bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure, mechanical, and thermal properties of Ti1‐xAlxN/CrAlN (x = 0.48, 0.58, and 0.66) multilayered coatings
Authors: Liu Ziqiang , Chen Li , Xu Yuxiang
Published: September 2017

Nano‐multilayered TiAlN/CrAlN coatings combining advantages of Ti‐Al‐N and Cr‐Al‐N are considered to be promising candidates for advanced machining processes. Here, the structure and thermal properties of Ti1‐xAlxN/CrAlN (x = 0.48, 0.58, and 0.66) multilayered coatings as well as referential Ti1‐xAlxN and Cr0.32Al0.68N monolithic coatings were investigated. Ti1‐xAlxN coatings show a structural transformation from cubic structure for x = 0.48 to mixed cubic and wurtzite structure for x = 0.58 and 0.66, and Cr0.32Al0.68N coating exhibits a single cubic structure. Through a multilayer arrangement with Cr0.32Al0.68N layers, the Ti0.52Al0.48N and Ti0.42Al0.58N layers can be stabilized in their metastable cubic structure, but the Ti0.34Al0.66N layer still tends to crystallize in the mixed cubic and wurtzite structure. The hardness of Ti0.52Al0.48N/CrAlN and Ti0.42Al0.58N/CrAlN coatings is higher than that of corresponding monolithic coatings regardless of as‐deposited and annealed states. Especially, after annealing at 800°C, the Ti0.52Al0.48N/CrAlN and Ti0.42Al0.58N/CrAlN coatings reach their peak hardness of ~34.2 and 32.8 GPa due to the spinodal decomposition of Ti1‐xAlxN layers. However, the oxidation resistance of Ti1‐xAlxN/CrAlN coatings is mainly up to the Al content of Ti1‐xAlxN layers, where only the Ti0.34Al0.66N/CrAlN coating can survive the 10 h exposure to air at 1000°C.
Identification of electrocardiographic risk markers for the initial and recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation in patients with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Kawada Satoshi , Miyamoto Masakazu , Morimoto Yoshimasa , Nakagawa Koji , Nishii Nobuhiro , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

Introduction

New onset of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in asymptomatic patients with Brugada‐type ECG is not frequent, but it cannot be negligible. Risk markers for predicting VF are usually based on results of analysis in symptomatic patients, and they have not been determined for asymptomatic patients. We analyzed ECG markers in patients with Brugada syndrome to differentiate the risk factors for VF in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Methods

The subjects were 471 patients with Brugada syndrome and we divided the subjects into two groups: Asymptomatic group (n = 326) and Symptomatic group (syncope: n = 122, VF: n = 23). We analyzed the following ECG markers: RR, PQ, QRS, QT and Tpeak‐Tend (Tpe) intervals, ST level, atrial fibrillation (AF), atrioventricular block, spontaneous type 1 ECG, early repolarization (ER) and fragmented QRS (fQRS).

Results

During follow‐up (91 ± 64 months), 41 patients experienced VF (Asymptomatic: n = 10, Symptomatic: n = 31). Univariable analysis showed that spontaneous type 1 ECG, Tpe interval (≥95 milliseconds), high ST level (≥0.52 mV) and fQRS were common predictors for VF in both the Asymptomatic and Symptomatic groups. In addition to the common risk factors, wide QRS (≥107 milliseconds), long QT interval (≥420 milliseconds), ER and AF were predictors for VF in Symptomatic group. Multivariable analysis of the Symptomatic group showed fQRS, Tpe and ER were independent predictors of prognosis.

Conclusions

fQRS and Tpe interval are common risk factors for VF in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, whereas ER is a predictor for recurrent VF.
Long‐term follow‐up on patients treated for abdominal fat using a selective contactless radiofrequency device
Authors: Fritz Klaus , Salavastru Carmen
Published: September 2017

Background and objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate how abdominal circumferential reduction achieved after using a noninvasive radiofrequency device (BTL Vanquish, BTL Industries Inc., Boston, MA) evolves over a 4‐year period.

Methods

This is a follow‐up on patients who were treated in our practice for abdominal fat in an earlier published multicenter prospective study. Patients were recalled for biometric data collection 4 years (±60 days) after the last treatment. Body and weight measurements were compared to the historical data. Digital images of the treated area were taken. Independent panelists were asked to recognize the original baseline images from the 4‐year follow‐up images.

Results

The evaluation encompasses 13 subjects. In the original study, these patients lost on average 5.88 ± 4.14 cm of waist circumference (P < .001) while losing on average 1.29 kg. After 4 years, the same subjects had an average reduction of 4.42 ± 2.85 cm (P < .001) compared to the baseline, while gaining on average 0.50 kg. In both cases, the waist change was statistically independent of the weight change (P < .01). The patients preserved on average 75.2% of the original body contouring effect after 4 years as measured by circumference. None of the patients grew in circumference when compared to the baseline. Reviewers recognized the baseline patient images from the follow‐up patient images in 82.1% cases. No long‐term side effects were observed that would relate to the treatments.

