bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Assurance in Breast Pathology: Lessons Learned From a Review of Amended Reports
Authors: Harrison Beth T. , Dillon Deborah A. , Richardson Andrea L. , Brock Jane E. , Guidi Anthony J. , Lester Susan C.
Published: December 2016

Context.—A review of amended pathology reports provides valuable information regarding defects in the surgical pathology process.

Objective.—To review amended breast pathology reports with emphasis placed on interpretative errors and their mechanisms of detection.

Design.—All amended pathology reports for breast surgical specimens for a 5-year period at a large academic medical center were retrospectively identified and classified based on an established taxonomy.

Results.—Of 12 228 breast pathology reports, 122 amended reports were identified. Most (88 cases; 72%) amendments were due to noninterpretative errors, including 58 report defects, 12 misidentifications, and 3 specimen defects. A few (34 cases; 27.9%) were classified as misinterpretations, including 14 major diagnostic changes (11.5% of all amendments). Among major changes, there were cases of missed microinvasion or small foci of invasion, missed micrometastasis, atypical ductal hyperplasia overcalled as ductal carcinoma in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ involving sclerosing adenosis mistaken for invasive carcinoma, lymphoma mistaken for invasive carcinoma, and amyloidosis misdiagnosed as fat necrosis. Nine major changes were detected at interpretation of receptor studies and were not associated with clinical consequences. Three cases were associated with clinical consequences, and of note, the same pathologist interpreted the corresponding receptor studies.

Conclusions.—Review of amended reports was a useful method for identifying error frequencies, types, and methods of detection. Any time that a case is revisited for ancillary studies or other reasons, it is an opportunity for the surgical pathologist to reconsider one's own or another's diagnosis.
Unusual Presentations of Gynecologic Tumors: Extragonadal Yolk Sac Tumor of the Vulva
Authors: Euscher Elizabeth D.
Published: December 2016

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are uncommon, and although they morphologically resemble their gonadal counterparts, unexpected gonadal presentation increases the potential for erroneous diagnoses. Yolk sac tumor is a malignant germ cell tumor characterized by an extraembryonic yolk sac line of differentiation, and relative to other germ cell tumors, is characterized by varied and diverse histologic patterns. When occurring outside of typical age parameters or in extragonadal locations, the histologic variability of yolk sac tumor and its tendency to mimic somatic tumors pose diagnostic challenges. Because extragonadal yolk sac tumor of the vulva is very rare, with only isolated case reports and small series in the literature, it is often not considered in the differential diagnosis. As both prognosis and management of yolk sac tumor differ significantly from those of somatic tumors, accurate diagnosis is essential. This review discusses histologic features of extragonadal yolk sac tumor, addresses somatic tumors arising in the vulva for which yolk sac tumor may be confused, and provides guidance with respect to the use of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of yolk sac tumor.
Statistical Literacy Among Academic Pathologists: A Survey Study to Gauge Knowledge of Frequently Used Statistical Tests Among Trainees and Faculty
Authors: Schmidt Robert L. , Chute Deborah J. , Colbert-Getz Jorie M. , Firpo-Betancourt Adolfo , James Daniel S. , Karp Julie K. , Miller Douglas C. , Milner Danny A. , Smock Kristi J. , Sutton Ann T. , Walker Brandon S. , White Kristie L. , Wilson Andrew R. , Wojcik Eva M. , Yared Marwan A. , Factor Rachel E.
Published: December 2016

Context.—Statistical literacy can be defined as understanding the statistical tests and terminology needed for the design, analysis, and conclusions of original research or laboratory testing. Little is known about the statistical literacy of clinical or anatomic pathologists.

Objective.—To determine the statistical methods most commonly used in pathology studies from the literature and to assess familiarity and knowledge level of these statistical tests by pathology residents and practicing pathologists.

Design.—The most frequently used statistical methods were determined by a review of 1100 research articles published in 11 pathology journals during 2015. Familiarity with statistical methods was determined by a survey of pathology trainees and practicing pathologists at 9 academic institutions in which pathologists were asked to rate their knowledge of the methods identified by the focused review of the literature.

Results.—We identified 18 statistical tests that appear frequently in published pathology studies. On average, pathologists reported a knowledge level between “no knowledge” and “basic knowledge” of most statistical tests. Knowledge of tests was higher for more frequently used tests. Greater statistical knowledge was associated with a focus on clinical pathology versus anatomic pathology, having had a statistics course, having an advanced degree other than an MD degree, and publishing research. Statistical knowledge was not associated with length of pathology practice.

Conclusions.—An audit of pathology literature reveals that knowledge of about 12 statistical tests would be sufficient to provide statistical literacy for pathologists. On average, most pathologists report they can interpret commonly used tests but are unable to perform them. Most pathologists indicated that they would benefit from additional statistical training.
DIREITOS FUNDAMENTAIS NO BRASIL: UMA HISTÓRIA DE INEFETIVIDADE
Authors: Silva Diego Nassif da , Brega Filho Vladimir
Published: December 2016

