bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gain modulation by graphene plasmons in aperiodic lattice lasers
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Marshall O. P. , Folland T. G. , Kim Y.-J. , Grigorenko A. N. , Novoselov K. S.
Published: January 2016

Tunable lasers

Lasers emit coherent light at wavelengths that are well defined. These wavelengths are usually fixed once the device has been fabricated. Now, Chakraborty
et al.
have combined an atomically thin graphene sheet with terahertz quantum cascade lasers to realize a terahertz laser that can be tuned via the carrier doping level of the graphene layer (see the Perspective by Polini). The demonstration opens up the possibility of reversible control over the laser emission through the integration of graphene waveguides.

Science
, this issue p.
246
; see also p.
229
Systematic discovery of cap-independent translation sequences in human and viral genomes
Authors: Weingarten-Gabbay Shira , Elias-Kirma Shani , Nir Ronit , Gritsenko Alexey A. , Stern-Ginossar Noam , Yakhini Zohar , Weinberger Adina , Segal Eran
Published: January 2016

Identifying the IRESs of humans and viruses

Most proteins result from the translation of 5′ capped RNA transcripts. In viruses and a subset of human genes, RNA transcripts with internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) are uncapped. Weingarten-Gabbay
et al.
systematically surveyed the presence of IRESs in human protein-coding transcripts, as well those of viruses (see the Perspective by Gebauer and Hentze). Large-scale mutagenesis profiling identified two classes of IRESs: those having a functional element localized to one small region of the IRES and those with important elements distributed across the entire region. An unbiased screen across human genes suggests that IRESs are more frequent than previously supposed in 3′ untranslated regions.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aad4939
; see also p.
228
Tuning terahertz lasers via graphene plasmons
Authors: Polini Marco
Published: January 2016

The emission of a terahertz laser is controlled by graphene carrier density

[Also see Report by

Chakraborty
et al.

]
Sampling the Moon's atmosphere
Authors: Dukes Catherine , Hurley Dana
Published: January 2016

In situ measurements reveal details of the production and evolution of the lunar exosphere

[Also see Report by

Colaprete
et al.

]
Empowering great teachers
Authors: Alberts Bruce
Published: January 2016

Long ago, U.S. business learned the benefits of constantly soliciting advice from workers on the shop floor by studying the startling success of the Japanese automobile industry. But the vast majority of U.S. school districts have remained hierarchical operations that ignore the wisdom available from their best classroom teachers. After decades of failed top-down solutions, now is the time to create a massive national movement that empowers and deeply respects our teachers. Scientists and science teachers can lead the way.
Genome Sequence of Listeria monocytogenes Strain F6540 (Sequence Type 360) Collected from Food Samples in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gnaneshan Saravanamuttu , Hsueh Ya-Chih , Liang Lindsay , Teatero Sarah , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Mallo Gustavo V.
Published: January 2016

Comparative genomic analysis between pathogenic and nonpathogenic
Listeria monocytogenes
strains provides a good model for studying the virulence of this organism. Here, we report the genome sequence of the nonpathogenic
L. monocytogenes
strain F6540 (sequence type 360) identified specifically in food samples in Ontario, Canada, in 2010.
Genome Sequence of a Typical Ultramicrobacterium,
Curvibacter
sp. Strain PAE-UM, Capable of Phthalate Ester Degradation
Authors: Ma Dan , Hao Zhenyu , Sun Rui , Bartlam Mark , Wang Yingying
Published: January 2016

Curvibacter
sp. strain PAE-UM, isolated from river sediment, is a typical ultramicrobacterium capable of phthalate ester degradation. The genome of
Curvibacter
sp. PAE-UM consists of 3,284,473 bp, and its information will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its degradation ability.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus farciminis NBRC 111452, Isolated from Kôso, a Japanese Sugar-Vegetable Fermented Beverage
Authors: Chiou Tai-Ying , Oshima Kenshiro , Suda Wataru , Hattori Masahira , Takahashi Tomoya
Published: January 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
Lactobacillus farciminis
strain NBRC 111452, isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage. This genome information is of potential use in studies of
Lactobacillus farciminis
as a probiotic.
Draft Genome Sequence of Actinobaculum massiliense Strain FC3
Authors: Beye Mamadou , Bakour Sofiane , Labas Noémie , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: January 2016

Actinobaculum massiliense
strain FC3 was isolated from the urine of a patient with acute cystitis. The 2.06-Mb genome of strain FC3 contains 17 toxin/antitoxin modules and 9 bacteriocin-encoding genes that may play a role in virulence. The genome also exhibits 693 genes acquired by lateral gene transfer.
Complete Genome Sequence of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Isolated in Mexico
Authors: Muñoz-Medina J. E. , Monroy-Muñoz I. E. , Santos Coy-Arechavaleta A. , Meza-Chávez A. , Ángeles-Martínez J. , Anguiano-Hernández Y. M. , Santacruz-Tinoco C. E. , González-Ibarra J. , Martínez-Miguel B. , Alvarado-Yaah J. E. , Palomec-Nava I. D. , Ortiz-Alcántara J. M. , Garcés-Ayala F. , Ramírez-González J. E. , Díaz-Quiñonez J. A. , González-Bonilla C. R.
Published: January 2016

