bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen saturation targeting by pulse oximetry in the extremely low gestational age neonate: a quixotic quest
Authors: Cummings James J. , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

A collaboration of comparative effectiveness research trials of pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) targeting in extremely low-gestational-age neonates have begun to report their aggregate results. We examine the results of those trials, collectively referred to as the Neonatal Oxygenation Prospective Meta-analysis or NeOProM. We also discuss the uncertainties that remain and the clinical challenges that lie ahead.

Recent findings

The primary outcome from NeOProM was a composite of death or disability at 18–24 months corrected age. In 2016 the last of these reports was published. Although there were no differences in the primary outcome overall, analyses of secondary outcomes and data subsets following a pulse oximeter revision show significant treatment differences between targeting a lower compared with a higher SpO2.

NeOProM represents the largest collaborative clinical research study of SpO2 targets in extremely low-gestational-age neonates. Although aggregate results give us some insight into the feasibility and efficacy of SpO2 targeting in this population, many questions remain. A patient-level analysis, tracking individual outcomes based on actual SpO2 experienced, may shed some light on these questions. However, finding a single optimal SpO2 range seems unlikely.
Cytogenetic and Cytogenomic Microarray Characterization of Chromothripsis in Chromosome 8 Affecting MOZ/NCOA2 (TIF2), FGFR1, RUNX1T1, and RUNX1 in a Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Koduru Prasad R. , Wilson Kathleen , Wen Jiadi , Garcia Rolando , Patel Sangeeta , Monaghan Sara A.
Published: January 2017

Concurrent perturbations in different driver genes have been reported primarily in lymphoma. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), cases with concurrent alterations in 2 driver genes are infrequently reported. In contrast to pathogenetic pathways in lymphoma with concurrently perturbed genes, the initial gene alteration in AML arrests maturation and the alteration in the second gene promote self-renewal of the blasts. Here, we report a unique case of infantile leukemia in which chromothripsis in chromosome 8 completely altered the G-band structure and resulted in concurrent changes in MOZ/NCOA2, FGFR1, RUNX1T1, and RUNX1. These multiple-hit abnormalities in AML have not been reported previously.
Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome During Maintenance Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With 6-Mercaptopurine and Methotrexate: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: McNerney Kevin O. , Vasquez Juan C. , Kent Michael W. , McNamara Joseph M.
Published: January 2017

We report a case of a child with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing maintenance chemotherapy with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate (MTX) who developed sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after being treated with ciprofloxacin for BK viremia. This case represents a rare complication of maintenance therapy with MTX and 6-mercaptopurine, and suggests a drug interaction between ciprofloxacin and MTX.
Validation of Retention in HIV Care Status Using the New York City HIV Surveillance Registry and Clinical Care Data From a Large HIV Care Center
Authors: Pati Rituparna , Robbins Rebekkah S. , Braunstein Sarah L.
Published: January 2017

Context:

Improving retention in care is a key element of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). However, definitions for measuring retention in care are not standardized.

Objective:

To compare measures of retention based on both clinic visit data and HIV laboratory surveillance data.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

New York City (NYC), New York.

Participants:

We matched adult patients with HIV infection seen at the Spencer Cox Center for Health (SCC) in 2010 or 2011 with the NYC HIV Surveillance Registry.

Main Outcome Measures:

Retention in care was measured on the basis of SCC electronic medical record (EMR) data (≥1 medical visits in 2012) and Surveillance Registry data (≥2 CD4/viral load [VL] tests ≥90 days apart in 2012).

Results:

There were 5746 adult HIV-infected patients seen at SCC between 2010 and 2011 who matched with the Surveillance Registry. Seventy-eight percent (n = 4469) had 1 or more medical visits at SCC in 2012 and were considered retained on the basis of the EMR definition, among which 3831 (86%) met the surveillance definition for retention in care. Patients who did not have a medical visit at SCC in 2012 (n = 1277) were lost to care in NYC (n = 485; 36%), engaged in care at an alternate provider (n = 622; 49%), or died after their last SCC visit (n = 197; 15%).

Implications:

This study is an important comparison of laboratory surveillance versus clinic visit-based measures of retention in care in an urban setting with the largest HIV epidemic in the country. Collaborative projects between local health departments and clinical care providers can help validate the care status of patients and inform the allocation of resources to reengage patients who are lost to care.

Conclusion:

The combined use of laboratory and clinic visit–based data to measure retention in care provides a more accurate representation of the care status of HIV-infected patients than use of a single data source alone. Routine sharing of data by public health institutions and clinical care providers would help target resources toward reengaging patients who are lost to care in jurisdictions with universal HIV-related laboratory reporting.
Standing Vs Supine; Does it Matter in Cough Stress Testing?
Authors: Patnam Radhika , Edenfield Autumn L. , Swift Steven E.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of cough stress test in the standing versus supine position in the evaluation of incontinent females.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study of women with the chief complaint of urinary incontinence (UI) undergoing a provocative cough stress test (CST). Subjects underwent both a standing and a supine CST. Testing order was randomized via block randomization. Cough stress test was performed in a standard method via backfill of 200 mL or until the subject described strong urge. The subjects were asked to cough, and the physician documented urine leakage by direct observation. The gold standard for stress UI diagnosis was a positive CST in either position.

