bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mecA-related structure in methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci from street food in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Tsung-Ying , Hung Wei-Wen , Lin Lin , Hung Wei-Chun , Tseng Sung-Pin
Published: February 2017

Antibiotic-resistant patterns, a mecA homologue complex, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) were analysed in samples of ready-to-eat (RTE) street food in Taiwan. RTE food samples (270) were collected in three densely populated Taiwanese cities between June and November 2014. Among 14 strains being identified as methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), genetic diversities was determined by PFGE analysis. SCCmec types IV, V, VIII and TXG-24 were detected in 9, and mecASs (a mecA homologue) detected in 8. The mecASs gene complex from S. sciuri subsp. sciuri TXG-24 was found to be closely related to those found in both S. sciuri subsp. sciuri (ATCC29062) and S. sciuri subsp. rodentium (ATCC700061). SCCmecTXG24 carries a class A mec complex, a ccrA5B3-like gene complex, a heavy metal gene complex, and an IS1216 mobile element carrying tet(S). Matching identity to ccrA5 was 84.5% for ccrA in S. pseudintermedius KM241. Matching identify to ccrB3 was 92.1% for ccrB in S. pseudintermedius AI16. Similar ccrA and SCCmec boundary sequences suggest that SCCmec is easily transmitted to coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Based on MRCoNS strains identified in this research, Taiwanese RTE food products likely carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes that can be transmitted to hospitals and other clinical settings.
Sirtuin1 protects endothelial Caveolin-1 expression and preserves endothelial function via suppressing miR-204 and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Kassan Modar , Vikram Ajit , Kim Young-Rae , Li Qiuxia , Kassan Adam , Patel Hemal H. , Kumar Santosh , Gabani Mohanad , Liu Jing , Jacobs Julia S. , Irani Kaikobad
Published: February 2017

Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) is a class III histone deacetylase that regulates a variety of physiological processes, including endothelial function. Caveolin1 (Cav1) is also an important determinant of endothelial function. We asked if Sirt1 governs endothelial Cav1 and endothelial function by regulating miR-204 expression and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Knockdown of Sirt1 in endothelial cells, and in vivo deletion of endothelial Sirt1, induced endothelial ER stress and miR-204 expression, reduced Cav1, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. All of these effects were reversed by a miR-204 inhibitor (miR-204 I) or with overexpression of Cav1. A miR-204 mimic (miR-204 M) decreased Cav1 in endothelial cells. In addition, high-fat diet (HFD) feeding induced vascular miR-204 and reduced endothelial Cav1. MiR-204-I protected against HFD-induced downregulation of endothelial Cav1. Moreover, pharmacologic induction of ER stress with tunicamycin downregulated endothelial Cav1 and impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation that was rescued by overexpressing Cav1. In conclusion, Sirt1 preserves Cav1-dependent endothelial function by mitigating miR-204-mediated vascular ER stress.
ENSO elicits opposing responses of semi-arid vegetation between Hemispheres
Authors: Zhang Anzhi , Jia Gensuo , Epstein Howard E. , Xia Jiangjiang
Published: February 2017

Semi-arid ecosystems are key contributors to the global carbon cycle and may even dominate the inter-annual variability (IAV) and trends of the land carbon sink, driven largely by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The linkages between dynamics of semi-arid ecosystems and climate at the hemispheric scale however are not well known. Here, we use satellite data and climate observations from 2000 to 2014 to explore the impacts of ENSO on variability of semi-arid ecosystems, using the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition method. We show that the responses of semi-arid vegetation to ENSO occur in opposite directions, resulting from opposing controls of ENSO on precipitation between the Northern Hemisphere (positively correlated to ENSO) and the Southern Hemisphere (negatively correlated to ENSO). Also, the Southern Hemisphere, with a robust negative coupling of temperature and precipitation anomalies, exhibits stronger and faster responses of semi-arid ecosystems to ENSO than the Northern Hemisphere. Our findings suggest that natural coherent variability in semi-arid ecosystem productivity responded to ENSO in opposite ways between two hemispheres, which may imply potential prediction of global semi-arid ecosystem variability, particularly based on variability in tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures.
Correction: Corrigendum: Suppression of B function strongly supports the modified ABCE model in Tricyrtis sp. (Liliaceae)
Authors: Otani Masahiro , Sharifi Ahmad , Kubota Shosei , Oizumi Kanako , Uetake Fumi , Hirai Masayo , Hoshino Yoichiro , Kanno Akira , Nakano Masaru
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 24549; published online: 15 April 2016; updated: 09 February 2017 This Article contains an error in Figure 4, where Figure 4d was inadvertently duplicated in Figure 4h. The correct Figure 4 appears below as Figure 1.
Rare-earth free self-luminescent Ca2KZn2(VO4)3 phosphors for intense white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Bharat L. Krishna , Jeon Soo-Kun , Krishna Kurugundla Gopi , Yu Jae Su
Published: February 2017