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a member of the
Paramyxoviridae
family, which causes lower respiratory tract infections in neonates and children younger than 5 years. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of HRSV, isolated from a nasopharyngeal swab of a pregnant woman with cardiac complications.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a Beijing Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolate from Buenaventura, Colombia
Authors: Alvarez N. , Haft D. , Hurtado U. A. , Robledo J. , Rouzaud F.
Published: January 2016

Extensively drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(XDR-TB) has been reported to the WHO by 100 countries, including Colombia. An estimated 9.0% of people with multidrug-resistant TB have XDR-TB. We report the genome sequence of a Beijing XDR-TB clinical isolate from Buenaventura, Colombia. The genome sequence is composed of 4,298,162 bp with 4,359 genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Selenite- and Tellurite-Reducing Marine Bacterium,
Lysinibacillus
sp. Strain ZYM-1
Authors: Zhao Yonghe , Dong Yuxuan , Zhang Yiwen , Che Lin , Pan Haixia , Zhou Hao
Published: January 2016

Lysinibacillus
sp. ZYM-1, a Gram-positive strain isolated from marine sediments, reduces selenite and tellurite efficiently. Meanwhile, it also exhibits high resistance to Zn2+ and Mn2+. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain ZYM-1, which contains genes related to selenite and tellurite reduction and also metal resistance.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Algoriphagus
sp. Strain NH1, a Multidrug-Resistant Bacterium Isolated from Coastal Sediments of the Northern Yellow Sea in China
Authors: Mu Dashuai , Zhao Jinxin , Wang Zongjie , Chen Guanjun , Du Zongjun
Published: January 2016

Algoriphagus
sp. NH1 is a multidrug-resistant bacterium isolated from coastal sediments of the northern Yellow Sea in China. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of NH1, with a size of 6,131,579 bp, average G+C content of 42.68%, and 5,746 predicted protein-coding sequences.
Staff perceptions on patient motives for attending GP-led urgent care centres in London: a qualitative study
Authors: Greenfield Geva , Ignatowicz Agnieszka , Gnani Shamini , Bucktowonsing Medhavi , Ladbrooke Tim , Millington Hugh , Car Josip , Majeed Azeem
Published: January 2016

Objectives

General practitioner (GP)-led urgent care centres were established to meet the growing demand for urgent care. Staff members working in such centres are central in influencing patients’ choices about which services they use, but little is known about staff perceptions of patients’ motives for attending urgent care. We hence aimed to explore their perceptions of patients’ motives for attending such centres.

Design

A phenomenological, qualitative study, including semistructured interviews. The interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Setting

2 GP-led urgent care centres in 2 academic hospitals in London.

Participants

15 staff members working at the centres including 8 GPs, 5 emergency nurse practitioners and 2 receptionists.

Results

We identified 4 main themes: ‘Confusion about choices’, ‘As if increase of appetite had grown; By what it fed on’, ‘Overt reasons, covert motives’ and ‘A question of legitimacy’. The participants thought that the centres introduce convenient and fast access for patients. So convenient, that an increasing number of patients use them as a regular alternative to their community GP. The participants perceived that patients attend the centres because they are anxious about their symptoms and view them as serious, cannot get an appointment with their GP quickly and conveniently, are dissatisfied with the GP, or lack self-care skills. Staff members perceived some motives as legitimate (an acute health need and difficulties in getting an appointment), and others as less legitimate (convenience, minor illness, and seeking quicker access to hospital facilities).

Conclusions

The participants perceived that patients attend urgent care centres because of the convenience of access relative to primary care, as well as sense of acuity and anxiety, lack self-care skills and other reasons. They perceived some motives as more legitimate than others. Attention to unmet needs in primary care can help in promoting balanced access to urgent care.
Effects of obstructive sleep apnoea risk on postoperative respiratory complications: protocol for a hospital-based registry study
Authors: Shin Christina H , Zaremba Sebastian , Devine Scott , Nikolov Milcho , Kurth Tobias , Eikermann Matthias
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing, is associated with significant immediate and long-term morbidity, including fragmented sleep and impaired daytime functioning, as well as more severe consequences, such as hypertension, impaired cognitive function and reduced quality of life. Perioperatively, OSA occurs frequently as a consequence of pre-existing vulnerability, surgery and drug effects. The impact of OSA on postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) needs to be better characterised. As OSA is associated with significant comorbidities, such as obesity, pulmonary hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke, it is unclear whether OSA or its comorbidities are the mechanism of PRCs. This project aims to (1) develop a novel prediction score identifying surgical patients at high risk of OSA, (2) evaluate the association of OSA risk on PRCs and (3) evaluate if pharmacological agents used during surgery modify this association.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using hospital-based electronic patient data and perioperative data on medications administered and vital signs. We will use data from Partners Healthcare clinical databases, Boston, Massachusetts. First, a prediction model for OSA will be developed using OSA diagnostic codes and polysomnography procedural codes as the reference standard, and will be validated by medical record review. Results of the prediction model will be used to classify patients in the database as high, medium or low risk of OSA, and we will investigate the effect of OSA on risk of PRCs. Finally, we will test whether the effect of OSA on PRCs is modified by the use of intraoperative pharmacological agents known to increase upper airway instability, including neuromuscular blockade, neostigmine, opioids, anaesthetics and sedatives.

