bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grey scale texture analysis of endobronchial ultrasound mini probe images for prediction of benign or malignant aetiology
Authors: Nguyen Phan , Bashirzadeh Farzad , Hundloe Justin , Salvado Olivier , Dowson Nicholas , Ware Robert , Masters Ian Brent , Ravi Kumar Aravind , Fielding David
Published: June 2015

Background and objective

Expert analysis of endobronchial ultrasound mini probe (EBUS‐MP) images has established subjective criteria for discriminating benign and malignant disease. Minimal data are available for objective analysis of these images. The aim of this study was to determine if greyscale texture analysis could differentiate between benign and malignant lung lesions.

Methods

Digital EBUS‐MP images with a gain setting of 10/19 and contrast setting of 4/8 from 2007 until 2012 inclusive were included. These images had an expert‐defined region of interest (ROI) mapped. ROI were analysed for the following greyscale texture features: mean pixel value, difference between maximum and minimum pixel value, standard deviation of the mean pixel value, entropy, correlation, energy and homogeneity. Significant greyscale texture features differentiating benign from malignant disease were used by two physicians to assess a validation set.

Results

A total of 167 images were available. The first 85 lesions were used in the prediction set. Benign lesions had larger differences between maximum and minimum pixel values, larger standard deviations of the mean pixel values and higher entropy than malignant lesions (P < 0.0001 for all values). A total of 82 peripheral lesions were in the validation set. Physician 1 correctly classified 63/82 (76.8%) with a negative predictive value (NPV) for malignancy of 82% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 75%. Physician 2 correctly classified 62/82 (75.6%) with a NPV of 100% and PPV of 71.0%.

Conclusions

Greyscale texture analysis of EBUS‐MP images can help establish aetiology with a high NPV for malignancy.
Learning in underserved UK areas: a novel approach
Authors: Crampton Paul , Hetherington Jeanette , McLachlan John , Illing Jan
Published: June 2015

Background

There is an insufficient number of medical students intending to pursue general practitioner (GP) careers. The undergraduate curriculum has traditionally prioritised teaching in large hospital settings despite most National Health Service patient contact occurring in primary care. Primary care is faced with providing health care for an ageing population with high levels of co‐morbidities. Patients who live in deprived areas suffer many disadvantages affecting their health and additionally tend to be underserved. Globally, there has been an initiative to provide medical students with extended clinical placements in rural and remote areas. These placements have identified many beneficial outcomes; however, little is known about placements in other underserved, deprived areas. This paper describes an innovative pilot programme to address these issues.

Context

The North East of England has a large proportion of the most deprived communities and worst health care outcomes in England. In Teesside, Phase 1 Medicine at Durham University provides the pre‐clinical curriculum. Durham students then join Newcastle University for Phase 2 Medicine, the clinical years.

Innovation

The Difficult and Deprived Areas Programme (DDAP) places fourth‐year students in general practice and community settings in post‐industrial, deprived areas for 14 weeks, thus adopting and applying principles from rural initiatives (continuity and immersion) to other deprived settings. The DDAP allows students to learn about psychosocial determinants of health and to pursue community interests whilst gaining an excellent clinical grounding.

There is an insufficient number of medical students intending to pursue general practitioner careers

Implications

The DDAP provides a model for educators seeking to implement initiatives in similar underserved, deprived settings, which may potentially alleviate GP workforce shortages.
First-Order Reliability Method for Structural Reliability Analysis in the Presence of Random and Interval Variables
Authors: Alibrandi Umberto , Koh C. G.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a novel procedure based on first-order reliability method (FORM) for structural reliability analysis in the presence of random parameters and interval uncertain parameters. In the proposed formulation, the hybrid problem is reduced to standard reliability problems, where the limit state functions are defined only in terms of the random variables. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) for hybrid reliability analysis (HRA) is presented, and it is shown that it requires a tremendous computational effort; FORM for HRA is more efficient but still demanding. The computational cost is significantly reduced through a simplified procedure, which gives good approximations of the design points, by requiring only three classical FORMs and one interval analysis (IA), developed herein through an optimization procedure. FORM for HRA and its simplified formulation achieve a much improved efficiency than MCS by several orders of magnitude, and it can thus be applied to real-world engineering problems. Representative examples of stochastic dynamic analysis and performance-based engineering are presented.
Composition gradient effects on strain relaxation in Sr-doped LaMnO3 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Wang Yishu , Meletis Efstathios I.
Published: June 2015

