bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance and potential clinical impact of advanced care paramedic interpretation of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the field
Authors: Le May Michel R. , Dionne Richard , Maloney Justin , Trickett John , Watpool Irene , Ruest Michel , Stiell Ian , Ryan Sheila , Davies Richard F.
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Most studies of pre-hospital management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have involved physicians accompanying the ambulance crew, or electrocardiogram (ECG) transmission to a physician at the base hospital. We sought to determine if Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) could accurately identify STEMI on the pre-hospital ECG and contribute to strategies that shorten time to reperfusion.

Methods:

A STEMI tool was developed to: 1) measure the accuracy of the ACPs at diagnosing STEMI; and 2) determine the potential time saved if ACPs were to independently administer thrombolytic therapy. Using registry data, we subsequently estimated the time saved by initiating thrombolytic therapy in the field compared with in-hospital administration by a physician.

Results:

Between August 2003 and July 2004, a correct diagnosis of STEMI on the pre-hospital ECG was confirmed in 63 patients. The performance of the ACPs in identifying STEMI on the ECG resulted in a sensitivity of 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86%–99%), a specificity of 96% (95% CI 94%–98%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 82% (95% CI 71%–90%), and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99% (95% CI 97%–100%). ACP performance for appropriately using thrombolytic therapy resulted in a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI 78%–98%), a specificity of 97% (95% CI 94%–98%), a PPV of 73% (95% CI 59%–85%) and an NPV of 99% (95% CI 97%–100%). We estimated that the median time saved by ACP administration of thrombolytic therapy would have been 44 minutes.

Conclusions:

ACPs can be trained to accurately interpret the pre-hospital ECG for the diagnosis of STEMI. These results are important for the design of regional integrated programs aimed at reducing delays to reperfusion.
Myth: Intravenous amiodarone is safe in patients with atrial fibrillation and Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in the emergency department
Authors: Tijunelis Marius A. , Herbert Mel E.
Published: July 2016

Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potentially life-threatening problem requiring rapid conversion to sinus rhythm. The most recent American Heart Association guidelines for the treatment of patients with WPW, published in conjunction with the 2000 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines, suggests that intravenous amiodarone is a first-line therapy for AF–WPW; however the evidence suggests this is a potentially dangerous myth.
Emergency preparedness: what every health care worker needs to know
Authors: Christian Michael D. , Kollek Daniel , Schwartz Brian
Published: July 2016

Canada is moving forward quickly with plans to ensure that it is prepared to deal with emergencies. The National Framework for Health Emergency Management, released Nov. 26, 2004, recommends that a National Health Incident Management System (IMS) be developed. However, although most communities have successfully implemented IMS in the emergency services sector, many are still struggling with the integration of IMS into their health care systems. It is essential that all health care workers, regardless of profession or position, understand at least the basic concepts of emergency preparedness because of the wide variety of roles they may be asked to fulfill in an emergency situation. This article will review the basic concepts in emergency preparedness and management with a specific focus on IMS in health care.
Can urine cultures and reagent test strips be used to diagnose urinary tract infection in elderly emergency department patients without focal urinary symptoms?
Authors: Ducharme James , Neilson Shane , Ginn Jeffery L.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To compare the results of urine cultures and reagent strip testing in 2 groups of elderly emergency department (ED) patients: an asymptomatic group unlikely to have urinary tract infection (UTI), and a group who had vague symptoms and were considered at risk for UTI.

Methods:

We performed a prospective observational convenience study with 2 groups of 100 patients aged 65 or older. The asymptomatic group consisted of afebrile patients presenting to the ED with non-infectious complaints, while the symptomatic group included patients presenting with acute confusion, weakness or fever but no apparent urinary symptoms. We defined a positive urine culture as a single organism count greater than 100 000 CFU/mL in mid-stream specimens, or greater than 1000 CFU/mL in catheter specimens. We considered reagent strips positive if they demonstrated any reaction to the leukocyte-esterase assay, the nitrite assay or both.

Results:

Of the 33 positive cultures, 10 had negative reagent strips. Thirteen of the 14 positive nitrite tests were culture positive for a specificity of 92.8% and a sensitivity of 36.1%. Positive cultures did not infer a diagnosis of UTI. Of the 67 positive reagent strips, 41 (61.2%) were associated with negative cultures. Likelihood ratios (LRs) in both groups affirmed the inability of the reagent strips to help significantly in decision making, with positive and negative LR in the indeterminate range (control group: 2.8 and 0.31, symptomatic group: 2.7 and 0.46, respectively).