Trata-se de estudo jurídico-científico panorâmico de revisão bibliográfica que, diante da atual comoção ética, política e institucional no Brasil, objetiva explicar a percepção de recorrente déficit de efetivação dos direitos fundamentais no país. Para tanto, relaciona direitos humanos, democracia e constitucionalismo à luz do processo histórico fazendo uso dos diferentes métodos de argumentação típicos às teorias jurídica e política que revolve. Observando coexistirem conservação e revolução das condições materiais em atenção ao ideal de universalização dos direitos, constata ser também peculiar do processo histórico-constitucional a relativização das conquistas políticas e institucionais, inclusive as da pluralista Constituição de 1988. Conclui que a efetivação dos direitos fundamentais é uma tarefa sempre a ser completada, competindo à contínua participação democrática, hoje especialmente em sede jurisdicional, dando vida à Constituição, revigorando-a em seu caráter instrumental.
O CONCEITO DE CÍRCULO CRIATIVO: PORQUE A VIRAGEM LINGUÍSTICA INTERESSA FILOSOFICAMENTE AO DIREITO DE AUTOR
Authors: Drummond Victor Gameiro
Published: December 2016

Um dos elementos mais significativos e discutidos nas análises doutrinárias referentes à proteção das criações humanas pelo direito de autor é a justificativa para tal proteção, em especial sob a forma de exclusividade. Os elementos trazidos à discussão pela doutrina inserem-se em valores econômicos e não exploram as condições filosóficas. Trata-se muito de discutir o equilíbrio na proteção e o uso das obras por razões econômicas. Considerando-se que a hermenêutica é o mais justo e efetivo meio para alcançar a verdade filosófica, seria mais apropriado incorporar a hermenêutica contemporânea ao direito de autor para se decidir sobre a aplicabilidade dos direitos exclusivos.
COMPARAZIONE E TRADUZIONE: DALLA LETTERATURA AL DIRITTO
Authors: Vespaziani Alberto
Published: December 2016

Il contributo discute l'ascesa degli studi sulla traduzione nel diritto comparato. La prima parte riassume i testi letterari classici che costituiscono le fonti di ispirazione per l'analisi giuridica contemporanea sulla traduzione, la seconda parte analizza i principali argomenti addotti da Ost nel suo libro Traduire, la terza parte avanza alcune proposte di ricerca per le future conessioni tra comparazione e traduzione nell’analisi giuridica europea. Il contributo sostiene che la svolta verso la traduzione dovrebbe essere accolto dai giuristi come una sfida per il perseguimento di una cultura costituzionale comune.
Omphalitis Leading to Urachitis and Acute Vascular Changes in a Buffalo Calf: An Insight into Macro and Microscopic Pathologic Changes
Authors: Deshmukh Sidhartha , Banga Harmanjit Singh , Thorat Sneha , Brar Rajinder Singh
Published: December 2016

Omphalitis in domestic animals being considered as commonest ailment after birth, are in general, poorly reported for its uneventful recovery. Several previously reported cases endeavoured to highlight involvement of pathogenic organism in progression of the condition with little elaboration to pathologic changes occurred. Moreover, description of omphalitis in buffalo calf was never been attempted. Therefore this report intends to elaborate the pathology noted around umbilical zone in a buffalo calf possibly arisen to infectious etiology with special reference to complicated involvement of urachus, eventual haemoperitoneum and striking acute vascular changes of multi-systemic organs. Intriguingly, this report also attempted to review few recent cases of omphalitis seen in different animals along with their paramount etiologic causes.
The Qualitative Fundamental Motor Performance Characteristics of Preadolescent Obese Children
Authors: Smith Steven , Morrison Kyle , Bransdorfer Elizabeth , Barthel Samuel
Published: December 2016

This study examined the qualitative motor performance characteristics of 35 preadolescent obese children (18 female, 17 male) in the Midwest of the United States. An available sample of children ages six to 13 were classified as obese based on a BMI score of 30 or greater. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2)was used to assess all subjects. This test measures the qualitative motor ability of children using two subtest categories of fundamental motor skills including locomotors (running, hopping, skipping, jumping, leaping and galloping) as well as object control skills (throwing, catching, kicking, bouncing a ball, rolling a ball and striking). All participants received a raw score, standardized score, sum of standards and gross motor quotient score. All scores were compared to national norms established by the authors of the TGMD-2. The results indicated that the group norms of the obese children were significantly below the mean scores of the national average for all measures including locomotor standard scores (M=3.80, SD=2.44, p<0.001) and object-control standard scores(M=4.43, SD=2.89, p<0.001)and the gross motor development quotient (M=64.69, SD=15.05, p<0.001).The researchers concluded that the significantly lower motor performance scores of obese children may lead this population to participate less in health enhancing movement opportunities as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. The authors noted that the TGMD-2 is designed for children ages 3-10 and has a significant ceiling effect for older children. A younger population may reveal more robust conclusions in further study. Additionally, further study is recommended to determine whether programs aimed at lowering obesity levels in children can have an impact on qualitative fundamental motor skill performance
Comparative Efficacy of Serum Creatinine and Microalbuminuria in Detecting Early Renal Injury in Asphyxiated Babies in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ochigbo Sunday O. , Jacob Udo J. , Nlemadim Anthony C. , Kudirat Olaniyo O.
Published: December 2016

Background: Microalbuminuria and serum creatinine are markers of acute kidney injury. Birth asphyxia is responsible for 50% of all newborn deaths and acute non-oliguric kidney injury is one of such complications. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of serum creatinine and microalbuminuria for the detection of early renal lesion in severely asphyxiated babies in Calabar, Nigeria.
Materials and Method: This prospective cross-sectional investigational study was undertaken among severely asphyxiated babies admitted into the newborn units of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria. Standard method for blood collection and determination of urea, electrolytes were used. Micral-test strips were used on samples negative only for albumin after using urine dipstick. Color comparison was done with the standardized color scale on test strip container after 5 minutes.
Results: Fifty term newborn babies were enrolled, their serum electrolytes, creatinine and creatinine clearance were essentially normal. Six (12%) babies had positive microalbuminuria, while 44(88%) had negative microalbuminuria with specificity and negative predictive values of 100% and 88% respectively.
Conclusion: Microalbuminuria was not useful for early detection of acute renal failure in babies with severe birth asphyxia, but further studies are recommended.
Ossements animaux dans l’art autochtone actuel
Authors: Marcoux Gabrielle
Published: December 2016

