bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Patients Presenting with Alcohol and/or Drug Intoxication on In-Event Health Care Services at Mass-Gathering Events: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Bullock Makayla , Ranse Jamie , Hutton Alison
Published: September 2018

Background

There is a growing body of literature relating to mass-gathering events. A common thread amongst this literature, particularly the literature relating to music festivals, is the incidence of patients presenting with substance and/or alcohol intoxication. However, the impact of alcohol and/or drugs on the provision of in-event health care services has not been explored in detail.

Aim

The goal of this review was to develop an understanding of the impact of alcohol and/or drugs on in-event health care services at mass-gathering events.

Method

This paper used integrative review as a methodology. The articles included in this literature review were sourced by searching databases inclusive of Medline (Ovid; US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland USA), Scopus (Elsevier; Amsterdam, Netherlands), PsycINFO (Ovid; American Psychological Association; Washington DC, USA), and Pub Med (National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland USA). Identified manuscripts that met the inclusion criteria were thematically analyzed.

Results

In total, 12 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria for this review. A thematic analysis of these manuscripts identified three main themes: (i) predictive factors, (ii) patient presentation rates, and (iii) levels of care.

Conclusion:

Substance use and/or intoxication can place a strain on in-event medical services at mass-gathering events. Of the various types of mass-gathering events, music festivals appear to be the most affected by substance use and intoxication.

BullockM, RanseJ, HuttonA.Impact of patients presenting with alcohol and/or drug intoxication on in-event health care services at mass-gathering events: an integrative literature review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(5):539–542.
Compact ultra-wideband bandpass-response power divider with high-frequency selectivity
Authors: Guo Song , Song Kaijun , Zhou Yedi , Fan Yong
Published: September 2018

The ultra-wideband bandpass-response power divider with high-frequency selectivity is presented in this paper. This power divider consists of an impedance transformer, a filter network, and two isolation resistors. In order to realize the ultra-wideband filtering performance, parallel coupling lines and parallel open-circuit branches are applied to the second impedance converter. A resistor is added to the ends of the coupling lines to achieve good isolation and output return loss. The equivalent-circuit method is employed to analyze the presented power divider. The power divider, working at 3.45–8.29 GHz, is designed and fabricated. Two transmission zeros are generated at 2.8 and 9 GHz, respectively, and the out-of-band suppression is >13 dB. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulation ones.
Decline in Surface Melt Duration on Larsen C Ice Shelf Revealed by The Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT)
Authors: Bevan Suzanne Louise , Luckman Adrian John , Kuipers Munneke Peter , Hubbard Bryn , Kulessa Bernd , Ashmore David William
Published: September 2018

Surface melting has been contributing to the surface lowering and loss of firn air content on Larsen C Ice Shelf since at least the mid‐1990s. Where the amount of melting and refreezing is significant, the firn can become impermeable and begin to support ponds of surface meltwater such as have been implicated in ice shelf collapse. Although meteorological station data indicated an increase in melt on the Antarctic Peninsula over the second half of the 20th century, the existing Ku‐band Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) time series is too short (1999–2009) to detect any significant 21st century trends. Here we investigate a longer 21st century period by extending the time series to 2017 using the C‐band Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT). We validate our recent observations with in situ weather station data and, using a firn percolation model, explore the sensitivity of scatterometry to water at varying depths in the firn. We find that active microwave C‐band (5.6‐cm wavelength) instruments can detect water at depths of up to 0.75 m below a frozen firn layer. Our longer scatterometry time series reveals that Larsen C Ice Shelf has experienced a decrease in melt season length of 1–2 days per year over the past 18 years consistent with decreasing summer air temperatures. Only in western inlets, where föhn winds drive melt, has the annual melt duration increased during this period.
Radiation Belt Slot Region Filling Events: Sustained Energetic Precipitation Into the Mesosphere
Authors: Kavanagh Andrew J. , Cobbett Neil , Kirsch Peter
Published: September 2018

Precipitation of energetic electrons to the atmosphere is both a loss mechanism for radiation belt particles and a means by which the geospace environment influences the Earth's atmosphere; thus, it is important to fully understand the extent of this precipitation. A set of polar orbiting satellites have been used to identify periods when energetic charged particles fill the slot region between the inner and outer radiation belts. These suggest that electrons with energies >30 keV penetrate this region, even under levels of modest geomagnetic activity. Those events with sufficient fluxes of particles produce enough ionization to be detected by a ground‐based radar in Antarctica; this precipitation lasts for ~10 days on average. Analysis of these data reveals that the average precipitation penetrates to the stratopause (~55‐km altitude). For some (if not all) of these events, the likely cause of the most energetic precipitation is an interaction between (relativistic) electrons and plasmaspheric hiss leading to little, if no, local time variation in precipitation. This does not preclude a longitudinal effect given that all radar measurements are fixed in longitude. During winter months the radar is under the stable southern polar atmospheric vortex. This transports atmospheric species to lower altitudes including the ozone destroying chemicals that are produced by energetic precipitation. Thus, the precipitation from the slot region in the Southern Hemisphere will likely contribute to the destruction of ozone and changes to atmospheric heat balance and chemistry; more work is required to determine the true impact of these events.
Recent Developments in Our Knowledge of Inner Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere Convection
Authors: Kunduri B. S. R. , Baker J. B. H. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Sazykin S. , Oksavik K. , Maimaiti M. , Chi P. J. , Engebretson M. J.
Published: September 2018

