bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The immunomodulatory CEA cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6/CD66c) is a candidate receptor for the influenza A virus
Authors: Rahman Shah Kamranur , Ansari Mairaj Ahmed , Gaur Pratibha , Ahmad Imtiyaz , Chakravarty Chandrani , Verma Dileep Kumar , Chhibber Sanjay , Nehal Naila , Sellathanby Shanmugaapriya , Wirth Dagmar , Waris Gulam , Lal Sunil K.
Published: January 2017

To establish a productive infection in host cells, viruses often use one or multiple host membrane glycoprotein as their receptors. For Influenza A virus (IAV) such a glycoprotein receptor has not been described, to date. Here we show that IAV is using the host membrane glycoprotein CD66c as a receptor for entry into human epithelial lung cells. Neuraminidase (NA), a viral spike protein binds to CD66c on the cell surface during IAV entry into the host cells. Lung cells overexpressing CD66c showed an increase in virus binding and subsequent entry into the cell. Upon comparison, CD66c demonstrated higher binding capacity than other membrane glycoproteins (EGFR and DC-SIGN) reported earlier to facilitate IAV entry into host cells. siRNA mediated knockdown of CD66c from lung cells inhibited virus binding on cell surface and entry into cells. Blocking CD66c by antibody on the cell surface resulted in decreased virus entry. We found CD66c is a specific glycoprotein receptor for influenza A virus that did not affect entry of non-IAV RNA virus (Hepatitis C virus). Finally, IAV pre-incubated with recombinant CD66c protein when administered intranasally in mice showed decreased cytopathic effects in mice lungs. This publication is the first to report CD66c (CEACAM6) as a glycoprotein receptor for Influenza A virus.

Significance Statement

Cells are enclosed by a semipermeable membrane that allows selective exchange of biomolecules between cells and their surroundings. A set of specialized proteins in this semipermeable membrane, work like gatekeepers to the cell and regulate entry of these biomolecules. One class of such surface proteins is termed as receptors. Viruses bind to one or more of these receptors and manipulate gatekeepers for their own successful entry into host-cells. A membrane protein that influenza A virus (Flu virus) uses for entry into the cells was not discovered till date. This study reports for the first time, a receptor for influenza A virus, that was sought after by researchers for decades. The viral receptor is a promising target that can be used to inhibit virus entry into host cells.
Allele Frequency Spectrum in a Cancer Cell Population
Authors: Ohtsuki H. , Innan H.
Published: January 2017

A cancer grows from a single cell, thereby constituting a large cell population. In this work, we are interested in how mutations accumulate in a cancer cell population. We provided a theoretical framework of the stochastic process in a cancer cell population and obtained near exact expressions of allele frequency spectrum or AFS (only continuous approximation is involved) from both forward and backward treatments under a simple setting; all cells undergo cell division and die at constant rates,bandd, respectively, such that the entire population grows exponentially. This setting means that once a parental cancer cell is established, in the following growth phase, all mutations are assumed to have no effect onbord(i.e., neutral or passengers). Our theoretical results show that the difference from organismal population genetics is mainly in the coalescent time scale, and the mutation rate is defined per cell division, not per time unit (e.g., generation). Except for these two factors, the basic logic are very similar between organismal and cancer population genetics, indicating that a number of well established theories of organismal population genetics could be translated to cancer population genetics with simple modifications.
The differential spatiotemporal expression pattern of shelterin genes throughout lifespan
Authors: Wagner Kay-Dietrich , Ying Yilin , Leong Waiian , Jiang Jie , Hu Xuefei , Chen Yi , Michiels Jean-François , Lu Yiming , Gilson Eric , Wagner Nicole , Ye Jing
Published: January 2017

Shelterin forms the core complex of telomere proteins and plays critical roles in protecting telomeres against unwanted activation of the DNA damage response and in maintaining telomere length homeostasis. Although shelterin expression is believed to be ubiquitous for stabilization of chromosomal ends, some evidence suggests that some shelterin subunits have tissue-specific functions. However, very little is known regarding how shelterin subunit gene expression is regulated during development and aging. Using two different animal models, the mouse and zebrafish, we reveal herein that shelterin subunits exhibit distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns that do not correlate with the proliferative status of the organ systems examined. Together, this work shows that the shelterin subunits exhibit distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns, suggesting important tissue-specific functions during development throughout the lifespan.
Universal correction of enzymatic sequence bias reveals molecular signatures of protein/DNA interactions
Authors: Martins André L. , Walavalkar Ninad M. , Anderson Warren D. , Zang Chongzhi , Guertin Michael J.
Published: January 2017

Coupling molecular biology to high throughput sequencing has revolutionized the study of biology. Molecular genomics techniques are continually refined to provide higher resolution mapping of nucleic acid interactions and structure. Sequence preferences of enzymes can interfere with the accurate interpretation of these data. We developedseqOutBiasto characterize enzymatic sequence bias from experimental data and scale individual sequence reads to correct intrinsic enzymatic sequence biases.SeqOutBiasefficiently corrects DNase-seq, TACh-seq, ATAC-seq, MNase-seq, and PRO-seq data. We show thatseqOutBiascorrection facilitates identification of true molecular signatures resulting from transcription factors and RNA polymerase interacting with DNA.
The eBethArké Syriac digital library: a case study
Authors: Beard Isaiah
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and describe the teamwork, collaboration and learning experiences involved in meeting the unique challenges of establishing a new digital library for Syriac collections. The eBetharké Syriac Digital Library Portal is a collaborative effort between the libraries at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the Beth Mardutho Syriac Institute, a traditional library of texts, to create a specialized digital library collection online. This digital library features content in and relating to Syriac, an Aramaic dialect spoken in the first century A.D. and for which a great deal of historically significant documents was written during the period.

