bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microalgal diversity fosters stable biomass productivity in open ponds treating wastewater
Authors: Cho Dae-Hyun , Choi Jung-Woon , Kang Zion , Kim Byung-Hyuk , Oh Hee-Mock , Kim Hee-sik , Ramanan Rishiram
Published: May 2017

It is established that biodiversity determines productivity of natural ecosystems globally. We have proved that abiotic factors influenced biomass productivity in engineered ecosystems i.e. high rate algal ponds (HRAPs), previously. This study demonstrates that biotic factors, particularly microalgal diversity, play an essential role in maintaining stable biomass productivity in HRAP treating municipal wastewater by mutualistic adaptation to environmental factors. The current study examined data from the second year of a two-year study on HRAP treating municipal wastewater. Microalgal diversity, wastewater characteristics, treatment efficiency and several environmental and meteorological factors were documented. Multivariate statistical analyses reveal that microalgae in uncontrolled HRAPs adapt to adverse environmental conditions by fostering diversity. Subsequently, five dominant microalgal strains by biovolume were isolated, enriched, and optimum conditions for high biomass productivity were ascertained. These laboratory experiments revealed that different microalgal strains dominate in different conditions and a consortium of these diverse taxa help in sustaining the algae community from environmental and predatory pressures. Diversity, niche or seasonal partitioning and mutualistic growth are pertinent in microalgal cultivation or wastewater treatment. Therefore, enrichment of selective species would deprive the collective adaptive ability of the consortium and encourage system vulnerability especially in wastewater treatment.
The perceived stability of scenes: serial dependence in ensemble representations
Authors: Manassi Mauro , Liberman Alina , Chaney Wesley , Whitney David
Published: May 2017

We are continuously surrounded by a noisy and ever-changing environment. Instead of analyzing all the elements in a scene, our visual system has the ability to compress an enormous amount of visual information into ensemble representations, such as perceiving a forest instead of every single tree. Still, it is unclear why such complex scenes appear to be the same from moment to moment despite fluctuations, noise, and discontinuities in retinal images. The general effects of change blindness are usually thought to stabilize scene perception, making us unaware of minor inconsistencies between scenes. Here, we propose an alternative, that stable scene perception is actively achieved by the visual system through global serial dependencies: the appearance of scene gist is sequentially dependent on the gist perceived in previous moments. To test this hypothesis, we used summary statistical information as a proxy for “gist” level, global information in a scene. We found evidence for serial dependence in summary statistical representations. Furthermore, we show that this kind of serial dependence occurs at the ensemble level, where local elements are already merged into global representations. Taken together, our results provide a mechanism through which serial dependence can promote the apparent consistency of scenes over time.
Refuges and host shift pathways of host-specialized aphids Aphis gossypii
Authors: Liu Xiang-Dong , Xu Ting-Ting , Lei Hai-Xia
Published: May 2017

Polyphagous cotton-melon aphid populations usually comprise cotton- and cucurbit-specialized biotypes. Host-specialized aphids are prone to food shortages. Cucumber, the favourite food of cucurbit-specialized aphids, is usually absent during autumn and winter in Nanjing, China. Therefore, suboptimal host plants act as refuges and govern the population dynamics of this aphid. The species, growth stages and leaf ages of host plants that cotton- and cucurbit-specialized aphids potentially could use were explored in this study. Cotton-specialized aphids were found to use wild chrysanthemum, potato, zucchini, pumpkin and flowering cucumber besides cotton, whilst cucurbit-specialized aphids were able to utilize potato, zucchini, pumpkin and mature cotton besides cucumber. The population dynamics and genotype frequencies of aphids on hibiscus, cotton, zucchini, cucumber and pumpkin showed that cotton-melon aphids on cucumber could transfer onto mature cotton. Aphids on zucchini shared microsatellite genotypes with aphids on cotton and cucumber. The predominant genotype of aphids on cotton was found on hibiscus, but the predominant genotype on cucumber was not found on hibiscus. Host-specialized aphids clearly have refuges during food shortages. Hibiscus is an overwintering host for cotton-specialized aphids but not for cucurbit-aphids. Removing refuges or managing aphids on refuges could potentially be an effective method to control cotton-melon aphids.
Self-assembled nanoparticles based on a cationic conjugated polymer/hyaluronan–cisplatin complex as a multifunctional platform for simultaneous tumor-targeting cell imaging and drug delivery
Authors: Huang Yan-Qin , Zhang Rui , Zhao Yong-Kang , Chen Hao , Jiang Rong-Cui , Liu Xing-Fen , Fan Qu-Li , Wang Lian-Hui , Huang Wei
Published: May 2017

A multifunctional nanoparticle system based on a cationic conjugated polymer/hyaluronan–cisplatin complex for tumor-targeting cell imaging and drug delivery.
A label-free colorimetric biosensor for sensitive detection of vascular endothelial growth factor-165
Authors: Zhang Huige , Peng Liang , Li Maoxing , Ma Ji , Qi Shengda , Chen Hongli , Zhou Lei , Chen Xingguo
Published: May 2017

