bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEYMAN’S C(α) TEST FOR UNOBSERVED HETEROGENEITY
Authors: Gu Jiaying
Published: September 2015

A unified framework is proposed for tests of unobserved heterogeneity in parametric statistic models based on Neyman’s C(α) approach. Such tests are irregular in the sense that the first order derivative of the log likelihood with respect to the heterogeneity parameter is identically zero, and consequently the conventional Fisher information about the parameter is zero. Nevertheless, local asymptotic optimality of the C(α) tests can be established via LeCam’s differentiability in quadratic mean and the limit experiment approach. This leads to local alternatives of ordern−1/4. The scalar case result is already familiar from existing literature and we extend it to the multidimensional case. The new framework reveals that certain regularity conditions commonly employed in earlier developments are unnecessary, i.e. the symmetry or third moment condition imposed on the heterogeneity distribution. Additionally, the limit experiment for the multidimensional case suggests modifications on existing tests for slope heterogeneity in cross sectional and panel data models that lead to power improvement. Since the C(α) framework is not restricted to the parametric model and the test statistics do not depend on the particular choice of the heterogeneity distribution, it is useful for a broad range of applications for testing parametric heterogeneity.
CONSISTENT AND CONSERVATIVE MODEL SELECTION WITH THE ADAPTIVE LASSO IN STATIONARY AND NONSTATIONARY AUTOREGRESSIONS
Authors: Kock Anders Bredahl
Published: September 2015

We show that the adaptive Lasso is oracle efficient in stationary and nonstationary autoregressions. This means that it estimates parameters consistently, selects the correct sparsity pattern, and estimates the coefficients belonging to the relevant variables at the same asymptotic efficiency as if only these had been included in the model from the outset. In particular, this implies that it is able to discriminate between stationary and nonstationary autoregressions and it thereby constitutes an addition to the set of unit root tests. Next, and important in practice, we show that choosing the tuning parameter by Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) results in consistent model selection.

However, it is also shown that the adaptive Lasso has no power against shrinking alternatives of the formc/Tif it is tuned to perform consistent model selection. We show that if the adaptive Lasso is tuned to perform conservative model selection it has power even against shrinking alternatives of this form and compare it to the plain Lasso.
The Curious Incident of the Homicidal Archbishop: The Dispensation Granted to Archbishop George Abbot, 1621
Authors: Adam Will
Published: September 2015

When George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, accidentally shot and killed a gamekeeper in 1621, questions were immediately asked about whether the accident had rendered him excommunicate and whether he could, consequently, remain in his post. Within the complex ecclesiastical politics of the day, James I remained sympathetic to Abbot and a solution was sought to free him from any adverse consequences. In the end a royal pardon and a novel form of dispensation, utilising a rare process set up by the Ecclesiastical Licences Act 1533, were brought into play and the archbishop continued in office.
Parliamentary Report
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: September 2015

Events during the period under consideration were overshadowed by the result of the General Election in May, in which the Conservatives secured an overall majority and the Scottish National Party won 56 of the 59 seats in Scotland. What this will mean for issues of particular concern to readers of this Journal is unclear: but at the very least, there is already pressure for devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament over and above those in the agreed package put forward by the all-party commission under the chairmanship of Lord Smith of Kelvin. The Scotland Bill was introduced into the Commons on 28 May and is likely to be a matter of some controversy.
First Responder Accuracy Using SALT after Brief Initial Training
Authors: Lee Christopher W.C. , McLeod Shelley L. , Peddle Michael B.
Published: September 2015

Background

Mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) present a unique challenge with regards to triage as patient volume often outweighs the number of available Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers. A possible strategy to optimize existing triage systems includes the use of other first responder groups, namely fire and police, to decrease the triage time during MCIs, allowing for more rapid initiation of life-saving treatment and prioritization of patient transport.

Hypothesis

First-year primary care paramedic (PCP), fire, and police trainees can apply with similar accuracy an internationally recognized MCI triage tool, Sort, Assess, Life-saving interventions, Treatment/transport (SALT), immediately following a brief training session, and again three months later.

Methods

All students enrolled in the PCP, fire, and police foundation programs at two community colleges were invited to participate in a 30-minute didactic session on SALT. Immediately following this session, a 17-item, paper-based test was administered to assess the students’ ability to understand and apply SALT. Three months later, the same test was given to assess knowledge retention.

Results

Of the 464 trainees who completed the initial test, 364 (78.4%) completed the three month follow-up test. Initial test scores were higher (P<.05) for PCPs (87.0%) compared to fire (80.2%) and police (68.0%) trainees. The mean test score for all respondents was higher following the initial didactic session compared to the three month follow-up test (75% vs 64.7%; Δ 10.3%; 95% CI, 8.0%-12.6%). Three month test scores for PCPs (75.4%) were similar to fire (71.4%) students (Δ 4.0%; 95% CI, −2.1% to 10.1%). Both PCP and fire trainees significantly outperformed police (57.8%) trainees. Over-triage errors were the most common, followed by under-triage and then critical errors, for both the initial and follow-up tests.

Conclusions

Amongst first responder trainees, PCPs were able to apply the SALT triage tool with the most accuracy, followed by fire, then police. Over-triage was the most frequent error, while critical errors were rare.