Plasma convection in the coupled inner magnetosphere‐ionosphere is influenced by different factors such as neutral winds, penetration electric fields, and polarization electric fields. Several crucial insights about the dynamics in the region have been derived by interpreting observations in conjunction with numerical simulations, and recent expansion in ground‐ and space‐based measurements in the region along with improvements in theoretical modeling has fueled renewed interest in the subject. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of the literature with an emphasis on studies since 2012 relevant to the National Science Foundation Geospace Environment Modeling program. We cover four specific areas: (1) the subauroral polarization stream, (2) penetration electric fields, (3) the disturbance dynamo, and (4) quiet time subauroral convection. We summarize new observations and resulting insights relevant to each of these topics and discuss various outstanding issues and unanswered questions.
Multiscale Analysis of Spatiotemporal Relationship Between Injection and Seismicity in Oklahoma
Authors: Haffener Jackson , Chen Xiaowei , Murray Kyle
Published: September 2018

Many previous studies have suggested that wastewater disposal is the most probable factor affecting increased seismicity in Oklahoma since 2009. While this relationship is clear at the state scale, a systematic quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal relationships between injection and seismicity is needed. We first apply multiscale analyses to assess the temporal correlation between injection rate and seismicity rate at a range of different grid sizes, which demonstrate clear temporal correlations within the two main seismic regions at variable time delays. The time delay variability decreases with larger grid sizes, whereby the average time delay ranges from 150 to 220 days. The average time delay at large scales is consistent with inferred large‐scale diffusive migration away from areas of high injection rates with diffusivities of 0.5 to 2.0 m2/s. The inferred large‐scale diffusivities are consistent with an expected range of diffusivity within the Arbuckle Group where wastewater disposals are occurring. However, individual earthquake clusters have diffusivities that are about one to two orders lower than the large‐scale models. We interpret this as a manifestation of a two‐layered diffusion model with high diffusivity within the injection layer above basement, which facilitates stress transfer at a larger spatial footprint, triggering seismic slip at multiple seismogenic faults within the crystalline basement with low diffusivity, similar to fluid‐driven clusters in other tectonic regions.
Time Dependence of Passive Degassing at Volcán Popocatépetl, Mexico, From Infrared Measurements: Implications for Gas Pressure Distribution and Lava Dome Stability
Authors: Hyman David M. , Bursik Marcus I. , Legorreta Paulín Gabriel
Published: September 2018

The transport and storage of gas within lava domes is critical to their stability or explosivity. To analyze gas flow through these systems, degassing from Volcán Popocatépetl, Mexico, is studied here. Short‐duration (hours) passive degassing at Popocatépetl is dominated by oscillating components with periods between 100 and 1,000 s in agreement with similar measurements across a range of other volcanic systems. Over these timescales, porous gas flow through an idealized dome obeys a nonlinear diffusion equation. Approximate solutions contain series of diffusive pressure waves which decay to a steep boundary layer near the dome surface. Wave behavior is governed by the oscillation period and dome rock permeability, acting as a low‐pass filter on flux oscillations. This may explain the weakness of higher‐frequency (>0.01 Hz) oscillations in the Popocatépetl degassing data. These waves are shown to significantly modify the dome effective strength. For ∼100‐m‐radius domes, the pore pressure is comparable to the overburden, and the total strength of the dome is dominated by tensile strength. The pressure in smaller domes (≪100 m) dominates and may induce failure. This may explain observations of extrusion and destruction cycling during dome‐producing eruptions. The difference between pore pressure and overburden exhibits a shallow (outermost 5–25%), high‐pressure layer which changes in size, shape, and overpressure magnitude throughout oscillations. Linear governing equations assumed by previous studies underestimate the pore pressure distribution and do not capture this shallow layer. Recognition of this layer allows for better understanding of the destabilization or explosion of pressurized lava domes.
Magnetic Mineral Diagenesis in a High Temperature and Deep Methanic Zone in Izu Rear Arc Marine Sediments, Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Kars Myriam , Musgrave Robert J. , Hoshino Tatsuhiko , Jonas Ann‐Sophie , Bauersachs Thorsten , Inagaki Fumio , Kodama Kazuto
Published: September 2018

Magnetic mineral diagenesis is an important process in sediments that is responsible for the partial or total destruction of records of Earth's magnetic field variations and also plays an important part in iron and sulfur cycling. A rock magnetic study has been carried out at International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 350 Site U1437 in the Izu Bonin rear arc to investigate magnetic mineral diagenesis in deeply buried sediments from ~775 to ~1,002 m below sea floor (mbsf) with burial temperatures ranging from ~67 to 85 °C. Nonsteady state geochemical environments occur within an unusual deep methanic zone (below 850 mbsf) because of a release of sulfate below the shallow sulfate reduction zone. A drastic decline in magnetic susceptibility and remanence is observed at ~850 mbsf due to a decrease in ferrimagnetic iron oxide contents. Reduction of (titano)‐magnetite and pyritization occur at this inferred deep sulfate‐methane transition zone. Below ~850 mbsf, lower magnetic mineral contents coincide with further methane release. Geochemical analyses support a change in redox conditions and secondary precipitation of iron sulfides and carbonates in the methane‐rich zone. Magnetic mineral alteration is enhanced in zones where methane accumulates underneath low porosity intervals that act as seals. Although geochemical processes due to methane occurrence are likely dominant, more than one mechanism, possibly involving microbial activity, is probably responsible for the observed magnetic mineral assemblage changes.
A Transfer Function Between Line‐of‐Sight Gravity Difference and GRACE Intersatellite Ranging Data and an Application to Hydrological Surface Mass Variation
Authors: Ghobadi‐Far Khosro , Han Shin‐Chan , Weller Steven , Loomis Bryant D. , Luthcke Scott B. , Mayer‐Gürr Torsten , Behzadpour Saniya
Published: September 2018