The authors report on a novel method to fabricate Sr-doped composition gradient epitaxial La1−xSrxMnO3 thin films by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Biaxially strained epitaxial La1−xSrxMnO3 thin films were grown on (001) LaAlO3 substrates by following a cosputtering procedure from LaMnO3 and La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 targets. Three depositions were conducted by varying the substrate temperature (750 and 850 °C) and controlling the relative deposition rate from the two targets by varying their power rate during sputtering. The thickness of the thin films was about 20 and 30 nm for the short and long duration deposition, respectively. The films were studied by symmetric θ–2θ x-ray diffraction, pole figure analysis, atomic force microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Fabrication of smooth, composition gradient films of high epitaxial quality was achieved at a substrate temperature of 850 °C and low sputtering rate. A novel strain relaxation mechanism is also found that decreases significantly the mismatch between the film and substrate as the Sr doping level increases. The reported deposition procedure can produce new possibilities of designing nanoscale structures with cross coupled properties that may result in new materials.
High-temperature and reliability performance of 4H-SiC Schottky-barrier photodiodes for UV detection
Authors: Xu Yisong , Zhou Dong , Lu Hai , Chen Dunjun , Ren Fangfang , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: June 2015

With its wide bandgap, excellent electrical properties, and relative mature crystal growth technique, 4H-SiC is an attractive candidate material for fabricating high performance ultraviolet photodetectors, which have potential to work in harsh environments. In this work, a vertical type 4H-SiC Schottky-barrier photodiode is designed and fabricated. The photodiode exhibits very low dark current and high quantum efficiency in the entire temperature range from 25 to 200 °C. A high Schottky barrier height of over 1.58 eV and an ideality factor as low as 1.074 at room temperature are deduced for the semitransparent Ni/4H-SiC Schottky metal contact. The high-temperature reliability characteristics are evaluated by high-temperature storage at 200 °C and high-temperature spike annealing up to 550 °C.
Elementary Students’ Construct of Physical Education Teacher Credibility
Authors: Ramos Nilo C. , McCullick Bryan A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate elementary students’ perceptions of PE teacher credibility. Eight high- and low-skilled students from grades 3 and 5 were selected from a school employing a PE teacher holding a National Board Certification. Data were collected in the school setting utilizing observations, field notes, an open-ended questionnaire, student drawings, a photo elicitation activity, and group and individual interviews. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) four-stage analysis in relation to source credibility theory (Hovland, Janis, & Kelley, 1953). Data trustworthiness was ensured through a peer debriefer, reflexivity journal/audit trail and triangulation. In the eyes of the students, a credible PE teacher “Looks Like One,” “Practices What She Preaches,” and “Is an ‘Awesome’ Pedagogue.” Implications for both current PE teachers and PETE programs concerned with teacher effectiveness and, consequently, student learning are discussed.
Effects of Student Skill Level on Knowledge, Decision Making, Skill Execution and Game Performance in a Mini-Volleyball Sport Education Season
Authors: Mahedero Pilar , Calderón Antonio , Arias-Estero José Luis , Hastie Peter A. , Guarino Anthony J.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the paper was to examine the effects of student skill level on knowledge, decision making, skill execution and game performance in a minivolleyball Sport Education season. Forty-eight secondary school students from two classes participated in a 12 lesson season. Knowledge, decision-making and skill execution (components of game play) were evaluated prior to and on completion of the season. Paired t test analysis showed that the game performance components of decision making and game play achieved significant gains. Further, results of the regression analyses detected that the sigmoidal model was indeed superior to the linear model for (a) skill execution, (b) game play, and (c) knowledge, by explaining 4.0, 2.8, and 3.25 times more of the variance respectively. That is, improvements of the highest and lowest skilled students were less significant than those of more moderate levels. This outcome, accompanied by a lack of general improvement in skill execution, suggests that future research should examine in more detail the progressive development of the tasks and learning experiences incorporated during seasons of Sport Education.
Atomic-scale origins of slowness in the cyanobacterial circadian clock
Authors: Abe Jun , Hiyama Takuya B. , Mukaiyama Atsushi , Son Seyoung , Mori Toshifumi , Saito Shinji , Osako Masato , Wolanin Julie , Yamashita Eiki , Kondo Takao , Akiyama Shuji
Published: June 2015

