bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of a Mobile Clinic in Improving Follow-up Eye Care for At-Risk Children
Authors: Diao Wei , Patel Jinali , Snitzer Melanie , Pond Michael , Rabinowitz Michael P. , Ceron Guadalupe , Bagley Krystal , Dennis Korinne , Weiner Rachel , Martinez-Helfman Sarah , Maria Kathleen Santa , Burke Brian , Aultman William B. , Levin Alex V.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

To investigate the potential of a mobile ophthalmic unit in the schoolyard to improve the follow-up rate for children who have failed an optometric in-school screening program. Previously, the optometric program made referrals to the center and only 53% of students attended the desired ophthalmology consultation.

Methods:

This was a cohort study of students conducted in elementary school lots in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The mobile ophthalmic unit visited schools where students with parental consent who needed examination had been identified by an in-school optometric vision care program.

Results:

A total of 132 students were referred by the optometric program, of whom 95 (72%) had complete signed consent forms. Eighty-two patients (62%, confidence interval: 54% to 70%) were successfully seen by the mobile unit. Compared to the historical rate of successful completion of ophthalmology consultation (53%), a statistically significant improvement in follow-up was noted (
P
= .036). On a Likert scale of 1 to 5, the mean school nurse satisfaction rating was 4.8.

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate the potential impact of mobile eye clinics at schools in connecting children with ophthalmic care.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53(6):344–348.]
Isolated Bilateral Lacrimal Gland Agenesis
Authors: AL-Ryalat Nosaiba T. , Ezzat Jumana W. , Ababneh Osama H. , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen S. , Al-Hadidy Azmy M.
Published: August 2016

A 5-year-old boy presented to the ophthalmology department complaining of absent tearing while crying. Slit-lamp examination showed decreased tear margin film with normal punctae. Orbit magnetic resonance imaging was done and showed bilateral absent lacrimal glands. This is the third case of isolated bilateral lacrimal gland agenesis in the literature.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53:e35–e38.]
Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Adult Onset Retinoblastoma in a 32-Year-Old Man
Authors: Magan Tejal , Khoo Chloe T. L. , Jabbour Pascal M. , Fuller Dwain G. , Shields Carol L.
Published: August 2016

A 32-year-old man with active unilateral group D retinoblastoma that was recurrent following external beam radiotherapy was treated with intra-arterial chemotherapy, leading to tumor regression. Additional plaque radiotherapy and intravitreal chemotherapy were required for complete control. Final visual acuity was 20/40. In selected cases, adult-onset retinoblastoma can be managed with intra-arterial chemotherapy.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53:e43–e46.]
The Evolution of Epigenetics: From Prokaryotes to Humans and Its Biological Consequences
Authors: Willbanks Amber , Leary Meghan , Greenshields Molly , Tyminski Camila , Heerboth Sarah , Lapinska Karolina , Haskins Kathryn , Sarkar Sibaji
Published: August 2016

The evolution process includes genetic alterations that started with prokaryotes and now continues in humans. A distinct difference between prokaryotic chromosomes and eukaryotic chromosomes involves histones. As evolution progressed, genetic alterations accumulated and a mechanism for gene selection developed. It was as if nature was experimenting to optimally utilize the gene pool without changing individual gene sequences. This mechanism is called epigenetics, as it is above the genome. Curiously, the mechanism of epigenetic regulation in prokaryotes is strikingly different from that in eukaryotes, mainly higher eukaryotes, like mammals. In fact, epigenetics plays a significant role in the conserved process of embryogenesis and human development. Malfunction of epigenetic regulation results in many types of undesirable effects, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. This review provides a comparative analysis and new insights into these aspects.
Factors Influencing the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Municipal Waste Management Expenditure
Authors: Soukopová Jana , Ochrana František , Klimovský Daniel , Mikušová Meričková Beáta
Published: August 2016

The study examines how selected factors influence the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal waste management expenditure. The analysis is based on research concerning municipalities in the Czech Republic (year 2014, N=365). Two research methods are used: a survey which generated qualitative data about the preferences of municipal representatives, and an econometric model. The obtained results are compared, and they show that they are complementary to each other. The most important factors are the price, quality of services and frequency of services. This finding indicates the validity of our assumption based on the idea of value for money.
The Theories of Non-profits: A Reality Check from Slovakia
Authors: Murray Svidroňová Mária , Vaceková Gabriela , Valentinov Vladislav
Published: August 2016

The goal of the paper is to analyze the economic determinants of the non-profit sector in Slovakia. In contrast to the neoclassical market failure approach, we build on the institutionalist and systems-theoretic framework that draws attention to the shortcomings of the dominant institutional structures of the private for-profit and public sectors. Utilizing a representative survey of 60 nonprofits, we identify their key characteristics and single out the “supply-side” and “interdependence” theories as their most useful explanations. These results accentuate the role of nonprofits in realizing societal values, while taking account of institutional complementarities, regional variations, and legal peculiarities.
Regional Tourism Indicators and Smart Specialization Strategy
Authors: Brumen Boštjan , Gorenak Mitja , Rosi Maja , Rangus Marjetka
Published: August 2016