Ethics and dissemination

The Partners Human Research Committee approved this study (protocol number: 2014P000218). Study results will be made available in the form of manuscripts for publication and presentations at national and international meetings.
Association between shelter crowding and incidence of sleep disturbance among disaster evacuees: a retrospective medical chart review study
Authors: Kawano Takahisa , Nishiyama Kei , Morita Hiroshi , Yamamura Osamu , Hiraide Atsuchi , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: January 2016

Objectives

We determined whether crowding at emergency shelters is associated with a higher incidence of sleep disturbance among disaster evacuees and identified the minimum required personal space at shelters.

Design

Retrospective review of medical charts.

Setting

30 shelter-based medical clinics in Ishinomaki, Japan, during the 46 days following the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011.

Participants

Shelter residents who visited eligible clinics.

Outcome measures

Based on the result of a locally weighted scatter-plot smoothing technique assessing the relationship between the mean space per evacuee and cumulative incidence of sleep disturbance at the shelter, eligible shelters were classified into crowded and non-crowded shelters. The cumulative incidence per 1000 evacuees was compared between groups, using a Mann-Whitney U test. To assess the association between shelter crowding and the daily incidence of sleep disturbance per 1000 evacuees, quasi–least squares method adjusting for potential confounders was used.

Results

The 30 shelters were categorised as crowded (mean space per evacuee <5.0 m2, 9 shelters) or non-crowded (≥5.0 m2, 21 shelters). The study included 9031 patients. Among the eligible patients, 1079 patients (11.9%) were diagnosed with sleep disturbance. Mean space per evacuee during the study period was 3.3 m2(SD, 0.8 m2) at crowded shelters and 8.6 m2(SD, 4.3 m2) at non-crowded shelters. The median cumulative incidence of sleep disturbance did not differ between the crowded shelters (2.3/1000 person-days (IQR, 1.6–5.4)) and non-crowded shelters (1.9/1000 person-days (IQR, 1.0–2.8); p=0.20). In contrast, after adjusting for potential confounders, crowded shelters had an increased daily incidence of sleep disturbance (2.6 per 1000 person-days; 95% CI 0.2 to 5.0/1000 person-days, p=0.03) compared to that at non-crowded shelters.

Conclusions

Crowding at shelters may exacerbate sleep disruptions in disaster evacuees; therefore, appropriate evacuation space requirements should be considered.
RAPP, a systematic e-assessment of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing day surgery: study protocol for a mixed-methods study design including a multicentre, two-group, parallel, single-blind randomised controlled trial and qualitative interview studies
Authors: Nilsson U , Jaensson M , Dahlberg K , Odencrants S , Grönlund Å , Hagberg L , Eriksson M
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Day surgery is a well-established practice in many European countries, but only limited information is available regarding postoperative recovery at home though there is a current lack of a standard procedure regarding postoperative follow-up. Furthermore, there is also a need for improvement of modern technology in assessing patient-related outcomes such as mobile applications. This article describes the Recovery Assessment by Phone Points (RAPP) study protocol, a mixed-methods study to evaluate if a systematic e-assessment follow-up in patients undergoing day surgery is cost-effective and improves postoperative recovery, health and quality of life.

Methods and analysis

This study has a mixed-methods study design that includes a multicentre, two-group, parallel, single-blind randomised controlled trial and qualitative interview studies. 1000 patients >17 years of age who are undergoing day surgery will be randomly assigned to either e-assessed postoperative recovery follow-up daily in 14 days measured via smartphone app including the Swedish web-version of Quality of Recovery (SwQoR) or to standard care (ie, no follow-up). The primary aim is cost-effectiveness. Secondary aims are (A) to explore whether a systematic e-assessment follow-up after day surgery has a positive effect on postoperative recovery, health-related quality of life (QoL) and overall health; (B) to determine whether differences in postoperative recovery have an association with patient characteristic, type of surgery and anaesthesia; (C) to determine whether differences in health literacy have a substantial and distinct effect on postoperative recovery, health and QoL; and (D) to describe day surgery patient and staff experiences with a systematic e-assessment follow-up after day surgery.

The primary aim will be measured at 2 weeks postoperatively and secondary outcomes (A–C) at 1 and 2 weeks and (D) at 1 and 4 months.