Results

Sixty subjects were enrolled, 38 (63%) tested positive on any CST, with 38 (63%) positive on standing compared with 29 (28%) positive on supine testing. Nine women (15%) had positive standing and negative supine testing. No subjects had negative standing with positive supine testing. There were no significant differences in positive tests between the 2 randomized groups (standing first and supine second vs. supine first and standing second). When compared with the gold standard of any positive provocative stress test, the supine CST has a sensitivity of 76%, whereas the standing CST has a sensitivity of 100%.

Conclusions

The standing CST is more sensitive than the supine CST and should be performed in any patient with a complaint of UI and negative supine CST. The order of testing either supine or standing first does not affect the results.
Soft drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells invade via two distinct mechanisms utilizing myosin IIB
Authors: Kapoor Aastha , Thakur Bhushan , Monteiro Melissa , Das Alakesh , Desai Sejal , Gaikwad Snehal , Bukhari Amirali B , Mogha Pankaj , Majumder Abhijit , De Abhijit , Ray Pritha , Sen Shamik
Published: January 2017

The failure of chemotherapeutic drugs in treatment of various cancers is attributed to the acquisition of drug resistance. However, the invasion mechanisms of drug-resistant cancer cells remains incompletely understood. Here we address this question from a biophysical perspective by mapping the phenotypic alterations in ovarian cancer cells (OCCs) resistant to cisplatin and paclitaxel. We show that cisplatin-resistant (CisR), paclitaxel-resistant (PacR) and dual drug-resistant (i.e., resistant to both drugs) OCCs are softer and more contractile than drug-sensitive cells. Protease inhibition suppresses invasion of CisR cells but not of PacR and dual cells, suggesting protease-dependent mode of invasion in CisR cells and protease-independent mode in PacR and dual cells. Despite these differences, actomyosin contractility, mediated by the RhoA-ROCK2-Myosin IIB signaling pathway regulates both modes of invasion. Myosin IIB modulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion in CisR cells and nuclear squeezing in PacR and dual cells, thereby highlighting its importance as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells.
Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway potentiates immunoediting and changes the dynamics of neutral evolution in a mouse model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Efremova Mirjana , Klepsch Victoria , Charoentong Pornpimol , Finotello Francesca , Rieder Dietmar , Hackl Hubert , Hermann-Kleiter Natascha , Löwer Martin , Baier Gottfried , Krogsdam Anne , Trajanoski Zlatko
Published: January 2017

The cancer immunoediting hypothesis postulates a dual role of the immune system: protecting the host by eliminating tumor cells, and shaping the tumor by editing the genome. However, to what extent immunoediting is shaping the cancer genome is still a matter of debate. Moreover, the impact of cancer immunotherapy with checkpoint blockers on modulating immunoediting remains largely unexplored. Here we elucidated the impact of evolutionary and immune-related forces on editing the tumor in a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC). We first show that MC38 cell line is a valid model for hypermutated and microsatellite-unstable (MSI) CRC. Analyses of longitudinal samples of wild type and immunodeficient RAG1 knockout mice transplanted with MC38 cells revealed that upregulation of checkpoint molecules and infiltration of Tregs are the major tumor escape mechanisms. Strikingly, the impact of neutral evolution on sculpting the tumor outweighed immunoediting. Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway potentiated immunoediting and rendered tumors more homogeneous in the MC38 model. The immunoediting effects were less pronounced in a nonhypermutated/MSI- model CT26. Our study demonstrates that neutral evolution is the major force that sculpts the tumor, and that checkpoint blockade effectively enforces T cell dependent immunoselective pressure in a hypermutated/MSI model of CRC.
European Microelectronics Activities — Nordic Countries and Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Nørlyng S.
Published: January 2017

In September 1995, Mincronsult and ISHM‐Nordic made an extensive microelectronics survey in the four Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, with input from more than 60 companies, research institutes and universities. The information gathered in this survey together with information from a Central and Eastern European survey at the beginning of 1995 (and updated at the end of 1995) is summarised in this report.
Shielding or engaging: the use of online shareholder platforms in investor relations
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Pieter , Aeschlimann Lea
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze antecedents of listed corporations’ propensity to adopt online shareholder platforms. It differentiates two strategic investor relations (IR) frames, shielding and engaging, and explores their effect on ICT adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings are based on a survey of 82 corporations listed on the Swiss, German and Austrian stock exchanges. The authors apply multiple linear regression analysis to test a multi-faceted adoption model.

