bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion Characteristics and Acicular Ferrite Nucleation in Ti‐Containing Weld Metals of X70 Pipeline Steel
Authors: Wang Bingxin , Liu Xianghua , Wang Guodong
Published: October 2017

The X70 steel weld metals with Ti content of 0.003–0.13% are prepared by single pass submerged‐arc welding process. The effects of Ti content in weld metals on the constituent phases of inclusions and potential of acicular ferrite nucleation on the inclusions are in detail investigated by means of electron probe micro‐analysis, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and thermodynamic calculation. The obtained results show that with an increase of Ti content, primary constituent phases of inclusions are changed from (Mn–Al–Si–O) compound to a mixture of spinel and pseudobrookite solid solutions, eventually to pseudobrookite. The spinel solid solution is characterized by MnTi2O4 constituent. The proportion of Ti3O5 in pseudobrookite is increased remarkably with an increase in Ti content at the expense of MnTi2O5 constituent. Compared with pseudobrookite, spinel has lower Ti concentration, but significantly higher Mn content regardless of Ti content in the weld metals. In the case of presence of a considerable amount of spinel primarily composed of MnTi2O4, Mn element is enriched strongly in the inclusions, resulting in the development of Mn‐depleted zone in matrix around the inclusions, which enhances the capability of inclusions nucleating intragranular acicular ferrite.
Spatial data fusion for large non‐Gaussian remote sensing datasets
Authors: Shi Hongxiang , Kang Emily L.
Published: October 2017

Remote sensing data are playing a vital role in understanding the pattern of the Earth's geophysical processes in environmental and climate sciences. We propose a spatial data‐fusion methodology that is able to take advantage of two (or potentially more) large remote sensing datasets with the exponential family of distributions. Our hierarchical model follows the generalized linear mixed model but also leverages a low‐rank spatial random effects model to allow for flexible spatial covariance and cross‐covariance structure. We take an empirical hierarchical modelling approach where any unknown parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood estimation via an efficient expectation–maximization algorithm. Through a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, spatial predictions are obtained by generating samples from the empirical predictive distribution where the unknown parameters are substituted by the estimates. The performance of our proposed method is investigated through a simulation study and a real‐data example. It shows that via borrowing strength across complementary datasets, the proposed method improves spatial predictions reciprocally. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of concrete crack growth based on micro‐plane model
Authors: Peyman Farzad , Sadrnejad Seyed A.
Published: October 2017

The crack geometry effect is encountered in compliance matrix as a tensor containing 17 on‐plane stress/strain component interrelation. The components of compliance matrix vary due to the effects of the directional fabric behavior of the material created by inherent/induced anisotropy that can be differed in any of the multi‐direction through material. Mathematically, any alterations in multi‐directional material behavior are numerically integrated and affected in material compliance matrix. The main objective of this paper is to develop a numerical approach to determine the crack initiation and its growth for brittle materials such as concrete. Upon the numerical integration technique, any multi‐directional behavior aspect is affected by components of compliance matrix to reflect historically in the next step material behavior. Accordingly, the proposed model results are investigated to satisfy both equilibrium and compatibility equations. In this paper, previous selected 13 sampling points in numerical integration are updated to 17 planes to overcome the compatibility problem. To show the capability of the model, a few fractured concrete test results under different loading stress/strain paths were examined. The significant advantage of the proposed multi‐laminate model is to present a complete pre‐failure history of stress/strain progress on different predefined sampling planes which leads to the illustration of the final damaged or failure mechanism.
The natural compound 2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐d glucoside protects against adriamycin‐induced nephropathy through activating the Nrf2‐Keap1 antioxidant pathway
Authors: Lin En‐Yuan , Bayarsengee Uyanga , Wang Ching‐Chiung , Chiang Yung‐Hsiao , Cheng Chao‐Wen
Published: October 2017

2,3,5,4′‐Tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside (THSG) is an active compound extracted from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. This herb and radix Polygoni Multiflori preparata have been used to treat arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes for thousands of years. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of THSG in an Adriamycin (AD)‐induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) mouse model and the underlying mechanisms in an in vitro system. Mice were treated with THSG (2.5 and 10 mg/kg, oral gavage) for 24 consecutive days. On the third day, mice were intravenously given a single dose of AD (10 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, plasma and kidney samples were harvested to evaluate the therapeutic effects of THSG. The potential mechanisms of THSG in protecting against AD‐induced cytotoxicity were examined using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblots, lactate dehydrogenase assay, and a cellular oxidized‐thiol detection system in a mouse mesangial cell line. In this study, THSG showed concentration‐dependent protective effects in ameliorating the progression of AD‐induced FSGS. THSG suppressed albuminuria and hypercholesterolemia and reduced the status of lipid peroxidation in urine, plasma, and kidney tissue samples. Furthermore, THSG protected against podocyte damage, reduced renal fibrotic gene expressions, and alleviated the severity of glomerulosclerosis. Treatment of mouse mesangial cells with THSG induced nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, increased heme oxygenase‐1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)‐1 gene expressions, and reduced cellular thiol oxidation and resistance to AD‐induced cytotoxicity. Silencing Nrf2 and its repressor protein, Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), abolished these protective effects of THSG. In conclusion, THSG can play a protective role in ameliorating the progression of FSGS in a mouse model through activation of the Nrf2‐Keap1 antioxidant pathway. Although a well‐designed therapeutic study is needed, THSG may be applied to manage chronic kidney disease.
Biological treatment of wastewater in aeration tanks: Theoretical bases for process calculations
Authors: Andreyev Sergey Yu. , Serpokrylov Nikolay S. , Demidochkin Vitaly V.
Published: October 2017