Conclusions

In the study group, patients with ordinary weight changes preserved most of the original waist reduction after 4 years.
Relationship between acne vulgaris and cosmetic usage in Sri Lankan urban adolescent females
Authors: Perera Magelage Prabhavi Nilupulee , Peiris Wadu Mesthrige Dilhani Mihiri , Pathmanathan Diranjala , Mallawaarachchi Sudaraka , Karunathilake Indika Mahesh
Published: September 2017

Background

Acne vulgaris is one of the commonest skin disorders affecting up to 80% of the world population at least during adolescence. Significant psychosocial effects such as depression and poor personality development have been linked with acne, especially in female adolescents. Various causative factors, including cosmetic exposure, have been attributed toward acne.

Objective

To analyze the association between frequent exposure to cosmetics and severity of acne in adolescent females.

Method

A cross‐sectional analytical study was performed on 140 girls from three schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A self‐administered questionnaire was utilized to assess the patterns of cosmetic usage. Grading acne of the participants was performed by the researchers utilizing a standard acne grading scale.

Results

The overall prevalence of acne in our study population was 91.4% with a mean acne grade of 3.09. At least one cosmetic type was used by 126 (90%) of the population. A Pearson correlation coefficient (r) value of .452 (P < .001) was obtained between cosmetic exposure and acne grade, which indicates a statistically significant correlation. A chi‐square value of 22.875 was obtained at a degree of freedom of 2 (P < .001), enabling us to reject the null hypothesis that there is no significant association between cosmetic usage and acne severity.

Conclusion

Our results convey a significant positive association between frequent exposure to cosmetics and severity of acne in adolescent females. Girls of this age group must be made aware that cosmetic usage may be a potential aggravating factor for their facial acne.
The moderating role of age in the job characteristics–absenteeism relationship: A matter of occupational context?
Authors: Bouville Gregor , Dello Russo Silvia , Truxillo Donald
Published: September 2017

This study addresses the relationship between job characteristics and sickness absenteeism, examining it under two important boundary conditions, employee age, and occupational group. Drawing from psychological theories that explain age‐related differences in the workplace, as well as the sociology of occupations, we formulate hypotheses concerning two‐ and three‐way interactions between five key job characteristics (job demands, autonomy, skill variety, supervisor, and colleague support), age, and occupational group, namely blue‐collar workers versus clerks. We test our hypotheses on an archival sample of 5,175 employees taken from the French National Survey of Employment Conditions. Hierarchical negative binomial regressions reveal that many of our hypotheses are supported. For example, autonomy and supervisor and colleague support have a differential impact on sickness absenteeism depending on age and the occupational group of employees. We discuss the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.

Practitioner points

Sickness absences can be predicted by job characteristics as function of age and occupational groups.

Supervisor support is associated with fewer sickness absences in younger workers, especially clerks.

Occupational context may mask the age differences because for Job Autonomy and Colleague Support, age‐related differences were detected only within the blue‐collar and clerical groups, respectively.

The impact of job demands and skill variety on sickness absences is moderated by age and does not vary across the two occupational groups.
Dynamic daily associations between insomnia symptoms and alcohol use in adults with chronic pain
Authors: Miller Mary Beth , Chan Wai Sze , Boissoneault Jeff , Robinson Michael , Staud Roland , Berry Richard B. , McCrae Christina S.
Published: September 2017

Individuals with chronic pain are at risk for sleep disruption and heavy alcohol use, yet the daily associations between these behaviours are not well characterized. This study aimed to determine the extent to which alcohol use affects insomnia symptoms and vice versa in adults reporting symptoms of chronic pain. Participants were 73 individuals (93% women) reporting alcohol use in addition to symptoms of insomnia and chronic pain. They completed daily diaries assessing insomnia symptoms and alcohol use for 14 days. Multilevel modelling was used to evaluate the bidirectional associations between alcohol use and insomnia symptoms at the daily level. Consistent with laboratory‐based research, alcohol use was associated with decreased sleep‐onset latency the same night but increased sleep‐onset latency 2 nights later. Specifically, for every alcoholic drink consumed, time to sleep onset decreased by 5.0 min in the same night but increased by 4.3 min 2 nights later. Alcohol use was not significantly associated with subsequent wake after sleep onset or total sleep time, and insomnia symptoms were not significantly associated with subsequent alcohol use. To our knowledge, these data provide the first evidence that alcohol use negatively affects insomnia symptoms up to 2 days post‐consumption in patients reporting symptoms of insomnia and chronic pain. Findings suggest that one drink will have minimal impact on sleep, but heavier drinking (e.g. four–five drinks) may have a clinically significant impact (16–25‐min increase in sleep‐onset latency). Future studies may assess alcohol use as a point of intervention within this population.
Shell use by sympatric hermit crab species in a seasonally open coastal lagoon in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Vale Valéria F. , Moraes Sávio A. S. N. , Brito Vanessa L. G. , Alencar Carlos E. R. D. , Freire Fúlvio A. M.
Published: September 2017

