bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel HDAd/EBV Reprogramming Vector and Highly Efficient Ad/CRISPR-Cas Sickle Cell Disease Gene Correction
Authors: Li Chao , Ding Lei , Sun Chiao-Wang , Wu Li-Chen , Zhou Dewang , Pawlik Kevin M. , Khodadadi-Jamayran Alireza , Westin Erik , Goldman Frederick D. , Townes Tim M.
Published: July 2016

CRISPR/Cas enhanced correction of the sickle cell disease (SCD) genetic defect in patient-specific induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) provides a potential gene therapy for this debilitating disease. An advantage of this approach is that corrected iPSCs that are free of off-target modifications can be identified before differentiating the cells into hematopoietic progenitors for transplantation. In order for this approach to be practical, iPSC generation must be rapid and efficient. Therefore, we developed a novel helper-dependent adenovirus/Epstein-Barr virus (HDAd/EBV) hybrid reprogramming vector, rCLAE-R6, that delivers six reprogramming factors episomally. HDAd/EBV transduction of keratinocytes from SCD patients resulted in footprint-free iPSCs with high efficiency. Subsequently, the sickle mutation was corrected by delivering CRISPR/Cas9 with adenovirus followed by nucleoporation with a 70 nt single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) correction template. Correction efficiencies of up to 67.9% (βA/[βS+βA]) were obtained. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of corrected iPSC lines demonstrated no CRISPR/Cas modifications in 1467 potential off-target sites and no modifications in tumor suppressor genes or other genes associated with pathologies. These results demonstrate that adenoviral delivery of reprogramming factors and CRISPR/Cas provides a rapid and efficient method of deriving gene-corrected, patient-specific iPSCs for therapeutic applications.
Increased dynamics in the 40–57 Ω-loop of the G41S variant of human cytochrome c promote its pro-apoptotic conformation
Authors: Karsisiotis Andreas Ioannis , Deacon Oliver M. , Wilson Michael T. , Macdonald Colin , Blumenschein Tharin M. A. , Moore Geoffrey R. , Worrall Jonathan A. R.
Published: July 2016

Thrombocytopenia 4 is an inherited autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia, which occurs due to mutations in the human gene for cytochrome c that results in enhanced mitochondrial apoptotic activity. The Gly41Ser mutation was the first to be reported. Here we report stopped-flow kinetic studies of azide binding to human ferricytochrome c and its Gly41Ser variant, together with backbone amide H/D exchange and 15N-relaxation dynamics using NMR spectroscopy, to show that alternative conformations are kinetically and thermodynamically more readily accessible for the Gly41Ser variant than for the wild-type protein. Our work reveals a direct conformational link between the 40–57 Ω-loop in which residue 41 resides and the dynamical properties of the axial ligand to the heme iron, Met80, such that the replacement of glycine by serine promotes the dissociation of the Met80 ligand, thereby increasing the population of a peroxidase active state, which is a key non-native conformational state in apoptosis.
Problems encountered when defining Arctic amplification as a ratio
Authors: Hind Alistair , Zhang Qiong , Brattström Gudrun
Published: July 2016

In climate change science the term ‘Arctic amplification’ has become synonymous with an estimation of the ratio of a change in Arctic temperatures compared with a broader reference change under the same period, usually in global temperatures. Here, it is shown that this definition of Arctic amplification comes with a suite of difficulties related to the statistical properties of the ratio estimator itself. Most problematic is the complexity of categorizing uncertainty in Arctic amplification when the global, or reference, change in temperature is close to 0 over a period of interest, in which case it may be impossible to set bounds on this uncertainty. An important conceptual distinction is made between the ‘Ratio of Means’ and ‘Mean Ratio’ approaches to defining a ratio estimate of Arctic amplification, as they do not only possess different uncertainty properties regarding the amplification factor, but are also demonstrated to ask different scientific questions. Uncertainty in the estimated range of the Arctic amplification factor using the latest global climate models and climate forcing scenarios is expanded upon and shown to be greater than previously demonstrated for future climate projections, particularly using forcing scenarios with lower concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Boron-Filled Hybrid Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Patel Rajen B. , Chou Tsengming , Kanwal Alokik , Apigo David J. , Lefebvre Joseph , Owens Frank , Iqbal Zafar
Published: July 2016

A unique nanoheterostructure, a boron-filled hybrid carbon nanotube (BHCNT), has been synthesized using a one-step chemical vapor deposition process. The BHCNTs can be considered to be a novel form of boron carbide consisting of boron doped, distorted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) encapsulating boron nanowires. These MWCNTs were found to be insulating in spite of their graphitic layered outer structures. While conventional MWCNTs have great axial strength, they have weak radial compressive strength and do not bond well to one another or to other materials. In contrast, BHCNTs are shown to be up to 31% stiffer and 233% stronger than conventional MWCNTs in radial compression and have excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The corrugated surface of BHCNTs enables them to bond easily to themselves and other materials, in contrast to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). BHCNTs can, therefore, be used to make nanocomposites, nanopaper sheets and bundles that are stronger than those made with CNTs.
The Involvement of Protease Nexin-1 (PN1) in the Pathogenesis of Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Degeneration
Authors: Wu Xinghuo , Liu Wei , Duan Zhenfeng , Gao Yong , Li Shuai , Wang Kun , Song Yu , Shao Zengwu , Yang Shuhua , Yang Cao
Published: July 2016

