bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA regulation went wrong in neurodevelopmental disorders: The example of Msi/Elavl RNA binding proteins
Authors: Yano Masato , Hayakawa‐Yano Yoshika , Okano Hideyuki
Published: January 2016

RNA regulation participates in many aspects of brain development. There is substantial evidence that RNA dysregulation is critical in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer. Several gene families encode RNA‐binding proteins (RNABPs) that bind directly to RNA and orchestrate the post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression, including pre‐mRNA splicing, stability, and poly(A) site usage. Among neural RNABPs, the Elavl and Msi families are the focus of neuronal development research owing to their hierarchical expression pattern: Msi1 is expressed in neural progenitor/stem cells, Elavl2 is expressed in early neuronal progenitors to mature neurons, and Elavl3/4 expression begins slightly later, during cortical neuron development. Traditional biochemical analyses provide mechanistic insight into RNA regulation by these RNABPs, and Drosophila and mouse genetic studies support a relationship between these RNABPs and several neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, a recent cohort analysis of the human genome shows that genetic mutations and SNPs in these RNABPs are associated with various neurological disorders. Newly emerged technologies assess transcriptome‐wide RNA‐protein interactions in vivo. These technologies, combined with classical genetics methods, provide new insight into Elavl and Msi, not only with respect to their neurodevelopmental functions, but also their roles in several diseases. We review recent discoveries related to the two RNABP families in brain development and disease.
Of clouds and zombies: How and when analogical learning improves evaluations of really new products
Authors: Herzenstein Michal , Hoeffler Steve
Published: January 2016

Really new products (RNPs) defy classification within existing categories while challenging consumers' prior knowledge and thus are often difficult to fully appreciate. Using analogies to help consumers learn about novel features and benefits is one approach proposed in the new product literature. We examine the impact of revealing more stages of an analogy (access, mapping/transfer, and inference) and the proximity of the base domain of the analogy on evaluations of an RNP. When the base domain is similar to the new product, adding mapping/transfer information leads to more favorable evaluations, while adding the desired inference reduces evaluations. However, when the base domain is distant from the new product, revealing more information on the analogy leads to higher evaluations of RNPs. The enjoyment that arises from solving the analogy mediates the relationship between analogy completeness and product evaluations.
Usefulness of combined CARTO electroanatomical mapping and manifest entrainment in ablating adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive atrial tachycardia originating from the atrioventricular node vicinity
Authors: Okumura Ken , Sasaki Shingo , Kimura Masaomi , Horiuchi Daisuke , Sasaki Kenichi , Itoh Taihei , Tomita Hirofumi , Ishida Yuji , Kinjo Takahiko
Published: January 2016

Background

By using a noncontact mapping system, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive atrial tachycardia (ATP‐AT) originating from the atrioventricular (AV) node vicinity was successfully ablated at the entrance to the slow conduction zone indicated by the manifest entrainment technique. We aimed to prospectively validate the efficacy of the combination of CARTO electroanatomical mapping and manifest entrainment in ablating this ATP‐AT.

Methods

Of the 27 AT patients from January 2013 to March 2014, 6 patients with sustained ATP‐AT were studied (age, 67±13 years; tachycardia cycle length, 350±95 ms). We first created the CARTO map during AT, and performed rapid pacing from the anterior right atrial wall (ARAW) and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) approximately 30 mm remote from the earliest activation site (EAS). We identified the site where manifest entrainment, defined as the orthodromic capture of the EAS with a long conduction time, was observed, and ablated the site approximately 20 mm remote from the EAS, between the pacing site and the EAS.

Results

Manifest entrainment was demonstrated in all patients paced from the ARAW (four patients) and from the CTI (two patients). Ablation at the prespecified site terminated AT in 6±3 s, and AT became no longer inducible in all patients. At the successful ablation sites, discrete atrial electrograms were recorded; however, low‐amplitude, fractionated electrograms suggestive of slow conduction were not observed in all patients. The atrio‐His interval during sinus rhythm remained unchanged (from 96±12 to 89±7 ms, p=NS). During 11±6 months, no patients showed AT recurrence and AV conduction abnormality.

Conclusion

CARTO mapping‐ and manifest entrainment‐guided ablation strategy is effective and safe in the treatment of ATP‐AT.
GLOBAL UNIQUENESS FOR THE CALDERÓN PROBLEM WITH LIPSCHITZ CONDUCTIVITIES
Authors: CARO PEDRO , ROGERS KEITH M.
Published: January 2016

We prove uniqueness for the Calderón problem with Lipschitz conductivities in higher dimensions. Combined with the recent work of Haberman, who treated the three- and four-dimensional cases, this confirms a conjecture of Uhlmann. Our proof builds on the work of Sylvester and Uhlmann, Brown, and Haberman and Tataru who proved uniqueness for $C^{1}$-conductivities and Lipschitz conductivities sufficiently close to the identity.
Validation of a Sampling Method to Collect Exposure Data for Central-Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Hammami Naïma , Mertens Karl , Overholser Rosanna , Goetghebeur Els , Catry Boudewijn , Lambert Marie-Laurence
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Surveillance of central-line–associated bloodstream infections requires the labor-intensive counting of central-line days (CLDs). This workload could be reduced by sampling. Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of various sampling strategies in the estimation of CLDs in intensive care units (ICUs) and to establish a set of rules to identify optimal sampling strategies depending on ICU characteristics.