Design/methodology/approach

This task required effort and research on multiple fronts, including software development; collaboration on technical, interpersonal and policy-based levels; and in overcoming challenges related to the predominant computing platforms installed and in use by potential users of this digital library.

Findings

This collaboration provided significant new challenges and learning experiences among the staff who worked on this project and provides a base upon which our digital library platforms can diversify and be more culturally aware.

Social implications

There have been increasing calls within the academic community for better support in the technological space for this and other contemporary languages of the region. Creation of such a platform and expanding it significantly would benefit scholars of Middle Eastern texts in much the same way digital repositories have revolutionized online text access for the Western world.

Originality/value

The project is unique in that it is believed to the first production-level, digital preservation-specific Syriac digital library of its kind. It supports the display of metadata and descriptive details for digital library objects not just in English, but in Arabic and Syriac languages as well, where appropriate
The devil is in the detail: Bourdieu and teachers’ early career learning
Authors: Kirkby Jane , Moss Julianne , Godinho Sally
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present how the social learning theory of Bourdieu (1990; Bourdieu and Passeron, 1990) can be a valuable tool to investigate mentoring relationships of beginning teachers with their more experienced colleagues. Bourdieu’s work provides a lens to magnify the social exchanges that occur during the mentoring relationship, so that what tends to be hidden in the “logic of practice” (Bourdieu, 1990) is drawn into view. The paper shows how the mentor is ascribed power that enables domination, and how this tends to result in cultural reproduction. A case study is used to identify aspects of social and cultural learning that demonstrate this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a year-long narrative inquiry of beginning secondary teachers’ mentoring experiences in the state of Victoria, Australia. The data were generated through in-depth interviews and participants’ diary entries to answer the research question “What personal, professional knowledge is developed through beginning teachers’ early experiences with induction and mentoring?”

Findings

The researcher found that attention to minutiae of mentor/mentee interactions can suggest how symbolic violence shapes personal, professional knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

This small-scale study has some limitations. However, as an illustration of organisational learning, with strong connections to Bourdieu’s theoretical work, it can provide some illuminating insights into how policy can be enacted at the micro-level. In particular, there are implications for how mentor teachers engage in their roles and understand the potential impact of their interactions with beginning teachers.

Originality/value

This study applies Bourdieu’s framework of cultural reproduction as an analysis tool for a qualitative study of the mentoring of beginning teachers.
An Analysis of Turkey's and BRICS’ Voting Cohesion in the UN General Assembly during 2002–2014
Authors: Kurşun Ali Murat , Parlar Dal Emel
Published: January 2017

This paper attempts to analyze the voting behavior of Turkey in the UN General Assembly between 2002 and 2014 in comparison with those of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries by using selected reference groups of India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA), EU, permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) and the Western group of P5 (USA, UK, France) with the help of a two layered methodology. In doing so, this paper, with a two‐layered quantitative and qualitative methodological model, empirically tests Turkey's voting alignments and cohesion scores in the UN General Assembly to provide a comparative perspective on the degree of foreign policy cohesion among Turkey and its BRICS peers by comparing the group and pair‐wise ‘cohesion’ results. Finally, this paper will qualitatively analyze and discuss Turkey's exceptional voting behaviors and alignments with both the Western group of P5 and the BRICS to understand the nature of the international issues leading to convergences or divisions between Turkey and the BRICS and to demonstrate Turkey's in‐between and dual foreign policy role in international affairs.
Effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty on ocular haemodynamics in primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Pillunat Karin R. , Spoerl Eberhard , Terai Naim , Pillunat Lutz E.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is known to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) effectively. The aim of this study, however, was to evaluate the effect ofSLTon ocular haemodynamics.

Methods

A total of 69 eyes of 69 patients (age 67.8 ± 9.9 years) with already treated primary open‐angle glaucoma who were assigned forSLTfor furtherIOPreduction were consecutively enrolled in this prospective interventional case series. Intraocular pressure, the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), ocular pulse volume (OPV) and pulsatile ocular blood flow (pOBF) were assessed with the Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer prior to and 3 months afterSLT.