Sensitive detection of a low abundant protein is essential for biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
Insights into chemoselectivity principles in metal oxide affinity chromatography using tailored nanocast metal oxide microspheres and mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics
Authors: Leitner Alexander , Sakeye Motolani , Zimmerli Christian Eugen , Smått Jan-Henrik
Published: May 2017

Custom-made nanocast metal oxide materials provide new insights into the mechanisms of metal oxide affinity chromatography, a method widely used to study proteome-wide protein phosphorylation.
Cluster-based MOFs with accelerated chemical conversion of CO2 through C–C bond formation
Authors: Xiong Gang , Yu Bing , Dong Jie , Shi Ying , Zhao Bin , He Liang-Nian
Published: May 2017

We report here two cluster-based MOFs I and II as excellent heterogeneous catalysts in the carboxylation reactions of CO2 and terminal alkynes under 1 atm and mild conditions. This is the first time for MOFs materials to catalyze this type of reactions.
A tripeptide-based self-shrinking hydrogel for waste-water treatment: removal of toxic organic dyes and lead (Pb2+) ions
Authors: Basak Shibaji , Nandi Nibedita , Paul Subir , Hamley Ian W. , Banerjee Arindam
Published: May 2017

A tripeptide-based supramolecular automatically self-shrinking superhydrogel has been discovered for the efficient removal of toxic organic dyes and Pb2+ ions from waste-water.
Intense blue circularly polarized luminescence from helical aromatic esters
Authors: He Dong-Qiang , Lu Hai-Yan , Li Meng , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: May 2017

A new kind of helical aromatic ester-based CPL-SOM was synthesized, showing intense blue fluorescence and CPL.
Carbon hybridized montmorillonite nanosheets: preparation, structural evolution and enhanced adsorption performance
Authors: Peng Kang , Yang Huaming
Published: May 2017

Carbon hybridized montmorillonite nanosheets (C/MMT) were successfully prepared as a novel adsorbent for organic pollutant removal.
Chemical synthesis of dual labeled proteins via differently protected alkynes enables intramolecular FRET analysis
Authors: Hayashi Gosuke , Kamo Naoki , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: May 2017

Differently silyl-protected alkynes enable production of a dual labeled protein through chemical protein synthesis and analysis of the protein structure by intramolecular FRET.
A ruthenium tetrazole complex-based high efficiency near infrared light electrochemical cell
Authors: Shahroosvand Hashem , Abaspour Saeid , Pashaei Babak , Radicchi Eros , De Angelis Filippo , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: May 2017

We report on the exploitation of a new tetrazole-substituted 1,10-phenanthroline and a 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) ancillary ligand modified with an electron-donating group in cationic ruthenium complexes.
Liquid phase epitaxial growth of heterostructured hierarchical MOF thin films
Authors: Chernikova Valeriya , Shekhah Osama , Spanopoulos Ioannis , Trikalitis Pantelis N. , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: May 2017

Through combining the supermolecular building layer (SBL) approach for designing MOFs with the liquid phase epitaxy growth method, we demonstrate that it is possible to precisely control the epitaxial growth of MOF-on-MOF thin films, for ordered hierarchical tbo-type structures.
Vibrational and impedance spectroscopic analyses of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks as solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Bar Nimai , Basak Pratyay , Tsur Yoed
Published: May 2017

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks with significant ionic conductivity (10−4 S cm−1 at ambient temperature) were studied by vibrational and impedance spectroscopies coupled with advanced analysis procedures.
Local rotational symmetry in the packing of uniform spheres
Authors: Tian Z. A. , Dong K. J. , Yu A. B.
Published: May 2017

The significant changes of local rotational symmetry reveal the essential structural characteristic of sphere packings, especially at all the critical points.
Understanding doping strategies in the design of organic electrode materials for Li and Na ion batteries: an electronic structure perspective
Authors: Lüder Johann , Cheow Mun Ho , Manzhos Sergei
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we present a systematic study of the effects of p- and n-doping in small molecules on the voltage and capacity of organic electrode materials for electrochemical batteries.
Strain engineering of electronic structures and photocatalytic responses of MXenes functionalized by oxygen
Authors: Khan S. A. , Amin B. , Gan Li-Yong , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: May 2017

Unstrained and biaxial tensile strained Ti2CO2, Zr2CO2, and Hf2CO2can be used to oxidize H2O into O2, while compressed Ti2CO2fails to oxidize H2O to O2.
Conformational behavior and stacking interactions of contorted polycyclic aromatics
Authors: Guan Yanfei , Jones Matthew L. , Miller Alyssa E. , Wheeler Steven E.
Published: May 2017

Computational studies of non-covalent dimers of saddle-shaped molecules unveil widely varying conformations and stacking configurations.
Pure phosphotriesters as versatile ligands in transition metal catalysis: efficient hydrosilylation of ketones and diethylzinc addition to aldehydes
Authors: Bouhachicha M. , Ngo Ndimba A. , Roisnel T. , Lalli C. , Argouarch G.
Published: May 2017

