bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective area epitaxy of monolithic white-light InGaN/GaN quantum well microstripes with dual color emission
Authors: Li Yuejing , Tong Yuying , Yang Guofeng , Yao Chujun , Sun Rui , Cai Lesheng , Xu Guiting , Wang Jin , Zhang Qing , Ye Xuanchao , Wu Mengting , Wen Zhiqin
Published: May 2015

Monolithic color synthesis is demonstrated using InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (QWs) grown on GaN microstripes formed by selective area epitaxy on SiO2 mask patterns. The striped microfacet structure is composed of (0001) and {11-22} planes, attributed to favorable surface polarity and surface energy. InGaN/GaN QWs on different microfacets contain spatially inhomogeneous compositions owing to the diffusion of adatoms among the facets. This unique property allows the microfacet QWs to emit blue light from the {11-22} plane and yellow light from the top (0001) plane, the mixing of which leads to the perception of white light emission.
Managing Mass Sport Participation: Adding a Personal Performance Perspective to Remodel Antecedents and Consequences of Participant Sport Event Satisfaction
Authors: Du James , Jordan Jeremy S. , Funk Daniel C.
Published: May 2015

The current study was an investigation of the role of personal performance, an internal assessment of timegoal achievement, on participants’ event satisfaction that would contribute to positive outcomes. Multiattribute online surveys were distributed to participants at two distance participant sport events held in the Southeast and Northeast United States (N = 3,476 and 4,828). A multidimensional Participant Sport Event Attribute and Service Delivery (PSEASD) scale was developed to capture a spectrum of service touch points encountered during the event experience. Empirical results using covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to test and support a proposed model revealing that personal performance was a stronger positive determinant of event satisfaction than traditional service quality and perceived value. A significant negative interaction effect between service quality and personal performance was also revealed. Collectively, the model explained 41% of variance in event satisfaction, and 26% of behavioral intentions. Based on the findings, we suggest managing personal performance expectations is important to holistically manage and promote overall event satisfaction in a participant sport event setting.
Computerised clinical decision support systems to improve medication safety in long-term care homes: a systematic review
Authors: Marasinghe Keshini Madara
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Computerised clinical decision support systems (CCDSS) are used to improve the quality of care in various healthcare settings. This systematic review evaluated the impact of CCDSS on improving medication safety in long-term care homes (LTC). Medication safety in older populations is an important health concern as inappropriate medication use can elevate the risk of potentially severe outcomes (ie, adverse drug reactions, ADR). With an increasing ageing population, greater use of LTC by the growing ageing population and increasing number of medication-related health issues in LTC, strategies to improve medication safety are essential.

Methods

Databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Three groups of keywords were combined: those relating to LTC, medication safety and CCDSS. One reviewer undertook screening and quality assessment.

Results

Overall findings suggest that CCDSS in LTC improved the quality of prescribing decisions (ie, appropriate medication orders), detected ADR, triggered warning messages (ie, related to central nervous system side effects, drug-associated constipation, renal insufficiency) and reduced injury risk among older adults.

Conclusions

CCDSS have received little attention in LTC, as attested by the limited published literature. With an increasing ageing population, greater use of LTC by the ageing population and increased workload for health professionals, merely relying on physicians’ judgement on medication safety would not be sufficient. CCDSS to improve medication safety and enhance the quality of prescribing decisions are essential. Analysis of review findings indicates that CCDSS are beneficial, effective and have potential to improve medication safety in LTC; however, the use of CCDSS in LTC is scarce. Careful assessment on the impact of CCDSS on medication safety and further modifications to existing CCDSS are recommended for wider acceptance. Due to scant evidence in the current literature, further research on implementation and effectiveness of CCDSS is required.
Demographic and socioeconomic disparity in nutrition: application of a novel Correlated Component Regression approach
Authors: Alkerwi Ala'a , Vernier Céderic , Sauvageot Nicolas , Crichton Georgina E , Elias Merrill F
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the most important demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with diet quality, evaluated in terms of compliance with national dietary recommendations, selection of healthy and unhealthy food choices, energy density and food variety. We hypothesised that different demographic and socioeconomic factors may show disparate associations with diet quality.

Study design

A nationwide, cross-sectional, population-based study.

Participants

A total of 1352 apparently healthy and non-institutionalised subjects, aged 18–69 years, participated in the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study in 2007–2008. The participants attended the nearest study centre after a telephone appointment, and were interviewed by trained research staff.

Outcome measures

Diet quality as measured by 5 dietary indicators, namely, recommendation compliance index (RCI), recommended foods score (RFS), non-recommended foods score (non-RFS), energy density score (EDS), and dietary diversity score (DDS). The novel Correlated Component Regression (CCR) technique was used to determine the importance and magnitude of the association of each socioeconomic factor with diet quality, in a global analytic approach.

Results

Increasing age, being male and living below the poverty threshold were predominant factors associated with eating a high energy density diet. Education level was an important factor associated with healthy and adequate food choices, whereas economic resources were predominant factors associated with food diversity and energy density.