Results

Intraocular pressure was statistically significantly reduced from 16.0 ± 5.4 mmHg to 12.8 ± 4.0 mmHg (p = 0.001). TheOPAdid not change (p = 0.783) afterIOPreduction followingSLT.OPVandpOBFincreased statistically significantly.OPVincreased from 7.33 ± 3.05 to 8.59 ± 3.35 μl (17.2%; p = 0.001) andpOBFfrom 17.11 ± 5.42 to 19.74 ± 6.59 μl/s (15.4%; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Selective laser trabeculoplasty probably does not induce any pharmacological changes effecting systemic blood pressure or ocular blood flow as topicalIOP‐lowering medication might do, nor does it change biomechanical properties of the eye as surgery could. Therefore, an increase in ocular blood flow followingSLTcan only be explained by the reduction inIOPand might be a sign of dysfunctional autoregulation in glaucoma patients.
Sequential high‐ and low‐dose systemic corticosteroid therapy for severe childhood alopecia areata
Authors: Jahn‐Bassler Karin , Bauer Wolfgang Michael , Karlhofer Franz , Vossen Matthias G. , Stingl Georg
Published: January 2017

Background

Given the limited number of therapeutic options, severe childhood alopecia areata (AA) poses a clinical challenge. The best and most rapid response rates can be achieved with high‐dose systemic corticosteroids, however, relapse following treatment discontinuation is inevitable. Due to systemic side effects, long‐term high‐dose corticosteroid regimens are not feasible. Following initial pulse therapy, continuation of corticosteroid therapy at a dose below the Cushing threshold might be able to suppress disease activity without causing severe side effects.

Patients and methods

Thirteen children with severe AA were enrolled in our open observational study. Seven had alopecia totalis or universalis; the remaining six children had multifocal alopecia affecting more than 50 % of the scalp. The treatment regimen consisted of initial pulse therapy with prednisolone 2 mg/kg PO, which was subsequently tapered to a maintenance dose below the individual Cushing threshold within nine weeks. Children were followed‐up for one to three years.

Results

Sixty‐two percent of individuals showed complete hair regrowth. The mean time to response was 6.6 weeks. Said response was sustained with maintenance therapy for the entire follow‐up period. Noticeable side effects included weight gain (1–3 kg), which was observed in all children, and mild steroid acne in 23 % of cases.

Conclusions

Sequential high‐ and low‐dose prednisolone therapy is an effective and safe therapeutic option for childhood AA.
Therapieoptionen beim Pyoderma gangraenosum
Authors: Quist Sven R. , Kraas Luise
Published: January 2017

Das Pyoderma gangraenosum (PG) gehört zu den orphan diseases, deren Erforschung sich lediglich auf einzelne, randomisierte, multizentrische sowie retrospektive Studien stützen kann und überwiegend auf Fallserien an kleinen Patientenkollektiven beruht. Die Therapie basiert neben topischen und lokal intraläsionalen Therapieoptionen, bei initialem und leichtem Krankheitsverlauf, insbesondere auf der Gabe von Systemtherapeutika. Diese beinhaltet neben den systemischen Glukokortikosteroiden und Ciclosporin A (CsA) auch Biologika wie intravenöses Immunglobulin G (IVIG), die TNFα‐Inhibitoren Infliximab, Adalimumab und Etanercept, den IL‐12/23‐Antikörper Ustekinumab, den Interleukin‐1‐Rezeptorantagonist Anakinra und den Interleukin‐1β‐Antikörper Canakinumab. Die besten evidenzbasierten Studienergebnisse liegen zu CsA, Prednisolon und Infliximab vor, letzteres insbesondere bei gleichzeitigem Vorliegen einer Colitis ulcerosa oder eines Morbus Crohn. Kleinere Fallserien liegen für ein Ansprechen auf IVIG und Canakinumab vor. Obwohl die Erstbeschreibung durch Brocq fast 100 Jahren zurückliegt und die Behandlungsnotwendigkeit des PG früh erkannt wurde, bleibt die Therapie des PG bis heute eine klinische Herausforderung. Weitere klinische Studien, insbesondere an dringend erforderlichen größeren Patientenkollektiven, ein besseres Verständnis der Ätiopathogenese, der Einsatz moderner zielgerichteter Therapien mit höherer Effektivität und geringerer Nebenwirkungsrate als die konventionellen Immunsuppressiva Prednisolon und CsA lassen trotz des seltenen aber schwerwiegenden Krankheitsbildes eine Verbesserung der Therapieoptionen in Zukunft erwarten.
Echocardiographic characteristics of pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Jiang Wei , Yang Yuanhua , Lv Xiuzhang , Li Yidan , Ma Zhanhong , Li Jifeng
Published: January 2017

Background

Up to 50% patients with Takayasu arteritis have pulmonary artery involvement. Hence, the early identification of pulmonary artery involvement to facilitate prompt treatment is required.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed in patients diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis between January 2009 and January 2016. Pulmonary artery involvement was confirmed with computed tomographic pulmonary angiography. Images from transthoracic echocardiography in three windows (suprasternal right pulmonary artery long‐axis view, parasternal aortic short‐axis view, and subxiphoid view) were documented and analyzed.

