bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Rational Synthesis of Non‐IPR Fullerenes Via Tandem Cyclodehydrofluorination of Fluoroarene‐Based Precursors
Authors: Amsharov Konstantin
Published: July 2017

In this report the successful generation of the non‐isolated pentagon rule (non‐IPR) fullerene fragment via regioselective cyclodehydrofluorination of a specially designed precursor under laser ionization condition is presented. It is demonstrated that the transformation of the precursor molecule to the highly strained non‐IPR bowl‐shaped hydrocarbon can be achieved effectively at rather low laser fluences, despite the presence of fused pentagons in the structure. This finding opens up a venue towards the rational synthesis of individual isomers of non‐IPR fullerenes and other related non‐IPR architectures by the bottom‐up strategy. The retrosynthetic analysis of fluoroarene‐based precursor molecules for non‐IPR fullerenes C36–C50 is discussed.
Reversibility of Graphene‐Enhanced Raman Scattering with Fluorinated Graphene
Authors: Valeš Václav , Melníková Zuzana , Verhagen Tim , Vejpravová Jana , Kalbáč Martin
Published: July 2017

The effect of the amount of sp3 defects in graphene on the graphene enhanced Raman scattering (GERS) is studied using gradual fluorination of chemical vapour deposition grown graphene covering the Rhodamine 6G molecules. While upon a mild fluorination the GERS effect is preserved, the GERS enhancement disappears in case of a strong fluorination. After partial removal of the fluorine from the strongly fluorinated graphene by water vapor treatment, the GERS effect is restored.
Cobalt and Copper Co–Catalyzed Three‐Component Reactions for the Synthesis of 1,3,4‐Trisubstituted Pyrazoles
Authors: Wei Daidong , Ma Haojie , Zhou Xiaoqiang , Shi Chong , Luo Xinliang , Huang Guosheng
Published: July 2017

A novel cobalt and copper co‐catalyzed for exclusive synthesis of 1,3,4‐trisubstituted pyrazoles via a one‐pot reaction of hydrazones with nitromethane and aldehydes has been reported. Proper conditions without additional oxidants, broad substrate scope and easily obtained starting materials make this protocol promising and practical.
Identification of Nitroxoline and Halogenated Quinoline Analogues with Antibacterial Activities against Plant Pathogens
Authors: Yousaf Hussain H. , Garrison Aaron T. , Abouelhassan Yasmeen , Basak Akash , Jones Jeffrey B. , III Robert W. Huigens
Published: July 2017

Bacterial pathogens that infect and kill plants are responsible for major crop damage (e.g. citrus canker). As is the case with human pathogens, bacterial species which are invasive to plants acquire resistance to common crop‐bactericidal agents. Herein we report the identification of nitroxoline and simple halogenated quinoline (HQ) antibacterial agents that demonstrate antibacterial activities against a panel of plant pathogens, including Xanthomonas citri and Burkholderia andropogonis. A subset of active analogues was identified from an in‐house library of 36 nitrogen‐containing heterocycles which our group previously evaluated against multiple human pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). In this report, we also demonstrate that the phytochemical gallic acid (GA) potentiates the antibacterial activity of select halogenated quinolines against multiple Xanthomonas strains, including Xcc 306. We also show that nitroxoline and HQ 1 alone and in combination with GA inhibit Xcc 306 infection in a plant model, demonstrating the potential these compounds have as crop‐bactericidal agents.
Online verification in cyber‐physical systems: Practical bounds for meaningful temporal costs
Authors: Bersani Marcello M. , García‐Valls Marisol
Published: July 2017

Cyber‐physical systems (CPS) are highly dynamic and large scale systems integrated with the physical environment that they monitor and actuate on. CPS have to adapt online to the changing nature of the physical environment; this may require the online modification of their system model, but any change should preserve correct operation. Correctness by construction relies on using formal tools, which suffer from a considerable computational overhead. As the current system model of a CPS may adapt to the environment, the new system model must be verified before its execution to ensure that the properties are preserved. However, CPS development has mainly concentrated on the design‐time aspects, existing only few contributions that address their online adaptation. We research on the pros and cons of formal tools to support dynamic changes at runtime. We formalize the semantics of the adaptation logic of an autonomic manager (OLIVE) that performs online verification for a specific application, a dynamic virtualized server system. We explore the use of formal tools based on CLTLoc to express functional and nonfunctional properties of the system. We provide empirical results showing the temporal costs of our approach.
Brief Report: Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Reprogramming to Pluripotency Is a Rare Event and Selects for Patient Hematopoietic Cells Devoid of Leukemic Mutations
Authors: Lee Jong-Hee , Salci Kyle R. , Reid Jennifer C. , Orlando Luca , Tanasijevic Borko , Shapovalova Zoya , Bhatia Mickie
Published: July 2017

Induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming has provided critical insights into disease processes by modeling the genetics and related clinical pathophysiology. Human cancer represents highly diverse genetics, as well as inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity, where cellular model systems capable of capturing this disease complexity would be invaluable. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents one of most heterogeneous cancers and has been divided into genetic subtypes correlated with unique risk stratification over the decades. Here, we report our efforts to induce pluripotency from the heterogeneous population of human patients that represents this disease in the clinic. Using robust optimized reprogramming methods, we demonstrate that reprogramming of AML cells harboring leukemic genomic aberrations is a rare event with the exception of those with de novo mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) mutations that can be reprogrammed and model drug responses in vitro. Our findings indicate that unlike hematopoietic cells devoid of genomic aberrations, AML cells harboring driver mutations are refractory to reprogramming. Expression of MLL fusion proteins in AML cells did not contribute to induced reprogramming success, which continued to select for patient derived cells devoid of AML patient-specific aberrations. Our study reveals that unanticipated blockades to achieving pluripotency reside within the majority of transformed AML patient cells.
Essential Roles of Thyroid Hormone-Regulated Hyaluronan/CD44 Signaling in Adult Stem Cell Development During Xenopus laevis Intestinal Remodeling
Authors: Hasebe Takashi , Fujimoto Kenta , Kajita Mitsuko , Ishizuya-Oka Atsuko
Published: July 2017

In the amphibian intestine during metamorphosis, thyroid hormone (TH) induces some larval epithelial cells to dedifferentiate into stem cells, which generate the adult epithelium analogous to the mammalian intestinal epithelium. We have previously shown that the canonical Wnt signaling pathway is involved in adult epithelial development in the Xenopus laevis intestine. To understand the function of this pathway more precisely, we here focused on CD44, a major Wnt target, which has been identified as a TH response gene in the X. laevis intestine. Our in situ hybridization analysis indicated that CD44 mRNA is detectable in adult epithelial primordia consisting of the adult stem/progenitor cells and is strongly expressed in the connective tissue (CT) cells surrounding them. Interestingly, when the expression of CD44 mRNA is the highest, hyaluronan (HA), a principle ligand of CD44, is newly synthesized and becomes most abundantly distributed in the CT just beneath the adult epithelial primordia that are actively proliferating. Thereafter, as the adult primordia differentiate into the simple columnar epithelium, the expression of CD44 mRNA is gradually downregulated. More importantly, using organ cultures of the X. laevis tadpole intestine in the presence of TH, we have experimentally shown that inhibition of HA synthesis by 4-methylumbelliferone suppresses development of not only the CT but also the epithelial stem cells, resulting in failure to generate the AE. Our findings strongly suggest that TH-upregulated HA/CD44 signaling plays an essential role in formation of the intestinal stem cell niche during vertebrate postembryonic development.
Successful Surgical Treatment of Intractable Chylous Ascites Using the Lymphatic Cable Flap: A Retrospective Review Study
Authors: Chen Shih‐Heng , Yeh Li‐Fan , Ciudad Pedro , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: July 2017

Objective

For evaluation of a novel surgical procedure for the treatment of chylous ascites.

Summary background data

Chylous ascites is a debilitating condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. At least one‐third of patients are refractory to medical therapy and may warrant further treatment. Traditional methods involving ligation of lymphatic fistulas or small bowel resection do not address the basic pathophysiologic mechanism of the underlying obstruction, and identification of chyloperitoneal fistulas may be challenging.

Methods

A novel flap based on deep inferior epigastric vessels with its surrounding lymphatic fatty tissue was designed in this study and transferred into abdominal cavity, with anastomosis to the fourth jejunal vessels. Three consecutive cases with chylous ascites treated by this vascularized lymphatic cable transfer were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All three patients recovered from chylous ascites after the lymphatic cable transfer and tolerated regular diet well, with follow‐up of 3 years at least.

Conclusions

Lymphatic cable flap based on the deep inferior epigastric vessels could be a potential option for treatment of intractable chylous ascites, with safe and successful long‐term outcomes in three consecutive patients. The proposed functional mechanism of the flap is bypass of the obstructed intra‐abdominal lymphatics to an extraperitoneal route as well as local lymphangiogenesis.
Differential immune responses of Monochamus alternatus against symbiotic and entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Zhang Wei , Meng Jie , Ning Jing , Qin Peijun , Zhou Jiao , Zou Zhen , Wang Yanhong , Jiang Hong , Ahmad Faheem , Zhao Lilin , Sun Jianghua
Published: July 2017

Monochamus alternatus, the main vector beetles of invasive pinewood nematode, has established a symbiotic relationship with a native ectotrophic fungal symbiont, Sporothrix sp. 1, in China. The immune response of M. alternatus to S. sp. 1 in the coexistence of beetles and fungi is, however, unknown. Here, we report that immune responses of M. alternatus pupae to infection caused by ectotrophic symbiotic fungus S. sp. 1 and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana differ significantly. The S. sp. 1 did not kill the beetles while B. bassiana killed all upon injection. The transcriptome results showed that the numbers of differentially expressed genes in M. alternatus infected with S. sp. 1 were 2-fold less than those infected with B. bassiana at 48 hours post infection. It was noticed that Toll and IMD pathways played a leading role in the beetle’s immune system when infected by symbiotic fungus, but upon infection by entomopathogenic fungus, only the Toll pathway gets triggered actively. Furthermore, the beetles could tolerate the infection of symbiotic fungi by retracing their Toll and IMD pathways at 48 h. This study provided a comprehensive sequence resource of M. alternatus transcriptome for further study of the immune interactions between host and associated fungi.
Laboratory Study on the Oil Displacement Properties of Sugar Amine Sulfonate Surfactant
Authors: Pu Wanfen , Gu Jiongyi , Zhao Tianhong , Liu Lei , Wang Ning , Gu Fei
Published: July 2017