Findings

The authors find that resource constraints, familiarity with online media and efficiency considerations drive listed corporations’ willingness to adopt online shareholder platforms. Beyond these operational antecedents, strategic considerations significantly affect adoption: IR functions geared toward shareholder engagement are more likely to apply interactive platforms, while IR departments geared toward shielding the corporation from shareholder interventions will be less attracted to the participatory affordances of online media.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in scope to corporations listed on the Swiss, German and Austrian stock exchanges and cannot account for antecedents distinct to other regulatory environments.

Practical implications

IR functions need to carefully develop and apply communication strategies, which in turn will inform ICT adoption. The authors find that IR departments geared toward a two-way symmetrical communication model are more attracted to the participatory affordances of online platforms. Thereby, they are more likely to innovate by employing current digital applications.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research on the benefits of digital media to two-way symmetrical and dialogic corporate communications. It is the first study to explore these relationships in the context of IR. It further contributes to research on the strategic role of IR by developing and applying two distinct strategic frames to the subject of ICT adoption in IR.
Organizational crisis communication on Facebook
Authors: Ye Lan , Ki Eyun-Jung
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore British Petroleum’s (BP) crisis response on Facebook and factors contributing to its stakeholders’ perceptions of its crisis response strategies during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying crisis response strategies, this study content analyzed BP’s crisis communication messages and Facebook users’ comments on BP America’s Facebook page.

Findings

The results revealed that information giving strategies dominated BP’s crisis response, and Facebook users were more likely to comment favorably when BP used information giving strategies and accommodative strategies. Bolstering strategies and third-party endorsement did not achieve anticipated effectiveness.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will contribute to effective application of crisis response strategies.
Triple bottom line performance evaluation of reverse logistics
Authors: Agrawal Saurabh , Singh Rajesh Kr , Murtaza Qasim
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to incorporate the relationship of reverse logistics into the economic, environmental, and social sustainability, known as triple bottom line and developed a framework for reverse logistics performance evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance measures, based on triple bottom line approach, were selected, and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and extent analysis approach was applied for estimating the weights, global weights of performance measures and hence, the reverse logistics performance index. Reverse logistics performance of three electronic companies were evaluated and compared for the demonstration of the methodology.

Findings

The results show that economic performance has highest performance index followed by environmental performance and social performance. “Recapturing value” and “return on investment” from economic, “minimum energy consumption” and “optimum use of raw material” from environmental and “community complaints” and “customer health and safety” from social perspective have higher performance indexes. Over all, “reduced packaging”, “use of recycled material” and “employee benefits” show very poor performance indexes.

Research Limitations/implications

The study will provide useful guidance to the academicians and practitioners for evaluating, improving and benchmarking the reverse logistics performance.

Originality/value

The analysis adds to the very few studies on triple bottom line aspects of reverse logistics and its performance evaluation. Also, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and extent analysis is used first time being an efficient tool to tackle the fuzziness of the data involved in performance evaluation.
Lean management – a step towards sustainable green supply chain
Authors: BR Raghu Kumar , Agarwal Ashish , Sharma Milind Kumar
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify important factors which contribute to the evolution of Green Supply Chain (GSC) initiatives framework as a result of sustained lean strategies predominantly but not confined to aviation sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is exploratory in nature and studies lean management implementation environment with focus on developing a framework for a GSC established through a path of identifying waste minimization techniques which automatically contribute to green initiatives in supply chain design invariably qualifying an ordinary supply chain as GSC. The approach is of identifying the framework parameters for both carbon footprint analysis and lean management. The focus of study is cross-sectional, within and outside aviation industry based on the information collected through survey methodology.

Findings

The paper identifies the key factors that are responsible to make a “green” supply chain and presents a framework to establish the same through rigorous evaluation while not losing sight of lean management requirements so that operational management perspective is not lost.

Research limitations/implications

The target of the study is the aviation industry and its supportive upstream and downstream beneficiaries. The study has implications for managers in all types of industrial environment, especially in aviation, in the era of globalized lean supply chain establishment which helps them to convert their present lean management initiatives to GSC.

Practical implications

Inputs obtained are from both literary and industrial research in a live environment and hence impacts lean management outlook and its benefits to industries.

Social implications

This paper has vast impact on the social well being with the focus on techno – environmental green initiatives factor identification through simple implemented and available procedures with no additional cost implication.

Originality/value

This paper presents unique inputs regarding conversion of lean implementation scenario in aviation and other industries to a GSC model, with suitable incorporation of recognized factors which are outcome of complicated internal processes. It also tries to establish factors relevant for any organization in assessing lean initiatives.
RATR of adaptive angular-sector segmentation based on grey incidence analysis model
Authors: Xiao Yongsheng , Huang Lizhen , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the azimuth sensitivity of a high-resolution range profile (HRRP), which is one of the biggest obstacles faced by a radar automatic target recognition (RATR) system.

