bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Intestinal and Peripheral Cholesterol Fluxes by a Dual‐Tracer Balance Method
Authors: Ronda Onne A.H.O. , van Dijk Theo H. , Verkade H.J. , Groen Albert K.
Published: December 2016

Long‐term elevated plasma cholesterol levels put individuals at risk for developing atherosclerosis. Plasma cholesterol levels are determined by the balance between cholesterol input and output fluxes. Here we describe in detail the methodology to determine the different cholesterol fluxes in mice. The percentage of absorbed cholesterol is calculated from a stable isotope–based double‐label method. Cholesterol synthesis is calculated from MIDA after 13C‐acetate enrichment. Cholesterol is removed from the body via the feces. The fecal excretion route is either biliary or non‐biliary. The non‐biliary route is dominated by trans‐intestinal cholesterol efflux, or TICE. Biliary excretion of cholesterol is measured by collecting bile. Non‐biliary excretion is calculated by computational modeling. In this article, we describe methods and procedures to measure and calculate dietary intake of cholesterol, fractional cholesterol absorption, fecal neutral sterol output, biliary cholesterol excretion, TICE, cholesterol synthesis, peripheral fluxes, and whole‐body cholesterol balance. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Methodological Considerations for Optimizing and Validating Behavioral Assays
Authors: Sukoff Rizzo Stacey J. , Silverman Jill L.
Published: December 2016

Preclinical animal models are indispensable tools for translational research for which behavioral characterization and phenotyping are essential to testing hypotheses and for evaluating the potential of novel therapeutic agents to treat diseases. The methods employed for comprehensive behavioral phenotyping and pharmacological experiments are complex and should be conducted exclusively by trained technicians with demonstrated proficiency. The ultimate goal is to identify disease‐relevant and translational behavioral endpoints that are robust, reliable, and reproducible, and that can be employed to evaluate potential of novel therapeutic agents to treat disease. The intent of the present article is to provide a pragmatic outline for establishing and optimizing behavioral assays and phenotyping batteries, ensuring that the assays and the data are reliable such that they can be reproduced within and across technicians and laboratories and, more importantly, that the data is translatable to the clinic. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
RNA Secondary Structure Prediction
Authors: Mathews David H. , Turner Douglas H. , Watson Richard M.
Published: December 2016

In this unit, protocols are provided for predicting RNA secondary structure with the user‐friendly RNAstructure desktop computer program and the RNAstructure Web server. The minimum free energy structure and a set of suboptimal structures with similar free energies are predicted. Prediction of high‐affinity oligonucleotide binding sites to a structured RNA target is also presented. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Live‐Cell Imaging of Meiotic Spindle and Chromosome Dynamics in Maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Nannas Natalie J. , Dawe R. Kelly
Published: December 2016

Live‐cell imaging is a powerful tool that allows investigators to directly observe the dynamics of cellular processes. Live imaging has proven particularly useful in studying mitotic and meiotic chromosome segregation, where the assembly of spindles and movement of chromosomes can be quantified in ways not possible with fixed cells. This protocol describes how to image live meiosis in the agriculturally important plant, maize. The creation of fluorescently tagged tubulin allows visualization of maize spindles, and nucleic acid dyestain chromosomes. This protocol describes all steps required for live imaging, including how to grow plants, screen for relevant genotypes, harvest meiotic cells, and collect live movies of meiosis. While this protocol was developed for imaging fluorescently tagged tubulin, it can be easily modified to observe the meiotic dynamics of any fluorescently labeled protein of interest. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Metabolites in Barley Grain Tissues
Authors: Peukert Manuela , Lim Wai Li , Seiffert Udo , Matros Andrea
Published: December 2016

Higher plants are composed of a multitude of tissues with particular functions, reflected by distinct profiles of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites. Although the rapid development of “omics” technologies has advanced plant science tremendously within recent years, analysis is frequently performed on whole organ or whole plant extracts, causing the loss of spatial information. Mass spectrometry–based imaging (MSI) approaches have become a powerful tool to decipher spatially resolved molecular information. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is the most widespread ionization method utilized for MSI and has recently been applied to plant science. A range of different plant organs and tissues has been successfully analyzed by MSI, and patterns of various classes of metabolites from primary and secondary metabolism have been obtained. This protocol describes a method for analysis of spatial metabolite distributions in cryosections of developing barley grains. Detailed procedures for sample preparation, mass spectrometry measurement, and data analysis are provided. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DNA Assembly for Plant Biology
Authors: Patron Nicola J.
Published: December 2016