National and local governments are harmonizing the regional policies to enable balanced development of regions. Related research is questioning whether priority should be given to information and communication technologies in the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy in a regional level. The objective of this article is to find out whether ICTs have any impact on key tourism statistical performance indicators. Such an impact would justify the priority of ICT in regional policies. 2.181 tourism industry entities were checked for web presence; the region of the entity’s activity was recorded. The correlation between the on-line presence and the key statistical indicators was analyzed. Only 655 (30 %) are present on the Internet by a means of a web page. There is a strong positive correlation (τb=0,656, p
Concentrating or Centralising Public Services? The Changing Roles of the Hungarian Inter-municipal Associations in the last Decades
Authors: Hoffman István , Fazekas János , Rozsnyai Krisztina
Published: August 2016

The article reviews the transformation of the roles of municipalities, inter-municipal associations and the central government in the light of local public services. Firstly, theoretical and international backgrounds of the topic are shown. Secondly, the article presents the changing roles of Hungarian municipalities and inter-municipal associations in the field of local public services and administration. Here, a tendency of concentration can be observed from the disintegration in the early 1990s up until now. Thirdly, the outcome of the transition from a decentralised to a centralised system is analysed, i.e. the nationalisation and centralised administration of the former municipal local services.
Taxes on Communal Waste in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia
Authors: Radvan Michal
Published: August 2016

Waste management at the municipal level in almost all European countries is financed by local taxes, usually by special charges, sometimes by the property tax. This article deals with these possibilities. The main goal of this paper is to confirm or refute the hypothesis that there should be one local tax (charge) and its revenue should be used for communal waste management. To achieve this goal, a critical analysis of existing legal regulation of taxes and/or charges on communal waste and a comparison of existing tax / charge schemes concerning communal waste in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland is used. Synthesis of the gained knowledge especially in the area of taxpayers, correction components and rates allows introducing the optimal system of legal regulation of communal waste taxation.
Patient Education for Consumer-Mediated HIE
Authors: Klein Dawn , Witry Matthew , Klutts J. , Hill Elaine , Alexander Bruce , Nazi Kim , Turvey Carolyn
Published: August 2016

Consumer-mediated health information exchange (HIE) is one of the three types of HIE designated by the Office of the National Coordinator. HIE is intended to improve the quality of care while reducing cost, yet empirical support for this claim is mixed. Future research should identify the contexts whereby HIE is most effective.

This study was conducted as a pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial. In the intervention arm, 27 veterans were taught how to generate a Continuity of Care Document (CCD) within the Blue Button feature of their VA patient portal and were then asked to share it with their community non-VA provider. In the attention control condition, 25 Veterans were taught how to look up health information on the Internet. The impact of this training on the next non-VA medical visit was examined.

Nineteen (90%) veterans in the intervention arm shared their CCD with their non-VA provider as compared with 2 (17%) in the attention control arm (p<0.001). Both veterans and non-VA providers indicated high satisfaction with the CCD. Comparison of medical records between the VA and non-VA providers did not indicate improved medication reconciliation (p=0.72). If veterans shared their CCD prior to their non-VA providers ordering laboratory tests, the number of duplicate laboratories was significantly reduced (p=0.02).

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, training 52 veterans to share their CCD was feasible and accepted by both patients and providers. Sharing this document appeared to reduce duplicate laboratory draws, but did not have an impact on documented medication list concordance.