Design/methodology/approach

Aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the equal angular-sector segmentation based on the scatterer model, an adaptive angular-sector segmentation is proposed on the basis of grey incidence analysis (GIA).

Findings

The main conclusions reached are as follows. First, the adaptive angular-sector segmentation in terms of GIA is suitable for RATR based on the HRRP; and, second, the adaptive angular-sector segmentation based on the type-B degree of grey incidence model is better than the Deng-Si degree of grey incidence model and the degree of grey slope incidence model.

Practical implications

The outcome obtained in this paper can be selected for the RATR application.

Originality/value

This paper has been built on the basis of previous research achievements, and a new RATR method of adaptive angular-sector segmentation is presented based on the GIA.
Implicit managerial theories about followers and customers
Authors: Hommelhoff Sabine
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take a new look at an old idea: since McGregor’s work in the 1960s, it is common knowledge that managers’ implicit theories about their followers can have self-fulfilling consequences. Surprisingly, McGregor’s work has largely remained within the bounds of employee motivation and has not met with a wide response in related fields such as service management. Assuming that managers do not only hold implicit theories of their followers but also of their customers (i.e. implicit customer theories), this paper transfers McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y to the service context. It further derives a framework of possible consistencies and inconsistencies between management styles and service strategies, depending on implicit managerial theories about the average employee and customer.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper integrates a management classic, current empirical findings, and media reports into a new line of thought.

Findings

This paper develops and undergirds the thesis that it is conducive to the development of trustful and productive relationships both with customers and followers if managers proceed from confident assumptions about them, thereby activating virtuous circles instead of vicious cycles.

Originality/value

This paper links concepts from the organizational domain to the service domain. It implies a normative component in arguing for the productive potential of positive and the destructive potential of negative assumptions about both followers and customers. The value of this idea lies in the potential for positive relational dynamics and better customer and workplace relationships.
Observing delightful experiences of other customers: the double-edged sword of jealousy and joy
Authors: Ludwig Nadine L. , Barnes Donald C. , Gouthier Matthias
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Deciding on the appropriate level of service is one of the paramount decisions a firm must make. Making this decision more complicated is the debate regarding the viability of aiming for the highest level of service or customer delight. One avenue of research missing from the literature is the impact of providing delight to one customer while in the presence of others. In response the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the emotional and cognitive reactions of the observing customer.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was utilized to evaluate a sample of 272 respondents. Additional moderation analysis was conducted on the impact of perceived deservingness.

Findings

Findings indicate that the observing customer experiences the dual effects of joy and jealousy which both impact perceptions of unfairness and subsequent behaviors of complaining and repurchase. The perceived deservingness of the customer experiencing the delight is shown to reduce the impact of jealousy on unfairness.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations include cross-sectional data and the fact that the data were retrospective.

Practical implications

This research suggests that firms should embrace the positive contagion that occurs between the delighted customer and observer while attempting to minimize the impact of jealousy.

Originality/value

This is the first research to quantitatively evaluate the impact of a customer viewing another customer receiving delight.
Birth of puppies of predetermined sex after artificial insemination with a low number of sex‐sorted, frozen–thawed spermatozoa in field conditions
Authors: Wei Yun‐Fang , Chen Fang‐Liang , Tang Shu‐Sheng , Mao Ai‐Guo , Li Li‐Guang , Cheng Lu‐Guang , Chen Chao , Li Fei‐Xiang , Wang Bin , Xu Tao , Zhang Yue‐Jun , Li Jing , Wan Jiu‐Sheng
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate fertility and sex ratios after artificial insemination in dogs under field conditions. Semen was cryopreserved as unsorted (control) or was separated into X‐ and Y‐chromosome‐bearing sperm using a cell sorter. Sixty female dogs were inseminated with frozen–thawed spermatozoa of 100 × 106 unsorted (a dose in practice) and 4 × 106 sorted (X and Y group, respectively). A total of 20 dogs became pregnant and 126 puppies were born from the three groups. The percentage of parturition was similar for the X (5/20; 25.0%) and Y (4/20; 20.0%) group (P > 0.05), but lower than controls (11/20; 55.0%) (P < 0.05). Ultimately 28 out of the 32 puppies produced from X group were female (87.5%) and 19/22 (86.4%) puppies of Y group were male. In contrast, sex ratio (51.4% to 48.6%) in the control was significantly different from the X, Y group (P < 0.05). However, male and female puppies in the control had similar birth weights and weaning weights to those from the X and Y groups. This preliminary information indicated that normal puppies of predicted sex can be produced with low numbers of sorted cryopreserved dog spermatozoa at a farm level, making sperm‐sexing technology potentially applicable for elite breeding units.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: An atypical presentation with ataxia
Authors: Barquero‐Madrigal Alejandro
Published: January 2017

Background

Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis is a disorder characterized by psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, movement disorders and autonomic dysfunction; originally thought to be a paraneoplastic syndrome. The classical clinical picture comprises five stages, but there are some milder or incomplete forms of the disorder.