This article describes the method, based on the kinetics of enzyme reaction, for calculating treatment rates for wastewater effluents of varied concentrations in mixing aeration tanks and continuous flow aeration tanks. Using this method would make it possible to optimize the parameters of the biological treatment of wastewater. In addition, the authors illustrate that partitioning of the aeration space of the mixing aeration tank in a separate KU‐200 compact installation, which is intended for wastewater treatment from small sources, would make it possible to increase its efficiency by a factor of 1.8.
Environmental, health, and safety department reorganization and prioritization: Using analytical hierarchy process to mitigate scope creep
Authors: Barton William , Shan Xiaojun
Published: October 2017

Our objectives in this article are twofold: first, to use the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to establish core priorities and, second, to discuss how to reorganize an environmental, health, and safety (EHS) department in a manner that will avoid “scope creep,” as well as inconsistencies in the delivery of client services as a result of personnel loss or change. The approach we describe is novel because it allows users to prioritize their actions daily and annually to recalibrate priorities.
Citizen science for hydrological risk reduction and resilience building
Authors: Paul Jonathan D. , Buytaert Wouter , Allen Simon , Ballesteros‐Cánovas Juan A. , Bhusal Jagat , Cieslik Katarzyna , Clark Julian , Dugar Sumit , Hannah David M. , Stoffel Markus , Dewulf Art , Dhital Megh R. , Liu Wei , Nayaval Janak Lal , Neupane Bhanu , Schiller Arnulf , Smith Paul J. , Supper Robert
Published: October 2017

In disaster risk management (DRM), an emerging shift has been noted from broad‐scale, top‐down assessments toward more participatory, community‐based, bottom‐up approaches. Arguably, nonscientist local stakeholders have always played an important role in knowledge risk management and resilience building within a hydrological context, such as flood response and drought alleviation. However, rapidly developing information and communication technologies such as the Internet, smartphones, and social media have already demonstrated their sizeable potential to make knowledge creation more multidirectional, decentralized, diverse, and inclusive. Combined with technologies for robust and low‐cost sensor networks, a ‘citizen science’ approach has recently emerged as a promising direction in the provision of extensive, real‐time information for risk management. Such projects work best when there is community buy‐in, when their purpose(s) are clearly defined at the outset, and when the motivations and skillsets of all participants and stakeholders are well understood. They have great potential to enhance knowledge creation, not only for data collection, but also for analysis or interpretation. In addition, they can serve as a means of educating and empowering communities and stakeholders that are bypassed by more traditional knowledge generation processes. Here, we review the state‐of‐the‐art of citizen science within the context of hydrological risk reduction and resilience building. Particularly when embedded within a polycentric approach toward risk governance, we argue that citizen science could complement more traditional knowledge generation practices, and also enhance innovation, adaptation, multidirectional information provision, risk management, and local resilience building. WIREs Water 2018, 5:e1262. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1262

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Exploring the ‘prehistory’ of the equatorial stratosphere with observations following major volcanic eruptions
Authors: Hamilton Kevin , Sakazaki T.
Published: October 2017

Since 1953 meteorological balloon soundings from low‐latitude stations have revealed that the prevailing winds in the equatorial stratosphere undergo a remarkable alternation between strong easterlies and strong westerlies in a cycle with a period averaging ~27 months. To understand the full range of the behavior of this ‘quasibiennial oscillation’ (QBO), attempts have been made to reconstruct the equatorial stratospheric winds in the pre‐1953 era. This paper considers one approach to estimating winds in the distant past, through analysis of observations of the drift of stratospheric aerosol after volcanic eruptions. We review the famous case of the 1883 eruption of Krakatau and also deduce the winds following the major Caribbean island eruptions in May 1902. This 1902 wind estimate provides independent confirmation of a recently published reconstruction of the QBO.
Were VCF patients at higher risk of mortality following the 2009 publication of the vertebroplasty “sham” trials?
Authors: Ong K. L. , Beall D. P. , Frohbergh M. , Lau E. , Hirsch J. A.
Published: October 2017

The 5-year period following 2009 saw a steep reduction in vertebral augmentation volume and was associated with elevated mortality risk in vertebral compression fracture (VCF) patients. The risk of mortality following a VCF diagnosis was 85.1% at 10 years and was found to be lower for balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) and vertebroplasty (VP) patients.