Citation: Turvey CL, Klein DM, Witry M, Klutts JS, Hill EL, Alexander B, Nazi KM. Patient education for consumer-mediated HIE: A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Department of Veterans Affairs Blue Button.
A model study of the pollution effects of the first 3 months of the
Holuhraun volcanic fissure: comparison with observations and air pollution
effects
Authors: Steensen Birthe Marie , Schulz Michael , Theys Nicolas , Fagerli Hilde
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The volcanic fissure at Holuhraun, Iceland started at the end of August 2014 and continued for 6 months to the end of February 2015, with an extensive lava flow onto the Holuhraun plain. This event was associated with large SO2 emissions, amounting up to approximately 4.5 times the daily anthropogenic SO2 emitted from the 28 European Union countries, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland. In this paper we present results from EMEP/MSC-W model simulations to which we added 750 kg s−1 SO2 emissions at the Holuhraun plain from September to November (SON), testing three different emission heights. The three simulated SO2 concentrations, weighted with the OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite averaging kernel, are found to be within 30 % of the satellite-observed SO2 column burden. Constraining the SO2 column burden with the satellite data while using the kernel along with the three simulated height distributions of SO2, we estimate that the median of the daily burdens may have been between 13 and 40 kt in the North Atlantic area under investigation. We suggest this to be the uncertainty in the satellite-derived burdens of SO2, mainly due to the unknown vertical distribution of SO2. Surface observations in Europe outside Iceland showed concentration increases up to > 500 µg m−3 SO2 from volcanic plumes passing. Three well identified episodes, where the plume crossed several countries, are compared in detail to surface measurements. For all events, the general timing of the observed concentration peaks compared quite well to the model results. The overall changes to the European SO2 budget due to the volcanic fissure are estimated. Three-monthly wet deposition (SON) of SOx in the 28 European Union countries, Norway and Switzerland is found to be more than 30 % higher in the model simulation with Holuhraun emissions compared to a model simulation with no Holuhraun emissions. The largest increases, apart from extreme values on Iceland, are found on the coast of northern Norway, a region with frequent precipitation during westerly winds. Over a 3-month average (during SON 2014) over Europe, SO2 and PM2.5 surface concentrations, due to the volcanic emissions, increased by only ten and 6 % respectively. Although the percent increase of PM2.5 concentration is highest over Scandinavia and Scotland, an increase in PM exceedance days is found over Ireland and the already polluted Benelux region (up to 3 additional days), where any small increase in particulate matter concentration leads to an increase in exceedance days.
Assessment of errors and biases in retrievals of XCO2, XCH4,
XCO, and XN2O from a 0.5 cm–1 resolution solar-viewing
spectrometer
Authors: Hedelius Jacob K. , Viatte Camille , Wunch Debra , Roehl Coleen M. , Toon Geoffrey C. , Chen Jia , Jones Taylor , Wofsy Steven C. , Franklin Jonathan E. , Parker Harrison , Dubey Manvendra K. , Wennberg Paul O.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Bruker™ EM27/SUN instruments are commercial mobile solar-viewing near-IR spectrometers. They show promise for expanding the global density of atmospheric column measurements of greenhouse gases and are being marketed for such applications. They have been shown to measure the same variations of atmospheric gases within a day as the high-resolution spectrometers of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). However, there is little known about the long-term precision and uncertainty budgets of EM27/SUN measurements. In this study, which includes a comparison of 186 measurement days spanning 11 months, we note that atmospheric variations of Xgas within a single day are well captured by these low-resolution instruments, but over several months, the measurements drift noticeably. We present comparisons between EM27/SUN instruments and the TCCON using GGG as the retrieval algorithm. In addition, we perform several tests to evaluate the robustness of the performance and determine the largest sources of errors from these spectrometers. We include comparisons of XCO2, XCH4, XCO, and XN2O. Specifically we note EM27/SUN biases for January 2015 of 0.03, 0.75, –0.12, and 2.43 % for XCO2, XCH4, XCO, and XN2O respectively, with 1σ running precisions of 0.08 and 0.06 % for XCO2 and XCH4 from measurements in Pasadena. We also identify significant error caused by nonlinear sensitivity when using an extended spectral range detector used to measure CO and N2O.
VISIR: technological infrastructure of an operational service for safe and efficient navigation in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mannarini Gianandrea , Turrisi Giuseppe , D'Anca Alessandro , Scalas Mario , Pinardi Nadia , Coppini Giovanni , Palermo Francesco , Carluccio Ivano , Scuro Matteo , Cretì Sergio , Lecci Rita , Nassisi Paola , Tedesco Luca
Published: August 2016

Abstract. VISIR (discoVerIng Safe and effIcient Routes) is an operational decision support system (DSS) for optimal ship routing designed and implemented in the frame of the TESSA (TEchnology for Situational Sea Awareness) project. The system is aimed to increase safety and efficiency of navigation through the use of forecast environmental fields and route optimization. VISIR can be accessed through a web interface (www.visir-nav.com) and mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices. This paper focuses on the technological infrastructure developed for operating VISIR as a DSS. Its main components are described, the performance of the operational system is assessed through experimental measurements, and a few case studies are presented.
El aprendizaje cooperativo como metodología para la formación por competencias en la carrera de Derecho
Authors: Pinto Sarmiento Yenny
Published: August 2016

La formación por competencias ha sido vista como una buena fórmula para mejorar la calidad del aprendizaje en los estudiantes, dado que se potencia su nivel de participación en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El artículo cuenta la experiencia llevada a cabo en el curso Derecho del Trabajo I, de la Universidad de Antofagasta, que se desarrolló bajo la metodología llamada de Aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP), que fomenta el aprendizaje cooperativo a través de la simulación de una situación de demanda laboral, para lo cual se dividió al curso entre demandantes, demandados y tribunal; debiendo cada grupo asignar roles y funciones hasta llegar a la audiencia de juicio.
Fibonacci beyond binary recursion
Authors: Wirth Michael A.
Published: August 2016

The Fibonacci series is a classical algorithm taught in computer science, usually implemented in some programming language. It is hard to find a programming textbook which doesn't touch on Fibonacci, and it's most common use is in the illustration of binary recursion. There are also many ways of tailoring the basic algorithm in order to implement it. This paper discusses some novel algorithms, which help address some of the limitations of binary recursion, but also illustrate how differing algorithms can be pedagogically beneficial. We introduce a simple algorithm for accurately calculating any Fibonacci number.
On a special class of generalized conics with infinitely many focal points
Authors: Nagy Ábris , Rábai Zsolt , Vincze Csaba
Published: August 2016

Let a continuous, piecewise smooth curve in the Euclidean space be given. We are going to investigate the surfaces formed by the vertices of generalized cones with such a curve as the common directrix and the same area. The basic geometric idea in the background is when the curve runs through the sides of a non-void triangle ABC. Then the sum of the areas of some triangles is constant for any point of such a surface. By the help of a growth condition we prove that these are convex compact surfaces in the space provided that the points A, B and C are not collinear. The next step is to introduce the general concept of awnings spanned by a curve. As an important example awnings spanned by a circle will be considered. Estimations for the volume of the convex hull will be also given.
Distributive Justice and the Fundamental Human Rights (Focusing on Rights to Healthy Environment)
Authors: Khosravi Hassan , Babaee Mojtaba
Published: August 2016