Case presentation

A 57‐year‐old man, with no previous psychiatric or comorbid illnesses, presented a clinical picture of initial psychosis followed by ataxia and headache. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid determination of anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of some psychiatric manifestations that do not necessarily correspond to psychiatric illness. Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate encephalitis is a good example, and atypical presentations of the disorder are particularly challenging.
Fish trait diversity in littorals of two floodplain lakes of the highly biodiverse Caura River, Venezuela
Authors: Echevarría Gabriela , González Nirson
Published: January 2017

We studied the trait diversity and structure in the fish communities of two floodplain lakes of the Caura River: Aricagua and Paramuto, during one hydrological cycle. We calculated taxonomic and a functional alpha and beta diversities and made comparisons among hydrological seasons and among habitats within each lake based on rarefactions. The trait structure was explored with an RLQ (analysis of a table R of environmental conditions, a table L of abundances of species and a table Q of species traits) analysis, and pairwise relationships between environmental variables and traits were explored with fourth‐corner analyses. Despite its smaller extension, Paramuto showed higher alpha taxonomic and trait diversities. The substrates of open sand and those covered by leaf litter were the most diverse habitats in terms of both species and traits. The trait structure of the fish communities was influenced by the hydrological seasons, the lakes as well as water pH and temperature, and in a lesser degree dissolved oxygen, habitat type and total dissolved solids in the water. These factors constitute the habitat templet for the fish community's composition and trait structure.
Little chance for divergence: The role of interlocutor language constraint in online bilingual accommodation
Authors: Vincze László , Gasiorek Jessica , Dragojevic Marko
Published: January 2017

Drawing on communication accommodation theory, the present paper explored how affective (i.e. identity related) and cognitive (i.e. comprehension related) motives drive young Swedish‐speaking Finns to use Swedish in online communication when interacting with Finnish speakers. Questionnaire data were collected among Swedish‐speaking secondary school students (N = 124). A Bayesian moderated mediation revealed that the use of Swedish was guided both by cognitive and affective motives. Furthermore, affective motives were stronger predictors of language behaviour in cases where participants did not perceive they were restricted by interlocutors' competence in Swedish. However, a similar effect was not detected for cognitive motives. Findings and their theoretical implications are discussed with respect to bilingual accommodation.
Live donor liver transplantation for a child presented with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome and nodular liver lesions due to Abernethy malformation
Authors: Yilmaz Cahit , Onen Zafer , Farajov Rasim , Duygu Onur S. , Doganay Latife , Yuksel Alper , Alper Mehmet , Zeytunlu Murat , Arikan Cigdem , Kilic Murat
Published: January 2017

A 15‐year‐old boy first presented with severe lung lesions and hypoxia and he was considered as a lung transplant candidate. Upon evaluation, hepatopulmonary syndrome, multiple nodular liver lesions, and Abernethy type 1b malformation were diagnosed. The patient underwent successful right lobe live donor liver transplantation, and all of the symptoms disappeared soon after the transplant. He is currently alive and well with excellent liver and lung functions 4 years after surgery.
Effects of stem cell transplantation on bone mineral density and vitamin D status in children with thalassemia major
Authors: Gürlek Gökçebay Dilek , Ozbek Namik , Yazal Erdem Arzu , Culha Vildan , Yarali Nese , Isik Pamir , Avci Zekai , Azik Fatih , Demirel Fatma , Tunc Bahattin
Published: January 2017

HSCT is a curative treatment in TM, but conditioning and immunosuppressive treatment may affect bone metabolism. In this retrospective study, we aimed to compare BMD, vitamin D status, and growth in children with TM who underwent HSCT to those in children with TD TM. Twenty‐three children with TM who underwent HSCT (mean age 7.1 years [1.03‐14.7]) and 24 children with TD thalassemia (mean age 9.8 years [1.6‐14]) were recruited. Lumbar spine BMD of TD thalassemia patients was higher than those in patients who had HSCT at both baseline and second‐year assessments (P=.009, P<.001, respectively). However, BMD Z scores or serum 25‐OH vitamin D levels were not different in two groups. Being >10 years of age was a significant risk factor for low BMD, height, and weight Z score for both groups. Patients who underwent HSCT with Pesaro risk class II or III had higher risk for low BMD compared to those risk class I patients (P=.044). In conclusion, children with TM who were >10 years at HSCT are at risk for low BMD and growth retardation. HSCT had no effect on BMD deficit in children with TM.
Post‐storm sediment burial and herbivory of Vallisneria americana in the Hudson River estuary: mechanisms of loss and implications for restoration
Authors: Hamberg Jonas , Findlay Stuart E. G. , Limburg Karin E. , Diemont Stewart A. W.
Published: January 2017