Protease nexin-1 (PN-1) is a serine protease inhibitor belonging to the serpin superfamily. This study was undertaken to investigate the regulatory role of PN-1 in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration. Expression of PN-1 was detected in human IVD tissue of varying grades. Expression of both PN-1 mRNA and protein was significantly decreased in degenerated IVD and the expression levels of PN-1 were correlated with the grade of disc degeneration. Moreover, a decrease in PN-1 expression in primary NP cells was confirmed. On induction by IL-1β, the expression of PN-1 in NP cells was decreased at day 7, 14 and 21, as shown by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. PN-1 administration decreased IL-1β-induced MMPs and ADAMTS production and the loss of Agg and Col II in NP cell cultures through the ERK1/2/NF-kB signaling pathway. The changes in PN-1 expression are involved in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration. Our findings indicate that PN-1 administration could antagonize IL-1β-induced MMPs and ADAMTS, potentially preventing degeneration of IVD tissue. This study also revealed new insights into the regulation of PN-1 expression via the ERK1/2/NF-kB signaling pathway and the role of PN-1 in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.
Protective effects of miR-29a on diabetic glomerular dysfunction by modulation of DKK1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Hsu Yung-Chien , Chang Pey-Jium , Ho Cheng , Huang Yu-Ting , Shih Ya-Hsueh , Wang Ching-Jen , Lin Chun-Liang
Published: July 2016

Dysregulation of specific microRNAs or Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critically implicated in the pathogenesis of various renal diseases. However, the relationship between microRNAs and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in diabetes-induced glomerular sclerosis remains unknown. Here, we found that decreased miR-29a expression and attenuated Wnt/β-catenin signaling were concomitantly detected in glomeruli of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Gain of miR-29a function in diabetic mice substantially increased the expression of β-catenin and blocked the expressions of profibrotic gene markers, including DKK1 (a Wnt antagonist), TGF-β1 and fibronectin, in glomerular mesangium. Moreover, in the normal mice treated with miR-29a inhibitor, renal fibrosis was induced with an attenuated Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity. Consistently, the constructed miR-29a transgenic mice that supported sustained Wnt/β-catenin signaling had the ability to block the expressions of profibrotic genes after induction of diabetes. We also demonstrated that miR-29a acts as a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cultured mesangial cells and functions to protect cell apoptosis and fibrosis. Importantly, we showed that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cultured mesangial cells by transfecting the β-catenin (Δ45) mutant or by a GSK-3β inhibitor reversely upregulated miR29a. Our findings suggest that the reciprocal relationship between miR-29a and DKK1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling may play an important part in protecting renal fibrogenesis.
Biophysical and chemical handles to control the size of DNA nanoparticles produced by rolling circle amplification
Authors: Lee So Yeon , Kim Kyoung-Ran , Bang Duhee , Bae Se Won , Kim Hak Joong , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: July 2016

The size of DNA nanoparticles produced by rolling circle amplification (RCA) can be controlled by incorporation of structure-forming sequences and amine-modified nucleotides in the replication part.
The effect of the environment on the methyl transfer reaction mechanism between trimethylsulfonium and phenolate
Authors: Saez David Adrian , Vogt-Geisse Stefan , Inostroza-Rivera Ricardo , Kubař Tomáš , Elstner Marcus , Toro-Labbé Alejandro , Vöhringer-Martinez Esteban
Published: July 2016

The methyl transfer reaction mechanism in different molecular environments were studied by electronic structure methods and QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations.
High spectrum selectivity and enhanced responsivity of a ZnO ultraviolet photodetector realized by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles layer
Authors: Yu Ji , Tian Ning
Published: July 2016

A photodetector with a high spectrum selectivity and enhanced responsivity has been realized in the ZnO NPs coated Au/ZnO/Au structure.
Stability of LAPONITE®-stabilized high internal phase Pickering emulsions under shear
Authors: Dinkgreve M. , Velikov K. P. , Bonn D.
Published: July 2016

We investigated LAPONITE®-stabilized emulsions. Confocal microscopy shows that the clay particles are not only located at the interface but also aggregate and form a gel in the continuous phase. Our results suggest that the formation of the emulsions is mostly due to this gel formation, rather than that the clay is an emulsifier.
Enhanced room-temperature magnetoresistance in self-assembled Ag-coated multiphasic chromium oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Dwivedi S. , Biswas S.
Published: July 2016

Self-assembled Ag-coated multiphasic diluted magnetic chromium oxide nanocomposites were developed by a facile chemical synthesis route involving a reaction of CrO3 in the presence of Ag+ ions in an aqueous solution of poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) and sucrose.
Mechanistic insights from theory on the reduction of CO2, N2O, and SO2 molecules using tripodal diimine-enolate substituted magnesium(i) dimers
Authors: Kefalidis Christos E. , Jones Cameron , Maron Laurent
Published: July 2016