Justice is the ideal of human social life which can bestow the society order and stability and open up the way of sublimity. Resorting to the justice mechanisms, a peaceful collective community together with balance and equilibrium of different interests and conflicting wills become possible. Here the issue is the establishment of role of distributive justice in balance of general affairs of society along with acceptance of the notion of equal distribution of facilities, resources, rights and wealth among all people without any bias and prejudice and just because of intrinsic generosity of human kind in the first place, and establishment of the system of redistribution of resources for removing any practical injustice in society in the second place. Applying such theory has a direct relation with the preserving of the fundamental human rights through which the rights are distributed according to the being human and capabilities and virtues within a fair competition and in this way the threats to the fundamental human rights are decreased. The right of keeping a healthy environment can also be guaranteed under this theory.
Differential Mechanisms of Myocardial Conduction Slowing by Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Derived from Different Species
Authors: ten Sande Judith N. , Smit Nicoline W. , Parvizi Mojtaba , van Amersfoorth Shirley C.M. , Plantinga Josée A. , van Dessel Pascal F.H.M. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , Harmsen Marco C. , Coronel Ruben
Published: August 2016

Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic option to treat patients after myocardial infarction. However, the intramyocardial administration of large amounts of stem cells might generate a proarrhythmic substrate. Proarrhythmic effects can be explained by electrotonic and/or paracrine mechanisms. The narrow therapeutic time window for cell therapy and the presence of comorbidities limit the application of autologous cell therapy. The use of allogeneic or xenogeneic stem cells is a potential alternative to autologous cells, but differences in the proarrhythmic effects of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) across species are unknown. Using microelectrode arrays and microelectrode recordings, we obtained local unipolar electrograms and action potentials from monolayers of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) that were cocultured with rat, human, or pig ADSCs (rADSCs, hADSCs, pADSCs, respectively). Monolayers of NRVMs were cultured in the respective conditioned medium to investigate paracrine effects. We observed significant conduction slowing in all cardiomyocyte cultures containing ADSCs, independent of species used (p < .01). All cocultures were depolarized compared with controls (p < .01). Only conditioned medium taken from cocultures with pADSCs and applied to NRVM monolayers demonstrated similar electrophysiological changes as the corresponding cocultures. We have shown that independent of species used, ADSCs cause conduction slowing in monolayers of NRVMs. In addition, pADSCs exert conduction slowing mainly by a paracrine effect, whereas the influence on conduction by hADSCs and rADSCs is preferentially by electrotonic interaction.
Migratory and adhesive cues controlling innate-like lymphocyte surveillance of the pathogen-exposed surface of the lymph node
Authors: Zhang Yang , Roth Theodore L , Gray Elizabeth E , Chen Hsin , Rodda Lauren B , Liang Yin , Ventura Patrick , Villeda Saul , Crocker Paul R , Cyster Jason G
Published: August 2016

Lymph nodes (LNs) contain innate-like lymphocytes that survey the subcapsular sinus (SCS) and associated macrophages for pathogen entry. The factors promoting this surveillance behavior have not been defined. Here, we report that IL7RhiCcr6+ lymphocytes in mouse LNs rapidly produce IL17 upon bacterial and fungal challenge. We show that these innate-like lymphocytes are mostly LN resident. Ccr6 is required for their accumulation near the SCS and for efficient IL17 induction. Migration into the SCS intrinsically requires S1pr1, whereas movement from the sinus into the parenchyma involves the integrin LFA1 and its ligand ICAM1. CD169, a sialic acid-binding lectin, helps retain the cells within the sinus, preventing their loss in lymph flow. These findings establish a role for Ccr6 in augmenting innate-like lymphocyte responses to lymph-borne pathogens, and they define requirements for cell movement between parenchyma and SCS in what we speculate is a program of immune surveillance that helps achieve LN barrier immunity.
Gating of reafference in the external cuneate nucleus during self-generated movements in wake but not sleep
Authors: Tiriac Alexandre , Blumberg Mark S
Published: August 2016

Nervous systems distinguish between self- and other-generated movements by monitoring discrepancies between planned and performed actions. To do so, corollary discharges are conveyed to sensory areas and gate expected reafference. Such gating is observed in neonatal rats during wake-related movements. In contrast, twitches, which are self-generated movements produced during active (or REM) sleep, differ from wake movements in that they reliably trigger robust neural activity. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the gating actions of corollary discharge are absent during twitching. Here, we identify the external cuneate nucleus (ECN), which processes sensory input from the forelimbs, as a site of movement-dependent sensory gating during wake. Whereas pharmacological disinhibition of the ECN unmasked wake-related reafference, twitch-related reafference was unaffected. This is the first demonstration of a neural comparator that is differentially engaged depending on the kind of movement produced. This mechanism explains how twitches, although self-generated, trigger abundant reafferent activation of sensorimotor circuits in the developing brain.
Cafeteria diet induce changes in blood flow that are more related with heat dissipation than energy accretion
Authors: Sabater David , Agnelli Silvia , Arriarán Sofía , Romero María del Mar , Fernández-López José Antonio , Alemany Marià , Remesar Xavier
Published: August 2016

Background.A “cafeteria” diet is a self-selected high-fat diet, providing an excess of energy, which can induce obesity. Excess of lipids in the diet hampers glucose utilization eliciting insulin resistance, which, further limits amino acid oxidation for energy.