Les ossements animaux occupent des fonctions pratiques et rituelles extrêmement variées et complexes au sein des cultures ancestrales atikamekw et innue, que ce soit sur le plan spirituel, alimentaire, artistique ou autre. Encore aujourd’hui, en plus d’évoquer le trépas, les ossements font référence aux pratiques de communication avec les esprits animaux – comme la scapulomancie – et à la vision holistique du monde chez les peuples algonquiens. En intégrant des peaux et des fragments de squelettes animaux à leurs oeuvres portant sur des réalités contemporaines de pertes et de négociations intimes et collectives d’ordre culturel et territorial, les artistes Sonia Robertson et Eruoma Awashish parviennent à réactualiser le pouvoir de guérison et de résurgence traditionnellement associé aux ossements. Ainsi, la mise en scène d’os permet à ces créatrices de réécrire l’histoire de lieux chargés de sens et de réaffirmer l’importance actuelle de notions spirituelles, identitaires et culturelles autochtones ancestrales dans un contexte de réaffirmation collective et individuelle.
Innu-Natukuna
Authors: Lavoie Kathia , Mollen Julie , Napess Agathe , Mestokosho Georgette , Mestokosho Priscilla
Published: December 2016

Fruit de la collaboration entre Hydro-Québec et Innu-Natukuna, la mesure d’atténuation présentée s’inscrit dans le suivi environnemental du complexe de la Romaine. L’objectif : organiser la cueillette de plantes médicinales dans les aires d’ennoiement des réservoirs de la Romaine-1 et de la Romaine-4 en collaboration avec la communauté innue d’Ekuanitshit. De 2011 à 2014, une équipe de cueilleuses innues, accompagnées d’une conseillère en environnement d’Hydro-Québec, a récolté des plantes médicinales sur le site des réservoirs projetés. Les séjours ont été entièrement organisés par les membres de l’équipe innue : choix du site pour le campement, installation, planification de la cueillette, etc. Au total, seize espèces de plantes médicinales ont été cueillies dans le cadre de cette mesure d’atténuation. Les plantes récoltées ont été transformées puis déposées dans la pharmacie communautaire de la communauté d’Ekuanitshit.
Un « tracé d’une grande valeur »
Authors: Marcotte Guillaume
Published: December 2016

Cet article propose une nouvelle synthèse de la représentation spatiale des activités reliées à la traite des fourrures aux sources de l’Outaouais entre 1760 et 1870. Ce territoire est riche en données ethnohistoriques encore inexploitées qui peuvent être compilées avantageusement en interprétant la carte dite de Cameron, produite en 1842 par un ou plusieurs traiteurs de fourrures. Associé à des récits de voyage de missionnaires, de forestiers ou d’arpenteurs, ce document clé nous permet ici de mettre à jour la localisation précise des comptoirs de traite, ainsi que des routes de canot utilisées tant par les traiteurs que par les autochtones ayant fréquenté cette région pendant la période britannique. En déconstruisant la carte, on accède à la cartographie métisse d’une région souvent oubliée dans les études portant sur la traite des fourrures.
Deux attributs emblématiques des poteries des Iroquoiens du Saint-Laurent
Authors: Le Moine Jean-Baptiste
Published: December 2016

Le motif en échelle et l’empreinte au roseau sont des attributs emblématiques des Iroquoiens du Saint-Laurent, mais souffrent d’un manque de définition claire. À partir de l’étude comparative des poteries des sites Mailhot-Curran (BgFn-2) et Glenbrook (BgFp-5), cet article tente de définir ces attributs et leur insertion dans le projet décoratif. L’auteur aborde également un volet expérimental visant à comprendre la composition de la trousse à outils des potières iroquoiennes.
La méthode conflictuelle dans le projet de code civil camerounais : contribution à la systématisation de l’évolution des méthodes en droit international privé
Authors: Ngono Nkoa Véronique Carole
Published: December 2016

La règle de conflit, qui a toujours été au coeur du droit international privé, a connu d’importantes transformations depuis quelques années. Considérée comme rigide, parce qu’elle est focalisée sur la localisation spatiale du rapport de droit, elle est devenue de plus en plus flexible et privilégie désormais la justice matérielle au détriment de la justice conflictuelle. Plus encore, elle a même été supplantée par la méthode de la reconnaissance. Cependant, le droit international privé camerounais est resté attaché à la méthode conflictuelle classique, alors qu’il serait nécessaire de prendre en considération toutes ces transformations qui ne sont pas sans incidences sur le développement du droit international privé.
ETHNIC CLEANSING AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS: CONCENTRATION CAMPS DURING THE BALKAN WARS OF 1992–1995
Authors: French Laurence Armand , Kovačević Goran
Published: December 2016