There are gaps in what is known about the patterns of gastropod shell use by hermit crabs in Brazilian lagoon areas, especially in Northeastern Brazil. However, this is important because the understanding of selection patterns provides information on life history and eco‐evolutionary conceptions of paguroids. The present study investigated the use of gastropod shells occupied by Pagurus criniticornis and Clibanarius sclopetarius in a coastal lagoon seasonally connected to an estuary and to the sea, correlating eco‐evolutionary aspects and hydrodynamic characters. The study was carried out between February 2013 and January 2014. Hermit crabs and their shells were identified and measured (hermit crabs’ cephalothorax shield length and width, major propodus length and height, weight, shell total length and width, shell aperture length and width). Partial least squares regression was used to analyse the morphometric data. Additionally, a multinomial proportions test was performed to infer patterns (inter‐/intra‐specific) of shells’ occupation. Hermit crab species occupied a total of 13 types of shells, predominantly those of Neritina virginea (67.83%). The shell weight was the most important determinant of shell occupancy in the morphometric model (variable importance in projection >1). The proportions of N. virginea shells used were similar in both species of hermit crabs, except between the sexes of P. criniticornis. Presumably, the high utilization rate of N. virginea shells is related to its abundance and dispersal, and to the shells’ suitability for hermit crabs, which is reflected by the morphometric model, as well as by the hydrodynamics of the lagoon‐estuarine environment. The relative occupation of different types of shells for each species of hermit crabs studied appears to be associated with regulation by inter‐/intra‐specific competition, which fosters the co‐occurrence of those populations. These results endorse coastal lagoons as a refuge and recruitment area for aquatic fauna. In addition, it highlights a challenge in the management and conservation of paguroid species whose population dynamics depend on the resources coming from the Gastropoda community.
Silencing of copine genes confers common wheat enhanced resistance to powdery mildew
Authors: Zou Baohong , Ding Yuan , Liu He , Hua Jian
Published: September 2017

Powdery mildew, caused by the biotrophic fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a major threat to the production of wheat (Triticum aestivum). It is of great importance to identify new resistance genes for the generation of Bgt‐resistant or Bgt‐tolerant wheat varieties. Here, we show that the wheat copine genes TaBON1 and TaBON3 negatively regulate wheat disease resistance to Bgt. Two copies of TaBON1 and three copies of TaBON3, located on chromosomes 6AS, 6BL, 1AL, 1BL and 1DL, respectively, were identified from the current common wheat genome sequences. The expression of TaBON1 and TaBON3 is responsive to both pathogen infection and temperature changes. Knocking down of TaBON1 or TaBON3 by virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) induces the up‐regulation of defence responses in wheat. These TaBON1‐ or TaBON3‐silenced plants exhibit enhanced wheat disease resistance to Bgt, accompanied by greater accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and heightened cell death. In addition, high temperature has little effect on the up‐regulation of defence response genes conferred by the silencing of TaBON1 or TaBON3. Our study shows a conserved function of plant copine genes in plant immunity and provides new genetic resources for the improvement of resistance to powdery mildew in wheat.
Prevalence, virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility ofCandidaspp. isolated from bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital in Brazil
Authors: Canela Heliara Maria Spina , Cardoso Bárbara , Vitali Lucia Helena , Coelho Harnoldo Colares , Martinez Roberto , Ferreira Márcia Eliana da Silva
Published: September 2017

Candidaspp. are responsible for 80% of all systemic fungal infections and are associated with high mortality rates. This study characterised 79 bloodstream isolates ofC. albicans,C. glabrata,C. orthopsilosis,C. parapsilosisandC. tropicalisfrom patients in a Brazilian hospital. The susceptibility to amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole was determined; virulence factor production was assessed based on haemolysin, phospholipase and proteinase activities, and the patients’ clinical characteristics were analysed.C. albicanswas the predominant species (44%), followed byC. glabrata(19%),C. tropicalis(19%),C. parapsilosis(14%) andC. orthopsilosis(4%). The candidemia incidence was 1.52 per 1000 admissions, and the crude mortality rate was 52%. OneC. albicansisolate was resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole. Moreover, 20.2%, 2.5% and 3.8% of the isolates exhibited dose‐dependent susceptibility to fluconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin, respectively. In conclusion, although theC. glabrataincidence was higher than that usually described in Brazil, its increase was previously observed in studies conducted worldwide. Furthermore, the azole resistance of theC. albicansisolate could be due to previous exposure to these antifungals. These results highlight the importance of epidemiological studies and will facilitate an improved understanding of candidemia in the studied hospital.
Changes in trends and impact of testing for influenza in infants with fever <90 days of age
Authors: Kim Suji , Moon Hye Min , Lee Joon Kee , Rhie Kyuyol , Yoon Ki Wook , Choi Eun Hwa , Lee Hoan Jong , Lee Hyunju
Published: September 2017

Background

Infants aged <90 days who present with fever commonly undergo various invasive procedures due to the risk of bacterial infection in this age group. A great proportion of cases, however, are due to viral infection, including influenza. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the impact of influenza testing in infants <90 days with fever, as well as analyze the subject characteristics to identify which infants should be considered for such testing.

Methods

Clinical characteristics and trends in influenza virus testing and treatment were analyzed among febrile infants <90 days who presented to the emergency room and were diagnosed with influenza during 2005–2015.

