bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Genome‐Wide Association Study Identifies a Candidate Gene Associated With Atazanavir Exposure Measured in Hair
Authors: Tamraz Bani , Huang Yong , French Audrey L. , Kassaye Seble , Anastos Kathryn , Nowicki Marek J. , Gange Stephen , Gustafson Deborah R. , Bacchetti Peter , Greenblatt Ruth M. , Hysi Pirro G. , Aouizerat Bradley E.
Published: January 2018

Hair provides a direct measure of long‐term exposure of atazanavir (ATV). We report the results of the first genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of ATV exposure measured in hair in an observational cohort representative of US women living with HIV; the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Approximately 14.1 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in linear regression‐based GWAS, with replication, adjusted for nongenetic predictors collected under conditions of actual use of ATV in 398 participants. Lastly, the PharmGKB database was used to identify pharmacogene associations with ATV exposure. The rs73208473, within intron 1 of SORCS2, resulted in a 0.46‐fold decrease in ATV exposure, with the strongest association (P = 1.71×10−8) in GWAS. A priori pharmacogene screening did not identify additional variants statistically significantly associated with ATV exposure, including those previously published in ATV plasma candidate pharmacogene studies. The findings demonstrate the potential value of pharmacogenomic GWAS in ethnically diverse populations under conditions of actual use.
Leveraging Big Data in Pediatric Development Programs: Proceedings From the 2016 American College of Clinical Pharmacology Annual Meeting Symposium
Authors: Mulugeta Lily (Yeruk) , Yao Lynne , Mould Diane , Jacobs Brian , Florian Jeffrey , Smith Brian , Sinha Vikram , Barrett Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2018

This article discusses the use of big data in pediatric drug development. The article covers key topics discussed at the ACCP annual meeting symposium in 2016 including the extent to which big data or real‐world data can inform clinical trial design and substitute for efficacy and safety data typically obtained in clinical trials. The current states of use, opportunities, and challenges with the use of big data in future pediatric drug development are discussed.
Photochemical CO2 Reduction Catalyzed by Trans(Cl)‐[Ru(2,2′‐bipyridine)(CO)2Cl2] Bearing Two Methyl Groups at 4,4′‐, 5,5′‐ or 6,6′‐Positions in the Ligand
Authors: Kuramochi Yusuke , Itabashi Jun , Toyama Mari , Ishida Hitoshi
Published: January 2018

Photochemical CO2 reduction reactions catalyzed by trans(Cl)‐[Ru(L)(CO)2Cl2] (L=4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4 dmb), 5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru5 dmb) or 6,6′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru6 dmb)) are investigated in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA)/water (9:1 v/v) containing [Ru(bpy)3]2+ as the photosensitizer and 1‐benzyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) as the electron donor. The reduction potentials and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal quite similar results for the complexes, however their catalytic efficiencies are significantly different. Ru6 dmb selectively yields CO as the reduction product with lower catalytic rates than the others. Ru4 dmb and Ru5 dmb produce both CO and HCOO− at very similar activities when the catalyst concentration is low. However, the catalytic rates for Ru5 dmb are higher than those of Ru4 dmb at a higher concentration of the catalysts, where the rate‐determining step is not in the catalytic cycle but in the electron supplying one. The results are discussed in terms of back electron transfer from the catalyst to the photosensitizer or the cage escape yield for the sensitizer–catalyst encounter complex.
Cellular Structure Fabricated on Ni Wire by a Simple and Cost‐Effective Direct‐Flame Approach and Its Application in Fiber‐Shaped Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Cao Fenhui , Chen Kongfa , Yan Yingming , Chen Yifu , Zhang Yaohui , Zhu Xingbao , Wei Bo , Xiong Yueping , Lv Zhe
Published: January 2018

Cellular metals with the large surface/volume ratios and excellent electrical conductivity are widely applicable and have thus been studied extensively. It is highly desirable to develop a facile and cost‐effective process for fabrication of porous metallic structures, and yet more so for micro/nanoporous structures. A direct‐flame strategy is developed for in situ fabrication of micron‐scale cellular architecture on a Ni metal precursor. The flame provides the required heat and also serves as a fuel reformer, which provides a gas mixture of H2, CO, and O2 for redox treatment of metallic Ni. The redox processes at elevated temperatures allow fast reconstruction of the metal, leading to a cellular structure on Ni wire. This process is simple and clean and avoids the use of sacrificial materials or templates. Furthermore, nanocrystalline MnO2 is coated on the microporous Ni wire (MPNW) to form a supercapacitor electrode. The MnO2/MPNW electrode and the corresponding fiber‐shaped supercapacitor exhibit high specific capacitance and excellent cycling stability. Moreover, this work provides a novel strategy for the fabrication of cellular metals and alloys for a variety of applications, including catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and chemical sensing.
Bifunctional Pyridinium‐Based Ionic‐Liquid‐Immobilized Diindium Tris(diphenic acid) Bis(1,10‐phenanthroline) for CO2 Fixation
Authors: Babu Robin , Kurisingal Jintu Francis , Chang Jong‐San , Park Dae‐Won
Published: January 2018