LeeCWC,
McLeodSL,
PeddleMB.
First responder accuracy using SALT after brief initial training. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):447–451.
Prehospital Agitation and Sedation Trial (PhAST): A Randomized Control Trial of Intramuscular Haloperidol versus Intramuscular Midazolam for the Sedation of the Agitated or Violent Patient in the Prehospital Environment
Authors: Isenberg Derek L. , Jacobs Dorian
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Violent patients in the prehospital environment pose a threat to health care workers tasked with managing their medical conditions. While research has focused on methods to control the agitated patient in the emergency department (ED), there is a paucity of data looking at the optimal approach to subdue these patients safely in the prehospital setting.

Hypothesis

This study evaluated the efficacy of two different intramuscular medications, midazolam and haloperidol, to determine their efficacy in sedating agitated patients in the prehospital setting.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, observational trial wherein agitated patients were administered intramuscular haloperidol or intramuscular midazolam to control agitation. Agitation was quantified by the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS). Paramedics recorded the RASS and vital signs every five minutes during transport and again upon arrival to the ED. The primary outcome was mean time to achieve a RASS less than +1. Secondary outcomes included mean time for patients to return to baseline mental status and adverse events.

Results

Five patients were enrolled in each study group. In the haloperidol group, the mean time to achieve a RASS score of less than +1 was 24.8 minutes (95% CI, 8-49 minutes), and the mean time for the return of a normal mental status was 84 minutes (95% CI, 0-202 minutes). Two patients required additional prehospital doses for adequate sedation. There were no adverse events recorded in the patients administered haloperidol.

In the midazolam group, the mean time to achieve a RASS score of less than +1 was 13.5 minutes (95% CI, 8-19 minutes) and the mean time for the return of normal mental status was 105 minutes (95% CI, 0-178 minutes). One patient required additional sedation in the ED. There were no adverse events recorded among the patients administered midazolam.

Conclusions

Midazolam and haloperidol administered intramuscularly appear equally effective for sedating an agitated patient in the prehospital setting. Midazolam appears to have a faster onset of action, as evidenced by the shorter time required to achieve a RASS score of less than +1 in the patients who received midazolam. Haloperidol offers an alternative option for the sedation of an agitated patient. Further studies should focus on continued investigation into appropriate sedation of agitated patients in the prehospital setting.

IsenbergDL, JacobsD. Prehospital agitation and sedation trial (PhAST): a randomized control trial of intramuscular haloperidol versus intramuscular midazolam for the sedation of the agitated or violent patient in the prehospital environment. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):491–495.
Akzeptanz und Machbarkeit von medizinischem Telemonitoring plus individueller Teleberatung – 2 Jähriges Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt am Universitätsspital Zürich
Authors: Schmidt-Weitmann Sabine , Buser Jacqueline , Baumann Doris , Schmidt Christian , Brettenhofer Marlene , Tarnutzer Silvan , Meienberger Beda , Otto Ulrich , Brockes Christiane
Published: September 2015

Zusammenfassung. Das Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt „Long Independent Living Assistant (LILA)“, welches von der Kommission für Technologie und Innovation (KTI) finanziell unterstützt wird, basiert auf den Resultaten und Erfahrungen der langjährigen Onlineberatung des Universitätsspitals Zürich. Im Vordergrund steht die Entwicklung und Aufgleisung einer umfassenden telemedizinischen Dienstleistung mit dem Versuch, den Bürgern und Patienten zuhause mehr Sicherheit zu geben und den Hausarzt zu unterstützen und zu entlasten. Kernelemente des Projektes umfassen das Telemonitoring von Vitalwerten kombiniert mit einer individuellen Teleberatung über die Kommunikationskanäle Telefon, E-Mail und Video. Technisch wird die Dienstleistung unterstützt von einer internetbasierten Dokumentations- und Kommunikationsplattform mit einer integrierten Patientenakte. In einer einjährigen Konzeptionsphase wurden Einzelinterviews und Gruppendiskussion mit den Probanden durchgeführt, die Ergebnisse sind kontinuierlich in das Konzept eingeflossen. Die anschliessende Pilotphase prüft die entwickelte telemedizinische Vorgehensweise und führt zu weiteren Optimierungen. Ziel der Studie liegt in der Evaluation der Bedürfnisse, Machbarkeit und Akzeptanz telemedizinischer Dienstleistungen aus der Perspektive der Anwender unter Berücksichtigung ihres sozialen Umfelds.
MOSS: Mobile Sensing and Support Mit einer App depressive Verstimmungen erkennen und Betroffenen helfen
Authors: Weidt Steffi , Wahle Fabian , Rufer Michael , Hörni Anja , Kowatsch Tobias
Published: September 2015

Zusammenfassung. Depressionen zeichnen sich durch eine weltweit steigende Prävalenz aus. Gleichzeitig nimmt nur eine Minderheit der Betroffenen zeitnah Hilfe in Anspruch. Mit Hilfe moderner Informationstechniken könnte ein Teil der unbehandelten Betroffenen erreicht werden. Eine potentielle Möglichkeit sind mobile Applikationen, welche Betroffenen zeitnah und zielgerichtet helfen. Wie genau solche Applikationen aufgebaut sein müssen, um Betroffene anzusprechen und zu unterstützen, ist bislang jedoch kaum untersucht. Das Entwicklerteam des Universitätsspitals Zürich, der Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschule Zürich, der Universität St. Gallen und der makora AG, hat deswegen eine neue Applikation entwickelt, um Menschen mit depressiven Symptomen zu unterstützen. Die Applikation soll dabei in einem ersten Schritt lernen, depressive Symptome sicher zu erkennen. Durch aus evidenzbasierten Ansätzen abgeleitete Interventionen, welche durch die Erfassung von Sensordaten, Eigenangaben und der Interaktion mit dem Mobiltelephon, individuell auf die Betroffenen zugeschnitten sind, soll diesen dann in einem zweiten Schritt zielgerichtet geholfen werden.
Telemedizinische Schlaganfallversorgung in der Ostschweiz
Authors: Siebel Philip , Berger Christian , Kägi Georg
Published: September 2015