Introduction

BKP and VP are associated with lower mortality risks than non-surgical management (NSM) of VCF. VP versus sham trials published in 2009 sparked controversy over its effectiveness, leading to diminished referral volumes. We hypothesized that lower BKP/VP utilization would lead to a greater mortality risk for VCF patients.

Methods

BKP/VP utilization was evaluated for VCF patients in the 100% US Medicare data set (2005–2014). Survival and morbidity were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between NSM, BKP, and VP using Cox regression with adjustment by propensity score and various factors.

Results

The cohort included 261,756 BKP (12.6%) and 117,232 VP (5.6%) patients, comprising 20% of the VCF patient population in 2005, peaking at 24% in 2007–2008, and declining to 14% in 2014. The propensity-adjusted mortality risk for VCF patients was 4% (95% CI, 3–4%;p < 0.001) greater in 2010–2014 versus 2005–2009. The 10-year risk of mortality for the overall cohort was 85.1%. BKP and VP cohorts had a 19% (95% CI, 19–19%;p < 0.001) and 7% (95% CI, 7–8%;p < 0.001) lower propensity-adjusted 10-year mortality risk than the NSM cohort, respectively. The BKP cohort had a 13% (95% CI, 12–13%;p < 0.001) lower propensity-adjusted 10-year mortality risk than the VP cohort.

Conclusions

Changes in treatment patterns following the 2009 VP publications led to fewer augmentation procedures. In turn, the 5-year period following 2009 was associated with elevated mortality risk in VCF patients. This provides insight into the implications of treatment pattern changes and associated mortality risks.
Induced Granulation Tissue but not Artificial Dermis Enhances Early Host–Graft Interactions in Full‐Thickness Burn Wounds
Authors: Lagus Heli , Kankuri Esko , Nuutila Kristo , Juteau Susanna , Sarlomo‐Rikala Maarit , Vuola Jyrki
Published: October 2017

Background

Cellular grafts used for skin repair require rapid integration with the host tissue to remain viable and especially to nourish the epidermal cells. Here, we evaluated the responses in the split‐thickness skin grafts (STSGs) grafted on three differently treated wound beds: directly on excised wound bed (EX), on an artificial dermal template (DT) and on granulation tissue (GT) induced by cellulose sponge.

Methods

In ten burn patients, after excision, a test area was divided into three sections: One transplanted with STSG instantaneously and two sections had a pre‐treatment for 2 weeks with either DT or a cellulose sponge inducing granulation tissue formation and thereafter grafted with STSGs.

Results

One week after grafting, the STSGs on GT demonstrated most endothelial CD31+ staining, largest average vessel diameters as well as most CD163+ staining of M2‐like macrophages and most MIB1+ proliferating epidermal cells, suggesting an active regenerative environment. STSGs on DT had smallest vessel diameters and the least CD163+ macrophages. STSGs on EX had the least CD31+ cells and the least MIB1+ proliferating cells. After 3 months, this reactivity in STSGs had subsided, except increased dermal cell proliferation was observed in STSGs on EX.

Conclusions

Results show that pre‐treatment of wound bed and induction of granulation tissue formation can accelerate host–graft interaction by stimulating graft vasculature and inducing cell proliferation.
Case–Control Study of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma on Urinary and Dietary Iodine Status in South Korea
Authors: Lee Joon‐Hyop , Song Ra‐Yeong , Yi Jin Wook , Yu Hyeong Won , Kwon Hyungju , Kim Su‐jin , Chai Young Jun , Choi June Young , Moon Jae Hoon , Lee Kyu Eun , Park Young Joo , Park Sue K.
Published: October 2017

Background

The association between iodine levels and the risk of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been suggested, but not definitively established. This study is to compare the iodine status of a group of patients with PTC (with and without BRAFV600E) with that of a healthy population cohort.

Methods

A cohort of patients scheduled for thyroidectomy was enrolled, along with a community‐based health‐screening cohort with no known history of thyroid disease. Median urinary iodine (UI) levels, creatinine‐adjusted median UI levels, and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) scores (mean ± SD) were compared. In a subgroup analysis, these values were compared between BRAFV600E‐positive and BRAFV600E‐negative patients in the PTC group.

