial mediating role in the message matching effect. Theoretical implications and future research directions were discussed.
Paddy Field Modelling System For Water Quality Management
Authors: Song Jung‐Hun , Ryu Jeong Hoon , Park Jihoon , Jun Sang Min , Song Inhong , Jang Jeongryeol , Kim Sang Min , Kang Moon Seong
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to develop a paddy field modelling system for predicting pollutant (nutrient) loads and evaluating various best management practices (BMPs) on paddy fields. The system consists of a pre‐processing component, the CREAMS‐PADDY (Chemicals, Runoff, and Erosion from Agricultural Management Systems for PADDY) model, and a post‐processing component. The CREAMS‐PADDY was selected as the core model. The pre‐processing component included manipulation of meteorological data, management of input parameters such as spatial characteristics and farming methods, batch running, and implementing various scenarios. The post‐processing component contained visualization of water and nutrient balance components and statistical analyses for calibration, validation and application. To evaluate the applicability of the developed system, reduction effects on water control methods in paddy fields were simulated. Model parameters related to hydrology and water quality were calibrated and validated by comparing model predictions with field data collected over 2 years. The simulation results indicated that reducing nutrient loss through surface drainage by water‐saving irrigation and raising drainage outlet heights could protect downstream water quality. The simulation system will be a useful tool for planning BMPs to reduce nutrient loads from paddy fields in various regions including Korea. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pro‐osteoclastic in vitro effect of Polyethylene‐like nanoparticles: Involvement in the pathogenesis of implant aseptic loosening
Authors: Brulefert Kevin , Córdova Luis A. , Brulin Bénédicte , Faucon Adrien , Hulin Philipe , Nedellec Steven , Gouin François , Passuti Norbert , Ishow Eléna , Heymann Dominique
Published: June 2016

Polyethylene micro‐sized wear particles released from orthopedic implants promote inflammation and osteolysis; however, less is known about the bioactivity of polyethylene nanosized wear particles released from the last generation of polymer‐bearing surfaces. We aim to assess the internalization of fluorescent polyethylene‐like nanoparticles by both human macrophages and osteoclasts and also, to determine their effects in osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Human macrophages and osteoclasts were incubated with several ratios of fluorescent polyethylene‐like nanoparticles between 1 and 72 h, and 4 h, 2, 4, 6, and 9 days, respectively. The internalization of nanoparticles was quantified by flow cytometry and followed by both confocal and video time‐lapse microscopy. Osteoclast differentiation and activity was semiquantified by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, TRAP mRNA relative expression, and pit resorption assay, respectively. Macrophages, osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts internalized nanoparticles in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and maintained their resorptive activity. In addition, nanoparticles significantly increased the osteoclastogenesis as shown by upregulation of the TRAP expressing cell number. We conclude that polyethylene‐like nanosized wear particles promote osteoclast differentiation without alteration of bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts and they could be considered as important actors in periprosthetic osteolysis of the last new generation of polymer‐bearing surfaces. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2649–2657, 2016.
Influence of nitrite on the degradation of atrazine by ozonation
Authors: Yang Jingxin , Li Ji , Dong Wenyi , Ma Jun , Li Jiayin
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUD

Nitrite is ubiquitous in natural water and wastewater. It is generally accepted that nitrite is an ozone consumer and has a negative influence on contaminants degradation during ozonation. Recently, nitrite was found to react with ozone to produce ·OH. However, the potential positive effect of nitrite on the degradation of ozone refractory compounds has never been recognized previously during ozonation. Herein, the influence of nitrite on the degradation of atrazine by ozonation is evaluated.

RESULTS

The presence of nitrite was found to enhance atrazine degradation during ozonation. The enhancing effect of nitrite was attributed to ·OH formation with a yield of 8.4% in the reaction of ozone with nitrite, which was demonstrated in scavenging experiments with tert‐butyl alcohol. The maximum atrazine degradation was observed at the nitrite dose of 10 µmol L−1, when the ozone dose was 20 µmol L−1. The enhancing effect of nitrite on atrazine degradation by ozonation was more pronounced at lower pHs. The enhancing effect of nitrite on atrazine degradation by ozonation was still observed in surface water, especially at acidic pH. Six transformation products of atrazine were identified in the ozone/nitrite system, and the degradation mechanism is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate that nitrite not only acts as an ozone consumer, but may also have a positive effect on the degradation of ozone refractory contaminants by activating ozone to produce ·OH. It provides a more comprehensive understanding to the role of nitrite in ozonation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus in blood donors from Burkina Faso: Prevalence of quasi‐subgenotype A3, genotype E, and mixed infections
Authors: Candotti Daniel , Diarra Birama , Bisseye Cyrille , Tao Issoufou , Pham Quang Kei , Sanou Mahamoudou , Laperche Syria , Sanogo Rokia , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Simpore Jacques
Published: June 2016