Zusammenfassung. Die Telemedizin ermöglicht im Schlaganfallnetzwerk, die moderne Schlaganfallversorgung in Regionen zur Verfügung zu stellen, welche aufgrund der Topographie nur schwer organisiert werden kann. In Spitälern mit eigener neurologischer Expertise im Pikettdienst (Rufbereitschaft) kann der Neurologe rascher in die Patientenabklärung involviert und so schneller Therapieentscheidungen getroffen werden. Der Nutzen der Telemedizin zur Beurteilung von Schlaganfallpatienten ist nachgewiesen, sicher und erhöht die Thrombolyserate. Auch in aktuellen Schlaganfallleitlinien wurde dies berücksichtigt und die telemedizinische Schlaganfallversorgung propagiert. Das Potential dieser Technik muss noch weiter ausgeschöpft werden.
The contribution of Chlamydia‐specific CD8+ T cells to upper genital tract pathology
Authors: Vlcek Kelly R , Li Weidang , Manam Srikanth , Zanotti Brian , Nicholson Bruce J , Ramsey Kyle H , Murthy Ashlesh K
Published: September 2015

Genital chlamydial infections lead to severe upper reproductive tract pathology in a subset of untreated women. We demonstrated previously that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐producing CD8+ T cells contribute significantly to chlamydial upper genital tract pathology in female mice. In addition, we observed that minimal chlamydial oviduct pathology develops in OT‐1 transgenic (OT‐1) mice, wherein the CD8+ T‐cell repertoire is restricted to recognition of the ovalbumin peptide Ova257–264, suggesting that non‐Chlamydia‐specific CD8+ T cells may not be responsible for chlamydial pathogenesis. In the current study, we evaluated whether antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells mediate chlamydial pathology. Groups of wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6J, OT‐1 mice, and OT‐1 mice replete with WT CD8+ T cells (1 × 106 cells per mouse intravenously) were infected intravaginally with C. muridarum (5 × 104 IFU/mouse). Serum total anti‐Chlamydia antibody and total splenic anti‐Chlamydia interferon (IFN)‐γ and TNF‐α responses were comparable among the three groups of animals. However, Chlamydia‐specific IFN‐γ and TNF‐α production from purified splenic CD8+ T cells of OT‐1 mice was minimal, whereas responses in OT‐1 mice replete with WT CD8+ T cells were comparable to those in WT animals. Vaginal chlamydial clearance was comparable between the three groups of mice. Importantly, the incidence and severity of oviduct and uterine horn pathology was significantly reduced in OT‐1 mice but reverted to WT levels in OT‐1 mice replete with WT CD8+ T cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Chlamydia‐specific CD8+ T cells contribute significantly to upper genital tract pathology.
A metagenomic window into carbon metabolism at 3 km depth in Precambrian continental crust
Authors: Magnabosco Cara , Ryan Kathleen , Lau Maggie C Y , Kuloyo Olukayode , Sherwood Lollar Barbara , Kieft Thomas L , van Heerden Esta , Onstott Tullis C
Published: September 2015

Subsurface microbial communities comprise a significant fraction of the global prokaryotic biomass; however, the carbon metabolisms that support the deep biosphere have been relatively unexplored. In order to determine the predominant carbon metabolisms within a 3-km deep fracture fluid system accessed via the Tau Tona gold mine (Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa), metagenomic and thermodynamic analyses were combined. Within our system of study, the energy-conserving reductive acetyl-CoA (Wood-Ljungdahl) pathway was found to be the most abundant carbon fixation pathway identified in the metagenome. Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase genes that have the potential to participate in (1) both autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolisms through the reversible oxidization of CO and subsequent transfer of electrons for sulfate reduction, (2) direct utilization of H2 and (3) methanogenesis were identified. The most abundant members of the metagenome belonged to Euryarchaeota (22%) and Firmicutes (57%)—by far, the highest relative abundance of Euryarchaeota yet reported from deep fracture fluids in South Africa and one of only five Firmicutes-dominated deep fracture fluids identified in the region. Importantly, by combining the metagenomics data and thermodynamic modeling of this study with previously published isotopic and community composition data from the South African subsurface, we are able to demonstrate that Firmicutes-dominated communities are associated with a particular hydrogeologic environment, specifically the older, more saline and more reducing waters.
High-resolution analysis of the human T-cell receptor repertoire
Authors: Ruggiero Eliana , Nicolay Jan P. , Fronza Raffaele , Arens Anne , Paruzynski Anna , Nowrouzi Ali , Ürenden Gökçe , Lulay Christina , Schneider Sven , Goerdt Sergij , Glimm Hanno , Krammer Peter H. , Schmidt Manfred , von Kalle Christof
Published: September 2015