Methods.Male Wistar rats were exposed for a month to “cafeteria” diet. Rats were cannulated and fluorescent microspheres were used to determine blood flow.

Results.Exposure to the cafeteria diet did not change cardiac output, but there was a marked shift in organ irrigation. Skin blood flow decreased to compensate increases in lungs and heart. Blood flow through adipose tissue tended to increase in relation to controls, but was considerably increased in brown adipose tissue (on a weight basis).

Discussion.The results suggest that the cafeteria diet-induced changes were related to heat transfer and disposal.
Experimental evidence for melt partitioning between olivine and orthopyroxene in partially molten harzburgite
Authors: Miller Kevin J. , Zhu Wen‐lu , Montési Laurent G. J. , Gaetani Glenn A. , Le Roux Véronique , Xiao Xianghui
Published: August 2016

Observations of dunite channels in ophiolites and uranium series disequilibria in mid‐ocean ridge basalt suggest that melt transport in the upper mantle beneath mid‐ocean ridges is strongly channelized. We present experimental evidence that spatial variations in mineralogy can also focus melt on the grain scale. This lithologic melt partitioning, which results from differences in the interfacial energies associated with olivine‐melt and orthopyroxene‐melt boundaries, may complement other melt focusing mechanisms in the upper mantle such as mechanical shear and pyroxene dissolution. We document here lithologic melt partitioning in olivine‐/orthopyroxene‐basaltic melt samples containing nominal olivine to orthopyroxene ratio of 3 to 2 and melt fractions of 0.02 to 0.20. Experimental samples were imaged using synchrotron‐based X‐ray microcomputed tomography at a resolution of 700 nm per voxel. By analyzing the local melt fraction distributions associated with olivine and orthopyroxene grains in each sample, we found that the melt partitioning coefficient, i.e., the ratio of melt fraction around olivine to that around orthopyroxene grains, varies between 1.1 and 1.6. The permeability and electrical conductivity of our digital samples were estimated using numerical models and compared to those of samples containing only olivine and basaltic melt. Our results suggest that lithologic melt partitioning and preferential localization of melt around olivine grains might play a role in melt focusing, potentially enhancing average melt ascent velocities.
Geochemistry of the Black Sea during the last 15 kyr: A protracted evolution of its hydrography and ecology
Authors: Piper D. Z.
Published: August 2016

The Black Sea is a 2200 m deep anoxic, marine sea connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the Dardanelles Strait, Marmara Sea, and the 3 km wide, 35 m deep Bosphorus Strait. The biogeochemistry of sediment from the Anatolia slope has recorded changes to the hydrography leading up to and following the input of Mediterranean water at ~9.4 ka (103 years B.P.), when global sea level rose to the level of the Bosphorus sill and high‐salinity water from the Mediterranean began to spill into the then brackish lake. The water initially mixed little with the lake water but cascaded to the bottom where it remained essentially isolated for ~1.6 kyr, the time required to fill the basin from the bottom up at its present input rate. The accumulation of Mo in the seafloor sediments, a proxy of bottom‐water anoxia, increased sharply at ~8.6 ka, when bacterial respiration in the bottom water advanced to SO42− reduction by the oxidation of organic detritus that settled out of the photic zone. Its accumulation remained elevated to ~5.6 ka, when it decreased 60%, only to again increase slightly at ~2.0 ka. The accumulation of Corg, a proxy of primary productivity, increased threefold to fourfold at ~7.8 ka, when upward mixing of the high‐salinity bottom water replaced the then thin veneer of the brackish photic zone in less than 50 years. From that time onward, the accumulation of Corg, Mo, and additional trace metals has reflected the hydrography of the basin and Bosphorus Strait, controlled largely by climate.
Mutation of orthologous prickle genes causes a similar epilepsy syndrome in flies and humans
Authors: Ehaideb Salleh N. , Wignall Elizabeth A. , Kasuya Junko , Evans William H. , Iyengar Atulya , Koerselman Haley L. , Lilienthal Anthony J. , Bassuk Alexander G. , Kitamoto Toshihiro , Manak J. Robert
Published: August 2016

Objective

Genetically tractable fruit flies have been used for decades to study seizure disorders. However, there is a paucity of data specifically correlating fly and human seizure phenotypes. We have previously shown that mutation of orthologous PRICKLE genes from flies to humans produce seizures. This study aimed to determine whether the prickle‐mediated seizure phenotypes in flies closely parallel the epilepsy syndrome found in PRICKLE patients.