DESIGN

Analyses of existing data collected according to the European protocol for patient-based surveillance of ICU-acquired infections in Belgium between 2004 and 2012.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

CLD data were reported by 56 ICUs in 39 hospitals during 364 trimesters.

METHODS

We compared estimated CLD data obtained from weekly and monthly sampling schemes with the observed exhaustive CLD data over the trimester by assessing the CLD percentage error (ie, observed CLDs – estimated CLDs/observed CLDs). We identified predictors of improved accuracy using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

When sampling once per week or 3 times per month, 80% of ICU trimesters had a CLD percentage error within 10%. When sampling twice per week, this was >90% of ICU trimesters. Sampling on Tuesdays provided the best estimations. In the linear mixed model, the observed CLD count was the best predictor for a smaller percentage error. The following sampling strategies provided an estimate within 10% of the actual CLD for 97% of the ICU trimesters with 90% confidence: 3 times per month in an ICU with >650 CLDs per trimester or each Tuesday in an ICU with >480 CLDs per trimester.

CONCLUSION

Sampling of CLDs provides an acceptable alternative to daily collection of CLD data.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;37:549–554
Sesame fractions and lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Khalesi Saman , Paukste Ernesta , Nikbakht Elham , Khosravi-Boroujeni Hossein
Published: January 2016

Increased plasma lipid profiles are among the most important risk factors of CHD and stroke. Sesame contains considerable amounts of vitamin E, MUFA, fibre and lignans, which are thought to be associated with its plasma lipid-lowering properties. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence and identify the effects of sesame consumption on blood lipid profiles using a meta-analysis of controlled trials. PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were searched (from 1960 to May 2015). A total of ten controlled trials were identified based on the eligibility criteria. Both the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Rosendal scale were used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. The meta-analysis results showed that consumption of sesame did not significantly change the concentrations of total blood cholesterol (−0·32 mmol/l; 95 % CI −0·75, 0·11;P=0·14,I2=96 %), LDL-cholesterol (−0·15 mmol/l; 95 % CI −0·50, 0·19;P=0·39,I2=96 %) or HDL-cholesterol (0·01 mmol/l; 95 % CI −0·00, 0·02;P=0·16,I2=0 %). However, a significant reduction was observed in serum TAG levels (−0·24 mmol/l; 95 % CI −0·32, −0·15;P<0·001,I2=84 %) after consumption of sesame. It was concluded that sesame consumption can significantly reduce blood TAG levels but there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects. Further studies are required to determine the potential effect of sesame consumption on lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk factors.
Association of increased monetary cost of dietary intake, diet quality and weight management in Spanish adults
Authors: Schröder Helmut , Serra-Majem Luis , Subirana Isaac , Izquierdo-Pulido Maria , Fitó Montserrat , Elosua Roberto
Published: January 2016

Higher monetary diet cost is associated with healthier food choices and better weight management. How changes in diet cost affect changes in diet quality and weight remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changes in individual monetary diet cost on changes in diet quality, measured by the modified Mediterranean diet score recommendations (MDS-rec) and by energy density (ED), as well as changes in weight and BMI. We conducted a prospective, population-based study of 2181 male and female Spaniards aged between 25 and 74 years, who were followed up to the 2009–2010 academic year. We measured weight and height and recorded dietary data using a validated FFQ. Average food cost was calculated from official Spanish government data. We fitted multivariate linear and logistic regression models. The average daily diet cost increased from 3·68(SD0.0·89)€/8·36 MJ to 4·97(SD1·16)€/8·36 MJ during the study period. This increase was significantly associated with improvement in diet quality (Δ ED and Δ MDS-rec; P<0·0001). Each 1€ increase in monetary diet cost per 8·36 MJ was associated with a decrease of 0·3 kg in body weight (P=0·02) and 0·1 kg/m2 in BMI (P=0·04). These associations were attenuated after adjusting for changes in diet quality indicators. An improvement in diet quality and better weight management were both associated with an increase in diet cost; this could be considered in food policy decisions.
The independent prospective associations of activity intensity and dietary energy density with adiposity in young adolescents
Authors: van Sluijs Esther M. F. , Sharp Stephen J. , Ambrosini Gina L. , Cassidy Aedin , Griffin Simon J. , Ekelund Ulf
Published: January 2016