Unbiased dissection of T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity at the nucleotide level could provide important insights into human immunity. Here we show that TCR ligation-anchored-magnetically captured PCR (TCR-LA-MC PCR) identifies TCR α- and β-chain diversity without sequence-associated or quantitative restrictions in healthy and diseased conditions. TCR-LA-MC PCR identifies convergent recombination events, classifies different stages of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in vivo and demonstrates TCR reactivation after in vitro cytomegalovirus stimulation. TCR-LA-MC PCR allows ultra-deep data access to both physiological TCR diversity and mechanisms influencing clonality in all clinical settings with restricted or distorted TCR repertoires.
Cas9-Assisted Targeting of CHromosome segments CATCH enables one-step targeted cloning of large gene clusters
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Zhao Xuejin , Gabrieli Tslil , Lou Chunbo , Ebenstein Yuval , Zhu Ting F.
Published: September 2015

The cloning of long DNA segments, especially those containing large gene clusters, is of particular importance to synthetic and chemical biology efforts for engineering organisms. While cloning has been a defining tool in molecular biology, the cloning of long genome segments has been challenging. Here we describe a technique that allows the targeted cloning of near-arbitrary, long bacterial genomic sequences of up to 100 kb to be accomplished in a single step. The target genome segment is excised from bacterial chromosomes in vitro by the RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease at two designated loci, and ligated to the cloning vector by Gibson assembly. This technique can be an effective molecular tool for the targeted cloning of large gene clusters that are often expensive to synthesize by gene synthesis or difficult to obtain directly by traditional PCR and restriction-enzyme-based methods.
Direct terrestrial test of Lorentz symmetry in electrodynamics to 10−18
Authors: Nagel Moritz , Parker Stephen R. , Kovalchuk Evgeny V. , Stanwix Paul L. , Hartnett John G. , Ivanov Eugene N. , Peters Achim , Tobar Michael E.
Published: September 2015

Lorentz symmetry is a foundational property of modern physics, underlying the standard model of particles and general relativity. It is anticipated that these two theories are low-energy approximations of a single theory that is unified and consistent at the Planck scale. Many unifying proposals allow Lorentz symmetry to be broken, with observable effects appearing at Planck-suppressed levels; thus, precision tests of Lorentz invariance are needed to assess and guide theoretical efforts. Here we use ultrastable oscillator frequency sources to perform a modern Michelson–Morley experiment and make the most precise direct terrestrial test to date of Lorentz symmetry for the photon, constraining Lorentz violating orientation-dependent relative frequency changes Δν/ν to 9.2±10.7 × 10−19 (95% confidence interval). This order of magnitude improvement over previous Michelson–Morley experiments allows us to set comprehensive simultaneous bounds on nine boost and rotation anisotropies of the speed of light, finding no significant violations of Lorentz symmetry.
Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and methane at an immobilized cobalt protoporphyrin
Authors: Shen Jing , Kortlever Ruud , Kas Recep , Birdja Yuvraj Y. , Diaz-Morales Oscar , Kwon Youngkook , Ledezma-Yanez Isis , Schouten Klaas Jan P. , Mul Guido , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: September 2015

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide and water into useful products is a major challenge in facilitating a closed carbon cycle. Here we report a cobalt protoporphyrin immobilized on a pyrolytic graphite electrode that reduces carbon dioxide in an aqueous acidic solution at relatively low overpotential (0.5 V), with an efficiency and selectivity comparable to the best porphyrin-based electrocatalyst in the literature. While carbon monoxide is the main reduction product, we also observe methane as by-product. The results of our detailed pH-dependent studies are explained consistently by a mechanism in which carbon dioxide is activated by the cobalt protoporphyrin through the stabilization of a radical intermediate, which acts as Brønsted base. The basic character of this intermediate explains how the carbon dioxide reduction circumvents a concerted proton–electron transfer mechanism, in contrast to hydrogen evolution. Our results and their mechanistic interpretations suggest strategies for designing improved catalysts.
Infrared video tracking of Anopheles gambiae at insecticide-treated bed nets reveals rapid decisive impact after brief localised net contact
Authors: Parker Josephine E.A. , Angarita-Jaimes Natalia , Abe Mayumi , Towers Catherine E. , Towers David , McCall Philip J.
Published: September 2015

Long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs) protect humans from malaria transmission and are fundamental to malaria control worldwide, but little is known of how mosquitoes interact with nets. Elucidating LLIN mode of action is essential to maintain or improve efficacy, an urgent need as emerging insecticide resistance threatens their future. Tracking multiple free-flyingAnopheles gambiaeresponding to human-occupied bed nets in a novel large-scale system, we characterised key behaviours and events. Four behavioural modes with different levels of net contact were defined: swooping, visiting, bouncing and resting. Approximately 75% of all activity occurred at the bed net roof where multiple brief contacts were focussed above the occupant’s torso. Total flight and net contact times were lower at LLINs than untreated nets but the essential character of the response was unaltered. LLINs did not repel mosquitoes but impacted rapidly: LLIN contact of less than 1 minute per mosquito during the first ten minutes reduced subsequent activity; after thirty minutes, activity at LLINs was negligible. Velocity measurements showed that mosquitoes detected nets, including unbaited untreated nets, prior to contact. This is the most complete characterisation of mosquito-LLIN interactions to date and reveals many aspects of LLIN mode of action, important for developing the next generation of LLINs.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 2 and 3 Mediate Bone Marrow-Derived Monocyte/Macrophage Motility in Cholestatic Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Yang Le , Han Zhen , Tian Lei , Mai Ping , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Lin , Li Liying
Published: September 2015