Results

A total of 27 patients had Takayasu arteritis and pulmonary artery involvement. Characteristic changes identified by echocardiography included luminal medium‐to‐high echogenic signals, stenosis, and occlusion, as well as intimal thickening. Left pulmonary artery involvement was revealed in the parasternal aortic short‐axis view. Right pulmonary artery involvement was best observed in the suprasternal right pulmonary artery long‐axis view, with complementary views from the parasternal aortic short‐axis and subxiphoid angles. Pulmonary trunk involvement was not observed in all three windows.

Conclusions

Transthoracic echocardiography could be a useful noninvasive test to detect pulmonary artery involvement in patients with Takayasu arteritis.
How Does Material Resource Adequacy Affect Innovation Project Performance? A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Weiss Matthias , Hoegl Martin , Gibbert Michael
Published: January 2017

The link between material resource adequacy and the performance of innovation projects is one of the most basic and managerially rewarding relationships in innovation management to study, and yet it has remained unclear. Some argue that adequate material resources foster innovation, whereas others suggest the exact opposite: constrained material resources stimulate creativity and innovation. Complementing previous work that focused on project‐level contingencies of the relationship between material resource adequacy and innovation project performance, the objective of this meta‐analysis is to develop a contingency framework involving study‐level and context‐level boundary conditions in an attempt to clarify this relationship. The results show that material resource adequacy is basically positively related to innovation project performance. Testing whether the focus on different dimensions of innovation project performance alters this basic relationship results in the same positive relationship for all examined innovation project outcomes (i.e., general performance, project efficiency, product quality, speed, and market success), except new‐product novelty that did not show a significant relationship with material resource adequacy. Moreover, while the relationship between material resource adequacy and innovation project outcomes turns out to be generalizable across different types of material resources (financial resources vs. equipment) and different product types (tangible vs. intangible products), it is contingent upon the national culture of the countries, in which the projects have been carried out. Specifically, studies in countries scoring high on the cultural dimension of power distance show significantly stronger positive correlations between adequacy of material resources and innovation project performance. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Disturbance maintains native and exotic plant species richness in invaded grassy woodlands
Authors: Driscoll Don A.
Published: January 2017

Question

Community invasion and dominance by exotic species can be abetted by disturbance and elevated nutrient levels. However, impacts of exotics on native species are often manifest through competition, suggesting disturbance or nutrient management could benefit native species. I therefore asked: does nutrient reduction through carbon addition, or disturbance to reduce biomass, contribute to restoration by increasing occurrence and richness of native plant species?

Location

SE Australia.

Methods

Using a field experiment spanning 4 yrs, this study assessed the potential for carbon addition, three types of disturbance (burn, crop, slash) and their interaction with native herbivore grazing to reduce exotic, and increase native, plant species in a critically endangered grassy woodland in SE Australia.

Results

Adding carbon reduced occurrence of one native and three exotic species, while increasing one exotic and one native species. The value of adding carbon for restoration was therefore ambiguous. Fencing to exclude the high‐density kangaroo population had temporary beneficial effects, suggesting that grazing reduced the number of native and exotic plant species by up to 56% and 21%, respectively. Species richness declined by year 3 in fenced areas, likely through competitive exclusion. Burn, slash and crop treatments also provided disturbance that maintained species richness and occurrence of many species, both native and exotic. Most grazing interactions reflected the benefit of alternative disturbance in the absence of grazing. However, there was also evidence that two species declined when crop and grazing acted in combination.

Conclusions

Very high grazing by native herbivores reduced plant species richness in this study. However, grazing or other forms of disturbance appeared critical for preventing a small number of exotic species from driving down occurrence and richness of many other native and exotic plant species. Although increased exotic species richness is undesirable, disturbance led to a better outcome for conservation than the low‐disturbance alternatives.
Evidence of extinction debt through the survival and colonization of each species in semi‐natural grasslands
Authors: Otsu Chiaki , Iijima Hayato , Nagaike Takuo , Hoshino Yoshinobu
Published: January 2017

Aims

There is a time lag between loss of semi‐natural grassland and a reduction of population size that leads to the extinction of grassland plant specialists; thus, current species richness in the grassland may include an ‘extinction debt’. However, previous studies have not tried to detect the presence of an extinction debt from individual species loss and colonization rates in an assemblage of plant species. In addition, few researchers have studied extinction debt using factors other than landscape changes [e.g. the impacts of management (mowing or burning), habitat use by large herbivores or climate factors]. In the present study, we examined an extinction debt for vascular plant species by monitoring their survival and colonization dynamics.

Location

Abandoned and managed semi‐natural grasslands, central Japan, where the area of grasslands has decreased considerably.

Methods

We re‐surveyed species compositions in the 2000s in plots that had been surveyed in the 1980s, and estimated the impacts of the past (1910s) and recent (1980s–2000s) proportion of the total grassland area and the abovementioned factors on species dynamics during the past 20 yrs using hierarchical Bayesian models.

Results

In abandoned grasslands, the past grassland proportion was significantly positively associated with the probabilities of survival of 96% of the grassland specialists and of colonization by 21% of these specialists. The effects of the past grassland proportion on the specialists were much stronger than those of recent grassland proportion and the other factors studied (i.e. herbivores, climate). In managed grasslands, however, the past grassland proportion had little effect on survival of and colonization by specialists from the result that few specialists were significantly affected by past grassland proportion.

