bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic BRAF disrupts thyroid morphogenesis and function via twist expression
Authors: Anelli Viviana , Villefranc Jacques A , Chhangawala Sagar , Martinez-McFaline Raul , Riva Eleonora , Nguyen Anvy , Verma Akanksha , Bareja Rohan , Chen Zhengming , Scognamiglio Theresa , Elemento Olivier , Houvras Yariv
Published: March 2017

Thyroid cancer is common, yet the sequence of alterations that promote tumor formation are incompletely understood. Here, we describe a novel model of thyroid carcinoma in zebrafish that reveals temporal changes due to BRAFV600E. Through the use of real-time in vivo imaging, we observe disruption in thyroid follicle structure that occurs early in thyroid development. Combinatorial treatment using BRAF and MEK inhibitors reversed the developmental effects induced by BRAFV600E. Adult zebrafish expressing BRAFV600E in thyrocytes developed invasive carcinoma. We identified a gene expression signature from zebrafish thyroid cancer that is predictive of disease-free survival in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Gene expression studies nominated TWIST2 as a key effector downstream of BRAF. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to genetically inactivate a TWIST2 orthologue, we suppressed the effects of BRAFV600E and restored thyroid morphology and hormone synthesis. These data suggest that expression of TWIST2 plays a role in an early step of BRAFV600E-mediated transformation.
Lotka-Volterra pairwise modeling fails to capture diverse pairwise microbial interactions
Authors: Momeni Babak , Xie Li , Shou Wenying
Published: March 2017

Pairwise models are commonly used to describe many-species communities. In these models, an individual receives additive fitness effects from pairwise interactions with each species in the community ('additivity assumption'). All pairwise interactions are typically represented by a single equation where parameters reflect signs and strengths of fitness effects ('universality assumption'). Here, we show that a single equation fails to qualitatively capture diverse pairwise microbial interactions. We build mechanistic reference models for two microbial species engaging in commonly-found chemical-mediated interactions, and attempt to derive pairwise models. Different equations are appropriate depending on whether a mediator is consumable or reusable, whether an interaction is mediated by one or more mediators, and sometimes even on quantitative details of the community (e.g. relative fitness of the two species, initial conditions). Our results, combined with potential violation of the additivity assumption in many-species communities, suggest that pairwise modeling will often fail to predict microbial dynamics.
Dual role for Jumu in the control of hematopoietic progenitors in the Drosophila lymph gland
Authors: Hao Yangguang , Jin Li Hua
Published: March 2017

The Drosophila lymph gland is a hematopoietic organ in which the maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cell fate relies on intrinsic factors and extensive interaction with cells within a microenvironment. The posterior signaling center (PSC) is required for maintaining the balance between progenitors and their differentiation into mature hemocytes. Moreover, some factors from the progenitors cell-autonomously control blood cell differentiation. Here, we show that Jumeau (Jumu), a member of the forkhead (Fkh) transcription factor family, controls hemocyte differentiation of lymph gland through multiple regulatory mechanisms. Jumu maintains the proper differentiation of prohemocytes by cell-autonomously regulating the expression of Col in medullary zone and by non-cell-autonomously preventing the generation of expanded PSC cells. Jumu can also cell-autonomously control the proliferation of PSC cells through positive regulation of dMyc expression. We also show that a deficiency of jumu throughout the lymph gland can induce the differentiation of lamellocytes via activating Toll signaling.
Status of marine turtle rehabilitation in Queensland
Authors: Flint Jaylene , Flint Mark , Limpus Colin James , Mills Paul
Published: March 2017

Rehabilitation of marine turtles in Queensland has multifaceted objectives. It treats individual animals, serves to educate the public, and contributes to conservation. We examined the outcome from rehabilitation, time in rehabilitation, and subsequent recapture and restranding rates of stranded marine turtles between 1996 and 2013 to determine if the benefits associated with this practice are cost-effective as a conservation tool. Of 13,854 marine turtles reported as stranded during this 18-year period, 5,022 of these turtles were stranded alive with the remainder verified as dead or of unknown condition. A total of 2,970 (59%) of these live strandings were transported to a rehabilitation facility. Overall, 1,173/2,970 (39%) turtles were released over 18 years, 101 of which were recaptured: 77 reported as restrandings (20 dead, 13 alive subsequently died, 11 alive subsequently euthanized, 33 alive) and 24 recaptured during normal marine turtle population monitoring or fishing activities. Of the turtles admitted to rehabilitation exhibiting signs of disease, 88% of them died, either unassisted or by euthanasia and 66% of turtles admitted for unknown causes of stranding died either unassisted or by euthanasia. All turtles recorded as having a buoyancy disorder with no other presenting problem or disorder recorded, were released alive. In Queensland, rehabilitation costs approximately $1,000 per animal per year admitted to a center, $2,583 per animal per year released, and $123,750 per animal per year for marine turtles which are presumably successfully returned to the functional population. This practice may not be economically viable in its present configuration, but may be more cost effective as a mobile response unit. Further there is certainly benefit giving individual turtles a chance at survival and educating the public in the perils facing marine turtles. As well, rehabilitation can provide insight into the diseases and environmental stressors causing stranding, arming researchers with information to mitigate negative impacts.
Efecto de las Creencias Esencialistas en las Estrategias de Consenso Intra-Grupal
Authors:   Universidad de Magallanes, Chile, Estrada Claudia , Yzerbyt Vincent ,   Université catholique de Louvain, Bélgica
Published: March 2017