Conclusion:

In the elderly, reagent testing is an unreliable method of identifying patients with positive blood cultures. Moreover, positive urine culture rates are only slightly higher in patients with vague symptoms attributable to UTI than they are in (asymptomatic) patients treated for non-urologic problems, which suggests that many positive cultures in elderly patients with non-focal systemic symptoms are false-positive tests reflecting asymptomatic bacteriuria and not UTIs. Blood cultures, regarded by many as the criterion standard for UTI, do not have sufficient specificity to confirm the diagnosis of UTI in elderly patients with non-specific symptoms.
A rare case of leaking abdominal aneurysm presenting as isolated right testicular pain
Authors: Sufi P.A.
Published: July 2016

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is not usually considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated right testicular pain. We describe a patient who did present with isolated acute right testicular pain as the sentinel feature of a leaking AAA. In the patient group with right testicular pain, consideration of a leaking AAA should be added to the differential diagnosis. An adverse outcome can be avoided by timely diagnosis and intervention.
Scrofula as a presentation of tuberculosis and HIV
Authors: Barnett Katrina , Medzon Ron
Published: July 2016

Scrofula, or tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis, though now rare, is more commonly seen in minorities, women and immunosuppressed patients, especially those with HIV. We discuss a patient who presented to the emergency department with an anterior neck abscess and was diagnosed with both advanced HIV and disseminated tuberculosis. A high level of suspicion is necessary to make this diagnosis, but given an increasing degree of global mobility, such patients may present anywhere. Medical management is effective, though difficult. Early diagnosis improves the patient's individual prognosis and may prevent further exposure and transmission to the population.
Integrating nurse practitioners into Canadian emergency departments: a qualitative study of barriers and recommendations
Authors: Thrasher Christine , Purc-Stephenson Rebecca J.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify the facilitators and barriers associated with integrating nurse practitioners (NPs) into Canadian emergency departments (EDs) from the perspectives of NPs and ED staff.

Methods:

We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with key multidisciplinary stakeholders in 6 Ontario EDs to gain a broad range of perspectives on implementation issues. Data were analyzed using a grounded-theory approach.

Results:

Qualitative analysis of the interview data revealed 3 major issues associated with NP implementation: organizational context, role clarity and NP recruitment. Organizational context refers to the environment an NP enters and involves issues related to the ED culture, physician reimbursement system and patient volume. Role clarity refers to understanding the NP's function in the ED. Recruitment issues are associated with attracting and retaining NPs to work in EDs. Examples of each issue using respondent's own words are provided.

Conclusion:

Our study identified 3 issues that illustrate the complex issues involved when implementing NPs in EDs. The findings may inform policy makers and health care professionals in the future development of the role of NPs in Canadian EDs.
A systematic review of the impact of nurse practitioners on cost, quality of care, satisfaction and wait times in the emergency department
Authors: Carter Alix J.E. , Chochinov Alecs H.
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

US emergency personnel cared for 106% more patients in 1990 than they did in 1980, and national emergency department census data show that 60%–80% of those patients presented with non-urgent or minor medical problems. The hiring of nurse practitioners (NPs) is one proposed solution to the ongoing overcrowding and physician shortage facing emergency departments (EDs).

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and Cinahl to find articles that discussed NPs in the ED setting, looking specifically at 4 key outcome measures: wait times, patient satisfaction, quality of care and cost effectiveness.

Results:

Although some questions remain, a review of the literature suggests that NPs can reduce wait times for the ED, lead to high patient satisfaction and provide a quality of care equal to that of a mid-grade resident. Cost, when compared with resident physicians, is higher; however, data comparing to the hiring additional medical professionals is lacking.

Conclusion:

The medical community should further explore the use of NPs, particularly in fast track areas for high volume departments. In rural areas, NPs could supplement overextended physicians and allow health centres to remain open when they might otherwise have to close. These strategies could improve access to care and patient satisfaction for selected urban and rural populations as well as make the best use of limited medical resources.
Efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of propofol for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department: a prospective study
Authors: Zed Peter J. , Abu-Laban Riyad B. , Chan Winnie W.Y. , Harrison David W.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

We evaluated the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction with the use of propofol for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:

All patients receiving propofol for procedural sedation and analgesia in the ED between December 1, 2003, and November 30, 2005, were prospectively assessed. Propofol was administered using a standardized protocol, which included an initial dose of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg followed by 10–20 mg/minute until sedated. Efficacy was evaluated using procedural success rate, recovery time and physician satisfaction. Adverse respiratory effects were defined as apnea for more than 30 seconds or an oxygen saturation of less than 90%. Hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg or > 20% decrease from baseline. Patient and physician satisfaction were determined using 5-point Likert scales.

Results:

Our study included 113 patients with a mean age of 50 (standard deviation [SD] 19) years; 62% were male. The most common procedures were orthopedic manipulation (44%), cardioversion (37%), and abscess incision and drainage (13%). The mean total propofol dose required was 1.6 (SD 0.9) mg/kg. Procedural success was achieved in 90% of cases and the mean patient recovery time was 7.6 (SD 3.4) minutes. No patient (0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0%–3%) experienced apnea; however, 1 patient (1%, 95% CI 0%–5%) experienced emesis, which resulted in an oxygen saturation <90%. Nine patients (8%, 95% CI 4%–15%) experienced hypotension and 7 (6%, 95% CI 3%–12%) experienced pain on injection. All patients were very satisfied (92%, 95% CI 85%–96%) or satisfied (8%, 95% CI 4%–15%), and 94% (95% CI 88%–98%) reported no recollection of the procedure. The majority of physicians were very satisfied (85%, 95% CI 77%–91%) or satisfied (6%, 95% CI 3%–12%) with the sedation and the conditions achieved.