Results

The PTC group consisted of 210 patients, and the control group consisted of 90 healthy individuals. Among the 191 PTC patients whose BRAFV600E mutational status was reported, 169 (88.5%) were revealed positive for the mutation. The median UI levels were significantly higher in the PTC group (786.0 μg/l) than the control group (112.0 μg/l; p < 0.001), as was the case with creatinine‐adjusted median UI levels (884.6 μg/g creatinine versus 182.0 μg/g creatinine; p < 0.001) and FFQ scores (66.2 ± 17.5, range 13–114 versus 54.6 ± 21.5, range 16–134; p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in the subgroup analysis between BRAFV600E‐positive and BRAFV600E‐negative patients.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that iodine status differs significantly between patients with PTC and healthy controls, suggesting that iodine may be involved in the occurrence of PTC, although the association between iodine levels and BRAF mutational status did not reach statistical significance.
Über den Mehrwert organisierter Nachbarschaftshilfe – dargestellt am Beispiel des Zeit-Hilfs-Netzes Steiermark
Authors: Fischer Tatjana , Himmelbauer Paul , Jobst Markus
Published: October 2017

assistance using the example of the Styrian time bank called Zeit-Hilfs-Netz Steiermark for the quality of life of the participants and its contribution to everyday life of various population groups. The theoretical backdrop of this contribution is formed by the findings from the international discussion on the impact orientation of time banks that ascribe to them a certain importance for social inclusion, to strengthen communities and to mitigate the negative effects of economic deprivation. This paper investigates if and to what extent the findings for the Zeit-Hilfs-Netz Steiermark (founded in 2011) fit in the international results. For this purpose, data on membership, offer advertisements and on demand as well as the latest network meeting result protocol have been analysed. Additionally, the responsible staff members of the Landentwicklung Steiermark as well as the coordinators of the local time bank groups have been surveyed. The analysis of the result protocol of the latest network meeting confirms the validity of the subjective estimations of the experts. Empirical data show that women and people aged 50 to 69 years form the backbone of the Zeit-Hilfs-Netz Steiermark. Barter activities are less important than joint activities and there is no reciprocity or rather mutual exchange. Nevertheless, this time bank has positive case-by-case effects on the subjective quality of life of the (active) participants. The future existence of the Zeit-Hilfs-Netz Steiermark and its impacts on securing livelihoods is closely tied to stable basic infrastructures at the local level, professional support and a clear portfolio.
Physicians’ professional performance: an occupational health psychology perspective
Authors: Scheepers Renée A.
Published: October 2017

Introduction Physician work engagement is considered to benefit physicians’ professional performance in clinical teaching practice. Following an occupational health psychology perspective, this PhD report presents research on how physicians’ professional performance in both doctor and teacher roles can be facilitated by work engagement and how work engagement is facilitated by job resources and personality traits.
Methods First, we conducted a systematic review on the impact of physician work engagement and related constructs (e. g. job satisfaction) on physicians’ performance in patient care. We additionally investigated physician work engagement and job resources in relation to patient care experience with physicians’ performance at ten outpatient clinics covering two hospitals. In a following multicentre survey involving 61 residency training programs of 18 hospitals, we studied associations between physician work engagement and personality traits with resident evaluations of physicians’ teaching performance.
Results The findings showed that physician work engagement was associated with fewer reported medical errors and that job satisfaction was associated with better communication and patient satisfaction. Autonomy and learning opportunities were positively associated with physician work engagement. Work engagement was positively associated with teaching performance. In addition, physician work engagement was most likely supported by personality trait conscientiousness (e. g. responsibility).
Conclusion Given the reported associations of physician work engagement with aspects of their professional performance, hospitals could support physician work engagement in service of optimal performance in residency training and patient care. This could be facilitated by worker health surveillance, peer support or promoting job crafting at the individual or team level.
Organisational Climate and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour of Employees in Selected Private Companies in South-East, Nigeria
Authors: Akanni Abimbola A. , Ndubueze Kelechi I.
Published: October 2017

This paper investigated the relationship between organisational climate and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) among employees of selected private companies in south-eastern Nigeria. It examined the relationship between each of the three dimensions of organisational climate (reflexivity, innovation and outward focus) and OCB. A total of 262 (Male = 184; Female = 78) respondents that were randomly selected among employees of private manufacturing companies in Abia state participated in the study. Data were collected through standardised psychological scales viz organisational climate measure (OCM) and organisational citizenship behaviour checklists (OCBC). Data were analysed using Multiple Regression. Results revealed that organisational climate significantly predicted OCB. It further showed a significant positive relationship between reflexivity and OCB, innovation and OCB and a significant inverse relationship between outward focus and OCB. The study concluded that organisational climate had a significant positive relationship with OCB among employees of private companies in Abia state. The study recommended that private organisations need to promote a positive organisational climate as much as possible to facilitate adequate display of OCB.
Towards an Empirical Unified Crust–Core Description of Neutron Stars
Authors: Chatterjee Debarati , Gulminelli Francesca
Published: October 2017

Understanding the properties of the crust and the core as well as its interface is essential for accurate astrophysical modelling of phenomena such as glitches, X-ray bursts or oscillations in neutron stars. To study the crust–core properties, it is crucial to develop a unified and consistent scheme to describe both the clusterised matter in the crust and homogeneous matter in the core. The low density regime in the neutron star crust is accessible to terrestrial nuclear experiments. In order to develop a consistent description of the crust and the core of neutron stars within the same formalism, we use a density functional scheme, with the model coefficients in homogeneous matter related directly to empirical nuclear observables. In this work, we extend this scheme to non-homogeneous matter to describe nuclei in the crust. We then test this scheme against nuclear observables.
Sulfur fertilization increases defense metabolites and nitrogen but decreases plant resistance against a host-specific insect
Authors: Santos N.A. , Teixeira N.C. , Valim J.O.S. , Almeida E.F.A. , Oliveira M.G.A. , Campos W.G.
Published: October 2017