The mechanistic investigation of the reductive coupling vs. reductive disproportionation of CO2 using magnesium(i) dimers bearing tripodal ligands has been carried out using DFT computational methods.
Compositional and structural feedstock requirements of a liquid phase cellulose-to-naphtha process in a carbon- and hydrogen-neutral biorefinery context
Authors: Deneyer A. , Ennaert T. , Cavents G. , Dijkmans J. , Vanneste J. , Courtin C. M. , Dusselier M. , Sels B. F.
Published: July 2016

Towards a carbon- and hydrogen-neutral liquid phase cellulose-to-naphtha process.
Different amine-functionalized poly(diphenylsubstituted acetylenes) from the same precursor
Authors: Wang Xiao , Gao Yuan , Wang Wenjie , Qin Anjun , Sun Jing Zhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2016

A facile and efficient synthetic route to different amine functionalized poly(diphenyl-substituted acetylenes) from the same precursor polymer is reported. The derived polymers demonstrated versatile applications.
Green chemistry oriented multi-component strategy to hybrid heterocycles
Authors: Rajarathinam Balakrishnan , Kumaravel Kandhasamy , Vasuki Gnanasambandam
Published: July 2016

An oxindole decorated 4H-chromene scaffold has been synthesized in water under catalyst-free reaction conditions at ambient temperature by integrating the guiding principles of Diversity Oriented Synthesis (DOS) and green chemistry.
Effect of boron–carbon–nitride as a negative additive for lead acid batteries operating under high-rate partial-state-of-charge conditions
Authors: Mithin Kumar S. , Kiran Uday Venkat , Raju Arockia Kumar , Ambalavanan S. , Mayavan Sundar
Published: July 2016

For BCN-NAM, under HRPSoC cycling conditions, the dominating elementary process is the formation of PbO instead of PbSO4.
Synthesis and fluorescence properties of 3,6-diaminocarbazole-modified pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid
Authors: Dangsopon Aukkrapon , Poomsuk Nattawee , Siriwong Khatcharin , Vilaivan Tirayut , Suparpprom Chaturong
Published: July 2016

Diaminocarbazole-labeled acpcPNA as a self-reporting probe for determination of DNA sequences.
Thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers based on magnetic nanoparticles for the recognition of sulfamethazine
Authors: Huang Weihong , Xu Ping , Yang Wenming , Xu Wanzhen
Published: July 2016

Schematic illustration of the preparation of tmips.
A facile one-pot method to synthesise 2-alkylated indole and 2,2′-bis(indolyl)methane derivatives using ketones as electrophiles and their anion sensing ability
Authors: Bayindir Sinan , Saracoglu Nurullah
Published: July 2016

Indole derivatives are of great importance because of their biological activity and application in technology.
Comments on “Dental lessons from past to present: ultrastructure and composition of teeth from plesiosaurs, dinosaurs, extinct and recent sharks” by A. Lübke, J. Enax, K. Loza, O. Prymak, P. Gaengler, H.-O. Fabritius, D. Raabe and M. Epple, RSC Adv., 2015,5, 61612
Authors: de Renzi M. , Manzanares E. , Marin-Monfort M. D. , Botella H.
Published: July 2016

The noted paper suggested that high fluoride levels in teeth of extinct animals proves the use of fluoroapatite when alive, but it is well-know that F−increases during fossilization due to diagenetic passage of hydroxy to more stable fluoroapatite.
A GO-assisted method for the preparation of ultrathin covalent organic framework membranes for gas separation
Authors: Ying Yunpan , Liu Dahuan , Ma Jing , Tong Minman , Zhang Weixin , Huang Hongliang , Yang Qingyuan , Zhong Chongli
Published: July 2016

A GO-assisted layer-by-layer restacking method was proposed to prepare ultrathin membranes of CTF-1 nanosheets with a high H2/CO2 separation performance.
The combination of sequence-specific and nonspecific DNA-binding modes of transcription factor SATB1
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuhiko , Yamasaki Tomoko
Published: July 2016

Transcription factor SATB1 (special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1) contains multiple DNA-binding domains (DBDs), i.e. two CUT-domain repeats (CUTr1 and CUTr2 from the N-terminus) and a homeodomain, and binds to the matrix attachment region (MAR) of DNA. Although CUTr1 and the homeodomain, but not CUTr2, are known to contribute to DNA binding, different research groups have not reached a consensus on which DBD is responsible for recognition of the target sequence in MAR, 5′-TAATA-3′. Here, we used isothermal titration calorimetry to demonstrate that CUTr1 has binding specificity to this motif, whereas the homeodomain shows affinity for a variety of DNAs without specificity. In line with nonspecific DNA-binding properties of the homeodomain, a mutation of the invariant Asn at position 51 of the homeodomain (typically in contact with the A base in a sequence-specific binding mode) did not affect the binding affinity significantly. The NMR analyses and computational modeling of the homeodomain, however, revealed the tertiary structure and DNA-binding mode that are typical of homeodomains capable of sequence-specific binding. We believe that the lack of highly conserved basic residues in the helix relevant to the base recognition loosens its fitting into the DNA groove and impairs the specific binding. The two DBDs, when fused in tandem, showed strong binding to DNA containing the 5′-TAATA-3′ motif with an affinity constant >108 M−1 and retained nonspecific binding activity. The combination of the sequence-specific and nonspecific DNA-binding modes of SATB1 should be advantageous in a search for target loci during transcriptional regulation.
Factors Related to the Effectiveness of Articulation Therapy for Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Children
Authors: Sommers Ronald K. , Leiss Robert H. , Delp Mary Ann , Gerber Adele J. , Fundrella Dolores , Smith Richard M. , Revucky Mary V. , Ellis Dorothy , Haley Virginia A.
Published: July 2016