There is limited evidence on the prospective association of time spent in activity intensity (sedentary (SED), moderate (MPA) or vigorous (VPA) physical activity) and dietary intake with adiposity indicators in young people. This study aimed to assess associations between (1) baseline objectively measured activity intensity, dietary energy density (DED) and 4-year change in adiposity and (2) 4-year change in activity intensity/DED and adiposity at follow-up. We conducted cohort analyses including 367 participants (10 years at baseline, 14 years at follow-up) with valid data for objectively measured activity (Actigraph), DED (4-d food diary), anthropometry (waist circumference (WC), %body fat (%BF), fat mass index (FMI), weight status) and covariates. Linear and logistic regression models were fit, including adjustment for DED and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Results showed that baseline DED was associated with change in WC (β for 1kJ/g difference: 0·71; 95% CI 0·26, 1·17), particularly in boys (1·26; 95% CI 0·41, 2·16 v. girls: 0·26; 95% CI −0·34, 0·87), but not with %BF, FMI or weight status. In contrast, baseline SED, MPA or VPA were not associated with any of the outcomes. Change in DED was negatively associated with FMI (β for 1kJ/g increase: −0·86; 95% CI −1·59, −0·12) and %BF (−0·86; 95% CI −1·25, −0·11) but not WC (−0·27; 95% CI −1·02, 0·48). Change in SED, MPA and VPA did not predict adiposity at follow-up. In conclusion, activity intensity was not prospectively associated with adiposity, whereas the directions of associations with DED were inconsistent. To inform public health efforts, future studies should continue to analyse longitudinal data to further understand the independent role of different energy-balance behaviours in changes in adiposity in early adolescence.
Effects of chromium-enriched Bacillus subtilis KT260179 supplementation on growth performance, caecal microbiology, tissue chromium level, insulin receptor expression and plasma biochemical profile of mice under heat stress
Authors: Yang Jiajun , Xu Yayuan , Qian Kun , Zhang Wei , Wu Dong , Wang Chonglong
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of providing supplementary Cr-enriched Bacillus subtilis (CEBS) to mice with regard to their growth performance, caecal microbiology, tissue Cr concentration, insulin receptor (IR) expression and plasma biochemical profile. A total of ninety-six Kunming strain mice were allocated to four different groups: control, CEBS, inorganic Cr and B. subtilis. After 15 d of treatment, mice that received CEBS or normal B. subtilis had higher body weights than control mice, and after 30 d mice given either CEBS or B. subtilis had greater body weights than control mice or those given inorganic Cr. The concentration of Cr in tissues (heart, liver, spleen, kidney and skeletal muscle) increased after CEBS supplementation. B. subtilis and CEBS supplementation caused a significant increase in the numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecum, whereas the numbers of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus decreased significantly compared with the control. The levels of IR RNA and protein in skeletal muscles increased significantly. Plasma glucose, total cholesterol, TAG and LDL-cholesterol levels declined significantly in the CEBS group compared with the control group, whereas plasma insulin and HDL-cholesterol levels increased significantly. In conclusion, CEBS supplementation enhanced the regulation of body growth, increased tissue organic Cr concentrations, altered caecal microbiota and enhanced IR expression to produce significant changes in plasma biochemistry.
Weight loss-induced stress in subcutaneous adipose tissue is related to weight regain
Authors: Roumans Nadia J. T. , Camps Stefan G. , Renes Johan , Bouwman Freek G. , Westerterp Klaas R. , Mariman Edwin C. M.
Published: January 2016

Initial successful weight loss is often followed by weight regain after the dietary intervention. Compared with lean people, cellular stress in adipose tissue is increased in obese subjects. However, the relation between cellular stress and the risk for weight regain after weight loss is unclear. Therefore, we determined the expression levels of stress proteins during weight loss and weight maintenance in relation to weight regain. In vivo findings were compared with results from in vitro cultured human Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes. In total, eighteen healthy subjects underwent an 8-week diet programme with a 10-month follow-up. Participants were categorised as weight maintainers or weight regainers (WR) depending on their weight changes during the intervention. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained before and after the diet and after the follow-up. In vitro differentiated SGBS adipocytes were starved for 96 h with low (0·55 mm) glucose. Levels of stress proteins were determined by Western blotting. WR showed increased expressions of β-actin, calnexin, heat shock protein (HSP) 27, HSP60 and HSP70. Changes of β-actin, HSP27 and HSP70 are linked to HSP60, a proposed key factor in weight regain after weight loss. SGBS adipocytes showed increased levels of β-actin and HSP60 after 96 h of glucose restriction. The increased level of cellular stress proteins in the adipose tissue of WR probably resides in the adipocytes as shown by in vitro experiments. Cellular stress accumulated in adipose tissue during weight loss may be a risk factor for weight regain.
New species of Chaetonema (Nematoda, Anoplostomatidae) and Admirandus (Nematoda, Oncholaimidae) from Patagonia, Río Negro and Santa Cruz, Argentina
Authors: Lo Russo Virginia , Villares Gabriela , Pastor de Ward Catalina T.
Published: January 2016

Two new species are described from the Patagonia coast of Argentina, South Atlantic, and written keys to both genera are given. Chaetonema patagonica sp. nov. can most easily be differentiated from the other four species of the genus by the amphid shape and by the absence of a precloacal organ. Admirandus sanjuliensis sp. nov. is characterized by position of the Demanian pores, one preanal and two postanal, the configuration of pre- and postcloacal papillae and setae and by having the shortest stoma in the genus.
The stress protein HSP70 from the marine sponge Thenea muricata
Authors: Vallmann K. , Kivisild C. , Lopp A. , Rapp H.T. , Kelve M.
Published: January 2016