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor (S1PR) system has been implicated in the pathological process of liver injury. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of S1P/S1PR on bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMM) migration in mouse models of cholestatic liver injury and identify the signaling pathway underlying this process. S1PR1–3 expression in BMM was characterized by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell migration was determined in Boyden chambers. In vivo, the chimera mice, which received BM transplants from EGFP-transgenic mice, received an operation of bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce liver injury with the administration of S1PR2/3 antagonists. The results showed that S1PR1–3 were all expressed in BMMs. S1P exerted a powerful migratory action on BMMs via S1PR2 and S1PR3. Furthermore, PTX and LY-294002 (PI3K inhibitor) prevented S1PR2/3-mediated BMM migration and Rac1 activation by S1P was inhibited by JTE-013, CAY-10444 or LY294002. Administration of S1PR2/3 antagonists in vivo significantly reduced BMM recruitment in BDL-treated mice and attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, S1P/S1PR2/3 system mediates BMM motility by PTX-PI3K-Rac1 signaling pathway, which provides new compelling information on the role of S1P/S1PR in liver injury and opens new perspectives for the pharmacological treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Quantitative analysis on electric dipole energy in Rashba band splitting
Authors: Hong Jisook , Rhim Jun-Won , Kim Changyoung , Ryong Park Seung , Hoon Shim Ji
Published: September 2015

We report on quantitative comparison between the electric dipole energy and the Rashba band splitting in model systems of Bi and Sb triangular monolayers under a perpendicular electric field. We used both first-principles and tight binding calculations on p-orbitals with spin-orbit coupling. First-principles calculation shows Rashba band splitting in both systems. It also shows asymmetric charge distributions in the Rashba split bands which are induced by the orbital angular momentum. We calculated the electric dipole energies from coupling of the asymmetric charge distribution and external electric field and compared it to the Rashba splitting. Remarkably, the total split energy is found to come mostly from the difference in the electric dipole energy for both Bi and Sb systems. A perturbative approach for long wave length limit starting from tight binding calculation also supports that the Rashba band splitting originates mostly from the electric dipole energy difference in the strong atomic spin-orbit coupling regime.
Chronic inflammation up-regulates P-gp in peripheral mononuclear blood cells via the STAT3/Nf-κb pathway in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis mice
Authors: Liu Jiali , Zhou Fang , Chen Qianying , Kang An , Lu Meng , Liu Wenyue , Zang Xiaojie , Wang Guangji , Zhang Jingwei
Published: September 2015

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, often suffer drug intolerance. This resistance can be divided into intrinsic resistance and acquired resistance. Although there is agreement on acquired resistance, studies regarding intrinsic resistance have demonstrated inconsistencies, especially for Crohn’s disease. For this reason, an animal model of Crohn’s disease was induced with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (TNBS) and intrinsic resistance was analyzed by measuring the function and expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBC), followed by mechanistic studies. The results revealed reduced retention of cyclosporine A in PMBC over-expressing P-gp in a TNBS-treated group and enhanced secretion of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α as well as LPS in plasma. These cytokines and LPS can induce P-gp expression through the STAT3/Nf-κb pathway, contributing to a decrease of cyclosporine A retention, which can be reversed by the application of a P-gp inhibitor. Our results demonstrated that the sustained chronic inflammation could induce the intrinsic resistance presented as P-gp over-expression in PBMC in Crohn’s disease through STAT3/Nf-κb pathway and this resistance might be reversed by combinational usage of P-gp inhibitors.
Shifts in the eruptive styles at Stromboli in 2010–2014 revealed by ground-based InSAR data
Authors: Di Traglia Federico , Battaglia Maurizio , Nolesini Teresa , Lagomarsino Daniela , Casagli Nicola
Published: September 2015

Ground-Based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (GBInSAR) is an efficient technique for capturing short, subtle episodes of conduit pressurization in open vent volcanoes like Stromboli (Italy), because it can detect very shallow magma storage, which is difficult to identify using other methods. This technique allows the user to choose the optimal radar location for measuring the most significant deformation signal, provides an exceptional geometrical resolution and allows for continuous monitoring of the deformation. Here, we present and model ground displacements collected at Stromboli by GBInSAR from January 2010 to August 2014. During this period, the volcano experienced several episodes of intense volcanic activity, culminated in the effusive flank eruption of August 2014. Modelling of the deformation allowed us to estimate a source depth of 482 ± 46 m a.s.l. The cumulative volume change was 4.7 ± 2.6 × 105 m3. The strain energy of the source was evaluated 3–5 times higher than the surface energy needed to open the 6–7 August eruptive fissure. The analysis proposed here can help forecast shifts in the eruptive style and especially the onset of flank eruptions at Stromboli and at similar volcanic systems (e.g. Etna, Piton de La Fournaise, Kilauea).
Single-point position and transition defects in continuous time quantum walks
Authors: Li Z. J. , Wang J. B.
Published: September 2015