The commercially available white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are made with a combination of blue LEDs and yellow phosphors. These types of WLEDs lack certain properties which make them meagerly applicable for general illumination and flat panel displays. The solution for such problem is to use near-ultraviolet (NUV) chips as an excitation source because of their high excitation efficiency and good spectral distribution. Therefore, there is an active search for new phosphor materials which can be effectively excited within the NUV wavelength range (350–420 nm). In this work, novel rare-earth free self-luminescent Ca2KZn2(VO4)3 phosphors were synthesized by a citrate assisted sol-gel method at low calcination temperatures. Optical properties, internal quantum efficiency and thermal stability as well as morphology and crystal structure of Ca2KZn2(VO4)3 phosphors for their application to NUV-based WLEDs were studied. The crystal structure and phase formation were confirmed with XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement. The optical properties of these phosphor materials which can change the NUV excitation into visible yellow-green emissions were studied. The synthesized phosphors were then coated onto the surface of a NUV chip along with a blue phosphor (LiCaPO4:Eu2+) to get brighter WLEDs with a color rendering index of 94.8 and a correlated color temperature of 8549 K.
Discovery of a potent protein kinase D inhibitor: insights in the binding mode of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine analogues
Authors: Verschueren Klaas , Cobbaut Mathias , Demaerel Joachim , Saadah Lina , Voet Arnout R. D. , Van Lint Johan , De Borggraeve Wim M.
Published: February 2017

Herein we report the synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine analogues of 1-NM-PP1 and the identification of 3-IN-PP1 as a new potent PKD inhibitor suggesting an alternate binding mode to PKD.
Ultrafine tuning of the metal volume fraction in silver/silicate nanocomposites near the percolation threshold
Authors: Das Gupta T. , Maurin I. , Rowe A. C. H. , Gacoin T.
Published: February 2017

A process is presented for the preparation of metal dielectric nanocomposites allowing the precise characterization and monitoring of the original physical properties around the percolation threshold of metal nanoparticle networks.
Catalyst-dependent intrinsic ring-walking behavior on π-face of conjugated polymers
Authors: Mikami Koichiro , Nojima Masataka , Masumoto Yui , Mizukoshi Yoshihide , Takita Ryo , Yokozawa Tsutomu , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: February 2017

The balance between the ring-walking process and the oxidative-addition state are key determinants of catalyst mobility in catalyst-transfer condensation polymerization.
Redox control in palladium catalyzed norbornene and alkyne polymerization
Authors: Zou Wenping , Pang Wenmin , Chen Changle
Published: February 2017

Switchable polymerization of norbornene, 5-norbornene-2-yl acetate and 1-chloro-1-octyne could be realized by using two palladium complexes (NHC)Pd(allyl)Cl (NHC = 1,3-Ar2-naphthoquinimidazolylidene, Ar = 2,6-Me2-C6H3, 2,6-iPr2-C6H3) bearing a redox-active naphthoquinone moiety.
Transferrable optimization of spray-coated PbI2 films for perovskite solar cell fabrication
Authors: Remeika Mikas , Raga Sonia Ruiz , Zhang Shijin , Qi Yabing
Published: February 2017

Viability of ultrasonic spray coating as a pathway to scaling-up of perovskite solar cell production is improved by quantitative characterization of process conditions.
A facile corrosion approach to the synthesis of highly active CoOxwater oxidation catalysts
Authors: Indra Arindam , Menezes Prashanth W. , Das Chittaranjan , Göbel Caren , Tallarida Massimo , Schmeiβer Dieter , Driess Matthias
Published: February 2017

Room temperature partial oxidation (corrosion) of cubic CoO led to the formation of mixed valence CoOxwith better electrochemical water oxidation activities in alkaline pH. Activation of both octahedral Co3+and Co2+to layered oxohydroxide–hydroxide during alkaline electrochemical water oxidation has been demonstrated.
A fluorescent dithiadiazolyl radical: structure and optical properties of phenanthrenyl dithiadiazolyl in solution and polymer composites
Authors: Beldjoudi Yassine , Osorio-Román Igor , Nascimento Mitchell A. , Rawson Jeremy M.
Published: February 2017

The phenanthrene-functionalised dithiadiazolyl radical 2 provides a rare example of a fluorescent radical, where the unpaired electron does not efficiently quench fluorophore emission (MeCN: ΦF = 0.11).
High solids content nitroxide mediated miniemulsion polymerization of n-butyl methacrylate
Authors: Ballard Nicholas , Aguirre Miren , Simula Alexandre , Leiza Jose R. , van Es Steven , Asua José M.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) by nitroxide mediated miniemulsion polymerization is described using the alkoxyamine 3-(((2-cyanopropan-2-yl)oxy)(cyclohexyl)amino)-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanenitrile.
Synthesis and structure revision of symplocin A
Authors: Shao Lu-Ping , Si Chang-Mei , Mao Zhuo-Ya , Zhou Wen , Molinski Tadeusz F. , Wei Bang-Guo , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: February 2017