The members of the heat shock protein 70 ( HSP70) family are among the most conserved and widely studied stress proteins. The transcription and translation levels of HSP70 genes have also been studied in several marine and freshwater sponges as molecular markers to characterize the response of sponges to various types of physiological or environmental stress conditions. Furthermore, HSP70 protein sequences have been used in phylogenetic analysis of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In this study, the expression of HSP70 genes in the marine sponge Thenea muricata during long-term cultivation under laboratory conditions was described at the protein and mRNA levels. Though there are many studies about distribution and morphology of T. muricata, few biochemical and molecular data can be found in the literature. HSP70 gene data for several sponge species have been deposited in the NCBI database, however, those for T. muricata are not available. Therefore, HSP70 genes were characterized in this sponge. Several proteins of the HSP70 superfamily which might be induced by stress, were present in T. muricata.
Local participation and partnership development in Canada's Arctic research: challenges and opportunities in an age of empowerment and self-determination
Authors: Brunet Nicolas D. , Hickey Gordon M. , Humphries Murray M.
Published: January 2016

An important component of northern research in Canada has been a strong emphasis on local participation. However, the policy and permit landscape for community participation therein is heterogeneous and presents specific challenges in promoting effective partnerships between researchers and local participants. We conducted a survey of northern research stakeholders across Canada in order better to understand the benefits and challenges associated with research partnerships with a view to informing northern research policy and practice. We found that local engagement at the proposal and research design phases, the hiring of community researchers and engagement of local persons at the results dissemination phase were important factors affecting success. Respondents also indicated a lack of social capital (trust and reciprocity) between researchers and communities as placing a negative impact on science partnerships. Overall, researchers were perceived to benefit more from research partnerships than their community counterparts. Partnerships in northern research will possibly require further decentralisation of power to achieve the policy objectives of local community participation. This could be achieved, in part, by allowing non-academic principal investigators to receive funding, or by involving communities in research priority-setting, proposal review and funding allocation processes.
Shaping nursing home mealtimes
Authors: HARNETT TOVE , JÖNSON HÅKAN
Published: January 2016

A number of studies stress the importance of positive mealtime experiences for nursing home residents. However, the components that comprise an ideal nursing home meal remain unclear, reflecting the ambiguity of whether nursing homes should be framed as institutions, domestic settings or a type of hotel. In this study, nursing home meals were viewed as situations that the involved parties could continuously modify and ‘work on’. The aim was to analyse how the staff and residents shaped mealtimes by initiating frames and acting according to established social scripts. The study was based on semi-structured interviews with staff and residents and on ethnographic data, consisting of 100 hours of observations at two nursing home settings in Sweden. The analysis revealed how staff and residents interactively shaped meals using institutional, private or restaurant frames. There were three important findings: (a) an institutional meal frame was dominant; (b) there were substantial difficulties in introducing private frames and established private scripts for meals, since such meal versions are personal and not easy to transport into collective settings; (c) successful creation of private or home-like meal situations illustrates an often overlooked skill in care work. Making meals as ‘care-free’ as possible can be viewed as a way to operationalise the goal of providing a non-institutional environment in nursing homes.
Global accountability communities: NGO self-regulation in the humanitarian sector
Authors: Zarnegar Deloffre Maryam
Published: January 2016

How do humanitarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) define and institutionalise global accountability standards? This article process-traces the case of the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership-International (HAP-I), a voluntary, self-regulatory collective accountability initiative, to investigate the processes through which NGOs define collective rules, standards, and practices for accountability. This article shows the limitations of traditional representative and principal-agent models of NGO accountability when applied to the global inter-organisational realm and argues that mutual accountability better conceptualises these relationships. In this important case, the article finds that transnational coordination of NGO accountability practices results from social learning that generates a global accountability community (GAC) constituted by mutual engagement, joint enterprise, and a shared repertoire of practices. Data from the process tracing shows a collaborative not hierarchical or coercive relationship between NGOs and states, where salient donors changed their understandings and practices of accountability during the process of developing the HAP-I benchmarks. Thus, GACs both regulate the behaviour of members and constitute their social identities, interests, and practices.
Smith–Purcell radiation in the terahertz regime using charged particle beams from laser–matter interactions
Authors: Gopal A. , Woldegeorgis A. H. , Herzer S. , Paulus G. G. , Singh P. , Ziegler W. , May T.
Published: January 2016

We report on the experimental observation of Smith–Purcell (SP) radiation generation by charged particle beam from laser–matter interactions. High-power laser pulses were focused onto a thin metal foil target to generate proton beams with energies up to 1.7 MeV via the target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) process. The particle beam from the TNSA process was sent close to a periodic structure to generate SP radiation. Sub-μJ terahertz pulses were recorded using a pyroelectric detector. Simultaneous measurement of the ion spectra allowed us to estimate the power of the emitted radiation and compare it with the experimental results. The distance between the grating and the particle beam was varied and its effect on the emitted radiation was studied.
Snow particle sizes and their distributions in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, at sample, local and regional scales
Authors: Ingvander Susanne , Jansson Peter , Brown Ian A. , Fujita Shuji , Sugyama Shin , Surdyk Sylviane , Enomoto Hiroyuki , Hansson Margareta , Holmlund Per
Published: January 2016