The Balkan War of 1991–1995 in the former Yugoslavia was the worst war-relatedcrisis in Europe since the Second World War. Clearly, ethnic cleansing, the forceddisplacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, became the signature event of thisconfl ict. The main vehicle for ethnic cleansing was the forceful removal and internment ofsectarian rivals into facilities that were generally crowded and where torture, rape, starvation,and killings were commonplace events. All parties, Catholic Croats, Muslim Bosniaks,and Orthodox Christian Serbs, participated in these ethnic purges. This articlehighlights the nature of this unfortunate consequence of the Balkan Wars.
eIF2α-mediated translational control regulates the persistence of cocaine-induced LTP in midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Placzek Andon N , Prisco Gonzalo Viana Di , Khatiwada Sanjeev , Sgritta Martina , Huang Wei , Krnjević Krešimir , Kaufman Randal J , Dani John A , Walter Peter , Costa-Mattioli Mauro
Published: December 2016

Recreational drug use leads to compulsive substance abuse in some individuals. Studies on animal models of drug addiction indicate that persistent long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synaptic transmission onto ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons is a critical component of sustained drug seeking. However, little is known about the mechanism regulating such long-lasting changes in synaptic strength. Previously, we identified that translational control by eIF2α phosphorylation (p-eIF2α) regulates cocaine-induced LTP in the VTA (Huang et al., 2016). Here we report that in mice with reduced p-eIF2α-mediated translation, cocaine induces persistent LTP in VTA DA neurons. Moreover, selectively inhibiting eIF2α-mediated translational control with a small molecule ISRIB, or knocking down oligophrenin-1—an mRNA whose translation is controlled by p-eIF2α—in the VTA also prolongs cocaine-induced LTP. This persistent LTP is mediated by the insertion of GluR2-lacking AMPARs. Collectively, our findings suggest that eIF2α-mediated translational control regulates the progression from transient to persistent cocaine-induced LTP.
Clec11a/osteolectin is an osteogenic growth factor that promotes the maintenance of the adult skeleton
Authors: Yue Rui , Shen Bo , Morrison Sean J
Published: December 2016

Bone marrow stromal cells maintain the adult skeleton by forming osteoblasts throughout life that regenerate bone and repair fractures. We discovered that subsets of these stromal cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and hypertrophic chondrocytes secrete a C-type lectin domain protein, Clec11a, which promotes osteogenesis. Clec11a-deficient mice appeared developmentally normal and had normal hematopoiesis but reduced limb and vertebral bone. Clec11a-deficient mice exhibited accelerated bone loss during aging, reduced bone strength, and delayed fracture healing. Bone marrow stromal cells from Clec11a-deficient mice showed impaired osteogenic differentiation, but normal adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Recombinant Clec11a promoted osteogenesis by stromal cells in culture and increased bone mass in osteoporotic mice in vivo. Recombinant human Clec11a promoted osteogenesis by human bone marrow stromal cells in culture and in vivo. Clec11a thus maintains the adult skeleton by promoting the differentiation of mesenchymal progenitors into mature osteoblasts. In light of this, we propose to call this factor Osteolectin.
A conserved bacterial protein induces pancreatic beta cell expansion during zebrafish development
Authors: Hill Jennifer Hampton , Franzosa Eric A , Huttenhower Curtis , Guillemin Karen
Published: December 2016

Resident microbes play important roles in the development of the gastrointestinal tract, but their influence on other digestive organs is less well explored. Using the gnotobiotic zebrafish, we discovered that the normal expansion of the pancreatic β cell population during early larval development requires the intestinal microbiota and that specific bacterial members can restore normal β cell numbers. These bacteria share a gene that encodes a previously undescribed protein, named herein BefA (β Cell Expansion Factor A), which is sufficient to induce β cell proliferation in developing zebrafish larvae. Homologs of BefA are present in several human-associated bacterial species, and we show that they have conserved capacity to stimulate β cell proliferation in larval zebrafish. Our findings highlight a role for the microbiota in early pancreatic β cell development and suggest a possible basis for the association between low diversity childhood fecal microbiota and increased diabetes risk.
Relief of autoinhibition by conformational switch explains enzyme activation by a catalytically dead paralog
Authors: Volkov Oleg A , Kinch Lisa , Ariagno Carson , Deng Xiaoyi , Zhong Shihua , Grishin Nick , Tomchick Diana R , Chen Zhe , Phillips Margaret A
Published: December 2016