Articulation therapy was administered by 20 speech clinicians to 288 children in a suburban school system. Articulation testing was completed both before and after an eight-and-a-half month treatment period. Therapy was found effective for all groups regardless of grade level or severity. However, subjects with poor stimulability scores derived significantly more benefits from therapy than did those having good stimulability scores. Stimulability performances were related to articulation improvements in untreated groups at certain grade levels. Compared with subjects having milder degrees of defectiveness, subjects with more severe problems improved more in kindergarten than at the second grade level.
Effect of Distinctive Feature Pretraining in Phoneme Discrimination Learning
Authors: Winitz Harris , Preisler Linda
Published: July 2016

Distinctive stimuli pretraining procedures were used to teach difficult sound discrimination contrasts to first and second grade children. The subjects first learned an easy discrimination and then a difficult one; all tasks were administered by automatic programming devices. Findings indicate that pretraining procedures can be used to increase effectively the learning of difficult discriminations. Other variables considered were the verbal unit in which the sound was placed and the sequence of phonemes employed in the pretraining program.
Significance of Harmonic Changes and Noise Components in Hoarseness
Authors: Yanagihara Naoaki
Published: July 2016

Acoustic Analysis and synthesis of hoarseness by sound spectrography suggests that the acoustic properties of hoarseness are mainly determined by the interactions of the following three factors: 1) noise components in the main formant of each vowel, 2) high frequency noise components above 3000 Hz, and 3) the loss of high frequency harmonic components. These three findings are more pronounced in the vowels /α/, /ε/, and /i/ than in /u/ and /ɔ/. With the progression of the severity of hoarseness, these three abnormal patterns become more prominent and exaggerated. On the basis of these findings, a classification of four types of hoarseness was presented using sonagram tracings.
The Relationship Between Nasality Score Values and Oral and Nasal Sound Pressure Level
Authors: Shelton Ralph L. , Knox Albert W. , Arndt William B. , Elbert Mary
Published: July 2016

This study is concerned first with the correlation between judgments of hypernasality and measures of oral and nasal sound pressure level, and secondly with comparison of these measures in subjects speaking with obturators in place and again with the obturators removed. Among the 31 subjects were 18 who wore obturators to correct palate defects, seven who had undergone surgical repair of palate clefts, four who had unrepaired palatal inadequacy, and two persons with normal oral structures and voice. The highest Pearson correlation coefficient obtained between nasality judgments and one of several SPL measures was 0.52. For 15 subjects both nasality ratings and SPL measures were affected by obturation condition.
Verbal and Extraverbal Components of Language as Related to Lateralized Brain Damage
Authors: Bonkowski Robert J.
Published: July 2016

Twelve patients with left cerebral hemisphere lesions and 12 with right hemisphere lesions chose, from among four alternatives, the word that was identical in spelling to a sample word (verbal or extraverbal components sufficient to perform task at this level), and chose a synonym of the sample word from among four alternatives (verbal component necessary). The words were presented in unimodal and cross-modal conditions. In the unimodal conditions sample words and alternatives were presented in the same modality (aural or visual); in the cross-modal conditions the sample word was presented in one modality (A or V) and the alternatives in the opposite modality (V or A). The subject responded by pushing a button when he perceived the correct choice.

Patients with right-sided lesions had significantly greater response times, and more errors, than patients with left-sided lesions on those items in which the extraverbal component was crucial to successful performance. The converse was true on those items that called for greater facility with the verbal component of language. There were no significant differences between unimodal and cross-modal tasks.
A Task for Evaluation of Articulation Change
Authors: Shelton Ralph L. , Elbert Mary , Arndt William B.
Published: July 2016

Six subjects with consistent misarticulations of the /r/ phoneme were provided remedial speech instruction for this sound for a period of two months. Thirty-item sound production tasks were administered to each subject on five occasions prior to instruction, before and after each instruction session, and on several occasions after the last lesson. The principal finding is that the number of correct responses tended to be stable during the testing before the lesson series, but that the number of correct responses increased during the lesson series. Scores obtained following the lesson series remained stable at the level achieved during the lessons. The conclusion is supported that administration of sound production tasks during baseline and treatment periods is useful in the evaluation of articulation therapy.
The Influence of Gain Control Rotation on Nonlinear Distortion in Hearing Aids
Authors: Lotterman Stephen H. , Kasten Roger N.
Published: July 2016