In this study, snow particle size variability was investigated along a transect in Dronning Maud Land from the coast to the polar plateau. The aim of the study was to better understand the spatial and temporal variations in surface snow properties. Samples were collected twice daily during a traverse in 2007–08 to capture regional variability. Local variability was assessed by sampling in 10×10 m grids (5 m spacing) at selected locations. The particle size and shape distributions for each site were analysed through digital image analysis. Snow particle size variability is complex at different scales, and shows an internal variability of 0.18–3.31 mm depending on the sample type (surface, grid or pit). Relationships were verified between particle size and both elevation and distance to the coast (moisture source). Regional seasonal changes were also identified, particularly on the lower elevations of the polar plateau. This dataset may be used to quantitatively analyse the optical properties of surface snow for remote sensing. The details of the spatial and temporal variations observed in our data provide a basis for further studies of the complex and coupled processes affecting snow particle size and the interpretation of remote sensing of snow covered areas.
‘Your Salvation is the Struggle Against Fascism’: Yugoslav Communists and the Rescue of Jews, 1941–1945
Authors: KERENJI EMIL
Published: January 2016

This article recounts a little-known episode in which Yugoslav partisans, led by the Communist Party of Yugoslavia, rescued some 2,500 Jews from the former Italian camp for Jews in the northern Adriatic in the autumn of 1943. By focusing on this historical event, the article argues for broadening the notion of rescue of Jews during the Holocaust. Rather than locating ‘rescue’ in the motivations of individuals, the article takes as a point of departure the collective aspect of rescue and investigates the importance of the ideological considerations of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia in its decision to rescue the Jews. Rather than in abstract ethical notions, the partisan rescue of the Jews was rooted in their political vision of the future socialist federation, of which the Jews were part.
Using On-scene EMS Responders’ Assessment and Electronic Patient Care Records to Evaluate the Suitability of EMD-triaged, Low-acuity Calls for Secondary Nurse Triage in 911 Centers
Authors: Scott Greg , Clawson Jeff , Fivaz Mark C. , McQueen Jennie , Gardett Marie I. , Schultz Bryon , Youngquist Scott , Olola Christopher H.O.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Using the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) – a systematic 911 triage process – to identify a large subset of low-acuity patients for secondary nurse triage in the 911 center is a largely unstudied practice in North America. This study examines the ALPHA-level subset of low-acuity patients in the MPDS to determine the suitability of these patients for secondary triage by evaluating vital signs and necessity of lights-and-siren transport, as determined by attending Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance crews.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine the clinical status of MPDS ALPHA-level (low-acuity) patients, as determined by on-scene EMS crews’ patient care records, in two US agencies. A secondary objective was to determine which ALPHA-level codes are suitable candidates for secondary triage by a trained Emergency Communication Nurse (ECN).

Methods

In this retrospective study, one full year (2013) of both dispatch data and EMS patient records data, associated with all calls coded at the ALPHA-level (low-acuity) in the dispatch protocol, were collected. The primary outcome measure was the number and percentage of ALPHA-level codes categorized as low-acuity, moderate-acuity, high-acuity, and critical using four common vital signs to assign these categories: systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse rate (PR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). Vital sign data were obtained from ambulance crew electronic patient care records (ePCRs). The secondary endpoint was the number and percentage of ALPHA-level codes that received a “hot” (lights-and-siren) transport.

Results

Out of 19,300 cases, 16,763 (86.9%) were included in the final analysis, after excluding cases from health care providers and those with missing data. Of those, 89% of all cases did not have even one vital sign indicator of unstable patient status (high or critical vital sign). Of all cases, only 1.1% were transported lights-and-siren.

Conclusion

With the exception of the low-acuity, ALPHA-level seizure cases, the ALPHA-level patients are suitable to transfer for secondary triage in a best-practices, accredited, emergency medical dispatch center that utilizes the MPDS at very high compliance rates. The secondary nurse triage process should identify the few at-risk patients that exist in the low-acuity calls.