Catalytically inactive enzyme paralogs occur in many genomes. Some regulate their active counterparts but the structural principles of this regulation remain largely unknown. We report X-ray structures of Trypanosoma brucei S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase alone and in functional complex with its catalytically dead paralogous partner, prozyme. We show monomeric TbAdoMetDC is inactive because of autoinhibition by its N-terminal sequence. Heterodimerization with prozyme displaces this sequence from the active site through a complex mechanism involving a cis-to-trans proline isomerization, reorganization of a β-sheet, and insertion of the N-terminal α-helix into the heterodimer interface, leading to enzyme activation. We propose that the evolution of this intricate regulatory mechanism was facilitated by the acquisition of the dimerization domain, a single step that can in principle account for the divergence of regulatory schemes in the AdoMetDC enzyme family. These studies elucidate an allosteric mechanism in an enzyme and a plausible scheme by which such complex cooperativity evolved.
Genetic and environmental influences on adult human height across birth cohorts from 1886 to 1994
Authors: Jelenkovic Aline , Hur Yoon-Mi , Sund Reijo , Yokoyama Yoshie , Siribaddana Sisira H , Hotopf Matthew , Sumathipala Athula , Rijsdijk Fruhling , Tan Qihua , Zhang Dongfeng , Pang Zengchang , Aaltonen Sari , Heikkilä Kauko , Öncel Sevgi Y , Aliev Fazil , Rebato Esther , Tarnoki Adam D , Tarnoki David L , Christensen Kaare , Skytthe Axel , Kyvik Kirsten O , Silberg Judy L , Eaves Lindon J , Maes Hermine H , Cutler Tessa L , Hopper John L , Ordoñana Juan R , Sánchez-Romera Juan F , Colodro-Conde Lucia , Cozen Wendy , Hwang Amie E , Mack Thomas M , Sung Joohon , Song Yun-Mi , Yang Sarah , Lee Kayoung , Franz Carol E , Kremen William S , Lyons Michael J , Busjahn Andreas , Nelson Tracy L , Whitfield Keith E , Kandler Christian , Jang Kerry L , Gatz Margaret , Butler David A , Stazi Maria A , Fagnani Corrado , D'Ippolito Cristina , Duncan Glen E , Buchwald Dedra , Derom Catherine A , Vlietinck Robert F , Loos Ruth JF , Martin Nicholas G , Medland Sarah E , Montgomery Grant W , Jeong Hoe-Uk , Swan Gary E , Krasnow Ruth , Magnusson Patrik KE , Pedersen Nancy L , Dahl-Aslan Anna K , McAdams Tom A , Eley Thalia C , Gregory Alice M , Tynelius Per , Baker Laura A , Tuvblad Catherine , Bayasgalan Gombojav , Narandalai Danshiitsoodol , Lichtenstein Paul , Spector Timothy D , Mangino Massimo , Lachance Genevieve , Bartels Meike , van Beijsterveldt Toos CEM , Willemsen Gonneke , Burt S Alexandra , Klump Kelly L , Harris Jennifer R , Brandt Ingunn , Nilsen Thomas Sevenius , Krueger Robert F , McGue Matt , Pahlen Shandell , Corley Robin P , Hjelmborg Jacob v B , Goldberg Jack H , Iwatani Yoshinori , Watanabe Mikio , Honda Chika , Inui Fujio , Rasmussen Finn , Huibregtse Brooke M , Boomsma Dorret I , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: December 2016

Human height variation is determined by genetic and environmental factors, but it remains unclear whether their influences differ across birth-year cohorts. We conducted an individual-based pooled analysis of 40 twin cohorts including 143,390 complete twin pairs born 1886–1994. Although genetic variance showed a generally increasing trend across the birth-year cohorts, heritability estimates (0.69-0.84 in men and 0.53-0.78 in women) did not present any clear pattern of secular changes. Comparing geographic-cultural regions (Europe, North America and Australia, and East Asia), total height variance was greatest in North America and Australia and lowest in East Asia, but no clear pattern in the heritability estimates across the birth-year cohorts emerged. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that heritability of height is lower in populations with low living standards than in affluent populations, nor that heritability of height will increase within a population as living standards improve.
Lectins bring benefits to bones
Authors: Chan Charles KF , Ransom Ryan C , Longaker Michael T
Published: December 2016

The discovery that proteins called c-type lectins promote bone growth could lead to new treatments for age-related bone disorders.
From bugs to beta cells
Authors: Zhang Yuxi , Hesselson Daniel
Published: December 2016

Certain microbes in the intestine secrete protein that stimulates the proliferation of beta cells in the pancreas during development.
Self-reported frequency, severity of, and awareness of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients in Turkey
Authors: Büyükkaya Besen Dilek , Arda Sürücü Hamdiye , Koşar Cansu
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Limited data exist on the frequency of hypoglycemic events in type 2 diabetic patients in Turkey. Our study investigated self-reported hypoglycemic events and awareness of hypoglycemia in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

People with type 2 diabetes older than 18 years of age were recruited from the two university hospital diabetes clinics. The frequency and severity of hypoglycemia and awareness of hypoglycemia during the preceding year were determinated using questionnaires by the face-to-face interview method.

Results

In this study of 187 patients with type 2 diabetes, 83.4% had impaired awareness of their hypoglycemia, and 62% reported that they had missed some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Of the patients reporting hypoglycemic symptoms and severity level, 84.1% experienced mild hypoglycemia, 60% moderate, and 15.5% severe hypoglycemia in the past year. No significant association was made between hypoglycemia awareness and age, body-mass index (BMI), years of diabetes, dose of insulin, duration of insulin use, number of meals, or amount of snacking. A significant correlation was found between A1c levels and hypoglycemia awareness and severity of hypoglycemia. A significant correlation was found between dose of insulin, amount of snacking, and severity of hypoglycemia. No significant association was made between severity of hypoglycemia and age, BMI, years of diabetes, duration of insulin use, or the number of meals. However, the group with severe hypoglycemia had diabetes longer, and the average daily dose of insulin use was higher than in other groups.

Conclusions

According to the study results, the percentage of patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia is high, and 62% of patients reported that they had missed some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes. In addition, the percentage of severe hypoglycemic events is not low. Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia is a major risk factor for severe hypoglycemic events. Patients should be educated about the danger of hypoglycemia. Education should be improved, and a determined attempt should be made to eradicate the problem.
Dendrobium alkaloids prevent Aβ25–35-induced neuronal and synaptic loss via promoting neurotrophic factors expression in mice
Authors: Nie Jing , Tian Yong , Zhang Yu , Lu Yan-Liu , Li Li-Sheng , Shi Jing-Shan
Published: December 2016

Background

Neuronal and synaptic loss is the most important risk factor for cognitive impairment. Inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and preventing synaptic loss are promising therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we investigate the protective effects of Dendrobium alkaloids (DNLA), a Chinese medicinal herb extract, on β-amyloid peptide segment 25–35 (Aβ25-35)-induced neuron and synaptic loss in mice.