Burkina Faso is a highly endemic area for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) which remains a major challenge for blood safety with >13% of candidate blood donors being chronically infected. However, little is known about the molecular epidemiology of the viral strains currently circulating. In this study, 99 HBV strains from HBsAg positive candidate blood donors in Ougadougou were genetically characterized by sequencing the pre‐S/S region of the viral genome. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a 25% prevalence of HBV quasi‐subgenotype A3 (A3QS) co‐circulating with the confirmed dominant HBV genotype E (72%). HBV/A3QS sequences formed a sub‐cluster closely related to West‐African sequences previously characterized, and showed a low intra‐group genetic diversity (0.75%) suggesting a relatively recent spreading of HBV/A3QS strains in Burkina Faso. Low genetic diversity of genotype E strains compared to A3QS was confirmed. Mixed infections with the two genotypes were identified in 3% of the donors tested and contributed to artifacts during PCR amplification of the viral genome leading to erroneous apparent intergenotype recombinant sequences. While the co‐circulation of two HBV genotypes in a restricted area may favor the emergence of intergenotype recombinant variants, strictly controlled molecular experimental procedures should be used to accurately characterize HBV circulating recombinant forms. J. Med. Virol. 88:2145–2156, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of extracellular polymeric substances of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 induced by root exudates of cucumber
Authors: Kimani Veronicah Njeri , Chen Lin , Liu Yunpeng , Raza Waseem , Zhang Nan , Mungai Lewis Kamau , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: June 2016

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 is a plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium (PGPRs) that forms biofilm on the roots of plants and protects them from a variety of pathogens. In this study, we reported the effect of root exudates produced by cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) at different developmental stages on the biochemical composition of the biofilm matrix of SQR9. The results showed that the amino acids present in the root exudates of cucumber were responsible for triggering biofilm formation of SQR9. In addition, when root exudates harvested at different growth phases of cucumber were used as carbon sources for biofilm formation, the resulting biofilm matrixes differed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The biofilm matrix was mostly composed of amino groups observed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) hence the proteins formed the major component of the resulting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The potential use of amino acid‐based dietary supplements to control biofilm formation in the plants may be a viable option to improve agricultural productivity by recruiting beneficial association with PGPRs in the manufacture of bio fertilizers or bio controls.
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of S. mutans biofilms attached to relevant dental materials
Authors: Zoccolillo Michelle L. , Rogers Stephen C. , Mang Thomas S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Antimicrobial Photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has demonstrated efficacy in situations where conventional antibiotic therapies can be challenged such as biofilms, gram‐negative bacteria, and antimicrobial resistant organisms. Surface characteristics can affect biofilm adherence and integrity and so may modify the effectiveness of aPDT. This study investigates the killing efficacy of aPDT on S. mutans biofilms grown on relevant dental substrata, examining the killing efficacy and specifically the effects of aPDT on the biofilm matrix architecture.

Materials and Methods

S. mutans (NCTC 10449) was grown in 48 hours biofilms on different substrata, specifically glass, titanium, and denture acrylic. During aPDT assays, the biofilms were treated with a purpurin based sensitizer ([25 ug/ml] in DMSO) for 30 minutes, then exposed to a 664 nm diode laser at light doses of 15, 30, and 45 J/cm2. Colony forming unit assays were performed to determine survival following treatment. Controls for comparison in survival assays consisted of (No light/No PS; No light/PS; and No light/DMSO). MAIR‐IR spectroscopy analysis was performed to investigate aPDT effects on biofilm composition before and after jet impingement.