Esta investigación se interesó en el efecto de las creencias esencialistas en el proceso de consenso al interior de un grupo. El esencialismo es la creencia en la existencia de una esencia subyacente a una categoría social (Medin, 1989). Estudiantes universitarios chilenos (N = 164) y belgas (N = 45), seleccionados mediante muestreo accidental, participaron en experimentos sobre la búsqueda de consenso. Ambos mostraron polarización grupal equivalente entre la condición experimental y control. El Experimento 1, que manipuló el esencialismo y se desarrolló en grupos de discusión, mostró que los participantes en la condición esencialista desarrollan una estrategia diferente para llegar al consenso. Esta estrategia consiste en que el consenso se logró buscando la posición grupal más cercana posible a cada una de las posiciones individuales iniciales. Estos resultados son confirmados en el Experimento 2, que se realizó individualmente en grupos virtuales. Se concluye que la percepción de pertenecer a un grupo esencialista acentúa la similitud entre sus miembros y aumenta la percepción de auto-representatividad de los mismos, influyendo en procesos de interacción intra-grupal.
Medical Students as Systems Ethnographers: Exploring Patient Experiences and Systems Vulnerabilities in the Emergency Department
Authors: Gonzalo Jed D. , Graaf Deanna , Kass Lawrence E. , Promes Susan B. , Wolpaw Daniel R. , George Daniel R.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The objectives were 1) to design systems ethnography roles for first‐year medical students that could enhance student learning with regard to healthcare systems, ethnography, and systems thinking and 2) to describe strategies for other education programs seeking to implement systems ethnography roles in clinical settings.

Methods

Fourteen medical students were educated about ethnography and systems thinking and linked with patients in the emergency department (ED) for 12 to 15 hours to observe patient experiences and clinical processes. Students submitted written assignments, participated in a debriefing exercise with ED and medical education leadership, and completed an electronic survey regarding educational benefits and perceived clinical value conferred to the ED using 5‐point Likert‐scale questions. Qualitative methods were used to analyze both students’ assignments and notes taken during the debriefing session, including small‐group report‐outs and discussions, and to identify vulnerabilities in the patient experience.

Results

Students identified one overarching theme of the patient experience—prolonged waiting in close proximity to the fast‐paced, hectic “world” of the ED. Four key categories of systems vulnerabilities were identified through student observations: 1) patient experience; 2) communication and collaboration; 3) processes, physical space, and resources; and 4) professionalism. Students reported improved appreciation for challenges experienced by patients (3.92/5), importance of communication between providers and patients (3.92/5), and improved understanding of the patient experience while receiving care (3.77/5).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate how innovative systems ethnography experiences for medical students can provide unique educational opportunities while at the same time adding value by highlighting shortcomings in the care environment that can be used for system improvement.
Beemer–Langer syndrome is a ciliopathy due to biallelic mutations in IFT122
Authors: Silveira Karina C. , Moreno Carolina A. , Cavalcanti Denise P.
Published: March 2017

Since most short‐rib polydactyly phenotypes are due to genes involved with biogenesis and maintenance of the primary cilium, this group of skeletal dysplasias was recently designated as ciliopathies with major skeletal involvement. Beemer–Langer syndrome or short‐rib polydactyly type IV, was first described in 1983, and has, thus far, remained without a defined molecular basis. The most recent classification of the skeletal dysplasias referred to this phenotype as an as‐yet unproven ciliopathy. IFT122 is a gene that encodes a protein responsible for the retrograde transport along the cilium; it has been associated with this group of skeletal dysplasias. To date, mutations in this gene were only found in Sensenbrenner syndrome. Using a panel of skeletal dysplasias genes, including 11 related to SRP, we identified biallelic mutations in IFT122 ([c.3184G>C];[c.3228dupG;c.3231_3233delCAT]) in a fetus with a typical phenotype of SRP‐IV, finally confirmed that this phenotype is a ciliopathy and adding to the list of ciliopathies with major skeletal involvement.
Population‐Specific Resequencing Associates the ATP‐Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 4 Gene With Gout in New Zealand Māori and Pacific Men
Authors: Tanner Callum , Boocock James , Stahl Eli A. , Dobbyn Amanda , Mandal Asim K. , Cadzow Murray , Phipps‐Green Amanda J. , Topless Ruth K. , Hindmarsh Jennie Harré , Stamp Lisa K. , Dalbeth Nicola , Choi Hyon K. , Mount David B. , Merriman Tony R.
Published: March 2017

Objective

There is no evidence for a genetic association between organic anion transporters 1–3 (SLC22A6, SLC22A7, and SLC22A8) and multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4; encoded by ABCC4) with the levels of serum urate or gout. The Māori and Pacific (Polynesian) population of New Zealand has the highest prevalence of gout worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine whether any Polynesian population–specific genetic variants in SLC22A6–8 and ABCC4 are associated with gout.