Method

Aβ25–35(10 µg) was injected into the bilateral ventricles of male mice followed by an oral administration of DNLA (40 mg/kg) for 19 days. The Morris water maze was used for evaluating the ability of spatial learning and memory function of mice. The morphological changes were examined via H&E staining and Nissl staining. TUNEL staining was used to check the neuronal apoptosis. The ultrastructure changes of neurons were observed under electron microscope. Western blot was used to evaluate the protein expression levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and cortex.

Results

DNLA significantly attenuated Aβ25–35-induced spatial learning and memory impairments in mice. DNLA prevented Aβ25–35-induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus and cortex, increased the number of Nissl bodies, improved the ultrastructural injury of neurons and increased the number of synapses in neurons. Furthermore, DNLA increased the protein expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF, CNTF and GDNF in the hippocampus and cortex.

Conclusions

DNLA can prevent neuronal apoptosis and synaptic loss. This effect is mediated at least in part via increasing the expression of BDNF, GDNF and CNTF in the hippocampus and cortex; improving Aβ-induced spatial learning and memory impairment in mice.
Biodiversity data obsolescence and land uses changes
Authors: Escribano Nora , Ariño Arturo H. , Galicia David
Published: December 2016

Background

Primary biodiversity records (PBR) are essential in many areas of scientific research as they document the biodiversity through time and space. However, concerns about PBR quality and fitness-for-use have grown, especially as derived from taxonomical, geographical and sampling effort biases. Nonetheless, the temporal bias stemming from data ageing has received less attention. We examine the effect of changes in land use in the information currentness, and therefore data obsolescence, in biodiversity databases.

Methods

We created maps of land use changes for three periods (1956–1985, 1985–2000 and 2000–2012) at 5-kilometres resolution. For each cell we calculated the percentage of land use change within each period. We then overlaid distribution data about small mammals, and classified each data as ‘non-obsolete or ‘obsolete,’ depending on both the amount of land use changes in the cell, and whether changes occurred at or after the data sampling’s date.

Results

A total of 14,528 records out of the initial 59,677 turned out to be non-obsolete after taking into account the changes in the land uses in Navarra. These obsolete data existed in 115 of the 156 cells analysed. Furthermore, more than one half of the remaining cells holding non-obsolete records had not been visited at least for the last fifteen years.

Conclusion

Land use changes challenge the actual information obtainable from biodiversity datasets and therefore its potential uses. With the passage of time, one can expect a steady increase in the availability and use of biological records—but not without them becoming older and likely to be obsolete by land uses changes. Therefore, it becomes necessary to assess records’ obsolescence, as it may jeopardize the knowledge and perception of biodiversity patterns.
One-year mortality after severe COPD exacerbation in Bulgaria
Authors: Mekov Evgeni , Slavova Yanina , Tsakova Adelina , Genova Marianka P. , Kostadinov Dimitar T. , Minchev Delcho , Marinova Dora , Boyanov Mihail A.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

One-year mortality in COPD patients is reported to be between 4% and 43%, depending on the group examined.

Aim

To examine the one-year mortality in COPD patients after severe exacerbation and the correlation between mortality and patients’ characteristics and comorbidities.

Methods

A total of 152 COPD patients hospitalized for severe exacerbation were assessed for vitamin D status, diabetes mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension (AH), and metabolic syndrome (MS). Data were gathered about smoking status and number of exacerbations in previous year. CAT and mMRC questionnaires were completed by all patients. Pre- and post-bronchodilatory spirometry was performed. One-year mortality was established from national death register.

Results

One-year mortality is 7.2%. DM, MS, and VD are not predictors for one-year mortality. However there is a trend for increased mortality in patients with AH (9.5% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.107). There is increased mortality in patients with mMRC > 2 (11.1 vs. 0%, p = 0.013). The presence of severe exacerbation in the previous year is a risk factor for mortality (12.5% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.009). There is a trend for increased mortality in the group with FEV1 < 50% (11.5 vs. 4.4%, p = 0.094). Cox regression shows 3.7% increase in mortality rate for 1% decrease in FEV1, 5.2% for 1% decrease in PEF, 7.8% for one year age increase and 8.1% for 1 CAT point increase (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study finds relatively low one-year mortality in COPD patients after surviving severe exacerbation. Grade C and FEV1 > 80% may be factors for good prognosis. Risk factors for increased mortality are age, FEV1 value, severe exacerbation in previous year and reduced quality of life.
Sea ice thickness and recent Arctic warming
Authors: Lang Andreas , Yang Shuting , Kaas Eigil
Published: December 2016

The climatic impact of increased Arctic sea ice loss has received growing attention in the last years. However, little focus has been set on the role of sea ice thickness, although it strongly determines surface heat fluxes. Here ensembles of simulations using the EC‐Earth atmospheric model (Integrated Forecast System) are performed and analyzed to quantify the atmospheric impacts of Arctic sea ice thickness change since 1982 as revealed by the sea ice model assimilation Global Ice‐Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System. Results show that the recent sea ice thinning has significantly affected the Arctic climate, while remote atmospheric responses are less pronounced owing to a high internal atmospheric variability. Locally, the sea ice thinning results in enhancement of near‐surface warming of about 1°C per decade in winter, which is most pronounced over marginal sea ice areas with thin ice. This leads to an increase of the Arctic amplification factor by 37%.
A study of the dissociative recombination of CaO+ with electrons: Implications for Ca chemistry in the upper atmosphere
Authors: Bones D. L. , Gerding M. , Höffner J. , Martín Juan Carlos Gómez , Plane J. M. C.
Published: December 2016

