bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryoelectrolysis—electrolytic processes in a frozen physiological saline medium
Authors: Lugnani Franco , Macchioro Matteo , Rubinsky Boris
Published: January 2017

Background

Cryoelectrolysis is a new minimally invasive tissue ablation surgical technique that combines the ablation techniques of electrolytic ablation with cryosurgery. The goal of this study is to examine the hypothesis that electrolysis can take place in a frozen aqueous saline solution.

Method

To examine the hypothesis we performed a cryoelectrolytic ablation protocol in which electrolysis and cryosurgery are delivered simultaneously in a tissue simulant made of physiological saline gel with a pH dye. We measured current flow, voltage and extents of freezing and pH dye staining.

Results

Using optical measurements and measurements of currents, we have shown that electrolysis can occur in frozen physiological saline, at high subzero freezing temperatures, above the eutectic temperature of the frozen salt solution. It was observed that electrolysis occurs when the tissue resides at high subzero temperatures during the freezing stage and essentially throughout the entire thawing stage. We also found that during thawing, the frozen lesion temperature raises rapidly to high subfreezing values and remains at those values throughout the thawing stage. Substantial electrolysis occurs during the thawing stage. Another interesting finding is that electro-osmotic flows affect the process of cryoelectrolysis at the anode and cathode, in different ways.

Discussion

The results showing that electrical current flow and electrolysis occur in frozen saline solutions imply a mechanism involving ionic movement in the fluid concentrated saline solution channels between ice crystals, at high subfreezing temperatures. Temperatures higher than the eutectic are required for the brine to be fluid. The particular pattern of temperature and electrical currents during the thawing stage of frozen tissue, can be explained by the large amounts of energy that must be removed at the outer edge of the frozen lesion because of the solid/liquid phase transformation on that interface.

Conclusion

Electrolysis can occur in a frozen domain at high subfreezing temperature, probably above the eutectic. It appears that the most effective period for delivering electrolytic currents in cryoelectrolysis is during the high subzero temperatures stage while freezing and immediately after cooling has stopped, throughout the thawing stage.
Multimedia and Textual Reading Comprehension: Multimedia as Personal Learning Environment’s Enriching Format
Authors: García J. Daniel , Rigo Eduardo , Jiménez Rafael
Published: January 2017

In this article we will discuss part of a piece of research that was conducted with two 4ESO groups. Textual learning is opposed to multimedia learning within the context of PLE’s (Personal Learning Environment) reading tools and strategies. In the research an analysis was made of whether it would be possible to improve the reading process through multimedia over a school term in two different aspects; one evolutionary with six classroom exercises and one evaluation with a final exercise. Concretely, this article states the number of question mistakes that the students made. The data indicates that there is a better evolution in students that performed the multimedia dynamic, although there are not any relevant differences in the final evaluation.
Are Students Ready to (re)-Design their Personal Learning Environment? The Case of the E-Dynamic.Space
Authors: Kühn Caroline
Published: January 2017

The goal of this paper is to present the primary findings of the first of two phases of a research project that looks at how can undergraduates be supported to engage meaningfully with digital literacies in a rich-research context. My hypothesis is that students in the act of (re)-designing and implementing their personal learning environment with available support in a low risk space, will have an authentic learning experience whereby they will deploy digital skills, use knowledge and develop an explorative mind-set hence, improve their digital competences and capability. Twenty undergraduates where invited to a focus group designed with the Visitor and Resident approach to explore and reflect upon their current digital practice. Preliminary findings show scarcity of digital tools in the institutional-resident quadrant. Overall students manifest their reluctance to engage with different web-based tools to mediate learning because they don’t want to risk their grades and also because they perceive the Internet as too open and loose, generating anxiety and uncertainty. They ask for support and guidance. Nevertheless they acknowledged the need to move from the visitor end to the resident one. The next phase will explore how these findings can inform the design principles of a scaffold structure for the re-design of students’ PLE.
Impact of Organizational Inertia and Dynamic Capabilities on Educational Performance of the Charitable Societies and Its Impact on Mathematical Performance of Elementary At-Risk Students
Authors: Amiripour Parvaneh , Dossey John A. , Shahvarani Ahmad
Published: January 2017

This study is an adjunct to a research effort focused on a mathematical curricular innovation in four non-governmental schools in Tehran, Iran. This study queried balanced, random sample of 100 educational personnel from the schools concerning dynamic capabilities associated with change (sensing opportunities, seizing opportunities, and reconfiguring assets) and issues surrounding organizational inertia (finding resources, confronting path dependency in change, and establishing new processes). Additional data collected described the personnel’s perceptions about innovations and new processes instituted in their schools. Student performance data from the prior year’s final mathematical examination were also gathered. The data describe a portion of the educational change potential of the schools, including improved student achievement. The variables informed by all of the data were evaluated by multivariate methods. The findings showed that beliefs about dynamic capabilities had a significant positive impact on educational performance and that educational performance had a positive impact on the final mathematical exam scores. The results also indicate that the organizational inertia of the schools had a significant negative impact on the educational performance of the schools. Conclusions were formed based on the analysis of the defining factors of the variables mentioned above and recommendations given for implementing change are proposed.
College Students’ Perceptions of Personal Learning Environments Through the Lens of Digital Tools, Processes and Spaces
Authors: Dabbagh Nada , Fake Helen
Published: January 2017