Trial registration number

NCT02492191; Pre-results.
Using a Delphi process to define priorities for prison health research in Canada
Authors: Kouyoumdjian Fiona G , Schuler Andrée , McIsaac Kathryn E , Pivnick Lucie , Matheson Flora I , Brown Glenn , Kiefer Lori , Silva Diego , Hwang Stephen W
Published: January 2016

Objectives

A large number of Canadians spend time in correctional facilities each year, and they are likely to have poor health compared to the general population. Relatively little health research has been conducted in Canada with a focus on people who experience detention or incarceration. We aimed to conduct a Delphi process with key stakeholders to define priorities for research in prison health in Canada for the next 10 years.

Setting

We conducted a Delphi process using an online survey with two rounds in 2014 and 2015.

Participants

We invited key stakeholders in prison health research in Canada to participate, which we defined as persons who had published research on prison health in Canada since 1994 and persons in the investigators’ professional networks. We invited 143 persons to participate in the first round and 59 participated. We invited 137 persons to participate in the second round and 67 participated.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants suggested topics in the first round, and these topics were collated by investigators. We measured the level of agreement among participants that each collated topic was a priority for prison health research in Canada for the next 10 years, and defined priorities based on the level of agreement.

Results

In the first round, participants suggested 71 topics. In the second round, consensus was achieved that a large number of suggested topics were research priorities. Top priorities were diversion and alternatives to incarceration, social and community re-integration, creating healthy environments in prisons, healthcare in custody, continuity of healthcare, substance use disorders and the health of Aboriginal persons in custody.

Conclusions

Generated in an inclusive and systematic process, these findings should inform future research efforts to improve the health and healthcare of people who experience detention and incarceration in Canada.
Understanding patient-centred readmission factors: a multi-site, mixed-methods study
Authors: Greysen S Ryan , Harrison James D , Kripalani Sunil , Vasilevskis Eduard , Robinson Edmondo , Metlay Joshua , Schnipper Jeffery L , Meltzer David , Sehgal Neil , Ruhnke Gregory W , Williams Mark V , Auerbach Andrew D
Published: January 2016

Importance

Patient concerns at or before discharge inform many transitional care interventions; few studies examine patients’ perceptions of self-care and other factors related to readmission.

Objectives

To characterise patient-reported or caregiver-reported factors contributing to readmission.

Design, setting and participants

Cross-sectional, national study of general medicine patients readmitted within 30 days at 12 US hospitals. Interviews included multiple-choice survey and open-ended survey questions of patients or their caregivers.

Measurements

Multiple-choice survey quantified post-discharge difficulty in seven domains of self-care: medication use, contacting providers, transportation, basic needs (eg, food and shelter), diet, social support and substance abuse. Open-ended responses were coded into themes that added depth to the domains above or captured additional patient-centred concerns.

Results

We interviewed 1066 readmitted patients. 91% reported understanding their discharge plan; however, only 37% reported that providers asked about barriers to carrying out the plan. 52% reported experiencing difficulty in ≥1 self-care domains ranging in frequency from 22% (diet) to 7% (substance use); 26% experienced difficulty in two or more domains. Among 508 patients (48% overall) who reported no difficulties in these domains, two-thirds either could not attribute their readmission to any specific difficulty (34%) or attributed their readmission to progression or persistence of their disease despite following their discharge plan (31%). Only 20% attributed their readmission to early discharge (8%), poor-quality hospital care (6%) or issues such as inadequate discharge instructions or follow-up care (6%).

Limitations

The study population included only patients readmitted at academic medical centres and may not be representative of community-based care.

Conclusion

Patients readmitted within 30 days reported understanding their discharge plans, but frequent difficulties in self-care and low anticipatory guidance for resolving these issues after discharge.
Improving information availability in vascular surgical clinics. A service evaluation and improvement project
Authors: Hurst Katherine , Kreckler Simon , Handa Ashok , Handa Ashok
Published: January 2016

This prospective service evaluation was designed to assess the availability of critical information required in vascular surgical clinics. All the data was collected via a repeated questionnaire, and the outcomes from each cycle were used to highlight where intervention was required to improve the surgical clinic experience.

The first audit identified outpatient clinic deficiencies and allowed for problem analysis. Two Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles then were undertaken. Interventions following each cycle included consultant access to online duplex scans and secretarial access to referral letters.

Results from the first cycle showed that approximately 20% of clinic appointments were missing information and only 30% of these issues were resolved during the clinic using a work around.

Following the first intervention; the numbers of missing patient notes reduced to 4.3% (10.5%), and referral letters to 3.6% (4.6%). Although the numbers of missing duplex scan results increased to 6.5% (3.3%), the new system of online scan results allowed for all scans to be accessed during the clinic.

Following results of a second PDCA cycle, vascular surgical secretaries were given access to ‘choose and book’, a database of GP referral letters. Post intervention, all missing referral letters (2%) could be accessed immediately within the clinic setting.