We tested the sulfur-modulated plant resistance hypothesis using potted cabbage (Brassica oleraceavar.capitata) plants that were grown without and with increasing levels of sulfur fertilization. Changes in plant chemical traits were assessed and developmental performance ofPlutella xylostella, a highly host-specific leaf-chewing insect, was followed. Leaf sulfur concentration gradually increased with growing addition of sulfur in soil; however, there was a generalized saturation response curve, with a plateau phase, for improvements in total leaf nitrogen, defense glucosinolates and insect performance.Plutella xylostellaperformed better in sulfur-fertilized cabbage probably because of the higher level of nitrogen, despite of the higher content of glucosinolates, which are toxic for many non-specialized insects. Despite the importance of sulfur in plant nutrition and production, especially forBrassicacrops, our results showed that sulfur fertilization could decrease plant resistance against insects with high feeding specialization.
Biochemical responses induced in galls of three Cynipidae species in oak trees
Authors: Kot I. , Jakubczyk A. , Karaś M. , Złotek U.
Published: October 2017

Gall-making Cynipidae manipulate the leaves of host plant to form galls where offspring find shelter and food. The relationship between oak gallwasp and biochemical mechanisms of galls still requires a better understanding. So, in this research, protein and phenolic compound contents, as well as the activity of antioxidative enzymes and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins were determined. Galls caused by asexual generation ofCynips quercusfoliiL.,Neuroterus numismalis(Fourc.) andN. quercusbaccarumL., as a model were used. All cynipid species modified the protein levels of gall tissues, but they cannot be treated as protein sinks. Significantly higher levels of phenols were observed in the galled leaves and galls of all cynipid species when compared with the control tissues. Peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity was usually low or showed no activity in galled tissues of all species. PR proteins, such as chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, had a similar activity profile. Their activity significantly increased in the leaves with galls of all cynipid species, especially those infested withC. quercusfolii. Data generated in this study clearly indicate that galling Cynipidae manipulate the biochemical machinery of the galls for their own needs. However, the pattern of the biochemical features of leaves with galls and galled tissues depends on gall-making species.
Computation semantics of the functional scientific workflow language Cuneiform
Authors: BRANDT JÖRGEN , REISIG WOLFGANG , LESER ULF
Published: October 2017

Cuneiform is a minimal functional programming language for large-scale scientific data analysis. Implementing a strict black-box view on external operators and data, it allows the direct embedding of code in a variety of external languages like Python or R, provides data-parallel higher order operators for processing large partitioned data sets, allows conditionals and general recursion, and has a naturally parallelizable evaluation strategy suitable for multi-core servers and distributed execution environments like Hadoop, HTCondor, or distributed Erlang. Cuneiform has been applied in several data-intensive research areas including remote sensing, machine learning, and bioinformatics, all of which critically depend on the flexible assembly of pre-existing tools and libraries written in different languages into complex pipelines. This paper introduces the computation semantics for Cuneiform. It presents Cuneiform's abstract syntax, a simple type system, and the semantics of evaluation. Providing an unambiguous specification of the behavior of Cuneiform eases the implementation of interpreters which we showcase by providing a concise reference implementation in Erlang. The similarity of Cuneiform's syntax to the simply typed lambda calculus puts Cuneiform in perspective and allows a straightforward discussion of its design in the context of functional programming. Moreover, the simple type system allows the deduction of the language's safety up to black-box operators. Last, the formulation of the semantics also permits the verification of compilers to and from other workflow languages.
Contributions to a computational theory of policy advice and avoidability
Authors: BOTTA NICOLA , JANSSON PATRIK , IONESCU CEZAR
Published: October 2017

We present the starting elements of a mathematical theory of policy advice and avoidability. More specifically, we formalize a cluster of notions related to policy advice, such as policy, viability, reachability, and propose a novel approach for assisting decision making, based on the concept of avoidability. We formalize avoidability as a relation between current and future states, investigate under which conditions this relation is decidable and propose a generic procedure for assessing avoidability. The formalization is constructive and makes extensive use of the correspondence between dependent types and logical propositions, decidable judgments are obtained through computations. Thus, we aim for a computational theory, and emphasize the role that computer science can play in global system science.
A note on mitigating the adverse scale effects associated with daily driving restrictions
Authors: Caplan Arthur J. , Kim Man-Keun
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the role of additional regulation in mitigating the ‘adverse scale effect’ associated with daily driving restrictions, which has become a popular regulatory tool used to control episodic air pollution internationally, especially in developing countries. We find that although an annual vehicle registration tax reduces the incentive to purchase additional vehicles among households whose sole purpose for doing so is to ‘cheat’ the restriction (i.e., the ‘adverse scale effect’), it does so with an external cost. The cost occurs because households whose purpose for purchasing an additional vehicle is not to cheat the restriction are given the same disincentive with the tax. We show how simple one- and two-stage lotteries can be used to not only discriminate between cheater and non-cheater households (in particular, to avoid providing a disincentive to the latter type of household), but also to provide an even stronger disincentive to the former.
Community-based distribution of iron–folic acid supplementation in low- and middle-income countries: a review of evidence and programme implications
Authors: Kavle Justine A , Landry Megan
Published: October 2017