We develop a transfer function to determine in situ line‐of‐sight gravity difference (LGD) directly from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) range‐acceleration measurements. We first reduce GRACE data to form residual range‐acceleration referenced to dynamic orbit computed with a reference gravity field and nonconservative force data. Thus, the residuals and the corresponding LGD data reflect time‐variable gravity signals. A transfer function is designed based on correlation‐admittance spectral analysis. The correlation spectrum shows that residual range‐acceleration and LGD are near‐perfectly correlated for frequencies >5 cycles‐per‐revolution. The admittance spectrum quantifies that the LGD response to range‐acceleration is systematically larger at lower frequencies, due to the increased contribution of centrifugal acceleration. We find that the correlation and admittance spectra are stationary (i.e., are independent of time, satellite altitude, and gravity strength) and, therefore, can be determined a priori with high fidelity. We determine the spectral transfer function and the equivalent time domain filter. Using both synthetic and actual GRACE data, we demonstrate that in situ LGD can be estimated via the transfer function with an estimation error of 0.15 nm/s2, whereas the actual GRACE data error is around 1.0 nm/s2. We present an application of LGD data to surface water storage changes in large basins such as Amazon, Congo, Parana, and Mississippi by processing 11 years of GRACE data. Runoff routing models are calibrated directly using LGD data. Our technique demonstrates a new way of using GRACE data by forward modeling of various geophysical models and in‐orbit comparison with such GRACE in situ data.
Moment Tensors of Induced Microearthquakes in The Geysers Geothermal Reservoir From Broadband Seismic Recordings: Implications for Faulting Regime, Stress Tensor, and Fluid Pressure
Authors: Yu Changpeng , Vavryčuk Václav , Adamová Petra , Bohnhoff Marco
Published: September 2018

Full moment tensors of 1,421 microearthquakes in The Geysers geothermal field were calculated using waveform data from a field‐wide broadband network and the approach based on the principal component analysis. Spatial characteristics of faulting regime, stress tensor and the isotropic component (ISO) of moment tensors were investigated. The studied events form different clusters dominated by normal faults (NF) and strike‐slip (SS) faults, respectively. The SS‐dominated clusters are related to the SS stress state observed in the southwestern side of the field where two NW‐SE trending fault zones exist. Increasing proportions of SS faults were observed near the shallow and deep parts of the NF‐dominated clusters. Temperature differences between the upper and lower parts of the reservoir do not change the overall stress states of clusters. The stress ratios in the NW part are much smaller than in the SE part of the field. The retrieved ISOs range between −5% and 25% for 96% of events. The average percentages of positive ISOs are correlated with the average injection rates in different clusters, and keep an increasing trend with depth below the main injection interval. Only 10% of events show negative ISO and are mainly constrained within the depth range of steam extraction. The proportion of events with negative ISO suggests much weaker seismic responses of the steam extraction than the water injection. The spatial variations of the ISO percentage do not follow the seismicity variations as the ISO is more sensitive to the pressure changes related to the fluid injection and migration.
Grid Mapping the Northern Plains of Mars: A New Overview of Recent Water‐ and Ice‐Related Landforms in Acidalia Planitia
Authors: Orgel Csilla , Hauber Ernst , van Gasselt Stephan , Reiss Dennis , Johnsson Andreas , Ramsdale Jason D. , Smith Isaac , Swirad Zuzanna M. , Séjourné Antoine , Wilson Jack T. , Balme Matthew R. , Conway Susan J. , Costard Francois , Eke Vince R. , Gallagher Colman , Kereszturi Ákos , Łosiak Anna , Massey Richard J. , Platz Thomas , Skinner James A. , Teodoro Luis F. A.
Published: September 2018