Parallel DNA assembly methods allow multiple fragments of DNA to be compiled in a desired order in a single reaction. Several methods enable the efficient one‐step assembly of multiple DNA parts into a suitable plasmid acceptor at high efficiency. Type IIS‐mediated assembly offers the specific advantage of a one‐step reaction that does not require proprietary reagents or the amplification and purification of linear DNA fragments. Instead, multiple plasmids housing standardized DNA parts of interest are combined in an enzyme cocktail. To make these standard parts, DNA sequences with defined functions are assigned specific sequence features. This allows parts to be interoperable and reusable. The availability of collections of DNA parts and molecular toolkits that allow the facile assembly of multigene binary constructs and the establishment of standards for the creation of new parts means Type IIS‐mediated assembly has become a powerful technology for modern plant molecular biologists. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generation of Transgenic Soybean (Glycine max) via Particle Bombardment of Embryogenic Cultures
Authors: Finer John J.
Published: December 2016

This protocol describes one method for generating transgenic soybean (Glycine max) using particle bombardment of embryogenic cultures. Embryogenic cultures consist of proliferating masses of somatic embryos and are initially obtained from the cotyledons of immature seeds. Embryogenic cultures are bombarded with small DNA‐coated particles and the cells that receive, incorporate and express the DNA are selected, based on a co‐delivered antibiotic resistance gene. For recovery of whole plants from the antibiotic resistant embryogenic tissues, the tissues are first placed on a medium conducive to embryo development. Mature embryos are then dried for a short period and placed on a germination medium. Plantlets are then gradually exposed to ambient light and humidity conditions, prior to transfer to a greenhouse. Operators need to be constantly monitoring the protocol and observant of all outcomes. These procedures also are mostly descriptive and need to be precisely followed to be successful. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chemical and Photochemical Water Oxidation Mediated by an Efficient Single‐Site Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Abdel‐Magied Ahmed F. , Shatskiy Andrey , Liao Rong‐Zhen , Laine Tanja M. , Arafa Wael A. A. , Siegbahn Per E. M. , Kärkäs Markus D. , Åkermark Björn , Johnston Eric V.
Published: December 2016

Water oxidation is a fundamental step in artificial photosynthesis for solar fuels production. In this study, we report a single‐site Ru‐based water oxidation catalyst, housing a dicarboxylate‐benzimidazole ligand, that mediates both chemical and light‐driven oxidation of water efficiently under neutral conditions. The importance of the incorporation of the negatively charged ligand framework is manifested in the low redox potentials of the developed complex, which allows water oxidation to be driven by the mild one‐electron oxidant [Ru(bpy)3]3+ (bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine). Furthermore, combined experimental and DFT studies provide insight into the mechanistic details of the catalytic cycle.
Biocatalytic Reduction of HMF to 2,5‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan by HMF‐Tolerant Whole Cells
Authors: Li Yan‐Mei , Zhang Xue‐Ying , Li Ning , Xu Pei , Lou Wen‐Yong , Zong Min‐Hua
Published: December 2016

Catalytic upgrading of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an important biobased platform chemical for high‐value products, is currently of great interest. In this work, a new highly HMFtolerant yeast strain—Meyerozyma guilliermondii SC1103 was isolated, and biocatalytic reduction of HMF to 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) using its resting cells was reported. Cosubstrates exerted a significant effect on the catalytic activity and selectivity of microbial cells as well as their HMF‐tolerant levels whereas the nitrogen source and mineral salts had no effects. In addition, M. guilliermondii SC1103 cells exhibited good catalytic performances within the range of pH 4.0–10.0. The yeast was highly tolerant to both HMF (up to 110 mm) and BHMF (up to 200 mm). In addition, 100 mm HMF could be selectively reduced to BHMF within 12 h by its resting cells in the presence of 100 mm glucose (as cosubstrate), with a yield of 86 % and selectivity of >99 %. The production of 191 mm of BHMF was realized within 24.5 h by using a fed‐batch strategy, with a productivity of approximately 24 g L−1 per day. In addition, this new biocatalytic approach was applied for the reduction of furfural and 5‐methylfurfural, affording the corresponding furfuryl alcohols with yields of 83 and 89 %, respectively.
Do different data analytic approaches generate discrepant findings when measuring mother–infant HPA axis attunement?
Authors: Bernard Nicola K. , Kashy Deborah A. , Levendosky Alytia A. , Bogat G. Anne , Lonstein Joseph S.
Published: December 2016

Attunement between mothers and infants in their hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis responsiveness to acute stressors is thought to benefit the child's emerging physiological and behavioral self‐regulation, as well as their socioemotional development. However, there is no universally accepted definition of attunement in the literature, which appears to have resulted in inconsistent statistical analyses for determining its presence or absence, and contributed to discrepant results. We used a series of data analytic approaches, some previously used in the attunement literature and others not, to evaluate the attunement between 182 women and their 1‐year‐old infants in their HPA axis responsivity to acute stress. Cortisol was measured in saliva samples taken from mothers and infants before and twice after a naturalistic laboratory stressor (infant arm restraint). The results of the data analytic approaches were mixed, with some analyses suggesting attunement while others did not. The strengths and weaknesses of each statistical approach are discussed, and an analysis using a cross‐lagged model that considered both time and interactions between mother and infant appeared the most appropriate. Greater consensus in the field about the conceptualization and analysis of physiological attunement would be valuable in order to advance our understanding of this phenomenon.
Improvement of the Adhesive Strength of the Leadframe and Epoxy Resin by Forming Organic Molecules–Metal Composite Interface
Authors: FURUNO RYOTA , TAKATUJI YOSHIYUKI , KUBO KIMIHIKO , HARUYAMA TETSUYA
Published: December 2016