Data driven interventions and repeated PDCA cycles can improve hospital systems for minimal cost. With an annual clinic turnaround of 2500 patients, these interventions can reduce clinic delays and potential harm caused by unavailable records for up to 500 patients a year.
Dyspnoea as a predictor of cause-specific heart/lung disease mortality in Bangladesh: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pesola Gene R , Argos Maria , Chinchilli Vernon M , Chen Yu , Parvez Faruque , Islam Tariqul , Ahmed Alauddin , Hasan Rabiul , Rakibuz-Zaman Muhammad , Ahsan Habibul
Published: January 2016

Background

The spectrum of mortality outcomes by cause in populations with/without dyspnoea has not been determined. The study aimed to evaluate whether dyspnoea, a symptom, predicts cause-specific mortality differences between groups. The hypothesis was that diseases that result in chronic dyspnoea, those originating from the heart and lungs, would preferentially result in heart and lung disease mortality in those with baseline dyspnoea (relative to no dyspnoea) when followed over time.

Methods

A population-based sample of 11 533 Bangladeshis was recruited and followed for 11–12 years and cause-specific mortality evaluated in those with and without baseline dyspnoea. Dyspnoea was ascertained by trained physicians. The cause of death was determined by verbal autopsy. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, the Fine-Gray competing risk hazards model and logistic regression models were used to determine group differences in cause-specific mortality.

Results

Compared to those not reporting dyspnoea at baseline, the adjusted HRs were 6.4 (3.8 to 10.7), 9.3 (3.9 to 22.3), 1.8 (1.2 to 2.8), 2.2 (1.0 to 5.1) and 2.8 (1.3 to 6.2) for greater risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, tuberculosis and lung cancer, respectively. In contrast, there was a similar risk of dying from stroke, cancer (excluding lung), liver disease, accidents and other (miscellaneous causes) between the dyspnoeic and non-dyspnoeic groups. In addition, the HR was 2.1 (1.7 to 2.5) for greater all-cause mortality in those with baseline dyspnoea versus no dyspnoea.

Conclusions

Dyspnoea, ascertained by a single question with binary response, predicts heart and lung disease mortality. Individuals reporting dyspnoea were twofold to ninefold more likely to die of diseases that involve the heart and/or lungs relative to the non-dyspnoeic individuals. Therefore, in those with chronic dyspnoea, workup to look for the five common dyspnoeic diseases resulting in increased mortality (COPD, asthma, heart disease, tuberculosis and lung cancer), all treatable, should reduce mortality and improve the public health.
Are fetal growth impairment and preterm birth causally related to child attention problems and ADHD? Evidence from a comparison between high-income and middle-income cohorts
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , Pearson Rebecca , Fernandes Michelle , Santos Iná S , Barros Fernando C , Victora Cesar G , Stein Alan , Matijasevich Alicia
Published: January 2016

Background

Cross-cohort comparison is an established method for improving causal inference. This study compared 2 cohorts, 1 from a high-income country and another from a middle-income country, to (1) establish whether birth exposures may play a causal role in the development of childhood attention problems; and (2) identify whether confounding structures play a different role in parent-reported attention difficulties compared with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses.

Methods

Birth exposures included low birth weight (LBW), small-for-gestational age (SGA), small head circumference (HC) and preterm birth (PTB)). Outcomes of interest were attention difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ) and ADHD (Development and Well-Being Assessment, DAWBA). Associations between exposures and outcomes were compared between 7-year-old children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in the UK (N=6849) and the 2004 Pelotas cohort in Brazil (N=3509).

Results

For attention difficulties (SDQ), the pattern of association with birth exposures was similar between cohorts: following adjustment, attention difficulties were associated with SGA (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.19) and small HC (OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.41) in ALSPAC and SGA (OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.75) in Pelotas. For ADHD, however, the pattern of association following adjustment differed markedly between cohorts. In ALSPAC, ADHD was associated with LBW (OR=2.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.80) and PTB (OR=2.33, 95% CI 1.23 to 4.42). In the Pelotas cohort, however, ADHD was associated with SGA (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.82).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that fetal growth impairment may play a causal role in the development of attention difficulties in childhood, as similar associations were identified across both cohorts. Confounding structures, however, appear to play a greater role in determining whether a child meets the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
Neoproterozoic Jiangnan Orogeny in southeast Guizhou, South China: evidence from U–Pb ages for detrital zircons from the Sibao Group and Xiajiang Group
Authors: Ma Xiao , Yang Kunguang , Li Xuegang , Dai Chuangu , Zhang Hui , Zhou Qi
Published: January 2016