Results

Among 5,347 febrile infants aged <90 days, 963 (18%) underwent influenza virus test. A total of 114 (11.8%) were diagnosed with influenza. The positivity rate reached 67% of febrile infants during epidemics. Of them, 83 had a history of family contact. While more than half presented with upper respiratory symptoms, 34% had only fever without respiratory symptoms. A decrease in antibiotic use and admission rates during the study period among infants diagnosed with influenza was seen (P for trend <0.05).

Conclusions

During the influenza epidemic season, diagnostic tests for influenza based on a detailed contact history are necessary in assessing the cause of fever. Targeted testing for influenza may lead to a decrease in antibiotic use and admission rates in young infants.
Throughput Optimization in Circular Dual‐Gripper Robotic Cells
Authors: Jung Kyung Sung , Geismar H. Neil , Pinedo Michael , Sriskandarajah Chelliah
Published: September 2017

Many automated manufacturing systems use robotic cells, which consist of a set of machines served by a robot. Robotic cells with a single‐gripper robot have been extensively studied in the literature. By contrast, cells with a dual‐gripper robot, although more productive, have received less attention, perhaps because of their inherent complexity. We consider the problem of scheduling operations in dual‐gripper robotic cells that have the machines configured in a circular layout and that produce identical parts repetitively. A typical objective in practice is to find a 1‐unit cyclic sequence of robot moves that maximizes the throughput. We show that dual‐gripper cycles are not optimal in all cases. We establish conditions in which the problem of finding an optimal 1‐unit cycle in dual‐gripper cells is NP‐hard. We show that the remaining cases are solvable by polynomial‐time algorithms either optimally or within a guaranteed bound of the optimum. These results are extended to linear cells. A computational study demonstrates that the algorithm performs much better on average than this worst‐case bound suggests. Our theoretical studies facilitate research into the complexity status of the corresponding domain. They also provide practical insights that are useful in maximizing productivity for any combination of cell parameters and either type of robot.
Habitat restoration and native grass conservation: a case study of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Authors: Chang Hsiaochi , Alexander Helen M. , Mutegi Evans , Snow Allison A.
Published: September 2017

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has been planted extensively for habitat restoration across the United States, such as with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). However, genetic profiles of these populations have never been studied nor compared with those of remnant prairies or cultivars. In this study, we sampled 16 CRP and 17 prairie populations across eastern Kansas. We assessed ploidy levels of all populations and compared genetic diversity and structure of 10 prairies, 10 CRP areas, and 5 standard cultivars, using nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) DNA markers. All CRP and prairie populations were octaploid (8x), except two prairies with both hexaploid (6x) and octaploid (8x) individuals. Based on the results of SSR analyses, there were no significant differences between CRP and prairie populations in genetic diversity, and 94% of total variation was partitioned within populations. Similarities among prairie and CRP populations were also observed in Bayesian clustering algorithms and principal coordinate analysis, suggesting that they had similar genetic compositions. In addition, positive spatial autocorrelations were detected up to 42 and 46 km among prairie and among CRP populations, respectively. To conclude, the CRP and prairie populations shared similar genetic profiles. However, remnant prairies still harbored unique genotypes and a high level of genetic diversity, highlighting the importance of seed sources for restoration efforts, that is using local wild seeds or cultivars from the same geographical region. A popular tetraploid (4x) cultivar known as “Kanlow” was genetically distinct from the prairie populations and therefore is not recommended for habitat restoration in this region.
Small mammal abundance and seed predation across boundaries in a restored‐grazed woodland interface
Authors: Tabeni Solana , Miguel M. Florencia , Campos Claudia M. , Cona Mónica
Published: September 2017

Passive restoration is an effective tool for the maintenance and conservation of biodiversity. Often areas in recovery are immersed in a matrix of land uses, in which the expansion and intensification of human activities exert new visible pressures at their boundaries. The degree of connectivity between these areas and their peripheral lands can be analyzed by mobile link species, organisms that actively move in the landscape by connecting areas to one another through their functional roles. We focus our design on the interface generated by the long‐term restoration area and surrounding grazing lands. We analyze the changes on boundary structure, small mammal abundance, and on the function of native seed dispersal by these vertebrate species. We captured small mammals and determined seed removal of Prosopis flexuosa at three distances inside and outside a fence that delineates passively restored and currently grazed areas. Our results indicate that small rodents find more suitable habitats at the site under restoration than in grazing lands. The restored‐grazing interface shows a decrease in small mammal abundance from the protected area to the grazed lands. From a functional perspective, an increase in small mammal abundance results in an increase in their seed removal activity with implications for seed fate, because the long‐term recovery of vegetation could enhance seed predation on a native tree species.
Patient participation in mental health care – perspectives of healthcare professionals: an integrative review
Authors: Jørgensen Kim , Rendtorff Jacob Dahl
Published: September 2017

Background

In contemporary Western liberal society, patient participation has become a key goal in psychiatric healthcare treatment. Health professionals must encourage patients to play an active and involved part in their treatment. According to Danish health law, patients have the right to participate in their treatment, and the mental health system therefore needs to be reformed in order to ensure that treatment is based on individual, liberal, values. However, patient participation is not clearly defined, and it is therefore a challenge to transfer it to clinical practice.