Delamination in semiconductor plastic package is a cause of reliability degradation. We have tried to improve the adhesion strength between leadframe and epoxy resin. In this study, organic molecules–metal (Cu) complex “EC tag (Cu)” were employed. It is immobilized on the leadframe surface as adhesion promoter to adhere with thermosetting epoxy resin. In the results, immobilized EC tag (Cu) act as adhesion promoter that shows greater adhesion between leadframe and epoxy resin. Also, the leadframe with adhesion promoter doesn't affect semiconductor assembly characteristics.
Topography may mitigate drought effects on vegetation along a hillslope gradient
Authors: Hawthorne Sandra , Miniat Chelcy Ford
Published: December 2016

Topography may mitigate drought effects on vegetation along a hillslope gradient through redistribution of soil moisture. We examined the interaction of topography, climate, soil moisture, and transpiration in a low‐elevation, mixed‐hardwood forest in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The effects of meteorological variation (wet and dry years) and topographic position (upslope and cove) were tested on daily soil moisture amplitude and recession and plot and species‐specific transpiration. Trees in the cove plot were 17% taller and had 45% greater sapwood area than those in the upslope plot. Lower rates of soil moisture recession following rainfall events were observed at the cove plot compared to the upper plot. Greater daily soil moisture amplitude and plot transpiration, even in dry years, suggest that lower slope positions may have been buffered against moderate drought. We also observed similar transpiration inQuercusspp.,Caryaspp., andLiriodendron tulipiferain the cove plot between dry and wet years. Plot transpiration was reduced by 51% in the dry year in the upslope plot only, and transpiration by individual species in the plot reflected this pattern, suggesting water stress in dry years may be exacerbated by topography. With drought predicted to increase for these systems, the different drought responses of species, in addition to topographic effects, may lead to complex shifts in species composition.
Role of soil texture, clay mineralogy, location, and temperature in coarse wood decomposition—a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Fissore Cinzia , Jurgensen Martin F. , Pickens James , Miller Chris , Page‐Dumroese Deborah , Giardina Christian P.
Published: December 2016

Of all the major pools of terrestrial carbon (C), the dynamics of coarse woody debris (CWD) are the least understood. In contrast to soils and living vegetation, the study ofCWDhas rarely relied on ex situ methods for elaborating controls on decomposition rates. In this study, we report on a mesocosm incubation experiment examining how clay amount (8%, 16%, and 24% clay), clay type (soil reconstructed with kaolinite vs. montmorillonite), wood placement (on litter layer surface, at the litter layer–soil interface, buried in the mineral soil), and laboratory incubation temperature (10°, 20°, or 30°C) control decomposition rates of highly standardized stakes and blocks of coarse aspen wood. Clay type effect was pronounced, with wood decomposing more quickly in kaolinite‐ than in montmorillonite‐amended soils, perhaps due to a combined effect of moisture and microbial access to the substrate. Clay amount had only very limited effect on wood decomposition, which was a function of contact with the mineral soil (Surface < Interface < Mineral), perhaps due to greater contact with the decomposer community. Temperature effects were significant and dependent on interactions with clay type and wood placement. Effects of temperature on wood decomposition declined as the effects of soil variables increased, suggesting a hierarchy of controls on wood decomposition rates. Both water content and temperature had a strong effect on wood decomposition. Our results highlight that multiple interacting factors likely regulate wood decomposition processes. Multifactorial field experiments are needed to examine the physical, chemical, and biological factors controlling wood decomposition.
Urbanization effects on the river systems in the bucharest city region (romania)
Authors: Zaharia Liliana , Ioana‐toroimac Gabriela , Cocoş Octavian , Ghiţă Florin Adrian , Mailat Emanuel
Published: December 2016