Methods

All participants had ≥3 self‐reported Māori and/or Pacific grandparents. Among the total sample set of 1,808 participants, 191 hyperuricemic and 202 normouricemic individuals were resequenced over the 4 genes, and the remaining 1,415 individuals were used for replication. Regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, and Polynesian ancestry. To study the functional effect of nonsynonymous variants of ABCC4, transport assays were performed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Results

A total of 39 common variants were detected, with an ABCC4 variant (rs4148500) significantly associated with hyperuricemia and gout. This variant was monomorphic for the urate‐lowering allele in Europeans. There was evidence for an association of rs4148500 with gout in the resequenced samples (odds ratio [OR] 1.62 [P = 0.012]) that was replicated (OR 1.25 [P = 0.033]) and restricted to men (OR 1.43 [P = 0.001] versus OR 0.98 [P = 0.89] in women). The gout risk allele was associated with fractional excretion of uric acid in male individuals (β = −0.570 [P = 0.01]). A rare population‐specific allele (P1036L) with predicted strong functional consequence reduced the uric acid transport activity of ABCC4 by 30%.

Conclusion

An association between ABCC4 and gout and fractional excretion of uric acid is consistent with the established role of MRP4 as a unidirectional renal uric acid efflux pump.
Field implementation feasibility study of cumulative travel‐time responsive (CTR) traffic signal control algorithm
Authors: Choi Saerona , Park Byungkyu Brian , Lee Joyoung , Lee Haengju , Son Sang Hyuk
Published: March 2017

The cumulative travel‐time responsive (CTR) algorithm determines optimal green split for the next time interval by identifying the maximum cumulative travel time (CTT) estimated under the connected vehicle environment. This paper enhanced the CTR algorithm and evaluated its performance to verify a feasibility of field implementation in a near future. Standard Kalman filter (SKF) and adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) were applied to estimate CTT for each phase in the CTR algorithm. In addition, traffic demand, market penetration rate (MPR), and data availability were considered to evaluate the CTR algorithm's performance. An intersection in the Northern Virginia connected vehicle test bed is selected for a case study and evaluated within vissim and hardware in the loop simulations. As expected, the CTR algorithm's performance depends on MPR because the information collected from connected vehicle is a key enabling factor of the CTR algorithm. However, this paper found that the MPR requirement of the CTR algorithm could be addressed (i) when the data are collected from both connected vehicle and the infrastructure sensors and (ii) when the AKF is adopted. The minimum required MPRs to outperform the actuated traffic signal control were empirically found for each prediction technique (i.e., 30% for the SKF and 20% for the AKF) and data availability. Even without the infrastructure sensors, the CTR algorithm could be implemented at an intersection with high traffic demand and 50–60% MPR. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the field implementation of the CTR algorithm to improve the traffic network performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rational Method for Improving the Performance of Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries: Coating the Separator with Lithium Fluoride
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Peng , Dai Jianhui , Shen Xiu , Peng Yueying , Zhang Yiyong , Zhao Jinbao
Published: March 2017

Sulfur, as a cathode material in lithium−sulfur batteries, has a very high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh g−1, but there is still a large challenge, because of polysulfides’ (PSs) that cause a severe shuttle effect. To suppress this effect, a simple way of modifying separator by introducing lithium fluoride (LiF) as a coating layer was developed. Owing to the interaction between LiF and dimethoxymethane (DME, an electrolyte solvent), a dense and viscous sol layer was formed that suppresses PSs passing from the cathode to the anode. The presence of this layer was confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric, and scanning electron microscopy. The linear sweep voltammetry test had shown that the LiF‐coated separator had a wide electrochemical window above 5 V vs. Li/Li+, and the cell assembled with the LiF‐coated separator exhibited an excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention rate of 69.3%. Even without LiNO3 as an electrolyte additive, a high coulombic efficiency of 93% after 200 cycles at 0.2 C was achieved.
A framework for predicting impacts on ecosystem services from (sub)organismal responses to chemicals
Authors: Forbes Valery E. , Salice Chris J. , Birnir Bjorn , Bruins Randy J.F. , Calow Peter , Ducrot Virginie , Galic Nika , Garber Kristina , Harvey Bret C. , Jager Henriette , Kanarek Andrew , Pastorok Robert , Railsback Steve F. , Rebarber Richard , Thorbek Pernille
Published: March 2017

Protection of ecosystem services is increasingly emphasized as a risk-assessment goal, but there are wide gaps between current ecological risk-assessment endpoints and potential effects on services provided by ecosystems. The authors present a framework that links common ecotoxicological endpoints to chemical impacts on populations and communities and the ecosystem services that they provide. This framework builds on considerable advances in mechanistic effects models designed to span multiple levels of biological organization and account for various types of biological interactions and feedbacks. For illustration, the authors introduce 2 case studies that employ well-developed and validated mechanistic effects models: the inSTREAM individual-based model for fish populations and the AQUATOX ecosystem model. They also show how dynamic energy budget theory can provide a common currency for interpreting organism-level toxicity. They suggest that a framework based on mechanistic models that predict impacts on ecosystem services resulting from chemical exposure, combined with economic valuation, can provide a useful approach for informing environmental management. The authors highlight the potential benefits of using this framework as well as the challenges that will need to be addressed in future work. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:845–859. © 2017 SETAC
Defining surgical criteria for empty nose syndrome: Validation of the office‐based cotton test and clinical interpretability of the validated Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐Item Questionnaire
Authors: Thamboo Andrew , Velasquez Nathalia , Habib Al‐Rahim R. , Zarabanda David , Paknezhad Hassan , Nayak Jayakar V.
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The validated Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) identifies empty nose syndrome (ENS) patients. The unvalidated cotton test assesses improvement in ENS‐related symptoms. By first validating the cotton test using the ENS6Q, we define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) score for the ENS6Q.