A pyridinium‐based ionic‐liquid‐decorated 1 D metal–organic framework (MOF; IL–[In2(dpa)3(1,10‐phen)2]; IL=ionic liquid; dpa=diphenic acid; 1,10‐phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) was developed as a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst system for CO2–oxirane coupling reactions. An aqueous–microwave route was employed to perform the hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of the [In2(dpa)3(1,10‐phen)2] MOF, and the IL–[In2(dpa)3(1,10‐phen)2] catalyst was synthesized by covalent postfunctionalization. As a result of the synergetic effect of the dual‐functional sites, which include Lewis acid sites (coordinatively unsaturated In sites) and the I− ion in the IL functional sites, IL–[In2(dpa)3(1,10‐phen)2] displayed a high catalytic activity for CO2–epoxide cycloaddition reactions under mild and solvent‐free conditions. Microwave pulses were employed for the first time in MOF‐catalyzed CO2–epoxide cycloaddition reactions to result in a high turnover frequency of 2000–3100 h−1. The catalyst had an excellent reusability and maintained a continuous high selectivity. Furthermore, only a small amount of leaching was observed from the spent catalyst. A plausible reaction mechanism based on the synergistic effect of the dual‐functional sites that catalyze the CO2–epoxide cycloaddition reaction effectively is proposed.
Materials and Mechanisms of Photo‐Assisted Chemical Reactions under Light and Dark Conditions: Can Day–Night Photocatalysis Be Achieved?
Authors: Sakar M. , Nguyen Chinh‐Chien , Vu Manh‐Hiep , Do Trong‐On
Published: January 2018

The photoassisted catalytic reaction, conventionally known as photocatalysis, is expanding into the field of energy and environmental applications. It is widely known that the discovery of TiO2‐assisted photochemical reactions has led to several unique applications, such as degradation of pollutants in water and air, hydrogen production through water splitting, fuel conversion, cancer treatment, antibacterial activity, self‐cleaning glasses, and concrete. These multifaceted applications of this phenomenon can be enriched and expanded further if this process is equipped with more tools and functions. The term “photoassisted” catalytic reactions clearly emphasizes that photons are required to activate the catalyst; this can be transcended even into the dark if electrons are stored in the material for the later use to continue the catalytic reactions in the absence of light. This can be achieved by equipping the photocatalyst with an electron‐storage material to overcome current limitations in photoassisted catalytic reactions. In this context, this article sheds lights on the materials and mechanisms of photocatalytic reactions under light and dark conditions. The manifestation of such systems could be an unparalleled technology in the near future that could influence all spheres of the catalytic sciences.
Fabrication of Cu2O‐based Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Qinyuan , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: January 2018

The improvement of the performance of advanced batteries has played a key role in the energy research community since its inception. Therefore, it is necessary to explore high‐performance materials for applications in advanced batteries. Among the variety of materials applied in batteries, much research has been dedicated to examine cuprous oxide materials as working electrodes in lithium cells to check their suitability as anodes for Li‐ion cells and this has revealed great working capacities because of their specific characteristics (polymorphic forms, controllable structure, high cycling capacity, etc.). Thus, cuprous oxide and its composites will be fully introduced in this Review for their applications in advanced batteries. It is believed that, in the future, both the study and the impact of cuprous oxide and its composites will be much more profound and lasting.
Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Anatase as a Bifunctional Catalyst for Enhanced Production of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose in Water
Authors: Lanziano Carlos A. S. , Moya Silvia F. , Barrett Dean. H. , Teixeira‐Neto Erico , Guirardello Reginaldo , de Souto da Silva Felipe , Rinaldi Roberto , Rodella Cristiane B.
Published: January 2018

Hybrid organic–inorganic anatase (hybrid‐TiO2) is prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis method employing citric acid. The synthetic approach results in a high surface‐area nanocrystalline anatase polymorph of TiO2. The uncalcined hybrid‐TiO2 is directly studied as a catalyst for the conversion of glucose into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In the presence of the hybrid‐TiO2, HMF yields up to 45 % at glucose conversions up to 75 % were achieved in water at 130 °C in a monophasic batch reactor. As identified by Ti K‐edge XANES, hybrid‐TiO2 contains a large fraction of fivefold coordinatively unsaturated TiIV sites, which act as the Lewis acid catalyst for the conversion of glucose into fructose. As citric acid is anchored in the structure of hybrid‐TiO2, carboxylate groups seem to catalyze the sequential conversion of fructose into HMF. The fate of citric acid bound to anatase and the TiIV Lewis acid sites throughout recycling experiments is also investigated. In a broader context, this contribution outlines the importance of hydrothermal synthesis for the creation of water‐resistant Lewis acid sites for the conversion of sugars. Importantly, the use of the hybrid‐TiO2 with no calcination step contributes to dramatically decreasing the energy consumption in the catalyst preparation.
Evaluation of CD229 as a new alternative plasma cell gating marker in the flow cytometric immunophenotyping of monoclonal gammopathies
Authors: Tembhare Prashant R. , Ghogale Sitaram , Tauro Wilma , Badrinath Yajamanam , Deshpande Nilesh , Kedia Shweta , Cherian Keziah , Patkar Nikhil V. , Chatterjee Gaurav , Gujral Sumeet , Subramanian Papagudi G.
Published: January 2018