A review of the literature reveals there is a gap in the research regarding how students currently perceive PLEs and how they structure their PLEs to support their learning goals. The purpose of this study was to establish an understanding of college students’ perceptions of PLEs and what digital tools are currently being used to structure PLEs in order to facilitate personal growth and development. Participants (N=109) were asked to share their perceptions of PLEs and what digital tools, devices, and services they use to create PLEs. Analysis of blog submissions revealed similarities and differences between the ways that undergraduate and graduate students perceive PLEs and how they characterize these learning spaces. Students reported using a variety of digital tools for learning however their expectations of digital tools were to foster discussion, collaboration, and interaction, organization, planning, and resource management, experiential learning, personalization and a desire for effective technology. The findings of this study have important implications with respect to the competencies and skills needed to create effective PLEs and the affordances of digital technologies needed to support PLE development.
Design and Validation of a Rubric to Assess the Use of American Psychological Association Style in scientific articles
Authors: Merma Molina Gladys , Peña Alfaro Hilda , Peña Alfaro González Silvia Rosa
Published: January 2017

In this study, the researchers will explore the process of designing and validating a rubric to evaluate the adaptation of scientific articles in the format of the American Psychological Association (APA). The rubric will evaluate certain aspects of the APA format that allow authors, editors, and evaluators to decide if the scientific article is coherent with these rules. Overall, the rubric will concentrate on General Aspects of the article and on the Citation System. To do this, 10 articles that were published within 2012–2016 and included in the Journal Citation Report will be analyzed using technical expertise. After doing 5 pilot studies, the results showed the validity and the reliability of the instrument. Furthermore, the process showed the evidence of the possibilities of the rubric to contribute to uniform criteria that can be used as a didactic tool in different scenarios.
Evaluation of a Short‐term Training Program in Bedside Emergency Ultrasound in Southwestern Tanzania
Authors: Shaffer Mark , Brown Heather A. , McCoy Chloé , Bashaka Prosper
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a short‐term training program in emergency ultrasound on physician skills and attitudes in southwestern Tanzania.

Methods

Eight registrar physicians at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (Mbeya, Tanzania) underwent a 5‐day course in bedside emergency ultrasound, focusing primarily on the focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination, including didactic sessions, practical sessions, and on‐job training. The impact on ultrasound knowledge was assessed by pretest and posttest evaluations. Provider skill was evaluated by a standardized observed simulated patient encounter. Attitudes toward ultrasound training, utility, and self‐confidence were assessed by a post‐training questionnaire.

Results

All 8 physicians who began the training completed the course and successfully passed their objective structured clinical examination. There was a statistically significant improvement in written ultrasound test scores from 31% to 66% (P < .01) after the course. Most trainees felt confident performing and interpreting a basic focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination at the end of the course, and 7 of 8 stated that they would consider paying tuition for similar courses in the future. Main concerns with the course revolved around insufficient time dedicated to practicing under supervision.

Conclusions

Registrar physicians in Tanzania can effectively learn basic emergency ultrasound skills in a short‐term training program. Similar future programs may consider heavier emphasis on practical hands‐on training with experts. Ongoing data collection is required to understand the true impact of such training on long‐term ultrasound use and patient outcomes.
Differences in Thyroidectomy Outcomes Based on Surgical Method: A Comparison of LigaSure Precise, Harmonic Focus, and Traditional Methods
Authors: Ciftci Fatih
Published: January 2017