Conclusions

Multiple demographic and socioeconomic circumstances were associated with different diet quality indicators. Efforts to improve diet quality for high-risk groups need an important public health focus.
Health Canada's use of its priority review process for new drugs: a cohort study
Authors: Lexchin Joel
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Priority reviews of new drug applications are resource intensive and drugs approved through this process have a greater likelihood of acquiring a serious safety warning compared to drugs approved through the standard process. Therefore, when Health Canada uses priority reviews, it is important that it accurately identifies products that represent a significant therapeutic advance. The purpose of this study is to compare Health Canada's use of priority reviews to therapeutic ratings from two independent organisations, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) and the French drug bulletin Prescrire International, over the period 1 January 1997–31 December 2012.

Design

Cohort study.

Data sources

Annual reports of the Therapeutic Products Directorate, and the Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate; evaluations of therapeutic innovation from PMPRB and Prescrire International; WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology.

Interventions

Assessments by PMPRB and Prescrire International treated as a gold standard for postmarket therapeutic value.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Drug-by-drug comparison between the review status from Health Canada and the therapeutic status from PMPRB/Prescrire using κ values, and positive and negative predictive values. Analysis of the per cent of all new drug applications put into the priority review category over the 16-year period.

Results

Health Canada approved 426 new drugs, and 345 were evaluated by PMPRB and/or Prescrire. 91 had a priority review and 52 were assessed as innovative (p=0.0003). Agreement between Health Canada and PMPRB/Prescrire was only fair (κ=0.330). The positive predictive value for Health Canada's review assignments was 36.3% and the negative predictive value was 92.5%.

Conclusions

Health Canada's assignment of a priority approval to a new drug submission is only a fair predictor of the drug's therapeutic value once it is marketed. Health Canada should review its criteria for using priority reviews.
Association between mobile phone use and self-reported well-being in children: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zheng Feizhou , Gao Peng , He Mindi , Li Min , Tan Jin , Chen Daiwei , Zhou Zhou , Yu Zhengping , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2015

Objectives

In the past decade, the mobile phone (MP) has become extremely popular among children and the average age at which children own their first MP has decreased. The potential health effects of children’s exposure to MP have been the subject of widespread public concern. The aim of our study is to investigate the associations between MP use and well-being in children.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The questionnaires were completed in class with items regarding demographics, MP usage, self-reported well-being (symptoms were taken from the questionnaire of the HBSC survey) and possible confounding factors between October 2011 and May 2012 in Chongqing, China. Data were analysed using χ2tests and logistic regression models.

Participants

Among the 793 children invited to participate, 781 returned the questionnaires.

Results

In total, 746 (94.1%) valid questionnaires were received. Fatigue was significantly associated with the years of MP usage (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.22) and the daily duration of MP calls (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.46 to 6.12). Headache was significantly associated with the daily duration of MP calls (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.23 to 6.57). However, after adjusting for confounders only, the association between fatigue and MP usage remained statistically significant. There was no significant association between MP use and other physical symptoms in children.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that there was a consistent significant association between MP use and fatigue in children. Further in-depth research is needed to explore the potential health effects of MP use in children.
Interventions for the prediction and management of chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement: systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Beswick Andrew D , Wylde Vikki , Gooberman-Hill Rachael
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Total knee replacement can be a successful operation for pain relief. However, 10–34% of patients experience chronic postsurgical pain. Our aim was to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of applying predictive models to guide preventive treatment, and for interventions in the management of chronic pain after total knee replacement.

Setting

We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials using appropriate search strategies in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to October 2014. No language restrictions were applied.

Participants

Adult patients receiving total knee replacement.

Interventions

Predictive models to guide treatment for prevention of chronic pain. Interventions for management of chronic pain.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Reporting of specific outcomes was not an eligibility criterion but we sought outcomes relating to pain severity.

Results

No studies evaluated the effectiveness of predictive models in guiding treatment and improving outcomes after total knee replacement. One study evaluated an intervention for the management of chronic pain. The trial evaluated the use of a botulinum toxin A injection with antinociceptive and anticholinergic activity in 49 patients with chronic postsurgical pain after knee replacement. A single injection provided meaningful pain relief for about 40 days and the authors acknowledged the need for a large trial with repeated injections. No trials of multidisciplinary interventions or individualised treatments were identified.

Conclusions

Our systematic review highlights a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of prediction and management strategies for chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement. As a large number of people are affected by chronic pain after total knee replacement, development of an evidence base about care for these patients should be a research priority.
GlideScope video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in the emergency department: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Choi Hyuk Joong , Kim Young-Min , Oh Young Min , Kang Hyung Goo , Yim Hyun Woo , Jeong Seung Hee
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate whether the use of a GlideScope video laryngoscope (GVL) improves first-attempt intubation success compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC) in the emergency department (ED).