The phosphate fate: will proving the versatility of phosphate ligands in catalysis make them finally attractive?
Bioinformatics in translational drug discovery
Authors: Wooller Sarah K. , Benstead-Hume Graeme , Chen Xiangrong , Ali Yusuf , Pearl Frances M.G.
Published: May 2017

Bioinformatics approaches are becoming ever more essential in translational drug discovery both in academia and within the pharmaceutical industry. Computational exploitation of the increasing volumes of data generated during all phases of drug discovery is enabling key challenges of the process to be addressed. Here, we highlight some of the areas in which bioinformatics resources and methods are being developed to support the drug discovery pipeline. These include the creation of large data warehouses, bioinformatics algorithms to analyse ‘big data’ that identify novel drug targets and/or biomarkers, programs to assess the tractability of targets, and prediction of repositioning opportunities that use licensed drugs to treat additional indications.
MiR-130a-3p inhibits the viability, proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle, and promotes apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by suppressing BACH2 expression
Authors: Chen Xin , Yue Bo , Zhang Changming , Qi Meihao , Qiu Jianhua , Wang Ye , Chen Jun
Published: May 2017

The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism through which miR-130a-3p affects the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Tissue samples were collected from the hospital department. NPC cell lines were purchased to conduct the in vitro and in vivo assays. A series of biological assays including MTT, Transwell, and wound healing assays were conducted to investigate the effects of miR-130a-3p and BACH2 on NPC cells. MiR-130a-3p was down-regulated in both NPC tissues and cell lines, whereas BACH2 was up-regulated in both tissues and cell lines. MiR-130a-3p overexpression inhibited NPC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted cell apoptosis. The converse was true of BACH2, the down-regulation of which could inhibit the corresponding cell abilities and promote apoptosis of NPC cells. The target relationship between miR-130a-3p and BACH2 was confirmed. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway was also influenced by miR-130a-3p down-regulation. In conclusion, miR-130a-3p could bind to BACH2, inhibit NPC cell abilities, and promote cell apoptosis.
Note: Coincidence measurements of 3He and neutrons from a compact D-D neutron generator
Authors: Ji Q. , Lin C.-J. , Tindall C. , Garcia-Sciveres M. , Schenkel T. , Ludewigt B. A.
Published: May 2017

Tagging of neutrons (2.45 MeV) with their associated 3He particles from deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fusion reactions has been demonstrated in a compact neutron generator setup enabled by a high brightness, microwave-driven ion source with a high fraction of deuterons. Energy spectra with well separated peaks of the D-D fusion reaction products, 3He, tritons, and protons, were measured with a silicon PIN diode. The neutrons were detected using a liquid scintillator detector with pulse shape discrimination. By correlating the 3He detection events with the neutron detection in time, we demonstrated the tagging of emitted neutrons with 3He particles detected with a Si PIN diode detector mounted inside the neutron generator vacuum vessel.
Multiscale modeling of electroosmotic flow: Effects of discrete ion, enhanced viscosity, and surface friction
Authors: Bhadauria Ravi , Aluru N. R.
Published: May 2017

We propose an isothermal, one-dimensional, electroosmotic flow model for slit-shaped nanochannels. Nanoscale confinement effects are embedded into the transport model by incorporating the spatially varying solvent and ion concentration profiles that correspond to the electrochemical potential of mean force. The local viscosity is dependent on the solvent local density and is modeled using the local average density method. Excess contributions to the local viscosity are included using the Onsager-Fuoss expression that is dependent on the local ionic strength. A Dirichlet-type boundary condition is provided in the form of the slip velocity that is dependent on the macroscopic interfacial friction. This solvent-surface specific interfacial friction is estimated using a dynamical generalized Langevin equation based framework. The electroosmotic flow of Na+ and Cl− as single counterions and NaCl salt solvated in Extended Simple Point Charge (SPC/E) water confined between graphene and silicon slit-shaped nanochannels are considered as examples. The proposed model yields a good quantitative agreement with the solvent velocity profiles obtained from the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
CAP-XMCQDPT2 method for molecular electronic resonances
Authors: Kunitsa Alexander A. , Granovsky Alexander A. , Bravaya Ksenia B.
Published: May 2017

Metastable electronic states decaying via autoionization or autodetachment are common gateway states for chemical processes initiated by electron-molecule interactions or photo-excitation and are ubiquitous in highly energetic environments. We present a robust theoretical approach for calculating positions and widths of electronic resonances. The method is based on the extended multiconfigurational quasidegenerate perturbation theory combined with complex absorbing potential technique (CAP-XMCQDPT2). The theory is capable of describing the resonance position and width for shape and Feshbach resonances with high accuracy and low computational cost. Importantly, the resonance parameters are extracted at a cost of a single electronic structure calculation. Resonances positions and widths computed for shape and Feshbach molecular resonances are in a good agreement with the experimental data and with the previous theoretical estimates.
Evidence for self-organized formation of logarithmic spirals during explosive crystallization of amorphous Ge:Mn layers
Authors: Bürger Danilo , Baunack Stefan , Thomas Jürgen , Oswald Steffen , Wendrock Horst , Rebohle Lars , Schumann Thomas , Skorupa Wolfgang , Blaschke Daniel , Gemming Thomas , Schmidt Oliver G. , Schmidt Heidemarie
Published: May 2017