Study Design

Individual case–control study.

Methods

Fifteen patients diagnosed with ENS and 18 controls with non‐ENS sinonasal conditions underwent office cotton placement. Both groups completed ENS6Q testing in three conditions—precotton, cotton in situ, and postcotton—to measure the reproducibility of ENS6Q scoring. Participants also completed a five‐item transition scale ranging from “much better” to “much worse” to rate subjective changes in nasal breathing with and without cotton placement. Mean changes for each transition point, and the ENS6Q MCID, were then calculated.

Results

In the precotton condition, significant differences (P < .001) in all ENS6Q questions between ENS and controls were noted. With cotton in situ, nearly all prior ENS6Q differences normalized between ENS and control patients. For ENS patients, the changes in the mean differences between the precotton and cotton in situ conditions compared to postcotton versus cotton in situ conditions were insignificant among individuals. Including all 33 participants, the mean change in the ENS6Q between the parameters “a little better” and “about the same” was 4.25 (standard deviation [SD] = 5.79) and −2.00 (SD = 3.70), giving an MCID of 6.25.

Conclusions

Cotton testing is a validated office test to assess for ENS patients. Cotton testing also helped to determine the MCID of the ENS6Q, which is a 7‐point change from the baseline ENS6Q score.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1746–1752, 2017
Revision and reannotation of the Halomonas elongata DSM 2581T genome
Authors: Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Bagyan Irina , Alfaro‐Espinoza Gabriela , Zamora‐Lagos Maria‐A. , Habermann Bianca , Marin‐Sanguino Alberto , Oesterhelt Dieter , Kunte Hans J.
Published: March 2017

The genome of the Halomonas elongata type strain DSM 2581, an industrial producer, was reevaluated using the Illumina HiSeq2500 technology. To resolve duplication‐associated ambiguities, PCR products were generated and sequenced. Outside of duplications, 72 sequence corrections were required, of which 24 were point mutations and 48 were indels of one or few bases. Most of these were associated with polynucleotide stretches (poly‐T stretch overestimated in 19 cases, poly‐C underestimated in 15 cases). These problems may be attributed to using 454 technology for original genome sequencing. On average, the original genome sequence had only one error in 56 kb. There were 23 frameshift error corrections in the 29 protein‐coding genes affected by sequence revision. The genome has been subjected to major reannotation in order to substantially increase the annotation quality.
A compact multiband antenna using λ/4 rectangular stub loaded with metamaterial for IEEE 802.11N and IEEE 802.16E
Authors: Ali Tanweer , Biradar Rajashekhar. C.
Published: March 2017

This research article describes a compact multiband antenna using λ/4 rectangular stub, loaded with metamaterial for the frequency bands 2.4, 3.5, and 5.8 GHz allocated to IEEE 802.11n (WLAN) and IEEE 802.16e (WiMAX) standards in wireless communication. Compactness, multiband, and impedance matching operations in the proposed design are accomplished by utilizing a rectangular microstrip patch, a novel metamaterial based split ring resonator (SRR), a λ/4 rectangular stub and a ground plane. The proposed SRR negative permeability retrieval mechanism is explained in detail. The electrical dimensions of the designed antenna are 0.206 λ0 × 0.174 λ0 (25 × 22 mm2) at lower resonating band (2.4 GHz) and fabricated on a widely available FR4 substrate having 4.4 as dielectric constant and 1.6 mm as thickness. The average gain of 2.58 dBi, good impedance matching, stable radiation characteristics with high co‐polarization value and return loss bandwidth of 13.7% (2.26–2.57 GHz), 10.09% (3.27–3.60 GHz) and 5.09% (5.69–5.98 GHz) are observed at the bands of operation when the antenna is fabricated and tested. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1000–1006, 2017
Atomic Transport at Charged Graphene: Why Hydrogen and Oxygen Are So Different
Authors: Nguyen Manh‐Thuong , Phong Pham Nam
Published: March 2017

Atoms on charged graphitic carbon surface are relevant to various electrochemical problems, understanding the adsorption and diffusion of adatoms under charging conditions is essential towards using graphene‐like materials in electrochemistry. Using density functional calculations, we show that electron or hole doped graphene can strongly change the mobility of H and O adsorbed atoms. Interestingly, charge doping affects the diffusion of H and O in opposite ways, namely, electron doping increases/reduces, while hole doping reduces/increases the diffusion barrier of H/O respectively. Specifically, on neutral graphene the diffusion barriers of H and O are 1.01 and 0.74 eV, which are, upon a hole doping level of +5.9 × 1013cm−2, 0.77 and 0.90 eV, and upon an electron doping level of −5.9 × 1013cm−2, 1.36 and 0.38 eV. Thus, within the harmonic transition state theory, at room temperature, the diffusion rate of O can be decreased or increased by 470 or 1 × 106times, while that of H can be increased or decreased by 1 × 104or 7 × 105times, respectively for the above hole or electron doping density. The difference between H and O atomic transport at charged graphene is interpreted in terms of the difference in geometric and bonding changes upon charge doping.
Lava Flow Transition in Pāhoehoe-Dominated Lower Pile of Deccan Traps from Manmad-Chandwad Area, Western Maharashtra
Authors: Sen Bibhas
Published: March 2017