Conclusion:

When administered as part of a standardized protocol, propofol appears to be a safe and effective agent for performing procedural sedation and analgesia in the ED, and is associated with high patient and physician satisfaction.
Do fluoroquinolones commonly cause arthropathy in children?
Authors: Forsythe Clinton T. , Ernst Michael E.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

The objective of this paper was to review the relation between fluoroquinolone (FQ) use and arthropathy in children.

Methods:

The biomedical literature from January 1980 to February 2007 was searched using PubMed. Key search terms included fluoroquinolones, arthropathy, tendinopathy and children. Literature was included if it was a clinical trial or meta-analysis examining the use of 1 or more FQs in a pediatric human population and if it had a primary outcome measure of reported incidence of arthropathy or tendinopathy. Articles were excluded if the primary outcome measure was efficacy of an FQ in a particular pediatric disease state, and evaluated safety was a secondary end point.

Results:

Data was reviewed from 4 large retrospective studies. Three of the 4 studies failed to find a significant link between musculoskeletal injury and FQ treatment. One study reported a correlation between use of pefloxacin and arthropathy, but the authors' conclusions supported the use of FQs in select pediatric cases.

Conclusion:

Arthropathy that occurs as a result of FQ use in children has not been adequately supported by published data from safety trials in human children. Concerns about arthropathy with FQs should not preclude their use by emergency physicians when appropriate and necessary in pediatric patients.
Airbag pneumonitis: a report and discussion of a new clinical entity
Authors: Caudle Jaelyn M. , Hawkes Robert , Howes Daniel W. , Brison Robert J.
Published: July 2016

This report describes the occurrence of pneumonitis in a young male immediately after inhalation of aerosolized chemicals subsequent to motor vehicle airbag deployment. The clinical presentation was one of mild shortness of breath associated with bilateral alveolar infiltrates on chest radiology. Not previously described, this diagnosis should be considered in the differential of pulmonary infiltrates in motor vehicle crash patients.
An application of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to continuous-time incurred but not yet reported (IBNYR) events
Authors: Brown Garfield O. , Buckley Winston S.
Published: July 2016

We develop a Bayesian model for continuous-time incurred but not yet reported (IBNYR) events under four types of secondary data, and show that unreported events, such as claims, have a Poisson distribution with a reduced arrival parameter if event arrivals are Poisson distributed. Using insurance claims as an example of an IBNYR event, we apply Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to the continuous-time IBNYR claims model of Jewell using Type I and Type IV data. We illustrate the relative stability of the MCMC method versus the Gammoid approximation of Jewell by showing that the MCMC estimates approach their prior parameters, while the Gammoid approximations grow without bound for Type IV data. Moreover, this holds for any distribution that the delay parameter is assumed to follow. Our framework also allows for the computation of posterior confidence intervals for the parameters.
Development of compact inductive coupled meander line RFID tag for near-field applications
Authors: Choudhary Abhishek , Gopal Krishan , Sood Deepak , Tripathi Chandra Charu
Published: July 2016

The development of compact radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is the key requirement for wireless tracking of precious small size goods/packages in transport. A design of compact meander line tag antenna having inductive coupling feed is presented for RFID system operating at ultra high frequency band of865–867 MHz. The size of the proposed tag antenna is43 mm × 10 mm, and is designed using Higgs 4 IC chip (made Alien Technology, USA) having impedance of20.55− j191.45 Ωat centre frequency866 MHz.The antenna characteristics such as impedance, radiation pattern, bandwidth, and effect of ground on gain and tag size are analyzed and found to closely match with the simulated values. The observed value of reading range varies from87.5 to 35 cmsdepending on mounting on non-metal and metal packages, respectively.
Elucidating novel disease mechanisms in severe asthma
Authors: Kim Richard Y , Rae Brittany , Neal Rachel , Donovan Chantal , Pinkerton James , Balachandran Lohis , Starkey Malcolm R , Knight Darryl A , Horvat Jay C , Hansbro Philip M
Published: July 2016

Corticosteroids are broadly active and potent anti‐inflammatory agents that, despite the introduction of biologics, remain as the mainstay therapy for many chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Significantly, there are cohorts of these patients with poor sensitivity to steroid treatment even with high doses, which can lead to many iatrogenic side effects. The dose‐limiting toxicity of corticosteroids, and the lack of effective therapeutic alternatives, leads to substantial excess morbidity and healthcare expenditure. We have developed novel murine models of respiratory infection‐induced, severe, steroid‐resistant asthma that recapitulate the hallmark features of the human disease. These models can be used to elucidate novel disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets in severe asthma. Hypothesis‐driven studies can elucidate the roles of specific factors and pathways. Alternatively, 'Omics approaches can be used to rapidly generate new targets. Similar approaches can be used in other diseases.
iVirus: facilitating new insights in viral ecology with software and community data sets imbedded in a cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Bolduc Benjamin , Youens-Clark Ken , Roux Simon , Hurwitz Bonnie L , Sullivan Matthew B
Published: July 2016