This article investigates the mechanics of loss of Hudson River Vallisneria americana after the high volume storms at the end of the 2011 growing season, when two severe weather events—Tropical Storm Irene and the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee—struck the Hudson River watershed. In 2012, the distribution of the most common species of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), Vallisneria americana (wild celery, water celery, or tape grass), in the Hudson River estuary declined by more than 90%, with no appreciable recovery in 2013 and 2014. Because of its important habitat value for aquatic life and for increasing dissolved oxygen, managers and scientists have begun discussing the reasons for the loss, as well as how to assist its recovery through assisted restoration efforts in the estuary. Supported by in situ and in vitro experiments, the article posits the hypothesis that sediment, washed into the river by the storm, buried overwintering tubers of the plant, thus reducing sprouting success. Sprouting was as low as 50% with sediment depth between 2 and 5 cm; sprouting did not occur with sediment depth greater than 10 cm. Field experiments found no support for the hypothesis that herbivory inhibited regrowth of the plant after the storm events. These results suggest that future assisted restoration of Vallisneria americana and SAV in general may require attention to system‐specific factors.
Cross‐linking of porcine acellular dermal matrices negatively affects induced neovessel formation using platelet‐rich plasma in a rat model of hernia repair
Authors: Fernandez‐Moure Joseph S. , Van Eps Jeffrey L. , Peterson Leif E. , Shirkey Beverly A. , Menn Zachary K. , Cabrera Fernando J. , Karim Azim , Tasciotti Ennio , Weiner Bradley K. , Ellsworth Warren A.
Published: January 2017

The degree of cross‐linking within acellular dermal matrices (ADM) seems to correlate to neovascularization when used in ventral hernia repair (VHR). Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) enhances wound healing through several mechanisms including neovascularization, but research regarding its effect on soft tissue healing in VHR is lacking. We sought to study the effect of cross‐linking on PRP‐induced neovascularization in a rodent model of bridging VHR. We hypothesized that ADM cross‐linking would negatively affect PRP‐induced neovessel formation. PRP was extracted and characterized from pooled whole blood. Porcine cross‐linked (cADM) and non–cross‐linked ADMs (ncADM) were implanted in a rat model of chronic VHR after treatment with saline (control) or PRP. Neovascularization of samples at 2, 4, and 6 weeks was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining of CD 31. Adhesion severity at necropsy was compared using a previously validated scale. Addition of PRP increased neovascularization in both cADM and ncADM at 2‐ and 4‐week time points but appeared to do so in a dependent fashion, with significantly greater neovascularization in the PRP‐treated ncADMs compared to cADMs. Omental adhesions were increased in all PRP‐treated groups. Results indicate that, for 2‐week measurements when compared with the cADM group without PRP therapy, the mean change in neovascularization due to ncADM was 3.27 (Z = 2.75, p = 0.006), PRP was 17.56 (Z = 14.77, p < 0.001), and the combined effect of ncADM and PRP was 9.41 (Z = 5.6, p < 0.001). The 4‐week data indicate that the average neovascularization change due to ncADM was 0.676 (Z = 0.7, p = 0.484), PRP was 7.69 (Z = 7.95, p < 0.001), and combined effect of ncADM and PRP was 5.28 (Z = 3.86, p < 0.001). These findings validate PRP as a clinical adjunct to enhance the native tissue response to implantable biomaterials and suggest that ncADM is more amenable than cADM to induced neovascularization. PRP use could be advantageous in patients undergoing VHR where poor incorporation is anticipated and early‐enhanced neovascularization is desired.
Designing a Capstone Design Course to Achieve Student Outcomes
Authors: Wilczynski Vincent , Foley Andrew C.
Published: January 2017

The assessment of Student Outcomes is an import component for program evaluation and improvement. Though not proposed as the only tool a program should employ to measure the achievement of outcomes, the capstone design course can be a valuable mechanism to measure performance with regards to Student Outcomes. Because of the expansive reach of the engineering design process, capstone design projects present a natural environment to structure assessment activities that directly map to Student Outcomes. This paper presents versions of the Mechanical Engineering capstone design course that have been specifically structured to assess achievement of Student Outcomes commonly included in engineering accreditation criteria. Typically the outcomes are assessed by assignments that guide the engineering design process.
The Use of Patents Documentation Information in Teaching, Academic Research and Development of Engineering Projects
Authors: Nunes Jeziel , Batalha Marcia
Published: January 2017