Logarithmic spirals are found on different length scales in nature, e.g., in nautilus shells, cyclones, and galaxies. The underlying formation laws can be related to different growth mechanisms, pressure gradients, and density waves. Here, we report on the self-organized formation of symmetric logarithmic crystallization spirals in a solid material on the micrometer length scale, namely, in an amorphous Ge:Mn layer on a Ge substrate. After exposure to a single light pulse of a flashlamp array, the Ge:Mn layer is crystallized and reveals a partially rippled surface and logarithmic microspirals. Finally, we present a model describing the formation of the crystallization spirals by directional explosive crystallization of the amorphous Ge:Mn layer, which is triggered by the flashlamp light pulse.
Simulated electron affinity tuning in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes
Authors: Mistry Kissan , Yavuz Mustafa , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: May 2017

Metal-insulator-metal diodes for rectification applications must exhibit high asymmetry, nonlinearity, and responsivity. Traditional methods of improving these figures of merit have consisted of increasing insulator thickness, adding multiple insulator layers, and utilizing a variety of metal contact combinations. However, these methods have come with the price of increasing the diode resistance and ultimately limiting the operating frequency to well below the terahertz regime. In this work, an Airy Function Transfer Matrix simulation method was used to observe the effect of tuning the electron affinity of the insulator as a technique to decrease the diode resistance. It was shown that a small increase in electron affinity can result in a resistance decrease in upwards of five orders of magnitude, corresponding to an increase in operating frequency on the same order. Electron affinity tuning has a minimal effect on the diode figures of merit, where asymmetry improves or remains unaffected and slight decreases in nonlinearity and responsivity are likely to be greatly outweighed by the improved operating frequency of the diode.
Impurity gettering effect of atomic layer deposited aluminium oxide films on silicon wafers
Authors: Liu A. Y. , Macdonald D.
Published: May 2017

We present experimental evidence for the impurity gettering effect of atomic layer deposited aluminium oxide (Al2O3) films on silicon wafers, during typical surface passivation activation at 425 °C. Iron was used as a model impurity in silicon to study the gettering effects. Dissolved iron concentrations were determined by carrier lifetime measurements, allowing the iron loss kinetics in silicon wafers with Al2O3 coatings to be monitored during annealing. The redistribution of iron to the surface layers and the sub-surface regions was examined by secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling. The results show that the atomic layer deposited Al2O3 films generate a strong gettering effect, removing 50% of the iron after 30 min at 425 °C for a 160-μm thick silicon wafer. The iron reduction process is largely diffusion-limited in the initial stages. The gettering effect is caused by the accumulation of iron at the Al2O3/Si interface.
Anisotropic strain relaxation and high quality AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on Si (110) substrates
Authors: Feng Yuxia , Yang Xuelin , Cheng Jianpeng , Zhang Jie , Ji Panfeng , Shen Jianfei , Hu Anqi , Xu Fujun , Yu Tongjun , Wang Xinqiang , Shen Bo
Published: May 2017

We have investigated the growth and relaxation mechanisms of anisotropic lattice misfit strain in AlN and GaN layers on Si (110) substrates. A qualitative model is proposed to explain the relaxation process. It is revealed that the anisotropic misfit strain is quickly relaxed in the low temperature AlN layer by the formation of interface misfit dislocations, small misoriented grains, and lattice distortion. As a result, isotropic properties and atomically smooth surface are observed in the high temperature AlN layer. Based on this isotropic AlN layer, a high quality GaN layer and AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with a high electron mobility of 2160 cm2/(V · s) have been obtained. This work will have important impacts on the understanding of the epitaxy of isotropic semiconductor films on anisotropic substrates.
An evaluation of small-mammal use of constructed wildlife crossings in ski resorts
Authors: Schroder Mellesa , Sato Chloe F.
Published: May 2017