Results

Survival was greatly reduced in the biofilm cultures following the aPDT assays. All light doses achieved a greater then 3‐log inactivation on 48 hours biofilms grown on polished denture acrylic. The higher light doses (45 and 30 J) achieved greater than 3‐log inactivation in 48 hours biofilms grown on glass. The higher light doses (30 and 45 J/cm2) produced a 2‐log inactivation in 48 hours biofilms grown on titanium. Multiple attenuated internal reflection infrared (MAIR‐IR) spectroscopy data demonstrates enhanced loss of exopolysaccharide (EPS) and Amide in the aPDT treated biofilms following jet impingement.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial PDT experiments using a purpurin based sensitizer and laser light doses of 15, 30, and 45 J/cm2, against S. mutans biofilm grown on different surfaces, show the effectiveness of this therapy. In CFU survival assays, a dose response to the laser is evident. While considerable disinfection was achieved on all surfaces compared to the controls, not all surfaces could be disinfected equally. MAIR‐IR spectroscopy showed that aPDT groups lost more EPS and Amide versus controls, suggesting aPDT induced biofilm embrittlement, which was revealed by jet impingement. With demonstrated efficacy against various microbes and on different substrata, antimicrobial aPDT shows potential for clinical application in biofilm‐mediated diseases such as peri‐implantitis and periodontitis. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:995–1005, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Facile Strategy to Fabricate Multishape Memory Polymers with Controllable Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang Qinglong , Hua Wenqiang , Feng Jiachun
Published: June 2016

A facile blending strategy to fabricate multishape memory polymers (SMPs) with only one sort of phase transition material has been reported. In this work, olefin block copolymer (OBC) and styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene (SEBS), which are both physically crosslinked, are blended with crystalline paraffin together. Due to the different interactions between polymer matrices and paraffin, the paraffin penetrated in OBC and SEBS exhibit separated melting transitions. It is quite interesting that merely paraffin distributed in OBC also shows two distinct melting transitions with enough OBC content in composites. Therefore, excellent quadruple shape memory effect can be achieved with a maximum of three melting transitions. Furthermore, through adjusting the polymer species and content, the mechanical and rheological properties can be conveniently tuned to a great extent. Compared with the reported strategies, this simple and controllable method sheds light on rapid design of multi‐SMPs using inexpensive raw materials, which greatly paves the way for multi‐SMPs from laboratory to factory.

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A novel miR‐203‐DNMT3b‐ABCG2 regulatory pathway predisposing colorectal cancer development
Authors: To Kenneth K.W. , Leung Wing W. , Ng Simon S.M.
Published: June 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The majority of studies to date focused on genetic mutations and epigenetic changes that drive the CRC carcinogenesis process. Xenobiotic transporters play an important role in safeguarding our body from external toxic substances. These transporters lining the gastrointestinal tract protect us from dietary carcinogens. This study aimed to investigate the downregulation of an efflux transporter ABCG2 in CRC versus normal colon mucosa, so as to shed light on its relevance to CRC initiation and progression. We found that ABCG2 expression is at least 50‐fold lower in adenomatous polyps and colon carcinoma specimens obtained from CRC patients than in their matched pair of adjacent normal colon mucosa. The underlying mechanism(s) for ABCG2 under‐expression in CRC is currently not known. To this end, aberrant promoter methylation of ABCG2 has been reported to cause its repression in a few cancer types including renal carcinoma and multiple myeloma. In this study, miR‐203 was found to be downregulated in all polyps and CRC specimens, relative to adjacent normal colon mucosa. We demonstrated that the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3b is a direct target of miR‐203. Importantly, by relieving the repression on DNMT3b, the lower expression of miR‐203 in CRC caused ABCG2 promoter methylation and remarkable lower ABCG2 expression in colon cancer cell lines and the patient CRC specimens. The restoration of ABCG2 function via modulating this new microRNA‐methylation mechanism in precancerous cells may represent an attractive strategy to delay the carcinogenesis process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of the BrafV637E mutation in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by treatment with diethylnitrosamine in neonatal B6C3F1 mice
Authors: Yamamoto Masahiro , Tanaka Hiroki , Xin Bing , Nishikawa Yuji , Yamazaki Kosuke , Shimizu Keiko , Ogawa Katsuhiro
Published: June 2016