To investigate the relationship of nonlinear distortion to gain control position, 35 hearing aids of differing makes and models were examined. Distortion levels were observed at eight gain settings, each of which represented 12.5% of the total available rotation of the gain control. Distortion was measured at 500, 700, 900 Hz, and at the frequency of maximum distortion. The results support previous findings of high nonlinear distortion at or near maximum acoustic gain in some hearing aids. In order to obtain reductions in the distortion levels observed at full-on gain, extensive counter rotations of the gain control dial frequently were necessary.
The Effect of Methylphenidate on the Verbal Productivity of Children with Cerebral Dysfunction
Authors: Creager Ray O. , VanRiper Catharine
Published: July 2016

Subjects were 30 children ranging from 8 to 10 years. They were studied to investigate the effect of methylphenidate on the verbal productivity of children of normal intelligence and a diagnosed condition of cerebral dysfunction. Three communicative samples were obtained from each child: one at the initiation of the study, one after administration of methylphenidate, and one following placebo condition. Sequence of drug and placebo medication was randomized.

Measures of speech as reflected in mean length of response, one word responses, five longest responses, and number of simple sentences without phrase showed no significant differences. Total number of words spoken, number of responses, and number of incomplete utterances showed significant increase under methylphenidate medication.
Hearing in Mice by GSR Audiometry: II. Magnitude of Unconditioned GSR as a Function of Intensity and Frequency Interactions
Authors: Gill Alan , Berlin Charles I.
Published: July 2016

The unconditioned GSR’s elicited by tones of 60, 70, 80, and 90 dB SPL were largest in the mouse in the ranges around 10,000 Hz. The growth of response magnitude with intensity followed a power law (10
.17
to 10
.22
, depending upon frequency) and suggested that the unconditioned GSR magnitude assessed overall subjective magnitude of tones to the mouse in an orderly fashion. It is suggested that hearing sensitivity as assessed by these means may be closely related to the spectral content of the mouse’s vocalization as well as to the number of critically sensitive single units in the mouse’s VIIIth nerve.
Effects of Increased Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure on CM Response
Authors: Feldman R. Michael
Published: July 2016

Cerebrospinal fluid pressure and consequently perilymphatic fluid pressure was increased 5, 10, and 15 cm Hg above normal in 13 cats. With increasing pressure the CM pseudo-threshold showed a progressive impairment. This decrease in CM response was greatest at low frequencies. CM input-output functions indicated that with increasing pressure there is a progressive decrease in the linear range of the CM reponse and also a possible decrease in maximum amplitude. Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanical alterations within the cochlea which might produce the observed changes in CM response.
Speaking Fundamental Frequency and Rate Characteristics of Adult Female Schizophrenics
Authors: Saxman John H. , Burk Kenneth W.
Published: July 2016

Selected speaking characteristics of 37 hospitalized female schizophrenic reaction patients were compared with those of a control group of 22 normal women. Tape recorded samples of oral reading and impromptu speaking were analyzed for mean fundamental frequency level and mean fundamental frequency deviation. The oral reading samples were further analyzed for mean overall and mean sentence reading rates. The patient group was found to use a significantly larger fundamental frequency deviation during oral reading and a significantly slower oral reading rate. Mean fundamental frequency level for the patient group was somewhat higher than that of the control group but not significantly so. Variations in the extent of differences between the patient group and the control group were found as a function of diagnostic subclassification and severity of psychiatric involvement of the patients.
Altitude data fusion utilising differential measurement and complementary filter
Authors: Wei Sheng , Dan Gu , Chen Hu
Published: July 2016

In plenty of researches and real systems, barometer and accelerometer which can provide altitude and acceleration measurements, respectively, are utilised in altitude estimation of small unmanned aerial vehicle. These sensors can draw on their merits and improve the accuracy of altitude estimation. The altitude measurement of barometer has the drift problem as one of its disadvantages which could deteriorate the performance of altitude estimation. In addition, barometer and accelerometer both have stochastic error which reduce the accuracy of altitude estimation. A novel scenario is proposed by utilising differential altitude measurement and complementary filter to deal with above issues. It is accurate and suitable for real‐time application. In this scenario, altitude drift is reduced by using differential altitude measurement, and the stochastic error of altitude is minimised by using complementary filter algorithm. Stair and flight experiments are implemented to test this scenario. The experimental results indicate that it can provide good dynamic performance and flexibility for altitude estimation.
The free energy in a class of quantum spin systems and interchange processes
Authors: Björnberg J. E.
Published: July 2016

We study a class of quantum spin systems in the mean-field setting of the complete graph. For spin S=12, the model is the Heisenberg ferromagnet, and for general spin S∈12N, it has a probabilistic representation as a cycle-weighted interchange process. We determine the free energy and the critical temperature (recovering results by Tóth and by Penrose when S=12). The critical temperature is shown to coincide (as a function of S) with that of the q = 2S + 1 state classical Potts model, and the phase transition is discontinuous when S ≥ 1.
Conducting interface states at LaInO3/BaSnO3 polar interface controlled by Fermi level
Authors: Kim Useong , Park Chulkwon , Kim Young Mo , Shin Juyeon , Char Kookrin
Published: July 2016