Aims

This integrative review's aims are to explore how professionals perceive the challenges regarding patient participation in the treatment course in mental health care.

Design

An integrative review.

Findings

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria: six employed qualitative methodologies and one utilised a mixed‐methods approach. The empirical studies took place in Norway, the UK and Australia, all in a mental health setting. Three themes were identified: ‘Patient participation as collaboration between the healthcare professional and patient’, ‘Challenges to participation’ and ‘From a professional's perspective – what expectations do patients have when participating in decision‐making?’

Conclusion

Different synonymous terms describing the patient's active role during treatment – user participation, collaboration, partnership, user involvement and patient participation – are linked to a recovery‐oriented approach, shared decision‐making, shared ownership and care plans. This integrative review achieves specific knowledge around patient participation, comparing the situation for adult patients with various mental disorders. However, upon reflecting on the included studies, patient participation is not clearly defined, and it is therefore difficult to transfer it to clinical practice.
Feasibility of Assessing Suicide Ideation and History of Suicidal Behavior in Rural Communities
Authors: Cukrowicz Kelly C. , Brown Sarah L. , Mitchell Sean M. , Roush Jared F. , Hirsch Jameson K.
Published: September 2017

Suicide in rural areas has not received significant attention in the research literature to this point, although suicide rates are higher among adults and older adults in rural areas than in urban areas. The aims of the study were as follows: (1) establish the feasibility of assessing suicide ideation and history of suicidal behavior; (2) determine preliminary estimates of the prevalence of suicide ideation, and history of suicide attempts; and (3) examine the effectiveness and acceptability of safety and referral plans for individuals whose responses indicated elevated suicide risk, in rural communities with limited access to referral care. Participants were 96 adults aged 40 to 85 years old (M = 57.34, SD = 11.47) residing in West Texas. Our results indicate that 26% of participants endorsed a lifetime history of suicide ideation and/or suicide attempt(s) and 12.5% reported suicide ideation in the past year. In addition, 93.4% of participants reported that participation in our suicide‐focused study was an excellent or good experience. Results suggest that individuals in rural communities are willing to talk about suicide, found the experience helpful, and were satisfied with the referral process.
Low‐dose valganciclovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus in intermediate‐risk (R+) renal transplant recipients: Single‐center experience
Authors: Khan Salman , Fischman Clara , Huprikar Shirish
Published: September 2017

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) who are seropositive for CMV (R+) are considered to be at intermediate risk for CMV disease. Current guidelines recommend high‐dose valganciclovir (VGCV) prophylaxis because of limited data on the efficacy of low‐dose VGCV. We describe our experience with using low‐dose VGCV in R+ RTR. We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 316 R+ RTR at our institution between 2002 and 2006. The primary endpoint was CMV disease at 1 year post transplant. The incidence of CMV disease at 12 months after transplantation was only 3% (6/221) in the D+R+ and 4% (4/95) in the D−R+ RTR. Low‐dose VGCV was effective at preventing CMV disease in intermediate‐risk (R+) RTR.
Promoting Sketching in Introductory Geoscience Courses: CogSketch Geoscience Worksheets
Authors: Garnier Bridget , Chang Maria , Ormand Carol , Matlen Bryan , Tikoff Basil , Shipley Thomas F.
Published: September 2017

Research from cognitive science and geoscience education has shown that sketching can improve spatial thinking skills and facilitate solving spatially complex problems. Yet sketching is rarely implemented in introductory geosciences courses, due to time needed to grade sketches and lack of materials that incorporate cognitive science research. Here, we report a design‐centered, collaborative effort, between geoscientists, cognitive scientists, and artificial intelligence (AI) researchers, to characterize spatial learning challenges in geoscience and to design sketch activities that use a sketch‐understanding program, CogSketch. We developed 26 CogSketch worksheets that use cognitive science–based principles to scaffold problem solving of spatially complex geoscience problems and report observations of an implementation in an introductory geoscience course where students used CogSketch or human‐graded paper worksheets. Overall, this research highlights the principles of interdisciplinary design between cognitive scientists, geoscientists, and AI researchers that can inform the collaborative design process for others aiming to develop effective educational materials.
Comparison of air and heptane solvent annealing of block copolymers for bit-patterned media
Authors: Owen Allen G. , Su Hao , Montgomery Angelique , Gupta Subhadra
Published: September 2017

Co/Pd multilayered films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy were patterned using block copolymer templating. Two methods of achieving phase separation of the block copolymer were compared. A matrix study of etch time and etch angle was carried out for each phase separation method, and their effects on the magnetic properties were studied. It was found that ion milling at 45° and 3.5 minutes for the heptane annealing method yielded the highest coercivity, 3.2 kOe, a 246% increase over that of an unpatterned film.
Crystal structure of the human lysosomal mTORC1 scaffold complex and its impact on signaling
Authors: de Araujo Mariana E. G. , Naschberger Andreas , Fürnrohr Barbara G. , Stasyk Taras , Dunzendorfer-Matt Theresia , Lechner Stefan , Welti Stefan , Kremser Leopold , Shivalingaiah Giridhar , Offterdinger Martin , Lindner Herbert H. , Huber Lukas A. , Scheffzek Klaus
Published: September 2017

Structure of human mTORC1 components

The mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) complex garners much attention as a signaling hub that coordinates input from growth-factor receptors and nutrient availability with metabolism and cell growth and proliferation. de Araujo
et al.
report the crystal structure of the LAMTOR (or “Ragulator”) complex that helps assemble mTORC1 at the lysosomal membrane for activation. The structure and functional studies reveal how LAMTOR1 wraps around the other subunits to hold them in place and interacts with the Rag guanosine triphosphatases in the complex.