Background

Current flow‐cytometric plasma cell (PC) gating is based on CD138, CD38, and CD45 expression. CD138 is known for variable expression and loss during storage and processing. Introduction of anti‐CD38 and anti‐CD138 monoclonal‐antibody therapies has limited the use of these markers during follow‐up. Hence, additional reliable PC‐gating markers are required. Recently, CD229 has been claimed as an alternative PC‐gating marker. However, these studies are limited to a small cohort of samples. We evaluated the utility of CD229 as a new PC‐gating marker in routine laboratory practice.

Methods

Expression of CD229 was studied in 310 bone marrow (BM) samples (251 plasma‐cell disorders and 59 controls) and compared with CD138 and CD38 expression. We also evaluated the effect of additional processing for cytoplasmic immunoglobulin‐light‐chains (CyIgL) staining on the quantitation of PC.

Results

Expression of CD229 was consistently stronger on PC than other hematopoietic‐cells (p < 0.001). PC‐percentages using CD229 in combination with CD38 or CD138 and CD45 revealed high correlation with a reference gating‐strategy using CD138, CD38 and CD45 (r = 0.98, r = 0.99 r = 0.99 respectively) and r = 0.92 using CD229 and CD45 without CD38 or CD138. In contrast, CD138 expression showed significant variability (CV‐MFI, 97.5) and loss from PC in 53% of samples. Quantitation of PC was found to be lower in 69.3% and higher in 30.7% samples processed for CyIgL‐staining as compared to surface‐staining.

Conclusions

CD229 is a reliable new alternative PC‐gating marker in routine laboratory practice. Quantitation of PC based on CD138 expression or from samples processed for CyIgL‐staining should be used with caution. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Flow cytometric aberrancies in plasma cell myeloma and MGUS – correlation with laboratory parameters
Authors: Gupta Sarika , Karandikar Nitin J. , Ginader Timothy , Bellizzi Andrew M. , Holman Carol J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Multiparametric flow cytometry is a useful tool for diagnosis of plasma cell (PC) dyscrasias and assessment of minimal residual disease in plasma cell myeloma (PCM). However, the immunophenotypic differences between the clonal PCs of PCM and those of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) as well as the correlation of these flow cytometric markers with pertinent laboratory parameters have not been evaluated.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all newly diagnosed treatment‐naive PCM and MGUS patients between 09/2014 and 06/2015 who underwent 10‐color flow‐cytometric evaluation: CD45, CD38, CD138, cKappa, cLambda, CD19, CD27, CD28, CD56, CD117. FACSDiva analysis was used to identify antigenic aberrancies and associations with pertinent laboratory parameters were evaluated.

Results

All cases demonstrated at least two aberrancies. There was a trend toward a greater number of aberrancies in PCM, with 68% showing >/= 4 aberrancies compared with 44% in MGUS (P = 0.11). The only marker more frequently aberrant in one disease class was CD19, aberrant in 68% of PCM and 25% of MGUS (P < 0.01). In PCM, significant associations were found for CD56 non‐aberrancy (P = 0.05) and the presence of amyloid and CD27 aberrancy and normal serum albumin (P = 0.05). In MGUS, CD117 expression was associated with normal hemoglobin (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The PCs of PCM show a trend toward more antigenic aberrancy than those of MGUS. There is significant association between the antigenic profiles of PCM/MGUS and clinical parameters including amyloidosis, albumin level, and hemoglobin. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Microglial interactions with the neurovascular system in physiology and pathology
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Eyo Ukpong B. , Murugan Madhuvika , Wu Long‐Jun
Published: January 2018

Microglia as immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) play significant roles not only in pathology but also in physiology, such as shaping of the CNS during development and its proper maintenance in maturity. Emerging research is showing a close association between microglia and the neurovasculature that is critical for brain energy supply. In this review, we summarize the current literature on microglial interaction with the vascular system in the normal and diseased brain. First, we highlight data that indicate interesting potential involvement of microglia in developmental angiogenesis. Then we discuss the evidence for microglial participation with the vasculature in neuropathologies from brain tumors to acute injuries such as ischemic stroke to chronic neurodegenerative conditions. We conclude by suggesting future areas of research to advance the field in light of current technical progress and outstanding questions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 604–617, 2018
Comparative pharmacokinetics of trandolapril, its active metabolite, and verapamil in human plasma of Egyptian population using HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Magdy Ragaa , El‐Khatib Ahmed H. , Hemdan Ahmed , Elaziz Omar Abd , Farouk Maha , Linscheid Michael W.
Published: January 2018