This article identifies and analyzes the effects of human pressures on the river systems, landscape, flow regime, and water quality in the Bucharest region, the largest urbanized area in Romania. The analyses focused on four streams crossing the Bucharest region, namely the Dâmboviţa, Colentina, Argeş, and Sabar rivers. Our approach relied especially on three types of information: (1) spatial data; (2) hydrological data sets; and (3) water quality data. We made a diachronic analysis of the available maps and ran classic statistical analysis of the data sets, as well as trend analysis. At the same time, we compared the flows in natural (reconstituted) and modified (current) regimes. The results showed that the stream system and its associated landscapes have considerably changed due to several engineering works (reservoirs, dams, channelization works, diversion canals, water intakes, etc.). Under these circumstances, the flow regime suffered changes that differed among the rivers. Thus, the multiannual discharges of the Argeş and Dâmboviţa rivers did not exhibit significant changes, but only mitigated the monthly discharge variability. In the case of Sabar and Colentina, a significant increase of the annual and monthly discharges was identified, due to the water transferred from the neighboring rivers. Water quality worsened, especially on the lower courses of the Dâmboviţa and Argeş rivers, degrading the states and health of the aquatic ecosystems in the study region.
Building the new international science of the agriculture–food–water–environment nexus in china and the world
Authors: Zhu Xinguang , Parry Martin , Lu Yonglong , Heard Matthew , Ying Guangguo , Vaughan Simon , Shen Jianbo , Jenkins Alan , Wang Yunpeng , Lacorte Silvia , Ouyang Tingping , Salcedo Francisco Pedrero , Niu Jun , Quinton John , Luo Chunling , Zhang Fusuo , Zhang Gan , Davies William , Jones Kevin , Tyfield David
Published: December 2016

The multiple, complex and systemic problems of the agriculture–food–water–environment nexus (“Nexus”) are among the most significant challenges of the 21st century. China is a key site for Nexus research amidst profound socio‐environmental problems. The policy implications of these problems have been authoritatively summarized elsewhere. This study presents discussions at an international workshop in Guangzhou that asked instead “What science is needed to deliver the growing policy commitments regarding these challenges? And, What changes are needed to the science itself?” Understanding and effective intervention regarding the Nexus calls for a paradigm shift: to a new kind of science of (capacity for) international, interdisciplinary, and impactful research working with and within complex socio‐natural systems. We here argue that science must become proactive in approach, striving only for “minimal harm” not “silver bullet” solutions, and adopting an explicitly long‐term strategic perspective. Together, these arguments lead to calls for reorienting science and science policy in three ways: from short‐term remediation to longer‐term optimization; from a focus on environmental threats to one on the opportunities for international collaborative learning; and toward supporting new forms of scientific career. We bring these points together by recommending a new form of scientific institution: a global network of collaborative Nexus Centres, under the umbrella of a global Food Nexus Organization akin to those of the human genome and proteome.
Iodine/TBHP‐Promoted One‐Pot Deoxygenation and Direct 2‐Sulfonylation of Quinoline N‐Oxides with Sodium Sulfinates: Facile and Regioselective Synthesis of 2‐Sulfonylquinolines
Authors: Sumunnee Ladawan , Buathongjan Chonchanok , Pimpasri Chaleena , Yotphan Sirilata
Published: December 2016

A highly efficient iodine/TBHP‐mediated one‐pot deoxygenative and regioselective 2‐sulfonylation of quinoline N‐oxides with sodium sulfinate salts has been developed. This metal‐, base‐, and phosphorus‐free protocol employs readily accessible and easy‐to‐handle reagents and can be conveniently carried out at room temperature under mild conditions, providing an alternative access to a series of 2‐sulfonylquinolines and other related heteroaryl sulfone products in moderate‐to‐excellent yields within a short reaction time.
Expressed Emotions and Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of Adolescents with First‐Onset Anorexia Nervosa—A Long‐Term Investigation over 2.5 Years
Authors: Schwarte Reinhild , Timmesfeld Nina , Dempfle Astrid , Krei Melanie , Egberts Karin , Jaite Charlotte , Fleischhaker Christian , Wewetzer Christoph , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Seitz Jochen , Bühren Katharina
Published: December 2016

Objective

High levels of expressed emotions (EE) and depressive symptoms (DS) are often found in caregivers of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Both parameters are considered to influence AN symptoms of the patient.

Methods

One hundred seventy adolescent women with AN and their caregivers were assessed at admission, discharge, at 1‐year and 2.5‐year follow up to evaluate AN symptoms of the patient and EE and DS of caregivers.

Results

The EE and DS were elevated at admission and decreased during treatment, criticism (as part of EE) exhibited again at the 2.5‐year follow up. Caregivers of more severely ill patients reported significantly greater levels of EE and DS. Mothers were more affected than fathers. EE and DS were interrelated.

Conclusion

Caregivers of adolescent AN patients suffer from elevated levels of EE and DS. Further studies are needed to examine whether therapeutic interventions to reduce caregivers' EE and DS might have a positive influence on treatment outcome. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
On the “How” of Social Experiments: Experimental Designs for Getting Inside the Black Box
Authors: Bell Stephen H. , Peck Laura R.
Published: December 2016

Program evaluators generally prefer to use the strongest design available to answer relevant impact questions, reserving analytic strategies for use only as necessary. Although the “simple” treatment versus control experimental design is well understood and widespread in its use, it is our contention that creativity in evaluation design can help answer more nuanced questions regarding what about a program is responsible for its impacts. In response, this chapter discusses several experimental evaluation designs that randomize individuals—including multiarmed, multistage, factorial, and blended designs—to permit estimating impacts for specific policy design features or program elements. We hope that recasting what are some long‐standing but underused designs in a new light will motivate their increased use, where appropriate.
Burning worlds of cartography: a critical approach to climate cosmograms of the Anthropocene
Authors: Schneider Birgit
Published: December 2016