Context Infrastructure development in ski-resort areas has led to the modification of slopes and, often, the replacement of native plant species with exotic grasses. Modified ski slopes are effectively linear areas of disturbance that separate natural habitat and provide barriers to the movement of native animal species. To overcome these barriers, boulder-filled and culvert-style wildlife crossings have been constructed across disturbed ski slopes and under roadways to facilitate the movement of small native mammal species among areas of remnant habitat, but generally they differ in size and locality. The use of boulder-filled and under-road culvert crossings of different length has not been evaluated. Aims We determine whether fauna utilise wildlife crossings in ski resorts and whether variations in crossing length influence the species using the crossings. Methods We monitored boulder-filled crossings of two size classes (long or short) biannually from March 2009 to April 2013, using hair tubes. We monitored an additional two under-road culvert crossings with remote infrared cameras. Key results The results indicated that all crossings, regardless of size, are utilised by small mammals. However, we detected threatened species, such as Mastacomys fuscus (broad-toothed rat), more frequently in crossings of greater length. Conclusions To maintain linkages for small-mammal populations within ski resorts, we recommend the continued use of boulder-filled crossings on ski slopes. These crossings may be particularly important in facilitating the movement of small mammals across wide areas of ski-slope disturbance. Implications The context and maintenance of crossings is likely to be important for their long-term use by small mammals, as are complementary strategies to restore structural habitat connectivity on ski slopes, such as strategically implemented native vegetation plantings.
String method solution of the gating pathways for a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel
Authors: Lev Bogdan , Murail Samuel , Poitevin Frédéric , Cromer Brett A. , Baaden Marc , Delarue Marc , Allen Toby W.
Published: May 2017

Significance

High-resolution structures of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels have created an opportunity to discover the mechanisms of rapid synaptic transduction in the brain. This study describes the mechanisms of allosteric channel gating using string method simulations, applied to a complete atomistic ion channel, combined with a transition analysis approach to extract free-energy surfaces from swarms of trajectories. We reproduce pH-modulated activity of the channel, identify the molecular interactions associated with interdomain communication, and quantify the energetics of the gating process. These results provide general mechanistic understanding of the function of pentameric ligand-gated channels, with potential applications in the design of improved anesthetics, neuromodulatory drugs, antiparasitics, and pesticides.
Competing magnetic orders in the superconducting state of heavy-fermion CeRhIn
5
Authors: Rosa P. F. S. , Kang J. , Luo Yongkang , Wakeham N. , Bauer E. D. , Ronning F. , Fisk Z. , Fernandes R. M. , Thompson J. D.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Discovering new interdependences among magnetism, unconventional superconductivity and quantum criticality presents new insights into how electronic matter can organize itself into unexpected quantum states but also poses a fundamental challenge to current understanding. Here, we show that two qualitatively different types of magnetic order develop inside the pressure-induced superconducting state of Ce
0.95
Nd
0.05
RhIn
5
. Field-induced magnetic order, derived from Cerium’s

4
f

electrons, competes with zero-field, spin-density order that forms by condensation of magnetic excitations in a spin resonance. The zero-field magnetism is tuned to quantum-critical points by pressure and magnetic field. These discoveries portend possibilities for new quantum states arising from magnetic orders and quantum criticality in other unconventional superconductors that host a spin resonance.
Functional Characterization of Key Residues in Regulatory Proteins HrpG and HrpV of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000
Authors: Jovanovic Milija , Waite Christopher , James Ellen , Synn Nicholas , Simpson Timothy , Kotta-Loizou Ioly , Buck Martin
Published: May 2017

The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 uses a type III secretion system (T3SS) to transfer effector proteins into the host. The expression of T3SS proteins is controlled by the HrpL σ factor. Transcription of hrpL is σ54-dependent and bacterial enhancer-binding proteins HrpR and HrpS coactivate the hrpL promoter. The HrpV protein imposes negative control upon HrpR and HrpS through direct interaction with HrpS. HrpG interacts with HrpV and relieves such negative control. The sequence alignments across Hrp group I-type plant pathogens revealed conserved HrpV and HrpG amino acids. To establish structure–function relationships in HrpV and HrpG, either truncated or alanine substitution mutants were constructed. Key functional residues in HrpV and HrpG are found within their C-terminal regions. In HrpG, L101 and L105 are indispensable for the ability of HrpG to directly interact with HrpV and suppress HrpV-dependent negative regulation of HrpR and HrpS. In HrpV, L108 and G110 are major determinants for interactions with HrpS and HrpG. We propose that mutually exclusive binding of HrpS and HrpG to the same binding site of HrpV governs a transition from negative control to activation of the HrpRS complex leading to HrpL expression and pathogenicity of P. syringae.
Microkeratome-Assisted Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for the Correction of High-Degree Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism
Authors: Gutfreund Shay , Leon Pia , Busin Massimo
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To describe the surgical technique and report the outcomes of patients treated with microkeratome-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty (MALK) for the correction of high-degree postkeratoplasty astigmatism.

Methods:

Four eyes of 2 patients with extremely high (>10 D) and irregular [surface asymmetry index >1.0 D] post-penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism occurring after complete suture removal underwent MALK and were followed for at least 3 years after the procedure. In all cases, 250-µm lamellar keratectomy was performed, followed by 2 full-thickness incisions through the penetrating keratoplasty scar and the placement of an appropriately sized donor graft, which was secured with a double-running 10-0 nylon suture. All sutures were removed in all eyes within 1 year from surgery. Corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, corneal topography, and endothelial cell density were noted at each examination.

Results:

At the last follow-up examination (3 years or longer after MALK), corrected distance visual acuity had improved to 20/20, refractive astigmatism had decreased to an average of 2.1 D (in all cases within 4.5 D), and the average surface asymmetry index had reduced from 2.27 to 0.56.