Trandolapril and verapamil are commonly used antihypertensive drugs. However, there is a lack of available data on the change of their pharmacokinetics in patients with liver or kidney impairment and hence the need for dose adjustment. In this article, a high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the monitoring of trandolapril, its active metabolite trandolaprilat, and verapamil in human plasma of patients with renal impairment and/or liver insufficiency. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Gemini C18 reversed phase column using a gradient elution mode with a run time of 10 minutes. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of methanol and 2% acetic acid. The electrospray ionization MS/MS analysis was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The assay was validated as per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for bioanalytical method validation and proved to be suitable for the determination of therapeutic drug levels in plasma. The inter‐group changes in pharmacokinetic data were compared to that of healthy volunteers. The comparison showed a significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters between the studied groups. The presented results exhibit the benefits of the proposed assay as a validated analytical tool for the continuous drug monitoring.
Fasting or fear: disentangling the roles of predation risk and food deprivation in the nitrogen metabolism of consumers
Authors: Dalton Christopher M. , Tracy Karen E. , Hairston Nelson G. , Flecker Alexander S.
Published: January 2018

Predators can alter nutrient cycles simply by inducing stress in prey. This stress accelerates prey's protein catabolism, nitrogen waste production, and nitrogen cycling. Yet predators also reduce the feeding rates of their prey, inducing food deprivation that is expected to slow protein catabolism and nitrogen cycling. The physiology of prey under predation risk thus balances the influences of predation risk and food deprivation, and this balance is central to understanding the role of predators in nutrient cycles. We explored the separate and combined effects of predation risk and food deprivation on prey physiology and nutrient cycling by exposing guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to predation risk and food deprivation in a 2 × 2 design. We simulated predation risk using chemical cues from a natural predator of guppies, and we created food deprivation by rationing food availability. We measured guppy response as food consumption, growth, tissue energy density, tissue carbon:nitrogen, and nitrogen (N) excretion and assimilation. We found that N‐linked physiological processes (N consumption, assimilation, excretion) were strongly affected by predation risk, independent of food consumption. Guppies excreted substantially less under predation risk than they did under food deprivation or control conditions. These results suggest that predation risk, per se, triggers physiological changes in guppies that increase N retention and decrease N excretion. We suggest that slower N metabolism under predation risk is an adaptive response that minimizes protein loss in the face of predictable, predator‐induced food restriction. Notably, N metabolism shares common hormonal control with food seeking behavior, and we speculate that increased N retention is a direct and immediate result of reduced food seeking under predation risk. Contrary to predation‐stress‐based hypotheses for how predators affect nutrient cycling by prey, our result indicates that even short‐term exposure to predators may decelerate, rather than accelerate, the speed of N cycling by suppressing N turnover by prey.
Mixing alters the lytic activity of viruses in the dark ocean
Authors: Winter Christian , Köstner Nicole , Kruspe Carl‐Philip , Urban Damaris , Muck Simone , Reinthaler Thomas , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: January 2018

In aquatic habitats, viral lysis of prokaryotic cells lowers the overall efficiency of the microbial loop, by which dissolved organic carbon is transfered to higher trophic levels. Mixing of water masses in the dark ocean occurs on a global scale and may have far reaching consequences for the different prokaryotic and virus communities found in these waters by altering the environmental conditions these communities experience. We hypothesize that mixing of deep ocean water masses enhances the lytic activity of viruses infecting prokaryotes. To address this hypothesis, major deep‐sea water masses of the Atlantic Ocean such as North Atlantic Deep Water, Mediterranean Sea Overflow Water, Antarctic Intermediate Water, and Antarctic Bottom Water were sampled at five locations. Prokaryotic cells from these samples were collected by filtration and subsequently incubated in virus‐reduced water from either the same (control) or a different water mass (transplantation treatment). Additionally, mixtures of prokaryotes obtained from two different water masses were incubated in a mixture of virus‐reduced water from the same water masses (control) or in virus‐reduced water from the source water masses separately (mixing treatments). Pronounced differences in productivity‐related parameters (prokaryotic leucine incorporation, prokaryotic and viral abundance) between water masses caused strong changes in viral lysis of prokaryotes. Often, mixing of water masses increased viral lysis of prokaryotes, indicating that lysogenic viruses were induced into the lytic cycle. Mixing‐induced changes in viral lysis had a strong effect on the community composition of prokaryotes and viruses. Our data show that mixing of deep‐sea water masses alters levels of viral lysis of prokaryotes and in many cases weakens the efficiency of the microbial loop by enhancing the recycling of organic carbon in the deep ocean.
Ecological drivers of soil microbial diversity and soil biological networks in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Reith Frank , Dennis Paul G. , Hamonts Kelly , Powell Jeff R. , Young Andrew , Singh Brajesh K. , Bissett Andrew
Published: January 2018