A sugar amine sulfonate surfactant (SAS) was used to enhance oil recovery by chemical flooding. The interfacial tension between an SAS solution and four kinds of crude oil was determined. Oil (4) containing the largest amount of medium chain length components was the most suitable candidate because the IFT could be reduced to an ultralow range (10−3 mN/m) at optimum NaCl concentration. Emulsions consisting of oil (4) and SAS solution and the adsorption density of SAS on sandstone were studied. Compared with A37 (alkyl ether sulfate), SAS ws able to form more stable emulsions and the adsorption density was equivalent in the typical concentration range of chemical flooding. Both SAS and A37 adsorption data on sandstone followed the Langmuir isotherm model. SAS increased the apparent viscosity of KY‐1500 (modified polyacrylamide) in a low concentration range and improve the viscoelasticity. A combination of SAS and KY‐1500 (SP) enhanced oil recovery by 16.05 versus 14.31% (using KY‐1500 alone).
Guideline on peri-operative glycemic control for adult patient with diabetic mellitus: Resource limited areas
Authors: Berhe Yophtahe Woldegerima , Gebregzi Amare Hailekiros , Endalew Nigussie Simeneh
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background

Poor glucose control/Hyperglycemia is associated with perioperative complications. Optimal evidence-based perioperative blood glucose control in patients undergoing surgical procedures remains controversial. There are different controversial approaches on glycemic control based on variety of evidences. So it is important to design and developed protocol to provide safe perioperative care for diabetic patients that align with our clinical setup. The objective of this guideline was to improve care provision regarding glucose control in diabetic patients during the Perioperative period.

Methods

PubMed through HINARI, Google Scholars and other search engines were used to find high level evidences that help to draw appropriate conclusions.

Discussion

Comparing conventional and intensive glucose control, even though, intensive approach was found associated with reduced complication rates, recent large scale studies concluded no difference in complication rates, organ failure, and ventilator support requirements. The intensive approach, even found associated with more episodes of hypoglycemia and higher delayed mortality rates. Regarding insulin administration modalities, continuous infusion was found to help stable glycemic control, reduce 30-days re-admission, and postoperative infections.

Conclusion

Diabetic patients frequently come to operation theatre for wide range of procedures. One of the challenging aspects of peri-operative care in these patient groups is appropriate glycemic control. The management should be guided by the pre-operative glycemic control, type and duration of the operation (minor or major) and functional reserve of patients. The guideline has been summarized in flow chart form to simplify its application.

Highlights
Prevalence of pulmonary embolism in syncope patients
Authors: Crooks Sean , Lang Eddy
Published: July 2017

Clinical question

How often is pulmonary embolism (PE) found in patients admitted for syncope?

Article chosen

Prandoni P, Lensing A, Prins M, et al. Prevalence of pulmonary embolism among patients hospitalized for syncope (PESIT). N Engl J Med 2016;375:1524-31, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1602172.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of PE in patients hospitalized for a first episode of syncope.
Emergency Preparedness in Elderly Care in Sweden: A Study of Staff Perspectives
Authors: Cuadra Carin Björngren
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim was to investigate the interface between elderly care and emergency preparedness from the elderly care staff’s perspective.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire was sent to elderly care staff in 4 Swedish municipalities. The questions involved experiences of extraordinary events, education and exercises, and risk and vulnerability analyses, evaluations of main risks and emergency preparedness, and familiarity with preparedness plans. In total, 568 elderly care staff responded.

Results

Between 15% and 25% of the respondents claimed experiences of extraordinary events, exercises and education, and risk and vulnerability analyses. The same number claimed familiarity with the organization’s preparedness plan, whereas ~85% answered that they need more education and exercises. Emergency preparedness was evaluated as important. The experiences and risks referred to pertained to both official categories used within emergency preparedness and issues such as work conditions, seniors’ fall accidents.

