bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer Between Hospitals Is a Risk Situation for Patients After Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Oksholm Trine , Rustoen Tone , Ekstedt Mirjam
Published: April 2017

Background:

Patients with lung cancer often undergo surgery shortly after diagnosis. Despite undergoing extensive operation, many patients are transferred to a local hospital a few days after surgery. Transitions between different levels of care are risky due to common medication and follow-up errors.

Objective:

The study purpose was to explore patients’ experiences of transfer between hospitals after lung cancer surgery. The study aim was to improve the quality of transitional care.

Methods:

In-depth interviews with 14 patients with lung cancer (6 men, 8 women) were conducted in the patients’ homes. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the hermeneutic analysis method.

Results:

Patients’ experience of transfer between hospitals after lung cancer surgery is one of being in a caregiver gap characterized by feeling unprepared and uncertain, feeling unprotected and not being cared for, and suffering because of inadequate organization. Patients are vulnerable and at risk of injury before and during transfer, as well as after arrival at local hospitals.

Conclusions:

Study findings highlight a rarely considered risk of inadequate care before, during, and after hospital transfer of vulnerable patients. Transition between hospitals after lung cancer surgery is a part of patient care for which there are no policies or care plans and a time during which the borders of responsibility between caregivers are unclear.

Implications for Practice:

It is important to develop guidelines for clearly defined responsibilities during transfer between hospitals. Healthcare providers need to plan transfers with the same rigor as they do hospital care.
Recent Advancement in Biosensors Technology for Animal and Livestock Health Management
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh , Huang Sheng-Tung , Tuteja Satish K. , Kelton David
Published: April 2017

The termbiosensorsencompasses devices that have the potential to quantify physiological, immunological and behavioural responses of livestock and multiple animal species. Novel biosensing methodologies offer highly specialised monitoring devices for the specific measurement of individual and multiple parameters covering an animal’s physiology as well as monitoring of an animal’s environment. These devices are not only highly specific and sensitive for the parameters being analysed, but they are also reliable and easy to use, and can accelerate the monitoring process. Novel biosensors in livestock management provide significant benefits and applications in disease detection and isolation, health monitoring and detection of reproductive cycles, as well as monitoring physiological wellbeing of the animal via analysis of the animal’s environment. With the development of integrated systems and the Internet of Things, the continuously monitoring devices are expected to become affordable. The data generated from integrated livestock monitoring is anticipated to assist farmers and the agricultural industry to improve animal productivity in the future. The data is expected to reduce the impact of the livestock industry on the environment, while at the same time driving the new wave towards the improvements of viable farming techniques. This review focusses on the emerging technological advancements in monitoring of livestock health for detailed, precise information on productivity, as well as physiology and well-being. Biosensors will contribute to the 4threvolution in agriculture by incorporating innovative technologies into cost-effective diagnostic methods that can mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of infectious outbreaks in farmed animals
Effects of the glucocorticoid drug prednisone on urinary proteome and candidate biomarkers
Authors: Wu Jianqiang , Li Xundou , An Manxia , Gao Youhe
Published: April 2017

Urine is a good source of biomarkers for clinical proteomics studies. However, one challenge in the use of urine biomarkers is that outside factors can affect the urine proteome. Prednisone is a commonly prescribed glucocorticoid used to treat various diseases in the clinic. To evaluate the possible impact of glucocorticoid drugs on the urine proteome, specifically disease biomarkers, this study investigated the effects of prednisone on the rat urine proteome. Urine samples were collected from control rats and prednisone-treated rats after drug administration. The urinary proteome was analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and proteins were identified using label-free proteome quantification. Differentially expressed proteins and their human orthologs were analyzed with bioinformatics methods. A total of 523 urinary proteins were identified in rat urine. Using label-free quantification, 27 urinary proteins showed expression changes after prednisone treatment. A total of 16 proteins and/or their human orthologs have been previously annotated as disease biomarkers. After functional analysis, we found that the pharmacological effects of prednisone were reflected in the urine proteome. Thus, urinary proteomics has the potential to be a powerful drug efficacy monitoring tool in the clinic. Meanwhile, alteration of the urine proteome due to prednisone treatment should be considered in future disease biomarker studies.
The effect of perinatal brain injury on dopaminergic function and hippocampal volume in adult life
Authors: Froudist-Walsh Sean , Bloomfield Michael A.P. , Veronese Mattia , Kroll Jasmin , Karolis Vyacheslav , Jauhar Sameer , Bonoldi Ilaria , McGuire Philip K. , Kapur Shitij , Murray Robin M. , Nosarti Chiara , Howes Oliver D.
Published: April 2017

Background

Very preterm birth (<32 weeks of gestation) is associated with long-lasting brain alterations and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders associated with dopaminergic abnormalities. Preclinical studies have shown perinatal brain injuries, including hippocampal lesions, cause lasting changes in dopamine function, but it is not known if this occurs in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether very preterm birth and perinatal brain injury were associated with altered dopamine synthesis and reduced hippocampal volume in humans in adulthood.