Microbes affect nutrient and energy transformations throughout the world’s ecosystems, yet they do so under viral constraints. In complex communities, viral metagenome (virome) sequencing is transforming our ability to quantify viral diversity and impacts. Although some bottlenecks, for example, few reference genomes and nonquantitative viromics, have been overcome, the void of centralized data sets and specialized tools now prevents viromics from being broadly applied to answer fundamental ecological questions. Here we present iVirus, a community resource that leverages the CyVerse cyberinfrastructure to provide access to viromic tools and data sets. The iVirus Data Commons contains both raw and processed data from 1866 samples and 73 projects derived from global ocean expeditions, as well as existing and legacy public repositories. Through the CyVerse Discovery Environment, users can interrogate these data sets using existing analytical tools (software applications known as ‘Apps’) for assembly, open reading frame prediction and annotation, as well as several new Apps specifically developed for analyzing viromes. Because Apps are web based and powered by CyVerse supercomputing resources, they enable scalable analyses for a broad user base. Finally, a use-case scenario documents how to apply these advances toward new data. This growing iVirus resource should help researchers utilize viromics as yet another tool to elucidate viral roles in nature.
Determining solar effects in Neptune’s atmosphere
Authors: Aplin K. L. , Harrison R. G.
Published: July 2016

Long-duration observations of Neptune’s brightness at two visible wavelengths provide a disk-averaged estimate of its atmospheric aerosol. Brightness variations were previously associated with the 11-year solar cycle, through solar-modulated mechanisms linked with either ultraviolet or galactic cosmic ray (GCR) effects on atmospheric particles. Here, we use a recently extended brightness data set (1972–2014), with physically realistic modelling to show, rather than alternatives, ultraviolet and GCR are likely to be modulating Neptune’s atmosphere in combination. The importance of GCR is further supported by the response of Neptune’s atmosphere to an intermittent 1.5- to 1.9-year periodicity, which occurred preferentially in GCR (not ultraviolet) during the mid-1980s. This periodicity was detected both at Earth, and in GCR measured by Voyager 2, then near Neptune. A similar coincident variability in Neptune’s brightness suggests nucleation onto GCR ions. Both GCR and ultraviolet mechanisms may occur more rapidly than the subsequent atmospheric particle transport.
Challenges in identifying cancer genes by analysis of exome sequencing data
Authors: Hofree Matan , Carter Hannah , Kreisberg Jason F. , Bandyopadhyay Sourav , Mischel Paul S. , Friend Stephen , Ideker Trey
Published: July 2016

Massively parallel sequencing has permitted an unprecedented examination of the cancer exome, leading to predictions that all genes important to cancer will soon be identified by genetic analysis of tumours. To examine this potential, here we evaluate the ability of state-of-the-art sequence analysis methods to specifically recover known cancer genes. While some cancer genes are identified by analysis of recurrence, spatial clustering or predicted impact of somatic mutations, many remain undetected due to lack of power to discriminate driver mutations from the background mutational load (13–60% recall of cancer genes impacted by somatic single-nucleotide variants, depending on the method). Cancer genes not detected by mutation recurrence also tend to be missed by all types of exome analysis. Nonetheless, these genes are implicated by other experiments such as functional genetic screens and expression profiling. These challenges are only partially addressed by increasing sample size and will likely hold even as greater numbers of tumours are analysed.
Atomically resolved three-dimensional structures of electrolyte aqueous solutions near a solid surface
Authors: Martin-Jimenez Daniel , Chacon Enrique , Tarazona Pedro , Garcia Ricardo
Published: July 2016

Interfacial liquid layers play a central role in a variety of phenomena ranging from friction to molecular recognition. Liquids near a solid surface form an interfacial layer where the molecular structure is different from that of the bulk. Here we report atomic resolution three-dimensional images of electrolyte solutions near a mica surface that demonstrate the existence of three types of interfacial structures. At low concentrations (0.01–1 M), cations are adsorbed onto the mica. The cation layer is topped by a few hydration layers. At higher concentrations, the interfacial layer extends several nanometres into the liquid. It involves the alternation of cation and anion planes. Fluid Density Functional calculations show that water molecules are a critical factor for stabilizing the structure of the interfacial layer. The interfacial layer stabilizes a crystal-like structure compatible with liquid-like ion and solvent mobilities. At saturation, some ions precipitate and small crystals are formed on the mica.
Identification of an ATP-controlled allosteric switch that controls actin filament nucleation by Arp2/3 complex
Authors: Rodnick-Smith Max , Liu Su-Ling , Balzer Connor J. , Luan Qing , Nolen Brad J.
Published: July 2016

Nucleation of branched actin filaments by Arp2/3 complex is tightly regulated to control actin assembly in cells. Arp2/3 complex activation involves conformational changes brought about by ATP, Nucleation Promoting Factor (NPF) proteins, actin filaments and NPF-recruited actin monomers. To understand how these factors promote activation, we must first understand how the complex is held inactive in their absence. Here we demonstrate that the Arp3 C-terminal tail is a structural switch that prevents Arp2/3 complex from adopting an active conformation. The interaction between the tail and a hydrophobic groove in Arp3 blocks movement of Arp2 and Arp3 into an activated filament-like (short pitch) conformation. Our data indicate ATP binding destabilizes this interaction via an allosteric link between the Arp3 nucleotide cleft and the hydrophobic groove, thereby promoting the short-pitch conformation. Our results help explain how Arp2/3 complex is locked in an inactive state without activators and how autoinhibition is relieved.
Amplitudon and phason modes of electrocaloric energy interconversion
Authors: Mangeri John , Pitike Krishna C , Alpay S Pamir , Nakhmanson Serge
Published: July 2016