ScottG, ClawsonJ, FivazMC, McQueenJ, GardettMI, SchultzB, YoungquistS, OlolaCHO. Using on-scene EMS responders’ assessment and electronic patient care records to evaluate the suitability of EMD-triaged, low-acuity calls for secondary nurse triage in 911 centers. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):46–57.
Photoluminescence Studies of Both the Neutral and Negatively Charged Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Diamond
Authors: Wang Kaiyue , Steeds John W. , Li Zhihong , Tian Yuming
Published: January 2016

In this study low temperature micro-photoluminescence technology was employed to investigate effects of the irradiation and nitrogen concentration on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) luminescence, with the photochromic and vibronic properties of the NV defects. Results showed that the NV luminescence was weakened due to recombination of self-interstitials created by electron irradiation in diamond and the vacancies within the structure of NV centers. For very pure diamond, the vacancies migrated the long distance to get trapped by N atoms only after sufficient high temperature annealing. As with the increase in nitrogen content, the migration distance of vacancies got smaller. The nitrogen also favored the formation of negatively charged NV centers with the donating electrons. Under the high-energy ultraviolet laser excitation, the photochromic property of the NV− center was also observed, though it was not stable. Besides, the NV centers showed very strong broad sidebands, and the vibrations involved one phonon with energy of ~42 meV and another with ~67 meV energy.
Fractal and Lacunarity Analyses: Quantitative Characterization of Hierarchical Surface Topographies
Authors: Ling Edwin J. Y. , Servio Phillip , Kietzig Anne-Marie
Published: January 2016

Biomimetic hierarchical surface structures that exhibit features having multiple length scales have been used in many technological and engineering applications. Their surface topographies are most commonly analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which only allows for qualitative visual assessments. Here we introduce fractal and lacunarity analyses as a method of characterizing the SEM images of hierarchical surface structures in a quantitative manner. Taking femtosecond laser-irradiated metals as an example, our results illustrate that, while the fractal dimension is a poor descriptor of surface complexity, lacunarity analysis can successfully quantify the spatial texture of an SEM image; this, in turn, provides a convenient means of reporting changes in surface topography with respect to changes in processing parameters. Furthermore, lacunarity plots are shown to be sensitive to the different length scales present within a hierarchical structure due to the reversal of lacunarity trends at specific magnifications where new features become resolvable. Finally, we have established a consistent method of detecting pattern sizes in an image from the oscillation of lacunarity plots. Therefore, we promote the adoption of lacunarity analysis as a powerful tool for quantitative characterization of, but not limited to, multi-scale hierarchical surface topographies.
Pension reform in a worst case scenario: public finance versus political feasibility
Authors: BOUCHET MURIEL , MARCHIORI LUCA , PIERRARD OLIVIER
Published: January 2016

This paper uses a quantitative overlapping generation model to suggest a pension reform able to sustain a retirement system, in the face of deep demographic changes. We derive the reform design from an optimization program that selects one or more policy instruments – and their values – among a predefined set, to minimize the welfare loss of the median voter while keeping sound public finances, sustaining gross domestic product growth and considering the welfare of the newborn generation. We calibrate the model to the Luxembourg economy. The European Commission (2012) forecasts that, among all euro area countries, Luxembourg will experience the largest increase in pension costs between now and 2060. Our simulations show that a single instrument reform would imply severe backlashes on the rest of the economy. The suggested pension reform instead consists of a policy mix including taxation, benefits and the effective retirement age. We stress the need to design pension reforms based on optimization programs that lead to the achievement of desired targets. Indeed, the reform implemented by the Luxembourg government in 2013, which does not result from an optimization program, will not keep public finances sound over the medium term.
Protein content exhibits a significant positive correlation with seed weight in chickpea germplasm collection
Authors: Kulwal Pawan L. , Mhase Laxman B.
Published: January 2016

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume crop grown mostly in Asia and Africa as well as in other parts of the world, and serves as an important source of protein in the diets of vegetarian people. Lot of variation in grain quality traits has been observed in cultivated chickpea in both desi and Kabuli types. It has often been observed that seeds with smaller size have more protein when compared with those with larger size. The joint dependence of these two traits on the same primary characteristics results in this negative relationship. This negative correlation coupled with breeding efforts aimed at increasing grain yield has hampered the progress of improving these two traits simultaneously. Therefore, a germplasm exhibiting wider variability for these quantitative traits is an important resource for the identification of novel alleles. Herein, we report the wide variation observed for five important quantitative traits including days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, 100-seed weight and protein content, and also report the significant positive correlation observed between 100-seed weight and protein content in a diverse collection of chickpea germplasm comprising both desi and Kabuli types.
Douglas Fox Receives 2015 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism – Features
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2016

Douglas Fox received the 2015 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism – Features at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes "a journalist for a feature story or series in any medium except books that makes information about the Earth and space sciences accessible and interesting to the general public."
Focus on the Future of Polar Research
Authors: Vick-Majors Trista , Engelbertz Sira , Fugmann Gerlis
Published: January 2016

The First World Summit of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists; Sofia, Bulgaria, 6–8 June 2015
Fumio Inagaki Receives 2015 Asahiko Taira International Scientific Ocean Drilling Research Prize
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2016

Fumio Inagaki was awarded the 2015 Asahiko Taira International Scientific Ocean Drilling Research Prize at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The Taira Prize is a partnership between AGU and the Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU), and is made possible through a generous donation from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International (IOPD-MI). The prize honors an individual for "outstanding transdisciplinary research accomplishment in ocean drilling."
AGU Opens Its Journals to Author Identifiers
Authors: Hanson Brooks
Published: January 2016