Methods

We compared adults who were born very preterm with associated perinatal brain injury to adults born very preterm without perinatal brain injury, and age-matched controls born at full term using [18F]-DOPA PET and structural MRI imaging.

Results

Dopamine synthesis capacity was significantly reduced in the perinatal brain injury group relative to both the group born very preterm without brain injury (Cohen’s d=1.36, p=0.02) and the control group (Cohen’sd=1.07, p=0.01). Hippocampal volume was reduced in the perinatal brain injury group relative to controls (Cohen’sd= 1.17, p = 0.01). There was a significant correlation between hippocampal volume and striatal dopamine synthesis capacity (r = 0.344, p= 0.03).

Conclusions

Perinatal brain injury, but not very preterm birth without macroscopic brain injury, is associated with persistent alterations in dopaminergic function and reductions in hippocampal volume. This is the first evidence in humans linking neonatal hippocampal injury to adult dopamine dysfunction, and has implications for understanding the mechanism underlying cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders following very preterm birth.
Improved DOP-PCR (iDOP-PCR): a robust and simple WGA method for efficient amplification of low copy number genomic DNA
Authors: Blagodatskikh Konstantin A. , Kramarov Vladimir M. , Barsova Ekaterina V. , Garkovenko Alexey V. , Shcherbo Dmitriy S. , Shelenkov Andrew A. , Ustinova Vera V. , Tokarenko Maria R. , Baker Simon C. , Kramarova Tatiana V. , Ignatov Konstantin B.
Published: April 2017

Whole-genome amplification (WGA) techniques are used for non-specific amplification of low-copy number DNA, and especially for single-cell genome and transcriptome amplification. There are a number of WGA methods that have been developed over the years. One example is degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR), which is a very simple, fast and inexpensive WGA technique. Although DOP-PCR has been regarded as one of the pioneering methods for WGA, it only provides low genome coverage and a high allele dropout rate when compared to more modern techniques. Here we describe an improved DOP-PCR (iDOP-PCR). We have modified the classic DOP-PCR by using a new thermostable DNA polymerase (SD polymerase) with a strong strand-displacement activity and by adjustments in primers design. We compared iDOP-PCR, classic DOP-PCR and the well-established PicoPlex technique for whole genome amplification of both high- and low-copy number human genomic DNA. The amplified DNA libraries were evaluated by analysis of short tandem repeat genotypes and NGS data. In summary, iDOP-PCR provided a better quality of the amplified DNA libraries compared to the other WGA methods tested, especially when low amounts of genomic DNA were used as an input material.
An Integrated Mechanistic Model of Pan-Cancer Driver Pathways Predicts Stochastic Proliferation and Death
Authors: Bouhaddou Mehdi , Barrette Anne Marie , Koch Rick J. , DiStefano Matthew S. , Riesel Eric A. , Stern Alan D. , Santos Luis C. , Tan Annie , Mertz Alex , Birtwistle Marc R.
Published: April 2017

Most cancer cells harbor multiple drivers whose epistasis and interactions with expression context clouds drug sensitivity prediction. We constructed a mechanistic computational model that is context-tailored by omics data to capture regulation of stochastic proliferation and death by pan-cancer driver pathways. Simulations and experiments explore how the coordinated dynamics of RAF/MEK/ERK and PI-3K/AKT kinase activities in response to synergistic mitogen or drug combinations control cell fate in a specific cellular context. In this context, synergistic ERK and AKT inhibitor-induced death is likely mediated by BIM rather than BAD. AKT dynamics explain S-phase entry synergy between EGF and insulin, but stochastic ERK dynamics seem to drive cell-to-cell proliferation variability, which in simulations are predictable from pre-stimulus fluctuations in C-Raf/B-Raf levels. Simulations predict MEK alteration negligibly influences transformation, consistent with clinical data. Our model mechanistically interprets context-specific landscapes between driver pathways and cell fates, moving towards more rational cancer combination therapy.
Phosphatase-Regulated Recruitment of the Spindle and Kinetochore Associated (SKA) Complex to Kinetochores
Authors: Sivakumar Sushama , Gorbsky Gary J.
Published: April 2017

Kinetochores move chromosomes on dynamic spindle microtubules and regulate cell cycle progression by signaling the spindle checkpoint. The Spindle and Kinetochore-Associated (Ska) Complex, a hexamer composed of two copies of Ska1, Ska2 and Ska3, participates in both roles. The mitotic kinases, Cdk1, Aurora B, Plk1, Mps1 and Bub1 play key, overlapping tasks in regulating chromosome movement and checkpoint signaling. However, roles for the phosphatases that oppose these kinases are more poorly defined. Recently, we showed that Ska1 is important for recruiting protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to kinetochores. Here we show that PP1 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) both promote accumulation of Ska at kinetochores. Depletion of PP1 or PP2A by siRNA reduces Ska binding at kinetochores, impairs alignment of chromosomes to the spindle midplane, and causes metaphase delay or arrest, phenotypes also seen after depletion of Ska. Tethering of PP1 to the kinetochore protein Nuf2 promotes Ska recruitment to kinetochores, and reduces mitotic defects seen after Ska depletion. We propose that kinetochore-associated phosphatases generate a positive feedback cycle to reinforce Ska complex accumulation and function at kinetochores.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Phosphatases reinforce recruitment of the Ska complex at kinetochores to stabilize microtubule attachment and oppose spindle checkpoint signaling.
High sensitivity quantitative proteomics using accumulated ion monitoring and automated multidimensional nano-flow chromatography
Authors: Cifani Paolo , Kentsis Alex
Published: April 2017