The BrafV637E mutation is frequently reported in mouse hepatic tumors, depending on the mouse strain, and corresponds to the human BrafV600E mutation. In this study, we detected the BrafV637E mutation by whole‐exome analysis in 4/4 hepatic tumors induced by neonatal treatment with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in male B6C3F1 mice. We also detected the BrafV637E mutation in 54/63 (85.7%) hepatic lesions, including microscopic foci and grossly visible tumors, by PCR‐direct sequencing. Although the mutation was detected in 5/7 (71.4%) hepatic tumors induced by neonatal DEN treatment followed by repeated CCl4 administration, it was not detected in 24 tumors induced by CCl4 treatment without DEN or in eight spontaneous lesions in B6C3F1 mice, suggesting that the mutation is induced by the genotoxic action of DEN. The DEN‐induced tumors exhibited hyperphosphorylation of ERK1 and Akt, suggesting that the BrafV637E mutation might activate the MAPK and Akt pathways. Moreover, the DEN‐induced tumors overexpressed mRNAs for the oncogene‐induced senescence (OIS) markers such as p15Ink4b and p19Arf as well as pro‐survival/pro‐proliferative cytokines/chemokines such as complement C5/C5a, ICAM‐1, IL‐1 receptor antagonist and CXCL9, suggesting that the BrafV637E mutation influences the expression of genes involved in either OIS or cellular growth/survival. Liver‐specific expression of mutated Braf under control of the albumin enhancer/promoter resulted in an enlarged liver that consisted entirely of small basophilic hepatocytes resembling DEN‐induced preneoplastic hepatocytes with ERK1/Akt hyperphosphorylation and C5/C5a overexpression. These results indicate that the BrafV637E mutation induces hepatocytic changes in DEN‐induced hepatic tumors. © 2016 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Composite film developed from the blends of sesame protein isolate and gum rosin and their properties thereof
Authors: Sharma Loveleen , Singh Charanjiv
Published: June 2016

Composite films from sesame protein isolate and gum rosin were prepared at different ratios by casting method. The effect of gum rosin (GR) addition on the physical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and morphological properties were investigated. Maximum tensile strength and minimum water vapor permeability was observed for composite film at 80:20 ratio. Transparency of sesame protein film was observed to be lower as compared with composite films. ΔE values increased with increase in concentration of GR. X‐ray diffraction of sesame protein film and composite films indicated amorphous structure of films. Differential scanning calorimetric curves of all films showed single Tg in the range of 108°C–158.66°C. All films exhibited weight loss in three stages (temperature ranged between 130°C and 590°C). Sesame protein film exhibited high degree of porosity. With the addition of GR porosity decreased and compactness increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1480–1487, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural Defect Evolution of TATB‐Based Compounds Induced by Processing Operations and Thermal Treatments
Authors: Guerain Mathieu , Forzy Alexandre , Lecardeur Alexandre , Trumel Hervé
Published: June 2016

2,4,6‐Triamino‐1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) compounds are commonly used in high performance explosives because of their thermal stability and high detonation velocities compared to other materials. The insensitivity and mechanical properties are related to the stability of their crystalline structure. Crystallographic structure and structural defects evolution of TATB and TATB‐based compounds were studied by X‐ray diffraction for powders, molding powders, and pressed compounds, using Rietveld refinement. The effects of synthesis conditions, thermal treatments, coating and pressing operations on the structure of TATB compounds were evaluated. The results show that the pressing operation results in anisotropic crystallite size, leading to an increase of the structural defects density. It could be due to the anisotropic mechanical response of the TATB crystal under pressure, possibly plasticity. Finally, it is shown that increasing thermal treatment temperature on TATB powders decreases the structural defects density.
Review of anthraquinone applications for pest management and agricultural crop protection
Authors: DeLiberto Shelagh T , Werner Scott J
Published: June 2016

We have reviewed published anthraquinone applications for international pest management and agricultural crop protection from 1943 to 2016. Anthraquinone (AQ) is commonly found in dyes, pigments and many plants and organisms. Avian repellent research withAQbegan in the 1940s. In the context of pest management,AQis currently used as a chemical repellent, perch deterrent, insecticide and feeding deterrent in many wild birds, and in some mammals, insects and fishes. Criteria for evaluation of effective chemical repellents include efficacy, potential for wildlife hazards, phytotoxicity and environmental persistence. As a biopesticide,AQoften meets these criteria of efficacy for the non‐lethal management of agricultural depredation caused by wildlife. We summarize published applications ofAQfor the protection of newly planted and maturing crops from pest birds. Conventional applications ofAQ‐based repellents include preplant seed treatments [e.g. corn (Zea maysL.), rice (Oryza sativaL.), sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.), wheat (Triticumspp.), millet (Panicumspp.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.), pelletized feed and forest tree species] and foliar applications for rice, sunflower, lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.), turf, sugar beets (Beta vulgarisL.), soybean (Glycine maxL.), sweet corn and nursery, fruit and nut crops. In addition to agricultural repellent applications,AQhas also been used to treat toxicants for the protection of non‐target birds. Few studies have demonstratedAQrepellency in mammals, including wild boar (Sus scrofa, L.), thirteen‐lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus, Mitchill), black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cyomys ludovicainus, Ord.), common voles (Microtus arvalis, Pallas), house mice (Mus musculus, L.), Tristram's jirds (Meriones tristrami, Thomas) and black rats (Rattus rattusL.). Natural sources ofAQand its derivatives have also been identified as insecticides and insect repellents. As a natural or synthetic biopesticide,AQis a promising candidate for many contexts of non‐lethal and insecticidal pest management. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Stress‐Strength Reliability Analysis with Extreme Values based on q‐Exponential Distribution
Authors: Sales Filho Romero L. M. , López Droguett Enrique , Lins Isis D. , Moura Márcio C. , Amiri Mehdi , Azevedo Rafael Valença
Published: June 2016