Morphological evolution of classical pāhoehoe to transitional flow-type in a compound basalt flow occurring in the lower pile of Deccan traps is described here from the southern slope of Mesan Dongar in Manmad-Chandwad area, western part of Maharashtra plateau, India. The transitional flow lobes, largely identified as rubbly pāhoehoe-type, are characterized by a crust of breccias, with thickness ranging from 10 to 20 m. The breccia is generally a welded one and consists of mm to m-size, angular to sub-angular basaltic clasts that vary in vesiculation (vesicle size, shape and population). The crust, at times, is supported by an inner vesicular zone coherently developed above a persistent core that varies in thickness from 10 to 15 m. Base of these lobes is smooth, sparsely vesicular, without any basal breccia.

Many of the transitional lobes of Mesan Dongar, however, shared a few common morphological traits with slabby pāhoehoe and this inherent uncertainty in classifying them as rubbly pāhoehoe has been greatly reduced using the semi-quantitative tool of Keszthelyi (2002). Moreover, it is also proposed that this morphological evolution of flow lobes in Mesan Dongar represents a NW-SE trending, southerly propagating and at least four kilometre long flow-front of pāhoehoe lava. Identification of flow fronts is important, even in this ∼65 Ma old, dissected Deccan flood basalt province, as these can reveal vital information on flow dynamics, slope and cooling histories of individual flows/lobes.
High Heat Producing Radioactive Granites of Malani Igneous Suite at Northeast of Jodhpur, Northwestern India
Authors: Shrivastava K. L. , Ram Deva , Gaur Virendra
Published: March 2017

The Malani igneous suite, a terrain showing crustal formation as late as in Neoproterozoic, shows some pink and grey granites in the northeast of the desert city of Jodhpur, in northwestern, India. The average heat generation value of 15.925 HGU for these granites that is much higher than the average known value (3.8 HGU) for the continental crust has been reported here. The concentration of uranium determined is four times higher than the average continental crust. Thorium is still higher than U and K. The radioelement concentration (Ur) varies from 15.58 to 73.48 in the granites with an average of 45.671, clearly indicates a ‘hot crust’. Hence it is favourable for the formation of mineralization of HFS elements like, Nb, Ce, REE and U and Th, which need to be explored in the terrain as an economic deposit.
Metamorphosis of Marine Organic Matter in the Jurassic Deposits from Sharab Area, Taiz Governorate of Southwestern Yemen: Thermal Effect of Tertiary Volcanic Rocks
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Nasher Mukhtar A. , Saeed Shadi A. , Al-Hakame Hitham , Al-Moliki Tareq , Al-Sharabi Kholah Qaid
Published: March 2017

The Tertiary volcanic rocks are widely exposed in the Sharab area of Taiz Governorate, southwestern Yemen. The Jurassic calcareous shale and black limestone deposits collected closely to the Tertiary volcanic rocks were investigated to provide information regarding the thermal effects of Tertiary volcanic rocks on organic materials. The bulk geochemical results indicate that the analysed Jurassic deposits are organically lean with present-day TOC values less than 0.95% and very low HI values (< 50 mg HC/g TOC), with a predominantly Type IV kerogen (inert carbon). This is attributed to thermal effect on the original organic matter as indicated by high thermal maturity data, consistent with postmature to metagenesis stage. The present study also suggests that the high thermal maturity of the Jurassic marine deposits is due to the presence of the alkali basalts which have invaded the Jurassic rocks during late Oligocene to early Miocene (∼10 Ma). Thus, the heat flow caused by Tertiary basaltic rocks further increased the temperature level and led to metamorphosis of organic matter and converted it to graphitic materials (inert carbon).
Deep Earth Electrical Conductivity-Depth Profiles around African Geomagnetic Equator Using Solar Quiet Currents
Authors: Ugbor D. O. , Okeke F. N.
Published: March 2017

Electrical conductivity structure of the Earth’s deep interior has been successfully mapped out down to approximately 1500 km around the geomagnetic dip equatorial regions of Africa using solar quiet-day ionospheric currents. Spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) was employed in separating the internal and external field contributions to the solar quiet variations. Transfer function was used for each of the external and internal pairs to compute the conductivity-depth profile for the region. Calculated average electrical conductivity values were evidently higher than obtained in other parts of the world farther away from the geomagnetic equator. Sq current vortex foci are observed very close to the geomagnetic equator. Depth of penetration was greatly enhanced. Stations on latitudes less than 1° from the geomagnetic equator show higher electrical conductivity when compared with that situated more than 4° away from it at various corresponding depths. Evidence of discontinuities in the earth layers were also noted at some depths. Highly conductive layers were delineated around 400 km depth and beyond 1200 km.
Reservoir Characterization of Basal Sand Zone of Lower Goru Formation by Petrophysical Studies of Geophysical Logs
Authors: Hussain Mureed , Ahmed Nisar , Chun Wang Yan , Khalid Perveiz , Mahmood Azhar , Ahmad Sajid Rashid , Rasool Umair
Published: March 2017