Symplocin A, a linear peptide has been synthesized for the first time employing our previously established ‘one-pot intramolecular tandem protocol’. Moreover, the stereochemistry of natural symplocin A was unambiguously revised through the confirmation by 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HPLC comparisons with an authentic natural product.
New donor polymer with tetrafluorinated blocks for enhanced performance in perylenediimide-based solar cells
Authors: Timalsina Amod , Hartnett Patrick E. , Melkonyan Ferdinand S. , Strzalka Joseph , Reddy Vari S. , Facchetti Antonio , Wasielewski Michael R. , Marks Tobin J.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis of a new tetrafluorinated semiconducting donor polymer PBTZF4 and its OPV performance in PDI-based solar cells are reported.
Solid-state nanocrystalline solar cells with an antimony sulfide absorber deposited by an in situ solid–gas reaction
Authors: Zheng Li , Jiang Kejian , Huang Jinhua , Zhang Yu , Bao Bin , Zhou Xueqin , Wang Huijia , Guan Bo , Yang Lian Min , Song Yanlin
Published: February 2017

Sb2S3 is decorated on mesoporous TiO2 films via a sequential deposition method. The morphology is tunable, and the loading amount can be simply controlled. Using this technology, a high efficiency of 6.27% was obtained for the Sb2S3-based solid-state solar cells.
Prediction of tunable quantum spin Hall effect in methyl-functionalized tin film
Authors: Zhao Hui , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Li Ping , Zhang Shu-feng , Li Feng , Wang Pei-ji , Li Sheng-shi , Yan Shi-shen
Published: February 2017

The quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect may promote revolutionary device development due to dissipationless propagation of spin currents.
Automatic detection method for monitoring odontocete echolocation clicks
Authors: Yang Wuyi , Luo Wenyu , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2017

Passive acoustic monitoring records large amounts of acoustic data, and thus an efficient detection method is essential to analyse these data. A novel approach is proposed to automatically detect odontocete echolocation clicks. A time–frequency filter detects echolocation clicks in the time–frequency domain, and then the Teager–Kaiser energy operator and Gabor curve‐fitting method determine the start and end points of each echolocation click precisely. Detector performance is assessed by using synthetic data. The experimental results showed that the recall rates were higher than 90% when the signal‐to‐noise ratio was above 10 dB.
2D comb feature for analysis of ship classification in high‐resolution SAR imagery
Authors: Leng Xiangguang , Ji Kefeng , Zhou Shilin , Xing Xiangwei , Zou Huanxin
Published: February 2017

A new feature named ‘2D comb’ to improve ship classification is proposed. The proposed feature presents added value to distinguish between container ship, tank ship and cargo ship. It is based on radar cross‐section (RCS) statistic of the ship target related to the ship structure. Besides, related local RCS is proposed to classify three kinds of ships. Experimental results based on TerraSAR‐X images show that the proposed feature can abstract and describe the ship structure in high‐resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. It establishes relationship between RCS and ship structure, which is very useful to distinguish different kinds of ships.
Fast bilateral filtering using the Padé approximation
Authors: Wang Lei , Sheng Yingui
Published: February 2017

Due to the edge‐preserving ability, the bilateral filter is considered as the fundamental tool in computer vision and computer graphics. However, its computational complexity has a close connection with the size of the box window. This drawback leads that the bilateral filter is inappropriate for the computational insensitive application. One way to accelerate the bilateral filter is to approximate the Gaussian range kernel by trigonometric functions and synthesise final results from a set of filtering results of fast convolutions. A novel approximation that can be applied to any range kernel is proposed. Specifically, first the Z transformation of the range kernel is obtained, then approximate the Z transformation of the range kernel using the Padé Approximation. Finally, inverse the transformation of the Padé approximation and obtain an exponential sum to approximate original range kernel, where the coefficients of the exponential basis are computed by solving a set of linear equations. Experiments show the method achieves state‐of‐the‐art results in terms of accuracy and speed.
Minimally Invasive Microscopic Posterior Cervical Decompression: Simple, Safe, and Effective
Authors: Vergara Pierluigi
Published: February 2017

Background and Study Aims Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly population. Surgery is usually successful in preventing any deterioration, as well as improving functional status and quality of life. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive microscopic posterior cervical decompression for the treatment of CSM.

Materials and Methods A retrospective review of patients with myelopathy from cervical stenosis treated with minimally invasive posterior cervical decompression was performed. The operation was performed through a nonexpandable tubular retractor and operating microscope.

Results Twelve patients were identified. There were no early or late complications. Average age was 74.5 years. Three patients were > 80 years of age and tolerated the operation extremely well. Three cases were two-level decompressions; nine were single level. Eight patients were operated on as elective cases, with average postoperative length of stay of 0.9 days. Average surgical time was 77.5 minutes per level. Postoperative neck pain was minimal (1.5/10). All patients improved postoperatively, particularly those who started with severe deficits. In fact, five patients were unable to walk preoperatively and were wheelchair- or bed-bound, and they returned to walking within weeks. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score improved from 8.4 (range: 4–14) to 13.5 (range: 10–15); the Nurick score changed from 3.8 (range: 2–5) to 2.3 (range: 1–4).