We present a detailed analysis of continuous time quantum walks (CTQW) with both position and transition defects defined at a single point in the line. Analytical solutions of both traveling waves and bound states are obtained, which provide valuable insight into the dynamics of CTQW. The number of bound states is found to be critically dependent on the defect parameters and the localized probability peaks can be readily obtained by projecting the state vector of CTQW on to these bound states. The interference between two bound states are also observed in the case of a transition defect. The spreading of CTQW probability over the line can be finely tuned by varying the position and transition defect parameters, offering the possibility of precision quantum control of the system.
New ground-based lidar enables volcanic CO2 flux measurements
Authors: Aiuppa Alessandro , Fiorani Luca , Santoro Simone , Parracino Stefano , Nuvoli Marcello , Chiodini Giovanni , Minopoli Carmine , Tamburello Giancarlo
Published: September 2015

There have been substantial advances in the ability to monitor the activity of hazardous volcanoes in recent decades. However, obtaining early warning of eruptions remains challenging, because the patterns and consequences of volcanic unrests are both complex and nonlinear. Measuring volcanic gases has long been a key aspect of volcano monitoring since these mobile fluids should reach the surface long before the magma. There has been considerable progress in methods for remote and in-situ gas sensing, but measuring the flux of volcanic CO2—the most reliable gas precursor to an eruption—has remained a challenge. Here we report on the first direct quantitative measurements of the volcanic CO2 flux using a newly designed differential absorption lidar (DIAL), which were performed at the restless Campi Flegrei volcano. We show that DIAL makes it possible to remotely obtain volcanic CO2 flux time series with a high temporal resolution (tens of minutes) and accuracy (<30%). The ability of this lidar to remotely sense volcanic CO2 represents a major step forward in volcano monitoring and will contribute improved volcanic CO2 flux inventories. Our results also demonstrate the unusually strong degassing behavior of Campi Flegrei fumaroles in the current ongoing state of unrest.
Ultraviolet Lasers Realized via Electrostatic Doping Method
Authors: Liu X. Y. , Shan C. X. , Zhu H. , Li B. H. , Jiang M. M. , Yu S. F. , Shen D. Z.
Published: September 2015

P-type doping of wide-bandgap semiconductors has long been a challenging issue for the relatively large activation energy and strong compensation of acceptor states in these materials, which hinders their applications in ultraviolet (UV) optoelectronic devices drastically. Here we show that by employing electrostatic doping method, hole-dominant region can be formed in wide bandgap semiconductors and UV lasing has been achieved through the external injection of electrons into the hole-dominant region, confirming the applicability of the p-type wide bandgap semiconductors realized via the electrostatic doping method in optoelectronic devices.
Whole Genome Phylogeny of Bacillus by Feature Frequency Profiles (FFP)
Authors: Wang Aisuo , Ash Gavin J.
Published: September 2015

Fifty complete Bacillus genome sequences and associated plasmids were compared using the “feature frequency profile” (FFP) method. The resulting whole-genome phylogeny supports the placement of three Bacillus species (B. thuringiensis, B. anthracis and B. cereus) as a single clade. The monophyletic status of B. anthracis was strongly supported by the analysis. FFP proved to be more effective in inferring the phylogeny of Bacillus than methods based on single gene sequences [16s rRNA gene, GryB (gyrase subunit B) and AroE (shikimate-5-dehydrogenase)] analyses. The findings of FFP analysis were verified using kSNP v2 (alignment-free sequence analysis method) and Harvest suite (core genome sequence alignment method).
Carrier density effect on recombination in PTB7-based solar cell
Authors: Moritomo Yutaka , Yonezawa Kouhei , Yasuda Takeshi
Published: September 2015

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are promising alternatives to the conventional inorganic solar cells due to their low-cost processing and compatibility with flexible substrates. The development of low band-gap polymer, e.g., poly-[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2–b:4,5–b’]dithiophene-2,6-diyl] [3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7), increases the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the last decade. Here, we investigated the interrelation between the instantaneous carrier density (n) per donor (D)/acceptor (A) interface area and the carrier density (ncollected) collected as photocurrent in PTB7/C70 heterojunction (HJ) device. By means of the time-resolved spectroscopy, we confirmed that the exciton—to—carrier conversion process takes place within ~1 ps at the D/A interface of the PTB7/C70 HJ device. We further determined the absolute magnitude of n by combination of the time-resolved and electrochemical spectroscopies. We found that the carrier recombination becomes dominant if n exceeds a critical concentration (nc = 0.003 carriers/nm−2). We confirmed that a similar behaviors is observed in the PTB7/[6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) device. Our quantitative investigation based on the HJ device demonstrates that the fast carrier escape from the D/A interface region is indispensable for high PCE, because the carrier accumulation nonlinearly accelerates the carrier recombination process.
Understanding Phase-Change Memory Alloys from a Chemical Perspective
Authors: Kolobov A.V. , Fons P. , Tominaga J.
Published: September 2015

Phase-change memories (PCM) are associated with reversible ultra-fast low-energy crystal-to-amorphous switching in GeTe-based alloys co-existing with the high stability of the two phases at ambient temperature, a unique property that has been recently explained by the high fragility of the glass-forming liquid phase, where the activation barrier for crystallisation drastically increases as the temperature decreases from the glass-transition to room temperature. At the same time the atomistic dynamics of the phase-change process and the associated changes in the nature of bonding have remained unknown. In this work we demonstrate that key to this behavior is the formation of transient three-center bonds in the excited state that is enabled due to the presence of lone-pair electrons. Our findings additionally reveal previously ignored fundamental similarities between the mechanisms of reversible photoinduced structural changes in chalcogenide glasses and phase-change alloys and offer new insights into the development of efficient PCM materials.
One-Step Synthesis of Chiral Oxindole-type Analogues with Potent Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities
Authors: Sun Yulong , Liu Jia , Jiang Xianxing , Sun Tao , Liu Luping , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Ding Shaoli , Li Jingyi , Zhuang Yan , Wang Yiqing , Wang Rui
Published: September 2015