The lower Indus basin is one of the largest hydrocarbon producing sedimentary basins in Pakistan. It is characterized by the presence of many hydrocarbon-bearing fields including clastic and carbonates proven reservoirs from the Cretaceous to the Eocene age. This study has been carried out in the Sanghar oil field to evaluate the hydrocarbon prospects of basal sand zone of lower Goru Formation of Cretaceous by using complete suite of geophysical logs of different wells. The analytical formation evaluation by using petrophysical studies and neutron-density crossplots unveils that litho-facies mainly comprising of sandstone. The hydrocarbons potentialities of the formation zone have been characterized through various isoparameteric maps such as gross reservoir and net pay thickness, net-to-gross ratio, total and effective porosity, shaliness, and water and hydrocarbons saturation. The evaluated petrophysical studies show that the reservoir has net pay zone of thickness range 5 to 10 m, net-to-gross ratio range of 0.17 to 0.75, effective porosity range of 07 to 12 %, shaliness range of 27 to 40 % and hydrocarbon saturation range of 12 to 31 %. However, in the net pay zone hydrocarbon saturation reaches up to 95%. The isoparametric charts of petrophysically derived parameters reveal the aerial distribution of hydrocarbons accumulation in basal sand unit of the lower Goru Formation which may be helpful for further exploration.
Driving restrictions in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and pacemakers
Authors: Watanabe Eiichi , Abe Haruhiko , Watanabe Shigeyuki
Published: March 2017

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) improve the survival in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. However, these patients have an ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that may cause harm to individuals and others when driving. Considerable disagreement exists about whether and when these patients should be allowed to resume driving after ICD therapies. This information is critical for the management decisions to avoid future potentially lethal incidents and unnecessary restrictions for ICD patients. The cardiac implantable device committee of the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society reassessed the risk of driving for ICD patients based on the literature and domestic data. We reviewed the driving restrictions of ICD patients in various regions and here present updated Japanese driving restrictions.
Medication and Supplement Use in Disability Football World Championships
Authors: Broman Daniel , Ahmed Osman Hassan , Tscholl Philippe M. , Weiler Richard
Published: March 2017

Background

Individuals with an impairment comprise more than 15% of the world's population, many of whom can benefit greatly from participation in sport. The provision of medical services in disability sport is a challenging area with a lack of scientific evidence. Given the positive impact that sport can have on the people with an impairment, it is vital that measures are taken to better understand the medical issues posed by disability sport. It is well established that medications and supplements are overused in sport, particularly within professional football, but there is no current evidence on medication or supplement use in elite disability football.

Objective

To examine and describe the use of medication and supplements in disability football, before and during international tournaments, and to identify the profile of substances used by category.

Design

Prospective, descriptive, cohort study.

Setting

International Blind Sport Association Football World Cup 2015 and the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football World Cup 2015.

Participants

Two hundred forty‐two elite‐level disability footballers, classified with B1 visual impairment or cerebral palsy.

Methods

Team clinicians were asked to document all medication and supplements taken in the 48 hours before each match.

Results

This study recorded the use of 1648 substances in 242 players, with more than one half (53.1%) classified as supplements. There was an overall rate of 1.26 substances used per player per match and a medication use rate of 0.59 medications per player per match. Seventy percent (170/242) of players reported using at least one substance per tournament, with 57.9% (140/242) using at least one prescribed medication (63.6% of players at International Blind Sports Association World Games and 57.7% of players at International Federation of Cerebral Palsy World Cup). The most commonly prescribed category of medications was nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, representing 39.3% of all reported medications.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential overuse of medication and supplements in disability football, particularly in the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. These trends are comparable to previous research in Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup competitions.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
From red cells to soft lubrication, an experimental study of lift generation inside a compressible porous layer
Authors: Gacka T. , Zhu Z. , Crawford R. , Nathan R. , Wu Q.
Published: March 2017

It is a new concept for porous media flow that a hydrodynamic lifting force is generated inside a highly compressible porous layer as a planing surface glides over it. The concept originated from the observation of the pop-out phenomena of red blood cells over the endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) lining the inner surface of our blood vessels (Feng & Weinbaum, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 422, 2000, pp. 282–317). In the current paper, we report an experimental study to examine this concept. A novel testing set-up was developed that consists of a running conveyer belt covered with a soft porous sheet, and a fully instrumented upper planar board, i.e. planing surface. The generation of pore pressure was observed and captured by pressure transducers when the planing surface glides over the porous sheet. Its distribution strongly depends on the relative velocity between the planing surface and the running belt, the mechanical and transport properties of the porous sheet as well as the compression ratios at the leading and trailing edges. The relative contribution of the transiently trapped air to the total lift was evaluated by comparing the pore pressure to the total lifting pressure measured by a load cell mounted between two adjacent pressure transducers. For a typical running condition with a polyester porous material ($k=h_{2}/h_{1}=5$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=h_{2}/h_{0}=1$, $U=3.8~\text{m}~\text{s}^{-1}$, where $h_{2}$, $h_{1}$, are the porous layer thickness at the leading and trailing edges, respectively; $h_{0}$ is the un-deformed porous layer thickness; and $U$ is the velocity of the running belt), over 68 % of the local lift is generated by the pore pressure. The results conclusively verified the validity of lift generation in a highly compressible porous layer as a planing surface glides over it. This study provides the foundation for the application of highly compressible porous media for soft lubrication with minimal frictional losses. It also sheds some light on the biophysics study of the EGL.
Convection from a line-source into a two-layer stratified ambient fluid
Authors: Ma Yongxing , Flynn M. R. , Sutherland Bruce R.
Published: March 2017