Conclusion

Elderly care staff, though highly motivated, do not seem to be involved in emergency preparedness and are not targeted to a large extent when education and training are organized. A development of the interface between emergency preparedness and elderly care could require a clarification of the scope and context of emergency preparedness and of differing understandings of central concepts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:86–93)
Proposed “Exposure And Symptom Triage” (EAST) Tool to Assess Radiation Exposure After a Nuclear Detonation
Authors: Hick John L. , Bader Judith L. , Coleman C. Norman , Ansari Armin J. , Chang Arthur , Salame-Alfie Adela , Hanfling Dan , Koerner John F.
Published: July 2017

One of the biggest medical challenges after the detonation of a nuclear device will be implementing a strategy to assess the severity of radiation exposure among survivors and to triage them appropriately. Those found to be at significant risk for radiation injury can be prioritized to receive potentially lifesaving myeloid cytokines and to be evacuated to other communities with intact health care infrastructure prior to the onset of severe complications of bone marrow suppression. Currently, the most efficient and accessible triage method is the use of sequential complete blood counts to assess lymphocyte depletion kinetics that correlate with estimated whole-body dose radiation exposure. However, even this simple test will likely not be available initially on the scale required to assess the at-risk population. Additional variables such as geographic location of exposure, sheltering, and signs and symptoms may be useful for initial sorting. An interdisciplinary working group composed of federal, state, and local public health experts proposes an Exposure And Symptom Triage (EAST) tool combining estimates of exposure from maps with clinical assessments and single lymphocyte counts if available. The proposed tool may help sort survivors efficiently at assembly centers near the damage and fallout zones and enable rapid prioritization for appropriate treatment and transport. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 386–395)
Determinants of Implementation of Isolation Precautions Against Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms: A Hospital-Based, Multicenter, Observational Study
Authors: Bénet Thomas , Girard Raphaele , Gerbier-Colomban Solweig , Dananché Cédric , Hodille Elisabeth , Dauwalder Olivier , Vanhems Philippe
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to ascertain the factors associated with lack of isolation precautions (IP) in patients infected or colonized by third-generation cephalosporin-resistantEnterobacteriaceae(3GCR-E) and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in hospital settings.

DESIGN

Prospective surveillance and audit of practices.

SETTING

The study included 4 university hospitals in Lyon, France.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients hospitalized between April and June in 2013 and 2015 were included. Case patients had ≥1 clinical sample positive for MRSA and/or 3GCR-E.

METHODS

Factors associated with the lack of IP implementation were identified using multivariate logistic regression. The incidence of MDRO infections was expressed per 10,000 patient days.

RESULTS

Overall, 57,222 patients accounting for 192,234 patient days of hospitalization were included, and 635 (1.1%) MDRO cases were identified. MRSA incidence was 2.5 per 10,000 patient days (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.1–3.0) and 3GCR-E incidence was 10.1 per 10,000 patient days (95% CI, 9.2–11.0), with no crude difference between 2013 and 2015 (P=.15 andP=.11, respectively). Among 3GCR-E, the main species wereEscherichia coli(43.8%) andKlebsiella pneumoniae(31.0%). Isolation precautions were implemented in 78.5% of cases. Lack of IP implementation was independently associated with patient age, year, specialty, hospital, colonization compared with infection, and lack of medical prescription for IPs (adjusted odds ratio, 17.4; 95% CI, 8.5–35.8;P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MRSA and 3GCR-E infections and/or colonizations are frequent in healthcare settings, and IPs are implemented in most cases. When IPs are lacking, the main factor is the absence of medical prescription for IPs, underscoring the need for alerts to physicians by the microbiological laboratory and/or the infection control team.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:1188–1195
Incidence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Infections in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: McDanel Jennifer , Schweizer Marin , Crabb Victoria , Nelson Richard , Samore Matthew , Khader Karim , Blevins Amy E. , Diekema Daniel , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Nair Rajeshwari , Perencevich Eli
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Despite a reported worldwide increase, the incidence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella infections in the United States is unknown. Understanding the incidence and trends of ESBL infections will aid in directing research and prevention efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a literature review to identify the incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli and Klebsiella infections in the United States.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review.

METHODS

MEDLINE via Ovid, CINAHL, Cochrane library, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for multicenter (≥2 sites), US studies published between 2000 and 2015 that evaluated the incidence of ESBL-E. coli or ESBL-Klebsiella infections. We excluded studies that examined resistance rates alone or did not have a denominator that included uninfected patients such as patient days, device days, number of admissions, or number of discharges. Additionally, articles that were not written in English, contained duplicated data, or pertained to ESBL organisms from food, animals, or the environment were excluded.

RESULTS

Among 51,419 studies examined, 9 were included for review. Incidence rates differed by patient population, time, and ESBL definition and ranged from 0 infections per 100,000 patient days to 16.64 infections per 10,000 discharges and incidence rates increased over time from 1997 to 2011. Rates were slightly higher for ESBL-Klebsiella infections than for ESBL-E. coli infections.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of ESBL-E. coli and ESBL-Klebsiella infections in the United States has increased, with slightly higher rates of ESBL-Klebsiella infections. Appropriate estimates of ESBL infections when coupled with other mechanisms of resistance will allow for the appropriate targeting of resources toward research, drug discovery, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1209–1215
JAMAICAN TAÍNO SETTLEMENT CONFIGURATION AT THE TIME OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
Authors: Burley David V. , Woodward Robyn P. , Henry Shea , Conolley Ivor C.
Published: July 2017