New surgical devices have been developed to improve haemostatic control and vascular closure in thyroid surgery. Here, we compare the efficacy and clinical outcomes of 3 surgical methods, Harmonic Focus, LigaSure Precise, and the traditional suture-ligation method, in patients undergoing total thyroidectomies. This retrospective study compared total thyroidectomies performed between July 2008 and August 2012. Thyroidectomies were performed in 243 patients using Harmonic Focus (n = 81), LigaSure Precise (n = 81), and traditional suture-ligation (n = 81). No significant differences were observed among groups in terms of patient demographics, thyroid weight, pathological diagnoses, pre- and postoperative calcium levels, postoperative complications, length of hospitalization, and clinical outcomes. The Harmonic Focus approach showed an ∼15% shortening in operating time relative to the suture-ligation group; no statistically significant differences were detected between the LigaSure and traditional suture-ligation groups. All 3 methods were found to be both safe and effective. Operating time was significantly shorter in the Harmonic Focus group; no differences in terms of postoperative complications were observed among groups.
A New Preoperative Categorization and Potential Preoperative Indicator for Cysto-Biliary Fistula in Hydatid Hepatic Disease
Authors: Menekse Ebru , Turan Umit , Özyazıcı Sefa , Karateke Faruk , Aziret Mehmet , Bali Ilhan , Ozaltun Pinar , Das Koray , Kuvvetli Adnan , Ozdogan Mehmet
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the risk for cysto-biliary fistula (CBF) and preoperative predictive factors in patients with hepatic hydatid disease (HHD) with high levels of hepatobiliary enzymes (HLE) alone. The risk of CBF and predictive factors in patients with HHD whose only sign of fistula was HLE is unknown. A total of 116 patients without clinical and radiologic signs who were operated for HHD were categorized into 2 groups: patients with and without HLE. The patients with HLE were defined as “usual suspicious.” The potential preoperatively predictive factors for CBF were retrospectively analyzed in this group. Our data included 18.1% of patients (n = 21) with CBF and 69.2% of patients (n = 81) with HLE. The usual suspicious group contained 24.7% of patients (n = 20) with CBF. The risk of CBF was 11-fold higher in the usual suspicious group (95% confidence interval, 1.4–86.7). The red cell distribution width (RDW) was higher in patients with CBF than in patients without CBF in the usual suspicious group (P = 0.006). The performance of the RDW, with a cutoff value of 13.75%, was found to be suboptimal for predicting CBF for patients in the usual suspicious group (area under the curve, 0.661; 95% confidence interval, 0.525–0.798). We defined a new preoperatively high-risk group with HLE alone; this definition can help to identify patients at risk for preoperatively undetectable CBF. The RDW was not found to be sufficient for the discrimination of usual suspicious group with CBF.
The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 50, regulates inflammasome activation by targeting the ASC adaptor protein
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Seo Dongyeob , You Jiyeon , Chung Sehee , Park Jin Seok , Lee Ji‐Hyung , Jung Su Myung , Lee Youn Sook , Park Seok Hee
Published: January 2017

NOD‐like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3)‐mediated inflammasome activation promotes caspase‐1‐dependent production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and requires the adaptor protein ASC. Compared with the priming and activation mechanisms of the inflammasome signaling pathway, post‐translational ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms controlling inflammasome activation have not been clearly addressed. We here demonstrate that the deubiquitinating enzyme USP50 binds to the ASC protein and subsequently regulates the inflammasome signaling pathway by deubiquitinating the lysine 63‐linked polyubiquitination of ASC. USP50 knockdown in human THP‐1 cells and mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages shows a significant decrease in procaspase‐1 cleavage, resulting in a reduced secretion of IL‐1β and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) upon treatment with NLRP3 stimuli and a reduction in ASC speck formation and oligomerization. Thus, we elucidate a novel regulatory mechanism of the inflammasome signaling pathway mediated by the USP50 deubiquitinating enzyme.
Quantifying the daily economic impact of extreme space weather due to failure in electricity transmission infrastructure
Authors: Oughton Edward J. , Skelton Andrew , Horne Richard B. , Thomson Alan W. P. , Gaunt Charles T.
Published: January 2017

Extreme space weather due to coronal mass ejections has the potential to cause considerable disruption to the global economy by damaging the transformers required to operate electricity transmission infrastructure. However, expert opinion is split between the potential outcome being one of a temporary regional blackout and of a more prolonged event. The temporary blackout scenario proposed by some is expected to last the length of the disturbance, with normal operations resuming after a couple of days. On the other hand, others have predicted widespread equipment damage with blackout scenarios lasting months. In this paper we explore the potential costs associated with failure in the electricity transmission infrastructure in the U.S. due to extreme space weather, focusing on daily economic loss. This provides insight into the direct and indirect economic consequences of how an extreme space weather event may affect domestic production, as well as other nations, via supply chain linkages. By exploring the sensitivity of the blackout zone, we show that on average the direct economic cost incurred from disruption to electricity represents only 49% of the total potential macroeconomic cost. Therefore, if indirect supply chain costs are not considered when undertaking cost‐benefit analysis of space weather forecasting and mitigation investment, the total potential macroeconomic cost is not correctly represented. The paper contributes to our understanding of the economic impact of space weather, as well as making a number of key methodological contributions relevant for future work. Further economic impact assessment of this threat must consider multiday, multiregional events.
Multifaceted Immunomodulatory Nanoliposomes: Reshaping Tumors into Vaccines for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Noh Young‐Woock , Kim Sun‐Young , Kim Jung‐Eun , Kim Sohyun , Ryu Jooyeon , Kim Inhye , Lee Eunji , Um Soong Ho , Lim Yong Taik
Published: January 2017