Design

A propensity score-matched analysis of data from a prospective multicentre ED airway registry—the Korean Emergency Airway Management Registry (KEAMR).

Setting

4 academic EDs located in a metropolitan city and a province in South Korea.

Participants

A total of 4041 adult patients without cardiac arrest who underwent emergency intubation from January 2007 to December 2010.

Outcome measures

The primary and secondary outcomes were successful first intubation attempt and intubation failure, respectively. To reduce the selection bias and potential confounding effects, we rigorously adjusted for the baseline differences between two groups using a propensity score matching.

Results

Of the 4041 eligible patients, a GVL was initially used in 540 patients (13.4%). Using 1:2 propensity score matching, 363 and 726 patients were assigned to the GVL and MAC groups, respectively. The adjusted relative risks (95% CIs) for the first-attempt success rates with a GVL compared with a MAC were 0.76 (0.56 to 1.04; p=0.084) and the respective intubation failure rates 1.03(0.99 to 1.07; p=0.157). Regarding the subgroups, the first-attempt success of the senior residents and attending physicians was lower with the GVL (0.47 (0.23 to 0.98), p=0.043). In the patients with slight intubation difficulty, the first-attempt success was lower (0.60 (0.41 to 0.88), p=0.008) and the intubation failure was higher with the GVL (1.07 (1.02 to 1.13), p=0.008).

Conclusions

In this propensity score-matched analysis of data from a prospective multicentre ED airway registry, the overall first-attempt intubation success and failure rates did not differ significantly between GVL and MAC in the ED setting. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Keeping patients with epilepsy safe: a surmountable challenge?
Authors: Shankar Rohit , Newman Craig , Hanna Jane , ashton juliet , Jory Caryn , McLean Brendan , Anderson Tamsyn , Walker Matthew , cox david , Ewins Liz
Published: May 2015

This quality improvement project was inspired as an answer to a problem that intellectual disability teams have been struggling to manage whilst caring for people with epilepsy (PWE). The issue was that despite guidance to discuss the possibility of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) be discussed with a newly diagnosed PWE this is rarely done. Additionally when, how, and what to discuss about SUDEP and reduce its risk is arbitrary, non-person centred, and with no structured evidence.

Prior to initiating changes a discussion of SUDEP was recorded in just 10% of PWE. We introduced a check-list to help identify risk factors for SUDEP. We then modified the check-list, and then used it via telehealth, a way of contacting patients and their carers over the phone using the check-list approach. Following interventions, discussions of SUDEP are now recorded in 80% of PWE. Feedback from patients, carers and primary and secondary care professionals has been positive.

We are now developing an app so that patients and carers can monitor their own risk factors, thus empowering them and increasing their knowledge and awareness of SUDEP.
The use of conscious sedation in elective external direct current cardioversion: a single centre experience
Authors: Lobo Ronstan , Kiernan Thomas
Published: May 2015

External direct current (DC) cardioversion is a commonly used method of terminating atrial arrhythmias. The chance of procedural success is inversely related to the duration of the arrhythmia. In many hospitals, the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia, necessitating the presence of anaesthetic as well as medical staff. Frequently, it may be difficult to coordinate the availability of the two teams, causing delays to each patient, waste of staff time, an inefficient service and increased costs. The primary aim of the study was to determine the safety and tolerability of conscious sedation using intravenous midazolam in elective external DC cardioversion of patients with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation attending University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.

Patients who were electively admitted for DC cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were recruited. A pre-defined sedation protocol using intravenous midazolam was used. The midazolam was given by the cardiology registrar without the presence of an anaesthetist. DC cardioversion was then performed according to the hospital protocol. Any complications arising during the procedure were noted. Prior to discharge, patients were given a questionnaire to determine their awareness of the procedure and if they would have the procedure done again in the future if needed.

A total of 100 patients were recruited. The median number of shocks was one (highest number of shocks being four). The median dose of midazolam was 7.5 mg, with the highest dose being 20 mg. All of patients surveyed were not aware of the shock that was administered to them. All of the patients surveyed were happy with the service and would be happy to return for a repeat cardioversion in the future if required.

The use of conscious sedation for DC cardioversion of patients with atrial fibrillation / atrial flutter was found to be safe and tolerable.
Endovascular parent artery occlusion of proximal posterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a report of two cases
Authors: Oishi Hidenori , Tanoue Shunsuke , Teranishi Kosuke , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Nonaka Senshu , Magami Shunsuke , Yamamoto Munetaka , Arai Hajime
Published: May 2015

We report two cases of proximal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms treated with endovascular parent artery occlusion (PAO) with coils. In both cases, selective injection from the 4 F distal access catheter clearly showed the perforating arteries arising from the PCA. Case No 1, a 49-year-old woman, was successfully treated with preservation of a paramedian artery. Case No 2, a 54-year-old woman, was treated in the same manner. The patient underwent extensive thalamic infarction after the procedure because of paramedian artery occlusion. Endovascular PAO with coils is feasible for proximal PCA aneurysms; however, preservation of perforating arteries arising from the PCA is mandatory.
Spectral, electrochemical, and molecular docking evaluation of the interaction of the anti-hyperthyroid drug methimazole with DNA
Authors: Dorraji Parisa S. , Jalali Fahimeh
Published: May 2015