Methods

Virtually all fly seizure studies have relied upon characterizing seizures that are evoked. We have developed two novel approaches to more precisely characterize seizure‐related phenotypes in their native state in prickle mutant flies. First, we used high‐resolution videography to document spontaneous, unprovoked seizure events. Second, we developed a locomotion coordination assay to assess whether the prickle mutant flies were ataxic. Third, we treated the mutant flies with levetiracetam to determine whether the behavioral phenotypes could be suppressed by a common antiepileptic drug.

Results

We find that the prickle mutant flies exhibit myoclonic‐like spontaneous seizure events and are severely ataxic. Both these phenotypes are found in human patients with PRICKLE mutations, and can be suppressed by levetiracetam, providing evidence that the phenotypes are due to neurological dysfunction. These results document for the first time spontaneous, unprovoked seizure events at high resolution in a fly human seizure disorder model, capturing seizures in their native state.

Interpretation

Collectively, these data underscore the striking similarities between the fly and human PRICKLE‐mediated epilepsy syndromes, and provide a genetically tractable model for dissecting the underlying causes of the human syndromic phenotypes.
Generalized Hyperalgesia in Children and Adults Diagnosed With Hypermobility Syndrome and Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type: A Discriminative Analysis
Authors: Scheper M. C. , Pacey V. , Rombaut L. , Adams R. D. , Tofts L. , Calders P. , Nicholson L. L. , Engelbert R. H. H.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Lowered pressure‐pain thresholds have been demonstrated in adults with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (EDS‐HT), but whether these findings are also present in children is unclear. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to determine whether generalized hyperalgesia is present in children with hypermobility syndrome (HMS)/EDS‐HT, explore potential differences in pressure‐pain thresholds between children and adults with HMS/EDS‐HT, and determine the discriminative value of generalized hyperalgesia.

Methods

Patients were classified in 1 of 3 groups: HMS/EDS‐HT, hypermobile (Beighton score ≥4 of 9), and healthy controls. Descriptive data of age, sex, body mass index, Beighton score, skin laxity, and medication usage were collected. Generalized hyperalgesia was quantified by the average pressure‐pain thresholds collected from 12 locations. Confounders collected were pain locations/intensity, fatigue, and psychological distress. Comparisons between children with HMS/EDS‐HT and normative values, between children and adults with HMS/EDS‐HT, and corrected confounders were analyzed with multivariate analysis of covariance. The discriminative value of generalized hyperalgesia employed to differentiate between HMS/EDS‐HT, hypermobility, and controls was quantified with logistic regression.

Results

Significantly lower pressure‐pain thresholds were found in children with HMS/EDS‐HT compared to normative values (range −22.0% to −59.0%; P ≤ 0.05). When applying a threshold of 30.8 N/cm2 for males and 29.0 N/cm2 for females, the presence of generalized hyperalgesia discriminated between individuals with HMS/EDS‐HT, hypermobility, and healthy controls (odds ratio 6.0).

Conclusion

Children and adults with HMS/EDS‐HT are characterized by hypermobility, chronic pain, and generalized hyperalgesia. The presence of generalized hyperalgesia may indicate involvement of the central nervous system in the development of chronic pain.
Ustekinumab Treatment and Improvement of Physical Function and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Rahman Proton , Puig Lluis , Gottlieb Alice B. , Kavanaugh Arthur , McInnes Iain B. , Ritchlin Christopher , Li Shu , Wang Yuhua , Song Michael , Mendelsohn Alan , Han Chenglong ,   on behalf of the PSUMMIT 1 and 2 Study Groups
Published: August 2016

Objective

To examine the effects of ustekinumab on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in PSUMMIT 1 and PSUMMIT 2 patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were methotrexate (MTX) naive, MTX experienced, or anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) experienced.

Methods

Patients in the phase 3, PSUMMIT 1 (n = 615) and PSUMMIT 2 (n = 312) studies randomly (1:1:1) received placebo, ustekinumab 45‐mg, or ustekinumab 90‐mg subcutaneous injections at weeks 0, 4, 16, 28, 40, and 52. The PROs (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] disability index [DI], Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], 36‐Item Short Form [SF‐36] health survey physical (PCS) and mental component summary scores, patient assessments of pain and disease activity, and impact of disease on productivity) were assessed at weeks 0, 24, and 52. In these post hoc analyses, outcomes were compared between the ustekinumab and placebo groups for 3 mutually exclusive antecedent‐exposure populations from the combined studies: MTX/anti‐TNF naive (placebo, n = 56; 45 mg, n = 58; and 90 mg, n = 66), MTX experienced, biologic agent naive (placebo, n = 192; 45 mg, n = 190; and 90 mg, n = 185), and anti‐TNF experienced with or without MTX (placebo, n = 62; 45 mg, n = 60; and 90 mg, n = 58).

Results

At week 24, mean improvements from baseline in HAQ DI, DLQI, and SF‐36 PCS scores were significantly greater in both ustekinumab groups versus placebo across antecedent‐exposure groups. Greater proportions of ustekinumab‐treated than placebo‐treated patients (all P < 0.05) had clinically meaningful improvements in HAQ DI (≥0.3), DLQI (≥5), and SF‐36 (≥5) scores at week 24, irrespective of drug exposure. Improvements in pain, disease activity, and impact of disease on productivity were similar, and benefits were maintained through week 52.