The ecological drivers of soil biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere remain underexplored. Here, in a continental survey comprising 647 sites, across 58 degrees of latitude between tropical Australia and Antarctica, we evaluated the major ecological patterns in soil biodiversity and relative abundance of ecological clusters within a co‐occurrence network of soil bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. Six major ecological clusters (modules) of co‐occurring soil taxa were identified. These clusters exhibited strong shifts in their relative abundances with increasing distance from the equator. Temperature was the major environmental driver of the relative abundance of ecological clusters when Australia and Antarctica are analyzed together. Temperature, aridity, soil properties and vegetation types were the major drivers of the relative abundance of different ecological clusters within Australia. Our data supports significant reductions in the diversity of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes in Antarctica vs. Australia linked to strong reductions in temperature. However, we only detected small latitudinal variations in soil biodiversity within Australia. Different environmental drivers regulate the diversity of soil archaea (temperature and soil carbon), bacteria (aridity, vegetation attributes and pH) and eukaryotes (vegetation type and soil carbon) across Australia. Together, our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms driving soil biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere.
Development of Reactive Scheduling for Rolling Stock Operation using a Constraint Model
Authors: TOMIYAMA TOMOE , SATO TATSUHIRO , MURATA TOMOHIRO , IWAMURA SHIGEKI , SAKAMOTO OSAMU
Published: January 2018

In almost all Japanese railway companies, rolling stock management still relies on manual procedure. As density of trains and interconnectivity between lines are increased, a support system for the management gets to be important. This paper focuses on a scheduling task for vehicle units’ operation and a support system for rescheduling vehicle units’ operation in train service disruption. A schedule of vehicle units’ operation is modified by a dispatcher to keep consistency between train timetable and vehicle unit assignment. When there is no solution, the dispatcher has to ask a train service manager to change train timetable. To support this task, we developed an algorithm of rescheduling vehicle unit operation, which included relaxation of constraints. Our algorithm represents constraints as a network model, and, if necessary, relaxes constraints by modifying the network model during search of a solution. This paper indicates the network model, the algorithm of searching for a solution as relaxing constraints, and numerical experiments using a real middle‐size data. The results of the experiments showed that our algorithm could calculate various solutions with relaxed constraints. Analyzing the solutions at the viewpoints of train service and rolling stock operation, we showed the effectiveness of a system that proposes various solutions using our algorithm.
Covalent immobilization of acetylcholinesterase on a novel polyacrylic acid‐based nanofiber membrane
Authors: Çakıroğlu Bekir , Çiğil Aslı Beyler , Ogan Ayşe , Kahraman M. Vezir , Demir Serap
Published: January 2018

In this study, polyacrylic acid‐based nanofiber (NF) membrane was prepared via electrospinning method. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Electrophorus electricus was covalently immobilized onto polyacrylic acid‐based NF membrane by demonstrating efficient enzyme immobilization, and immobilization capacity of polymer membranes was found to be 0.4 mg/g. The novel NF membrane was synthesized via thermally activated surface reconstruction, and activation with carbonyldiimidazole upon electrospinning. The morphology of the polyacrylic acid‐based membrane was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of temperature and pH on enzyme activity was investigated and maxima activities for free and immobilized enzyme were observed at 30 and 35°C, and pH 7.4 and 8.0, respectively. The effect of 1 mM Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+ ions on the stability of the immobilized AChE was also investigated. According to the Michaelis–Menten plot, AChE possessed a lower affinity to acetylthiocholine iodide after immobilization, and the Michaelis–Menten constant of immobilized and free AChE were found to be 0.5008 and 0.4733 mM, respectively. The immobilized AChE demonstrated satisfactory reusability, and even after 10 consecutive activity assay runs, AChE maintained ca. 87% of its initial activity. Free enzyme lost its activity completely within 60 days, while the immobilized enzyme retained approximately 70% of the initial activity under the same storage time. The favorable reusability of immobilized AChE enables the support to be employable to develop the AChE‐based biosensors.
Jet aeration as alternative to overcome mass transfer limitation of stirred bioreactors
Authors: Weber Sebastian , Schaepe Sebastian , Freyer Stephan , Kopf Michael‐Helmut , Dietzsch Christian
Published: January 2018