We report on a new polar interface state between two band insulators: LaInO3 and BaSnO3, where the sheet conductance enhancement in the interface reaches more than the factor of 104 depending on the La doping concentration in BaSnO3 layer, by monitoring the conductance change before and after the polar interface formation as a function of La doping in BaSnO3. By eliminating the possibilities of oxygen vacancy involvement and cation diffusion, we show that the conductance enhancement is due to electronic reconstruction in the interface. Furthermore, we have found that the interfaces between BaSnO3 and the larger bandgap non-polar perovskites BaHfO3 and SrZrO3 did not show such a conductance enhancement. We discuss a model for the interface state where the Fermi level plays a critical role and the conductance enhancement is due to the existence of polarization in the polar perovskite, LaInO3.
Dormant propagule banks of aquatic invertebrates in ponds invaded by exotic pine species in southern Brazil
Authors: Stenert Cristina , Ehlert Bruna , Ávila Arthur Cardoso , Rocha Sousa Francisco Diogo , Esquinatti Fernanda Mara , Batzer Darold Paul , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: July 2016

Exotic pine invasion affects native wetland communities in the Southern Hemisphere by changing the hydrological regimen and physicochemical characteristics. Studies evaluating the emergence of aquatic invertebrates from dormant stages are vital to identify the resilience of aquatic communities in ponds invaded by exotic pine species. In the present study, we tested the hypotheses that: (1) pine invasion decreases the richness of drought-resistant aquatic invertebrates in ponds; (2) pine invasion modifies the invertebrate composition in ponds; and (3) these differences in species composition (β diversity) are associated primarily with species turnover. Dry sediment samples were collected from three natural ponds in native grassland and three ponds in a pine invasion matrix in southern Brazil. In all, 7205 invertebrates, primarily represented by cladocerans (18 species), were sampled after rewetting dry sediments. Pine invasion decreased the richness of aquatic invertebrates because the natural ponds had almost 60% more species and a higher number of estimated species than the pine ponds. The composition differed between natural and pine ponds, and this difference in species composition (β diversity) was associated primarily with the replacement of some species by others. The presence of pine appears to alter colonisation and survival rates of aquatic invertebrates that aestivate in dry sediments in southern Brazil wetlands.
Bring in the Professionals
Authors: Clarke Daniel J. , Dercon Stefan
Published: July 2016

Good planning is based on an iterative dialogue among scientists, bureaucrats, implementers, and financiers about what or who is to be protected, how, and how much it will cost. A good plan will include a clear political statement before a disaster about these aspects of the plan. Useful political statements focus on target outcomes and leave the details on the ‘how’ to be worked out by the implementing agencies and financiers. Benefactors who want to maximize the development impact of their support should think through different natural disaster scenarios, assess what support they would provide in each scenario, and own up to this contingent liability when in discussions with other partners. Behavioural biases against good planning are strongest for the kinds of disasters that did not occur in the recent past—that is, for nearly all future disasters.
On the Market‐consistent Valuation of Fish Farms: Using the Real Option Approach and Salmon Futures
Authors: Ewald Christian‐Oliver , Ouyang Ruolan , Siu Tak Kuen
Published: July 2016

We consider the optimal harvesting problem for a fish farmer in a model that accounts for stochastic prices featuring Schwartz (1997) two‐factor price dynamics. Unlike any other literature in this context, we take account of the existence of a newly‐established market in salmon futures, which determines risk premia and other relevant variables, that influence risk‐averse fish farmers in their harvesting decision. We consider the cases of single and infinite rotations. The value function of the harvesting problem determined in our arbitrage‐free setup constitutes the fair values of lease and ownership of the fish farm when correctly accounting for price risk. The data set used for this analysis contains a large set of futures contracts with different maturities traded at the Fish Pool market between June 12, 2006 and March 22, 2012. We assess the optimal strategy, harvesting time, and value against two alternative setups. The first alternative involves simple strategies that lack managerial flexibility; the second alternative allows for managerial flexibility and risk aversion as modeled by a constant relative risk aversion utility function, but without access to the salmon futures market. In both cases, the loss in project value can be very significant, and in the second case is only negligible for extremely low levels of risk aversion. As a consequence, for a risk‐averse fish farmer, the presence of a salmon futures market as well as managerial flexibility are highly important.
Invasive Aspergillus Sinusitis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Humphrey John M. , Walsh Thomas J. , Gulick Roy M.
Published: July 2016

Invasive Aspergillus (IA) sinusitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, but it is uncommon in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. To gain a better understanding of the characteristics of IA sinusitis in this population, we present a unique case of chronic IA sinusitis in an HIV-infected patient taking antiretroviral therapy and review the literature summarizing published cases of invasive aspergillosis of the paranasal (n = 41) and mastoid (n = 17) sinuses in HIV-infected individuals. Among these cases, only 4 were reported after 1999, and 98% of patients had acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Orbital invasion occurred in 54% of paranasal sinus cases, whereas intracranial invasion was reported in 53% of mastoid sinus cases. The overall mortality was 79%. We also discuss various clinical and immunologic factors that may play a role in the development of IA and consider the changing epidemiology of aspergillosis in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy.
Scombroid syndrome: it seems to be fish allergy but... it isn’t
Authors: Ridolo Erminia , Martignago Irene , Senna Gianenrico , Ricci Giorgio
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

Scombroid poisoning is a frequent cause of admission in emergency department. In everyday clinical practice, it can be difficult to discriminate between scombroid syndrome and fish allergy. The aim of this review is to provide the clinician some instruments to make a correct differential diagnosis.