Conclusion

Significant improvements in PROs with ustekinumab versus placebo were observed in 3 antecedent‐exposure populations of PsA patients, including those with prior MTX and anti‐TNF use.
Structural Engineering of Nano‐Grain Boundaries for Low‐Voltage UV‐Photodetectors with Gigantic Photo‐ to Dark‐Current Ratios
Authors: Nasiri Noushin , Bo Renheng , Chen Hongjun , White Thomas P. , Fu Lan , Tricoli Antonio
Published: August 2016

Ultraporous networks of ZnO nanoparticles (UNN) have recently been proposed as a highly performing morphology for portable ultraviolet light photodetectors. Here, it is shown that structural engineering of the nanoparticle grain boundaries can drastically enhance the performance of UNN photodetectors leading to gigantic photo to dark current ratios with operation voltages below 1 V. Ultraporous nanoparticle layers are fabricated by scalable low‐temperature deposition of flame‐made ZnO aerosols resulting in highly transparent layers with more than 95% visible light transmittance and 80% UV‐light absorption. Optimal thermally induced necking of the ZnO nanoparticles increased the photo‐ to dark‐current ratio, at a low light density of 86 μW cm−2, from 1.4 × 104 to 9.3 × 106, the highest so far reported. This is attributed to the optimal interplay of surface depletion and carrier conduction resulting in the formation of an open‐neck grain boundary morphology. These findings provide a robust set of guiding principles for the design and fabrication of nanoparticle‐based optoelectronic devices.
Bottom‐Up Synthesis of MeSx Nanodots for Optoelectronic Device Applications
Authors: Van Le Quyet , Nguyen Thang Phan , Park Minjoon , Sohn Woonbae , Jang Ho Won , Kim Soo Young
Published: August 2016

WSx and MoSx nanodots are synthesized from (NH4)2WS4 and (NH4)2MoS4 precursors using a solvothermal method, and applied to organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) as hole injection layers (HILs). The optical band gaps of WSx and MoSx nanodots are 3.55 and 3.1 eV, respectively, and these nanodots show their strongest photoluminescence (PL) emission at 438 and 436 nm. The work functions of the nanodots increased from 4.3–4.4 to 5.0–5.1 eV following ultraviolet/ozone (UVO) treatment. By sandwiching thin layers of UVO‐treated WSx and MoSx as HILs, the power conversion efficiency of OPVs dramatically increases from 1.51% to 3.0% and 2.95%, comparable to that of poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene‐sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) based devices (3.23%). This increased OPV efficiency is believed to come from the increased work function, large band gap, and PL properties of nanodots. The UVO‐MoSx based OLED shows a higher maximum luminance efficiency (14.7 cd A−1) compared to PEDOT:PSS based devices (13.1 cd A−1). In addition, this study confirms that the stabilities of the OPV and OLEDs in air can be prolonged by using UVO‐treated WSx or MoSx nanodots as HILs. These results demonstrate the great potential of synthesized WSx or MoSx nanodots for use as HILs in optoelectronic devices.
Enhancing the Angular Sensitivity of Plasmonic Sensors Using Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Sreekanth Kandammathe Valiyaveedu , Alapan Yunus , ElKabbash Mohamed , Wen Amy M. , Ilker Efe , Hinczewski Michael , Gurkan Umut A. , Steinmetz Nicole F. , Strangi Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors operate mainly on prism and grating coupling techniques, with spectral and angular scans being the two major interrogation schemes. Among them, the angular scan technique has several advantages including higher measurement precision owing to its higher signal‐to‐noise ratio. The currently available SPR sensor arrangements provide a maximum angular sensitivity of 500°–600° per RIU. Here, we report the study of grating coupled‐hyperbolic metamaterial (GC‐HMM) sensors with high angular sensitivity. The experimental studies show extraordinary angular sensitivities from visible to near infrared (NIR) wavelengths by exciting bulk plasmon polaritons associated with hyperbolic metamaterials, with a maximum of 7000° per RIU. This angular‐scan plasmonic biosensor has been used for the detection of low molecular weight biomolecules such as biotin (244 Da) and high molecular weight macromolecules such as Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV, 5.6 × 106 Da) at ultralow concentrations. The miniaturized sensing device can be integrated with microfluidic systems for the development of next‐generation biosensors for lab‐on‐a‐chip and point‐of‐care applications.
Performance Upper Limit of sub‐10 nm Monolayer MoS2 Transistors
Authors: Ni Zeyuan , Ye Meng , Ma Jianhua , Wang Yangyang , Quhe Ruge , Zheng Jiaxin , Dai Lun , Yu Dapeng , Shi Junjie , Yang Jinbo , Watanabe Satoshi , Lu Jing
Published: August 2016

Field‐effect transistors (FETs) fabricated with monolayer (ML) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have shown promising potential as a candidate of next‐generation nanoelectronic devices. The first first‐principles quantum transport investigation of the ballistic performance upper limit of sub‐10 nm ML MoS2 FETs with Ti electrode is provided. An extraordinary small subthreshold swing is obtained by taking advantage of a dual gate (DG) configuration. The ballistic performance upper limits of the sub‐10 nm ML MoS2 DGFETs are comparable with the best existing sub‐10 nm advanced silicon FETs. The 10 nm ML MoS2 DGFET can satisfy 35% and 54% requirement of the on‐state current of high performance and low power FETs of the next decade in the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors 2013, respectively.
Adsorptive cyclic purification process for CO2 mixtures captured from coal power plants
Authors: Kim Yo‐Han , Kim Jae‐Jeong , Lee Chang‐Ha
Published: August 2016