Conclusions Minimally invasive microscopic posterior cervical decompression is a safe and effective treatment for CSM in selected cases. Our initial experience highlights the potential benefits of this relatively new technique.
Rapid Documented Growth of Aneurysm Bleb Led to Rupture of an Incidental Intracranial Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Fierstra Jorn , Esposito Giuseppe , Baltsavias Gerasimos , Bozinov Oliver , Regli Luca , Burkhardt Jan-Karl
Published: February 2017

Background A major challenge in the management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is to identify criteria indicating a higher risk of future UIA rupture. We report a rare patient with documented short-term bleb growth of an UIA followed by a fatal aneurysm rupture supporting the high risk of rupture of short-term shape changes in UIAs.

Case Description A 72-year-old man with an incidental unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm of 9 mm showed a bleb growth on the aneurysm sac at 6-week follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA). Aneurysm treatment was recommended by the interdisciplinary board (PHASES score: 9 points; rupture risk 4.3% in 5 years). The patient wanted to discuss the treatment plan with his family before making a final decision. Two days after the CTA showing bleb growth, he was admitted emergently with a severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grade 5; Fisher 3). The aneurysm was occluded with coils. However, the patient died on day 14 after SAH due to delayed ischemic neurologic deficits and multiple organ failure.

Conclusions This case illustrates the high rupture risk of an UIA presenting a documented growth of an aneurysm bleb over a short follow-up time. In retrospect, this patient might have benefited from emergent aneurysm occlusion. The interest of this report comes from the proof that aneurysmal bleb growth constitutes a high risk for short-term aneurysm rupture.
MEMS switch integrated radio frequency coils and arrays for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bulumulla S. B. , Park K. J. , Fiveland E. , Iannotti J. , Robb F.
Published: February 2017

Surface coils are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. While smaller diameter coils produce higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) closer to the coil, imaging larger fields of view or greater distance into the sample requires a larger overall size array or, in the case of a channel count limited system, larger diameter coils. In this work, we consider reconfiguring the geometry of coils and coil arrays such that the same coil or coil array may be used in multiple field of view imaging. A custom designed microelectromechanical systems switch, compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, is used to switch in/out conductive sections and components to reconfigure coils. The switch does not degrade the SNR and can be opened/closed in 10 μs, leading to rapid reconfiguration. Results from a single coil, configurable between small/large configurations, and a two-coil phased array, configurable between spine/torso modes, are presented.
Formation mechanism of gold-based and gold-free ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field effect transistors
Authors: Shriki A. , Winter R. , Calahorra Y. , Kauffmann Y. , Ankonina G. , Eizenberg M. , Ritter D.
Published: February 2017

To better understand the formation mechanism of ohmic contacts to GaN-based heterostructure field effect transistors, we have compared in detail Ti/Al/Ti/Au and Ti/Al/Ti/TiN contacts. Transmission electron microscopy and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that following anneal, TiN islands penetrated through the AlGaN barrier, as already well known, in the gold-based ohmic contacts but not in the gold-free contacts. We hence conclude that gold facilitates the formation of the TiN islands and propose that the role of gold is extraction of gallium from the semiconductor, providing a gallium depleted region for TiN island formation. For the case of the gold-free contacts, a 8 nm thick semi continuous TiN layer was formed following 900 °C anneal. A 2 nm thick TiN layer was observed in the as deposited samples and remained intact after anneal up to 825 °C. The different ohmic contact formation mechanism of gold-based and gold-free contacts is also manifested by our finding that a discontinuous AlN nitride spacer layer between the barrier and the bulk may lead to non-uniformity in contact behavior across the wafer in the case of gold-free contacts. For gold-based contacts, ohmic contact behavior was uniform across the wafer.
A compact field-portable double-pulse laser system to enhance laser induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Li Shuo , Liu Lei , Yan Aidong , Huang Sheng , Huang Xi , Chen Rongzhang , Lu Yongfeng , Chen Kevin
Published: February 2017