Quantitative proteomics using high-resolution and accuracy mass spectrometry promises to transform our understanding of biological systems and disease. Recent development of parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) using hybrid instruments substantially improved the specificity of targeted mass spectrometry. Combined with high-efficiency ion trapping, this approach also provided significant improvements in sensitivity. Here, we investigated the effects of ion isolation and accumulation on the sensitivity and quantitative accuracy of targeted proteomics using the recently developed hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap-linear ion trap mass spectrometer. We leveraged ultra-high efficiency nano-electrospray ionization under optimized conditions to achieve yoctomolar sensitivity with more than seven orders of linear quantitative accuracy. To enable sensitive and specific targeted mass spectrometry, we implemented an automated, scalable two-dimensional (2D) ion exchange-reversed phase nano-scale chromatography system. We found that 2D chromatography improved the sensitivity and accuracy of both PRM and an intact precursor scanning mass spectrometry method, termed accumulated ion monitoring (AIM), by more than 100-fold. Combined with automated 2D nano-scale chromatography, AIM achieved sub-attomolar limits of detection of endogenous proteins in complex biological proteomes. This allowed quantitation of absolute abundance of the human transcription factor MEF2C at approximately 100 molecules/cell, and determination of its phosphorylation stoichiometry from as little as 1 μg of extracts isolated from 10,000 human cells. The combination of automated multidimensional nano-scale chromatography and targeted mass spectrometry should enable ultra-sensitive high-accuracy quantitative proteomics of complex biological systems and diseases.
Constrained release of lamina-associated enhancers and genes from the nuclear envelope during T-cell activation facilitates their association in chromosome compartments
Authors: Robson Michael I. , de las Heras Jose I. , Czapiewski Rafal , Sivakumar Aishwarya , Kerr Alastair R.W. , Schirmer Eric C.
Published: April 2017

The 3D organization of the genome changes concomitantly with expression changes during hematopoiesis and immune activation. Studies have focused either on lamina-associated domains (LADs) or on topologically associated domains (TADs), defined by preferential local chromatin interactions, and chromosome compartments, defined as higher-order interactions between TADs sharing functionally similar states. However, few studies have investigated how these affect one another. To address this, we mapped LADs using Lamin B1–DamID during Jurkat T-cell activation, finding significant genome reorganization at the nuclear periphery dominated by release of loci frequently important for T-cell function. To assess how these changes at the nuclear periphery influence wider genome organization, our DamID data sets were contrasted with TADs and compartments. Features of specific repositioning events were then tested by fluorescence in situ hybridization during T-cell activation. First, considerable overlap between TADs and LADs was observed with the TAD repositioning as a unit. Second, A1 and A2 subcompartments are segregated in 3D space through differences in proximity to LADs along chromosomes. Third, genes and a putative enhancer in LADs that were released from the periphery during T-cell activation became preferentially associated with A2 subcompartments and were constrained to the relative proximity of the lamina. Thus, lamina associations influence internal nuclear organization, and changes in LADs during T-cell activation may provide an important additional mode of gene regulation.
Less effective selection leads to larger genomes
Authors: Lefébure Tristan , Morvan Claire , Malard Florian , François Clémentine , Konecny-Dupré Lara , Guéguen Laurent , Weiss-Gayet Michèle , Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Ermini Luca , Sarkissian Clio Der , Charrier N. Pierre , Eme David , Mermillod-Blondin Florian , Duret Laurent , Vieira Cristina , Orlando Ludovic , Douady Christophe Jean
Published: April 2017