The design and synthesis of nanoparticles mimicking the key features in size, shape, and surface molecular organization of biological objects that provide danger‐signals are essential in the formulation of effective vaccine. Here, multifaceted immunomodulatory nanoliposomes (denoted as “tumosomes”) that can turn tumors into vaccines and induce enhanced antitumor immune response are suggested. Multifaceted tumosomes are synthesized by assembling tumor cell membrane proteins as tumor‐associated antigens with two lipid‐based adjuvants as pathogen characters (i.e., monophosphoryl lipid A as a danger signal, dimethyldioctadecylammonium as a cell‐invasion moiety). The enhanced antitumor immunity of tumosomes afforded by the improved antigenicity and antigen uptake efficiency is also evaluated in a tumor challenge experiment after their image‐guided intralymph node injection. Tumosomes are able to provide tumor antigens and molecular adjuvants for the priming of a long‐term adaptive immune response in tumor draining lymph nodes, as well as in the spleen. Tumosome injection leads to an inhibition of tumor growth, and the survival rate of mice treated with the tumosomes is higher than those of other groups. Taken together, the tumosomes are expected to be used for the reshaping the immune response in the lymph node and enhanced antitumor immunity.
Evidence of Enhanced Ion Transport in Li‐Rich Silicate Intercalation Materials
Authors: Billaud Juliette , Eames Christopher , Tapia‐Ruiz Nuria , Roberts Matthew R. , Naylor Andrew J. , Armstrong A. Robert , Islam M. Saiful , Bruce Peter G.
Published: January 2017

The silicate compounds Li2MSiO4 (where M = Mn, Fe, Co) have received significant attention recently as Li intercalation electrodes. Overwhelmingly they exhibit relatively poor kinetics of ion intercalation. By synthesizing Li‐rich solid solutions of the form Li2+2xFe1−xSiO4 (with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), the structural requirements for fast ion transport and hence relatively fast intercalation have been identified. Specifically the presence of additional Li+ in interstitial sites, not normally occupied in the stoichiometric Li2FeSiO4 compound, enhances ion transport by more than two orders of magnitude. The results, obtained by combining electrochemical measurements, with powder X‐ray and neutron diffraction and atomistic modeling of the ion dynamics, provide valuable guidance in designing future intercalation electrodes with high Li‐ion transport and, hence, fast electrode kinetics.
Effects of tunable acidity and basicity of Nb‐KIT‐6 catalysts on ethanol conversion: Experiments and kinetic modeling
Authors: Zhu Hongda , Chaudhari Raghunath V. , Subramaniam Bala , Ramanathan Anand , Wu Jian‐Feng
Published: January 2017

The relative amounts of acidic and basic sites in niobium‐containing ordered mesoporous silicates (Nb‐KIT‐6) are tunable with metal loading. The acidity and basicity change from 0.11 to 0.34 mmol NH3‐equiv./g cat. and 0.17 to 0.31 mmol CO2‐equiv./g cat., respectively, as the Nb loading is increased from 1.5 to 10.9%. This work harnesses this unique feature to better understand acidity and basicity effects on ethanol conversion activity and product selectivity. It is shown that the yields of ethylene and acetaldehyde, the dominant products, are tuned with Nb loading. Catalyst characterization results and designed kinetic experiments provide evidence of acid‐base pairs involved in the formation of various products. A macrosite kinetic model based on these observations and published mechanistic pathways fits the data for formation of the major products (ethylene, acetaldehyde, diethyl ether, and ethane) remarkably well. These results provide guidance for the rational design of bifunctional mesoporous materials exhibiting tunable acidity and basicity. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2888–2899, 2017
Analysis of roll wave characteristics under low liquid loading two‐phase flow conditions
Authors: Karami Hamidreza , Pereyra Eduardo , Sarica Cem , Torres Carlos F.
Published: January 2017

An experimental study is conducted using a 0.152‐m ID facility to investigate the wave characteristics of two‐phase stratified wavy flow in horizontal pipelines. The experiments are conducted under low liquid loading condition, which is very commonly observed in wet gas pipelines. The experiments are conducted with water as the liquid phase, and repeated with 51 wt % of monoethylene glycol (MEG) in the aqueous phase to analyze the effects of MEG presence on wave characteristics. The experimental range of this study covers superficial gas velocity, vSg, values of 9–23 m/s and superficial liquid velocity, vSL, values of 0.01–0.02 m/s. Similar test matrices are completed for the cases with and without MEG in the aqueous phase. A conductivity probe system is used to measure the wave characteristics at the liquid–gas interface. These characteristics include the wave celerity, frequency, amplitude, length, and liquid film thickness. The experimental oil–air wave characteristics data of Gawas et al. (Int J Multiphase Flow. 2014;63:93–104) is also used for comparison purposes. The trends in the resulting wave characteristics with respect to input parameters are investigated, for oil, water, or MEG–water mixture as the liquid phase. Common predictive methods for interfacial wave celerity, including shallow water theory, Watson (Proceedings of the 4th International Conference in Multi‐Phase Flows, Nice, France. 1989:495–512), Paras et al. (Int J Multiphase Flow. 1994;20(5):939–956), Al‐Sarkhi et al. (AIChE J. 2012;58(4):1018–1029), and Gawas et al. (Int J Multiphase Flow. 2014;63:93–104) are evaluated in comparison with the experimental data. The results of the wave frequency correlation of Al‐Sarkhi et al. (AIChE J. 2012;58(4):1018–1029) are also compared with the experimental wave frequency data. Lastly, a correlation is developed to predict the relative wave amplitude, as a function of superficial gas Weber number and liquid velocity number. Most of the commonly used two‐phase stratified flow models are developed with the assumption of steady‐state conditions, and neglect the transient wave effects. This study provides valuable experimental results on wave characteristics of stratified wavy flow for different types of liquid phase. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of the parameters affecting the wave characteristics of stratified wavy flow is presented. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 63: 3177–3186, 2017
Waldenström macroglobulinemia: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gertz Morie A.
Published: January 2017

Disease Overview: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal protein. Clinical features include anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and rarely hyperviscosity.