Biochemical basis of a 24-hour clock

Circadian clocks keep organisms in synch with such daily cycles as illumination, activity, and food availability. The circadian clock in cyanobacteria has the necessary 24-hour period despite its three component proteins having biochemical activities that occur on a much faster time scale. Abe
et al.
focused on the cyanobacterial clock component KaiC, an adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) that can autophosphorylate and autodephosphorylate. The slow ATPase activity of KaiC, which is linked to a peptide isomerisation, provided the slow kinetics that set the speed of the 24-hour clock. Chang
et al.
found that another clock component, KaiB, also has slow changes in its protein conformation that help to set the oscillation period of the clock and its signaling output.

Science
, this issue pp.
312
and
324
Natural light-gated anion channels: A family of microbial rhodopsins for advanced optogenetics
Authors: Govorunova Elena G. , Sineshchekov Oleg A. , Janz Roger , Liu Xiaoqin , Spudich John L.
Published: June 2015

Silencing neurons using optogenetics

Rhodopsin light-sensitive ion channels from green algae provide a powerful tool to control neuronal circuits. Rhodopsin cation channels effectively depolarize neurons and cause the firing of short-lived electrical membrane potentials. Govorunova
et al.
describe algal channels that do the opposite; that is, they hyperpolarize or silence particular neurons (see the Perspective by Berndt and Deisseroth). These cation channels provide greater light sensitivity than that of existing hyperpolarizing light-activated channels, operate rapidly, and selectively conduct only anions. This approach is an ideal complement to the widely used technique of creating light-sensitive neurons through the expression of rhodopsin cation channels.

Science
, this issue p.
647
; see also p.
590
Effect of the cytoplasmic domain on antigenic characteristics of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein
Authors: Chen Jia , Kovacs James M. , Peng Hanqin , Rits-Volloch Sophia , Lu Jianming , Park Donghyun , Zablowsky Elise , Seaman Michael S. , Chen Bing
Published: June 2015

Steps in the right direction

HIV-1 mutates rapidly, making it difficult to design a vaccine that will protect people against all of the virus' iterations. A potential successful vaccine design might protect by eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which target specific regions on HIV-1's trimeric envelope glycoprotein (Env) (see the Perspective by Mascola). Jardine
et al.
used mice engineered to express germline-reverted heavy chains of a particular bNAb and immunized them with an Env-based immunogen designed to bind to precursors of that bNAb. Sanders
et al.
compared rabbits and monkeys immunized with Env trimers that adopt a nativelike conformation. In both cases, immunized animals produced antibodies that shared similarities with bNAbs. Boosting these animals with other immunogens may drive these antibodies to further mutate into the longsought bNAbs. Chen
et al.
report that retaining the cytoplasmic domain of Env proteins may be important to attract bNAbs. Removing the cytoplasmic domain may distract the immune response and instead generate antibodies that target epitopes on Env that would not lead to protection.

Science
, this issue p.
139
,
10.1126/science.aac4223
, p.
156
; see also p.
191
Complete Genome Sequences of Field Isolates of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae
Authors: de la Fuente José , Díez-Delgado Iratxe , Contreras Marinela , Vicente Joaquín , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Manrique Marina , Tobes Raquel , López Vladimir , Romero Beatriz , Domínguez Lucas , Garrido Joseba M. , Juste Ramón , Gortazar Christian
Published: June 2015

Here we report the complete genome sequences of field isolates of
Mycobacterium bovis
and the related mycobacterial species,
Mycobacterium caprae
. The genomes of three
M. bovis
(MB1, MB3, MB4) and one
M. caprae
(MB2) field isolates with different virulence, prevalence, and host distribution phenotypes were sequenced.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Leviviridae
RNA Phages EC and MB Recovered from San Francisco Wastewater
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: June 2015

We report here the draft genome sequences of marine RNA phages EC and MB assembled from metagenomic sequencing of organisms in San Francisco wastewater. These phages showed moderate translated amino acid identity to other enterobacteria phages and appear to constitute novel members of the
Leviviridae
family.
Whole-Genome Sequences of 15 Strains of Staphylococcus aureus subsp.
aureus
Isolated from Foodstuff and Human Clinical Samples
Authors: Crovadore Julien , Calmin Gautier , Tonacini Jenna , Chablais Romain , Baumgartner Andreas , Schnyder Bruno , Hodille Elisabeth , Lefort François
Published: June 2015