This paper reports the development of a compact double-pulse laser system to enhance laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for field applications. Pumped by high-power vertical-surface emitting lasers, the laser system that produces 16 ns pulse at 12 mJ/pulse with total weight less than 10 kg is developed. The inter-pulse delay can be adjusted from 0μs with 0.5μs increment. Several LIBS experiments were carried out on NIST standard aluminum alloy samples. Comparing with the single-pulse LIBS, up to 9 times enhancement in atomic emission line was achieved with continuum background emission reduced by 70%. This has led to up to 10 times improvement in the limit of detection. Signal stability was also improved by 128% indicating that a more robust and accurate LIBS measurement can be achieved using a compact double-pulse laser system. This paper presents a viable and field deployable laser tool to dramatically improve the sensitivity and applicability of LIBS for a wide array of applications.
Change of criticality in a prototypical thermoacoustic system
Authors: Etikyala S. , Sujith R. I.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we report on the existence of the phenomenon of change of criticality in a horizontal Rijke tube, a prototypical thermoacoustic system. In the experiments, the phenomenon is shown to occur as the criticality of the Hopf bifurcation changes with varying air flow rates in the system. The dynamics of a nonlinear system exhibiting Hopf bifurcation can be described using a Stuart-Landau equation (SLE) in the vicinity of the bifurcation point. The criticality of Hopf bifurcations can be determined by the Landau constant of the Stuart-Landau equation, which represents the effect of nonlinearities in the system. We propose an SLE to model the bifurcations seen in the horizontal Rijke tube. We identify a rescaled version of Strouhal number as the Landau constant, which determines the criticality of the bifurcation in the present study.
High frequency characterization of Galfenol minor flux density loops
Authors: Weng Ling , Li Weina , Sun Ying , Huang Wenmei , Wang Bowen
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the first measurement of ring-shaped Galfenol’s high frequency-dependent minor flux density loops. The frequencies of applied AC magnetic field are 1k, 5k, 10k, 50k, 100k, 200k, 300k, 500 kHz. The measurements show that the cycle area between the flux density and magnetic field curves increase with increasing frequency. High frequency-dependent characterization, including coercivity, specific power loss, residual induction, and maximum relative permeability are discussed. Minor loops for different max induction are also measured and discussed at the same frequency 100 kHz. Minor loops with the same max induction 0.05 T for different frequencies 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 kHz are measured and specific power loss are discussed.
The magnetic properties of multiferroic BaCoF4
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Dai Chuanjun , Xu Qingyu , Du Jun
Published: February 2017

Multiferroic barium cobalt fluoride, BaCoF4, has been prepared by hydrothermal method. The antiferromagnetic structure has been confirmed, and the possible weak ferromagnetism due to Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction has been excluded, from the straight line shape of applied magnetic field dependent magnetization (M-H) curve without hysteresis loop at low temperature down to 5 K. After cooling under a magnetic field, conspicuous exchange bias effect was observed at low temperature of T<50 K, which was attributed to the exchange coupling between the two phases of different spin configuration. Furthermore, significant magnetodielectric effect was observed at room temperature, which has been interpreted to the magnetic field modified weak interaction between different layers.
Shear Stress Induced Fabrication of Dandelion-Shaped Lanthanide Phosphate Nanoparticles
Authors: D'Alonzo Nicholas J. , Eggers Paul K. , Eroglu Ela , Raston Colin L.
Published: February 2017

Lanthanide phosphate nanoparticles were co-precipitated under continuous flow in a vortex fluidic device in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) of different molecular weights and at varying rotational speeds and tilt angles. Dandelion-shaped lanthanide phosphate particles were produced at rotation speeds of 5000 rpm and 7000 rpm. In contrast, individual rods formed at 9000 rpm. Transition electron microscope images reveal changes in morphology of the dandelion-shaped nanoparticles with changes in the chain length of PVP or tilt angle of the tube of the vortex fluidic device. These morphological changes are likely to arise from different wrapping and aggregation of the nanoparticles induced by the PVP polymer under shear.
Bat and virus ecology in a dynamic world
Authors: Wilkinson David A , Hayman David TS
Published: February 2017

The emergence of infectious diseases caused by bat-associated viruses has had a devastating and wide-reaching effect on human populations. These viruses include lyssaviruses such as rabies virus, the filoviruses, Ebola (EBOV) and Marburg virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, and the paramyxoviruses, Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV)1. As a result bats have been the focus of substantial research (Fig. 1) and certain cellular and physiological traits of bats are hypothesised to lead to ‘special’ bat-virus associations2,3 (but see Han et al.4). The anthropogenic changes in the world we live will influence human health5, including through their impact on bat ecology and the viruses within bat populations. Australian people and livestock have been infected by novel bat viruses, such as HeV, Menangle viruses (MenV) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), and are at the forefront of both epidemiological and virological research efforts into cross-species transmission events (spillover): here we put some of those efforts and the potential impacts of anthropogenic changes on bat-virus ecology under the microscope.
Using an acoustic telemetry array to assess fish volumetric space use: a case study on impoundments, hypoxia and an air-breathing species (Neoceratodus forsteri)
Authors: Roberts D. T. , Udyawer V. , Franklin C. , Dwyer R. G. , Campbell H. A.
Published: February 2017