Diagnosis: Presence of IgM monoclonal protein associated with ≥10% clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells in bone marrow confirms the diagnosis. The L265P mutation in MYD88 is detectable in more than 90% of patients.

Risk Stratification: Age, hemoglobin level, platelet count, β2 microglobulin, and monoclonal IgM concentrations are characteristics required for prognosis.

Risk‐Adapted Therapy: Not all patients who fulfill WM criteria require therapy; these patients can be observed until symptoms develop. Rituximab‐based therapy is used in virtually all U.S. patients with WM and can be combined with bendamustine, an alkylating agent, or a proteosome inhibitor. Purine nucleoside analogues are widely used in Europe. The preferred Mayo Clinic nonstudy therapeutic induction is rituximab and bendamustine. Potential for stem cell transplantation should be considered in induction therapy selection.

Management of Refractory Disease: Bortezomib, fludarabine, thalidomide, everolimus, ibrutinib, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and bendamustine have all been shown to have activity in WM. Given WM's natural history, reduction of complications will be a priority for future treatment trials. Am. J. Hematol. 92:209–217, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between body height and month of birth among women of European origin in northern and southern hemispheres
Authors: Rosset Iwona , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Strapagiel Dominik , Grzelak Agnieszka , Henneberg Maciej
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association between month of birth and body height among women in northern and southern hemispheres.

Methods

Body heights of adult women of European origin born between 1935 and 1981 who lived in Poland (N = 3,933) and in Australia (N = 1,118) were examined in relation to month of birth by analysis of variance.

Results

No association between month of birth and body height was observed in either Polish or Australian women. For Polish women, a clear, statistically significant secular trend in body height was confirmed for the analyzed period (P < .0001). No such trend occurred among the Australian women.

Conclusions

Results do not confirm a significant association between month of birth and adult body height in women. It is, however, important to see a difference in secular trends, which was large in Polish women and nonexistent in Australian females.
Human quarantine: Toward reducing infectious pressure on chimpanzees at the Taï Chimpanzee Project, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Grützmacher Kim , Keil Verena , Leinert Vera , Leguillon Floraine , Henlin Arthur , Couacy‐Hymann Emmanuel , Köndgen Sophie , Lang Alexander , Deschner Tobias , Wittig Roman M. , Leendertz Fabian H.
Published: January 2017

Due to their genetic relatedness, great apes are highly susceptible to common human respiratory pathogens. Although most respiratory pathogens, such as human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), rarely cause severe disease in healthy human adults, they are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in wild great apes habituated to humans for research or tourism. To prevent pathogen transmission, most great ape projects have established a set of hygiene measures ranging from keeping a specific distance, to the use of surgical masks and establishment of quarantines. This study investigates the incidence of respiratory symptoms and human respiratory viruses in humans at a human‐great ape interface, the Taï Chimpanzee Project (TCP) in Côte d'Ivoire, and consequently, the effectiveness of a 5‐day quarantine designed to reduce the risk of potential exposure to human respiratory pathogens. To assess the impact of quarantine as a preventative measure, we monitored the quarantine process and tested 262 throat swabs for respiratory viruses, collected during quarantine over a period of 1 year. Although only 1 subject tested positive for a respiratory virus (HRSV), 17 subjects developed symptoms of infection while in quarantine and were subsequently kept from approaching the chimpanzees, preventing potential exposure in 18 cases. Our results suggest that quarantine—in combination with monitoring for symptoms—is effective in reducing the risk of potential pathogen exposure. This research contributes to our understanding of how endangered great apes can be protected from human‐borne infectious disease.
Minerals in the foods and diet of diademed sifakas: Are they nutritional challenges?
Authors: Irwin Mitchell T. , Raharison Jean‐Luc , Chapman Colin A. , Junge Randall E. , Rothman Jessica M.
Published: January 2017