The present work aims to demonstrate the use of information contained in patent systems for teaching and academic research in mechanical engineering and related fields. The approach proposed herein is focused on academic research and the engineering disciplines to provide a more complete training of students and researchers. In the proposed approach, the Patent System is used in three different ways: As a source of technical information; as a source of inspiration for designing solutions; and for patent protection of academic research and their eventual commercialization. The patent system also enables teachers to keep up with technological trends and check their possible impacts on the training of engineers. The methodology was applied in practice, with results exceeding expectations.
PAIR: The Remote Industrial Automation Trainer
Authors: Silva Mário , Pereira Filipe , Soares Filomena , Leão Celina P. , Machado José , Carvalho Vitor
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the project PAIR – Remote Industrial Automation Trainer. Its goal is to provide an environment where learners can improve their skills in Industrial Automation and practice their theoretical knowledge. In order to achieve this, PAIR will allow the users to explore automation concepts in some real scenes, as the control of an intelligent house or an industrial process. PAIR will also allow simulated virtual experiences associated to the real world scenarios.
Implementation of Similarity Flooding Algorithm to Solve Engineering Problems Using Diagnostic Skills Training Technique
Authors: Shahhosseini A. Mehran , Ye Haisong , Maughan George , Foster Tad
Published: January 2017

This article focuses on the development and field testing of instructional design concepts and educational software to teach diagnostic skills necessary to identify and solve problems in complex technical systems. Using concept mapping software along with expert-system programs, the overall software package enables technical workers and students in technology and engineering fields to benefit from personalized, iterative interactions that permit them to design visual maps of a diagnostic strategy and to allow direct and automatic comparison of their visual map to an expert’s map.

The computer-based modules are developed in the Lectora authoring system and incorporate the VUE concept mapping software. The self-paced, interactive modules include an introduction stage, a visual mapping tutorial stage and a technical system and problem stage. Two technical systems will provide the context for a technical problem, the systems are: 1.) electrical power grid, and 2.) heat exchanger used in a waste plastic pelletizer machine. The educational software can be tailored to include other technical systems and technical problems.

This article demonstrates implementation of Similarity Flooding Algorithm (SFA) to solve engineering problems. SFA is used to match nodes and links between learner’s and expert’s concept maps. To compare two process maps, SFA needs to consider both the relations (links) between nodes and the content of the nodes.

In this article, we describe four improvements to the original SFA code to improve the comparison between two different concept (or process) maps: 1) Similarity of two strings is calculated by comparing the two strings character by character, which means that two strings get lower similarity if they are not the same exactly. During the comparison, WordNet® thesaurus is used to accurately evaluate the content of nodes; 2) Base similarity includes absolute similarity for each paired nodes, according to their links and content, but the overall similarity of the maps is calculated based on the relative similarity of each pair; 3) In a process map, the importance of each node could be different and important nodes have more weighting in overall similarity; 4) We consider two threshold values in the comparison algorithm. One is similarity threshold for the similarity based on the connections (links) of the nodes; the other is synonym threshold for the semantic similarity of content. If the similarity is lower than the thresholds, it could be considered as discarded. At the end, we analyze the collected data and show the effectiveness of the proposed technique to solve educational and training problems.
Broadband noise attenuation using a variable locally reacting impedance
Authors: Zhao Xiaochen , Liu Gongmin , Zhao Chuming , Grosh Karl
Published: January 2017

Passive control of low-frequency duct noise remains a technical challenge. Traditional noise control devices are either overly bulky or too narrowband. A broadband attenuation mechanism inspired by the mammalian cochlea is presented in this theoretical study. It consists of a parallel arrangement of an array of multiple beams or stretched strips backed by a cavity. The structure vibrates strongly in response to the broadband incident noise and hence creates substantial reflection. If both the media in the cavity and the duct are air, the mass-like load from the fluid in the cavity suppresses the response of the structure and thus lowers the transmission loss. If helium, or some other gas with lower density than air in the duct, fills the cavity, the mass-like reactance of the cavity is reduced and the silencing performance is improved. Then such a silencer can achieve a satisfactory attenuation performance at low frequency range. Multiple adjacent resonant peaks are found in the transmission loss curve and such a silencer has superiority in size and acoustic performance over expansion chamber and duct lining.
Energy penetration into arrays of aligned nanowires irradiated with relativistic intensities: Scaling to terabar pressures
Authors: Bargsten Clayton , Hollinger Reed , Capeluto Maria Gabriela , Kaymak Vural , Pukhov Alexander , Wang Shoujun , Rockwood Alex , Wang Yong , Keiss David , Tommasini Riccardo , London Richard , Park Jaebum , Busquet Michel , Klapisch Marcel , Shlyaptsev Vyacheslav N. , Rocca Jorge J.
Published: January 2017

Nanowire arrays heated by laser pulses of relativistic intensity open a path to extreme energy densities and pressures.
Slab temperature controls on the Tonga double seismic zone and slab mantle dehydration
Authors: Wei S. Shawn , Wiens Douglas A. , van Keken Peter E. , Cai Chen
Published: January 2017

The Tonga double seismic zone depth and distribution are controlled by slab temperature, which affects dehydration reactions.
Expedition probes ocean trench's deepest secrets
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: January 2017

Mariana Trench's sheer depth and seismic quiet are focuses of international effort.
Jilted again, Venus scientists pine for their neglected planet
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: January 2017

Researchers pin hopes to future NASA competition.
Birds don't need exercise to stay fit for epic flights
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