Objective

The present literature review aimed to review the evidence for community-based distribution (CBD) of iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation as a feasible approach to improve anaemia rates in low- and middle-income countries.

Design

The literature review included peer-reviewed studies and grey literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILAC and Scopus databases.

Setting

Low- and middle-income countries.

Subjects

Non-pregnant women, pregnant women, and girls.

Results

CBD programmes had moderate success with midwives and community health workers (CHW) who counselled on health benefits and compliance with IFA supplementation. CHW were more likely to identify and reach a greater number of women earlier in pregnancy, as women tended to present late to antenatal care. CBD channels had greater consistency in terms of adequate supplies of IFA in comparison to clinics and vendors, who faced stock outages. Targeting women of reproductive age through school and community settings showed high compliance and demonstrated reductions in anaemia.

Conclusions

CBD of IFA supplementation can be a valuable platform for improving knowledge about anaemia, addressing compliance and temporary side-effects of IFA supplements, and increasing access and coverage of IFA supplementation. Programmatic efforts focusing on community-based platforms should complement services and information provided at the health facility level. Provision of training and supportive supervision for CHW on how to counsel women on benefits, side-effects, and when, why, and how to take IFA supplements, as part of behaviour change communication, can be strengthened, alongside logistics and supply systems to ensure consistent supplies of IFA tablets at both the facility and community levels.
Gender differences in abdominal aortic aneurysms in Germany using health insurance claims data
Authors: Stoberock Konstanze , Rieß Henrik Christian , Debus Eike Sebastian , Schwaneberg Thea , Kölbel Tilo , Behrendt Christian-Alexander
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Background: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has emerged as standard of care for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Real-world evidence is limited to compare this technology to open repair (OAR). Major gaps exist related to short-term and long-term outcomes, particularly in respect of gender differences. Materials and methods: Health insurance claims data from Germany’s third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, was used to investigate invasive in-hospital treatment of intact (iAAA) and ruptured AAA (rAAA). Patients operated between October 2008 and April 2015 were included in the study. Results: A total of 5,509 patients (4,966 iAAA and 543 rAAA) underwent EVAR or OAR with a median follow-up of 2.44 years. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and clinical characteristics of DAK-G patients were assessed. In total, 84.6 % of the iAAA and 79.9 % of the rAAA were male. Concerning iAAA repair, the median age (74 vs. 73 years, p < .001) compared to men was higher in females, but their EVAR-rate (66.8 % vs. 71.1 %, p = .018) was lower. Besides higher age of female patients (80 vs. 75 years, p < .001), no further statistically significant differences were seen following rAAA repair. In-hospital mortality was slightly lower in males compared to females following iAAA (2.3 % vs. 3.1 %, p = .159) and rAAA (37.3 % vs. 43.1 %, p = .273) repair. Concerning iAAA repair, a higher rate of female patients was transferred to another hospital (3.7 % vs. 2.0 %, p = 0.008) or discharged to rehabilitation (6.0 % vs. 2.7 %, p < .001) compared to male patients. Conclusions: In this large German claims data cohort, women are generally older and more often transferred to another hospital or discharged to rehab following iAAA repair. Nonetheless, no significantly increased risk of in-hospital or late death appeared for women in multivariate analyses. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of recent gender-specific treatment strategies on overall outcome under real-world settings.
Carotid stenosis – basing treatment on individual patients’ needs. Optimal medical therapy alone or accompanied by stenting or endarterectomy
Authors: Langhoff Ralf
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Though carotid artery stenosis is a known origin of stroke, risk assessment and treatment modality are not yet satisfactorily established. Guideline updates according to latest evidence are expected shortly. Current clinical weakness concerns in particular the identification of “at-risk” patients. Beside the symptomatic status and the degree of stenosis, further signs of unstable plaque on carotid and cerebral imaging should be considered. Moreover, medical and endovascular therapy are continuously improving. Randomized trials and meta-analyses have shown similar long-term results for protected carotid artery stenting and endarterectomy. However, endovascular revascularization was associated with an increased 30-day rate of minor strokes. Newly developed embolic protection devices could possibly compensate for this disadvantage. Furthermore, high-level optimal medical therapy alone is currently being evaluated comparatively. We assume that a comprehensive evaluation of plaque vulnerability, serious consideration of advanced embolic protection, and more space for optimal medical therapy alone according to latest evidence, will benefit patients with carotid stenosis.
Binding to RNA regulates Set1 function
Authors: Luciano Pierre , Jeon Jongcheol , El-kaoutari Abdessamad , Challal Drice , Bonnet Amandine , Barucco Mara , Candelli Tito , Jourquin Frederic , Lesage Pascale , Kim Jaehoon , Libri Domenico , Géli Vincent
Published: October 2017