Solid-state electrothermal energy interconversion utilising the electrocaloric effect is currently being considered as a viable source of applications alternative to contemporary cooling and heating technologies. Electrocaloric performance of a dielectric system is critically dependent on the number of uncorrelated polar states, or ‘entropy channels’ present within the system phase space. Exact physical origins of these states are currently unclear and practical methodologies for controlling their number and creating additional ones are not firmly established. Here we employ a multiscale computational approach to investigate the electrocaloric response of an artificial layered-oxide material that exhibits Goldstone-like polar excitations. We demonstrate that in the low-electric-field poling regime, the number of independent polar states in this system is proportional to the number of grown layers, and that the resulting electrocaloric properties are tuneable in the whole range of temperatures below TC by application of electric fields and elastic strain.
An ultrahigh-accuracy Miniature Dew Point Sensor based on an Integrated Photonics Platform
Authors: Tao Jifang , Luo Yu , Wang Li , Cai Hong , Sun Tao , Song Junfeng , Liu Hui , Gu Yuandong
Published: July 2016

The dew point is the temperature at which vapour begins to condense out of the gaseous phase. The deterministic relationship between the dew point and humidity is the basis for the industry-standard “chilled-mirror” dew point hygrometers used for highly accurate humidity measurements, which are essential for a broad range of industrial and metrological applications. However, these instruments have several limitations, such as high cost, large size and slow response. In this report, we demonstrate a compact, integrated photonic dew point sensor (DPS) that features high accuracy, a small footprint, and fast response. The fundamental component of this DPS is a partially exposed photonic micro-ring resonator, which serves two functions simultaneously: 1) sensing the condensed water droplets via evanescent fields and 2) functioning as a highly accurate, in situ temperature sensor based on the thermo-optic effect (TOE). This device virtually eliminates most of the temperature-related errors that affect conventional “chilled-mirror” hygrometers. Moreover, this DPS outperforms conventional “chilled-mirror” hygrometers with respect to size, cost and response time, paving the way for on-chip dew point detection and extension to applications for which the conventional technology is unsuitable because of size, cost, and other constraints.
Mitogenomic perspectives on the origin of Tibetan loaches and their adaptation to high altitude
Authors: Wang Ying , Shen Yanjun , Feng Chenguang , Zhao Kai , Song Zhaobin , Zhang Yanping , Yang Liandong , He Shunping
Published: July 2016

Tibetan loaches are the largest group of Tibetan fishes and are well adapted to the Tibetan Plateau. To investigate the origin of Tibetan loaches and their adaptations to the Tibetan Plateau, we determined 32 complete mitochondrial genomes that included 29 Tibetan loach species, two Barbatula species and Schistura longus. By combining these newly determined sequences with other previously published mitochondrial genomes, we assembled a large mitogenomic data set (11,433 bp) of 96 species in the superfamily Cobitoidea, to investigate the phylogenetic status of the genus Triplophysa. The resulting phylogeny strongly supported that the genus Triplophysa forms a monophyletic group within Nemacheilidae. Our molecular dating time suggests that the lineage leading to the Tibetan loaches and other loaches diverged approximately 23.5 Ma, which falls within the period of recent major uplifts of the Tibetan Plateau in the Early Miocene. Selection analyses revealed that the mitochondrial protein-coding genes of Tibetan loaches have larger ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions than do those of non-Tibetan loaches, indicating that Tibetan loaches accumulated more nonsynonymous mutations than non-Tibetan loaches and exhibited rapid evolution. Two positively selected sites were identified in the ATP8 and ND1 genes.
Functional Brain Networks: Does the Choice of Dependency Estimator and Binarization Method Matter?
Authors: Jalili Mahdi
Published: July 2016

The human brain can be modelled as a complex networked structure with brain regions as individual nodes and their anatomical/functional links as edges. Functional brain networks are constructed by first extracting weighted connectivity matrices and then binarizing them to minimize the noise level. Different methods have been used to estimate the dependency values between the nodes and to obtain a binary network from a weighted connectivity matrix. In this work we study topological properties of EEG-based functional networks in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). To estimate the connectivity strength between two time series, we use Pearson correlation, coherence, phase order parameter and synchronization likelihood. In order to binarize the weighted connectivity matrices, we use Minimum Spanning Tree (MST), Minimum Connected Component (MCC), uniform threshold and density-preserving methods. We find that the detected AD-related abnormalities highly depend on the methods used for dependency estimation and binarization. Topological properties of networks constructed using coherence method and MCC binarization show more significant differences between AD and healthy subjects than the other methods. These results might explain contradictory results reported in the literature for network properties specific to AD symptoms. The analysis method should be seriously taken into account in the interpretation of network-based analysis of brain signals.
Self-Supporting Ion Gels for Electrochemiluminescent Sticker-Type Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Hong Kihyon , Kwon Yeong Kwan , Ryu Jungho , Lee Joo Yul , Kim Se Hyun , Lee Keun Hyung
Published: July 2016