The dissociative recombination of CaO+ ions with electrons has been studied in a flowing afterglow reactor. CaO+ was generated by the pulsed laser ablation of a Ca target, followed by entrainment in an Ar+ ion/electron plasma. A kinetic model describing the gas‐phase chemistry and diffusion to the reactor walls was fitted to the experimental data, yielding a rate coefficient of (3.0 ± 1.0) × 10−7 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 295 K. This result has two atmospheric implications. First, the surprising observation that the Ca+/Fe+ ratio is ~8 times larger than Ca/Fe between 90 and 100 km in the atmosphere can now be explained quantitatively by the known ion‐molecule chemistry of these two metals. Second, the rate of neutralization of Ca+ ions in a descending sporadic E layer is fast enough to explain the often explosive growth of sporadic neutral Ca layers.
In situ measurements of water uptake by black carbon‐containing aerosol in wildfire plumes
Authors: Perring Anne E. , Schwarz Joshua P. , Markovic Milos Z. , Fahey David W. , Jimenez Jose L. , Campuzano‐Jost Pedro , Palm Brett D. , Wisthaler Armin , Mikoviny Tomas , Diskin Glenn , Sachse Glen , Ziemba Luke , Anderson Bruce , Shingler Taylor , Crosbie Ewan , Sorooshian Armin , Yokelson Robert , Gao Ru‐Shan
Published: December 2016

Water uptake by black carbon (BC)‐containing aerosol was quantified in North American wildfire plumes of varying age (1 to ~40 h old) sampled during the SEAC4RS mission (2013). A Humidified Dual SP2 (HD‐SP2) is used to optically size BC‐containing particles under dry and humid conditions from which we extract the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, of materials internally mixed with BC. Instrumental variability and the uncertainty of the technique are briefly discussed. An ensemble average κ of 0.04 is found for the set of plumes sampled, consistent with previous estimates of bulk aerosol hygroscopicity from biomass burning sources. The temporal evolution of κ in the Yosemite Rim Fire plume is explored to constrain the rate of conversion of BC‐containing aerosol from hydrophobic to more hydrophilic modes in these emissions. A BC‐specific κ increase of ~0.06 over 40 h is found, fit well with an exponential curve corresponding to a transition from a κ of 0 to a κ of ~0.09 with an e‐folding time of 29 h. Although only a few percent of wildfire particles contain BC, a similar κ increase is estimated for bulk aerosol and the measured aerosol composition is used to infer that the observed κ change is driven by a combination of incorporation of ammonium sulfate and oxidation of existing organic materials. Finally, a substantial fraction of wildfire‐generated BC‐containing aerosol is calculated to be active as cloud condensation nuclei shortly after emission likely indicating efficient wet removal. These results can constrain model treatment of BC from wildfire sources.
Polarization diversity in a long‐haul transequatorial HF link from Antarctica to Spain
Authors: Bergadà Pau , Alsina‐Pagès Rosa Ma , Hervás Marcos
Published: December 2016

This paper describes a set of experiments which examine the feasibility of applying polarization diversity to a 12,760 km ionospheric link from Livingston Island (62.6°S, 60.4°W), South Shetlands, to Cambrils (41.0°N, 1.0°E), Spain. A transmitting monopole and both a monopole and a dipole (inverted‐V) at reception are the antennas used in this measurement campaign. Receiving antennas are orthogonal polarized to check whether wave polarization rotation causes differences between simultaneous signals. The results gathered in the paper indicate that there is a marked difference between simultaneous signals at vertical and horizontal polarized antennas, which depends on the hour of the day and the signal frequency. In this low‐throughput HF data link, polarization diversity could be used to increase SNR and performance through smart combination of receiving signals, due to the low cross‐correlation factor between them.
Room Temperature Electric‐Field Control of Magnetism in Layered Oxides with Cation Order
Authors: Lu Xue‐Zeng , Rondinelli James M.
Published: December 2016

Searching for materials with room‐temperature electric‐field control of magnetism has interested researchers for many years with three‐dimensional perovskite BiFeO3‐based compounds as the main focus. Here we choose the layered hybrid improper ferroelectric Ruddlesden‐Popper oxides as a platform from which to realize electric field controllable magnetism, leveraging a recently identified strain tunable polar‐to‐nonpolar (P‐NP) transition. We first propose a design principle for selecting the required A and B cation chemistries that will ensure (001) A3B2O7 films exhibit P‐NP transitions, which we substantiate with density functional calculations. By extending the guideline to B‐site ordered A3BB′O7 oxides, we identify more compounds exhibiting P‐NP transitions marked by the disappearance of an in‐plane polarization that can be functionalized. We then demonstrate that weak ferromagnetism can be tuned by an electric field at the boundary of the P‐NP transition in B‐site ordered (001) A3BB′O7 magnetic films, based on which we predict that cation ordered Ca3TcTiO7 may be a viable candidate for room‐temperature electric‐field control of magnetism.
Highly Efficient Deep‐Blue Electrophosphorescent Pt(II) Compounds with Non‐Distorted Flat Geometry: Tetradentate versus Macrocyclic Chelate Ligands
Authors: Wang Xiang , Peng Tai , Nguyen Carmen , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Wang Nan , Wu Wenjie , Li Quansong , Wang Suning
Published: December 2016