Facultative air-breathing fish can persist in hypoxic waters due to their capacity to acquire atmospheric oxygen. Most studies examining responses of air-breathing fish to aquatic hypoxia have occurred under experimental conditions. How air-breathing fish respond to hypoxic conditions in the field has received less attention. Using depth sensor transmitters and an array of acoustic receivers to monitor the facultative air-breathing Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), we investigated habitat preferences and behavioural responses to seasonal hypoxic zones in a riverine impoundment. Three-dimensional (3-D) kernel utilisation distribution (KUD) models revealed that during stratified conditions, lungfish remained above the oxycline, rarely venturing into hypoxic waters, whereas during holomixis lungfish used a wider range of depths. Total volumetric space utilisation did not change significantly during stratified periods, but the distribution of space used changed, constrained by the oxycline. Despite N. forsteri having lungs to supplement oxygen requirements, the presence of a hypoxic zone constrained the core (50% 3-D-KUD) volumetric space used by lungfish to <1.6% of the total available space of the study area. With increasing demand for new impoundments in many tropical and subtropical regions, the present study provides insights to how air-breathing fish species may respond to altered riverine conditions from impoundments.
High-resolution imaging of cellular dopamine efflux using a fluorescent nanosensor array
Authors: Kruss Sebastian , Salem Daniel P. , Vuković Lela , Lima Barbara , Vander Ende Emma , Boyden Edward S. , Strano Michael S.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Cells communicate between themselves using waves of chemical concentration that change in both direction and time. Existing methods are not able to capture this spatial and temporal dependence at the necessary resolution to study the influence of cellular morphology. This study utilizes arrays of fluorescent nanosensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes placed under and around neuroprogenitor cells to label-free image the efflux of the neurotransmitter dopamine. We use the spatiotemporal resolution of this approach to resolve where on the cell surface dopamine is released and how cell morphology affects the location of release sites.
Food processing by high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Yamamoto Kazutaka
Published: February 2017

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) process, as a nonthermal process, can be used to inactivate microbes while minimizing chemical reactions in food. In this regard, a HHP level of 100 MPa (986.9 atm/1019.7 kgf/cm2) and more is applied to food. Conventional thermal process damages food components relating color, flavor, and nutrition via enhanced chemical reactions. However, HHP process minimizes the damages and inactivates microbes toward processing high quality safe foods. The first commercial HHP-processed foods were launched in 1990 as fruit products such as jams, and then some other products have been commercialized: retort rice products (enhanced water impregnation), cooked hams and sausages (shelf life extension), soy sauce with minimized salt (short-time fermentation owing to enhanced enzymatic reactions), and beverages (shelf life extension). The characteristics of HHP food processing are reviewed from viewpoints of nonthermal process, history, research and development, physical and biochemical changes, and processing equipment.
Twinning-induced mechanical properties’ modification of CP-Ti by friction stir welding associated with simultaneous backward cooling
Authors: Xu Nan , Song Qining , Bao Yefeng , Jiang Yongfeng , Shen Jun , Cao Xia
Published: February 2017

Commercial pure Ti (CP-Ti) plates with 2 mm in thickness were successfully joined by friction stir welding (FSW) associated with simultaneous backward cooling. The measured processing temperatures were strictly controlled below the α/β phase transformation point. The microstructural characterisation showed that the stir zone has an ultra-refined grain structure with abundant twin boundaries by decreasing processing temperature. The geometric dynamic recrystallisation and twinning-induced dynamic recrystallisation were the main mechanisms of the grain refinement process. The resulting tensile properties of the stir zone illustrate that both the strength and ductility enhanced due to the appearance of abundant twin boundaries. This work also provides an effective strategy to enhance the strength of the stir zone of FSW CP-Ti joint without ductility loss.
Timing Control without Docket Control
Authors: Arguelhes Diego Werneck , Hartmann Ivar A.
Published: February 2017

The Brazilian Supreme Court has developed an informal mechanism of timing control: each justice has the power (pedido de vista) to request more time to study the files of a given case. In this article, we use a database of over 1.5 million cases to calculate vista request duration and compare vista behavior to other activities in which caseload and the justice’s efficiency play a role. Our results show that vistas can function as an individual power, unconstrained by the Court’s internal rules of procedure, to indefinitely remove cases from the agenda, in ways that cannot be explained by the Court’s workload. We also find initial evidence of the vistas being used for strategic purposes, when justices wait for a case to be decided in a more favorable composition or political context. These results suggest that comparative analyses of courts should look beyond formal rules of docket control to study informal means of delay.
Imagination
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

Virginia Henderson’s classic definition of nursing, known as the unique function of the nurse, trades on the nurse imagining what patients would do for themselves to restore or promote health or to lead to a peaceful death, if they had the will, knowledge, or power. Nursing imagination involves sympathy, the feeling of caring for the humanity shared with another. In this way, imagination involves the kind of relationship Carol Gilligan calls the responsible relationship: nurses respond to the humanity of their patients through nursing imagination. Insofar as humanity is common, this imaginative exercise leads nurses to imagine the kind of human they want to be and the kind of society they want for all. The habit of imagination gives nurses the capacity to be touched by the circumstances of others, which is another aspect of the ethical significance of nursing.
Space
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