The society is incorporating into its publications new identification codes akin to the digital object identifiers used for journal articles, but for field samples, funders, and more.
New Step Toward Finding Earth 2.0
Authors: Cowen Ron
Published: January 2016

Researchers unveil a way to tease out the wobble of a star caused by unseen planets despite the confounding effects of star spots, which are the sunspots of distant stars.
Claudia Joan Alexander (1959–2015)
Authors: Gombosi Tamas
Published: January 2016

Alexander is remembered for her leading role in the Galileo and Rosetta missions and her efforts to encourage women scientists from underprivileged and underrepresented groups.
A pervasive role for biomass burning in tropical high ozone/low water structures
Authors: Anderson Daniel C. , Nicely Julie M. , Salawitch Ross J. , Canty Timothy P. , Dickerson Russell R. , Hanisco Thomas F. , Wolfe Glenn M. , Apel Eric C. , Atlas Elliot , Bannan Thomas , Bauguitte Stephane , Blake Nicola J. , Bresch James F. , Campos Teresa L. , Carpenter Lucy J. , Cohen Mark D. , Evans Mathew , Fernandez Rafael P. , Kahn Brian H. , Kinnison Douglas E. , Hall Samuel R. , Harris Neil R.P. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Lamarque Jean-Francois , Le Breton Michael , Lee James D. , Percival Carl , Pfister Leonhard , Pierce R. Bradley , Riemer Daniel D. , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Stunder Barbara J.B. , Thompson Anne M. , Ullmann Kirk , Vaughan Adam , Weinheimer Andrew J.
Published: January 2016

Air parcels with mixing ratios of high O3 and low H2O (HOLW) are common features in the tropical western Pacific (TWP) mid-troposphere (300–700 hPa). Here, using data collected during aircraft sampling of the TWP in winter 2014, we find strong, positive correlations of O3 with multiple biomass burning tracers in these HOLW structures. Ozone levels in these structures are about a factor of three larger than background. Models, satellite data and aircraft observations are used to show fires in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia are the dominant source of high O3 and that low H2O results from large-scale descent within the tropical troposphere. Previous explanations that attribute HOLW structures to transport from the stratosphere or mid-latitude troposphere are inconsistent with our observations. This study suggest a larger role for biomass burning in the radiative forcing of climate in the remote TWP than is commonly appreciated.
Chromatin topology is coupled to Polycomb group protein subnuclear organization
Authors: Wani Ajazul H. , Boettiger Alistair N. , Schorderet Patrick , Ergun Ayla , Münger Christine , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Zhuang Xiaowei , Kingston Robert E. , Francis Nicole J.
Published: January 2016

The genomes of metazoa are organized at multiple scales. Many proteins that regulate genome architecture, including Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, form subnuclear structures. Deciphering mechanistic links between protein organization and chromatin architecture requires precise description and mechanistic perturbations of both. Using super-resolution microscopy, here we show that PcG proteins are organized into hundreds of nanoscale protein clusters. We manipulated PcG clusters by disrupting the polymerization activity of the sterile alpha motif (SAM) of the PcG protein Polyhomeotic (Ph) or by increasing Ph levels. Ph with mutant SAM disrupts clustering of endogenous PcG complexes and chromatin interactions while elevating Ph level increases cluster number and chromatin interactions. These effects can be captured by molecular simulations based on a previously described chromatin polymer model. Both perturbations also alter gene expression. Organization of PcG proteins into small, abundant clusters on chromatin through Ph SAM polymerization activity may shape genome architecture through chromatin interactions.
Superlattice-based thin-film thermoelectric modules with high cooling fluxes
Authors: Bulman Gary , Barletta Phil , Lewis Jay , Baldasaro Nicholas , Manno Michael , Bar-Cohen Avram , Yang Bao
Published: January 2016

In present-day high-performance electronic components, the generated heat loads result in unacceptably high junction temperatures and reduced component lifetimes. Thermoelectric modules can, in principle, enhance heat removal and reduce the temperatures of such electronic devices. However, state-of-the-art bulk thermoelectric modules have a maximum cooling flux qmax of only about 10 W cm−2, while state-of-the art commercial thin-film modules have a qmax <100 W cm−2. Such flux values are insufficient for thermal management of modern high-power devices. Here we show that cooling fluxes of 258 W cm−2 can be achieved in thin-film Bi2Te3-based superlattice thermoelectric modules. These devices utilize a p-type Sb2Te3/Bi2Te3 superlattice and n-type δ-doped Bi2Te3−xSex, both of which are grown heteroepitaxially using metalorganic chemical vapour deposition. We anticipate that the demonstration of these high-cooling-flux modules will have far-reaching impacts in diverse applications, such as advanced computer processors, radio-frequency power devices, quantum cascade lasers and DNA micro-arrays.
Widely tunable two-colour seeded free-electron laser source for resonant-pump resonant-probe magnetic scattering
Authors: Ferrari Eugenio , Spezzani Carlo , Fortuna Franck , Delaunay Renaud , Vidal Franck , Nikolov Ivaylo , Cinquegrana Paolo , Diviacco Bruno , Gauthier David , Penco Giuseppe , Ribič Primož Rebernik , Roussel Eleonore , Trovò Marco , Moussy Jean-Baptiste , Pincelli Tommaso , Lounis Lounès , Manfredda Michele , Pedersoli Emanuele , Capotondi Flavio , Svetina Cristian , Mahne Nicola , Zangrando Marco , Raimondi Lorenzo , Demidovich Alexander , Giannessi Luca , De Ninno Giovanni , Danailov Miltcho Boyanov , Allaria Enrico , Sacchi Maurizio
Published: January 2016