The evolutionary origin of the striking genome size variations found in eukaryotes remains enigmatic. The effective size of populations, by controlling selection efficacy, is expected to be a key parameter underlying genome size evolution. However, this hypothesis has proved difficult to investigate using empirical data sets. Here, we tested this hypothesis using 22 de novo transcriptomes and low-coverage genomes of asellid isopods, which represent 11 independent habitat shifts from surface water to resource-poor groundwater. We show that these habitat shifts are associated with higher transcriptome-wide dN/dS. After ruling out the role of positive selection and pseudogenization, we show that these transcriptome-wide dN/dS increases are the consequence of a reduction in selection efficacy imposed by the smaller effective population size of subterranean species. This reduction is paralleled by an important increase in genome size (25% increase on average), an increase also confirmed in subterranean decapods and mollusks. We also control for an adaptive impact of genome size on life history traits but find no correlation between body size, or growth rate, and genome size. We show instead that the independent increases in genome size measured in subterranean isopods are the direct consequence of increasing invasion rates by repeat elements, which are less efficiently purged out by purifying selection. Contrary to selection efficacy, polymorphism is not correlated to genome size. We propose that recent demographic fluctuations and the difficulty of observing polymorphism variation in polymorphism-poor species can obfuscate the link between effective population size and genome size when polymorphism data are used alone.
Understanding the instrumental profile of synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction beamlines
Authors: Rebuffi Luca , Sánchez del Río Manuel , Busetto Edoardo , Scardi Paolo
Published: April 2017

A Monte Carlo algorithm has been developed to calculate the instrumental profile function of a powder diffraction synchrotron beamline. Realistic models of all optical elements are implemented in a ray-tracing software. The proposed approach and the emerging paradigm have been investigated and verified for several existing X-ray powder diffraction beamlines. The results, which can be extended to further facilities, show a new and general way of assessing the contribution of instrumental broadening to synchrotron radiation data, based on ab initio simulations.
Understanding hallmark event failure: a case study of a Swedish music festival
Authors: Nordvall Anders , Heldt Tobias
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Hallmark events can be very beneficial for host communities, not least due to their potential in attracting tourists. The Peace & Love music festival was the hallmark event of the Swedish city Borlänge. In 2013, the event organization declared bankruptcy and canceled the forthcoming festival. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the factors that caused the failure of the 2013 Peace & Love festival.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of the Peace & Love festival is analyzed using three data sources: interviews with the former members of the event organization; secondary data describing the Swedish festival industry; and festival visitors’ perspectives represented by comments on social media. An organizational ecology perspective frames the analysis.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that the failure of the event can be understood by a combination of three components: an organization in a vulnerable position, a strong new competitor entering the Swedish festival market, and uncertain visitors searching for the new place to be.

Originality/value

Very few studies have researched event failure, although the subject is a recommended priority within the field of festival studies. This study presents a thorough examination of a hallmark event failure, which contributes to this area of knowledge and provides relevant information for organizations and host cities.
Application of lean to the bidding phase in building construction: a French contractor’s experience
Authors: Dakhli Zakaria , Lafhaj Zoubeir , Bernard Marc
Published: April 2017

Purpose

While many procurement systems govern the construction sector, Design/Bid/Build is still prominent among the French building actors. The research applies Lean thinking (via a kaizen event) to the bidding phase of a building construction company to improve its bidding outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used in this study is “Action-Research”. A two-month preparation phase was needed to prepare for the kaizen event. The results were based on an assessment conducted after 6 months of the kaizen event. Performance was measured following selected indicators related to ‘Time’, “Economical Impact”, “Quality” and “Sustainability”.

Findings

The Lean implementation had positive side-effects on the company’s organization and strategy as well.

Practical implications

The findings of this action-research project can be used to help researchers and practitioners assess the potential application of Lean in the bidding phase. It also provides insights into the importance of the cultural and existing practices for a successful Lean implementation.

Originality/value

A few research projects investigated the application of Lean thinking in bidding as it is considered as a wasteful process. However, waste can also be organized. The research proves that bidding can benefit from Lean thinking.
Bottom-up placemaking in a time of crisis, by the people, for the people
Authors: Christou Alexandros
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present the case study of Arillas, a small beach resort on Corfu, Greece, where the locals have taken their fate into their own hands in the middle of a crisis. It presents the historical background of the development of tourism in Arillas, the actions that have been undertaken by the local stakeholders to actively participate in the management of the village and to attract alternative, responsible and sustainable forms of tourism to Arillas, and the main players contributing to this process, as well as a look at three important themes contributing to the change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an empirical study spanning many years by a local inhabitant who has an affinity with place management and marketing. It also includes some conclusions of a quantitative, questionnaire-based customer satisfaction survey carried out in 2011 and 2012 among 600 visitors. The analysis of the quantitative data was carried out by the Head of the Corfu Department of the National Tourism Organisation of Greece.

Findings

The paper demonstrates how a shared vision, combined with empowerment and communication among local stakeholders on improving the place, as well as many joint actions carried out on a volunteer basis have, first of all, dramatically increased the level of engagement of the locals in the present and future of Arillas, and second they have attracted and are attracting more individual travellers who are coming for the hospitality, local food and products, music and cultural festivals, walking, yoga and meditation rather than the outdated mass tourism model.

Research limitations/implications

It would be very interesting to perform another quantitative, questionnaire-based survey now to compare the results to those of 2012.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that a bottom-up, horizontal approach to placemaking and place marketing can yield substantial results even (or especially) in an adverse economical and social environment.
Is exercise helpful for women aged 50 and over with mental health problems and what are the barriers to exercise?
Authors: Tinker Anthea , Haines Elodie , Molloy Laura , Monks Imogen , Russell Evelina , Pennells Laura
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of exercise on the mental health problems of older women.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on information from academic literature, government publications and publications from other relevant bodies. It is a scoping study and is not a systematic review because of the constraints of the resources.