We experimentally investigate the behaviour of a line-source plume falling through a finite two-layer stratified ambient where the depth of the upper ambient layer increases in time. Laboratory observations suggest one of two possible flow regimes depending on the value of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$, which represents the relative loss of buoyancy experienced by the plume upon crossing the ambient interface. When $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}>1$, a classical filling-box-type flow is realized and plume fluid always reaches the bottom boundary. By contrast, when $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}<1$, we observe a transition by which an increasing fraction of plume fluid discharges along the interface. The approximate start time, $t_{v}$, and end time, $t_{t}$, of the transition process are well determined by $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$. After transition, the ambient density evolves to form a three-layer fluid with an intermediate layer that grows in time. Measured densities of the intermediate layer in experiments with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}<1$ are well predicted using plume theory. We further characterize the horizontal speed of the intrusion that forms along the ambient interface, the mass of solute present in the intermediate layer at time $t_{t}$ and the rate of descent of the intrusion level for $t>t_{t}$. The significance of our findings is discussed in the context of the ventilation of natural and hybrid ventilated buildings and of effluent discharge through marine outfall diffusers.
GOD THE JUDGE AND HUMAN JUSTICE
Authors: Beck Randy
Published: March 2017

The biblical authors often portray God as a royal judge who brings justice to a fallen creation. This portrayal analogizes God's role in governing humanity to the role played by judges in human legal systems. The divine judge, like human judges, investigates and evaluates conduct, measuring human acts against applicable laws. Like human judges, he fashions punishments and rewards to accomplish justice in light of the conduct disclosed.
Laser-generated plasmas by graphene nanoplatelets embedded into polyethylene
Authors: Torrisi L. , Ceccio G. , Restuccia N. , Messina E. , Gucciardi P. G. , Cutroneo M.
Published: March 2017

Graphene micrometric particles have been embedded into polyethylene at different concentrations by using chemical–physical processes. The synthesized material was characterized in terms of mechanical and optical properties, and Raman spectroscopy. Obtained targets were irradiated by using a Nd:YAG laser at intensities of the order of 1010 W/cm2 to generate non-equilibrium plasma expanding in vacuum. The laser–matter interaction produces charge separation effects with consequent acceleration of protons and carbon ions. Plasma was characterized using time-of-flight measurements of the accelerated ions. Applications of the produced targets in order to generate carbon and proton ion beams from laser-generated plasma are presented and discussed.
Engineered trivalent immunogen adjuvanted with a STING agonist confers protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Sanchez Alberti Andrés , Bivona Augusto E. , Cerny Natacha , Schulze Kai , Weißmann Sebastian , Ebensen Thomas , Morales Celina , Padilla Angel M. , Cazorla Silvia I. , Tarleton Rick L. , Guzmán Carlos A. , Malchiodi Emilio L.
Published: March 2017

The parasiteTrypanosoma cruziis the causative agent of Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening infection that represents a major health problem in Latin America. Several characteristics of this protozoan contribute to the lack of an effective vaccine, among them: its silent invasion mechanism,T. cruziantigen redundancy and immunodominance without protection. Taking into account these issues, we engineered Traspain, a chimeric antigen tailored to present a multivalent display of domains from key parasitic molecules, combined with stimulation of the STING pathway by c-di-AMP as a novel prophylactic strategy. This formulation proved to be effective for the priming of functional humoral responses and pathogen-specific CD8+and CD4+T cells, compatible with a Th1/Th17 bias. Interestingly, vaccine effectiveness assessed across the course of infection, showed a reduction in parasite load and chronic inflammation in different proof of concept assays. In conclusion, this approach represents a promising tool against parasitic chronic infections.
Synthesis of Thermoplastic Xylan-Lactide Copolymer with Amidine-Mediated Organocatalyst in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Wang Huihui , Liu Chuanfu , Zhang Aiping , Ren Junli
Published: March 2017