Nowadays, there has been an increasing demand to develop low-cost, disposable or reusable display devices to meet and maximize short-term user convenience. However, the disposable device has unfortunately not materialized yet due to the light-emitting materials and fabrication process issues. Here, we report sticker-type electrochemiluminescent (ECL) device using self-supporting, light-emitting gel electrolytes. The self-supporting ion gels were formulated by mixing a network-forming polymer, ionic liquid, and metal complex luminophore. The resulting ion gels exhibit excellent mechanical strength to form free-standing rubbery light-emitting electrolyte films, which enables the fabrication of sticker-type display by simple transfer and lamination processes on various substrates. The sticker-type ECL devices can be operated under an AC bias and exhibit a low operating voltage of 4 V (peak-to-peak voltage) with a maximum luminance of 90 cd/m2. It is notable that the result is the first work to realize sticker displays based on electrochemical light emitting devices and can open up new possibilities for flexible or disposal display.
Secondary coordination sphere accelerates hole transfer for enhanced hydrogen photogeneration from [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimic and CdSe QDs in water
Authors: Wen Min , Li Xu-Bing , Jian Jing-Xin , Wang Xu-Zhe , Wu Hao-Lin , Chen Bin , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: July 2016

Achieving highly efficient hydrogen (H2) evolution via artificial photosynthesis is a great ambition pursued by scientists in recent decades because H2 has high specific enthalpy of combustion and benign combustion product. [FeFe]-Hydrogenase ([FeFe]-H2ase) mimics have been demonstrated to be promising catalysts for H2 photoproduction. However, the efficient photocatalytic H2 generation system, consisting of PAA-g-Fe2S2, CdSe QDs and H2A, suffered from low stability, probably due to the hole accumulation induced photooxidation of CdSe QDs and the subsequent crash of [FeFe]-H2ase mimics. In this work, we take advantage of supramolecular interaction for the first time to construct the secondary coordination sphere of electron donors (HA−) to CdSe QDs. The generated secondary coordination sphere helps realize much faster hole removal with a ~30-fold increase, thus leading to higher stability and activity for H2 evolution. The unique photocatalytic H2 evolution system features a great increase of turnover number to 83600, which is the highest one obtained so far for photocatalytic H2 production by using [FeFe]-H2ase mimics as catalysts.
Generation and evaluation of Myostatin knock-out rabbits and goats using CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Guo Rihong , Wan Yongjie , Xu Dan , Cui Libin , Deng Mingtian , Zhang Guomin , Jia Ruoxin , Zhou Wenjun , Wang Zhen , Deng Kaiping , Huang Mingrui , Wang Feng , Zhang Yanli
Published: July 2016

Myostatin (Mstn) is a conserved negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass in mammals. However, whether precise disruption of Mstn in livestock can be achieved and safely used to improve meat productivity has not been proven. We applied CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate Mstn knock-out (KO) rabbits and goats and then analyzed the changes in their phenotypes to answer this question. We efficiently generated 24 Mstn KO rabbits out of 32 newborn infants after embryo injection with two sgRNAs targeting rabbit Mstn, and found that the Mstn KO rabbits exhibited increased birthweight and a significantly increase in the weight ratios of the quadriceps and biceps muscles to the whole body. Mstn KO also caused high probability of enlarged tongue phenomenon and severe health problems such as stillbirth and early stage death. Using the same method, one out of four goats was generated with edition at Mstn locus. The early stage growth rate of this goat outperformed the control goats. In conclusion, we efficiently generated Mstn KO rabbits and goats using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. However, Mstn KO causes severe health problems and may also have the same effects on other species. This safety issue must be studied further before applied to animal reproduction processes.
Tetraspanin CD82 Regulates the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of PKCα in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Termini Christina M. , Lidke Keith A. , Gillette Jennifer M.
Published: July 2016

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have increased myeloid cells within their bone marrow that exhibit aberrant signaling. Therefore, therapeutic targets that modulate disrupted signaling cascades are of significant interest. In this study, we demonstrate that the tetraspanin membrane scaffold, CD82, regulates protein kinase c alpha (PKCα)-mediated signaling critical for AML progression. Utilizing a palmitoylation mutant form of CD82 with disrupted membrane organization, we find that the CD82 scaffold controls PKCα expression and activation. Combining single molecule and ensemble imaging measurements, we determine that CD82 stabilizes PKCα activation at the membrane and regulates the size of PKCα membrane clusters. Further evaluation of downstream effector signaling identified robust and sustained activation of ERK1/2 upon CD82 overexpression that results in enhanced AML colony formation. Together, these data propose a mechanism where CD82 membrane organization regulates sustained PKCα signaling that results in an aggressive leukemia phenotype. These observations suggest that the CD82 scaffold may be a potential therapeutic target for attenuating aberrant signal transduction in AML.
Oviposition by mutualistic seed-consuming pollinators reduces fruit abortion in a recently discovered pollination mutualism
Authors: Song Bo , Stöcklin Jürg , Gao Yong-Qian , Peng De-Li , Song Min-Shu , Sun Hang
Published: July 2016