Stranded in Jamaica for a year in AD 1503, Christopher Columbus and crew became reliant on the Taíno village of Maima for provisions. Recent archaeological survey and excavations at this site document a sizeable hillside settlement established early in the White Marl period of Jamaican culture history with continued occupation up to Spanish contact. Beginning by 13th to 14th century AD, the people at Maima expanded their settlement capacity across the hillslope through construction of house terraces and platforms employing large volumes of limestone rock and gravel fill. Archaeological excavation on these features has exposed at least one circular, center-pole Taíno house with a surprisingly limited floor space. A review of Jamaican archaeology suggests both hillside terracing and small house form is characteristic of Jamaican Taíno village configuration more broadly. This pattern stands in contrast to other areas of Taíno settlement in the Caribbean, and to the small number of Spanish chronicles in which Taíno villages and houses are described.
A new species ofProcyrnea(Nematoda: Habronematidae) parasitic inRhea pennata(Aves: Rheidae) from Patagonia, Argentina, with a key to species of the genus
Authors: Bagnato E. , Frixione M. , Digiani M.C. , Cremonte F.
Published: July 2017

Procyrnea choiquen. sp. is described from the lesser rhea,Rhea pennatad´Orbigny (Aves: Rheidae), from the Protected Natural Area Península Valdés, Chubut province, Argentina. The new species resemblesP. ficheuri,P. murrayi,P. excisiformis,P. dollfusi,P. haliasturi,P. anterovulvata,P. graculae,P. brevicaudata,P. uncinipenis,P. javaensis,P. ameerae,P. ornata,P. aegotheles,P. spiralis,P. ruschiiandP. aptera, mainly in the absence of lateral alae; but differs from its congeners by having a left spicule without barbs, the position of the vulva which is post-equatorial, the absence of lateral ridges, absent median precloacal papilla, asymmetrical caudal alae, males more than 6 mm long, left spicule 1 mm long and spicule ratio 1:3. Our results extend the taxonomy ofProcyrneaChabaud, 1958 and comprise the first report of a habronematid fromR. pennata.A key to species ofProcyrneais presented.
Elevating Human Being: Towards a New Sort of Naturalism
Authors: Liu Irene
Published: July 2017

Defended by scholars such as John McDowell and Julia Annas, the naturalism of second nature (NSN) claims that the virtues are part of a rational second nature instilled through moral education. While NSN emphasizes that rationality, fully developed, results in autonomy from nature, it is considered a sort of naturalism because the development of rational second nature unfolds through entirely natural processes. Critics object that NSN does not utilize human nature as a standard of evaluation, which is a problem for a view that claims to be a sort of naturalism. This paper attempts to meet this charge by introducing a novel way to understand the normative significance of human nature. It argues that NSN supports an analysis of human nature as the raw material of the virtues and, as such, the basis of a kind of aesthetic evaluation. Specifically, human nature is the basis of humaneness, a kind of beauty that belongs to what elevates or refines human nature. Thus, according to the fortified naturalism of second nature the ethical significance of human nature is explained by recognizing how the virtues exemplify a kind of beauty that only humans can have.
The Steel Heard ‘Round the World: Exposing the Global Reach of Indigenous Musical Journeys with the Hawaiian Steel Guitar
Authors: Troutman John W.
Published: July 2017

In the late nineteenth century, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) physically modified guitars and created a new technique for playing them. In the years that followed, hundreds of Hawaiian troupes, engaging new entertainment circuits that crisscrossed the globe, introduced the world to their “Hawaiian steel guitar,” from Shanghai to London, Kolkata to New Orleans. While performing Hawaiianmele, or songs, with their instrument, they demonstrated new virtues for the guitar’s potential in vernacular and commercial music making in these international markets. Based upon archival research, this essay considers the careers of several Hawaiian guitarists who travelled the world in the early twentieth century, connecting local soundscapes through the proliferation of an indigenous technology.
Traveling Entrepreneurs, Traveling Sounds: The Early Gramophone Business in India and China
Authors: Lubinski Christina , Steen Andreas
Published: July 2017

During the first global economy, roughly from Western industrialization to World War I, the gramophone, much like other consumer goods, circulated relatively freely around the world. This paper compares the market in India and China asking how gramophone companies established themselves there and focuses on the interaction between Western businesspeople and local partners. The article first shows how agents started exploring strategies for “localizing” music and, second, how in both countries their interaction with local partners was first shaped by curiosity and commercial interest, and later by traditionalism and nationalism, the latter of which paradoxically both inhibited and enabled Western business. Based on diaries, corporate files, trade journals, and consular reports, the paper shows that the highly localized and politicized demand for music made access to local knowledge a crucial competitive advantage.
AN INTEGRATED PERSPECTIVE ON THE ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES: INTEGRATE-HTA
Authors: Wahlster Philip , Brereton Louise , Burns Jacob , Hofmann Björn , Mozygemba Kati , Oortwijn Wija , Pfadenhauer Lisa , Polus Stephanie , Rehfuess Eva , Schilling Imke , van der Wilt Gert Jan , Gerhardus Ansgar
Published: July 2017

Objectives: Current health technology assessment (HTA) is not well equipped to assess complex technologies as insufficient attention is being paid to the diversity in patient characteristics and preferences, context, and implementation. Strategies to integrate these and several other aspects, such as ethical considerations, in a comprehensive assessment are missing. The aim of the European research project INTEGRATE-HTA was to develop a model for an integrated HTA of complex technologies.