In industrial biotechnology increasing reactor volumes have the potential to reduce production costs. Whenever the achievable space time yield is determined by the mass transfer performance of the reactor, energy efficiency plays an important role to meet the requirements regarding low investment and operating costs. Based on theoretical calculations, compared to bubble column, airlift reactor, and aerated stirred tank, the jet loop reactor shows the potential for an enhanced energetic efficiency at high mass transfer rates. Interestingly, its technical application in standard biotechnological production processes has not yet been realized. Compared to a stirred tank reactor powered by Rushton turbines, maximum oxygen transfer rates about 200% higher were achieved in a jet loop reactor at identical power input in a fed batch fermentation process. Moreover, a model‐based analysis of yield coefficients and growth kinetics showed that E. coli can be cultivated in jet loop reactors without significant differences in biomass growth. Based on an aerobic fermentation process, the assessment of energetic oxygen transfer efficiency [kgO2 kW−1 h−1] for a jet loop reactor yielded an improvement of almost 100%. The jet loop reactor could be operated at mass transfer rates 67% higher compared to a stirred tank. Thus, an increase of 40% in maximum space time yield [kg m−3 h−1] could be observed.
From salamanders to greenhouse gases: does upland management affect wetland functions?
Authors: Jones C Nathan , McLaughlin Daniel L , Henson Kevin , Haas Carola A , Kaplan David A
Published: January 2018

Although the effects of forest management on watershed hydrology are well recognized, little is known about how upland management affects the hydrology and functions of wetlands embedded within upland forests (hereafter, embedded wetlands). We simulated the effects of upland tree basal area (ie total cross‐sectional area of trees per land area) and different upland management approaches on wetland hydrological, biogeochemical, and habitat functions. Increases in upland basal area and associated forest evapotranspiration reduced wetland inundation depth and duration. Wetland global warming potential decreased with higher upland basal area, driven by lower methane production in drier wetlands. Amphibian habitat suitability decreased with increasing basal area due to reduced wetland inundation. Simulations of three common 25‐year management scenarios – namely, constant basal area, fire management, and pine plantation – highlighted impacts of forest structure that vary over time. Prescribed fires that recurred every 3 years generated cyclic patterns in wetland hydrology and function, whereas pine plantations transitioned from wet to dry regimes with stand growth. This work represents a first step to linking upland management, wetland hydrology, and wetland functions, highlighting opportunities for optimizing forest management to provide landscape‐scale ecosystem services.
Global proliferation of small hydropower plants – science and policy
Authors: Couto Thiago BA , Olden Julian D
Published: January 2018

Large‐scale electricity policies that embrace renewable resources have led to continued investments in hydropower. Despite evolving viewpoints regarding the sustainability of large hydropower installations, there has been a major increase in support for the widespread development of small hydropower plants (SHPs). A global synthesis reveals that 82,891 SHPs are operating or are under construction (11 SHPs for every one large hydropower plant) and that this number is estimated to triple if all potential generation capacity were to be developed. Fueled by considerable political and economic incentives in recent decades, the growth of SHPs has greatly outpaced available ecological science. We provide evidence for not only the lack of scientifically informed oversight of SHP development but also the limitations of the capacity‐based regulations currently in use. The potential indiscriminate expansion of SHPs under the pretense of promoting sustainable energy is concerning, and we identify several important steps to help ensure new scientific advances, effective management, and policy reform in the future.
Conservationscapes: an interdisciplinary framework to link species‐focused conservation to human systems
Authors: Whitty Tara Sayuri
Published: January 2018

Effective conservation of species requires an understanding of both the ecological characteristics of threats to the species in question, as well as the social and governance context of those threats. However, data on such characteristics and context are often lacking. This paper proposes the “conservationscape” framework as a guide for filling these data gaps, through interdisciplinary research that links species‐focused conservation to a broader, human‐inclusive understanding of threats and possible solutions. This framework, adapted from other social–ecological system frameworks, outlines (1) basic characteristics of species and the threats they face, (2) social factors (including economic and cultural factors) that influence human activities linked to these threats, and (3) governance context, or how human activities are managed (eg through regulations or institutions). The accidental capture, or bycatch, of marine mammals – specifically, Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) – by small‐scale fisheries offers a practical example of how this framework can be used to develop a holistic understanding of conservation threats and possible solutions. For many conservation issues, this framework could help provide critical information, elucidate patterns and priorities through cross‐site comparisons, and reduce the gap between research and effective conservation by informing solutions that integrate the human dimension.
Enzyme Crystals and Hydrogel Composite Membranes as New Active Food Packaging Material
Authors: Mirabelli Valentina , Majidi Salehi Shabnam , Angiolillo Luisa , Belviso Benny Danilo , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro , Di Profio Gianluca , Caliandro Rocco
Published: January 2018