We used a grid‐mapping technique to analyze the distribution of 13 water‐ and ice‐related landforms in Acidalia Planitia as part of a joint effort to study the three main basins in the northern lowlands of Mars, that is, Acidalia, Utopia, and Arcadia Planitiae. The landforms were mapped at full Context Camera resolution along a 300‐km‐wide strip from 20°N to 84°N. We identified four landform assemblages: (1) Geologically recent polar cap (massive ice), which superposes the latitude‐dependent mantle (LDM) (LA1); (2) ice‐related landforms, such as LDM, textured terrain, small‐scale polygons, scalloped terrain, large‐scale viscous flow features, and gullies, which have an overlapping distribution (LA2); (3) surface features possibly related to water and subsurface sediment mobilization (LA3; kilometer‐scale polygons, large pitted mounds, small pitted mounds, thumbprint terrain); and (4) irregularly shaped pits with raised rims on equator‐facing slopes. Pits are likely the result of an energetic release of volatiles (H2O, CO2, and CH4), rather than impact‐, volcanism‐, or wind‐related processes. LDM occurs ubiquitously from 44°N to 78°N in Acidalia Planitia. Various observations suggest an origin of air fall deposition of LDM, which contains less ice in the uppermost tens of meters in Acidalia Planitia than in Arcadia and Utopia Planitiae. However, LDM may be thicker and more extended in the past in Acidalia Planitia. The transition between LDM‐free terrain and LDM is situated further north than in Utopia and Arcadia Planitiae, suggesting different past and/or present climatic conditions among the main basins in the northern lowlands.
Grid Mapping the Northern Plains of Mars: Using Morphotype and Distribution of Ice‐Related Landforms to Understand Multiple Ice‐Rich Deposits in Utopia Planitia
Authors: Séjourné Antoine , Costard Francois , Swirad Zuzanna M. , Łosiak Anna , Bouley Sylvain , Smith Isaac , Balme Matthew R. , Orgel Csilla , Ramsdale Jason D. , Hauber Ernst , Conway Susan J. , van Gasselt Stephan , Reiss Dennis , Johnsson Andreas , Gallagher Colman , Skinner James A. , Kereszturi Ákos , Platz Thomas
Published: September 2018

This work in Utopia Planitia is the first continuous regional mapping of ice‐related landforms integrated into an effort to study the three main basins (Arcadia, Acidalia, and Utopia Planitiae) in the northern plains. The distribution and morphotypes of these landforms, SHAllow RADar detections, and crater size‐frequency distribution measurements (>50 m in diameter) were used to understand the permafrost cryolithology and its past evolution in relation to climate in Utopia Planitia. Three assemblages of landforms were identified based on their spatial correlation and correlation with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter surface roughness along a strip from 30°N to 80°N. At 30°–38°N, the assemblage is formed by kilometer‐scale polygons, high‐albedo mounds, and thumbprint terrains. This assemblage is associated with a lobate deposit of 30 m in thickness with a crater retention age of 1 Ga. At 38°–47°N, the assemblage is comprised of large scallops, 100‐m‐diameter polygons, pits, and mantled deposits. This assemblage is correlated with a deposit of 80 m in thickness containing excess ice (~50–85% by volume) with a crater retention age of about 10 Ma. At 47°–78°N, the assemblage is composed of mantled deposits, textured terrains, and 30‐m‐diameter polygons. This assemblage is related to the ice‐rich, debris‐covered, latitude‐dependent mantle that has a crater retention age of about 1.5 Ma. Utopia Planitia appears to be a region of combined depositions of sediment and continuous cold climatic conditions that leaded to a complex distribution of ground ice.
Sex Differences in Risk for Substance Use Among High School Students in Myanmar
Authors: Wan Nanda Myo Aung , Kliewer Wendy , Sosnowski David W.
Published: September 2018

This study investigated sex differences in risk factors for alcohol and illicit drug use among high school students in Myanmar as part of a comprehensive substance abuse prevention approach. Participants ( N = 1,918; Mage= 15.35 years, SD = 1.07 years, range = 14–18 years; 44.3% male) were recruited from 10 high schools in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, Myanmar. Study constructs were assessed with a version of the Communities That Care survey adapted for use in Myanmar. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the strongest risk factors for recreational and hard drug use. Multiple group analyses indicated that patterns of risk differed by sex. Poor family management practices and peer drug use were risk factors for all youth and all recreational drugs; depressed affect was an additional risk factor for glue/solvent use and misuse of over-the-counter medication. Additional risk factors were specific to sex and to particular substances. The model predicting hard drug use had no common risk factors across sex. Low perceived dangerousness of drugs elevated risk for female adolescents. Parental attitudes favoring drug use, peer drug use and peer antisocial behavior, and low school commitment elevated risk of hard drug use for male adolescents. These data suggest that as Myanmar develops substance abuse prevention strategies for youth, one of the subpriorities in the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, approaches that are tailored specifically to male and female adolescents in addition to universal approaches may be dual effective strategies in curbing drug use.
Soil exchange rates of COS and CO18O differ with the diversity of microbial communities and their carbonic anhydrase enzymes
Authors: Meredith Laura K , Ogée Jérôme , Boye Kristin , Singer Esther , Wingate Lisa , von Sperber Christian , Sengupta Aditi , Whelan Mary , Pang Erin , Keiluweit Marco , Brüggemann Nicolas , Berry Joe A , Welander Paula V
Published: September 2018