Climate science today makes use of a variety of red globes to explore and communicate findings. These transform the iconography which informs this image: the idealised, even mythical vision of the blue, vulnerable and perfect marble is impaired by the application of the colours yellow and red. Since only predictions that employ a lot of red seem to exist, spectators are confronted with the message that the future Earth that might turn out as envisaged here is undesirable. Here intuitively powerful narrations of the end of the world may connect. By employing methods of art history and visual analysis, and building on examples from current Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports and future scenario maps, this article explores how burning world images bear – intentionally or not – elements of horror and shock. My question explored here is as follows: should ‘burning world’ images be understood as a new and powerful cosmology?
European industrial decarbonization: a perspective from the NGO Bellona
Authors: Whiriskey Keith
Published: December 2016

In mid‐October 2016, Bellona Europa, part of the Bellona Foundation, held an event in Brussels, Belgium, to launch a report critiquing current European Union and national policies on carbon capture, use, and storage, or the lack thereof. The event attracted wide participation with labor unions, industry, and policymakers engaging in constructive dialogue.

In this interview, one of the report's authors Keith Whiriskey, Policy Manager, Climate Technologies, talks to GHGS&T about its findings and how Bellona hopes the report and conference will go some way to taking Europe out of the current malaise concerning carbon capture and storage (CCS).
The Effects of Parenthood During Graduate School on PhD Recipients’ Paths to the Professoriate: A Focus on Motherhood
Authors: Kulp Amanda M.
Published: December 2016

This chapter focuses on graduate students who are parents, the career‐related resources they gather during graduate school, and the influence of those resources on PhD‐earning mothers’ attainment of tenure‐track faculty jobs at U.S. higher‐education institutions.
Complexity of Work‐Life Identities and Policy Development: Implications for Work‐Life in Higher Education
Authors: Lester Jaime
Published: December 2016

This chapter describes the themes that emerged in this volume with attention to important policy implications on the federal, state, and institutional levels. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Promoting Entrepreneurship at the Base of the Social Pyramid via Pricing Systems: A case Study
Authors: Lara‐Rubio J. , Blanco‐Oliver A. , Pino‐Mejías R.
Published: December 2016

Historically, microfinance institutions (MFIs) have played a significant social role by helping people at the base of the socio‐economic pyramid escape from social exclusion through the creation of microenterprises. However, international banks have recently started competing in the microfinance sector. In this adverse environment, MFI management tools should be more innovative and technologically advanced to increase efficiency, solvency and profitability and to compete with commercial banks on equal terms. This study therefore strives to develop a credit‐risk management tool based on a multilayer perceptron (MLP) credit‐scoring model for a Peruvian MFI, and to calculate the capital requirements and microcredit pricing on both internal ratings‐based (IRB) and standardized approaches, analysing the impact of these models on the management of the MFI. Our findings show that the implementation of an IRB approach with default probabilities obtained from an MLP credit‐scoring model produces the best benefit by the MFIs in terms of higher accuracy (reduction of misclassification costs by 13.78%), lower capital requirements (in the range of 8.5–78%) and the best risk‐adjusted interest rates. Furthermore, with the establishment of interest rates adjusted to the real risk of each client, MFIs are fairer and more socially engaged by preventing economically viable low‐risk projects from becoming unviable due to excessive interest rates. This leads to the creation of more small businesses by people from the base of the socio‐economic pyramid and greater economic development and social cohesion. The IRB model should therefore be implemented to improve MFI solvency, profitability, efficiency, survival, management and social performance.
YUP'IK UNDERSTANDING OF STRESS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF RAPID CULTURAL CHANGE
Authors: Rivkin Inna , Johnson Samuel , Lopez Ellen D. S. , Trimble Joseph E. , Quaintance Tonie , Orr Eliza
Published: December 2016

Alaska Native communities shoulder a disproportionately high burden of stress, stemming in part from historical trauma and rapid changes in culture and lifestyle. The Yup'ik Experiences of Stress and Coping Project originated from rural Yup'ik communities' concerns about stress and its effects. Understanding local conceptions of stress as grounded in the experiences and perceptions of the Yup'ik community participants is critical to inform culturally‐based interventions. Sixty adults in two Yup'ik communities in Southwest Alaska participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring their understanding and experience of stress and coping. Participants' understanding of stress included causes of stress, stressful experiences, responses to stress (emotions, physical responses, trouble in the mind), and broader family and community effects of stress. Many described current stressors as being quite different than those of the past. Findings highlight the intersection between traditional ways of thinking about stress and Western influences in remote Yup'ik communities undergoing cultural changes.
PREDICTORS OF THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTEGRATION OF HOMELESS ADULTS WITH PROBLEMATIC SUBSTANCE USE
Authors: Cherner Rebecca A. , Aubry Tim , Ecker John
Published: December 2016