Conclusions:

MALK is an effective and safe technique for the correction of high-degree postkeratoplasty astigmatism.
A Systematic Review of Interventions to Improve Health Factors or Behaviors of the Cardiovascular Health of Prisoners During Incarceration
Authors: Mohan Andrea R. M. , Thomson Patricia , Leslie Stephen J. , Dimova Elena , Haw Sally , McKay Janet A.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Prisoners are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. However, primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in correctional settings has been widely neglected, and there is little information on interventions to improve the cardiovascular health of prisoners while incarcerated.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to systematically review published literature to identify interventions to improve the health factors or behaviors of the cardiovascular health of prisoners during incarceration.

Methods:

Selected databases were searched using terms related to prisoners and cardiovascular disease. Studies were included if they had prisoners as participants and measured outcomes of cardiovascular health. Narrative synthesis was used to organize the evidence from the studies.

Results:

Twelve articles detailing 11 studies were identified. Most of the studies involved only men. Interventions were classified into 4 types: structured physical activity, nutrition, mixed with physical activity and educational sessions, and smoking cessation. Most studies measured short-term outcomes relating to cardiovascular health such as changes in blood pressure and weight. Only 4 studies were of high quality. Structured physical activity interventions, nutrition interventions, and smoking cessation interventions delivered in a group setting had significant effects on at least 1 measured outcome. The effect of mixed interventions could not be determined.

Conclusions:

Structured physical activity interventions, nutrition interventions, and smoking cessation interventions delivered in a group setting can improve health factors or behaviors of the cardiovascular health of prisoners during incarceration. More high-quality research is needed to increase the evidence base on the effectiveness of these interventions in the correctional setting.
An Open-Source Ultrasound Software for Diagnosis of Fistula Maturation
Authors: Belmont Barry , Park Dae Woo , Weitzel William F. , Shih Albert J.
Published: May 2017

Vascular access is essential for hemodialysis patients. The mature native arteriovenous fistula has been the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis, because it has greater longevity than synthetic grafts. However, once surgically created, fistulas often fail to develop (mature) into viable points of vascular access, requiring surgical or radiologic interventions before their use. Because maturation depends on vascular mechanics (e.g., distensibility and wall shear), we developed open-source ultrasound software to investigate these metrics clinically. We demonstrated in a single patient the ability of the software for consistent measurements from various locations within a cardiac cycle and between different cardiac cycles. We further assessed the ability of the software to identify changes in distensibility of a patient’s fistula from 1 to 6 weeks postoperation. The routine frame rates of clinical machines demonstrated high fidelity tracking within cardiac cycles (coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.4% ± 0.011) and between cardiac cycles (CV = 2.4% ± 0.004). The distensibility of the patient’s fistula from 1 to 6 weeks postoperation increased from 4% to 7% in the arterial inflow and from 3% to 4% in the postarterial anastomotic segment (PAAS). In contrast, the distensibility of the outflow vein decreased from 4% to 2%. These results corroborate that in addition to diameter changes, the mechanical properties of the vascular segments changed during fistula maturation. This demonstrates that our software-based approach may allow ultrasound-based mechanical measurements to become more accessible for wider clinical research.
Trends in ART Prescription and Viral Suppression Among HIV-Positive Young Adults in Care in the United States, 2009–2013
Authors: Beer Linda , Mattson Christine L. , Bradley Heather , Shouse Roy L. ,   for the Medical Monitoring Project
Published: May 2017

Background:

Only 13% of HIV-positive young adults are estimated to be virally suppressed and, even among those receiving medical care, HIV-positive young adults are less likely than older adults to take antiretroviral therapy (ART), be adherent, and be virally suppressed. We sought to examine trends in treatment and health outcomes from 2009 to 2013 among HIV-positive young adults (aged 18–24 years) in care.

Setting:

The Medical Monitoring Project is a complex sample survey of HIV-infected adults receiving medical care in the United States.

Methods:

We used weighted interview and medical record data collected from June 2009 to May 2014 to estimate trends in the prevalence of ART prescription, adherence, side effects, single-tablet ART regimens, regular care utilization, and viral suppression among young adults.

Results:

From 2009 to 2013, there were significant increases in ART prescription (76%–87%) and the proportion of young adults taking ART who reported taking single-tablet regimens (49%–62%). There was no significant change in adherence, side effects, or regular care utilization. Although viral suppression at last test did not change (65% at both time periods), the proportion of young adults who were sustainably virally suppressed significantly increased (29%–46%). Accounting for ART prescription and single-tablet regimen use attenuated the sustained viral suppression trend.