The whole-genome sequences of 15 strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
(10 strains isolated from foodstuff samples in Switzerland and five from human clinical samples) were obtained by Illumina sequencing. Most strains fit within the known diversity for the species, but one (SA-120) possessed a higher G+C content and a higher number of genes than usual.
Metabolic Adaptations of Intracellullar Bacterial Pathogens and their Mammalian Host Cells during Infection (“Pathometabolism”)
Authors: Eisenreich Wolfgang , Heesemann Jürgen , Rudel Thomas , Goebel Werner
Published: June 2015

Several bacterial pathogens that cause severe infections in warm-blooded animals, including humans, have the potential to actively invade host cells and to efficiently replicate either in the cytosol or in specialized vacuoles of the mammalian cells. The interaction between these intracellular bacterial pathogens and the host cells always leads to multiple physiological changes in both interacting partners, including complex metabolic adaptation reactions aimed to promote proliferation of the pathogen within different compartments of the host cells. In this chapter, we discuss the necessary nutrients and metabolic pathways used by some selected cytosolic and vacuolar intracellular pathogens and - when available - the links between the intracellular bacterial metabolism and the expression of the virulence genes required for the intracellular bacterial replication cycle. Furthermore, we address the growing evidence that pathogen-specific factors may also trigger metabolic responses of the infected mammalian cells affecting the carbon and nitrogen metabolism as well as defense reactions. We also point out that many studies on the metabolic host cell responses induced by the pathogens have to be scrutinized due to the use of established cell lines as model host cells, as these cells are (in the majority) cancer cells that exhibit a dysregulated primary carbon metabolism. As the exact knowledge of the metabolic host cell responses may also provide new concepts for antibacterial therapies, there is undoubtedly an urgent need for host cell models that more closely reflect thein vivoinfection conditions.
Bacterial Metabolism in the Host Environment: Pathogen Growth and Nutrient Assimilation in the Mammalian Upper Respiratory Tract
Authors: Armstrong Sandra K.
Published: June 2015

Pathogens evolve in specific host niches and microenvironments that provide the physical and nutritional requirements conducive to their growth. In addition to using the host as a source of food, bacterial pathogens must avoid the immune response to their presence. The mammalian upper respiratory tract is a site that is exposed to the external environment, and is readily colonized by bacteria that live as resident flora or as pathogens. These bacteria can remain localized, descend to the lower respiratory tract, or traverse the epithelium to disseminate throughout the body. By virtue of their successful colonization of the respiratory epithelium, these bacteria obtain the nutrients needed for growth, either directly from host resources or from other microbes. This chapter describes the upper respiratory tract environment, including its tissue and mucosal structure, prokaryotic biota, and biochemical composition that would support microbial life.
Neisseria meningitidis
and the
Bordetella
species are discussed as examples of bacteria that have no known external reservoirs but have evolved to obligately colonize the mammalian upper respiratory tract.
Pathogenesis — Thoughts from the Front Line
Authors: Nataro James P.
Published: June 2015

The field of bacterial pathogenesis has advanced dramatically in the last decade. High throughput molecular technologies have empowered scientists as never before. However, there remain some limitations, misconceptions and ambiguities in the field that may bedevil even the experienced investigator. Here, I consider some of the unanswered questions that are not readily tractable to even the most powerful technology.
Sialic acid and N-acetylglucosamine Regulate type 1 Fimbriae Synthesis
Authors: Blomfield Ian C.
Published: June 2015