This study examined predictors of physical and psychological integration in homeless adults with problematic substance use. Homeless adults with problematic substance use (n = 115) in Ottawa, Canada, completed questionnaires regarding their demographics (age, gender, Aboriginal ethnicity), health and social functioning (physical health, mental health, alcohol use problems, drug use problems, social skills), environmental factors (satisfaction with personal safety, social support), physical integration, and psychological integration. Participants reported low physical integration (i.e., participation in activities in the community) and did not feel strongly psychologically integrated (i.e., sense of belonging). The final models accounted for 36% and 19% of the variance in physical and psychological integration, respectively. Higher levels of social skills and social support were associated with greater physical integration. Higher levels of mental health functioning and satisfaction with safety were related to greater psychological integration. Implications of the findings for community support services are discussed.
Identification and conservation of gene loss events of Hox gene clusters in the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
Authors: Kim Hui‐Su , Hwang Dae‐Sik , Jeong Chang‐Bum , Au Doris W. T. , Lee Jae‐Seong
Published: December 2016

In this study, the identification of the whole Hox gene clusters (46 Hox genes) in the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma was investigated using genome assembly and RNA‐seq information. Moreover, the gene loss events of Hox gene clusters, which may occur during fish evolution, were examined for a better understanding of the evolutionary status of the gene lost events of the Hox gene cluster across fish species, particularly in the genus Oryzias.
Preventing acute care–associated venous thromboembolism in adult and pediatric patients across a large healthcare system
Authors: Morgenthaler Timothy I. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Although effective methods for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (VTE‐P) have been known for decades, reliable implementation has been challenging.

OBJECTIVE

Develop reliable VTE‐P systems for adult and for pediatric patients to reduce preventable venous thromboembolism (VTE).

DESIGN

We used a discovery and diffusion system to first develop an effective system in 1 hospital location, and then spread the principle best practices across the entire 22‐hospital system.

SETTING

Twenty‐two Mayo Clinic hospitals (adults and children).

PATIENTS

Adult and pediatric patients.

INTERVENTION

(1) Ensure that a VTE‐P is declared at admission by providing a mandatory VTE‐P “tollgate” that requires the provider to assess the risk for VTE and provide an appropriate order for VTE‐P. (2) Use clinical decision support to provide ongoing surveillance and alerts to providers when there is a lapse in the VTE‐P plan.

MEASUREMENTS

In adults, VTE compliance as measured by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Core Measures VTE‐1 and VTE‐2, preventable VTE as measured by VTE‐6, and in pediatric patients, appropriate VTE measures as determined by chart audit.

RESULTS

VTE‐1 and VTE‐2 have approached 97% to 100% and preventable VTE has declined to 0% for the last 3 quarters. Similarly, the pediatric VTE‐P screening tool was evaluated and piloted with >92% compliance in risk documentation, appropriate VTE‐P >64%, and 0 VTE events during the study period.

CONCLUSION

An integrated system‐wide approach can lead to measurable improvements in VTE‐P process and outcome measures. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:S15–S21. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
The synthesis of [1‐14C]2‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)acetic acid
Authors: Maxwell Brad D. , Tran Scott B.
Published: December 2016

Tetrazoles are a common heterocyclic functionality in many biologically active molecules. [1‐14C]2‐(1H‐Tetrazol‐5‐yl)acetic acid was required as an intermediate in the synthesis of a development candidate as part of a discovery phase program to complete metabolic profiling studies. [1‐14C]2‐(1H‐Tetrazol‐5‐yl)acetic acid was prepared in 4 steps overall and in 3 radiochemical steps from K14CN in an overall 32% radiochemical yield.
Liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry identification and determination of tri‐ and hexaaryl chloro imidazoles in sewage sludge
Authors: Casado J. , Castro G. , Rodríguez I. , Ramil M. , Montes R. , Cela R.
Published: December 2016

The identification and further quantification of 2‐chloro‐triarylimidazole (o‐Cl‐TAI) and its dimer (o‐DCl‐HABI) in sludge from a sewage treatment plant (STP) is reported for the first time. Liquid chromatography (LC) quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was used as analytical technique during screening and determination steps. Pollutants were identified following a post‐run search strategy, applying the chlorine mass filter, and characterized by their accurate MS and product ion scan spectra. Finally, their identities were confirmed with authentic standards. The species (o‐Cl‐TAI) has been rated as potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic for mice and rats. Effects of sample preparation in the stability and the extraction efficiency of both compounds are discussed. Under final conditions, they were extracted from freeze‐dried samples (0.5 g of sludge or biosolids dispersed with 2 g of C18 and packed into a polypropylene syringe) with 20 ml of methanol, which also flowed through a clean‐up layer of Florisil and PSA sorbents (0.5 g each). This method attained quantitative extraction yields and limits of quantification between 4 and 10 ng/g. The pollutants o‐Cl‐TAI and o‐DCl‐HABI were ubiquitous in sludge and biosolids obtained in consecutive years from the investigated STP. Their concentrations varied from 0.02 to more than 13 μg/g (freeze‐dried sample). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the microbial community features of Haemaphysalis flava in different developmental stages by high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Duan Deyong , Cheng Tianyin
Published: December 2016