Science
, this issue p.
377
Evaluation of Chlorine Treatment Levels for Inactivation of Human Norovirus and MS2 Bacteriophage during Sewage Treatment
Authors: Kingsley David H. , Fay Johnna P. , Calci Kevin , Pouillot Régis , Woods Jacquelina , Chen Haiqiang , Niemira Brendan A. , Van Doren Jane M.
Published: September 2017

This study examined the inactivation of human norovirus (HuNoV) GI.1 and GII.4 by chlorine under conditions mimicking sewage treatment. Using a porcine gastric mucin-magnetic bead (PGM-MB) assay, no statistically significant loss in HuNoV binding (inactivation) was observed for secondary effluent treatments of ≤25 ppm total chlorine; for both strains, 50 and 100 ppm treatments resulted in ≤0.8-log
10
unit and ≥3.9-log
10
unit reductions, respectively. Treatments of 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm chlorine inactivated 0.31, 1.35, >5, and >5 log
10
units, respectively, of the norovirus indicator MS2 bacteriophage. Evaluation of treatment time indicated that the vast majority of MS2 and HuNoV inactivation occurred in the first 5 min for 0.2-μm-filtered, prechlorinated secondary effluent. Free chlorine measurements of secondary effluent seeded with MS2 and HuNoV demonstrated substantial oxidative burdens. With 25, 50, and 100 ppm treatments, free chlorine levels after 5 min of exposure ranged from 0.21 to 0.58 ppm, from 0.28 to 16.7 ppm, and from 11.6 to 53 ppm, respectively. At chlorine treatment levels of >50 ppm, statistically significant differences were observed between reductions for PGM-MB-bound HuNoV (potentially infectious) particles and those for unbound (noninfectious) HuNoV particles or total norovirus particles. While results suggested that MS2 and HuNoV (measured as PGM-MB binding) behave similarly, although not identically, both have limited susceptibility to chlorine treatments of ≤25 ppm total chlorine. Since sewage treatment is performed at ≤25 ppm total chlorine, targeting free chlorine levels of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm, these results suggest that traditional chlorine-based sewage treatment does not inactivate HuNoV efficiently.

IMPORTANCE
HuNoV is ubiquitous in sewage. A receptor binding assay was used to assess inactivation of HuNoV by chlorine-based sewage treatment, given that the virus cannot be routinely propagated
in vitro
. Results reported here indicate that chlorine treatment of sewage is not effective for inactivating HuNoV unless chlorine levels are above those routinely used for sewage treatment.
High-Density Cultivation of Terrestrial Nostoc Strains Leads to Reprogramming of Secondary Metabolome
Authors: Guljamow Arthur , Kreische Marco , Ishida Keishi , Liaimer Anton , Altermark Bjørn , Bähr Lars , Hertweck Christian , Ehwald Rudolf , Dittmann Elke
Published: September 2017

Terrestrial symbiotic cyanobacteria of the genus
Nostoc
exhibit a large potential for the production of bioactive natural products of the nonribosomal peptide, polyketide, and ribosomal peptide classes, and yet most of the biosynthetic gene clusters are silent under conventional cultivation conditions. In the present study, we utilized a high-density cultivation approach recently developed for phototrophic bacteria to rapidly generate biomass of the filamentous bacteria up to a density of 400 g (wet weight)/liter. Unexpectedly, integrated transcriptional and metabolomics studies uncovered a major reprogramming of the secondary metabolome of two
Nostoc
strains at high culture density and a governing effect of extracellular signals in this process. The holistic approach enabled capturing and structural elucidation of novel variants of anabaenopeptin, including one congener with potent allelopathic activity against a strain isolated from the same habitat. The study provides a snapshot on the role of cell-type-specific expression for the formation of natural products in cyanobacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Terrestrial filamentous cyanobacteria are a largely untapped source of small-molecule natural products. Exploitation of the phototrophic organisms is hampered by their slow growth and the requirement of photobioreactors. The present study not only demonstrates the suitability of a recently developed two-tier vessel cultivation approach for the rapid generation of biomass of
Nostoc
strains but also demonstrates a pronounced upregulation of high value natural products at ultrahigh culture densities. The study provides new guidelines for high-throughput screening and exploitation of small-molecule natural products and can facilitate the discovery new bioactive products from terrestrial cyanobacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridioides difficile Epidemic Strain DH/NAP11/106/ST-42, Isolated from Stool from a Pediatric Patient with Diarrhea
Authors: Ozer Egon A. , Hauser Alan R. , Gerding Dale N. , Espinosa Robyn O. , Hecht David W. , Kociolek Larry K.
Published: September 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Clostridioides difficile
strain DH/NAP11/106/ST-42, which is now the most common strain causing
C. difficile
infection among U.S. adults. This strain was isolated from the stool from a hospitalized pediatric patient with frequent relapses of
C. difficile
infection.
Conservation and Recombination in the Genome Sequence of Haemophilus influenzae Type f WAPHL1
Authors: Bateman Allen C. , Perez-Osorio Ailyn C. , Li Zhen , Tran Michael , Greninger Alexander L.
Published: September 2017