The interaction of native calf thymus DNA with the anti-hyperthyroid drug methimazole was investigated by different spectroscopic (UV-Vis spectrophotometry, spectroflourimetry, and circular dichroism), electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry) methods, and molecular docking calculations. The binding constant (Kb) obtained from the spectrophotometric method was 9.67 × 103 L mol−1, comparable with that of groove binding molecules. The binding mode was further investigated by following the competition between Hoechst 33258 and methimazole for DNA grooves by spectrofluorimetry. Consistent results were obtained from all experimental methods used in this study. Finally, theoretical calculations using the molecular docking method confirmed the experimental results.
Chrysin treatment improves diabetes and its complications in liver, brain, and pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Samarghandian Saeed , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen , Samini Fariborz , Farkhondeh Tahereh
Published: May 2015

Chrysin (CH) is a natural flavonoid with pharmacological influences. The purpose of the current study was the assessment of possible protective effects of CH against oxidative damage in the serum, liver, brain, and pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. In the present study, the rats were divided into the following groups of 8 animals each: control, untreated diabetic, 3 CH (20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day)-treated diabetic groups. To find out the modulations of cellular antioxidant defense systems, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and antioxidant enzymes including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in the serum, liver, brain, and pancreas. STZ caused an elevation of glucose, MDA, TG, TC, LDL-C and with reduction of HDL-C, total protein, SOD, CAT, and GST in the serum, liver, brain, and pancreas (p < 0.01). The findings showed that the significant elevation in the glucose, MDA, TG, TC, LDL-C and reduction of HDL-C, total protein, SOD, CAT, and GST were ameliorated in the CH-treated diabetic groups versus to the untreated groups, in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). The current study offers that CH may be recovered diabetes and its complications by modification of oxidative stress.
Cantharidin Induces Apoptosis Through the Calcium/PKC-Regulated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Human Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Su Chin-Chuan , Liu Shing-Hwa , Lee Kuan-I , Huang Kou-Tong , Lu Tien-Hui , Fang Kai-Min , Wu Chin-Ching , Yen Cheng-Chieh , Lai Chih-Ho , Su Yi-Chang , Huang Chun-Fa
Published: May 2015

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy worldwide. However, there is still no effective therapy for bladder cancer. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of cantharidin [a natural toxin produced (pure compound) from Chinese blister beetles (Mylabrisphalerata or Mylabriscichorii) and Spanish flies (Cantharis vesicatoria)] in human bladder cancer cell lines (including: T24 and RT4 cells). Treatment of human bladder cancer cells with cantharidin significantly decreased cell viability. The increase in the expressions of caspase-3 activity and cleaved form of caspase-9/-7/-3 were also increased in cantharidin-treated T24 cells. Furthermore, cantharidin increased the levels of phospho-eIF2α and Grp78 and decreased the protein expression of procaspase-12, which was accompanied by the increase in calpain activity in T24 cells. Cantharidin was capable of increasing the intracellular Ca2+and the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) in T24 cells. The addition of BAPTA/AM (a Ca2+chelator) and RO320432 (a selective cell-permeable PKC inhibitor) effectively reversed the increase in caspase-3 and calpain activity, the phosphorylation levels of PKC and eIF2α and Grp78 protein expression, and the decrease in procaspase-12 expression induced by cantharidin. Importantly, cantharidin significantly decreased the tumor volume (a dramatic 71% reduction after 21 days of treatment) in nude mice xenografted with T24 cells. Taken together, these results indicate cantharidin induced human bladder cancer cell apoptosis through a calcium/PKC-regulated ER stress pathway. These findings suggest that cantharidin may be a novel and potential anticancer agent targeting on bladder cancer cells.
Microdosimetry in ion-beam therapy
Authors: Magrin Giulio , Mayer Ramona
Published: May 2015

The information of the dose is not sufficiently describing the biological effects of ions on tissue since it does not express the radiation quality, i.e. the heterogeneity of the processes due to the slowing-down and the fragmentation of the particles when crossing a target. Depending on different circumstances, the radiation quality can be determined using measurements, calculations, or simulations. Microdosimeters are the primary tools used to provide the experimental information of the radiation quality and their role is becoming crucial for the recent clinical developments in particular with carbon ion therapy. Microdosimetry is strongly linked to the biological effectiveness of the radiation since it provides the physical parameters which explicitly distinguish the radiation for its capability of damaging cells. In the framework of ion-beam therapy microdosimetry can be used in the preparation of the treatment to complement radiobiological experiments and to analyze the modification of the radiation quality in phantoms. A more ambitious goal is to perform the measurements during the irradiation procedure to determine the non-targeted radiation and, more importantly, to monitor the modification of the radiation quality inside the patient. These procedures provide the feedback of the treatment directly beneficial for the single patient but also for the characterization of the biological effectiveness in general with advantages for all future treatment. Traditional and innovative tools are currently under study and an outlook of present experience and future development is presented here.
Electronic structures and optical properties of α-Fe2O3-xSex alloys for solar absorber
Authors: Xia Congxin , Jia Yu , Zhang Qiming
Published: May 2015