The Jiangnan Orogeny generated regional angular unconformities between the Xiajiang Group and the underlying Sibao Group in the western Jiangnan Orogen along the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block in southeast Guizhou, South China. Laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) U–Pb zircon dating of two samples of the Motianling granitic pluton yielded U–Pb zircon ages of 826.2 ± 3.4 and 825.5 ± 6.1 Ma, with an average age of 825.6 ± 3.0 Ma, which is considered the minimum depositional age of the Sibao Group. The U–Pb ages of the youngest detrital zircon grains from the Sibao Group and the Xiajiang Group yielded average ages of 834.9 ± 3.8 and 794.6 ± 4.2 Ma, respectively. The depositional age of the Sibao Group can be constrained at 825–835 Ma, and deposition of the Xiajiang Group did not begin before ca. 800 Ma. These results suggest that the Jiangnan Orogeny, which led to the assembly of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, ended at 795–835 Ma on the western segment of the Jiangnan Orogen. The detrital zircon distribution spectrums of the Sibao and Xiajiang groups suggest a provenance from Neoproterozoic basement sedimentary sequences along with a mixture of local Neoproterozoic subduction-related felsic granitoids, distant plutons from the western Yangtze Block and eastern Jiangnan Orogen, and recycled materials from the interior of the Yangtze Block. By comparing the basin evolution histories and magmatic and metamorphic events along the continental margins of the Rodinia supercontinent, it is proposed that the South China Block might have been located at the periphery, adjacent to North India and East Antarctica, rather than in the interior of Rodinia in Neoproterozoic time.
Fluoxetine reverses the behavioral despair induced by neurogenic stress in mice: role of N-methyl-d-aspartate and opioid receptors
Authors: Haj-Mirzaian Arya , Kordjazy Nastaran , Ostadhadi Sattar , Amiri Shayan , Haj-Mirzaian Arvin , Dehpour AhmadReza
Published: January 2016

Opioid and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate different effects of fluoxetine. We investigated whether opioid and NMDA receptors are involved in the protective effect of fluoxetine against the behavioral despair induced by acute physical stress in male mice. We used the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open-field test (OFT) for behavioral evaluation. We used fluoxetine, naltrexone (opioid receptor antagonist), MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist), morphine (opioid receptor agonist), and NMDA (NMDA receptor agonist). Acute foot-shock stress (FSS) significantly induced behavioral despair (depressive-like) and anxiety-like behaviors in tests. Fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) reversed the depressant-like effect of FSS, but it did not alter the locomotion and anxiety-like behavior in animals. Acute administration of subeffective doses of naltrexone (0.3 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0.01 mg/kg) potentiated the antidepressant-like effect of fluoxetine, while subeffective doses of morphine (1 mg/kg) and NMDA (75 mg/kg) abolished this effect of fluoxetine. Also, co-administration of subeffective doses of naltrexone (0.05 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.003 mg/kg) with fluoxetine (1 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease in the immobility time in FST and TST. Our results showed that opioid and NMDA receptors (alone or in combination) are involved in the antidepressant-like effect of fluoxetine against physical stress.
Influence of magnesium concentration on the optical properties of ytterbium and holmium co-doped lithium niobate crystal
Authors: Dai Li , Jiao Shanshan , Yan Zhehua , Dai Ping , Lui Gang , Xu Yuheng
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a series of Yb (0.5[Formula: see text]mol.%):Ho (0.5[Formula: see text]mol.%):LiNbO3 crystals doped with various concentration of Mg[Formula: see text] (1, 3, 5 and 7[Formula: see text]mol.%) were grown by the Czochralski technique. The ability of optical damage resistance of Mg:Yb:Ho:LiNbO3 crystals increases with increasing the Mg[Formula: see text] doping concentration. The optical homogeneity of Mg:Yb:Ho:LiNbO3 crystals doped with different concentration of Mg[Formula: see text] was detected using the birefringence gradient method. The results demonstrated that the optical homogeneity is getting better with the increase of the Mg[Formula: see text] doping concentration. The studies on the infrared transmission spectra indicated that Mg[Formula: see text] ions first replaces anti-site Nb[Formula: see text] in the form of Mg[Formula: see text] defect, once the concentration of Mg[Formula: see text] reaches or exceeds the threshold concentration, it begins to substitute Li-site and Nb-site of normal lattice and form defect of Mg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]3Mg[Formula: see text]. Therefore, the change of Mg[Formula: see text] doping concentration is the fundamental reason leading to a violet shift of the OH[Formula: see text] absorption peak.
Lag-generalized synchronization of time-delay chaotic systems with stochastic perturbation
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Yu Yongguang , Wen Guoguang , Rahmani Ahmed
Published: January 2016

The lag-generalized synchronization of coupled time-delay chaotic systems with unknown parameters and stochastic perturbation is investigated. Based on the LaSalle-type invariance principle of stochastic differential equation, the synchronization is realized by analyzing stochastic stability of the error system. In order to achieve the synchronization, the unknown parameter update laws and the control laws are proposed. At last, two numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Quasi-periodic wave solutions and asymptotic properties to an extended Korteweg–de Vries equation from fluid dynamics
Authors: Xu Mei-Juan , Tian Shou-Fu , Tu Jian-Min , Ma Pan-Li , Zhang Tian-Tian
Published: January 2016

In this paper, an extended Korteweg–de Vries (eKdV) equation is investigated, which can be used to describe many nonlinear phenomena in fluid dynamics and plasma physics. With the aid of the generalized Bell’s polynomials, the Hirota’s bilinear equation to the eKdV equation is succinctly constructed. Based on that, its solition solutions are directly obtained. By virtue of the Riemann theta function, a straightforward way is presented to explicitly construct Riemann theta function periodic wave solutions of the eKdV equation. Finally, the asymptotic behaviors of the Riemann theta function periodic waves are presented, which yields a relationship between the periodic waves and solition solutions by considering a limiting procedure.
Algal–microbial carbonates of the Namibe Basin (Albian, Angola): implications for microbial carbonate mound development in the South Atlantic
Authors: Schröder S. , Ibekwe A. , Saunders M. , Dixon R. , Fisher A.
Published: January 2016