We report here the second draft genome sequence of a bloodstream isolate of
Haemophilus influenzae
serotype f. Three discrete 3.1- to 7.8-kb sites contained 80% of the variability in the genome, consistent with recombination in known virulence factors.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter jejuni RM1246-ERRC, Which Exhibits Resistance to Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Authors: Gunther Nereus W. , Reichenberger Erin R.
Published: September 2017

Campylobacter jejuni
strain RM1246-ERRC is a clinical isolate. In laboratory experiments, RM1246-ERRC exhibited greater resistance to the antimicrobial effects of quaternary ammonium compounds than other
C. jejuni
strains. The chromosome of RM1246-ERRC is 1,659,694 bp with a G+C content of 30.56%. The strain also possesses a 45,197-bp plasmid.
Genome Sequence for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O26:H11, Associated with a Cluster of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome Cases in South Africa, 2017
Authors: Smith Anthony M. , Bosco Kalule J. , Nicol Mark P. , Kleynhans Jackie , McCulloch Mignon , Duze Sanelisiwe T. , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal , Tau Nomsa P. , Keddy Karen H.
Published: September 2017

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains are primarily foodborne pathogens that may cause diarrheal outbreaks and are associated with severe complications, specifically hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). We report here genome sequence data for STEC O26:H11, which is associated with a cluster of cases of HUS, a rarely described syndrome in South Africa.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Strain KM014, a Clinical Isolate from South Korea
Authors: Han Jemin , Park Byung-Sun , Shin Dong-Ju , Song Soo-Yeol , Jeong Young-Ju , Lee Nakhyung
Published: September 2017

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaeis the etiological agent of swine enzootic pneumonia, resulting in considerable economic losses in the swine industry. A few genome sequences ofM. hyopneumoniaehave been reported to date, implying that additional genome data are needed for further genetic studies. Here, we present the annotated genome sequence ofM. hyopneumoniaestrain KM014.
Microbubble-enhanced ultrasound to demonstrate urethral transection in a case of penile fracture
Authors: Czarnecki Oliver , von Stempel Conrad Brice , Sangster Pippa , Walkden Miles
Published: September 2017

A 47-year-old man attended the emergency department following trauma during sexual intercourse after which he developed penile swelling and haematuria several hours later. A penile fracture was suspected but given the slightly atypical history, ultrasound was performed to look for a fracture. Given the history of haematuria, both a standard Doppler ultrasound and a microbubble-enhanced retrograde ultrasound urethrogram were performed. The Doppler confirmed the suspected diagnosis of penile fracture, and microbubble urethrogram demonstrated a urethral injury. This facilitated prompt surgical treatment and helped guide the surgical approach. Retrograde microbubble enhanced ultrasound urethrogram is a novel technique that can be used in conjunction with standard ultrasound to confirm the presence of a concurrent urethral rupture in penile fracture.
Understanding barriers and outcomes of unspecified (non-directed altruistic) kidney donation from both professional’s and patient’s perspectives: research protocol for a national multicentre mixed-methods prospective cohort study
Authors: Gare Rebecca , Gogalniceanu Petrut , Maple Hannah , Burnapp Lisa , Clarke Alexis , Williams Lynsey , Norton Sam , Chilcot Joseph , Gibbs Paul , Mitchell Annie , McCrone Paul , Draper Heather , Mamode Nizam
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Living donation accounts for over one-third of all kidney transplants taking place in the UK.1The concept of anonymously donating a kidney to a stranger (non-directed altruistic or unspecified kidney donation (UKD)) remains uncomfortable for some clinicians, principally due to concerns about the motivations and long-term physical and psychological outcomes in this donor group.

Aims

The research programme aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the unspecified donor programme in the UK. It aims to identify reasons for variations in practice across centres, explore outcomes for donors and ascertain barriers and facilitators to UKD, as well as assess the economic implications of unspecified donation.

Methods

The research programme will adopt a mixed-methods approach to assessing UKD nationally using focus groups, interviews and questionnaires. Two study populations will be investigated. The first will include transplant professionals involved in unspecified kidney donation. The second will include a 5-year prospective cohort of individuals who present to any of the 23 UK transplant centres as a potential unspecified living kidney donor. Physical and psychological outcomes will be followed up to 1 year following donation or withdrawal from the donation process. A matched sample of specified donors (those donating to someone they know) will be recruited as a control group. Further qualitative work consisting of interviews will be performed on a purposive sample of unspecified donors from both groups (those who do and do not donate).