The band structures and optical properties of α- Fe 2 O 3-x Se x alloys are studied by means of first-principles methods, considering different Se contents x. Numerical results show that Se content has an obvious influence on band structures and optical properties of α- Fe 2 O 3-x Se x alloys. The band gap values of α- Fe 2 O 3-x Se x alloys decrease monotonically when Se concentrations increase, resulting in an obvious increase of the optical absorption edge in the visible range. In particular, our results show that α- Fe 2 O 3-x Se x alloys have the direct band gap properties with band gap values when Se content x ≈ 0.17, which is beneficial to solar cell applications.
A broadband planar THz metamaterial absorber
Authors: Xu Zong-Cheng , Gao Run-Mei , Ding Chun-Feng , Zhang Ya-Ting , Wu Liang , Xu De-Gang , Yao Jian-Quan
Published: May 2015

We propose the design of a broadband planar metamaterial absorber (MA) at terahertz frequencies. The unit cell of the MA is composed of four dual-band sub-cells with different dimensions in a coplanar. The four dual-band sub-cell structures resonate at several neighboring frequencies. The absorber consists of two metallic layers separated by a dielectric spacer. Simulation results show that the metamaterial absorption at normal incidence is above 90% in the frequency of 6.56–8.10 THz. This design provides an effective way to construct broadband absorber. The multiple-reflection theory was used to explain the absorption mechanism of our investigated structures. The coupling of adjacent four dual-band sub-cells can introduce additional capacitance to affect the performance of absorber.
Study on the Growing Mechanism of Urban Cluster
Authors: ZHANG Yan
Published: May 2015

The growing and formation of urban cluster should be conditioned by the economic, social, cultural, natural, and other various complicated factors under a certain law. The growing mechanism of urban cluster, named as the NDESR Mechanism Model in this paper, has been creatively built, based on the key research ideas and methodology from Fishbone-Cause and Effect Diagram and System Dynamics. The model consists of five main sets, including the congenital conditions (called as Natures), the drivers (called as Drivers), the mechanism functions (called as Effects), the present situation and tendency (called as States), and the responses from human (called as Responses), in which the merging effects of factor mobility, the coupling effects of industrial division, the flexibility effects of knowledge accumulation, and the symbiotic effects of city scale expansion are the key function mechanisms that drive the urban cluster to senior evolution.
The Core Conclusions and Interpretation of Working Group I Contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Authors: ZHOU Botao , CHAO Qingchen , HUANG Lei
Published: May 2015

In September 2013, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the Working Group I Contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report (WGI AR5). Based on the latest observational data and research literatures since the publication of the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) in 2007, this report comprehensively assesses the research progress in the field of climate change, providing significant scientific basis for international community to deeply understand and address the climate change. This paper introduces the core conclusions of WGI AR5, and illustrates Chinese scientific community's contribution to this report, meanwhile, gives a brief analysis of China's advantages and disadvantages in the field of climate change science through analyzing this report.
A multidisciplinary study of the final episode of the Manda Hararo dyke sequence, Ethiopia, and implications for trends in volcanism during the rifting cycle
Authors: Barnie T. D. , Keir D. , Hamling I. , Hofmann B. , Belachew M. , Carn S. , Eastwell D. , Hammond J. O. S. , Ayele A. , Oppenheimer C. , Wright T.
Published: May 2015

The sequence of dyke intrusions between 2005 and 2010 in the Manda Hararo rift segment, Ethiopia, provided an opportunity to test conceptual models of continental rifting. Based on trends up to dyke 13 in the sequence, it was anticipated that, should magma supply continue, dykes would shorten in length and eruptions would increase in size and decrease in distance from the segment centre as extensional stress was progressively released. In this paper we revisit these predictions by presenting a comprehensive overview of the May 2010 dyke and fissure eruption, the 14th and last in the sequence, from InSAR, seismicity, satellite thermal data, ultraviolet SO
2
retrievals and multiple LiDAR surveys. We find the dyke is longer than other eruptive dykes in the sequence, propagating in two directions from the segment centre, but otherwise fairly typical in terms of opening, propagation speed and geodetic and seismic moment. However, though the eruption is located closer to the segment centre, it is much smaller than previous events. We interpret this as indicating that either the Manda Hararo rifting event was magma limited, or that extensional stress varies north and south of the segment centre.
A major dyke swarm in the Ogaden region south of Afar and the early evolution of the Afar triple junction
Authors: Mège D. , Purcell P. , Bézos A. , Jourdan F. , La C.
Published: May 2015