Here we report a facile approach to synthesize highly optically active oxindole-type analogues with both high yield and enantioselectivity. This single-step synthesis strategy represents a substantial improvement upon existing methods that are often involved with multi-step routes and have suboptimal atomic economy. One such compound, namely Q4c, showed remarkable in vivo anti-inflammatory activity with efficiency approaching to that of a steroidal compound dexamethasone. Moreover, Q4c alleviated pain in mouse models with comparable activity to morphine. Further investigation suggested that nitric oxide signaling pathway is involved in the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Q4c. Notably, this is the first time that chiral oxindole-type analogues have been identified to be both anti-inflammatory and analgesic and our study also paved the way for future development of oxindoles as drug candidates in this field.
Long-Term Exposure to High Altitude Affects Response Inhibition in the Conflict-monitoring Stage
Authors: Ma Hailin , Wang Yan , Wu Jianhui , Luo Ping , Han Buxin
Published: September 2015

To investigate the effects of high-altitude exposure on response inhibition, event-related potential (ERP) components N2 and P3 were measured in Go/NoGo task. The participants included an ‘immigrant’ high-altitude group (who had lived at high altitude for three years but born at low altitude) and a low-altitude group (living in low altitude only). Although the behavioural data showed no significant differences between the two groups, a delayed latency of NoGo-N2 was found in the high-altitude group compared to the low-altitude group. Moreover, larger N2 and smaller P3 amplitudes were found in the high-altitude group compared to the low-altitude group, for both the Go and NoGo conditions. These findings suggest that high-altitude exposure affects response inhibition with regard to processing speed during the conflict monitoring stage. In addition, high altitude generally increases the neural activity in the matching step of information processing and attentional resources. These results may provide some insights into the neurocognitive basis of the effects on high-altitude exposure on response inhibition.
Glucanocellulosic ethanol: the undiscovered biofuel potential in energy crops and marine biomass
Authors: Falter Christian , Zwikowics Claudia , Eggert Dennis , Blümke Antje , Naumann Marcel , Wolff Kerstin , Ellinger Dorothea , Reimer Rudolph , Voigt Christian A.
Published: September 2015

Converting biomass to biofuels is a key strategy in substituting fossil fuels to mitigate climate change. Conventional strategies to convert lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol address the fermentation of cellulose-derived glucose. Here we used super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to uncover the nanoscale structure of cell walls in the energy crops maize and Miscanthus where the typical polymer cellulose forms an unconventional layered architecture with the atypical (1, 3)-β-glucan polymer callose. This raised the question about an unused potential of (1, 3)-β-glucan in the fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass. Engineering biomass conversion for optimized (1, 3)-β-glucan utilization, we increased the ethanol yield from both energy crops. The generation of transgenic Miscanthus lines with an elevated (1, 3)-β-glucan content further increased ethanol yield providing a new strategy in energy crop breeding. Applying the (1, 3)-β-glucan-optimized conversion method on marine biomass from brown macroalgae with a naturally high (1, 3)-β-glucan content, we not only substantially increased ethanol yield but also demonstrated an effective co-fermentation of plant and marine biomass. This opens new perspectives in combining different kinds of feedstock for sustainable and efficient biofuel production, especially in coastal regions.
AGM2015: Antineutrino Global Map 2015
Authors: Usman S.M. , Jocher G.R. , Dye S.T. , McDonough W.F. , Learned J.G.
Published: September 2015

Every second greater than 1025 antineutrinos radiate to space from Earth, shining like a faint antineutrino star. Underground antineutrino detectors have revealed the rapidly decaying fission products inside nuclear reactors, verified the long-lived radioactivity inside our planet and informed sensitive experiments for probing fundamental physics. Mapping the anisotropic antineutrino flux and energy spectrum advance geoscience by defining the amount and distribution of radioactive power within Earth while critically evaluating competing compositional models of the planet. We present the Antineutrino Global Map 2015 (AGM2015), an experimentally informed model of Earth’s surface antineutrino flux over the 0 to 11 MeV energy spectrum, along with an assessment of systematic errors. The open source AGM2015 provides fundamental predictions for experiments, assists in strategic detector placement to determine neutrino mass hierarchy and aids in identifying undeclared nuclear reactors. We use cosmochemically and seismologically informed models of the radiogenic lithosphere/mantle combined with the estimated antineutrino flux, as measured by KamLAND and Borexino, to determine the Earth’s total antineutrino luminosity at "Equation missing". We find a dominant flux of geo-neutrinos, predict sub-equal crust and mantle contributions, with ~1% of the total flux from man-made nuclear reactors.
Neurophysiological features of Internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder: a resting-state EEG study
Authors: Son K-L , Choi J-S , Lee J , Park S M , Lim J-A , Lee J Y , Kim S N , Oh S , Kim D J , Kwon J S
Published: September 2015