Recent findings

In the last few years, a better characterization of scombroid syndrome occurred, in particular regarding its possible severe presentations. Two cases of Kounis syndrome secondary to scombroid syndrome have been described and in these cases a differential diagnosis in patients with this clinical presentation can be even more difficult. Finally, in term of diagnosis, the useful role of serum tryptase was recently consolidated.

Scombroid syndrome is a histamine-induced reaction because of the ingestion of histamine-contaminated fish, whereas fish allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction. Clinical presentation can be similar and for this reason scombroid syndrome is often misdiagnosed. The differences lie in pathogenic mechanisms, possible outcome, therapy, and prevention measures. Moreover, some laboratory tests are helpful to discriminate between the two diseases.
Assessment for Systems Learning: A Holistic Assessment Framework to Support Decision Making Across the Medical Education Continuum
Authors: Bowe Constance M. , Armstrong Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Viewing health care from a systems perspective—that is, “a collection of different things which, working together, produce a result not achievable by the things alone”—raises awareness of the complex interrelationships involved in meeting society’s goals for accessible, cost-effective, high-quality health care. This perspective also emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of changes in one sector of a system on other components’ performance. Medical education promotes this holistic view of health care in its curricula and competency requirements for graduation at the undergraduate and graduate training levels. But how completely does medical education apply a systems lens to itself?

The continuum of medical training has undergone a series of changes that have moved it more closely to a systems organizational model. Competency assessment criteria have been expanded and more explicitly defined for learners at all levels of training. Outcomes data, in multiple domains, are monitored by external reviewers for program accreditation. However, translating increasing amounts of individual outcomes into actionable intelligence for decision making poses a formidable information management challenge.

Assessment in systems is designed to impart a “big picture” of overall system performance through the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of outcomes data to provide actionable information for continuous systems improvement, innovation, and long-term planning. A systems-based framework is presented for use across the medical education continuum to facilitate timely improvements in individual curriculum components, continuous improvement in overall program performance, and program decision making on changes required to better address society’s health care needs.
Complete response to high-dose IL-2 and enhanced IFNγ+Th17 : TREG ratio in a melanoma patient
Authors: Diller Maggie L. , Kudchadkar Ragini R. , Delman Keith A. , Lawson David H. , Ford Mandy L.
Published: July 2016

High-dose IL-2 (HDIL-2) is associated with complete and durable responses in only 5–10% of patients with stage intravenous melanoma and the toxicity profile is significant. In-vivo human models have recently shown a stimulatory effect of exogenous IL-2 on both the Th17 and regulatory T-cell (TREG) compartments. We investigated and compared the effect of HDIL-2 on the Th17 and TREG compartments in HDIL-2 responders versus nonresponders. HDIL-2 was administered at a dose of 720 000 IU/kg to patients with melanoma (n=6) and peripheral blood was collected at baseline and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h during treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and subjected to intracellular cytokine and extracellular receptor staining for flow cytometry. Five of six patients progressed clinically on HDIL-2 therapy, and these patients showed an increase in the frequency of TREGs on day 4 of treatment. A single patient responded to HDIL-2 therapy and showed a decrease in the frequency of TREG cells on day 4 of treatment. We found that HDIL-2 resulted in a larger increase in the frequency and total numbers of IFNγ+Th17 cells in the complete responder compared with all nonresponders. As such, the complete responder showed a high IFNγ+Th17 : TREG ratio. Our results suggest that a distinct immunophenotype may be associated with response to HDIL-2. The peripheral IFNγ+Th17 : TREG ratio may serve as an early biomarker in the setting of HDIL-2 to help identify those patients who would benefit from subsequent cycles.
A Validated Fluorometric Method for the Rapid Determination of Pregabalin in Human Plasma Applied to Patients With Pain
Authors: Yoshikawa Nozomi , Naito Takafumi , Yagi Tatsuya , Kawakami Junichi
Published: July 2016

Background:

Pregabalin has been used for the treatment of pain. A clinically accepted method applied to patients with pain has not been published for the determination of pregabalin in human plasma. This study developed a fluorometric ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method to measure pregabalin concentration in patients with pain.

Methods:

After plasma pretreatment involving protein precipitation, pregabalin and gabapentin as an internal standard were derivatized with 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-F) under the following reaction conditions: 1 minute, pH 10, and 60°C. The UHPLC separation was performed using a 2.3-μm particle size octadecylsilyl column. The fluorescence detector was set at excitation and emission wavelengths of 470 and 530 nm, respectively. The predose blood samples were collected from 40 patients with pain who have been treated with 75 mg of pregabalin twice daily.

Results:

The chromatographic run time was 1.25 minutes. No interfering peaks were observed in the blank plasma at the retention times of NBD derivatives. The calibration curve of pregabalin was linear at a range of 0.05–10 mcg/mL (r > 0.999). The lower limit of quantification was 0.05 mcg/mL. The intra-assay accuracy and precision were 98.3%–99.8% and within 4.3%, respectively. The inter-assay accuracy and precision were 103.2%–107.1% and within 4.1%, respectively. The predose plasma concentration of pregabalin in patients with pain ranged from 0.14 to 8.5 mcg/mL.