CO2 capture technology combined with bulk separation and purification processes has become an attractive alternative to reduce capture costs. Furthermore, the required purity in the application for CO2 conversion and utilization is more stringent than that required from a captured CO2 mixture for geological storage. In this study, an adsorptive cyclic purification process was developed to upgrade a CO2/N2 mixture captured from greenhouse gas emission plants as a feasibility study for a second capture unit or captured CO2 purifier. To purify 90% CO2 with balance N2 as a captured gas mixture, two‐bed pressure swing adsorption and pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) processes using activated carbon were experimentally and theoretically studied at adsorption pressures of 250–650 kPa and a fixed vacuum pressure of 50 kPa. CO2 with higher than 95% purity was produced with more than 89% recovery. However, a four‐bed PVSA process could successfully produce CO2 with greater than 98% purity and 90% recovery. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1051–1063, 2017
Review of the important challenges and opportunities related to modeling of mammalian cell bioreactors
Authors: Farzan Parham , Mistry Biren , Ierapetritou Marianthi G.
Published: August 2016

Industrialization of mammalian cell culture has been achieved by integrating knowledge from several applying core concepts of chemical engineering, cellular and molecular biology, and biochemistry. Modeling has been applied to biological and physical processes to gain additional insights into such processes. This article covers modeling of the bioreactor and metabolic processes as it applies to bioprocess. Hydrodynamics of a bioreactor is briefly described while additional focus is given to gas‐liquid mass transfer. Biological modeling is presented in the order of increasing complexity. First steady state models are presented followed by dynamic models, cybernetic models, and finally bioreactor integrated models. The closing discussion summarizes challenges of implementation of model‐based approaches in the biopharmaceutical industry. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 398–408, 2017
Rheology of cubic particles in a concentrated colloidal dispersion suspending medium
Authors: Cwalina Colin D. , Harrison Kelsey J. , Wagner Norman J.
Published: August 2016

The flow behavior of mixtures of micron‐sized cubic particles suspended in a concentrated colloidal dispersion is investigated across a broad range of cubic particle concentrations. In the semi‐dilute regime, the qualitative shape of the dynamic moduli and flow curves reflect those of the underlying colloidal dispersion medium. These curves are superimposed with the underlying colloidal dispersion using shift factors that are found to be larger than those obtained in a recent study of suspensions of non‐colloidal spherical particles in the same colloidal dispersion medium. At higher concentrations of cubic particles, deviations from this shifting procedure are apparent. Scaling calculations suggest depletion interactions are responsible for the increase in the low shear viscosity and confinement of the underlying colloidal dispersion can be expected to enhance the shear thickening behavior at high shear stresses. The results of this study provide guidance for formulating suspensions through control of particle shape and mixture concentration. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1091–1101, 2017
Analysis of cytokine gene polymorphisms in Mestizo and native populations from Mexico
Authors: Mendoza‐Carrera Francisco , Castro‐Martínez Xochitl Helga , Leal Caridad , Portilla‐de Buen Eliseo , Sánchez‐Corona José , Flores‐Martínez Silvia Esperanza , García‐Zapién Alejandra , Ramírez‐López Guadalupe , Gómez‐Espinel Irene , Báez‐Duarte Blanca Guadalupe , Zamora‐Ginez Irma , Velarde‐Félix Jesús Salvador , Guillermo Sánchez‐Zazueta Jorge
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To determine whether the well‐known genetic structure of the Mexican population observed with other multiallelic markers can be detected by analyzing functional polymorphisms of cytokine and other inflammatory‐response‐related genes.

Methods

A total of 834 Mestizo individuals from five Mexican cities and 92 Lacandonians – an Amerindian group from southeastern Mexico – were genotyped for 14 polymorphisms in the CRP, IL10, IL6, TGFB1, TNFA, LTA, ICAM1 IFNG, and IL1RN genes. Allele and haplotype frequencies were used for genetic structure analysis using F–statistics pairwise distances and multidimensional scaling plot. Ancestry analysis was performed, as well.

Results

Significant interpopulational differences at the allele and haplotype frequency level were observed, mainly between Northern (Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Culiacan) and Southern (Tierra Blanca and Puebla) Mexican populations. Also, low but significant substructure was detected between some populations from these two broad regions. Interestingly, both Lacandonian populations were highly differentiated from each other and with respect to Mestizos. Consistent with previous data, Amerindian ancestry in the Southern Mexican groups was higher compared to Northern ones.

Conclusions

The Mexican population exhibits regional differences in functional polymorphisms of inflammatory‐response genes, as observed for other genetic markers. This information constitutes a reference for epidemiological studies that include these genetic markers to assess the susceptibility of the Mexican population to several immune‐response‐related diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and renal disease, which have been shown to be common in the Mexican population but with prevalence differences within this country.