Geological mapping in the Ogaden region of SE Ethiopia, integrated with aeromagnetic data, has revealed a large dyke swarm extending SSE more than 600 km from the southern Afar margin across the Somali Plate to the Ethiopia–Somalia border.
40
Ar/
39
Ar age dating shows that emplacement occurred at 24–27 Ma, contemporaneous with early rifting and dyking in the Red Sea. Slab-pull forces generated at the Zagros subduction zone strained the lithosphere in the Afro-Arabian plate, and dyking began to extend south from the Red Sea at
c.
27 Ma, extending across Afar, fed by a plume-related magma source, rather than the rift-related source prevailing along the Red Sea. Immediately south of the Afar margin, the dyke system was emplaced along the Precambrian Marda Fault Zone, and the continuation across the Ogaden may have been controlled by lithospheric weakness associated with a splay of the Marda Fault. We suggest that the Ogaden Dyke Swarm is a zone of crustal dilation continuing the Red Sea trend across the Horn of Africa and constituting the original third ‘arm’ of the Afar triple junction. Geochemical and geochronological analyses indicate that basaltic outpourings from the Ogaden Dyke Swarm flowed at least as far east as the Ethiopia–Somalia border and emanated from the same magma source as the Ethiopian flood basalts, which had erupted earlier at
c.
30 Ma. Dykes are emergent only occasionally and are marked at the surface by linear sand-filled troughs varying from 2 to 20 m deep caused by tensional collapse above the dyke tip. Magnetic anomalies associated with the dykes vary in width up to 1 km and likely identify dyke zones.

Supplementary material:

Geological map of the Marda Fault Zone and surroundings; argon dating analytical protocol and isotopic data corrected from baseline; petrographic description of representative samples of the Ogaden Dyke Swarm and analytical protocol used for geochemistry are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18829
.
Incipient renal transplant dysfunction associates with tubular syndecan-1 expression and shedding
Authors: Adepu Saritha , Rosman Colin W. K. , Dam Wendy , van Dijk Marcory C. R. F. , Navis Gerjan , van Goor Harry , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van den Born Jacob
Published: May 2015

Syndecan-1 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan involved in regenerative growth and cellular adhesion. We hypothesized that the induction of tubular syndecan-1 is a repair response to incipient renal damage in apparently stable, uncomplicated renal transplant recipients. We quantified tubular syndecan-1 in unselected renal protocol biopsies taken 1 yr after transplantation. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed an inverse correlation between tubular syndecan-1 expression and creatinine clearance at the time of biopsy ( r = −0.483, P < 0.03). In a larger panel of protocol and indication biopsies from renal transplant recipients, tubular syndecan-1 correlated with tubular proliferation marker Ki67 ( r = 0.518, P < 0.0001). In a rat renal transplantation model, 2 mo after transplantation, mRNA expression of syndecan-1 and its major sheddase, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17, were upregulated (both P < 0.03). Since shed syndecan-1 might end up in the circulation, in a stable cross-sectional human renal transplant population ( n = 510), we measured plasma syndecan-1. By multivariate regression analysis, we showed robust independent associations of plasma syndecan-1 with renal (plasma creatinine and plasma urea) and endothelial function parameters (plasma VEGF-A, all P < 0.01). By various approaches, we were not able to localize syndecan-1 in vessel wall or endothelial cells, which makes shedding of syndecan-1 from the endothelial glycocalyx unlikely. Our data suggest that early damage in transplanted kidneys induces repair mechanisms within the graft, namely, tubular syndecan-1 expression for tubular regeneration and VEGF production for endothelial repair. Elevated plasma syndecan-1 levels in renal transplantation patients might be interpreted as repair/survival factor related to loss of tubular and endothelial function in transplanted kidneys.
Brief anesthesia, but not voluntary locomotion, significantly alters cortical temperature
Authors: Shirey Michael J. , Smith Jared B. , Kudlik D'Anne E. , Huo Bing-Xing , Greene Stephanie E. , Drew Patrick J.
Published: May 2015

Changes in brain temperature can alter electrical properties of neurons and cause changes in behavior. However, it is not well understood how behaviors, like locomotion, or experimental manipulations, like anesthesia, alter brain temperature. We implanted thermocouples in sensorimotor cortex of mice to understand how cortical temperature was affected by locomotion, as well as by brief and prolonged anesthesia. Voluntary locomotion induced small (∼0.1°C) but reliable increases in cortical temperature that could be described using a linear convolution model. In contrast, brief (90-s) exposure to isoflurane anesthesia depressed cortical temperature by ∼2°C, which lasted for up to 30 min after the cessation of anesthesia. Cortical temperature decreases were not accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the γ-band local field potential power, multiunit firing rate, or locomotion behavior, which all returned to baseline within a few minutes after the cessation of anesthesia. In anesthetized animals where core body temperature was kept constant, cortical temperature was still >1°C lower than in the awake animal. Thermocouples implanted in the subcortex showed similar temperature changes under anesthesia, suggesting these responses occur throughout the brain. Two-photon microscopy of individual blood vessel dynamics following brief isoflurane exposure revealed a large increase in vessel diameter that ceased before the brain temperature significantly decreased, indicating cerebral heat loss was not due to increased cerebral blood vessel dilation. These data should be considered in experimental designs recording in anesthetized preparations, computational models relating temperature and neural activity, and awake-behaving methods that require brief anesthesia before experimental procedures.
Properties of precise firing synchrony between synaptically coupled cortical interneurons depend on their mode of coupling
Authors: Hu Hang , Agmon Ariel
Published: May 2015