Methods: A multi-method, four-stage approach guided the development of the INTEGRATE-HTA Model: (i) definition of the different dimensions of information to be integrated, (ii) literature review of existing methods for integration, (iii) adjustment of concepts and methods for assessing distinct aspects of complex technologies in the frame of an integrated process, and (iv) application of the model in a case study and subsequent revisions.

Results: The INTEGRATE-HTA Model consists of five steps, each involving stakeholders: (i) definition of the technology and the objective of the HTA; (ii) development of a logic model to provide a structured overview of the technology and the system in which it is embedded; (iii) evidence assessment on effectiveness, economic, ethical, legal, and socio-cultural aspects, taking variability of participants, context, implementation issues, and their interactions into account; (iv) populating the logic model with the data generated in step 3; (v) structured process of decision-making.

Conclusions: The INTEGRATE-HTA Model provides a structured process for integrated HTAs of complex technologies. Stakeholder involvement in all steps is essential as a means of ensuring relevance and meaningful interpretation of the evidence.
The state and post-industrial urban regeneration: the reinvention of south Cardiff
Authors: GOOBERMAN LEON
Published: July 2017

South Cardiff was once dependent on the export of coal and the production of steel, but these activities had faded by the 1970s, creating economic stagnation and physical dereliction. However, the area was rechristened ‘Cardiff Bay’ in the mid-1980s and was the focus of an ambitious and contested state-funded regeneration. This article argues that regeneration was broadly successful, although not without failures, and that government remained willing to intervene heavily in some small areas. The main contribution is to identify and analyse how local authorities retained influence over regeneration, in contrast to approaches taken elsewhere by central government.
Developing measures of food and nutrition security within an Australian context
Authors: Archer Claire , Gallegos Danielle , McKechnie Rebecca
Published: July 2017

Objective

To develop a measure of food and nutrition security for use among an Australian population that measures all pillars of food security and to establish its content validity.

Design

The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 involved focus groups with experts working in the area of food security. Data were assessed using content analysis and results informed the development of a draft tool. Phase 2 consisted of a series of three online surveys using the Delphi technique. Findings from each survey were used to establish content validity and progressively modify the tool until consensus was reached for all items.

Setting

Australia.

Subjects

Phase 1 focus groups involved twenty-five experts working in the field of food security, who were attending the Dietitians Association of Australia National Conference, 2013. Phase 2 included twenty-five experts working in food security, who were recruited via email.

Results

Findings from Phase 1 supported the need for an Australian-specific tool and highlighted the failure of current tools to measure across all pillars of food security. Participants encouraged the inclusion of items to measure barriers to food acquisition and the previous single item to enable comparisons with previous data. Phase 2 findings informed the selection and modification of items for inclusion in the final tool.

Conclusions

The results led to the development of a draft tool to measure food and nutrition security, and supported its content validity. Further research is needed to validate the tool among the Australian population and to establish inter- and intra-rater reliability.
COUNTERFACTUALS AND PROPOSITIONAL CONTINGENTISM
Authors: FRITZ PETER , GOODMAN JEREMY
Published: July 2017

This article explores the connection between two theses: the principle of conditional excluded middle for the counterfactual conditional, and the claim that it is a contingent matter which (coarse grained) propositions there are. Both theses enjoy wide support, and have been defended at length by Robert Stalnaker. We will argue that, given plausible background assumptions, these two principles are incompatible, provided that conditional excluded middle is understood in a certain modalized way. We then show that some (although not all) arguments for conditional excluded middle can in fact be extended to motivate this modalized version of the principle.
ASCT2 regulates glutamine uptake and cell growth in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Marshall A D , van Geldermalsen M , Otte N J , Lum T , Vellozzi M , Thoeng A , Pang A , Nagarajah R , Zhang B , Wang Q , Anderson L , Rasko J E J , Holst J
Published: July 2017

Glutamine commonly becomes a conditionally essential amino acid in cancer. Glutamine is supplied to the cell by transporters such as ASCT2 (SLC1A5), which is frequently upregulated in multiple cancers. Here we investigated the expression of ASCT2 in endometrial carcinoma, and evaluated the contribution of ASCT2 to glutamine uptake and endometrial cancer cell growth. Analysis of human gene expression data showed that ASCT2 was significantly upregulated in both endometrioid and serous subtypes of endometrial carcinoma, compared to normal, age-matched endometrium. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of primary human endometrioid adenocarcinomas showed that tumours stain positive for ASCT2 in either a uniform or mosaic expression pattern, while normal adjacent glands appeared predominantly negative for ASCT2 staining. Chemical inhibition of glutamine transport by benzylserine or GPNA led to a significant decrease in endometrial cancer cell growth and spheroid cross-sectional area. ASCT2 knockdown recapitulated the decrease of cell growth and spheroid cross-sectional area in HEC1A cells, suggesting a reliance on ASCT2-mediated glutamine uptake. ASCT2 knockdown in Ishikawa cells led to lower glutamine uptake and cell growth, but did not affect spheroid area. Ishikawa cells express higher levels of the glutamine transporter SNAT1 compared to HEC1A cells, suggesting these cells may rely on both ASCT2 and SNAT1 for glutamine uptake. Since SNAT1 is also significantly upregulated in the endometrioid and serous subtypes, these data indicate that ASCT2 and SNAT1 could be used as markers of malignancy, and/or potential therapeutic targets in patients with endometrial carcinoma.
CDK5 Regulatory Subunit-Associated Protein 1-like 1 Negatively Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation through Activation of Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Take Kazumi , Waki Hironori , Sun Wei , Wada Takahito , Yu Jing , Nakamura Masahiro , Aoyama Tomohisa , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: July 2017