The need for voluntary exercise may be uniquely human.
Fateful imprints
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: January 2017

A mysterious method of gene control, and the rare diseases it causes, is shedding its secrets.
Response to Comment on “Ribose and related sugars from ultraviolet irradiation of interstellar ice analogs”
Authors: Meinert Cornelia , Myrgorodska Iuliia , de Marcellus Pierre , Buhse Thomas , Nahon Laurent , Hoffmann Søren V. , d’Hendecourt Louis Le Sergeant , Meierhenrich Uwe J.
Published: January 2017

We detected ribose and related sugars in the organic residues of simulated interstellar ices using multidimensional gas chromatography. Kawai questions the formation of sugar compounds in the ices and suggests that they arise from a classical formose reaction during sample workup for analysis. We disagree with this hypothesis and present additional data to argue that Kawai’s criticism does not apply.
Travels through time
Why Time Flies A Mostly Scientific Investigation
Alan Burdick
Simon & Schuster, 2017. 317 pp.
Authors: Kemp Christopher
Published: January 2017

From cesium atoms to circadian rhythms, a journalist probes the notion of “now”
Life in the age of the algorithm
Data for the People How to Make Our Post-Privacy Economy Work for You
Andreas Weigend
Basic Books, 2017. 320 pp.
Authors: O'Neil Cathy
Published: January 2017

A tech insider's vision will resonate with the like-minded but neglects issues of access and equality
Electron diffraction and the hydrogen atom
Authors: McCusker Lynne B.
Published: January 2017

Dynamical refinement with electron-diffraction data reveals hydrogen atom positions
A Conserved Glycine Residue Is Required for Proper Functioning of a Baculovirus VP39 Protein
Authors: Katsuma Susumu , Kokusho Ryuhei
Published: January 2017

The baculovirus VP39 protein is a major nucleocapsid protein essential for viral propagation. However, the critical domains or residues of the VP39 protein have not yet been identified. Here, we performed mutagenesis experiments with Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) using 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine and isolated a BmNPV mutant that produced fewer occlusion bodies than the wild-type virus. This mutant also produced fewer infectious budded viruses (BVs) than the wild-type virus in both cultured cells and
B. mori
larvae. Marker rescue experiments using genomic libraries identified a single nucleotide mutation in the
vp39
gene. This mutation resulted in an amino acid substitution at glycine 276 (Gly-276) to serine, which was required for all the defective phenotypes observed in the mutant. Sequence comparison revealed that this residue is completely conserved among the VP39 proteins of the sequenced alphabaculoviruses, betabaculoviruses, and gammabaculoviruses. Although early viral gene expression was not significantly affected, the level of expression of a late gene,
vcath
, was reduced. In addition, two of the very late genes were markedly downregulated in cells infected with this mutant. Western blot and quantitative PCR analyses revealed that the BVs produced from cells infected with this mutant contained smaller amounts of the VP39 protein and viral genomic DNA than those produced from wild-type virus-infected cells. Combined with the results of transmission electron microscopy, VP39 Gly-276 can be concluded to be essential for correct nucleocapsid assembly, viral DNA packaging, and viral gene expression, especially of very late genes.

IMPORTANCE
The major nucleocapsid protein gene
vp39
is one of the most well-known baculovirus genes. Although several viral and host proteins that interact with the VP39 protein have been identified, the functionally important domains or residues of this protein remain unknown. The present study revealed that the glycine residue at residue 276, which is completely conserved among sequenced alphabaculoviruses, betabaculoviruses, and gammabaculoviruses, is important for the VP39 function, i.e., structural assembly of nucleocapsids and viral DNA packaging. Moreover, our results provide evidence for the link between nucleocapsid formation and the transcription of viral very late genes.
The Mutualistic Interaction between Plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Lanfranco Luisa , Bonfante Paola , Genre Andrea
Published: January 2017

Mycorrhizal fungi belong to several taxa and develop mutualistic symbiotic associations with over 90% of all plant species, from liverworts to angiosperms. While descriptive approaches have dominated the initial studies of these fascinating symbioses, the advent of molecular biology, live cell imaging, and “omics” techniques have provided new and powerful tools to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that rule mutualistic plant-fungus interactions. In this article we focus on the most common mycorrhizal association, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), which is formed by a group of soil fungi belonging to Glomeromycota. AM fungi are believed to have assisted the conquest of dry lands by early plants around 450 million years ago and are found today in most land ecosystems. AM fungi have several peculiar biological traits, including obligate biotrophy, intracellular development inside the plant tissues, coenocytic multinucleate hyphae, and spores, as well as unique genetics, such as the putative absence of a sexual cycle, and multiple ecological functions. All of these features make the study of AM fungi as intriguing as it is challenging, and their symbiotic association with most crop plants is currently raising a broad interest in agronomic contexts for the potential use of AM fungi in sustainable production under conditions of low chemical input.