Precise spike synchrony has been widely reported in the central nervous system, but its functional role in encoding, processing, and transmitting information is yet unresolved. Of particular interest is firing synchrony between inhibitory cortical interneurons, thought to drive various cortical rhythms such as gamma oscillations, the hallmark of cognitive states. Precise synchrony can arise between two interneurons connected electrically, through gap junctions, chemically, through fast inhibitory synapses, or dually, through both types of connections, but the properties of synchrony generated by these different modes of connectivity have never been compared in the same data set. In the present study we recorded in vitro from 152 homotypic pairs of two major subtypes of mouse neocortical interneurons: parvalbumin-containing, fast-spiking (FS) interneurons and somatostatin-containing (SOM) interneurons. We tested firing synchrony when the two neurons were driven to fire by long, depolarizing current steps and used a novel synchrony index to quantify the strength of synchrony, its temporal precision, and its dependence on firing rate. We found that SOM-SOM synchrony, driven solely by electrical coupling, was less precise than FS-FS synchrony, driven by inhibitory or dual coupling. Unlike SOM-SOM synchrony, FS-FS synchrony was strongly firing rate dependent and was not evident at the prototypical 40-Hz gamma frequency. Computer simulations reproduced these differences in synchrony without assuming any differences in intrinsic properties, suggesting that the mode of coupling is more important than the interneuron subtype. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms and properties of interneuron synchrony and point out important caveats in current models of cortical oscillations.
Generalization patterns for reach adaptation and proprioceptive recalibration differ after visuomotor learning
Authors: Cressman Erin K. , Henriques Denise Y. P.
Published: May 2015

Visuomotor learning results in changes in both motor and sensory systems (Cressman EK, Henriques DY. J Neurophysiol 102: 3505–3518, 2009), such that reaches are adapted and sense of felt hand position recalibrated after reaching with altered visual feedback of the hand. Moreover, visuomotor learning has been shown to generalize such that reach adaptation achieved at a trained target location can influence reaches to novel target directions (Krakauer JW, Pine ZM, Ghilardi MF, Ghez C. J Neurosci 20: 8916–8924, 2000). We looked to determine whether proprioceptive recalibration also generalizes to novel locations. Moreover, we looked to establish the relationship between reach adaptation and changes in sense of felt hand position by determining whether proprioceptive recalibration generalizes to novel targets in a similar manner as reach adaptation. On training trials, subjects reached to a single target with aligned or misaligned cursor-hand feedback, in which the cursor was either rotated or scaled in extent relative to hand movement. After reach training, subjects reached to the training target and novel targets (including targets from a second start position) without visual feedback to assess generalization of reach adaptation. Subjects then performed a proprioceptive estimation task, in which they indicated the position of their hand relative to visual reference markers placed at similar locations as the trained and novel reach targets. Results indicated that shifts in hand position generalized across novel locations, independent of reach adaptation. Thus these distinct sensory and motor generalization patterns suggest that reach adaptation and proprioceptive recalibration arise from independent error signals and that changes in one system cannot guide adjustments in the other.
Increased spinal reflex excitability is associated with enhanced central activation during voluntary lengthening contractions in human spinal cord injury
Authors: Kim Hyosub E. , Corcos Daniel M. , Hornby T. George
Published: May 2015

This study of chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects investigated patterns of central motor drive (i.e., central activation) of the plantar flexors using interpolated twitches, and modulation of soleus H-reflexes during lengthening, isometric, and shortening muscle actions. In a recent study of the knee extensors, SCI subjects demonstrated greater central activation ratio (CAR) values during lengthening (i.e., eccentric) maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), compared with during isometric or shortening (i.e., concentric) MVCs. In contrast, healthy controls demonstrated lower lengthening CAR values compared with their isometric and shortening CARs. For the present investigation, we hypothesized SCI subjects would again produce their highest CAR values during lengthening MVCs, and that these increases in central activation were partially attributable to greater efficacy of Ia-α motoneuron transmission during muscle lengthening following SCI. Results show SCI subjects produced higher CAR values during lengthening vs. isometric or shortening MVCs (all P < 0.001). H-reflex testing revealed normalized H-reflexes (maximal SOL H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratios) were greater for SCI than controls during passive ( P = 0.023) and active (i.e., 75% MVC; P = 0.017) lengthening, suggesting facilitation of Ia transmission post-SCI. Additionally, measures of spinal reflex excitability (passive lengthening maximal SOL H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratio) in SCI were positively correlated with soleus electromyographic activity and CAR values during lengthening MVCs (both P < 0.05). The present study presents evidence that patterns of dynamic muscle activation are altered following SCI, and that greater central activation during lengthening contractions is partly due to enhanced efficacy of Ia-α motoneuron transmission.
Development of progressive albuminuria in male Munich Wistar Frömter rats is androgen dependent
Authors: Herlan Laura , Unland Johannes , Langer Sebastian , Schulte Leonard , Schütten Sabrina , García-Prieto Concha F. , Kossmehl Peter , Fernández-Alfonso Maria S. , Schulz Angela , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: May 2015