The advent of free-electron laser (FEL) sources delivering two synchronized pulses of different wavelengths (or colours) has made available a whole range of novel pump–probe experiments. This communication describes a major step forward using a new configuration of the FERMI FEL-seeded source to deliver two pulses with different wavelengths, each tunable independently over a broad spectral range with adjustable time delay. The FEL scheme makes use of two seed laser beams of different wavelengths and of a split radiator section to generate two extreme ultraviolet pulses from distinct portions of the same electron bunch. The tunability range of this new two-colour source meets the requirements of double-resonant FEL pump/FEL probe time-resolved studies. We demonstrate its performance in a proof-of-principle magnetic scattering experiment in Fe–Ni compounds, by tuning the FEL wavelengths to the Fe and Ni 3p resonances.
Structural basis of RNA recognition and dimerization by the STAR proteins T-STAR and Sam68
Authors: Feracci Mikael , Foot Jaelle N. , Grellscheid Sushma N. , Danilenko Marina , Stehle Ralf , Gonchar Oksana , Kang Hyun-Seo , Dalgliesh Caroline , Meyer N. Helge , Liu Yilei , Lahat Albert , Sattler Michael , Eperon Ian C. , Elliott David J. , Dominguez Cyril
Published: January 2016

Sam68 and T-STAR are members of the STAR family of proteins that directly link signal transduction with post-transcriptional gene regulation. Sam68 controls the alternative splicing of many oncogenic proteins. T-STAR is a tissue-specific paralogue that regulates the alternative splicing of neuronal pre-mRNAs. STAR proteins differ from most splicing factors, in that they contain a single RNA-binding domain. Their specificity of RNA recognition is thought to arise from their property to homodimerize, but how dimerization influences their function remains unknown. Here, we establish at atomic resolution how T-STAR and Sam68 bind to RNA, revealing an unexpected mode of dimerization different from other members of the STAR family. We further demonstrate that this unique dimerization interface is crucial for their biological activity in splicing regulation, and suggest that the increased RNA affinity through dimer formation is a crucial parameter enabling these proteins to select their functional targets within the transcriptome.
Enhanced electronic properties in mesoporous TiO2 via lithium doping for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Giordano Fabrizio , Abate Antonio , Correa Baena Juan Pablo , Saliba Michael , Matsui Taisuke , Im Sang Hyuk , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Hagfeldt Anders , Graetzel Michael
Published: January 2016

Perovskite solar cells are one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies with their extraordinary progress in efficiency and the simple processes required to produce them. However, the frequent presence of a pronounced hysteresis in the current voltage characteristic of these devices arises concerns on the intrinsic stability of organo-metal halides, challenging the reliability of technology itself. Here, we show that n-doping of mesoporous TiO2 is accomplished by facile post treatment of the films with lithium salts. We demonstrate that the Li-doped TiO2 electrodes exhibit superior electronic properties, by reducing electronic trap states enabling faster electron transport. Perovskite solar cells prepared using the Li-doped films as scaffold to host the CH3NH3PbI3 light harvester produce substantially higher performances compared with undoped electrodes, improving the power conversion efficiency from 17 to over 19% with negligible hysteretic behaviour (lower than 0.3%).
Precision medicine in heritable cancer: when somatic tumour testing and germline mutations meet
Authors: Ngeow Joanne , Eng Charis
Published: January 2016

Cancer is among the leading causes of death and disfigurement worldwide with an estimated global incidence of 14 million and ~8.2 million cancer-related deaths per annum. An estimated 5–10% of all cancers are hereditary, meaning a single gene mutation contributed to development of the cancer. In other words, inherited cancer has a worldwide incidence of ~1.4 million new cases per annum and a global prevalence of 300 million, and are often poorly recognised. The increase in genetic sequencing capability combined with the decrease in the cost of testing has altered both regulatory policy and clinical oncology practice Well-known examples of clinically important cancer susceptibility syndromes such as those caused by genetic mutations in highly penetrant genes such as BRCA1/2 hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome genes have provided the framework for the practice of clinical cancer genetics. There is no question that these tests have provided clinical benefit to the patient and her/his family. However, with the expanding role of next generation sequencing in tumour profiling as well as in germline testing, clinicians are now faced with significant new challenges and potentially unexpected opportunities. Issues such as determining how best to deal with gene variants of uncertain clinical significance and the issue of incidental findings of hereditary cancer risk may be encountered during tumour genomic testing will require a concerted effort and dialogue on the part of the broad genomic community.