Conclusions

We found higher probabilities of both survival of and colonization by grassland specialists at sites with larger past habitat areas, which suggests that there is a time lag after habitat loss before the loss of specialists. In addition, we found that continuous management inhibits payment of the extinction debt created by the habitat loss.
Fixation of sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the mandible: a comparative assessment of three techniques based on mechanical, photoelastic and finite element analysis
Authors: Torezan J.F.R. , Goulart D.R. , Kemmoku D.T. , da Silva J.V.L. , Moraes M.
Published: January 2017

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to compare the mechanical characteristics and stress distribution when using two plates, or two plates joined by bridge, in the fixation of sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO).

Material and methods

A 3D finite element model of a hemimandible was created and a 5 mm advancement SSRO was simulated on a computer model. The model was fixed using three different techniques: two plates; two plates joined by one bridge; and two plates joined by two bridges. Load was applied until 3 mm displacement was attained and the results were compared with previous mechanical and photoelastic tests, thus analysing the mechanical stress developed in the proximity of miniplates and screws, as well as within the fixation system itself.

Results

Fixation with two separate plates produced better mechanical resistance in the mechanical test for peak displacement, peak and ending load. In the photoelastic test, the same group exhibited better stress distribution, far from the osteotomy line. In the finite element analysis, the best technique involved two plates joined by one bridge, with the results showing a more uniform stress distribution.

Conclusions

This article may provide knowledge about the rational advantages of using two plates, which produced more mechanical resistance and better stress distribution.
Nanobodies against surface biomarkers enable the analysis of tumor genetic heterogeneity in uveal melanoma patient‐derived xenografts
Authors: Crépin Ronan , Gentien David , Duché Angeline , Rapinat Audrey , Reyes Cecile , Némati Fariba , Massonnet Gérald , Decaudin Didier , Djender Selma , Moutel Sandrine , Desrumeaux Klervi , Cassoux Nathalie , Piperno‐Neumann Sophie , Amigorena Sebastian , Perez Franck , Roman‐Roman Sergio , de Marco Ario
Published: January 2017

Monoclonal antibodies specific for biomarkers expressed on the surface of uveal melanoma (UM) cells would simplify the immune capture and genomic characterization of heterogeneous tumor cells originated from patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs). Antibodies against four independent tumor antigens were isolated by panning a nanobody synthetic library. Such antibodies enabled flow cytometry‐based sorting of distinct cell subpopulations from UM PDXs and to analyze their genomic features. The complexity and specificity of the biochemical and genomic biomarker combinations mirrored the UM tumor polyclonality. The data showed that MUC18 is highly and universally displayed on the surface of UM cells with different genetic background and consequently represents a reliable pan‐biomarker for their identification and purification. In contrast, the other three biomarkers were detected in very variable combinations in UM PDX cells. The availability of the identified nanobodies will be instrumental in developing clone‐specific drug evaluation and rational clinical strategies based on accurate genomic profiling.
Geographic and socioeconomic factors in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in New South Wales and their impact upon clinical outcomes
Authors: Linton Anthony , Soeberg Matthew , Broome Richard , Kao Steven , van Zandwijk Nico
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Whilst the impact of clinicopathological factors on the prognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is well understood, socioeconomic and geographic factors have received less attention. We analysed the relationship between geographic and socioeconomic factors upon survival and treatment provision in a large series of patients with MPM.

Methods

We assessed MPM patients awarded compensation between 2002 and 2009 with additional MPM incidence data from the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Registry. The impact of geographic remoteness, distance from oncological multidisciplinary team (MDT) and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) upon survival, clinical features and treatment received was analysed.

Results

We identified 910 patients (67% residing in major cities; 92% <50 km from MDT). Median overall survival was 10.0 months. On multivariate analysis, age >70 (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.39), male gender (HR =1.36), non‐epithelioid histological subtype (HR = 2.18) and IRSAD status by decreasing quintile (HR = 1.06) were independent prognostic factors. There was no significant advantage for patients residing in major cities (10.6 months vs 8.8 months; P = 0.162) or within 50 km of MDT (10.3 months vs 7.8 months; P = 0.539). Patient's geographic location and distance to MDT did not impact chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy or extrapleural pneumonectomy provision. Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients were significantly less likely to receive chemotherapy (37.4% vs 54.8%; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for differences in the treatment and survival according to socioeconomic status for compensated MPM patients in NSW. Further research is warranted to seek additional explanations for the differences noted by comparing the treatments and outcomes of compensated and non‐compensated MPM patients in NSW.
Incidence and risk factors of injuries and their impact on academic success: A prospective study in PETE students
Authors: Bliekendaal S. , Goossens L. , Stubbe J. H.
Published: January 2017