A prerequisite for the evolutionary stability of pollinating seed-consuming mutualisms is that each partner benefits from the association. However, few studies of such mutualism have considered the benefit gained by the pollinators. Here, we determined how the pollinating seed-predators ensure the provisioning of their offspring in the recently discovered mutualism between Rheum nobile and Bradysia flies. The correlation between flower fate and fly oviposition was examined. Floral traits and patterns of variation in fruit abortion and fly oviposition were investigated to determine whether female flies exhibit preferences for particular flowers when laying eggs. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was quantified to determine whether female flies manipulate host physiology. Flowers that flies oviposited on had a significantly lower probability of fruit abortion compared with intact flowers. Females did not exhibit oviposition preference for any of the floral traits examined. There was no significant correlation between fruit abortion and fly oviposition in terms of either flower position or timing of flowering. IAA concentrations in oviposited flowers were significantly higher than in intact flowers. Our results suggest that oviposition by the mutualistic seed-consuming pollinator Bradysia sp., greatly reduces the probability of fruit abortion of its host, R. nobile; this may be attributed to the manipulation of host physiology through regulating IAA levels.
Differences in gray matter structure correlated to nationalism and patriotism
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Taki Yasuyuki , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Nouchi Rui , Kotozaki Yuka , Nakagawa Seishu , Miyauchi Carlos Makoto , Iizuka Kunio , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Shinada Takamitsu , Yamamoto Yuki , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Hashizume Hiroshi , Kunitoki Keiko , Sassa Yuko , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: July 2016

Nationalism and patriotism both entail positive evaluations of one’s nation. However, the former inherently involves derogation of other nations, whereas the latter is independent of comparisons with other nations. We used voxel-based morphometry and psychological measures and determined nationalism and patriotism’s association with gray matter density (rGMD) and their cognitive nature in healthy individuals (433 men and 344 women; age, 20.7 ± 1.9 years) using whole-brain multiple regression analyses and post hoc analyses. We found higher nationalism associated with greater rGMD in (a) areas of the posterior cingulate cortex and greater rGMD in (b) the orbitofrontal cortex and smaller rGMD in (c) the right amygdala area. Furthermore, we found higher patriotism associated with smaller rGMD in the (d) rostrolateral prefrontal cortex. Post hoc analyses revealed the mean rGMD of the cluster (a) associated with compassion, that of (b) associated with feeling of superiority, that of (c) associated with suicide ideation and that of (d) associated with quality of life. These results indicate that individual nationalism may be mediated by neurocognitive mechanisms in social-related areas and limbic neural mechanisms, whereas patriotism may be mediated by neurocognitive mechanisms in areas related to well-being.
Live-cell visualization of excitation energy dynamics in chloroplast thylakoid structures
Authors: Iwai Masakazu , Yokono Makio , Kurokawa Kazuo , Ichihara Akira , Nakano Akihiko
Published: July 2016

The intricate molecular processes underlying photosynthesis have long been studied using various analytic approaches. However, the three-dimensional (3D) dynamics of such photosynthetic processes remain unexplored due to technological limitations related to investigating intraorganellar mechanisms in vivo. By developing a system for high-speed 3D laser scanning confocal microscopy combined with high-sensitivity multiple-channel detection, we visualized excitation energy dynamics in thylakoid structures within chloroplasts of live Physcomitrella patens cells. Two distinct thylakoid structures in the chloroplast, namely the grana and stroma lamellae, were visualized three-dimensionally in live cells. The simultaneous detection of the shorter (than ~670 nm) and longer (than ~680 nm) wavelength regions of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence reveals different spatial characteristics—irregular and vertical structures, respectively. Spectroscopic analyses showed that the shorter and longer wavelength regions of Chl fluorescence are affected more by free light-harvesting antenna proteins and photosystem II supercomplexes, respectively. The high-speed 3D time-lapse imaging of the shorter and longer wavelength regions also reveals different structural dynamics—rapid and slow movements within 1.5 seconds, respectively. Such structural dynamics of the two wavelength regions of Chl fluorescence would indicate excitation energy dynamics between light-harvesting antenna proteins and photosystems, reflecting the energetically active nature of photosynthetic proteins in thylakoid membranes.
Accuracy of autofluorescence in diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders: a comparative study with aero-digestive lesions
Authors: Luo Xiaobo , Xu Hao , He Mingjing , Han Qi , Wang Hui , Sun Chongkui , Li Jing , Jiang Lu , Zhou Yu , Dan Hongxia , Feng Xiaodong , Zeng Xin , Chen Qianming
Published: July 2016