The Set1 family of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases is highly conserved from yeast to human. Here we show that the Set1 complex (Set1C) directly binds RNA in vitro through the regions that comprise the double RNA recognition motifs (dRRM) and N-SET domain within Set1 and its subunit Spp1. To investigate the functional relevance of RNA binding, we performed UV RNA crosslinking (CRAC) for Set1 and RNA polymerase II in parallel with ChIP-seq experiments. Set1 binds nascent transcripts through its dRRM. RNA binding is important to define the appropriate topology of Set1C distribution along transcription units and correlates with the efficient deposition of the H3K4me3 mark. In addition, we uncovered that Set1 binds to different classes of RNAs to levels that largely exceed the levels of binding to the general population of transcripts, suggesting the Set1 persists on these RNAs after transcription. This class includes RNAs derived from SET1, Ty1 retrotransposons, specific transcription factors genes and snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs). We propose that Set1 modulates adaptive responses, as exemplified by the post-transcriptional inhibition of Ty1 retrotransposition.
Suppression of inflammation and tissue damage by a hookworm recombinant protein in experimental colitis
Authors: Ferreira Ivana B , Pickering Darren A , Troy Sally , Croese John , Loukas Alex , Navarro Severine
Published: October 2017

Gastrointestinal parasites, hookworms in particular, have evolved to cause minimal harm to their hosts when present in small numbers, allowing them to establish chronic infections for decades. They do so by creating an immunoregulatory environment that promotes their own survival, but paradoxically also benefits the host by protecting against the onset of many inflammatory diseases. To harness the therapeutic value of hookworms without using live parasites, we have examined the protective properties of the recombinant protein anti‐inflammatory protein (AIP)‐1, secreted in abundance by hookworms within the intestinal mucosa, in experimental colitis. Colitic inflammation assessed by weight loss, colon atrophy, oedema, ulceration and necrosis, as well as abdominal adhesion was significantly suppressed in mice treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of AIP‐1 at 1 mg kg−1. Local infiltration of inflammatory cells was also significantly reduced, with minimal goblet cell loss and preserved mucosal architecture. Treatment with AIP‐1 promoted the production of colon interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), resulting in the suppression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐13 and IL‐17 A cytokines and granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), CX motif chemokine (CXCL)‐11 and cyclooxygenase synthase (COX)‐2 mRNA transcripts. AIP‐1 promoted the accumulation of regulatory T cells in the colon likely allowing rapid healing of the colon mucosa. Hookworm recombinant AIP‐1 is a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases that can be explored for the prevention of acute inflammatory relapses, an important cause of colorectal cancer.
Regulatory T‐cell heterogeneity and the cancer immune response
Authors: Ward‐Hartstonge Kirsten A , Kemp Roslyn A
Published: October 2017

The frequency of circulating or tumour‐infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been associated with poor patient survival in many cancers including breast, melanoma and lung. It has been hypothesised that Tregs impact the anti‐tumour function of effector T cells, resulting in worse outcomes for patients. However, high infiltrates of Tregs have been associated with a positive outcome of patients in a minority of cancers including colorectal, bladder and oesophageal. In addition, many studies have shown no impact of Tregs in patient outcome. Traditionally, research has identified Tregs as forkhead box P3 (FOXP3+) T cells in order to make such associations. Recently, it has become evident that regulatory populations are very heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity is essential for Treg function. Treg heterogeneity likely affects predictions of patient outcome, and different Treg populations may have different influences on tumours. The study of Tregs in cancer must include a better definition of the cells analysed. This review will focus primarily on colorectal cancer in humans, due to mixed data on the impact of Tregs on patient outcome in this disease.
Repeat pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination does not impair functional immune responses among Indigenous Australians
Authors: Licciardi Paul V , Hoe Edwin , Toh Zheng Quan , Balloch Anne , Moberley Sarah , Binks Paula , Marimla Rachel , Leach Amanda , Skull Sue , Mulholland Kim , Andrews Ross
Published: October 2017