When dealing with practical problems of stress–strength reliability, one can work with fatigue life data and make use of the well‐known relation between stress and cycles until failure. For some materials, this kind of data can involve extremely large values. In this context, this paper discusses the problem of estimating the reliability index R = P(Y < X) for stress–strength reliability, where stress Y and strength X are independent q‐exponential random variables. This choice is based on the q‐exponential distribution's capability to model data with extremely large values. We develop the maximum likelihood estimator for the index R and analyze its behavior by means of simulated experiments. Moreover, confidence intervals are developed based on parametric and nonparametric bootstrap. The proposed approach is applied to two case studies involving experimental data: The first one is related to the analysis of high‐cycle fatigue of ductile cast iron, whereas the second one evaluates the specimen size effects on gigacycle fatigue properties of high‐strength steel. The adequacy of the q‐exponential distribution for both case studies and the point and interval estimates based on maximum likelihood estimator of the index R are provided. A comparison between the q‐exponential and both Weibull and exponential distributions shows that the q‐exponential distribution presents better results for fitting both stress and strength experimental data as well as for the estimated R index. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 and Histone Deacetylase 9c Regulate Age-Dependent Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation into Osteoblasts and Adipocytes
Authors: Chen Ya-Huey , Chung Chiao-Chen , Liu Yu-Chia , Yeh Su-Peng , Hsu Jennifer L. , Hung Mien-Chie , Su Hong-Lin , Li Long-Yuan
Published: June 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent precursors that can undergo multilineage differentiation, including osteogenesis and adipogenesis, which are two mutually exclusive events. Previously, we demonstrated that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic component of the Polycomb-repressive complex 2, mediates epigenetic silencing of histone deacetylase 9c (HDAC9c) in adipocytes but not in osteoblasts and that HDAC9c accelerates osteogenesis while attenuating adipogenesis of MSCs through inactivation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 activity. Importantly, disrupting the balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis can lead to age-associated bone loss (osteoporosis) and obesity. Here, we investigated the relationship between age, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of MSCs by comparing EZH2 and HDAC9c expression in osteoblasts and adipocytes of both human and mice origins to determine whether the EZH2-HDAC9c axis regulates age-associated osteoporosis and obesity. Our findings indicated that a decline in HDAC9c expression over time was accompanied by increased EZH2 expression and suggested that a therapeutic intervention for age-associated osteoporosis and obesity may be feasible by targeting the EZH2-HDAC9c axis.
Chemical immobilisation of dhole (Cuon alpinus), Indian jackal (Canis aureus indicus) and Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) with ketamine hydrochloride–xylazine hydrochloride
Authors: Muliya Sanath Krishna , Shanmugam Arun A. , Kalaignan Pa. , Antony Linto , Chandranpillai Harikrishnan , Jaisingh Nirupama
Published: June 2016

Maintaining wild animals in captivity often requires chemical immobilisation to achieve various diagnostic, surgical and management interventions. Four dholes, two Indian grey wolves and four Indian jackals were immobilised using ketamine–xylazine combination for either medical or management interventions. Based on the estimated body weight, canids were darted upon with 6–8 mg kg−1 ketamine and 0.7–1.14 mg kg−1 xylazine. Initial signs of drug effect included decreased mentation and progressive ataxia followed by recumbency. The mean ± SD of induction time was 14.25 ± 2.75 (range: 11–17 min), 11 ± 3.16 (range: 8–15 min) and 15.5 ± 3.54 (range: 13–18 min) in dhole, Indian jackal and Indian wolf, respectively. Hyperthermia was initially observed in all the jackals and dholes, whereas rectal temperature in wolves remained well within the normal range for canids. The mean duration of anaesthesia was 31 ± 8.83 (range: 23–43 min), 32.5 ± 5.32 (range: 26–39 min) and 30.5 ± 7.78 (range: 25–36 min) in dhole, Indian jackal and Indian wolf, respectively, with subsequent smooth and uneventful recovery in all the cases. The observations made during immobilisation procedures in this work suggest that chemical immobilisation of captive dhole, Indian wolf and Indian jackal with 6–8 mg kg−1 ketamine and 1 mg kg−1 xylazine is effective and safe for routine management and medical interventions in these species provided body temperature is closely monitored and corrected as appropriate.
Tambora 1815 as a test case for high impact volcanic eruptions: Earth system effects
Authors: Raible Christoph C. , Brönnimann Stefan , Auchmann Renate , Brohan Philip , Frölicher Thomas L. , Graf Hans‐F. , Jones Phil , Luterbacher Jürg , Muthers Stefan , Neukom Raphael , Robock Alan , Self Stephen , Sudrajat Adjat , Timmreck Claudia , Wegmann Martin
Published: June 2016