Dissemination

The findings will be reported to NHS Blood and Transplant and the British Transplant Society with a view to developing national guidelines and a protocol for the management of those presenting for unspecified donation.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN23895878, Pre-results.
Association between physical activity levels in mid-life with physical activity in old age: a 20-year tracking study in a prospective cohort
Authors: Aggio Daniel , Papacosta Olia , Lennon Lucy , Whincup Peter , Wannamethee Goya , Jefferis Barbara J
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study aims to examine the tracking and predictability of physical activity in old age from overall physical activity and participation in sport, recreational activity and walking in mid-life.

Design

Prospective population-based cohort study.

Setting

British Regional Heart Study participants recruited from primary care centres in the UK in 1978–1980.

Participants and outcome measures

Men (n=3413) self-reported their physical activity at baseline, 12, 16 and 20-year follow-ups and were categorised as inactive or active and having high or low participation in sport, walking and recreational activities. Tracking was assessed using kappa statistics and random effects models. Logistic regression estimated the odds of being active at 20-year follow-up according to physical activity participation in mid-life.

Results

Among 3413 men (mean age at baseline 48.6±5.4 years) with complete data, tracking of overall physical activity was moderate (kappa: 0.23–0.26). Tracking was higher for sports participation (kappa: 0.35–0.38) compared with recreational activity (kappa: 0.16–0.24) and walking (kappa: 0.11–0.15). Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated similar levels of stability and only marginally weakened after controlling for covariates. Compared with inactive men, being active at baseline was associated with greater odds of being active at 20-year follow-up (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.4 to 3.2) after adjusting for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables. Playing sport in mid-life was more strongly associated with being active at 20-year follow-up than other domains, particularly when sport participation began earlier in life.

Conclusion

Being physically active in mid-life increases the odds of being active in old age. Promoting physical activity in later life might be best achieved by promoting sport participation earlier in the life course.
Health education intervention promoting infant safe sleep in paediatric primary care: randomised controlled trial
Authors: McDonald Eileen M , Davani Amanda , Price Akisha , Mahoney Patricia , Shields Wendy , Musci Rashelle J , Solomon Barry S , Stuart Elizabeth A , Gielen Andrea C
Published: September 2017

Background

Few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to improve infant sleep practices. There is limited research on how best to integrate safe sleep information into routine paediatric anticipatory guidance delivered at well child visits (WCVs). This protocol paper describes the design of the Safe Start Study, which aims to evaluate the impact of safe sleep interventions on parents’ knowledge, beliefs and behaviours related to creating and maintaining a safe sleep environment for their infants.

Methods

Safe Start is a three-group RCT comparing a safe sleep health education intervention delivered as part of the 2-week WCV, an attention-matched control group that receives a scald burn prevention intervention, and a standard of care group. A baseline survey is completed at the 2-week WCV; follow-up surveys and observations are completed in the home at 2–4 weeks and 2–3 months. Participants include mother–baby dyads attending a large urban paediatric primary care practice and their paediatricians. Primary outcomes are self-reported behaviours (baby sleeps alone, on back, in crib and in a smoke-free environment), observations of the sleep environment, paediatricians’ anticipatory guidance counselling about safe sleep and participants’ reported exposure to an existing city-wide safe sleep campaign.

Discussion

Providing a theory-driven and evidenced-based safe sleep intervention is both a research and a clinical practice priority. This study will advance the application of educational and environmental interventions in the primary care setting to improve the safety of infant sleep environments in high-risk families.

Trial registration number

NCT03070639; Pre-results.
Cultural crossings of care: An appeal to the medical humanities
Authors: Kristeva Julia , Moro Marie Rose , Ødemark John , Engebretsen Eivind
Published: September 2017

Modern medicine is confronted with cultural crossings in various forms. In facing these challenges, it is not enough to simply increase our insight into the cultural dimensions of health and well-being. We must, more radically, question the conventional distinction between the ‘objectivity of science’ and the ‘subjectivity of culture’. This obligation creates an urgent call for the medical humanities but also for a fundamental rethinking of their grounding assumptions.

Julia Kristeva (JK) has problematised the biomedical concept of health through her reading of the anthropogony of Cura (Care), who according to the Roman myth created man out of a piece of clay. JK uses this fable as an allegory for the cultural distinction betweenhealthconstrued as a ‘definitive state’, which belongs to biological life (bios), andhealingas a durative ‘process with twists and turns in time’ that characterises human living (zoe). A consequence of this demarcation is that biomedicine is in constant need of ‘repairing’ and bridging the gap between bios and zoe, nature and culture. Even in radical versions, the medical humanities are mostly reduced to such an instrument of repairment, seeing them as what we refer to as a soft, ‘subjective’ and cultural supplement to a stable body of ‘objective’, biomedical and scientific knowledge. In this article, we present a prolegomenon to a more radical programme for the medical humanities, which calls the conventional distinctions between the humanities and the natural sciences into question, acknowledges the pathological and healing powers of culture, and sees the body as a complex biocultural fact. A key element in such a project is the rethinking of the concept of ‘evidence’ in healthcare.