The great antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of enzymes makes them prone to be used as active packaging materials to preserve food from contamination or degradation. Major drawbacks are connected to the use of enzymes freely dispersed in solution, due to reduced protein stability. The immobilization of enzymes on solid supports to create biocatalytic interfaces has instead been proven to increase their stability and efficiency. In this work, it is shown that enzymes crystallized on hydrogel composite membranes (HCMs) can exert an effective antimicrobial action, thus making the composite membrane and crystals biofilm a potential active substrate for food packaging applications. The antimicrobial hen egg white lysozyme is crystallized on the surface of the hydrogel layer of HCMs, and its activity is determined by measuring the decrease in absorbance of Micrococcus lysodeikticus culture incubated with the specimen. The overall catalytic efficiency of the antimicrobial HCMs increases by a factor of 2 compared to the pure enzyme dissolved in solution at the same quantity. Because the enzyme in crystalline form is present in higher concentration and purity than in the solution, both its overall catalytic efficiency and antimicrobial action increase. Moreover, the hydrogel environment allows a better protein stabilization and retention during crystals dissolution.
Injury prevention through employment as a priority for wellbeing among Aboriginal people in remote Australia
Authors: Schultz Rosalie , Abbott Tammy , Yamaguchi Jessica , Cairney Sheree
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Injuries lead to more hospitalisations and lost years of healthy life for Aboriginal people than any other cause. However, they are often overlooked in discussion of relieving Aboriginal disadvantage.

Methods

Four Aboriginal communities with diverse geography, culture and service arrangements participated in the Interplay Wellbeing project. In each community, Aboriginal researchers conducted focus groups and interviews arranged through Aboriginal organisations to explore wellbeing. A total of 84 participants contributed to 14 focus groups and eight interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and coded. This article reports on injury and possibilities for prevention, unanticipated themes raised in discussions of wellbeing.

Results

Interpersonal violence, injury and imprisonment emerged as themes that were linked with employment and wellbeing. Employment in Aboriginal ranger programs provides meaningful activity, which strengthens people's identity and cultural integrity. This can avert interpersonal violence through empowering women and reducing alcohol access and consumption.

Conclusion

Ranger programs may provide a much‐needed opportunity to control escalating rates of injury for Aboriginal people in remote communities.

So what?

The manifold benefits of Aboriginal ranger programs include reducing violence and its injury and criminal justice consequences.
Hospital accreditation in Iran: A qualitative case study of Kerman hospitals
Authors: Nekoei‐Moghadam Mahmood , Amiresmaili Mohammadreza , Iranemansh Mohammadhosein , Iranmanesh Mahla
Published: January 2018

Background

According to published evidence, accreditation is one of the evaluating tools in health care organizations. But, there is disagreement among authorities and experts in this regard. This study aims to investigate the evaluation of hospital accreditation in an Iranian context.

Methods

In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of 170 informants was used. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to gather data, which were analyzed using a framework analysis method.

Results

Elicited themes were categorized into the domains of strengths of accreditation, weaknesses of accreditation, and accreditation model. The results showed that promoting a culture of quality management and patient safety can resolve many of the problems of an accreditation program. This cannot be achieved without a good working knowledge of accreditation and a strategy to diminish nervousness about the programme on the part of staff.

Conclusion

The potential impacts of these findings highlight that a comprehensive consideration of the identified inconsistencies is required for a successful implementation of accreditation in Iran. Meetings with professionals and conferences can be considered effective ways of achieving this.

Originality/value

It is hoped that our results will facilitate a reformulation of Iran's health policy.
Modern contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Samba Ali , Mumuni Kareem , Adu Joseph A. , Sefogah Promise E. , Kudzi William , Nartey Edmund T.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To examine factors influencing contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study included a randomly selected sample of sexually active females aged 15–60 years who were living with HIV/AIDS and receiving care at the HIV Clinic, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, between September 1 and November 31, 2016. Data were collected via a structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Among 202 women who completed the survey, 50 (24.7%) were using contraceptives. Of the women using contraception, 39 (78%) were married and 6 (12%) were cohabiting. Twenty‐eight (56%) reported that their primary sexual partners were HIV‐positive, 14 (28%) had HIV‐negative partners, and 8 (16%) did not know their partner's HIV status. Condoms were used by 42 (84%) women and the majority (41 [82%]) wanted to have more children; almost all (47 [94%]) had received counseling on contraceptive use. Overall, 133 (65.8%) and 45 (22.3%) women reported that they would prefer to share their family planning concerns with a doctor and nurse, respectively, at the HIV clinic.

Conclusion

Women living with HIV/AIDS desired more children but preferred to share their family planning concerns with their clinician at the HIV clinic. Integrating HIV care and reproductive health services could help these women achieve childbearing goals safely.
The influence of number line estimation precision and numeracy on risky financial decision making
Authors: Park Inkyung , Cho Soohyun
Published: January 2018

This study examined whether different aspects of mathematical proficiency influence one's ability to make adaptive financial decisions. “Numeracy” refers to the ability to process numerical and probabilistic information and is commonly reported as an important factor which contributes to financial decision‐making ability. The precision of mental number representation (MNR), measured with the number line estimation (NLE) task has been reported to be another critical factor. This study aimed to examine the contribution of these mathematical proficiencies while controlling for the influence of fluid intelligence, math anxiety and personality factors. In our decision‐making task, participants chose between two options offering probabilistic monetary gain or loss. Sensitivity to expected value was measured as an index for the ability to discriminate between optimal versus suboptimal options. Partial correlation and hierarchical regression analyses revealed that NLE precision better explained EV sensitivity compared to numeracy, after controlling for all covariates. These results suggest that individuals with more precise MNR are capable of making more rational financial decisions. We also propose that the measurement of “numeracy,” which is commonly used interchangeably with general mathematical proficiency, should include more diverse aspects of mathematical cognition including basic understanding of number magnitude.
Achieving socially significant reductions in problem behavior following the interview‐informed synthesized contingency analysis: A summary of 25 outpatient applications
Authors: Jessel Joshua , Ingvarsson Einar T. , Metras Rachel , Kirk Hillary , Whipple Ruth
Published: January 2018