Findings

There is growing evidence about the value of exercise for the mental health of older women but few evaluated examples of how this can be achieved.

Research limitations/implications

There is a gap in the literature about this topic with few evaluated examples of how more older women can be encouraged to take more exercise.

Practical implications

Policy makers, practitioners and older people themselves would gain from a greater emphasis on exercise as a means of improving quality of life and for reducing healthcare budgets through fewer referrals to services.

Social implications

Greater emphasis on exercise for older women would increase their quality of life through a reduction in mental health problems.

Originality/value

There is limited research which links mental health, exercise and older women, especially regarding the barriers to exercise that older women with diagnosed mental health problems may face.
Improved VaR forecasts using extreme value theory with the Realized GARCH model
Authors: Paul Samit , Sharma Prateek
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to forecast daily value-at-risk (VaR) for international stock indices by using the conditional extreme value theory (EVT) with the Realized GARCH (RGARCH) model. The predictive ability of this Realized GARCH-EVT (RG-EVT) model is compared with those of the standalone GARCH models and the conditional EVT specifications with standard GARCH models.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use daily data on returns and realized volatilities for 13 international stock indices for the period from 1 January 2003 to 8 October 2014. One-step-ahead VaR forecasts are generated using six forecasting models: GARCH, EGARCH, RGARCH, GARCH-EVT, EGARCH-EVT and RG-EVT. The EVT models are implemented using the two-stage conditional EVT framework of McNeil and Frey (2000). The forecasting performance is evaluated using multiple statistical tests to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings

The authors find that regardless of the choice of the GARCH model, the two-stage conditional EVT approach provides significantly better out-of-sample performance than the standalone GARCH model. The standalone RGARCH model does not perform better than the GARCH and EGARCH models. However, using the RGARCH model in the first stage of the conditional EVT approach leads to a significant improvement in the VaR forecasting performance. Overall, among the six forecasting models, the RG-EVT model provides the best forecasts of daily VaR.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the earliest implementation of the RGARCH model within the conditional EVT framework. Additionally, the authors use a data set with a reasonably long sample period (around 11 years) in the context of high-frequency data-based forecasting studies. More significantly, the data set has a cross-sectional dimension that is rarely considered in the existing VaR forecasting literature. Therefore, the findings are likely to be widely applicable and are robust to the data snooping bias.
Improving the sensitive property of graphene-based gas sensor by illumination and heating
Authors: Li Hui , Gao Zhihui , Lin Weihao , He Wei , Li Jinyan , Yang Yong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Graphene is a two-dimensional material. Its use has many advantages in gas sensing, but its long desorption process is problematic. The aim of this paper is to design a graphene-based gas sensor, study the response to NO2 gas concentrations and find ways to accelerate the desorption process.

Design/methodology/approach

In one group, the sensor was placed in air to measure its initial resistance. Then, it was exposed to the NO2 gas at a certain concentration. Finally, the sensor was exposed to light immediately after NO2 gas exposure was ended. In another group, the sensor was heated using a heating plate at a stable temperature, before taking the measurements. Then the adsorption and desorption experiments were carried on.

Findings

Illumination and heating at a suitable temperature can expedite desorption of NO2 molecules on graphene.

Originality/value

In the paper, two main methods are introduced to accelerate the desorption process when the NO2 gas is absorbed on graphene. Through a series of experiments and analysis, the authors found that the recovery time could be reduced observably and the recovery performance of the graphene-based NO2 sensor could be improved effectively.
Emerging applications driving innovations in gas sensing
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to show how a range of new and emerging applications are driving technological innovations in gas sensing.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper first considers developments relating to the needs of the military and security sectors. Wearable gas sensors, energy harvesting and self-powered gas sensors are then discussed. The role of gas sensors in mobile phones is then considered, together with details of new developments in sensors for carbon-dioxide, particulates and formaldehyde. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

This paper shows that a technologically diverse range of gas sensors is being investigated and developed in response to a number of new and emerging requirements and applications. The gas sensors respond to numerous inorganic and organic gases and vapours over a wide range of application-specific concentrations and are based on a multitude of often innovative sensing techniques, technologies and materials.