CDK5 Regulatory Subunit-Associated Protein 1-like 1 (CDKAL1) was identified as a susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes and body mass index in genome-wide association studies. Although it was reported that CDKAL1 is a methylthiotransferase essential for tRNALys(UUU) and faithful translation of proinsulin generated in pancreatic β cells, the role of CDKAL1 in adipocytes has not been understood well. In this study, we found that CDKAL1 is expressed in adipose tissue and its expression is increased during differentiation. Stable overexpression of CDKAL1, however, inhibited adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, whereas knockdown of CDKAL1 promoted differentiation. CDKAL1 increased protein levels of β-catenin and its active unphosphorylated form in the nucleus, thereby promoting Wnt target gene expression, suggesting that CDKAL1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway—a well-characterized inhibitory regulator of adipocyte differentiation. Mutant experiments show that conserved cysteine residues of Fe-S clusters of CDKAL1 are essential for its anti-adipogenic action. Our results identify CDKAL1 as novel negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation and provide insights into the link between CDKAL1 and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Isokinetic angle-specific moments and ratios characterizing hamstring and quadriceps strength in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees
Authors: Huang Hongshi , Guo Jianqiao , Yang Jie , Jiang Yanfang , Yu Yuanyuan , Müller Steffen , Ren Gexue , Ao Yingfang
Published: July 2017

This study is intended to find more effective and robust clinical diagnostic indices to characterize muscle strength and coordination alternation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. To evaluate angle-specific moments and hamstring (H)/quadriceps (Q) ratios, 46 male subjects with unilateral chronic ACL-rupture performed isokinetic concentric (c), eccentric (e) quadriceps and hamstring muscle tests respectively at 60°/s. Normalized moments and H/Q ratios were calculated for peak moment (PM) and 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80° knee flexion angles. Furthermore, we introduced single-to-arithmetic-mean (SAM) and single-to-root-mean-square (SRMS) muscle co-contraction ratios, calculating them for specific angles and different contraction repetitions. Normalized PM and 40° specific concentric quadriceps, concentric hamstring strength in the ACL-deficient knee were reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Concentric angle-specific moments together with Qe/Qc ratios at 40° (d = 0.766 vs. d = 0.654) identify more obvious differences than peak values in ACL ruptured limbs. Furthermore, we found SRMS-QeQc deficits at 40° showed stronger effect than Qe/Qc ratios (d = 0.918 vs. d = 0.766), albeit other ratio differences remained basically the same effect size as the original H/Q ratios. All the newly defined SAM and SRMS indices could decrease variance. Overall, 40° knee moments and SAM/SRMS ratios might be new potential diagnosis indices for ACL rupture detection.
Plant response to butterfly eggs: inducibility, severity and success of egg-killing leaf necrosis depends on plant genotype and egg clustering
Authors: Griese Eddie , Dicke Marcel , Hilker Monika , Fatouros Nina E.
Published: July 2017

Plants employ various defences killing the insect attacker in an early stage. Oviposition by cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) on brassicaceous plants, including Brassica nigra, induces a hypersensitive response (HR) - like leaf necrosis promoting desiccation of eggs. To gain a deeper insight into the arms race between butterflies and plants, we conducted field and greenhouse experiments using different B. nigra genotypes. We investigated variation in HR and consequent survival of P. brassicae egg clusters. Impact of egg density, distribution type and humidity on HR formation and egg survival was tested. HR differed among plant genotypes as well as plant individuals. Egg density per plant did not affect HR formation. Remarkably, egg survival did not depend on the formation of HR, unless butterflies were forced to lay single eggs. Larval hatching success from single eggs was lower on plants expressing HR. This may be due to increased vulnerability of single eggs to low humidity conditions at necrotic leaf sites. We conclude that effectiveness of HR-like necrosis in B. nigra varies with plant genotype, plant individual and the type of egg laying behaviour (singly or clustered). By clustering eggs, cabbage white butterflies can escape the egg-killing, direct plant defence trait.
Adjuvanting a viral vectored vaccine against pre-erythrocytic malaria
Authors: Milicic Anita , Rollier Christine S. , Tang Choon Kit , Longley Rhea , Hill Adrian V. S. , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo
Published: July 2017