A new class of deep blue electrophosphorescent Pt(II) emitters have been designed and synthesized. This new class of deep blue Pt(II) emitters employ tetradentate and macrocyclic chelate chromophores to constrain the Pt(II) molecules in a non‐distorted flat geometry in both the ground state and the excited state. The new deep blue emitters do not produce excimer emission, with emission quantum efficiency as high as 95% in 10% doped PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate) films, and excellent UV stability, compared to the corresponding bidentate Pt(II) emitters. The macrocyclic tetradentate chelate Pt(II) compounds are the first examples of fully sterically constrained deep blue Pt(II) emitters that do not display structural distortion and have a higher thermal stability and a higher emission quantum efficiency than the corresponding non‐macrocyclic tetradentate Pt(II) analogues. A computational study supports that the macrocylic Pt(II) compounds are structurally more stable than the tetradentate Pt(II) molecules. Bright and efficient deep blue electrophosphorescent devices using a macrocyclic Pt(II) emitter have been successfully fabricated with a maximum brightness of 10 680 cd m−2, maximum external quantum efficiency of 15.4% (at 490 cd m−2), and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (1931) coordinates (x + y) of less than or near 0.30, respectively.
High Efficiency and High Open Circuit Voltage in Quasi 2D Perovskite Based Solar Cells
Authors: Cohen Bat‐El , Wierzbowska Małgorzata , Etgar Lioz
Published: December 2016

An important property of hybrid layered perovskite is the possibility to reduce its dimensionality to provide wider band gap and better stability. In this work, 2D perovskite of the structure (PEA)2(MA)n–1PbnBr3n+1 has been sensitized, where PEA is phenyl ethyl‐ammonium, MA is methyl‐ammonium, and using only bromide as the halide. The number of the perovskite layers has been varied (n) from n = 1 through n = ∞. Optical and physical characterization verify the layered structure and the increase in the band gap. The photovoltaic performance shows higher open circuit voltage (Voc) for the quasi 2D perovskite (i.e., n = 40, 50, 60) compared to the 3D perovskite. Voc of 1.3 V without hole transport material (HTM) and Voc of 1.46 V using HTM have been demonstrated, with corresponding efficiency of 6.3% and 8.5%, among the highest reported. The lower mobility and transport in the quasi 2D perovskites have been proved effective to gain high Voc with high efficiency, further supported by ab initio calculations and charge extraction measurements. Bromide is the only halide used in these quasi 2D perovskites, as mixing halides have recently revealed instability of the perovskite structure. These quasi 2D materials are promising candidates for use in optoelectronic applications that simultaneously require high voltage and high efficiency.
Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cable Made from Ultralight, Flexible Graphene/Carbon Nanotube/Sulfur Composite Fibers
Authors: Chong Woon Gie , Huang Jian‐Qiu , Xu Zheng‐Long , Qin Xianying , Wang Xiangyu , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: December 2016

The emergence of flexible and wearable electronic devices with shape amenability and high mobility has stimulated the development of flexible power sources to bring revolutionary changes to daily lives. The conventional rechargeable batteries with fixed geometries and sizes have limited their functionalities in wearable applications. The first‐ever graphene‐based fibrous rechargeable batteries are reported in this work. Ultralight composite fibers consisting of reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube filled with a large amount of sulfur (rGO/CNT/S) are prepared by a facile, one‐pot wet‐spinning method. The liquid crystalline behavior of high concentration GO sheets facilitates the alignment of rGO/CNT/S composites, enabling rational assembly into flexible and conductive fibers as lithium–sulfur battery electrodes. The ultralight fiber electrodes with scalable linear densities ranging from 0.028 to 0.13 mg cm−1 deliver a high initial capacity of 1255 mAh g−1 and an areal capacity of 2.49 mAh cm−2 at C/20. A shape‐conformable cable battery prototype demonstrates a stable discharge characteristic after 30 bending cycles.
Grafting of Aminoethylphosphonic Acid Monolayers on Titanium Nitride: The Effect of Surface Pretreatments through Electrochemical‐Assisted Oxidation
Authors: Zeb Gul , Le Xuan Tuan
Published: December 2016

The surface of titanium nitride (TiN) contains, in addition to nitride compounds, a certain amount of native oxide. This oxide allows the functionalization of TiN with amine‐terminated groups through spontaneous self‐assembly of aminoethylphosphonic acid. However, real industrial applications of titanium nitride, particularly for microelectronics and electrochemistry, require the development of efficient methods to improve the aminoethylphosphonate loading while preserving the main intrinsic characteristics of the TiN substrate. It is demonstrated that surface pretreatment, by either electrochemical anodization or cleaning in H2O2:HCl:H2O mixture, considerably enhances the phosphonic loading. This is the first report on mild oxidation of TiN surface using an acidic peroxide mixture. This electrochemical‐assisted method does not require any electrochemical equipment, and works through simple immersion of the TiN surface in the cleaning solution at room temperature. Moreover, cleaning in this solution leads to a significantly increased quantity of the grafted phosphonate groups via uniform hydroxylation of the entire surface, without altering the behavior of the pristine TiN. The electrochemical anodization technique, which results in quasicomplete conversion of surface TiN compounds to TiO2 under our working conditions, needs further fundamental investigation towards incorporation of oxygen into the TiN lattice.