Differentiating the contributions of photosynthesis and respiration to the global carbon cycle is critical for improving predictive climate models. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in leaves is responsible for the largest biosphere-atmosphere trace gas fluxes of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and the oxygen-18 isotopologue of carbon dioxide (CO18O) that both reflect gross photosynthetic rates. However, CA activity also occurs in soils and will be a source of uncertainty in the use of COS and CO18O as carbon cycle tracers until process-based constraints are improved. In this study, we measured COS and CO18O exchange rates and estimated the corresponding CA activity in soils from a range of biomes and land use types. Soil CA activity was not uniform for COS and CO2, and patterns of divergence were related to microbial community composition and CA gene expression patterns. In some cases, the same microbial taxa and CA classes catalyzed both COS and CO2 reactions in soil, but in other cases the specificity towards the two substrates differed markedly. CA activity for COS was related to fungal taxa and β-D-CA expression, whereas CA activity for CO2 was related to algal and bacterial taxa and α-CA expression. This study integrates gas exchange measurements, enzyme activity models, and characterization of soil taxonomic and genetic diversity to build connections between CA activity and the soil microbiome. Importantly, our results identify kinetic parameters to represent soil CA activity during application of COS and CO18O as carbon cycle tracers.
Asymmetric assembly of high-value α-functionalized organic acids using a biocatalytic chiral-group-resetting process
Authors: Song Wei , Wang Jin-Hui , Wu Jing , Liu Jia , Chen Xiu-Lai , Liu Li-Ming
Published: September 2018

The preparation of α-functionalized organic acids can be greatly simplified by adopting a protocol involving the catalytic assembly of achiral building blocks. However, the enzymatic assembly of small amino acids and aldehydes to form numerous α-functionalized organic acids is highly desired and remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report an artificially designed chiral-group-resetting biocatalytic process, which uses simple achiral glycine and aldehydes to synthesize stereodefined α-functionalized organic acids. This cascade biocatalysis comprises a basic module and three different extender modules and operates in a modular assembly manner. The engineered Escherichia coli catalysts, which contained different module(s), provide access to α-keto acids, α-hydroxy acids, and α-amino acids with excellent conversion and enantioselectivities. Therefore, this biocatalytic process provides an attractive strategy for the conversion of low-cost achiral starting materials to high-value α-functionalized organic acids.
Child Weight Gain Trajectories Linked To Oral Microbiota Composition
Authors: Craig Sarah J. C. , Blankenberg Daniel , Parodi Alice Carla Luisa , Paul Ian M. , Birch Leann L. , Savage Jennifer S. , Marini Michele E. , Stokes Jennifer L. , Nekrutenko Anton , Reimherr Matthew , Chiaromonte Francesca , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: September 2018

Gut and oral microbiota perturbations have been observed in obese adults and adolescents; less is known about their influence on weight gain in young children. Here we analyzed the gut and oral microbiota of 226 two-year-olds with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Weight and length were measured at seven time points and used to identify children with rapid infant weight gain (a strong risk factor for childhood obesity), and to derive growth curves with innovative Functional Data Analysis (FDA) techniques. We showed that growth curves were associated negatively with diversity, and positively with the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, of the oral microbiota. We also demonstrated an association between the gut microbiota and child growth, even after controlling for the effect of diet on the microbiota. Lastly, we identified several bacterial genera that were associated with child growth patterns. These results suggest that by the age of two, the oral microbiota of children with rapid infant weight gain may have already begun to establish patterns often seen in obese adults. They also suggest that the gut microbiota at age two, while strongly influenced by diet, does not harbor obesity signatures many researchers identified in later life stages.
In silico and in vivo analyses of the mutated human tissue plasminogen activator (mtPA) and the antithetical effects of P19 silencing suppressor on its expression in two Nicotiana species
Authors: Amiri Mahshid , Jalali-Javaran Mokhtar , Haddad Raheem , Ehsani Parastoo
Published: September 2018

Human tissue-type plasminogen activator is one of the most important therapeutic proteins involved in the breakdown of blood clots following the stroke. A mutation was found at position 1541 bp (G514E) and the mutated form was cloned into the binary vector pTRAc-ERH.In silicoanalysis showed that this mutation might have no significant effect on the active site of the tissue plasminogen activator enzyme. Accordingly, zymography assay confirmed the serine protease activity of the mutated form and its derivatives. The expression of the mutated form was verified with/without co-agroinjection of theP19gene silencing suppressor in bothNicotiana tabacumandN.benthamiana. The ELISA results showed that the concentration of the mutated form in the absence of P19 was 0.65% and 0.74% of total soluble protein versus 0.141% and 1.36% in the presence of P19 inN.benthamianaandN.tabacum, respectively. InN.tabacum, co-agroinjection of P19 had the synergistic effect and increased the mutated tissue plasminogen activator production two-fold higher. However, inN.benthamiana, the presence of P19 had the adverse effect of five-fold reduction in the concentration. Moreover, results showed that the activity of the mutated form and its derivatives was more than that of the purified commercial tissue plasminogen activator.
Elevated Risk of Infections after Spinal Cord Surgery in Relation to Preoperative Pressure Ulcers: a Follow-up Study
Authors: Yang Lei-luo , Peng Wu-xun , Wang Chun-qing , Li Qing
Published: September 2018

Factors associated with infections after spinal cord surgery were not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative pressure ulcers was a risk factor of infections after spinal cord operation. A 1:1 matched follow-up study was performed in a tertiary referral center in southwest China between 2010 and 2015. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis. A total of 334 patients with spinal cord surgery were recruited (167 patients with preoperative pressure ulcers and 167 patients without preoperative pressure ulcers). Participants previously exposed to pressure ulcers had an elevated risk of infections post spinal cord operation including surgical site infection (RR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.7), pneumonia (RR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1,5.3), urinary tract infection (RR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 7.3), any kinds of postoperative infections (RR: 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1, 5.6) and 30-day postoperative hospitalization for infections (RR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.0). The associations between preoperative pressure ulcers in stage III to IV and postoperative infections were also pronounced, but towards null in stage I to II. The study showed an increased risk of infections after spinal cord surgery in patients with preoperative pressure ulcers, indicative of an urgent need for monitoring postoperative infections and medical treatment for patients with pressure sores.
Expanding Greenland seagrass meadows contribute new sediment carbon sinks
Authors: Marbà Núria , Krause-Jensen Dorte , Masqué Pere , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: September 2018