Originality/value

This paper provides technical details of a selection of gas sensor research activities and product developments that reflect the needs of a range of new and emerging applications.
Fatal Overdose of Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate Acid After Ingestion of 1,4‐Butanediol
Authors: Le Garff Erwan , Mesli Vadim , Cornez Raphael , Demarly Christophe , Tournel Gilles , Hédouin Valery
Published: April 2017

We report a case of fatal intoxication from 1,4‐butanediol (1,4‐BD), which was ingested by a young and “naïve” gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) consumer during a party with the co‐ingestion of alcohol, cannabis, and methylene‐dioxy‐methamphetamine. The following drug concentrations were found using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry on autopsy samples and on a cup and a glass found at the scene: 20,350 mg/L (bottle) for 1,4‐BD; 1020 mg/L (femoral blood), 3380 mg/L (cardiac blood), 47,280 mg/L (gastric content), and 570 mg/L (vitreous humor) for GHB. The concentration of GHB is difficult to interpret in forensic cases due to the possibility of an endogenous production of GHB. The variable tolerance of the user may also modify the peri‐ and postmortem GHB concentrations. This case underscores the need to have many different sources of toxicology samples analyzed to avoid the hypothesis of endogenous production of GHB.
Immunolocalization of Jian Carp (Cyprinus Carpio Var. Jian) Cathepsin B: Cloning, Expression, Characterization, and Antibody Preparation
Authors: Li Shu‐Hong , Li Ran , Zhong Hai‐Xia , Chen Xiu‐Hua , Liu Ai‐Ping , Yang Juan , Hu Qiang , Ke Qin‐Qin , Li Mei‐Liang
Published: April 2017

Cathepsin B (CatB) cDNA of 759 bp from Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) with amino acid similarity of 99.6% to common carp was cloned. The mature CatB was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 transferred with vector CatB‐pET‐30a. It was purified and identified as a single band (29 kDa) on SDS‐PAGE. Optimum CatB activity was observed at 40 °C and pH 5.5. Mouse anti‐CatB polyclonal antibody with a high titer of 1:256000 was prepared successfully and shown to specifically recognize the antigen both in prokaryotic cells and in the tissues of Jian carp according to western blotting and immunohistochemistry results. Immunolocation analysis showed that CatB distribution at protein level varied among the tested tissues. The results presented in this study may provide a significant reference for future research on the inherent relationship between CatB and the quality of fish or fish products at both the gene and protein levels.
“We Have to Learn from Both Sciences”: Dilemmas and Tension Concerning Higher Education of Wichí Youth in the Province of Salta (Argentina)
Authors: Ossola María Macarena
Published: April 2017

This article analyzes the tension generated by the admission of Wichí youths to higher education in the province of Salta (Argentina). The main goal is to show how access to higher education generates continuities and discontinuities in the indigenous social organization. The article is based on ethnographic fieldwork that examined how young Wichí undergraduate students made sense of their schooling experiences.
Electrochemical Characterization and Dating of Archaeological Leaded Bronze Objects Using the Voltammetry of Immobilized Particles
Authors: Doménech‐Carbó A. , Doménech‐Carbó M. T. , Redondo‐Marugán J. , Osete‐Cortina L. , Barrio J. , Fuentes A. , Vivancos‐Ramón M. V. , Al Sekhaneh W. , Martínez B. , Martínez‐Lázaro I. , Pasíes T.
Published: April 2017

The application of solid state electrochemistry techniques for the characterization and dating of leaded bronze objects is described. Characteristic voltammetric signatures of copper and lead corrosion products were used as markers of more or less prolonged corrosion periods. The proposed methodology was applied to samples from the Roman archaeological sites of Valeria (Spain) and Gadara (Jordan), Roman and medieval sites in Xàtiva (Spain), and modern statuary exhibited outdoors, on the campus of the Universitat Politècnica of Valencia, Spain, covering a time interval between the fourth to second century bc and the 20th century ad. For such samples, the ratio between the signals for copper and lead corrosion products decreased monotonically with the corrosion time. This variation was modelled on the basis of thermochemical and kinetic considerations, the experimental data being consistent with a potential rate law for the corrosion process.
Considering the esophagogastric junction as a ‘zone’
Authors: Ichihara Shin , Uedo Noriya , Gotoda Takuji
Published: April 2017

Siewert's classification of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) classifies tumors anatomically for determining the appropriate surgical technique. According to this classification, a type II tumor, true carcinoma of the cardia, is defined as a cancer within 1 cm proximal to 2 cm distal of the EGJ. Histological analysis indicates that the cardiac gland is present with a high degree of frequency between 1–2 cm to the gastric side and 1–2 cm to the esophageal side of the EGJ, which means that this zone can be considered as neither the stomach nor the esophagus but rather as a third zone known as the ‘EGJ zone’. It has been suggested that there are multiple causes for development of adenocarcinoma in the EGJ zone. The TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours 7th Edition considers EGJ adenocarcinoma (EGJAC) occurring in the EGJ zone to be a part of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, recent studies have indicated that EGJAC behaves differently from EAC and gastric carcinoma. Barrett's esophagus is now considered an important factor in the etiology of EGJAC, but, as yet, no studies have elucidated the differences between cancer arising from short‐segment Barrett's esophagus and cancer of the gastric cardia. Thus, there is currently no clinical relevance to subdivision of adenocarcinoma in the EGJ zone into above or below the EGJ line.
Management of acute cholangitis as a result of occlusion from a self‐expandable metallic stent in patients with malignant distal and hilar biliary obstructions
Authors: Shiomi Hideyuki , Matsumoto Kazuya , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