Type 1 fimbriae of
E. coli
, a chaperon-usher bacterial adhesin, are synthesized by the majority of strains of the bacterium. Although frequently produced by commensal strains, the adhesin is nevertheless a virulence factor in Extraintestinal Pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC). The role of the adhesin in pathogenesis is best understood in Uropathogenic
E. coli
(UPEC). Host attachment and invasion by type 1 fimbriate bacteria activates inflammatory pathways, with TLR4 signaling playing a predominant role. In a mouse model of cystitis, type 1 fimbriation not only enhances UPEC adherence to the surface of superficial umbrella cells of the bladder urothelium, but is both necessary and sufficient for their invasion. Moreover the adhesin plays a role in the formation of transient intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) within the cytoplasm of urothelial cells as part of UPEC cycles of invasion. The expression of type 1 fimbriation is controlled by phase variation at the transcriptional level, a mode of gene regulation in which bacteria switch reversibly between fimbriate and afimbriate phases. Phase variation has been widely considered to be a mechanism enabling immune evasion. Notwithstanding the apparently random nature of phase variation, switching of type 1 fimbrial expression is nevertheless controlled by a range of environmental signals that include the amino sugars sialic acid and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Sialic acid plays a pivotal role in innate immunity, including signaling by the toll-like receptors. Here how sialic acid and GlcNAc control type 1 fimbriation is described and the potential significance of this regulatory response is discussed.
Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) Toxins of
Vibrios
Authors: Satchell Karla J. F.
Published: June 2015

Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxins are a heterogeneous group of toxins found in a number of
Vibrio
species and other Gram-negative bacteria. The toxins are composed of conserved repeat regions and an autoprocessing protease domain that together function as a delivery platform for transfer of cytotoxic and cytopathic domains into target eukaryotic cell cytosol. Within the cells, the effectors can alter biological processes such as signaling or cytoskeletal structure, presumably to the benefit of the bacterium. Ten effector domains are found in the various
Vibrio
MARTX toxins, although any one toxin carries only two to five effector domains. The specific toxin variant expressed by a species can be modified by homologous recombination to acquire or lose effector domains, such that different strains within the same species can express distinct variants of the toxins. This review examines the conserved structural elements of the MARTX toxins and details the different toxin arrangements carried by
Vibrio
species and strains. The catalytic function of domains and how the toxins are linked to pathogenesis of human and animals is described.
Optimising the Pre-Operative Investigative Work Up for Elective Surgical Patients
Authors: Hack-Adams Nadine , king natalie , Ahuja Manisha , M Higgs Simon
Published: June 2015

Effective pre-operative assessment of patients awaiting elective surgery should entail appropriate use of scarce NHS resources, as well as underpin patient safety. The pre-operative admissions service in district general hospitals is often junior doctor led, with a new cohort of clinicians taking over its running every four months. Lack of familiarity on the part of these clinicians with the investigative work up required for certain surgical procedures often results in over investigation of patients in the pre-admission setting, wasting time and NHS resources. A retrospective audit of 53 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a representative two month period demonstrated that 33% of patients received unnecessary pre-admission blood tests, including clotting screen and 'group and save'. Design and implementation of a “Pre-Admission Handbook”, for use by junior doctors and nurse practitioners in the pre-operative setting, reduced the rate of over investigation to 12% in a subsequent, prospective audit cycle of 50 patients, and has improved patient care by standardising the pre-admissions process for elective surgery at Gloucester Royal Hospital.
Does the level of socioeconomic deprivation at the location of cardiac arrest in an English region influence the likelihood of receiving bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation?
Authors: Moncur Lyle , Ainsborough Neil , Ghose Rajiv , Kendal Simon Peter , Salvatori Marcus , Wright John
Published: June 2015

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of mortality. Administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a bystander witnessing a cardiac arrest has been shown to increase the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation and survival. This study analyses the association between the socioeconomic status of the location where a person suffers a cardiac arrest and the proportion of victims with OHCA receiving bystander CPR.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all OHCAs occurring in North East England from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011: data obtained from the North East Cardiac Arrest Network Registry.

Results

Of 3179 OHCAs with an attempt at resuscitation, 623 patients received bystander-initiated CPR (19.6%). From quintile (Q) 1 to Q5 (most deprived to least deprived), bystander-initiated CPR rates increased from 14.5% to 23.3% (p for trend <0.001). Patients in the least deprived quintile were significantly more likely to receive bystander-initiated CPR when compared with those in the most deprived quintile (OR=1.78, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.39, p≤0.001).