Minerals, though needed in small quantities, are essential to metabolic processes, and deficiencies can seriously threaten health, reproduction and survival. Despite this, few studies have measured mineral composition of wild primate foods and fewer have quantified mineral intake. Here we measured the concentration of nine minerals in 75 foods of diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema; five groups) in habitats with varying levels of disturbance at Tsinjoarivo and estimated daily intakes using focal‐animal feeding data and intake rates over one year. For six minerals (Ca, P, Na, Fe, Zn, and Cu), mean concentrations in foods fell short of the National Research Council's (NRC) recommendations for captive primates. Concentrations were highest in lianas, herbs, and epiphytes, and hemiparasites had exceptionally high Na. Leaves tended to have higher concentrations than fruits or flowers, but overlap was extensive. Mineral concentrations in daily diets varied little seasonally, but absolute intakes (g/day) were higher in the abundant season, due to the increase in food ingested. Disturbed habitat groups’ diets had higher mineral concentrations for five minerals, but this translated into increased intakes only for Cu, as these groups ate less food overall. Overall, comparisons with percentage‐based NRC recommendations suggests deficiencies, but this is contradicted by: (1) the fact that mass‐specific intakes exceeded human recommendations, and (2) the lack of observed signs of deficiency. Ongoing efforts to quantify mineral consumption across wild primate populations and better understanding requirements on both a percentage and absolute basis will help in understanding effects on food selection, managing primate habitats and formulating captive diets.
Automated face detection for occurrence and occupancy estimation in chimpanzees
Authors: Crunchant Anne‐Sophie , Egerer Monika , Loos Alexander , Burghardt Tilo , Zuberbühler Klaus , Corogenes Katherine , Leinert Vera , Kulik Lars , Kühl Hjalmar S.
Published: January 2017

Surveying endangered species is necessary to evaluate conservation effectiveness. Camera trapping and biometric computer vision are recent technological advances. They have impacted on the methods applicable to field surveys and these methods have gained significant momentum over the last decade. Yet, most researchers inspect footage manually and few studies have used automated semantic processing of video trap data from the field. The particular aim of this study is to evaluate methods that incorporate automated face detection technology as an aid to estimate site use of two chimpanzee communities based on camera trapping. As a comparative baseline we employ traditional manual inspection of footage. Our analysis focuses specifically on the basic parameter of occurrence where we assess the performance and practical value of chimpanzee face detection software. We found that the semi‐automated data processing required only 2–4% of the time compared to the purely manual analysis. This is a non‐negligible increase in efficiency that is critical when assessing the feasibility of camera trap occupancy surveys. Our evaluations suggest that our methodology estimates the proportion of sites used relatively reliably. Chimpanzees are mostly detected when they are present and when videos are filmed in high‐resolution: the highest recall rate was 77%, for a false alarm rate of 2.8% for videos containing only chimpanzee frontal face views. Certainly, our study is only a first step for transferring face detection software from the lab into field application. Our results are promising and indicate that the current limitation of detecting chimpanzees in camera trap footage due to lack of suitable face views can be easily overcome on the level of field data collection, that is, by the combined placement of multiple high‐resolution cameras facing reverse directions. This will enable to routinely conduct chimpanzee occupancy surveys based on camera trapping and semi‐automated processing of footage.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Using semi‐automated ape face detection technology for processing camera trap footage requires only 2–4% of the time compared to manual analysis and allows to estimate site use by chimpanzees relatively reliably.
Natural history of pure autonomic failure: A United States prospective cohort
Authors: Kaufmann Horacio , Norcliffe‐Kaufmann Lucy , Palma Jose‐Alberto , Biaggioni Italo , Low Phillip A. , Singer Wolfgang , Goldstein David S. , Peltier Amanda C. , Shibao Cyndia A. , Gibbons Christopher H. , Freeman Roy , Robertson David ,   on behalf of the Autonomic Disorders Consortium
Published: January 2017

Objective

To define the clinical features and biomarkers that predict which patients with pure autonomic failure will develop Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy.

Methods

One hundred patients who presented with pure autonomic failure were recruited at 5 medical centers in the United States. Seventy‐four patients agreed to be followed prospectively. Patients underwent clinical evaluations including neurological rating scales, sleep questionnaires, smell test, and sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular autonomic function tests.

Results

At enrollment, patients were 68 ± 12 years old (median ± interquartile range) and had had autonomic failure for 5 ± 7 years. Within 4 years of follow‐up, 25 of 74 subjects (34%) developed dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 13), Parkinson disease (n = 6), or multiple system atrophy (n = 6). The presence of probable rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder was strongly associated with the development of a manifest central nervous system (CNS) synucleinopathy (odds ratio = 7.1). Patients who phenoconverted to multiple system atrophy had younger age at onset of autonomic failure, severe bladder/bowel dysfunction, preserved olfaction, and a cardiac chronotropic response upon tilt > 10 beats per minute. Those who phenoconverted to Parkinson disease or dementia with Lewy bodies had decreased olfaction, a lesser chronotropic response to tilt, and a longer duration of illness. The small group of patients retaining the pure autonomic failure phenotype had very low plasma norepinephrine levels, slow resting heart rate, no REM sleep behavior disorder, and preserved smell.