Acute cholangitis as a result of common bile duct stones can be managed; however, cholangitis caused by occlusion with a biliary self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) in patients with an unresectable malignant biliary obstruction has not been fully discussed. The acute cholangitis clinical guidelines (Tokyo Guidelines 2013) recommend following the same procedure as that used for cholangitis; however, the patient's condition, including performance status, tumor extension or staging, and prognosis must be considered. Most physicians manage cholangitis from a SEMS occlusion using a two‐step procedure. They insert endoscopic drainage with a plastic stent or insert a nasobiliary drainage tube, which does not exacerbate sepsis. Addition or replacement of a biliary SEMS is required in many cases depending on the cause of the occlusion. Tumor ingrowth through the stent mesh is common in uncovered SEMS and requires placement of another stent in an in‐stent method. However, covered SEMS tends to be occluded by sludge, so it must be replaced because of the bacterial biofilm that forms on the covering membrane. The location of the biliary stricture (hilar or distal) should also be considered. Strategies for managing cholangitis as a result of occlusion by a biliary SEMS remain controversial, so prospective clinical trials are needed.
Cost analysis of global road traffic death prevention: Forecasts to 2050
Authors: Moyer Jonathan D. , Eshbaugh Mark , Rettig Jessica
Published: April 2017

Road traffic safety initiatives are gaining momentum worldwide as more governments and international organizations recognize the implications of traffic accidents on economic and human development. In 2015, as part of its Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Development Programme set a global target (3.6) to halve the number of traffic deaths and injuries by 2020. This article uses the International Futures integrated forecasting system to explore the plausibility of achieving that goal and the potential forward linkages of such an intervention. We find that halving annual deaths caused by road traffic accidents is likely to be overly ambitious, and examine more reasonable road traffic death‐rate targets using an approach derived from road traffic death rates relative to income level.
Effect of compaction, delayed sealing and aerobic exposure on maize silage quality and on formation of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Brüning D. , Gerlach K. , Weiß K. , Südekum K.‐H.
Published: April 2017

Physical and management factors, such as compaction and sealing, greatly influence the outcome of forage conservation. This study aimed to determine the effects of compaction, delayed sealing and aerobic exposure after ensiling on maize silage quality and on formation of volatile organic compounds. Whole‐crop maize (277 g/kg dry matter [DM]) in 120‐L plastic silos was compacted at either high or low density, and sealed immediately or with delay at 2 days or 4 days post‐filling (six replicates each). After ensiling for at least 175 days, the silages were exposed to air for 6‐day intervals and sampled at 2‐day intervals. A delay in sealing caused an increase in yeast counts and a decline of up to 65% in water‐soluble carbohydrates before ensiling. Sealing the silos after 4 days caused DM losses of up to 11%. Delayed sealing promoted the formation of ethyl esters at silo opening. A 4‐day delay in sealing resulted in the lowest aerobic stability. Aerobic exposure led to considerable changes in silage composition, a loss in feed value and, finally, spoilage. This study indicates that maize silage quality is adversely affected by low compaction, delayed sealing and aerobic exposure.
Unknown Intracardiac Electrogram
Authors: PRYSTOWSKY ERIC N.
Published: April 2017

Watch a video presentation of this article.

For additional educational resources, please visit Medtronic Academy .
Costs and benefits of sublethal Drosophila C virus infection
Authors: Gupta V. , Stewart C. O. , Rund S. S. C. , Monteith K. , Vale P. F.
Published: April 2017

Viruses are major evolutionary drivers of insect immune systems. Much of our knowledge of insect immune responses derives from experimental infections using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Most experiments, however, employ lethal pathogen doses through septic injury, frequently overwhelming host physiology. While this approach has revealed several immune mechanisms, it is less informative about the fitness costs hosts may experience during infection in the wild. Using both systemic and oral infection routes, we find that even apparently benign, sublethal infections with the horizontally transmitted Drosophila C virus (DCV) can cause significant physiological and behavioural morbidity that is relevant for host fitness. We describe DCV‐induced effects on fly reproductive output, digestive health and locomotor activity, and we find that viral morbidity varies according to the concentration of pathogen inoculum, host genetic background and sex. Notably, sublethal DCV infection resulted in a significant increase in fly reproduction, but this effect depended on host genotype. We discuss the relevance of sublethal morbidity for Drosophila ecology and evolution, and more broadly, we remark on the implications of deleterious and beneficial infections for the evolution of insect immunity.
Genetic basis for soma is present in undifferentiated volvocine green algae
Authors: Grochau‐Wright Z. I. , Hanschen E. R. , Ferris P. J. , Hamaji T. , Nozaki H. , Olson B. J. S. C. , Michod R. E.
Published: April 2017