The eruption of Tambora (Indonesia) in April 1815 had substantial effects on global climate and led to the ‘Year Without a Summer’ of 1816 in Europe and North America. Although a tragic event—tens of thousands of people lost their lives—the eruption also was an ‘experiment of nature’ from which science has learned until today. The aim of this study is to summarize our current understanding of the Tambora eruption and its effects on climate as expressed in early instrumental observations, climate proxies and geological evidence, climate reconstructions, and model simulations. Progress has been made with respect to our understanding of the eruption process and estimated amount of SO2
injected into the atmosphere, although large uncertainties still exist with respect to altitude and hemispheric distribution of Tambora aerosols. With respect to climate effects, the global and Northern Hemispheric cooling are well constrained by proxies whereas there is no strong signal in Southern Hemisphere proxies. Newly recovered early instrumental information for Western Europe and parts of North America, regions with particularly strong climate effects, allow Tambora's effect on the weather systems to be addressed. Climate models respond to prescribed Tambora‐like forcing with a strengthening of the wintertime stratospheric polar vortex, global cooling and a slowdown of the water cycle, weakening of the summer monsoon circulations, a strengthening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and a decrease of atmospheric CO2. Combining observations, climate proxies, and model simulations for the case of Tambora, a better understanding of climate processes has emerged. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:569–589. doi: 10.1002/wcc.407

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Paleoclimate
Going global: the new era of mapping modifications in RNA
Authors: Limbach Patrick A. , Paulines Mellie June
Published: June 2016

The post‐transcriptional modification of RNA by the addition of one or more chemical groups has been known for over 50 years. These chemical modifications, once thought to be static, are now being discovered to play key regulatory roles in gene expression. The advent of massive parallel sequencing of RNA (RNA‐seq) now allows us to probe the complexity of cellular RNA and how chemically altering RNA structure expands the RNA vocabulary. Here we present an overview of the various strategies and technologies that are available to profile RNA chemical modifications at the cellular level. These strategies can be characterized as targeted and untargeted approaches: targeted strategies are developed for one single chemical modification while untargeted strategies are more broadly applicable to a range of such chemical changes. Key for all of these approaches is the ability to locate modifications within the RNA sequence. While most of these methods are built upon an RNA‐Seq pipeline, alternative approaches based on mass spectrometry or conventional DNA sequencing retain value in the overall analysis process. We also look forward toward future opportunities and technologies that may expand the types of modifications that can be globally profiled. Given the ever increasing recognition that these RNA chemical modifications play important biological roles, a variety of methods, preferably orthogonal approaches, will be required to globally identify, validate and quantify RNA chemical modifications found in the transcriptome. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1367. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1367

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
Efficacy of Surgical Simulation Training in a Low‐Income Country
Authors: Tansley Gavin , Bailey Jonathan G. , Gu Yuqi , Murray Michelle , Livingston Patricia , Georges Ntakiyiruta , Hoogerboord Marius
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Simulation training has evolved as an important component of postgraduate surgical education and has shown to be effective in teaching procedural skills. Despite potential benefits to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), simulation training is predominately used in high‐income settings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulation training in one LMIC (Rwanda).

Methods

Twenty‐six postgraduate surgical trainees at the University of Rwanda (Kigali, Rwanda) and Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) participated in the study. Participants attended one 3‐hour simulation session using a high‐fidelity, tissue‐based model simulating the creation of an end ileostomy. Each participant was anonymously recorded completing the assigned task at three time points: prior to, immediately following, and 90 days following the simulation training. A single blinded expert reviewer assessed the performance using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) instrument.

Results

The mean OSATS score improvement for participants who completed all the assessments was 6.1 points [95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 2.2–9.9, p = 0.005]. Improvement was sustained over a 90‐day period with a mean improvement of 4.1 points between the first and third attempts (95 % CI 0.3–7.9, p = 0.038). Simulation training was effective in both study sites, though most gains occurred with junior‐level learners, with a mean improvement of 8.3 points (95 % CI 5.1–11.6, p < 0.001). Significant improvements were not identified for senior‐level learners.