The loss of natural carbon sinks, such as seagrass meadows, contributes to grenhouse gas emissions and, thus, global warming. Whereas seagrass meadows are declining in temperate and tropical regions, they are expected to expand into the Arctic with future warming. Using paleoreconstruction of carbon burial and sources of organic carbon to shallow coastal sediments of three Greenland seagrass (Zostera marina) meadows of contrasting density and age, we test the hypothesis that Arctic seagrass meadows are expanding along with the associated sediment carbon sinks. We show that sediments accreted before 1900 were highly 13C depleted, indicative of low inputs of seagrass carbon, whereas from 1940’s to present carbon burial rates increased greatly and sediment carbon stocks were largely enriched with seagrass material. Currently, the increase of seagrass carbon inputs to sediments of lush and dense meadows (Kapisillit and Ameralik) was 2.6 fold larger than that of sparse meadows with low biomass (Kobbefjord). Our results demonstrate an increasing important role of Arctic seagrass meadows in supporting sediment carbon sinks, likely to be enhanced with future Arctic warming.
Time course of focused ultrasound effects on β-amyloid plaque pathology in the TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Poon Charissa T. , Shah Kairavi , Lin Chiungting , Tse Ryan , Kim Kate K. , Mooney Skyler , Aubert Isabelle , Stefanovic Bojana , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have demonstrated that temporarily increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier using focused ultrasound can reduce β-amyloid plaque load and improve cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the underlying mechanism and duration for which the effects of one treatment persists for are unknown. Here, we used in vivo two-photon fluorescence microscopy to track changes in β-amyloid plaque sizes in the TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease after one focused ultrasound treatment. We found that one treatment reduced plaques to 62 ± 16% (p ≤ 0.001) of their original volume two days post-sonication; this decrease in size persisted for two weeks. We then sought to evaluate the effectiveness of biweekly focused ultrasound treatments using magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound treatments. Three to five biweekly treatments resulted in a 27 ± 7% (p ≤ 0.01) decrease in plaque number and 40 ± 10% (p ≤ 0.01) decrease in plaque surface area compared to untreated littermates. This study demonstrates that one focused ultrasound treatment reduces the size of existing β-amyloid plaques for two weeks, and that repeated biweekly focused ultrasound treatments is an effective method of reducing β-amyloid pathology in moderate-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
A transgenic zebrafish model for in vivo long-term imaging of retinotectal synaptogenesis
Authors: Du Xu-fei , Xu Bing , Zhang Yu , Chen Min-jia , Du Jiu-lin
Published: September 2018

The retinotectal synapse in larval zebrafish, combined with live time-lapse imaging, provides an advantageous model for study of the development and remodelling of central synapses in vivo. In previous studies, these synapses were labelled by transient expression of fluorescence-tagged synaptic proteins, which resulted in the dramatic variation of labelling patterns in each larva. Here, using GAL4-Upstream Activating Sequence (GAL4-UAS) methodology, we generated stable transgenic lines, which express EGFP-tagged synaptophysin (a presynaptic protein) in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), to reliably label the pre-synaptic site of retinotectal synapses. This tool avoids the variable labelling of RGCs that occurs in transient transgenic larvae. We obtained several stable transgenic lines that differ consistently in the number of labelled RGCs. Using stable lines that consistently had a single labelled RGC, we could trace synaptogenic dynamics on an individual RGC axonal arbor across different developmental stages. In the stable lines that consistently had multiple labelled RGCs, we could simultaneously monitor both pre- and post-synaptic compartments by combining transient labelling of post-synaptic sites on individual tectal neurons. These tools allowed us to investigate molecular events underlying synaptogenesis and found that the microRNA-132 (miR-132) is required for developmental synaptogenesis. Thus, these transgenic zebrafish stable lines provide appropriate tools for studying central synaptogenesis and underlying molecular mechanisms in intact vertebrate brain.
Molecular hydrogen protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse fatty liver model via regulating HO-1 and Sirt1 expression
Authors: Li Shaowei , Fujino Masayuki , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Kurokawa Ryosuke , Hirano Shinichi , Mou Lisha , Takahara Shiro , Takahara Terumi , Li Xiao-Kang
Published: September 2018