Conclusions:

This study provides a validated fluorometric UHPLC method with fast analytical performance for the determination of pregabalin in human plasma. The present method could be applied to patients with pain and be used for the clinical research or therapeutic drug monitoring of pregabalin.
Lack of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Measurement Following a High B-type Natriuretic Peptide Value
Authors: Heidenreich Paul A. , Gholami Parisa , Lin Shoutzu
Published: July 2016

Background:

The objective of this study was to determine how often providers did not obtain a recommended measure of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following a high B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) value when the LVEF was not known to be low (<40%). Such patients may benefit from life-prolonging treatment.

Methods:

We identified consecutive patients (inpatient or outpatient) with a BNP value of at least 200 pg/mL within a single VA health care system (3 inpatient facilities and 8 community clinics) during a 10-month period (September 2008–June 2009). We performed chart review to determine results of any imaging study performed (inside or outside the health system) prior to or after the high BNP value.

Results:

Of the 296 patients with a high BNP, 212 were not known to have a low LVEF. Of these, 99 (47%) did not have the guideline recommended follow-up LVEF study. Among those that survived at least 6 months following BNP and a follow-up echocardiogram was indicated (no prior LVEF or prior LVEF was > 40%), mortality was 20% if an echocardiogram was performed within 6 months of the BNP and 27% if it was not performed within 6 months of BNP testing (P = 0.21).

Conclusion:

Approximately half of patients with a high BNP and an LVEF not known to be low did not have a follow-up guideline recommended LVEF study and may have unrecognized heart failure. Our findings suggest that a trial is warranted of a clinical pathway where those patients with a high BNP and without appropriate follow-up are randomized to have their physician receive a notification of the high BNP value.
Diagnostic Yield of Routine Stress Testing in Low and Intermediate Risk Chest Pain Patients Under 40 Years: A Systematic Review
Authors: Skoien Wade
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Chest pain is one of the most frequent causes for presentation to emergency departments (EDs). The majority of patients will undergo diagnostic workup including stress testing to rule out an acute coronary syndrome, but very few patients will be diagnosed with a cardiac cause for their pain. Patients under 40 years represent a lower risk group in which routine stress testing may be of little benefit. This systematic review sought to determine the diagnostic yield of routine stress testing in low- and intermediate-risk chest pain patients under 40 years.

Methods:

Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. The quality of the included primary studies was assessed using the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy and the McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool for Quantitative Studies. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings.

Results:

Five primary studies were included in the review (all level III-3 evidence); 7 additional sources of relevant data were also included. Diagnostic yield of routine stress testing in low- and intermediate-risk patients under 40 years is reported between 0% and 1.1%. Combined data from included primary studies demonstrated just 4 out of 1683 true positive stress tests (0.24%), only one of which was definitively confirmed by coronary angiogram; additional data sources identified just 1 out of 310 true positive stress tests (0.32%).

Conclusions:

Diagnostic yield of routine stress testing in low- and intermediate-risk chest pain patients under 40 years is low. However, better quality studies are required to be able to draw definitive conclusions.
Agreement Between Patient-reported and Cardiology-adjudicated Medical History in Patients With Possible Ischemic Chest Pain: An Observational Study
Authors: Iliceto Alessandro , Berndt Sara Louise , Greenslade Jaimi H. , Parsonage William A. , Hammett Christopher , Than Martin , Hawkins Tracey , Parker Kate , O’Kane Shannen , Cullen Louise
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Obtaining an accurate medical history is essential in the assessment of patients, particularly in emergency department (ED) patients with acute chest pain, as there can be a time imperative for diagnosis and commencement of treatment. We aimed to evaluate reliability of patient-reported compared with physician-adjudicated medical history by assessing patient’s recall and communication of personal events and its influence on the accuracy of the medical history.

Methods:

A total of 776 patients presenting at ED with suspected cardiac chest pain were recruited. Data collection included self-reported patient history, electrocardiogram testing, and troponin I measurements. Independent assessment of risk factors and medical history was adjudicated by cardiologists. Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at 30 days after presentation was assessed. Cohen’s kappa measured patient–cardiologist agreement. Cardiologist adjudicated events were taken as true to assess accuracy.

Results:

A total of 83 participants (10.7%) were diagnosed with ACS at 30 days after presentation. “Previous coronary artery bypass grafting” showed highest agreement (K = 1.00) between patient-reported and cardiologist-adjudicated events. Lowest agreement between patient-reported and cardiologist-adjudicated events was found for “prior ventricular dysrhythmia” (K = 0.33). Accuracy of reported “prior congestive heart failure” differed significantly between patients with and without diagnosed ACS at 30 days (92.8% and 97.5%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Accuracy of patient’s recall and communication of medical history and risk factors was substantial but not perfect in the assessment of patients with ACS in the ED context. Our study reinforces the importance in the utilization of medical records and collateral information to address possible discrepancies in the medical history and improve patient care.