Patients present to nurses in the places of care, most often in industrial places such as hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, schools, birthing centers, and sometimes homes. Wherever patients present to nurses, they present as vulnerable, that is, as needing care. Through their responsible relationship with patients, nurses transform the place of care, in which patients are vulnerable, into a space of care, a space in which nurses respond to patients’ vulnerabilities with compassionate nursing care. The habit of space is, through the work of nursing, transforming the place of care in which patients present into the space of care in which patients can be present.
Being Good to Ourselves
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

Nurses face difficulties—very sick and dying patients, long and exhausting shifts, and challenging relationships with other health care providers, among other difficulties. They can be good to themselves amid these difficulties by finding the justice in the work of nursing, justice both in the sense of the right way to practice and in the sense of righting the wrongs of the difficulties they face. Finding this justice is applying the habit of beauty. One way to find this justice is to tell the stories of the difficulties in such a way as to find justice in them. When they do so, nurses can find awe at there being justice (good) in the work of nursing. Justice and beauty, goodness and awe, are powerful friends against the daily grind of nursing.
Creating a Civil Community
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

Bullying, also known as horizontal workplace violence, is pervasive in the nursing community. The nursing community must respond by creating a civil community. A civil community is one in which community members explain their disagreements and have open conversations about them. Incivility communicates disrespect; civility, on the other hand, makes equal space for all people in the community. Individual nurses can make space for other nurses, who may be different from them and with whom they may disagree, by creating a community based on the belief of the equality of all. This is a civil community. A civil community among nurses creates even a larger space for a good society, in that it demonstrates a civil community to society at large.
The kinetically dominated quasar 3C 418
Authors: Punsly Brian , Kharb Preeti
Published: February 2017

The existence of quasars that are kinetically dominated, where the jet kinetic luminosity, Q, is larger than the total (infrared to X-ray) thermal luminosity of the accretion flow, Lbol, provides a strong constraint on the fundamental physics of relativistic jet formation. Since quasars have high values of Lbol by definition, only ∼10 kinetically dominated quasars (with $\overline{Q}/L_{\rm {bol}}>1$) have been found, where $\overline{Q}$ is the long-term time-averaged jet power. We use low-frequency (151 MHz–1.66 GHz) observations of the quasar 3C 418 to determine $\overline{Q}\approx 5.5 \pm 1.3 \times 10^{46}\, \rm {erg\,s^{-1}}$. Analysis of the rest-frame ultraviolet spectrum indicates that this equates to 0.57 ± 0.28 times the Eddington luminosity of the central supermassive black hole and $\overline{Q}/L_{\rm {bol}} \approx 4.8 \pm 3.1$, making 3C 418 one of the most kinetically dominated quasars found to date. It is shown that this maximal $\overline{Q}/L_{\rm {bol}}$ is consistent with models of magnetically arrested accretion of jet production in which the jet production reproduces the observed trend of a decrement in the extreme ultraviolet continuum as the jet power increases. This maximal condition corresponds to an almost complete saturation of the inner accretion flow with vertical large-scale magnetic flux (maximum saturation).
Case-based review: primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Korfel Agnieszka , Schlegel Uwe , Johnson Derek R. , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Giannini Caterina , Hirose Takanori
Published: February 2017

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare diffuse large B-cell lymphoma originating within the central nervous system. The overall incidence of PCNSL is rising, particularly in the elderly population. Immunosuppression is a strong risk factor, but most patients with this tumor are apparently immunocompetent. Diagnosis of PCNSL can be challenging. Non-invasive or minimally invasive tests such as ophthalmological evaluation and spinal fluid analysis may be useful, but the majority of patients require tumor biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Our knowledge concerning optimum treatment of PCNSL is fragmentary due to paucity of adequately sized trials. Most patients are now initially treated with high-dose-methotrexate-based chemotherapy alone, as the addition of whole-brain radiotherapy at standard doses has not been shown to increase survival and does increase the risk of neurological toxicity. Ongoing trials are addressing issues such as the roles of reduced-dose radiotherapy, the addition of the CD20 antibody rituximab to chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, and maintenance therapy in the primary management of PCNSL.
Development of Evaluation Indicators for Hospice and Palliative Care Professionals Training Programs in Korea
Authors: Kang Jina , Park Kyoung-Ok
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

The importance of training for Hospice and Palliative Care (HPC) professionals has been increasing with the systemization of HPC in Korea. Hence, the need and importance of training quality for HPC professionals are growing. This study evaluated the construct validity and reliability of the Evaluation Indicators for standard Hospice and Palliative Care Training (EIHPCT) program.

Methods:

As a framework to develop evaluation indicators, an invented theoretical model combining Stufflebeam's CIPP (Context-Input-Process-Product) evaluation model with PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used. To verify the construct validity of the EIHPCT program, a structured survey was performed with 169 professionals who were the HPC training program administrators, trainers, and trainees. To examine the validity of the areas of the EIHPCT program, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted.