Fatty liver has lower tolerance against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in liver operations, including liver transplantation. Seeking to ameliorate liver injury following I/R in fatty liver, we examined the protective effect of hydrogen (H2) saline on I/R liver injury in a methionine and choline-deficient plus high fat (MCDHF) diet-induced fatty liver mouse model. Saline containing 7 ppm H2 was administrated during the process of I/R. Livers were obtained and analyzed. Primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells (KCs) were obtained from fatty liver and subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Apoptosis-related proteins and components of the signaling pathway were analyzed after treatment with hydrogen gas. The MCDHF I/R group showed higher levels of AST and ALT in serum, TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells, F4/80 immunopositive cells, mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, constituents of the signaling pathway, pro-apoptotic molecules in liver, and KCs and/or primary hepatocytes, compared to the control group. In contrast, H2 treatment significantly suppressed the signs of I/R injury in fatty liver. Moreover, the expression of Bcl-2, HO-1, and Sirt1 in liver, KCs, and hepatocytes by hydrogen gas were increased, whereas caspase activation, Bax, and acetylation of p53 were suppressed by hydrogen gas. These results demonstrated that H2 treatment ameliorated I/R liver injury in a fatty liver model by reducing hepatocyte apoptosis, inhibiting macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokines, and inducing HO-1 and Sirt1 expression. Taken togather, treatment with H2 saline may have a protective effect and safe therapeutic activity during I/R events, such as in liver transplantation with fatty liver.
Spinosad resistance affects biological parameters of Musca domestica Linnaeus
Authors: Khan Hafiz Azhar Ali
Published: September 2018

Musca domesticais one of the major cosmopolitan insect pests of public health importance. Spinosad is considered an eco-friendly insecticide used for the management ofM.domesticaand other pests of significant concern. Cases of resistance against spinosad inM.domesticahave been reported from some parts of the world; however, there are no reports of any negative effects of spinosad resistance on the fitness/biological parameters ofM.domestica. To investigate fitness costs, a near isogenicM.domesticaresistant strain (Spin-R) was constructed using Spin-UNSEL-susceptible and Spin-SEL-resistant strains sharing a close genetic background. We found significantly reduced rates of adult eclosion, fecundity, egg hatching, survival, and lengthened developmental time in the Spin-R strain. Moreover, the values of different fitness parameters like biotic potential, mean relative growth rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, and net reproductive rate, were also significantly reduced in the Spin-R strain, which reflect fitness costs most probably linked with spinosad resistance. The presence of fitness costs suggests likely instability of resistance to spinosad inM.domestica, which can be reverted by relaxing spinosad selection pressure and rotation with alternate insecticides. The wise use of insecticides will ultimately help to manage resistance in this pest and minimize environmental pollution.
Detection of Novel duck reovirus (NDRV) using visual reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
Authors: Li Zhili , Cai Yuejia , Liang Guozhi , El-Ashram Saeed , Mei Minmin , Huang Wenjing , Li Xiaowen , Li Wenfeng , He Cheng , Huang Shujian
Published: September 2018

Here we present a visual reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for detecting the gene encoding the σB major outer-capsid protein of novel duck reovirus (NDRV). A set of primers, composed of two outer primers, two inner primers and two loop primers, was designed based on the gene of interest. The LAMP reaction was conducted in a traditional laboratory water bath at 65 °C for 50 min. We compared the performance of calcein/Mn2+ and SYBR Green I dyes, as well as electrophoresis on agarose gel stained with GoldView nucleic acid dye to detect the RT-LAMP-amplified products and all assays could be employed to discriminate between positive and negative specimens in visible or UV light. Our data showed that there is no cross-reaction with other viruses and the RT-LAMP technique displayed high sensitivity for detecting NDRV with a minimal detection limit of 200 fg RNA input. This assay was more sensitive than conventional PCR in detecting NDRV both in natural and experimental infection. In conclusion, the RT-LAMP technique was remarkably sensitive, specific, rapid, simple and profitable for the identification of NDRV.
Distinct profile and prognostic impact of body composition changes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: Suzuki Yuzo , Yoshimura Katsuhiro , Enomoto Yasunori , Yasui Hideki , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Suda Takafumi
Published: September 2018

Change in body composition with skeletal muscle wasting, a major component of pulmonary cachexia, is associated with mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. However, its relevance in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) remains unclear. We hypothesized changes in body composition would be associated with mortality in ILDs. We measured the cross-sectional-area (ESMCSA) and muscle attenuation (ESMMA) of erector-spinae muscles, as determined by CT-imaging, in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; n = 131) and idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (iPPFE; n = 43) and controls. Subsequently, implications with prognosis were evaluated. The ESMCSA of ILD patients, but not ESMMA, was significantly smaller than that in controls. Lower ESMCSA with decreased BMI were recorded in iPPFE patients versus IPF patients, whilst IPF patients had decreased ESMCSA without BMI decline. Lower ESMCSA in IPF patients were associated with poorer prognoses. Conversely, decreased ESMMA were associated with worse survival in iPPFE patients. Multivariate analyses showed that ESMCSA in IPF and ESMMA in iPPFE were independent risk factors for mortality. Distinct changes in body composition had prognostic significance among patients with IPF and iPPFE. Lower ESMCSA and ESMMA were independently associated with poor prognosis in IPF and iPPFE, respectively. These results suggest values to measure body composition changes in managing patients with IPF and iPPFE.
TGF-β1 promotes expression of fibrosis-related genes through the induction of histone variant H3.3 and histone chaperone HIRA
Authors: Shindo Toshihiro , Doi Shigehiro , Nakashima Ayumu , Sasaki Kensuke , Arihiro Koji , Masaki Takao
Published: September 2018