Conclusions:

Although the level of viral suppression among young adults in care remains suboptimal, the observed increases in ART prescription and sustained viral suppression may be a cause for optimism regarding efforts to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Isolation of a novel orthobunyavirus from bat flies (Eucampsipoda africana)
Authors: Jansen van Vuren Petrus , Wiley Michael R , Palacios Gustavo , Storm Nadia , Markotter Wanda , Birkhead Monica , Kemp Alan , Paweska Janusz T
Published: May 2017

The Bunyaviridae family comprises viruses causing diseases of public and veterinary health importance, including viral haemorrhagic and arboviral fevers. We report the isolation, identification and genome characterization of a novel orthobunyavirus, named Wolkberg virus (WBV), from wingless bat fly ectoparasites (Eucampsipoda africana) of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) in South Africa. Complete genome sequence data of WBV suggests it is most closely related to two bat viruses (Mojuí dos Campos and Kaeng Khoi viruses) and an arbovirus (Nyando virus) previously shown to infect humans. WBV replicates to high titres in VeroE6 and C6-36 cells, characteristic of mosquito-borne arboviruses. These findings expand our knowledge of the diversity of orthobunyaviruses and their insect vector host range.
Random Sequences Rapidly Evolve intode novoPromoters
Authors: Yona Avihu H. , Alm Eric J. , Gore Jeff
Published: May 2017

How do new promoters evolve? To follow evolution ofde novopromoters, we put various random sequences upstream to the lac operon inEscherichia coliand evolved the cells in the presence of lactose. We found that a typical random sequence of ~100 bases requires only one mutation in order to enable growth on lactose by increasing resemblance to the canonical promoter motifs. We further found that ~10% of random sequences could serve as active promoters even without any period of evolutionary adaptation. Such a short mutational distance from a random sequence to an active promoter may improve evolvability yet may also lead to undesirable accidental expression. We found that across theE. coligenome accidental expression is minimized by avoiding codon combinations that resemble promoter motifs. Our results suggest that the promoter recognition machinery has been tuned to allow high accessibility to new promoters, and similar findings might also be observed in higher organisms or in other motif recognition machineries, like transcription factor binding sites or protein-protein interactions.
iREAD: A Tool for Intron Retention Detection from RNA-seq Data
Authors: Li Hong-Dong , Funk Cory C. , Price Nathan D.
Published: May 2017

Detecting intron retention (IR) events is emerging as a specialized need for RNA-seq data analysis. Here we present iREAD (intronREtentionAnalysis andDetector), a tool to detect IR events genome-wide from high-throughput RNA-seq data. The command line interface for iREAD is implemented in Python. iREAD takes as input an existing BAM file, representing the transcriptome, and a text file containing the intron coordinates of a genome. It then 1) counts all reads that overlap intron regions, 2) detects IR vents by analyzing features of reads such as depth and distribution patterns, and 3) outputs a list of retained introns into a tab-delimited text file. The output can be directly used for further exploratory analysis such as differential intron expression and functional enrichment. iREAD provides a new and generic tool to interrogate poly-A enriched transcriptomic data of intron regions.

Availability

www.libpls.net/iread

Contact

Nathan.Price@systemsbiology.org
Precise and Predictable DNA Fragment Editing Reveals Principles of Cas9-Mediated Nucleotide Insertion
Authors: Shou Jia , Li Jinhuan , Wu Qiang
Published: May 2017

DNA fragment editing (DFE) or chromosomal engineering including inversions, deletions, and duplications by Cas9 with paired sgRNAs are important to investigate structural genome variations and developmental gene regulation, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we report that debilitating CtIP, which is thought to function in NHEJ, enhances precise DNA fragment deletion. By analyzing the inserted nucleotides at the junctions of DNA fragment inversions, deletions, and duplications, we find that Cas9 cleaves the noncomplementary strand with a flexible profile upstream of the PAM site and rationally-designed Cas9 nucleases have distinct cleavage profiles. Finally, Cas9-mediated nucleotide insertions of DFE are nonrandom and are equal to the combined sequences upstream of both PAM sites with predicted frequencies. Thus, precise and predictable DFEs could be achieved by perturbing DNA repair genes and using appropriate PAM configurations. These findings have important applications regarding 3D chromatin folding and enhancer insulation during gene regulation.
Vaccination can drive an increase in frequencies of antibiotic resistance among non-vaccine serotypes ofStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Obolski Uri , Lourenço José , Gupta Sunetra
Published: May 2017

The bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major public health concern, being responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths annually through pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. In spite of vaccination efforts, pneumococcal carriage and disease remain high, since available vaccines target only a subset of serotypes and vaccination is often accompanied by a rise in non-vaccine serotypes. Epidemiological studies suggest that such a change in serotype frequencies is often coupled with an increase of antibiotic resistance among non-vaccine serotypes. Building on previous multi-locus models for bacterial pathogen population structure, we have developed a theoretical framework incorporating variation in serotype and antibiotic resistance to examine how their associations may be affected by vaccination. Using this framework, we find that vaccination can result in rapid increase in frequency of pre-existing resistant variants of non-vaccine serotypes due to the removal of competition from vaccine serotypes.
SET1A/COMPASS and shadow enhancers in the regulation of homeotic gene expression
Authors: Cao Kaixiang , Collings Clayton K. , Marshall Stacy A. , Morgan Marc A. , Rendleman Emily J. , Wang Lu , Sze Christie C. , Sun Tianjiao , Bartom Elizabeth T. , Shilatifard Ali
Published: May 2017