Somatic cellular differentiation plays a critical role in the transition from unicellular to multicellular life, but the evolution of its genetic basis remains poorly understood. By definition, somatic cells do not reproduce to pass on genes and so constitute an extreme form of altruistic behaviour. The volvocine green algae provide an excellent model system to study the evolution of multicellularity and somatic differentiation. In Volvox carteri, somatic cell differentiation is controlled by the regA gene, which is part of a tandem duplication of genes known as the reg cluster. Although previous work found the reg cluster in divergent Volvox species, its origin and distribution in the broader group of volvocine algae has not been known. Here, we show that the reg cluster is present in many species without somatic cells and determine that the genetic basis for soma arose before the phenotype at the origin of the family Volvocaceae approximately 200 million years ago. We hypothesize that the ancestral function was involved in regulating reproduction in response to stress and that this function was later co‐opted to produce soma. Determining that the reg cluster was co‐opted to control somatic cell development provides insight into how cellular differentiation, and with it greater levels of complexity and individuality, evolves.
Effect of ageing on the ownership of durable goods
Authors: Bíró Anikó
Published: April 2017

I analyse how ageing affects the demand for non‐housing durable goods. Based on the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, individual characteristics, cohort and time effects can explain most of the age variation in the ownership and purchase of durable goods. A life‐cycle model is derived to capture the complex relation between ageing and the demand for non‐housing durable goods. Decreasing survival probability, deteriorating health and changing preferences are jointly reflected in the age gradient of demand. Simulations indicate that higher chances of survival increase the ownership ratio of the durable items.
Analysis of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes in shallow aquifers: A case study from West Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Murtadha Sayed , Yussof Ismail , Fauzi Rosmadi , Ramli Ichwana
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the groundwater quality in shallow aquifers from West Aceh, Sumatra, for irrigation uses. Groundwater samples have been collected from 32 stations for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium percentage (per cent Na) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) analysis. Evaluation of water quality for irrigation using the United States Salinity Laboratory classifications suggests that the majority of the groundwater samples are good for irrigation. The crop tolerance of irrigation water salinity, as based on EC value, showed that paddy (rice), soybeans and sweet tomatoes are suitable for agricultural cultivation, but that corn and field beans are not suitable. Results indicate that, if used for agricultural irrigation, the groundwater quality ranges from excellent to good, except for a few locations (e.g. Meureubo sub‐district) which indicate signs of deterioration.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*27:147 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: He J. , Zhang W. , Han Z.‐D. , Wang W. , Zhu F.‐M.
Published: April 2017

HLA‐B*27:147 differs from HLA‐B*27:04:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 523 C>G.
Early animal fossils at risk
Authors: McLaughlin Kathleen
Published: April 2017

Mining operation in China threatens fossils and embryos that may be the oldest known animals.
Sam Ting's last tease
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: April 2017

How the physicist's aging space magnet, in a final flourish, may have trapped heavy antimatter.
Neonatal acquisition of
Clostridia
species protects against colonization by bacterial pathogens
Authors: Kim Yun-Gi , Sakamoto Kei , Seo Sang-Uk , Pickard Joseph M. , Gillilland Merritt G. , Pudlo Nicholas A. , Hoostal Matthew , Li Xue , Wang Thomas D. , Feehley Taylor , Stefka Andrew T. , Schmidt Thomas M. , Martens Eric C. , Fukuda Shinji , Inohara Naohiro , Nagler Cathryn R. , Núñez Gabriel
Published: April 2017

Gut anaerobes protect against pathogen invasion

Intestinal infections are a common problem for young animals. One explanation is that the protective gut microbiota is not fully established in infants. How the microbiota might protect against pathogens is unclear. Kim
et al.
found that members of the group of strictly anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria known as clostridia protect neonatal mice against diarrhea-causing pathogens. The protective effect is enhanced by giving mice the metabolite succinate in drinking water. Succinate favors colonization of the neonatal gut by cluster IV and XIVa clostridia and concomitantly excludes
Salmonella typhimurium.

Science
, this issue p.
315
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals new types of human blood dendritic cells, monocytes, and progenitors
Authors: Villani Alexandra-Chloé , Satija Rahul , Reynolds Gary , Sarkizova Siranush , Shekhar Karthik , Fletcher James , Griesbeck Morgane , Butler Andrew , Zheng Shiwei , Lazo Suzan , Jardine Laura , Dixon David , Stephenson Emily , Nilsson Emil , Grundberg Ida , McDonald David , Filby Andrew , Li Weibo , De Jager Philip L. , Rozenblatt-Rosen Orit , Lane Andrew A. , Haniffa Muzlifah , Regev Aviv , Hacohen Nir
Published: April 2017

What's in a drop of blood?

Blood contains many types of cells, including many immune system components. Immune cells used to be characterized by marker-based assays, but now classification relies on the genes that cells express. Villani
et al.
used deep sequencing at the single-cell level and unbiased clustering to define six dendritic cell and four monocyte populations. This refined analysis has identified, among others, a previously unknown dendritic cell population that potently activates T cells. Further cell culture revealed possible differentiation progenitors within the different cell populations.

Science
, this issue p.
eaah4573