Interpretation

Patients presenting with pure autonomic failure are at high risk of phenoconverting to a manifest CNS synucleinopathy. Specific clinical features predict future diagnosis. Ann Neurol 2017;81:287–297
Characterization of cellulose degrading bacteria from the larval gut of the white grub beetle Lepidiota mansueta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Handique Gautam , Phukan Amrita , Bhattacharyya Badal , Baruah Abu Adil Lutful Haque , Rahman Syed Wasifur , Baruah Rajen
Published: January 2017

The goal of this study is to identify and characterize the cellulose degrading microorganisms in the larval gut of the white grub beetle, Lepidiota mansueta. Thirty bacterial strains were isolated and tested for cellulolytic activity using soluble carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) degrading assays. Of these strains, five (FGB1, FB2, MB1, MB2, and HB1) degrade cellulose. Cellulolytic activity was determined based on formation of clear zone and cellulolytic index on CMC plate media. The highest cellulolytic index (2.14) was found in FGB1. Partial 16S rDNA sequencing, morphological, and biochemical tests were used to identify and characterize the five isolates, all Citrobacter sp. (Enterobacteriaceae). This study identifies new cellulose degrading microorganisms from the larval gut of L. mansueta. The significance of identifying these strains lies in possible application in cellulose degradation.
Improving the regional model forecasting of persistent severe rainfall over the Yangtze River Valley using the spectral nudging and update cycle methods: a case study
Authors: Zhao Yanfeng , Wang Donghai , Xu Jianjun
Published: January 2017

China's worst flooding since 1998 occurred over the Yangtze River Valley from 30 June to 6 July 2016. This study investigated the event using a new method – the spectral nudging and update cycle (SN + UIC) – in the regional Weather Research and Forecasting model, fuller use of small‐scale features by using multi‐scale blending. The SN + UIC was found to be successful in improving the prediction of this persistent severe rainfall event; and the larger the magnitude and longer the lead time, the more obvious the improvement. It was also found that the use of this new method decreased the root‐mean‐square error for related meteorological variables.
Cover Image, Volume 11, Issue 1
Authors: Ebadian Mahmood , Sokhansanj Shahab , Webb Erin
Published: January 2017

The cover image, by MAHMOOD EBADIAN et al., is based on the Modeling and Analysis Estimating the required logistical resources to support the development of a sustainable corn stover bioeconomy in the USA, DOI: 10.1002/bbb.1736. Photo Credit: Antares Group Inc.

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Meta-analysis of the potential economic impact following introduction of absorbable antimicrobial sutures
Authors: Leaper D J , Edmiston C E , Holy C E
Published: January 2017

Background

Despite several randomized trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial (triclosan-coated or -impregnated) sutures (TCS), the clinical and economic impact of using these sutures compared with conventional non-antimicrobial-coated absorbable sutures (NCS) remains poorly documented.

Methods

An independent systematic review and meta-analysis of all published evidence from January 2005 to September 2016 comparing TCS with NCS was conducted. Surgical-site infection (SSI) was the primary outcome. The results of the meta-analysis were used in a decision-tree deterministic and stochastic cost model, using the National Health Service (NHS England)-based cost of inpatient admissions for infections and differential costs of TCSversus NCS.

Results

Thirty-four studies were included in the final assessment from an initial 163 identified citations; 20 of 34 studies were randomized, and 17 of 34 reported blinding of physicians and assessors. Using a random-effects model, the odds ratio for SSI in the TCS compared with NCS control groups was statistically significant (odds ratio 0·61, 95 per cent c.i. 0·52 to 0·73; P < 0·001). There was significant heterogeneity (I2 = 49 per cent). Using random-effects event estimates of SSI for TCS and NCS for each individual wound type, the mean savings per surgical procedure from using antimicrobial sutures were significant: £91·25 (90 per cent c.i. 49·62 to 142·76) (€105·09 (57·15 to 164·41); exchange rate 15 November 2016) across all wound types.

Conclusion

The reviewed literature suggested that antimicrobial sutures may result in significant savings across various surgical wound types.
Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of triclosan-coated sutures for the prevention of surgical-site infection
Authors: de Jonge S W , Atema J J , Solomkin J S , Boermeester M A
Published: January 2017

Background

Triclosan-coated sutures (TCS) were developed to reduce the risk of surgical-site infection (SSI). Level 1A evidence of effectiveness has been presented in various recent meta-analyses, yet well designed RCTs have not been able to reproduce these favourable results. The aim of this study was to evaluate all available evidence critically with comprehensive analysis to seek a more reliable answer regarding the effectiveness of TCS in the prevention of SSI.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from 1990 to November 2015 for RCTs that compared TCS with sutures that were exactly the same, but uncoated, in the prevention of SSI. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95 per cent confidence intervals were estimated using a random-effects model. Metaregression was used to substantiate subgroup effects, trial sequential analysis was employed to assess the risk of random error, and quality of evidence was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

Results

Twenty-one RCTs including 6462 patients were included. Risk of bias was serious. Pooled effects showed a RR of 0·72 (95 per cent c.i. 0·60 to 0·86; P < 0·001) for all publications. At a risk of 138 SSIs per 1000 procedures, the use of TCS reduced this by 39 (95 per cent c.i. 19, 55). Trial sequential analysis confirmed a RR reduction of 15 per cent for the use of TCS.