Results:

First, in the exploratory factor analysis, the indicators with factor loadings above 0.4 were chosen as desirable items, and some cross-loaded items that loaded at 0.4 or higher on two or more factors were adjusted as the higher factor. Second, the model fit of the modified EIHPCT program was quite good in the confirmatory factor analysis (Goodness-of-Fit Index > 0.70, Comparative Fit Index > 0.80, Normed Fit Index > 0.80, Root Mean square of Residuals < 0.05). The modified model of the EIHPCT comprised 4 areas, 13 subdomains, and 61 indicators.

Discussion:

The evaluation indicators of the modified model will be valuable references for improving the HPC professional training program.
Muir–Torre Syndrome
Authors: Roybal Lacey , Carlson Kim
Published: February 2017

Muir–Torre syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by the development of internal malignancies and sebaceous neoplasms. The most common visceral malignancies associated with the disease are colon cancer, genitourinary cancer, breast cancer, and gastric cancer. The head and neck are the major locations for the development of sebaceous adenomas, sebaceous carcinomas, sebaceous epitheliomas, and keratoacanthomas. Muir–Torre syndrome is a variant of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, which is caused by mutations in the mismatch repair genes leading to DNA mutations and microsatellite instability. It is important for clinicians to be able to recognize the clinical features of Muir–Torre syndrome to accurately diagnose and treat the cutaneous manifestations as well as the underlying malignancies associated with this condition.
A Remarkable Journey
Authors: Poulin Muriel
Published: February 2017

It has been more than 30 years since an enterprising team of American Academy of Nursing researchers unearthed groundbreaking findings that led to the creation of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program®. Dr Muriel Poulin, EdD, RN, FAAN, a coauthor of the original Magnet® hospital study, recalls how she and her colleagues opted to take their research in a different direction and address pressing questions that spoke directly to the needs and desires of staff nurses. She shares her thoughts on why the Magnet Recognition Program continues to resonate today. Dr Poulin was inducted into the American Nurses Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Influence of Emerging Nursing Administrative and Leadership Researchers
Authors: Adams Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2017

This department highlights emerging nursing leaders who have demonstrated leadership in advancing innovation and patient care in practice, policy, research, education, and theory. This interview profiles Lesly Kelly, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor at the Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation and Nursing and Clinical Research Program Director at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix.
Using Simulation to Model Improvements in Pediatric Bed Placement in an Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Lambton Judith , Roeder Theresa , Saltzman Robert , Param Lila , Fernandes Roxanne
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project was to use an interdisciplinary approach to analyze strategies through simulation technology for improving patient flow in a pediatric hospital.

BACKGROUND

Various statistics have been offered on the number of children admitted annually to hospitals. For administrators, particularly in smaller systems, the financial burden of equipping and staffing pediatric units often outweighs the moral desire to maintain a pediatric unit as a viable option for patients and pediatricians.

METHODS

Discrete event simulation was used to model current operations of a pediatric unit. Cost analysis was conducted using simulation reflecting various percentages of patients being referred to a discharge holding area (DHA) upon discharge and of the use of all private rooms.

RESULTS

Both DHA and private rooms resulted in increased patient volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Administrators should consider the use of a DHA and/or private rooms to ease the census strains of pediatric units and the resultant revenue of this service.
Creating a Culture of Success
Authors: Moss Sandra , Mitchell Marion , Casey Veronica
Published: February 2017

An organizational culture that reflects distrust, fear of reprisal, reluctance to challenge the status quo, acceptance of poor practice, denial, and lack of accountability creates significant issues in healthcare in relation to employee retention, burnout, organizational commitment, and patient safety. Changing culture is one of the most challenging endeavors an organization will encounter. We highlight that the Magnet Recognition Program® can be implemented as an organizational intervention to positively impact on nursing workplace culture in an international healthcare facility.
Estimating Hospital-Related Deaths Due to Medical Error: A Perspective From Patient Advocates
Authors: Kavanagh Kevin T. , Saman Daniel M. , Bartel Rosie , Westerman Kim
Published: February 2017

The authors present a viewpoint regarding the quality of data used in estimating the number of preventable hospital deaths in the United States. Data derived from countries with a nationalized healthcare system with well-defined and near uniform implementation of standards may not be applicable to the fragmented noncentralized delivery system found in the United States. Although U.S. studies evaluating preventable mortality have based their projections on a small sample size, it is unlikely that this observation is due to chance, because other studies evaluating adverse events, a precursor to preventable mortality, have a much larger sample size and also report an unacceptably high number of events. In addition, although these estimates involved adult and Medicare-eligible patients who may have a higher incidence of events and create a bias, but they also did not capture all events, taken into account of mortality, which occurs after hospitalization or from misdiagnoses. It is also important not to mitigate adverse events in patients whose death is imminent. Medicine does not have the moral authority to place differing values on days, weeks, or years of life. The contention that there are approximately 200,000 preventable hospital-related deaths each year in the United States is not unreasonable. Not all hospital systems in the United States make the same investment in patient safety. Recently, the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality has demonstrated a decline in adverse events in hospitals, but until uniform implementation of safety standards takes place, our healthcare system as a whole may well lag behind other industrialized nations.