Albian carbonate reservoirs are prominent in the subsurface of the South Atlantic. Equivalent exposures in southern Angola (Benguela and Namibe basins) have received relatively little detailed sedimentological work. In the Namibe Basin, carbonates form metre-thick beds interbedded with shallow-marine and continental alluvial fan siliciclastics. Characteristic carbonate mounds (≤5 m high, 1–2 m in diameter) rise above a basal carbonate bed, which consists of oncoid–peloidal rud-grainstones with oysters and echinoderms. Thrombolite mound microfacies include red algae and microbial–algal crusts. The microfacies are marine, and compare with documented occurrences of algal–microbial–oncoidal textures in Albian carbonates of the Congo and Angola. Burial processes dominated diagenesis and have reset carbonate geochemistry from marine values, with the probable exception of Mg concentrations. Up to 22% of primary (intergranular) and secondary (microporosity, mouldic, vuggy, fracture) porosity developed as a consequence of important dissolution and partial cementation.

Two depositional models for the localized mound occurrence are discussed: (1) marine ingression into a coastal embayment and the formation of shallow-water microbial bioherms; and (2) a submarine groundwater spring discharging in coastal areas downdip from alluvial siliciclastics. Marine fauna, similarity with marine Albian strata elsewhere and a partly preserved marine Mg geochemical signature favour a marine ingression. Environmental conditions were likely to have been stressed on account of the siliciclastic input, variable salinity and elevated nutrients, all of which are consistent with the observed microfacies. A submarine spring is conceptually feasible, but is considered to be less likely owing to the absence of a clear meteoric signature and the low likelihood of bicarbonate-rich groundwater in the region.

Using the discussion of depositional models for the studied outcrop, and incorporating a literature review, the study proposes a set of criteria to distinguish various marine and non-marine carbonate mounds in the subsurface. The most diagnostic criteria are: (1) marine or continental fauna; (2) sediment geochemistry, in particular Mg, Sr, and δ
13
C and δ
18
O isotopes where preserved through diagenesis; and (3) carbonate fabrics, such as crystalline shrubs, that are diagnostic of thermogenic continental mounds. The scale of geobodies and the mineralogy of mounds can sometimes be used as additional criteria. This set of criteria can help exploration and production geologists who need to devise exploration and development strategies in unconventional carbonate reservoirs of the South Atlantic and other rift basins.
Realizing the Physics of Motile Cilia Synchronization with Driven Colloids
Authors: Bruot Nicolas , Cicuta Pietro
Published: January 2016

Cilia and flagella in biological systems often show large scale cooperative behaviors such as the synchronization of their beats in “metachronal waves.” These are beautiful examples of emergent dynamics in biology, and are essential for life, allowing diverse processes from the motility of eukaryotic microorganisms, to nutrient transport and clearance of pathogens from mammalian airways. How these collective states arise is not fully understood, but it is clear that individual cilia interact mechanically, and that a strong and long-ranged component of the coupling is mediated by the viscous fluid. We review here the work by ourselves and others aimed at understanding the behavior of hydrodynamically coupled systems, and particularly a set of results that have been obtained both experimentally and theoretically by studying actively driven colloidal systems. In these controlled scenarios, it is possible to selectively test aspects of living motile cilia, such as the geometrical arrangement, the effects of the driving profile and the distance to no-slip boundaries. We outline and give examples of how it is possible to link model systems to observations on living systems, which can be made on microorganisms, on cell cultures or on tissue sections. This area of research has clear clinical application in the long term, as severe pathologies are associated with compromised cilia function in humans.
Collisional Aggregation Due to Turbulence
Authors: Pumir Alain , Wilkinson Michael
Published: January 2016

Collisions between particles suspended in a fluid play an important role in many physical processes. As an example, collisions of microscopic water droplets in clouds are a necessary step in the production of macroscopic raindrops. Collisions of dust grains are also conjectured to be important for planet formation in the gas surrounding young stars and to play a role in the dynamics of sand storms. In these processes, collisions are favored by fast turbulent motions. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of collisional aggregation due to turbulence. We discuss the role of fractal clustering of particles and caustic singularities of their velocities. We also discuss limitations of the Smoluchowski equation for modeling such processes. These advances lead to a semiquantitative understanding on the influence of turbulence on collision rates and point to deficiencies in the current understanding of rainfall and planet formation.
“So Much Research, So Little Change”: Teaching Standard English in African American Classrooms
Authors: Wheeler Rebecca
Published: January 2016