Injuries can have a major impact on the physical performance and academic career of physical education teacher education (PETE) students. To investigate the injury problem, risk factors, and the impact of injuries on academic success, 252 PETE students were followed during their first semester. Risk factor analysis was conducted by means of logistic regression analysis with a differentiation for upper body, lower body, acute, overuse, and severe injuries. An incidence of 1.26 injuries/student/semester was found. Most injuries involved the lower body (61%), were new injuries (76%), occurred acutely (66%), and were sustained during curricular gymnastics (25%) or extracurricular soccer (28%). Significant risk factors for lower body acute injuries were age (OR=2.14; P=.01), previous injury (OR=2.23; P=.01), and an injury at the start of the year (OR=2.56; P=.02). For lower body overuse injuries, gender (OR=2.85; P=.02) and the interval shuttle run test score (OR=2.44; P=.04) were significant risk factors. Previous injury (OR=2.59; P=.04) and injury at the start of the year (upper body: OR=4.57; P=.02; lower body: OR=3.75; P<.01) were risk factors for severe injuries. Injury‐related time loss was positively related to total academic success (r=.20; P=.02) and success in theoretical courses (r=.24; P=<.01). No association was found between time loss and academic success for sport courses.
Comparison of cephalic and jugular plasma lactate concentrations in sick cats: a pilot study
Authors: Sachs Emily K. J. , Julius Tracy M. , Claypool Sean‐Paul A. , Clare Monica C.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To compare plasma lactate concentration (PLC) in paired cephalic and jugular blood samples from sick cats. An additional objective was to determine whether hypotensive cats (Doppler blood pressure < 90 mm Hg) have a significant difference between cephalic and jugular PLC.

Design

Prospective observational pilot study performed from December 2013 to August 2014.

Setting

Private veterinary referral center.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned cats.

Interventions

Doppler blood pressure measurements were obtained and then blood samples were collected from both a cephalic intravenous catheter at the time of placement and from a jugular vein by direct venipuncture.

Measurements and Main Results

There was no significant difference between the mean cephalic PLC (2.0 mmol/L, standard deviation [SD]: 1.1, min–max: 0.6–5.3) and the mean jugular PLC (2.1 mmol/L, SD: 1.6, min–max: 0.7–7.8;P= 0.88) in this population of sick cats. Hypotensive cats also had no significant difference between the mean cephalic PLC (2.8 mmol/L, SD: 1.4, min–max: 1.6–5.3) and the mean jugular PLC (3.2 mmol/L, SD: 2.6, min–max: 0.7–7.8;P= 0.77).

Conclusions

There was not a significant difference between cephalic and jugular PLC in this population of sick cats. Further studies are needed to confirm whether cephalic and jugular PLCs may be used interchangeably in sick and hypotensive cats.
EMPLOYING FORWARD OSMOSIS TECHNOLOGY THROUGH HYBRID SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POTABLE/PURE WATER: A REVIEW
Authors: Yih Law Jeng , Mohammad Abdul Wahab
Published: January 2017

Forward osmosis (FO) technology has received increasing attention from many researchers since the last decade. It is an osmotically driven membrane process in which water migrates across a semi-permeable membrane from a lower osmotic pressure feed solution to a higher osmotic pressure draw solution. FO technology is often applied as a hybrid system rather than a standalone process. The purpose of this paper is to review the different types of hybrid system configurations employing FO technology for the production of potable/pure water. The integration of FO technology with other processes which include reverse osmosis, crystallisation, membrane bioreactor, nanofiltration, and electrodialysis are presented and described in-depth. With the flourishing of various FO hybrid system configurations, it is believed that FO technology will play a vital role in the water processing industry.
EFFECT OF P84 (BTDA-TDI/MDI) COMPOSITION TOWARDS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DISK SUPPORTED CARBON MEMBRANE
Authors: Ismail N. H. , Salleh W. N. W. , Sazali N. , Mohamed M. A. , Rosman N. , Yusof N.
Published: January 2017

Carbon membrane has attracted researchers’ attention as it is superior in terms of its gas separation performance. In this study, the composition of polymer precursor in the dope solution was investigated based on carbon membrane performance. P84 polyimide was chosen as the polymer precursor as it fulfils the requirement for carbon membrane properties. By varying the polymer precursor composition (6, 9, 12, and 15 wt.%), P84 was stirred in NMP solvent until homogenous solution was formed. Commercialised alumina disc was coated via spray coating method at 1 bar at room temperature. The disc supported polymeric membrane was carbonised at 700 °C under nitrogen (200 ml/min) with heating rate of 3 °C/min. The carbon membrane was analysed via SEM. Gas permeation tests were performed using pure O2 and N2 at 4 bar at room temperature. The selectivity of 3.7 was obtained using the disc supported carbon membrane for O2/N2. The optimum polymer composition in this study was obtained by 12 wt.% of P84.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPERHYDROPHILIC NANOCOMPOSITE ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES FOR TREATMENT OF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED OIL-IN-WATER EMULSION
Authors: Lai G. S. , Lau W. J. , Goh P. S. , Tan Y. H. , Ismail A. F. , Zaik U. , Basri H. , Gohari R. Jamshidi
Published: January 2017