Renal fibrosis is a histological manifestation that occurs in almost every type of chronic kidney disease. Histone variant H3.3 and its chaperone, histone cell cycle regulation defective homolog A (HIRA), serve as epigenetic marks that regulate transcriptional activity. In this study, we assessed the roles of histone H3.3 and HIRA in unilateral ureteral-obstruction (UUO) mice. In UUO mice, the levels of histone H3.3 and HIRA were significantly upregulated in the kidneys. These upregulated levels were decreased by a TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. TGF-β1 induced histone H3.3 and HIRA expression in vitro via a Smad3-dependent pathway in normal rat kidney (NRK)−52E cells. Additionally, knockdown of HIRA expression decreased histone H3.3 expression and fibrogenesis in NRK-52E cells after TGF-β1 stimulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that promoters of fibrosis-related genes were immunoprecipitated with both histone H3.3 and HIRA in NRK-52E cells. Lastly, in human kidney biopsies from patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, histone H3.3 and HIRA immunostaining correlated positively with areas of fibrosis and estimated glomerular filtration rate. In conclusion, TGF-β1 induces expression of histone H3.3 and HIRA, which regulates expression of fibrosis-related genes.
A novel electrochemical immunoassay for carcinoembryonic antigen based on glucose oxidase-encapsulated nanogold hollow spheres with a pH meter readout
Authors: Jiang Yu , Su Zhiying , Zhang Jian , Cai Meijiao , Wu Lili
Published: September 2018

A portable electrochemical immunosensor was designed for the detection of CEA on a pH meter by using glucose oxidase-encapsulated gold hollow microspheres for signal amplification.
Dual conical shell illumination for volumetric high-energy X-ray diffraction imaging
Authors: Dicken Anthony , Spence Daniel , Rogers Keith , Prokopiou Danae , Evans Paul
Published: September 2018

To retrieve crystallographic information from extended sample volumes requires a high-energy probe.
Simple spectrofluorimetric methods for determination of two pharmaceutically active compounds; salmeterol and trimebutine in their raw materials and pharmaceutical dosage forms in nano concentrations and testing of content uniformity
Authors: Walash M. I. , Abo El Abass Samah , Fathy M. E.
Published: September 2018

Simple and rapid spectrofluorimetric methods based on the native fluorescence properties of salmeterol in its aqueous solution and enhanced native fluorescence of trimebutine were developed.
Forensics in hand: new trends in forensic devices (2013–2017)
Authors: Pereira de Oliveira Luiza , Rocha Diego Pessoa , Reis de Araujo William , Abarza Muñoz Rodrigo Alejandro , Longo Cesar Paixão Thiago Regis , Oliveira Salles Maiara
Published: September 2018

Forensic chemistry is the application of analytical chemistry to forensic analysis and is today one of the hot topics in the scientific literature and this review discusses works published between 2013 and 2017 regarding portable or potentially portable analytical methods that can be used in different areas of forensic chemistry.
The promising indicators of the thermal and mechanical properties of collagen from bass and tilapia: synergistic effects of hydroxyproline and cysteine
Authors: Bao Zixian , Sun Yue , Rai Kamal , Peng Xinying , Wang Shilu , Nian Rui , Xian Mo
Published: September 2018

Hydroxyproline and cysteine have a synergistic effect on both the thermal and mechanical properties of fish collagen hydrogels.
Cationic lipid-assisted nanoparticles for delivery of mRNA cancer vaccine
Authors: Fan Ya-Nan , Li Min , Luo Ying-Li , Chen Qian , Wang Li , Zhang Hou-Bing , Shen Song , Gu Zhen , Wang Jun
Published: September 2018

Schematic diagram showing that CLANmRNA stimulates the maturation of DCs, promotes the expansion of antigen-specific T cells and induces robust anti-tumor immune response.
Post Hartree–Fock calculations of pnictogen–uranium bonding in EUF3 (E = N–Bi)
Authors: Atkinson Benjamin E. , Hu Han-Shi , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: September 2018

CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations are reported on EUF3 (E = N, P, As, Sb, Bi), emphasising the influence of the size of the active space on the E–U bond.
Catalysis for the synthesis of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate
Authors: Darabi Mahboub Mohammad Jaber , Dubois Jean-Luc , Cavani Fabrizio , Rostamizadeh Mohammad , Patience Gregory S.
Published: September 2018

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a specialty monomer for poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and the increasing demand for this monomer has motivated industry to develop clean technologies based on renewable resources.
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Pan Zhenxiao , Rao Huashang , Mora-Seró Iván , Bisquert Juan , Zhong Xinhua
Published: September 2018

A comprehensive overview of the development of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) is presented.
La6Si4S17:Ce3+: luminescence and lighting applications of a novel green-emitting phosphor
Authors: Yang Jiun-Yih , Dutta Somrita , Chen Teng-Ming
Published: September 2018

A novel green-emitting La6Si4S17:Ce3+ phosphor was synthesized and used for LED application.
Rational design of MnCo2O4@NC@MnO2 three-layered core–shell octahedron for high-rate and long-life lithium storage
Authors: Huang Peng , Zhao Ming , Jin Bo , Li Huan , Zhu Zhi , Jiang Lixue , Jiang Qing
Published: September 2018

With the depletion of fossil energy and rapid development of electronic equipment, the commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) do not meet the current energy demand.