Since the 1950s, in analyzing the reasons US schools fail African American learners, sociolinguists have located dialectal difference as central to the educational theater of operations. Recognizing that African American Vernacular English (AAVE) was not itself an obstacle to learning, linguists instead identified “ignorance of nonstandard English rules on the part of teachers and text writers” as the culprit ( Labov 1969 , p. 29). This article reviews the history of academic responses to the vernacular “language problem,” identifying key issues, moments, controversies, and positions relevant to teaching Standard English in African American classrooms. It argues that while linguistic scholars and critical language theorists have developed intricate analyses, knowledge, and responses to vernacular dialects, these advances have not taken root in the schools of America. This article concludes that until standardized assessments require teachers to distinguish pattern in vernacular dialect from error in Standard English, US schools will continue to fail African American learners.
Functional Categories and Syntactic Theory
Authors: Rizzi Luigi , Cinque Guglielmo
Published: January 2016

The distinction between lexical and functional elements plays a major role in current research in syntax and neighboring aspects of the study of language. In this article, we review the motivations of a progressive shift of emphasis from lexical to functional elements in syntactic research: the identification of the functional lexicon as the locus of the triggering of syntactic actions and of syntactic variation, and the description and analysis of the complexity of functional structures in cartographic studies. The latter point leads us to illustrate current cartographic research and to present the maps created in the study of clauses and phrases. The maps of CP, IP, and other phrasal categories all involve a richly articulated functional sequence. We then address issues of the numerosity and typology of the functional lexicon, the constraints on the featural specifications of possible functional heads, and the relations between cartographic research and minimalism.
Phonological Representation: Beyond Abstract Versus Episodic
Authors: Pierrehumbert Janet B.
Published: January 2016

Phonological representations capture information about individual word forms and about the general characteristics of word forms in a language. To support the processing of novel word forms as well as familiar word forms in novel contexts, an abstract level of representation is needed in which many phonetic details and contextual features are disregarded. At the same time, evidence has accumulated that such details are retained in memory and used in processing individual words and indexical features of language. Taken together, these results mean that a hybrid model of phonological representation is needed. The abstract level supports generalizations based on lexical type statistics and fast adaptation to communicative requirements through the reuse of existing categories. A richly detailed level of representation is implicated in word-specific phonetic patterns, the detailed dynamics of regular sound changes, and active associations of phonetic patterns with gender, age, and dialect.
Advancing Surgical Vision with Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Koch Maximilian , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: January 2016

Surgical success depends on the accuracy with which disease and vital tissue can be intraoperatively detected. However, the dominant visualization approach, i.e., human vision, does not see under the tissue surface and operates on low contrast between sites of disease, such as cancer, and the surrounding tissue. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging is emerging as a highly effective method to improve surgical vision and offers the potential to be intergrated seamlessly into the normal workflow of the operating room without causing disruption or undue delay. We review and compare two critical fluorescence imaging directions: one that uses nonspecific fluorescence dyes, addressing tissue perfusion and viability, and one that uses targeted agents, interrogating pathophysiological features of disease. These two approaches present detection sensitivity challenges that may differ by orders of magnitude and require different detection strategies. Nevertheless, fluorescence imaging provides the surgeon with previously unavailable real-time feedback that improves surgical precision and can become essential for interventional decision-making.
Rho Kinases in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Pernis Alessandra B. , Ricker Edd , Weng Chien-Huan , Rozo Cristina , Yi Woelsung
Published: January 2016

The Rho kinases, or ROCKs, are a family of serine-threonine kinases that serve as key downstream effectors for Rho GTPases. The ROCKs are increasingly recognized as critical coordinators of a tissue response to injury due to their ability to modulate a wide range of biological processes. Dysregulated ROCK activity has been implicated in several human pathophysiological conditions ranging from cardiovascular and renal disorders to fibrotic diseases. In recent years, an important role for the ROCKs in the regulation of immune responses is also being uncovered. We provide an overview of the role of the ROCKs in immune cells and discuss studies that highlight the emerging involvement of this family of kinases in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Given the potential promise of the ROCKs as therapeutic targets, we also outline the approaches that could be employed to inhibit the ROCKs in autoimmune disorders.
B-Raf Inhibition in the Clinic: Present and Future
Authors: Fiskus Warren , Mitsiades Nicholas
Published: January 2016

Somatic activating mutations in the B-Raf kinase (BRAF mutations) are present in hairy-cell leukemia, cutaneous melanoma, thyroid carcinomas and, less commonly, in ovarian, colon, lung, and other malignancies. These mutations—in particular the most common substitution, V600E—are oncogenic drivers and important therapeutic targets. The development of small-molecule Raf inhibitors allowed rapid translation of basic advances to the clinic. In BRAF-mutant melanomas, orally bioavailable B-Raf inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, achieve dramatic responses initially, but this is followed by rapid emergence of resistance driven by numerous mechanisms and requiring second-generation treatment approaches. In tumors with wild-type B-Raf, vemurafenib paradoxically activates downstream signaling and cell proliferation and is thus contraindicated, highlighting again the importance of genotype-based clinical decision making. These advances were greatly facilitated by the study of biopsied tumor tissue, especially at the time of drug resistance. Combinatorial approaches targeting the Raf pathway hold promise for even more substantial clinical benefits in the future.