In oily wastewater treatment using membrane technology, surface fouling is the major issue that could deteriorate membrane flux and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, nanocomposite membranes were developed in this study by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) and hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) nanoparticles into polymeric membrane matrix. Three different types of membranes were fabricated. They were pristine PES and membrane incorporated with TiO2 or HMO. With respect to pure water flux, TiO2- and HMO-incorporated membranes showed value of 57 and 40 L/m2.h, respectively. These values were 33-90% higher than that of control PES membrane. In treating 500 ppm oily solution, TiO2 membrane exhibited the highest water flux. However, the membrane’s oil removal rate was slightly compromised. When tested with higher concentration of oily solution (5,000 or 10,000 ppm), TiO2- and HMO-incorporated membranes still showed promising water flux with 94.5-99.6% oil removal rate. This proved that ultrafiltration membrane incorporated with suitable nanomaterials could improve the water flux of pristine PES membrane and is of more practical for industrial applications.
ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT COST USING HUMAN CAPITAL METHOD (CASE STUDY IN PURBALINGGA, CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA)
Authors: Sugiyanto Gito , Santi Mina Yumei
Published: January 2017

Basic principles of transportation are safety and security, efficiency and equity. The traffic accident rate in Indonesia is still considerably high. In 2014 as reported by the national police, with around 263 accidents per day. Of reported casualties per day, 77.5 people are fatalities, 73.5 people are serious injuries, and 301 people are slightly injuries. Total of the Property Damage Only (PDO) is IDR250,110,380,000 (US$18.547 million). To estimate the economic impacts of accidents, the number of accident casualties and accident costs are the most needed data. The aims of this study is to analysis traffic accidents cost using Human Capital Method. The research location in Purbalingga, Central Java, Indonesia using data from 2010-2015. The accident cost analysis based on the casualty severity of accidents is fatal, seriously injured, slightly injured, and PDO. Components of accident costs include costs to repair vehicle, administrative cost, medical care, and potential loss of human productivity, and human cost. Casualty accident costs by severity type: fatality is IDR501,210,320 (US$37,168), serious injury is IDR18,874,950 (US$1,400), slight injury is IDR6,255,708 (US$464), and property damage only is IDR3,047,914 (US$226). Total accident cost in Purbalingga was estimated IDR236,517,103,652 (US$17,539,274) or 1.27% of the gross domestic product.Â Â
MARSHALL TEST CHARACTERISTICS OF ASPHALT CONCRETE MIXTURE WITH SCRAPPED TIRE RUBBER AS A FINE AGGREGATE
Authors: Sugiyanto Gito
Published: January 2017

Highways are important transportation infrastructures that influence economy, culture, and security. Most of the highways in Indonesia are flexible pavement that use asphalt as a binder. The use of scrapped tire rubber as a partial replacement of fine aggregates is based on the limited available natural aggregate in nature. Utilization of scrapped tire rubber as a fine aggregate is one of the alternatives for reducing environmental pollution and supporting Clean Development Mechanism program. The aim of this study is to analyze the Marshall test characteristics of asphalt concrete (AC) mixture that use scrapped tire rubber as a partial substitute of fine aggregate and comparing with a standard mixture. Laboratory tests are performed on three different types of mixtures as follows the mix without scrapped tire rubber, mix containing 50%, and 100% substitution of aggregate at fraction of No.50 with scrapped tire rubber. The test, it show that optimum asphalt content for ACStandard mixture is 6.76%, while ACScrapped-tire 50% mixture is 7.04% and ACScrapped-tire 100% mixture is 6.25%. The use of scrapped tire rubber in asphalt concrete mixtures can improve the resistance to permanent deformation and resistance to water. The use of scrapped tire rubber is acceptable as a partial replacement of aggregate in asphalt concrete mixtures.
REDUCTION OF CHLORIDE ION INGRESS INTO REINFORCED CONCRETE USING A HYDROPHOBIC ADDITIVE MATERIAL
Authors: Maryoto Agus , Gan Buntara S. , Aylie Han
Published: January 2017

Reinforced concrete structures located in areas near the coast are exposed to potential corrosion attack. Corrosion attack can occur because of the infiltration of chloride ions into concrete. At the initiation of the corrosion process, the load-carrying capacity of a reinforced concrete member will be affected negatively as a function of time. Infiltration of chloride ions into the concrete could be avoided by improving the micro-concrete properties. Enhancement of these properties can be achieved by use of an additive in the concrete. Calcium stearate is a hydrophobic material that can improve the properties of concrete. To determine the optimum contribution in concrete, laboratory experiments were conducted. Calcium stearate was added in varying contents of 0, 0.2, 0.9, and 1.9% of the cement weight. Four types of tests were performed to analyse the contribution of calcium stearate, namely the compressive strength test, absorption test, chloride ion infiltration test, and corrosion test. The results show that an optimum value of the compressive strength of concrete is obtained through the addition of calcium stearate. Besides that, the absorption, chloride ion infiltration, and corrosion value decrease significantly when a higher amount of calcium stearate is added to the concrete.
Determining Temporal Aggregation And Seasonality Problems In Malaysia Housing Index
Authors: Cheng Chin Tiong , Lee Janice , Mohd Ali Hishamuddin
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, housing index not merely act as housing performance indicator but also been transformed into financial product that based on housing index. There are two issues to be considered in this paper which are temporal aggregation and seasonality problem in housing index. Seasonality appeared in time series when the price or index movement is repetitive around the trend line. If the housing index consists of seasonal effect it will mislead measurement on real housing performance based on economic situation. In other words, cyclical effect should be avoided in measuring housing performance. Temporal aggregation in constructing house price index may lead to missing information for certain periods and variability in house price is smooth. As a result, the evaluation on housing performance becomes unrealistic. In order to investigate these problems quality adjusted index will be developed by hedonic model based on Laspeyres, Paasche, Fisher and time dummy price index formula. The case study to be investigated is housing index of double storey houses in Plentong Johor. This study found that house price index that developed from different level of temporal aggregation will lead to different risk and return and seasonality effect is exist in house price index Plentong.
A Managerial Decision Making Capability Framework For Adopting Technology Innovation Within Construction SMEs : Analysis and Results
Authors: Mahdzir Mazura , Syed Khuzzan Sharifah Mazlina
Published: January 2017