Conclusion

This study supports the benefit for simulation in surgical training in LMICs. Skill improvements were limited to junior‐level trainees. This work provides justification for investment in simulation‐based curricula in Rwanda and potentially other LMICs.
Perioperative Mortality Rates in Australian Public Hospitals: The Influence of Age, Gender and Urgency
Authors: Watters David A. , Babidge Wendy J. , Kiermeier Andreas , McCulloch Glenn A. J. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

A decline in surgical deaths has been observed in Australia since the introduction of the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM). The current study was conducted to determine whether the perioperative mortality rate (POMR) has also declined.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of the POMR for surgical procedures in Australian public hospitals between July 2009 and June 2013, using data obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Operative procedures contained in the Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups were selected and the POMR was modelled using urgency of admission, age and gender as explanatory covariates.

Results

The POMR in Australian public hospitals reduced by 15.4 % over the 4‐year period. The emergency admissions POMR dropped from 1.40 to 1.12 %, and the elective admissions POMR from 0.09 to 0.08 %. The binary logistic regression model used to predict patient mortality showed emergency admissions to have a higher POMR than elective, being more evident at older ages. For emergency admissions, the difference in POMR between females and males increased with age, from about 55 years onwards, with females being lower. For elective surgeries, the difference between males and females was of little practical importance across ages.

Conclusions

The reduction in the POMR in Australia confirms the reduction in surgical deaths reported to ANZASM. Continuing to monitor POMR will be important to ensure the safest surgery in Australia. Further investigations into case‐mix will allow better risk adjustment and comparison between regions and time‐periods, to facilitate continuous quality improvement.
Civilian Airway Trauma: A Single‐Institution Experience
Authors: Madani Amin , Pecorelli Nicolò , Razek Tarek , Spicer Jonathan , Ferri Lorenzo E. , Mulder David S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Injuries to the airway in the neck and thorax are uncommon, but may be potentially life threatening. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients with airway injury.

Methods

From 1974 to 2014, a prospectively entered trauma database at a Level 1 trauma center was accessed to identify patients with injuries to the larynx, cervical trachea, or thoracic airway. Hospital charts were reviewed to obtain data on demographics, presentation, injury management, in‐hospital and long‐term morbidity and in‐hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate predictors of mortality and long‐term vocal cord morbidity. Data are expressed as N (%).

Results

One hundred and twenty patients were included (median injury severity score: 19 [interquartile range: 10–27]). There were 65 (54 %) blunt and 55 (46 %) penetrating injuries, with 90 (75 %) suffering multiple injuries. Sixteen (13 %) patients died from associated injuries (7: in ER; 9: after admission). Injuries were located in the cervical airway [101 (84 %)], thoracic airway [21 (18 %)], or both [2 (2 %)]. Eighty‐six (72 %) patients were managed surgically. Predictors of in‐hospital mortality included hemodynamic instability (OR 6.54, 95 % CI 1.11–37.14), GCS < 8 upon presentation (OR 4.35, 95 % CI 3.24–5.41), and head trauma (OR 4.10, 95 % CI 1.91–6.30). Fracture of cricoid or thyroid cartilages was a strong predictor of long‐term vocal cord injury (OR 3.93, 95 % CI 1.25–12.59).

Conclusions

Airway trauma remains a major challenge for early diagnosis, airway control, and management of both acute life‐threatening injury and long‐term morbidity.
Design of a CRISPR-Cas system to increase resistance of Bacillus subtilis to bacteriophage SPP1
Authors: Jakutyte-Giraitiene Lina , Gasiunas Giedrius
Published: June 2016

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) together with CRISPR-associated (cas) genes form an adaptive prokaryotic immune system which provides acquired resistance against viruses and plasmids. Bacillus subtilis presently is the best-characterized laboratory model for Gram-positive bacteria and also widely used for industrial production of enzymes, vitamins and antibiotics. In this study, we show that type II-A CRISPR-Cas system from Streptococcus thermophilus can be transferred into B. subtilis and provides heterologous protection against phage infection. We engineered a heterologous host by cloning S. thermophilus Cas9 and a spacer targeting bacteriophage SPP1 into the chromosome of B. subtilis, which does not harbor its own CRISPR-Cas systems. We found that the heterologous CRISPR-Cas system is functionally active in B. subtilis and provides resistance against bacteriophage SPP1 infection. The high efficiency of the acquired immunity against phage could be useful in generation of biotechnologically important B. subtilis strains with engineered chromosomes.
Succinic acid production by Actinobacillus succinogenes from batch fermentation of mixed sugars
Authors: Almqvist Henrik , Pateraki Chrysanthi , Alexandri Maria , Koutinas Apostolis , Lidén Gunnar
Published: June 2016