Jessel, Hanley, and Ghaemmaghami (2016) reported the results of 30 interview‐informed, synthesized contingency analyses (IISCAs) and found the IISCAs to be an effective tool for identifying the functions of problem behavior across a variety of topographies, participants, and settings. Jessel et al. did not, however, include data on the effectiveness of the corresponding treatments. In the current study, we collected and summarized 25 additional applications, from analysis to treatment, in which the IISCA was applied in an outpatient clinic. The IISCA identified various social functions of problem behavior, which informed personalized treatments of functional communication training with contingency‐based reinforcement thinning. A 90% or greater reduction in problem behavior was obtained for every participant by the end of the treatment evaluation. The assessment and treatment process was socially validated by caregivers who rated the procedures highly acceptable and helpful, and the improvement in their child's behavior highly satisfactory.
Binding affinity and decontamination of dermal decontamination gel to model chemical warfare agent simulants
Authors: Cao Yachao , Elmahdy Akram , Zhu Hanjiang , Hui Xiaoying , Maibach Howard
Published: January 2018

Six chemical warfare agent simulants (trimethyl phosphate, dimethyl adipate, 2‐chloroethyl methyl sulfide, diethyl adipate, chloroethyl phenyl sulfide and diethyl sebacate) were studied in in vitro human skin to explore relationship between dermal penetration/absorption and the mechanisms of simulant partitioning between stratum corneum (SC) and water as well as between dermal decontamination gel (DDGel) and water. Both binding affinity to and decontamination of simulants using DDGel were studied. Partition coefficients of six simulants between SC and water (Log PSC/w) and between DDGel and water (Log PDDGel/w) were determined. Results showed that DDGel has a similar or higher binding affinity to each simulant compared to SC. The relationship between Log P octanol/water and Log PSC/w as well as between Log P octanol/water and Log PDDGel/w demonstrated that partition coefficient of simulants correlated to their lipophilicity or hydrophilicity. Decontamination efficiency results with DDGel for these simulants were consistent with binding affinity results. Amounts of percentage dose of chemicals in DDGel of trimethyl phosphate, dimethyl adipate, 2‐chloroethyl methyl sulfide, diethyl adipate, chloroethyl phenyl sulfide and diethyl sebacate were determined to be 61.15, 85.67, 75.91, 53.53, 89.89 and 76.58, with corresponding amounts absorbed in skin of 0.96, 0.65, 1.68, 0.72, 0.57 and 1.38, respectively. In vitro skin decontamination experiments coupled with a dermal absorption study demonstrated that DDGel can efficiently remove chemicals from skin surface, back‐extract from the SC, and significantly reduced chemical penetration into skin or systemic absorption for all six simulants tested. Therefore, DDGel offers a great potential as a NextGen skin Decon platform technology for both military and civilian use.
Formation of nanotubular TiO2 structures with varied surface characteristics for biomaterial applications
Authors: Aguirre Robinson , Echeverry‐Rendón Mónica , Quintero David , Castaño Juan G. , Harmsen Martin C. , Robledo Sara , Echeverría E Félix
Published: January 2018

Nanotubular structures were generated on the surface of titanium c.p. by anodization technique in an aqueous solution of acetic acid (14% v/v) with different sources of fluoride ion (HF, NaF, NH4F). The aim of using these three different compounds is to study the effect of the counterion (H+, Na+ and
) on the morphology, wettability and surface free energy of the modified surface. Nanotubes were generated at 10 and 15 V for each anodizing solution. To further improve surface characteristics, the samples were heat‐treated at 600°C for 4 h and at 560°C for 3 h. SEM images revealed the formation of nanotubes in all anodizing conditions, while their diameter increased proportionally to the electric potential. X‐ray diffraction and micro‐Raman spectroscopy results showed the presence of both anatase and rutile phases, with a higher content of rutile in the coatings obtained using NH4F and an applied potential of 10 V. The heat‐treatment significantly increased the wettability of the anodic coatings, especially for the coating obtained at 15 V with HF, which showed values < 7 degrees of contact angle. Besides, the nanotubes show a decrease in diameter due to the heat treatment, except for the nanotubes formed in NH4F. Depending on their surface properties (e.g. low contact angle and high surface free energy), these coatings potentially have great potential in biomedical applications, sensors devices, and catalytic applications among others. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1341–1354, 2018.