Ring-opening graft polymerization (ROGP) ofl-Lactide (l-LA) is a practical method of altering the physical and chemical properties of lignocellulose. Previous studies have mainly investigated cellulose and tin-based catalysts, particularly of tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (Sn(oct)2), at high temperatures and reported low graft efficiencies. In the present study, ROGP ofl-LA was successfully achieved on xylan-type hemicelluloses in ionic liquid (IL) 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) using 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as an effective organic catalyst. Mild reaction condition (50 °C) was used to limit transesterification, and thus enhance the graft efficiency. The hydroxyl groups on xylan acted as initiators in the polymerization, and DBU, enhanced the nucleophilicity of the initiator and the propagating chain. Xylan-graft-poly(l-Lactide) (xylan-g-PLA) copolymer with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.58 and a degree of polymerization (DP) of 5.51 was obtained. In addition, the structures of the xylan-g-PLA copolymers were characterized by GPC, FT-IR and NMR, confirming the success of the ROGP reaction. Thermal analysis revealed that the copolymers exhibited a single glass-transition temperature (Tg), which decreased with increasing molar substitution (MS). Thus, modification resulted in the graft copolymers with thermoplastic behavior and tunableTg.
Activity and connectivity changes of central projection areas revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging in NaV1.8-deficient mice upon cold signaling
Authors: Heindl-Erdmann C. , Zimmermann K. , Reeh P. , Brune K. , Hess A.
Published: March 2017

The voltage-gated sodium channel subtype NaV1.8 is expressed in the peripheral nervous system in primary afferent nociceptive C-fibers and is essential for noxious cold signaling. We utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging on NaV1.8-deficient (NaV1.8−/−) compared with wildtype (WT) mice to identify brain structures decoding noxious cold and/or heat signals. In NaV1.8−/− mice functional activity patterns, activated volumes and BOLD signal amplitudes are significantly reduced upon noxious cold stimulation whereas differences of noxious heat processing are less pronounced. Graph-theoretical analysis of the functional connectivity also shows dramatic alterations in noxious cold sensation in NaV1.8−/− mice and clearly reduced interactions between certain brain structures. In contrast, upon heat stimulation qualitatively quite the same functional connectivity pattern and consequently less prominent connectivity differences were observed between NaV1.8−/− and WT mice. Thus, the fact that NaV1.8−/− mice do not perceive nociceptive aspects of strong cooling in contrast to their WT littermates seems not only to be a pure peripheral phenomenon with diminished peripheral transmission, but also consists of upstream effects leading to altered subsequent nociceptive processing in the central nervous system and consequently altered connectivity between pain-relevant brain structures.
EEG-Based Cognitive Control Behaviour Assessment: an Ecological study with Professional Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Borghini Gianluca , Aricò Pietro , Di Flumeri Gianluca , Cartocci Giulia , Colosimo Alfredo , Bonelli Stefano , Golfetti Alessia , Imbert Jean Paul , Granger Géraud , Benhacene Railane , Pozzi Simone , Babiloni Fabio
Published: March 2017

Several models defining different types of cognitive human behaviour are available. For this work, we have selected the Skill, Rule and Knowledge (SRK) model proposed by Rasmussen in 1983. This model is currently broadly used in safety critical domains, such as the aviation. Nowadays, there are no tools able to assess at which level of cognitive control the operator is dealing with the considered task, that is if he/she is performing the task as an automated routine (skill level), as procedures-based activity (rule level), or as a problem-solving process (knowledge level). Several studies tried to model the SRK behaviours from a Human Factor perspective. Despite such studies, there are no evidences in which such behaviours have been evaluated from a neurophysiological point of view, for example, by considering brain activity variations across the different SRK levels. Therefore, the proposed study aimed to investigate the use of neurophysiological signals to assess the cognitive control behaviours accordingly to the SRK taxonomy. The results of the study, performed on 37 professional Air Traffic Controllers, demonstrated that specific brain features could characterize and discriminate the different SRK levels, therefore enabling an objective assessment of the degree of cognitive control behaviours in realistic settings.
Optimizing phase to enhance optical trap stiffness
Authors: Taylor Michael A.
Published: March 2017

Phase optimization offers promising capabilities in optical tweezers, allowing huge increases in the applied forces, trap stiff-ness, or measurement sensitivity. One key obstacle to potential applications is the lack of an efficient algorithm to compute an optimized phase profile, with enhanced trapping experiments relying on slow programs that would take up to a week to converge. Here we introduce an algorithm that reduces the wait from days to minutes. We characterize the achievable in-crease in trap stiffness and its dependence on particle size, refractive index, and optical polarization. We further show that phase-only control can achieve almost all of the enhancement possible with full wavefront shaping; for instance phase control allows 62 times higher trap stiffness for 10 μm silica spheres in water, while amplitude control and non-trivial polarization further increase this by 1.26 and 1.01 respectively. This algorithm will facilitate future applications in optical trapping, and more generally in wavefront optimization.
Correction: Corrigendum: Motivational, proteostatic and transcriptional deficits precede synapse loss, gliosis and neurodegeneration in the B6.HttQ111/+ model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Bragg Robert M. , Coffey Sydney R. , Weston Rory M. , Ament Seth A. , Cantle Jeffrey P. , Minnig Shawn , Funk Cory C. , Shuttleworth Dominic D. , Woods Emily L. , Sullivan Bonnie R. , Jones Lindsey , Glickenhaus Anne , Anderson John S. , Anderson Michael D. , Dunnett Stephen B. , Wheeler Vanessa C. , MacDonald Marcy E. , Brooks Simon P. , Price Nathan D. , Carroll Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41570; published online: 08 February 2017; updated: 28 March 2017 This Article contains a typographical error in the Methods section, under the subheading “Library construction, RNA Sequencing and RNASeq analysis”, where: “The fastq files were aligned using the default parameters of SNAPR50 (https://github.