Succinic acid production from the monosaccharides xylose, arabinose, glucose, mannose and galactose was studied using the bacterium Actinobacillus succinogenes. In Duran bottle cultures, containing 10 g/L of each of sugar, succinic acid was produced from all sugars except for galactose. The highest succinate yield, 0.56 g/g, was obtained with glucose, whereas the succinate yield was 0.42, 0.38 and 0.44 g/g for xylose, mannose and arabinose, respectively. The specific succinate productivity was 0.7 g/g h for glucose, but below 0.2 g/g h for the other sugars. Batch bioreactor fermentations were carried out using a sugar mixture of the five sugars giving a total concentration of 50 g/L, mimicking the distribution of sugars in spent sulfite liquor (SSL) from Eucalyptus which is rich in xylose. In this mixture, an almost complete conversion of all sugars (except galactose) was achieved resulting in a final succinate concentration of 21.8–26.8 g/L and a total yield of 0.59–0.68 g/g. There was evidence of co-consumption of glucose and xylose, whereas mannose was consumed after glucose. The main by-products were acetate 0.14–0.20 g/g and formate 0.08–0.13 g/g. NADH balance calculations suggested that NADH required for succinate production was not met solely from formate and acetate production, but other means of NADH production was necessary. Results from mixed sugar fermentations were verified using SSL as substrate resulting in a succinate yield of 0.60 g/g. In addition, it was found that CO2 sparging could replace carbonate supply in the form of MgCO3 without affecting the succinate yield.
Microstructure Evolution in the Near-Surface Region During Homogenization of a Twin-Roll Cast AlFeMnSi Alloy
Authors: Wang Junjie , Zhou Xiaorong , Thompson George E. , Hunter John A. , Yuan Yudie
Published: June 2016

A near-surface deformed layer, comprising ultrafine grains of 50-500 nm diameters with the grain boundaries being decorated by a high population density of fine cubicα-Al15(FeMn)3Si2dispersoids and oxide/lubricant particles, was generated in a foil stock AlFeMnSi alloy during twin-roll casting due to severe shear deformation within the near-surface region. During a subsequent multi-step homogenization treatment at temperatures in the range of 713 K and 853 K (440 °C and 580 °C), the fine cubicα-Al15(FeMn)3Si2dispersoids within the near-surface layer were dissolved, while sparse, large lath-shaped Al3Fe particles formed in the same region. Significant grain growth took place within the near-surface layer due to the loss of grain boundary pinning by the dispersoids, leading to the removal of the ultrafine-grained microstructure within the near-surface region. However, at local regions where the population density of oxide particles was sufficiently high to provide grain boundary pinning, the ultrafine-grained microstructure was preserved within the near-surface layer.
Lessons on resilience: Learning to manage complexity
Authors: Cristancho Sayra
Published: June 2016

None
From peer review to PCAOB inspections: Regulating for audit quality in the U.S.
Authors: Löhlein Lukas
Published: June 2016

This study reviews the existing literature on the U.S. peer review system and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspection system to assess our knowledge of audit regulation. The traditional self-regulatory system of the accounting profession came to an end, in 2002, when the PCAOB was established to oversee the audit firms of publicly traded companies. This paper contributes to the controversial debate about self-regulation versus independent regulation by analyzing, categorizing, and comparing the research findings on the peer review system and the PCAOB system along three dimensions: the validity of peer reviews and PCAOB inspections, the recognition of reviews and inspections by decision-makers (e.g., investors, bankers, committees), and the effect of reviews and inspections on audit quality. Synthesizing the research on the regulatory regimes suggests that the notion of external quality control, both through peer reviews and government inspections, is positively linked with an improvement of audit quality. At the same time, the analysis indicates that external users do not seem to recognise peer review and PCAOB reports as very useful instruments for decision-making, which is in line with an identified rather skeptical perception of the audit profession on reviews and inspections. Overall, this study reveals that although the academic literature on peer review and PCAOB inspection is extensive it has not produced definitive conclusions concerning various aspects of audit regulation. This paper shows how this blurred picture is due to conflicting research findings, the dominance of the quantitative research paradigm, and unchallenged assumptions within the literature, and concludes by proposing research opportunities for the future.