Despite that Internet gaming disorder (IGD) shares clinical, neuropsychological and personality characteristics with alcohol use disorder (AUD), little is known about the resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) patterns associated with IGD and AUD. Therefore, this study compared the QEEG patterns in patients with IGD with those in patients with AUD to identify unique neurophysiological characteristics that can be used as biomarkers of IGD. A total of 76 subjects (34 with IGD, 17 with AUD and 25 healthy controls) participated in this study. Resting-state, eyes-closed QEEGs were recorded, and the absolute and relative power of brains were analyzed. The generalized estimating equation showed that the IGD group had lower absolute beta power than AUD (estimate=5.319, P<0.01) and the healthy control group (estimate=2.612, P=0.01). The AUD group showed higher absolute delta power than IGD (estimate=7.516, P<0.01) and the healthy control group (estimate=7.179, P<0.01). We found no significant correlations between the severity of IGD and QEEG activities in patients with IGD. The current findings suggest that lower absolute beta power can be used as a potential trait marker of IGD. Higher absolute power in the delta band may be a susceptibility marker for AUD. This study clarifies the unique characteristics of IGD as a behavioral addiction, which is distinct from AUD, by providing neurophysiological evidence.
Metal nanoparticle assisted polymerase chain reaction for strain typing of Salmonella Typhi
Authors: Rehman Asma , Sarwar Yasra , Raza Zulfiqar Ali , Hussain Syed Zajif , Mustafa Tanveer , Khan Waheed S. , Ghauri Muhammad Afzal , Haque Abdul , Hussain Irshad
Published: September 2015

Gold and silver nanoparticles are demonstrated to reduce non-specific amplification during PCR based strain typing ofSalmonellaTyphi.
Comparison of GC-MS, HPLC-MS and SIFT-MS in conjunction with multivariate classification for the diagnosis of Crohn's disease in urine
Authors: Cauchi M. , Fowler D. P. , Walton C. , Turner C. , Waring R. H. , Ramsden D. B. , Hunter J. O. , Teale P. , Cole J. A. , Bessant C.
Published: September 2015

The developed world has seen an alarming increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, among the most common of which is Crohn's disease (CD) in the young.
Electrochemical behavior of naringenin and its sensitive determination based on a single-walled carbon nanotube modified electrode
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Gao Jian , Wang Lu , Ye Baoxian
Published: September 2015

A stable voltammetric sensor, single-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode (SWCNT/GCE), was employed for studying the electrochemical characteristics of naringenin. The reaction mechanism of naringenin at SWCNTs/GCE was also proposed. A simple, reliable and sensitive electroanalytical method for naringenin was established using LSV.
Amperometric magnetobiosensors using poly(dopamine)-modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of phenolic compounds
Authors: Martín Miriam , Salazar Pedro , Campuzano Susana , Villalonga Reynaldo , Pingarrón José Manuel , González-Mora José Luis
Published: September 2015

The synthesis of poly(dopamine)-modified magnetic nanoparticles and their biosensing application to detect phenolic compounds is reported in this work.
Efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with a molecular cofacial iron porphyrin dimer
Authors: Mohamed Eman A. , Zahran Zaki N. , Naruta Yoshinori
Published: September 2015

A cofacial iron porphyrin dimer, o-Fe2DTPP, efficiently and selectively catalyzes the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO in DMF/10% H2O solution with 4300 s−1 TOF.
A carbon dot-based fluorescence turn-on sensor for hydrogen peroxide with a photo-induced electron transfer mechanism
Authors: Lan Minhuan , Di Yanfei , Zhu Xiaoyue , Ng Tsz-Wai , Xia Jing , Liu Weimin , Meng Xiangmin , Wang Pengfei , Lee Chun-Sing , Zhang Wenjun
Published: September 2015

A carbon dot-based fluorescence turn-on sensor for hydrogen peroxide with a photo-induced electron transfer mechanism was developed.
Combined experimental and computational NMR study of crystalline and amorphous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks
Authors: Baxter Emma F. , Bennett Thomas D. , Mellot-Draznieks Caroline , Gervais Christel , Blanc Frédéric , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: September 2015

High resolution 13C and 15N CP MAS NMR spectra of ZIF-4, ZIF-8 and ZIF-zni are assigned on the basis of DFT calculations on the geometry-optimized structures.
Facet-dependent activity and stability of Co3O4nanocrystals towards the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Zhu , Kronawitter Coleman X. , Koel Bruce E.
Published: September 2015

The (111) surface of Co3O4nanocrystals is more active towards oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline conditions compared to the (100) surface.
Architecturally designed Pt–MoS2 and Pt–graphene composites for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation
Authors: Patil Sagar H. , Anothumakkool Bihag , Sathaye Shivaram D. , Patil Kashinath R.
Published: September 2015

Pt particles (2–3 nm) deposited using a liquid–liquid interface reaction technique are used to construct LbL architectures to form MoS2/graphene composites for efficient methanol oxidation.
Anomalous effective polarity of an air/liquid-mixture interface: a heterodyne-detected electronic and vibrational sum frequency generation study
Authors: Mondal Sudip Kumar , Inoue Ken-ichi , Yamaguchi Shoichi , Tahara Tahei
Published: September 2015

SFG reveals that the interfacial effective polarity of the air/liquid-mixture interface increases significantly when the bulk polarity of the mixture decreases.
Broadband two dimensional infrared spectroscopy of cyclic amide 2-Pyrrolidinone
Authors: Maiti Kiran Sankar
Published: September 2015

In the past one-and-a-half decade there has been a significant methodological and technological development of two dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy, which unfolds many underlying physical and chemical processes of complex molecules, especially for biological molecules.