Munich Wistar Frömter (MWF) rats develop spontaneous albuminuria that is linked to autosomal genetic loci and inherit a nephron deficit in both female and male animals, respectively. However, albuminuria and kidney damage are clearly more pronounced in males. Here we tested whether androgens and the androgen receptor influence albuminuria in male MWF. We first demonstrated in a pilot study that orchiectomy (Ox) of male MWF led to a significant suppression of urinary albumin excretion (UAE), while continuous testosterone supplementation in MWF Ox led to UAE levels similar to sham-operated (Sham) MWF rats. Subsequently, we performed a comparative main study between male MWF and normal Wistar rats to evaluate the effect of the androgen receptor on UAE development in adult animals up to the age of 18 wk. MWF Sham developed a marked increase in UAE compared with Wistar Sham (48.30 ± 6.16 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08 mg/24 h, P < 0.0001). UAE was significantly lower in MWF Ox compared with MWF Sham (−55%, P < 0.0001). In MWF Ox animals supplemented with testosterone and treated with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide (OxTF) UAE at 18 wk was even lower compared with MWF Ox (−71%, P < 0.01) and similar to age-matched female MWF. The mRNA expression of renal tubular injury markers Kim1 and NGAL was increased in MWF Sham compared with Wistar Sham ( P < 0.0008, respectively) and expression decreased significantly in MWF OxTF ( P < 0.0004, respectively). Thus, the sexual dimorphism in albuminuria development in MWF can be attributed to testosterone and the androgen receptor in male rats.
A Time-Efficient Convergecast Scheduling on Star-Linear IWSN for Narrow Process Industries
Authors: Xu Hong-hua , Guan Xinping
Published: May 2015

The wireless technology is regarded as a paradigm shifter in the process industry. A star-linear industry wireless sensor network (IWSN) for narrow process industries is proposed in this paper. Based on the proposed IWSN, we focus on time-efficient convergecast solutions. We present algorithms to achieve optimal convergecast performance in terms of time slots use. In the proposed IWSN, the field devices (FDs) constitute a set of TDMA (time division multiple access) based star topology clusters, and the cluster heads present a multihop linear backbone. Time slots are scarce communication resource for convergecast in a narrow IWSN. Aiming to use slots efficiently, we design optimal algorithms to improve the polling scheduling in the cluster and the packets forwarding over the backbone. In a cluster, we design a multicycle scheduling algorithm and a fair polling algorithm to improve slots utility of the communication reliability and integrity. Over the backbone, an optimal slots allocating algorithm is designed to maximize the slots performance in terms of the end-to-end communication reliability, based on which a slot-efficient multisuperframe scheduling algorithm is presented. Performance analysis and simulations show that our solution outperforms traditional ones in terms of communication reliability and real-time.
Aquapuncture Using Stem Cell Therapy to Treat Mdx Mice
Authors: Esper Greyson Vitor Zanatta , Pignatari Graciela Conceição , Rodrigues Marcio Nogueira , Bertagnon Heloisa Godoi , Fernandes Isabella Rodrigues , Nascimento Nanci , Tabosa Angela Maria Florencio , Beltrão-Braga Patrícia Cristina Baleeiro , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: May 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) occurs due to genetic mutations that lead to absence or decrease of dystrophin protein generating progressive muscle degeneration. Cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has been described as a treatment to DMD. In this work, MSC derived from deciduous teeth, called stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), were injected in acupoint as an alternative therapy to minimize muscle degeneration in twenty-two mdx mice. The treatment occurred three times with intervals of 21 days, and animals were analyzed four times: seven days prior treatment (T-7); 10 days after first treatment (T10); 10 days after second treatment (T31); and 10 days after third treatment (T52). Animals were evaluated by wire test for estimate strength and blood was collected to perform a creatinine phosphokinase analysis. After euthanasia, cranial tibial muscles were collected and submitted to histological and immunohistochemistry analyses. Treated groups presented improvement of strength and reduced creatinine phosphokinase levels. Also, a slight dystrophin increase was observed in tibial cranial muscle when aquapuncture was associated SHED. All therapies have minimized muscle degeneration, but the association of aquapuncture with SHED appears to have better effect, reducing muscle damage, suggesting a therapeutic value.