Indigenous Australians experience one of the highest rates of pneumococcal disease globally. In the Northern Territory of Australia, a unique government‐funded vaccination schedule for Indigenous Australian adults comprising multiple lifetime doses of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is currently implemented. Despite this programme, rates of pneumococcal disease do not appear to be declining, with concerns raised over the potential for immune hyporesponse associated with the use of this vaccine. We undertook a study to examine the immunogenicity and immune function of a single and repeat pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination among Indigenous adults compared to non‐Indigenous adults. Our results found that immune function, as measured by opsonophagocytic and memory B‐cell responses, were similar between the Indigenous groups but lower for some serotypes in comparison with the non‐Indigenous group. This is the first study to document the immunogenicity following repeat 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine administration among Indigenous Australian adults, and reinforces the continued need for optimal pneumococcal vaccination programmes among high‐risk populations.
Highly efficient broadband terahertz generation from ultrashort laser filamentation in liquids
Authors: Dey Indranuj , Jana Kamalesh , Fedorov Vladimir Yu. , Koulouklidis Anastasios D. , Mondal Angana , Shaikh Moniruzzaman , Sarkar Deep , Lad Amit D. , Tzortzakis Stelios , Couairon Arnaud , Kumar G. Ravindra
Published: October 2017

Generation and application of energetic, broadband terahertz pulses (bandwidth ~0.1–50 THz) is an active and contemporary area of research. The main thrust is toward the development of efficient sources with minimum complexities—a true table-top setup. In this work, we demonstrate the generation of terahertz radiation via ultrashort pulse induced filamentation in liquids—a counterintuitive observation due to their large absorption coefficient in the terahertz regime. The generated terahertz energy is more than an order of magnitude higher than that obtained from the two-color filamentation of air (the most standard table-top technique). Such high terahertz energies would generate electric fields of the order of MV cm-1, which opens the doors for various nonlinear terahertz spectroscopic applications. The counterintuitive phenomenon has been explained via the solution of nonlinear pulse propagation equation in the liquid medium.
Workflow optimization of whole genome amplification and targeted panel sequencing for CTC mutation detection
Authors: Liu Haiyan E. , Triboulet Melanie , Zia Amin , Vuppalapaty Meghah , Kidess-Sigal Evelyn , Coller John , Natu Vanita S. , Shokoohi Vida , Che James , Renier Corinne , Chan Natalie H. , Hanft Violet R. , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Sollier-Christen Elodie
Published: October 2017

Genomic characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may prove useful as a surrogate for conventional tissue biopsies. This is particularly important as studies have shown different mutational profiles between CTCs and ctDNA in some tumor subtypes. However, isolating rare CTCs from whole blood has significant hurdles. Very limited DNA quantities often can’t meet NGS requirements without whole genome amplification (WGA). Moreover, white blood cells (WBC) germline contamination may confound CTC somatic mutation analyses. Thus, a good CTC enrichment platform with an efficient WGA and NGS workflow are needed. Here, Vortex label-free CTC enrichment platform was used to capture CTCs. DNA extraction was optimized, WGA evaluated and targeted NGS tested. We used metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) as the clinical target, HCT116 as the corresponding cell line, GenomePlex® and REPLI-g as the WGA methods, GeneRead DNAseq Human CRC Panel as the 38 gene panel. The workflow was further validated on metastatic CRC patient samples, assaying both tumor and CTCs. WBCs from the same patients were included to eliminate germline contaminations. The described workflow performed well on samples with sufficient DNA, but showed bias for rare cells with limited DNA input. REPLI-g provided an unbiased amplification on fresh rare cells, enabling an accurate variant calling using the targeted NGS. Somatic variants were detected in patient CTCs and not found in age matched healthy donors. This demonstrates the feasibility of a simple workflow for clinically relevant monitoring of tumor genetics in real time and over the course of a patient’s therapy using CTCs.
The association between gene variants and longitudinal structural brain changes in psychosis: a systematic review of longitudinal neuroimaging genetics studies
Authors: Harari Julia H. , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M. , Janssen Joost , Martínez Kenia , Arias Bárbara , Arango Celso
Published: October 2017

Evidence suggests that genetic variation might influence structural brain alterations in psychotic disorders. Longitudinal genetic neuroimaging (G-NI) studies are designed to assess the association between genetic variants, disease progression and brain changes. There is a paucity of reviews of longitudinal G-NI studies in psychotic disorders. A systematic search of PubMed from inception until November 2016 was conducted to identify longitudinal G-NI studies examining the link between Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-based brain measurements and specific gene variants (SNPs, microsatellites, haplotypes) in patients with psychosis. Eleven studies examined seven genes: BDNF, COMT, NRG1, DISC1, CNR1, GAD1, and G72. Eight of these studies reported at least one association between a specific gene variant and longitudinal structural brain changes. Genetic variants associated with longitudinal brain volume or cortical thickness loss included a 4-marker haplotype in G72, a microsatellite and a SNP in NRG1, and individual SNPs in DISC1, CNR1, BDNF, COMT and GAD1. Associations between genotype and progressive brain changes were most frequently observed in frontal regions, with five studies reporting significant interactions. Effect sizes for significant associations were generally of small or intermediate magnitude (Cohen’s d < 0.8). Only two genes (BDNF and NRG1) were assessed in more than one study, with great heterogeneity of the results. Replication studies and studies exploring additional genetic variants identified by large-scale genetic analysis are warranted to further ascertain the role of genetic variants in longitudinal brain changes in psychosis.