Conclusion

GRADE assessment shows moderate-quality evidence that TCS are effective in reducing SSI. Trial sequential analysis indicates that the effect was robust, and additional data are unlikely to alter the summary effect.
Our Collaborative Future: Activities and Roles of Stakeholders in Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation
Authors: Goodman Jennifer , Korsunova Angelina , Halme Minna
Published: January 2017

While stakeholders have long been at the forefront of sustainable development debates, the emphases have tended to be on different stakeholder pressures, or managing stakeholder expectations about controversial issues. In this paper we bring a fresh direction to these debates and ask in what ways different stakeholders can contribute to sustainable innovation in firms. Based on 80 semi‐structured interviews, we conduct a fine‐grained qualitative analysis of stakeholder activities in sustainability‐oriented innovation (SOI) processes in 13 different companies across Europe. Our analysis identifies eight roles that stakeholders play in SOI processes: stimulator, initiator, broker/mediator, concept refiner, legitimator, educator, context enabler and impact extender. More traditional roles such as legitimator and educator are less common in our cases. However, emerging roles such as stimulator, concept refiner, context enabler and impact extender are clearly identifiable and could be particularly valuable for SOI. We enhance a collaborative perspective of stakeholder theory, finding that stakeholders can play highly collaborative and proactive roles, and argue that secondary stakeholders may actually be more relevant for SOI than primary stakeholders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Assessment and management of elemental mercury poisoning—a case report
Authors: Bazoukis George , Papadatos Stamatis S. , Michelongona Paschalia , Fragkou Archodula , Yalouris Athanasios
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

We describe a patient with elemental mercury aspiration and retention in the appendix after elemental mercury ingestion. Conservative management was proved to be successful for the removal of the mercury from the appendix while we do not suggest bronchoalveolar lavage in cases of small amount elemental mercury aspiration.
Breast cancer with extensive bone metastasis mimicking myeloma
Authors: Hsu Ya‐Ting , Chang Kung‐Chao
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Punched‐out lesions in skull film usually elicit consideration of myeloma. However, some other diseases cause similar clinical presentations. We describe an uncommon presentation of breast cancer, which mimics multiple myeloma. Therefore, in a broad spectrum of clinical settings, physicians should always consider differential diagnosis and await for definitive pathological diagnosis.
Rapid In Situ Immobilization of Enzymes in Metal–Organic Framework Supports under Mild Conditions
Authors: Gascón Victoria , Carucci Cristina , Jiménez Mayra B. , Blanco Rosa M. , Sánchez‐Sánchez Manuel , Magner Edmond
Published: January 2017

The use of a metal–organic framework (MOF) as a support for the in situ immobilization of enzymes was explored. The MOF support, a Basolite F300‐like material, was prepared from FeCl3 and the tridentate linker trimesic acid. Immobilization of alcohol dehydrogenase, lipase, and glucose oxidase was performed in situ under mild conditions (aqueous solution, neutral pH, and at room temperature) in a rapid and facile manner with retention of activity for at least 1 week. The catalytic activities of lipase and glucose oxidase were similar to the activities of the free enzymes; with alcohol dehydrogenase, there was a substantial decrease in activity on immobilization that may arise from diffusion limitations. The approach demonstrates that a MOF material, prepared from cheap and commercially available materials, can be successively utilized to prepare stable and catalytically active biocatalysts in a rapid and facile manner.
Investigation of Binding Behavior between Drug Molecule 5‐Fluoracil and M4L4‐Type Tetrahedral Cages: Selectivity, Capture, and Release
Authors: Xu Wei‐Qin , Fan Yan‐Zhong , Wang Hai‐Ping , Teng Jun , Li Yu‐Hao , Chen Cheng‐Xia , Fenske Dieter , Jiang Ji‐Jun , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: January 2017

Two analogous M4L4‐type tetrahedral cages (smaller: MOC‐19; larger: MOC‐22) were synthesized and investigated for their interactions with the anticancer drug 5‐fluoracil (5‐FU) by NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS), and molecular simulation. The cage's size and window are of importance for the host–guest binding, and consequently the smaller MOC‐19 with a more suitable size of cavity window was found to have much stronger hydrogen‐bond interactions with 5‐FU. The porous nanoparticles of MOC‐19 exhibited outstanding behavior for the controlled release of 5‐FU in a simulated human body with liquid phosphate‐buffered saline solution.
Innovative toxikologische Untersuchungsmethoden für Eisenoxidnanopartikel in der Nanomedizin
Authors: Janko Christina , Pöttler Marina , Matuszak Jasmin , Unterweger Harald , Hornung Annkathrin , Friedrich Ralf P. , Alexiou Christoph
Published: January 2017

Superparamagnetische Eisenoxidnanopartikel (SPIONs) bieten vielfältige Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der Medizin. Toxikologische Untersuchungen, die auf der physikochemischen Charakterisierung der Nanopartikel aufbauen, sind eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für die zukünftige Translation in die klinische Anwendung. Da Nanopartikel mit zahlreichen klassischen toxikologischen Nachweismethoden interferieren, sind Alternativmethoden notwendig. Multiparameterfärbungen für Durchflusszytometrie und Fluoreszenzmikroskopie, markierungsfreie Echtzeitanalysen, 3D‐Zellkultur und Flussmodelle werden diskutiert.