The majority of routinely given vaccines require two or three immunisations for full protective efficacy. Single dose vaccination has long been considered a key solution to improving the global immunisation coverage. Recent infectious disease outbreaks have further highlighted the need for vaccines that can achieve full efficacy after a single administration. Viral vectors are a potent immunisation platform, benefiting from intrinsic immuno-stimulatory features while retaining excellent safety profile through the use of non-replicating viruses. We investigated the scope for enhancing the protective efficacy of a single dose adenovirus-vectored malaria vaccine in a mouse model of malaria by co-administering it with vaccine adjuvants. Out of 11 adjuvants, only two, Abisco®-100 and CoVaccineHTTM, enhanced vaccine efficacy and sterile protection following malaria challenge. The CoVaccineHTTM adjuvanted vaccine induced significantly higher proportion of antigen specific central memory CD8+ cells, and both adjuvants resulted in increased proportion of CD8+ T cells expressing the CD107a degranulation marker in the absence of IFNγ, TNFα and IL2 production. Our results show that the efficacy of vaccines designed to induce protective T cell responses can be positively modulated with chemical adjuvants and open the possibility of achieving full protection with a single dose immunisation.
A mega-phylogeny of the Annonaceae: taxonomic placement of five enigmatic genera and support for a new tribe, Phoenicantheae
Authors: Guo Xing , Tang Chin Cheung , Thomas Daniel C. , Couvreur Thomas L. P. , Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: July 2017

The Annonaceae, the largest family in the early-divergent order Magnoliales, comprises 107 genera and c. 2,400 species. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies targeting different taxa have generated large quantities of partially overlapping DNA sequence data for many species, although a large-scale phylogeny based on the maximum number of representatives has never been reconstructed. We use a supermatrix of eight chloroplast markers (rbcL, matK, ndhF, psbA-trnH, trnL-F, atpB-rbcL, trnS-G and ycf1) to reconstruct the most comprehensive tree to date, including 705 species (29%) from 105 genera (98%). This provides novel insights into the relationships of five enigmatic genera (Bocagea, Boutiquea, Cardiopetalum, Duckeanthus and Phoenicanthus). Fifteen main clades are retrieved in subfamilies Annonoideae and Malmeoideae collectively, 14 of which correspond with currently recognised tribes. Phoenicanthus cannot be accommodated in any existing tribe, however: it is retrieved as sister to a clade comprising the tribes Dendrokingstonieae, Monocarpieae and Miliuseae, and we therefore validate a new tribe, Phoenicantheae. Our results provide strong support for many previously recognised groups, but also indicate non-monophyly of several genera (Desmopsis, Friesodielsia, Klarobelia, Oxandra, Piptostigma and Stenanona). The relationships of these non-monophyletic genera—and two other genera (Froesiodendron and Melodorum) not yet sampled—are discussed, with recommendations for future research.
Electric-field-controlled phase transition in a 2D molecular layer
Authors: Matvija Peter , Rozbořil Filip , Sobotík Pavel , Ošťádal Ivan , Pieczyrak Barbara , Jurczyszyn Leszek , Kocán Pavel
Published: July 2017

Self-assembly of organic molecules is a mechanism crucial for design of molecular nanodevices. We demonstrate unprecedented control over the self-assembly, which could allow switching and patterning at scales accessible by lithography techniques. We use the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to induce a reversible 2D-gas-solid phase transition of copper phthalocyanine molecules on technologically important silicon surface functionalized by a metal monolayer. By means of ab-initio calculations we show that the charge transfer in the system results in a dipole moment carried by the molecules. The dipole moment interacts with a non-uniform electric field of the STM tip and the interaction changes the local density of molecules. To model the transition, we perform kinetic Monte Carlo simulations which reveal that the ordered molecular structures can form even without any attractive intermolecular interaction.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide suppresses epileptogenesis at an early stage
Authors: Liu Juan , Yang Beimeng , Zhou Pei , Kong Yingying , Hu Weiwei , Zhu Geng , Ying Weihai , Li Weidong , Wang Yun , Li Shengtian
Published: July 2017

The pathophysiologic mechanisms of epileptogenesis are poorly understood, and no effective therapy exists for suppressing epileptogenesis. Numerous reports have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has neuroprotective effects, suggesting its potential use for treating epileptogenesis. Here we evaluated the effects of NAD+ on epileptogenesis and the mechanisms underlying these effects. In pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) model mice, NAD+ was injected three times within 24.5 h after SE. NAD+ intervention significantly reduced the incidence of spontaneous recurrent seizure (SRS) and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, rescued contextual fear memory formation, reduced neuronal loss in the CA1 region of the hippocampus at SRS stage. Furthermore, exogenous supply of NAD+ distinctly reversed the seizure-induced depletion of endogenous NAD+, reduced neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and reversed the augmented Acp53/p53 ratio at the early stage of epileptogenesis. Our findings demonstrated that early-stage intervention with NAD+ prevents epileptogenesis in pilocarpine-induced SE mice by suppressing neuronal apoptosis.