In this study, we analyzed the in vivo microbial community structure and diversity differences of Haemaphysalis flava (H. flava) in four developmental stages (egg, larva, nymph, and adult) to determine which bacterial genera could be propagated through transovarial transmission and transmitted by transstadial transmission during different developmental stages of H. flava. Paired‐end sequencing of the V3 region of the 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) of H. flava in four developmental stage samples was conducted using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. The following operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of H. flava were obtained during the four developmental stages: 89 of egg, 111 of larva, 104 of nymph, and 106 of female adult tick. Sixty‐four of these OTUs had high similarity in the four developmental stages of H. flava. Eight bacterial genera had the highest abundances in all developmental stages, namely, Rickettsia, Coxiella, Pseudomonas, Ehrlichia, Escherichia, Acinetobacter, Citrobacter, and Cupriavidus. The nymph had the highest abundance of Coxiella, and the female adult tick had the highest abundance of Rickettsia. Staphylococcus and Wolbachia were detected in all developmental stages except the egg.
Oncofertility program implementation increases access to fertility preservation options and assisted reproductive procedures for breast cancer patients
Authors: Vu Joceline V. , Llarena Natalia C. , Estevez Samantha L. , Moravek Molly B. , Jeruss Jacqueline S.
Published: December 2016

Background and Objectives

Breast cancer treatment can cause premature ovarian failure, yet the majority of young cancer patients do not receive adequate education about treatment effects before initiating chemotherapy. We studied the impact of an oncofertility program on access to fertility preservation.

Methods

An oncofertility program was initiated to foster collaboration between oncologists and reproductive endocrinologists, and to help increase access to fertility preservation. Documented conversations about fertility concerns, specialist referrals, appointments, and fertility preservation procedures were compared between breast cancer patients from 2004 to 2006, before oncofertility program initiation, and 2007–2012, after program initiation. The study included women <45, stages 0–III, diagnosed before (n = 278) and after (n = 515) program initiation.

Results

Demographics for the cohorts were similar. Fertility discussions (P < 0.0001), patients interested in maintaining fertility at diagnosis (P = 0.0041), referrals to reproductive endocrinologists (P < 0.0001), appointments (P < 0.0001), and fertility preservation procedures (P < 0.0183) increased significantly after programmatic implementation.

Conclusions

An oncofertility program increased discussions about fertility preservation and access to assisted reproductive procedures. This program positively impacted compliance with national guidelines advising reproductive‐age cancer patients to be offered fertility preservation counseling as an initial component of the multidisciplinary care plan. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:116–121. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compression forces in ball‐joints assembled by edge‐form rolling
Authors: Gürsel K. T. , Çakır S.
Published: December 2016

Suspension ball‐races, which are important elements of steering and suspension systems in vehicles, are manufactured by applying plastic forming technique to assemble the parts after their spherical bearings are designed. In this study, the edge‐form rolling process, which is a subsection of the rolling process in manufacturing methods based on plastic forming and used in the manufacturing of the suspension ball‐races supplying the motion transmission, was examined comprehensively.

The rates and magnitudes of pressure forces occurring in bearing systems after edge‐form rolling processes were studied by changing operation pressures of this forming technique in which specific numerical simulations based on finite element analyses with implicit method were used. The results obtained from the developed edge‐form rolling simulations were confirmed by the results of the test method developed in this research.
Method development and validation: quantitation of telmisartan bulk drug and its tablet formulation by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Jadeja Yashwantsinh , Chomal Bhagyawanti , Patel Madhavi , Jebaliya Hetal , Khunt Ranjan , Shah Anamik
Published: December 2016

The quantitative NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy is nowadays a new tool for the determination of pharmaceutical potent biologically active molecules in bulk drug and its tablet formulation than the other analytical techniques. Herein, qNMR method was developed for an anti‐hypertensive drug, telmisartan in bulk drug and its tablet formulation. The precise method was developed by using malononitrile as an internal standard. The methylene signal of telmisartan appeared at δ = 5.46 ppm (singlet) relative to the signal of malononitrile at δ = 3.59 ppm (singlet) in CDCl3, as an NMR solvent. The development and validation of the method were carried out as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The method was found to be linear (r2 = 0.9999) for 0.5 to 3.5 mg/ml in the drug concentration range. The relative standard deviation for accuracy and precession was not more than 2.0%. The sensitivity of the method was carried out by limit of detection and a limit of quantification, at 0.05 and 0.2 mg/ml, respectively, concentration. The robustness of the method was studied by changing parameters as well as different solvent manufacturer company. The result shows that method was accurately developed for quantification of telmisartan in pharmaceutical dosage form. The developed method by 1H NMR spectroscopy is comparatively easy and more precise with respect to the other analytical tools. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidance and control laws design for a switched system with discontinuous actuators
Authors: Chen Jian , Liang Zixuan , Bai Chen , Li Peng , Ren Zhang , Zheng Yongjun
Published: December 2016