The homeotic (Hox) genes are highly conserved in metazoans, where they are required for various processes in development, and misregulation of their expression is associated with human cancer. In the developing embryo, Hox genes are activated sequentially in time and space according to their genomic position within Hox gene clusters. Accumulating evidence implicates both enhancer elements and noncoding RNAs in controlling this spatiotemporal expression of Hox genes, but disentangling their relative contributions is challenging. Here, we identify two cis-regulatory elements (E1 and E2) functioning as shadow enhancers to regulate the early expression of the HoxA genes. Simultaneous deletion of these shadow enhancers in embryonic stem cells leads to impaired activation of HoxA genes upon differentiation, while knockdown of a long noncoding RNA overlapping E1 has no detectable effect on their expression. Although MLL/COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) family of histone methyltransferases is known to activate transcription of Hox genes in other contexts, we found that individual inactivation of the MLL1-4/COMPASS family members has little effect on early Hox gene activation. Instead, we demonstrate that SET1A/COMPASS is required for full transcriptional activation of multiple Hox genes but functions independently of the E1 and E2 cis-regulatory elements. Our results reveal multiple regulatory layers for Hox genes to fine-tune transcriptional programs essential for development.
Harmonising training and development across an industry: the case of Australian rail
Authors: Short Tom , Harris Roger McL.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore why harmonisation, given its potential, is so difficult to achieve. It analyses the issues and challenges in achieving harmonisation of training and development across an industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was a meta-analysis of six research projects undertaken in the Australian rail industry. These projects varied in duration from 12-24 months. Between 2009 and 2013, rail employees in varying roles and levels of seniority, including middle managers, front-line supervisors, rail incident investigators, track workers and drivers, were interviewed (n = 176) and surveyed (n = 341).

Findings

The meta-analysis identified a range of characteristics associated with harmonisation. It uncovered three categories of harmonisation, seven types of risk modelled in a layered risk pyramid and analysed key structural, environmental and organisational barriers to harmonisation. The paper concludes that harmonisation struggles to gain strategic significance and is hampered by operational pragmatism.

Research limitations/implications

There are few published papers examining harmonisation across companies or based on meta-analyses, especially qualitatively. Despite limitations of insufficient detail to allow close analysis, potentially variable quality data across projects from which to develop a meta-analysis and the danger of comparing apples with oranges, more attempts using this approach would be helpful in gaining nuanced insights into an industry.

Practical implications

Achieving industry harmonisation requires significant change in the mindset of executives. To enhance the chances of harmonisation, there is need for a strong national entity with overview of the entire industry, high-quality training and development resources and activities and cost-benefit analyses and active campaigns. A major outcome of this research is the risk pyramid, which can be used by managers as a strategic evaluation tool. By using such tools based on sound research, leaders can be equipped to make informed decisions and reduce downstream risks.

Originality/value

This research has value in extending the literature in two main ways: through examining the notion of harmonisation across an industry as distinct from within organisations that has been the focus of most studies and through using qualitative meta-analysis in a field dominated by quantitative approaches. It analyses the grey areas between rhetoric about its potential and difficulties in its achievement.
The effects of scenario planning on participant reports of resilience
Authors: Chermack Thomas J. , Coons Laura M. , O’barr Gregory , Khatami Shiva
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of scenario planning on participant ratings of resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is a quasi experimental pretest/posttest with treatment and control groups. Random selection or assignment was not achieved.

Findings

Results show a significant difference in reports of resilience for the scenario planning treatment group and no significant difference for the control group.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the use of self-report perception measures, possible social desirability of responses and a lack of random selection and assignment.

Practical implications

Practical implications imply that scenario planning can be viewed as a legitimate tool for increasing resilience in organizations.

Social implications

Organizations with an ability to adjust quickly and recover from difficult conditions means reduced layoffs and healthy economic growth.

Originality/value

While there is increasing research on scenario planning, to date, none has examined the effects of scenarios on resilience.
Manager stimulation of employee self-regulated learning
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall P.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential benefits of integrating self-regulated learning with skill charting, a training and development tool. The following areas are examined: manager-as-coach, self-regulated learning, and skill development through skill charting.

Design/methodology/approach

This discussion of manager stimulation through the integration of self-regulated learning and skill charting is based on an extensive literature review of recent research as well as that done by the authors.

Findings

There are many practical opportunities for managers to enhance self-regulated learning of employees using skill charting. Because self-regulated learners tend to reflect a growth mindset they are more likely to engage in performance improvement, change and innovation. These personal characteristics are highly valued by most managers as they may provide a competitive advantage for organizations. Managers, acting as coaches with individuals or small groups, can be instrumental in helping employees to internalize self-regulating learning practices at the same time the employees participate in learning important job skills. The approach offered here also encourages team-building skills, knowledge acquisition, and employee engagement.

Originality/value

This fresh look at an integration of self-regulated learning with the skill-charting approach offers specific, practical suggestions for manager stimulation of self-regulated learning.