Presently, various studies had investigated the accuracy of autofluorescence in diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) with diverse conclusions. This study aimed to assess its accuracy for OSCC and OPMD and to investigate its applicability in general dental practice. After a comprehensive literature search, a meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled diagnostic indexes of autofluorescence for premalignant lesions (PML) and malignant lesions (ML) of the oral cavity, lung, esophagus, stomach and colorectum and to compute indexes regarding the detection of OSCC aided by algorithms. Besides, a u test was performed. Twenty-four studies detecting OSCC and OPMD in 2761 lesions were included. This demonstrated that the overall accuracy of autofluorescence for OSCC and OPMD was superior to PML and ML of the lung, esophagus and stomach, slightly inferior to the colorectum. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity for OSCC and OPMD were 0.89 and 0.8, respectively. Furthermore, the specificity could be remarkably improved by additional algorithms. With relatively high accuracy, autofluorescence could be potentially applied as an adjunct for early diagnosis of OSCC and OPMD. Moreover, approaches such as algorithms could enhance its specificity to ensure its efficacy in primary care.
Gas-phase hydrolysis of triplet SO2: A possible direct route to atmospheric acid formation
Authors: Donaldson D. James , Kroll Jay A. , Vaida Veronica
Published: July 2016

Sulfur chemistry is of great interest to the atmospheric chemistry of several planets. In the presence of water, oxidized sulfur can lead to new particle formation, influencing climate in significant ways. Observations of sulfur compounds in planetary atmospheres when compared with model results suggest that there are missing chemical mechanisms. Here we propose a novel mechanism for the formation of sulfurous acid, which may act as a seed for new particle formation. In this proposed mechanism, the lowest triplet state of SO2 (3B1), which may be accessed by near-UV solar excitation of SO2 to its excited 1B1 state followed by rapid intersystem crossing, reacts directly with water to form H2SO3 in the gas phase. For ground state SO2, this reaction is endothermic and has a very high activation barrier; our quantum chemical calculations point to a facile reaction being possible in the triplet state of SO2. This hygroscopic H2SO3 molecule may act as a condensation nucleus for water, giving rise to facile new particle formation (NPF).
High-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser cladding-pumped with a random distributed feedback fiber laser
Authors: Jin Xiaoxi , Du Xueyuan , Wang Xiong , Zhou Pu , Zhang Hanwei , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Zejin
Published: July 2016

We demonstrated a high-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser operating at 2153 nm with the output power exceeding 18 W and the slope efficiency of 25.5%. A random distributed feedback fiber laser with the center wavelength of 1173 nm was employed as pump source of Tm-doped fiber laser for the first time. No amplified spontaneous emissions or parasitic oscillations were observed when the maximum output power reached, which indicates that employing 1173 nm random distributed feedback fiber laser as pump laser is a feasible and promising scheme to achieve high-power emission of long-wavelength Tm-doped fiber laser. The output power of this Tm-doped fiber laser could be further improved by optimizing the length of active fiber, reflectivity of FBGs, increasing optical efficiency of pump laser and using better temperature management. We also compared the operation of 2153 nm Tm-doped fiber lasers pumped with 793 nm laser diodes and the maximum output powers were limited to ~2 W by strong amplified spontaneous emission and parasitic oscillation in the range of 1900–2000 nm.
A “chemical nose” biosensor for detecting proteins in complex mixtures
Authors: Rogowski Jacob L. , Verma Mohit S. , Chen Paul Z. , Gu Frank X.
Published: July 2016

We present a gold nanoparticle-based “chemical nose” that produces a colorimetric response to detect and distinguish between protein mixtures—without the need for specific antibodies or probes.
Facile one-pot synthesis and application of nitrogen and sulfur-doped activated graphene in simultaneous electrochemical determination of hydroquinone and catechol
Authors: Xiao Lili , Yin Jiao , Li Yingchun , Yuan Qunhui , Shen Hangjia , Hu Guangzhi , Gan Wei
Published: July 2016

A high sensitivity sensor for detection of hydroquinone and catechol was constructed based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped activated graphene.
Coupling liquid-phase microextraction with paper spray for rapid analysis of malachite green, crystal violet and their metabolites in complex samples using mass spectrometry
Authors: Fang Ling , Deng Jiewei , Yu Yuan , Yang Yunyun , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Hongtao , Luan Tiangang
Published: July 2016

Coupling liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) with paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) to analyze malachite green, crystal violet and their metabolites.
A traceless photocleavable linker for the automated glycan assembly of carbohydrates with free reducing ends
Authors: Wilsdorf M. , Schmidt D. , Bartetzko M. P. , Dallabernardina P. , Schuhmacher F. , Seeberger P. H. , Pfrengle F.
Published: July 2016

A traceless photocleavable linker for automated glycan assembly provides access to complex carbohydrates with free reducing ends, as demonstrated with the successful preparation of nine plant cell wall-related oligosaccharides.
Alloying ZnS in the hexagonal phase to create high-performing transparent conducting materials
Authors: Faghaninia Alireza , Bhatt Kunal Rajesh , Lo Cynthia S.
Published: July 2016

Wurtzite ZnS alloyed with Al is predicted to be the best transparent conducting sulfide (with +3000 S cm−1 conductivity) among B, Al, Ga, In, F, Cl, Br, I as alloying candidates.
A comparative study on defect estimation using XPS and Raman spectroscopy in few layer nanographitic structures
Authors: Ganesan K. , Ghosh Subrata , Gopala Krishna Nanda , Ilango S. , Kamruddin M. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: July 2016

Defects in planar and vertically oriented nanographitic structures (NGSs) synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) have been investigated using Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.