Guidance and control laws design for a switched flight system with discontinuous actuators is dealt with in this paper. Firstly, a missile equipped with discontinuous side jets is introduced. Secondly, the side‐jet missile is modeled with an impulsive switched system. Thirdly, a sliding mode control‐based discontinuous guidance law is proposed to generate guidance commands, which are suitable for on–off side jets. And a logic‐based switching law for turning on the side jets is also submitted. Fourthly, by transforming the discontinuous actuators equivalently and formulating an extended state space equation, a tracking control law is indicated to track the guidance command. Finally, simulations and comparisons are made to demonstrate the proposed algorithms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HbA1c is not always reliable in estimating glycaemic control
Authors: Mian Fahd Jan , Jacob Koshy
Published: December 2016

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is considered as a cornerstone for assessing long‐term glycaemic control. Several studies have established a strong correlation between HbA1c and diabetic comorbidities. However, in certain conditions it can lead to a false interpretation of diabetes control which may result in serious errors in patient management. It is essential clinicians are aware of the conditions that can affect glycated haemoglobin and use alternative methods of glycaemic control if there is a discrepancy between blood glucose readings and HbA1c.

We report a case of a falsely low HbA1c which led to a wrong interpretation of glycaemic control resulting in a major comorbidity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.
An unusually severe case of bullosis diabeticorum with marked morbidity ultimately resulting in bilateral trans‐tibial amputation
Authors: Onyekwelu Emeka , Wright Thomas , Benbow Sue
Published: December 2016

Bullosis diabeticorum is a spontaneous, non‐inflammatory, blistering condition seen in patients with diabetes mellitus that can be diagnosed after excluding similar conditions. The lesions described in bullosis diabeticorum have been reported to typically resolve without any specific treatment or scarring and are often considered to be self‐limiting.

We report a case of a 49‐year‐old man with type 1 diabetes who presented with recurrent episodes of bullosis diabeticorum, complicated by infection and ultimately resulting in bilateral major amputations.

This case highlights the fact that bullosis diabeticorum may not follow an uncomplicated self‐limiting course and also the need for early recognition and prompt treatment of infection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.
Prediction Consistency: A Test of the Equivalence Assumption across Different Indicators of the Same Construct
Authors: Hilbig Benjamin E. , Moshagen Morten , Zettler Ingo
Published: December 2016

Prominent theoretical constructs such as the Big Five personality factors often inspire the development and use of different inventories. This practice rests on the vital assumption that different indicators equivalently assess the same construct—otherwise, it would often be inappropriate to draw conclusions on the construct level. In comparison to the evidence typically relied on to support this equivalence assumption, we argue that a direct test of prediction consistency will provide further insights: prediction consistency is a necessary condition for the equivalence assumption that indicators from different inventories predict an external criterion to the same extent. Here, we outline guidelines how to design studies to establish prediction consistency and illustrate this approach in an experiment testing the prediction consistency of the Agreeableness indicators from three prominent Big Five inventories. Specifically, we considered prediction consistency with respect to honesty (vs. cheating) as the behavioral criterion for which a specific a priori hypothesis can be derived on theoretical grounds. Results contradicted predictions consistency and thus the equivalence assumption by showing qualitatively different relations to behavioral honesty, thereby also emphasizing that the interchangeability of inventories should generally be subjected to a strict test, rather than assumed. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
N‐glycoprotein surfaceome of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived hepatic endoderm
Authors: Mallanna Sunil K. , Waas Matthew , Duncan Stephen A. , Gundry Rebekah L.
Published: December 2016

Using cell surface capture technology, the cell surface N‐glycoproteome of human‐induced pluripotent stem cell derived hepatic endoderm cells was assessed. Altogether, 395 cell surface N‐glycoproteins were identified, represented by 1273 N‐glycopeptides. This study identified N‐glycoproteins that are not predicted to be localized to the cell surface and provides experimental data that assist in resolving ambiguous or incorrectly annotated transmembrane topology annotations. In a proof‐of‐concept analysis, combining these data with other cell surface proteome datasets is useful for identifying potentially cell type and lineage restricted markers and drug targets to advance the use of stem cell technologies for mechanistic developmental studies, disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine.
Optimising care for people with motor neurone disease
Authors: Buckland Danny
Published: December 2016

The prospects for patients with a diagnosis of motor neurone disease are bleak; the disease progresses rapidly, life expectancy is low and there is currently no cure. However, recent initiatives are helping to improve patients' quality of life through earlier diagnosis and optimising care.
Enstilar cutaneous foam for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: December 2016

Enstilar (calcipotriol and betamethasone) is a new cutaneous foam formulation recently launched for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis) in adults. This article discusses its place in therapy, efficacy and adverse effects.