The slow adoption of new technology within construction SMEs is influenced by the capability of managers in making decisions. Therefore, this paper aims to report the development of a conceptual framework related to managers’ decision making capability in adopting technological innovation; specifically referring to Building Information Modelling (BIM). The primary data collection involves semi-structured interview, while the multiple-case (holistic) design was used for developing the managerial decision making capability framework.. The development of the framework was analysed using comparative analysis (cross-case ) of thirteen (13) top managers within the construction SMEs organisations. Comparisons were made between existing theories and new concepts raised by top managers. The findings revealed that  regardless of various views obtained from top managers, the adoption of BIM software has been influenced by managerial non-behavioural and behavioural capability, that have been categorised into five (5) main themes.
Fostering Problem Solving and Performance Assessment among Malaysian Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Khalid Madihah
Published: January 2017

Problem solving is considered important in the learning of mathematics because it develops the logical thinking aspect of doing mathematics. Thus it allows students to reason, communicate ideas, and employ knowledge to new and different variation of problems and situations. In the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) result on problem-solving, Malaysian 15 year olds scored 422, which is significantly below the OECD average of 500. One of the causes for the unsatisfactory performance is that our students’ ability to solve problems are not nurtured at the mainstream school. This paper will touch on some implication from the PISA result, the pedagogical approach of Malaysian mathematics teachers in teaching and learning of mathematics, and suggestions on how to implement lesson study to encourage teaching of mathematics through problem solving. At the same time, effective assessment of problem solving requires more than just looking at answers, it also involves a thorough analysis of the process. Therefore, in the evaluation process of problem solving in mathematics, the role of performance assessment will be examined – for example how it can be implemented together to satisfy the School-based assessment needs. Finally, results of a few research on problem solving and lesson study approach will be presented. The author’s own research on lesson study, problem solving and performance assessment will be used as examples and discussed.
Instructional Scaffolding To Support Ill-Structured Problem Solving: A Review
Authors: Jamari Diyana , Mohd Zaid Norasykin , Abdullah Zaleha , Mohamed Hasnah , Aris Baharuddin
Published: January 2017

Provision of an alternative instructional platform has encouraged students’ involvement in online social collaborative learning that could potentially enhance problem-solving (PS) skill. There are many types of scaffoldings proposed by researchers to inculcate this skill; however, concern arises as a result of an ill-defined problem. Besides being complex than a well-defined problem, its uniqueness originates from the integration of domains in a problem and multiple solutions that can be generated out of it. This study aims to identify the dominant type of scaffold used to guide ill-defined PS, to determine the common platform used and the education level where ill-defined PS is mostly studied. The search and review of relevant articles were done through online databases, journals and Google Scholar search engine using keywords of scaffolding problem solving, ill-structured problem, scaffolding ill-defined problem and support in PS. The findings revealed that metacognitive scaffolding (MS) is dominant in supporting ill-structured PS. MS assists in realigning the thinking of an individual to ensure proactive measures taken in the process of PS. Nevertheless, majority of the previous studies of MS were carried out in higher institutions instead of schools and within formal platform e.g., Learning Management System (LMS). Thus it is hoped that this review will give insights for educators to inculcate MS and improve PS skill in schools and through the use of new platform of social media.
Stable yttrium oxyfluoride used in plasma process chamber
Authors: Shiba Yoshinobu , Teramoto Akinobu , Goto Tetsuya , Kishi Yukio , Shirai Yasuyuki , Sugawa Shigetoshi
Published: January 2017

An yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) protective material was developed for the inner wall of plasma process equipment. Using microwave-excited surface-wave high-density plasma equipment, the chemical stability of the obtained YOF films was evaluated by exposure to H2/Ar, N2/Ar, NH3/Ar, O2/Ar, and NF3/Ar plasmas. The YOF film surface was stable against these plasmas containing hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine. Especially, the stability of YOF against fluoridation was better than that of Y2O3, which is currently widely used as the protective material in plasma process chambers.
New connections: Multiple paths control vascular integrity
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2017

A pair of studies identifies new targets to prevent pathological vascular permeability.