Conclusions

Increasing socioeconomic status at the location of cardiac arrest is positively associated with the likelihood of bystander CPR for OHCA in this region of England.
Cross‐border transport of rescue dogs may spread rabies in Europe
Authors: Klevar S. , Høgåsen H. R. , Davidson R. K. , Hamnes I. S. , Treiberg Berndtsson L. , Lund A.
Published: June 2015

Harmonisation of regulations in the European Union and the European Economic Area, as of January 1, 2012, has led to an increase in the number of rescue dogs imported to Norway from Eastern European countries, in particular Romania. Today the only requirements for dogs entering Norway are rabies vaccination and prophylactic Echinococcus multilocularis treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibody levels to rabies virus in vaccinated rescue dogs and to examine if the dogs had sufficient antibody response according to the recommended titre ≥0.5 IU/ml by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). A significant proportion (53%, 95% CI (41% to 65%)) of imported rescue dogs from Eastern Europe were found to have inadequate titres after rabies vaccination. Moreover, 41 per cent of the dogs had antibody levels below or equal to 0.2 IU/ml, and among these, 14 dogs had titres ≤0.1 IU/ml, which is considered negative in the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation assay. This study indicates that the present regulation increases the risk of introducing rabies from member states where rabies is still prevalent to countries considered free from rabies.
Towards a scholarship of primary health care
Authors: May Stephen
Published: June 2015

For too long, in contrast to human medicine, the veterinary profession has failed to celebrate the achievements of first opinion practice and those responsible for its delivery. Stephen May believes it is time to put that right.
Determining the velocities and angles for a free kick problem
Authors: Pakdemirli Mehmet , Aksoy Yiğit
Published: June 2015

The free kick problem is considered for three distinct cases: (i) no air drag or lift, (ii) linear drag, and (iii) linear drag and lift. For the first case, closed form formulas are derived for the initial velocities and angles. For the second case, two coupled algebraic equations written from the trajectory equation are given and solved numerically for the initial velocities and angles. For the third case, the equations of motion are solved approximately using perturbation techniques assuming the lift coefficient to be small compared to the drag coefficient. Because the time variable cannot be eliminated between the equations, four coupled sets of algebraic equations are solved numerically for the initial velocities and angles. All three results are compared with each other and the influences of drag and lift coefficients on the velocities and angles are outlined.
Hepatic TLR4 signaling in obese NAFLD
Authors: Sharifnia Torfay , Antoun Joseph , Verriere Thomas G. C. , Suarez Giovanni , Wattacheril Julia , Wilson Keith T. , Peek Richard M. , Abumrad Naji N. , Flynn Charles R.
Published: June 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs frequently in the setting of metabolic syndrome, but the factors leading to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are not fully understood. This study investigated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in human liver with the goal of delineating whether activation of this pathway segregates those with nonalcoholic fatty liver from those with NASH. Experiments were performed using liver biopsy tissue obtained from class III obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery, and extended to an immortalized human hepatocyte HepaRG cell line and primary human hepatocytes. The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and total free fatty acid levels were significantly increased in plasma of NASH patients. TLR4 mRNA levels were significantly increased in subjects with NASH compared with NAFL as was interferon regulatory factor ( IRF) 3 in the myeloid differentiation factor 88-independent signaling pathway. In HepaRG cells, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation and functional activity increased following treatment with the fatty acid, palmitate, and following exposure to LPS compared with hepatocytes stimulated with a lipogenic treatment that induced de novo lipogenesis. Palmitate and LPS induction of NF-κB activity was partially attenuated by chemical- or small-interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of TLR4. Expression of TLR4 and its downstream mediators was upregulated with palmitate and LPS. Similar results were observed using primary human hepatocytes from a lean donor. Interestingly, NF-κB activity assays showed obese donor hepatocytes were resistant to chemical TLR4 inhibition. In conclusion, TLR4 expression is upregulated in a large cohort of NASH patients, compared with those with NAFL, and this occurs within the setting of increased LPS and fatty acids.
Impact of SCP-2/SCP-x gene ablation and dietary cholesterol on hepatic lipid accumulation
Authors: Klipsic Devon , Landrock Danilo , Martin Gregory G. , McIntosh Avery L. , Landrock Kerstin K. , Mackie John T. , Schroeder Friedhelm , Kier Ann B.
Published: June 2015

While a high-cholesterol diet induces hepatic steatosis, the role of intracellular sterol carrier protein-2/sterol carrier protein-x (SCP-2/SCP-x) proteins is unknown. We hypothesized that ablating SCP-2/SCP-x [double knockout (DKO)] would impact hepatic lipids (cholesterol and cholesteryl ester), especially in high-cholesterol-fed mice. DKO did not alter food consumption, and body weight (BW) gain decreased especially in females, concomitant with hepatic steatosis in females and less so in males. DKO-induced steatosis in control-fed wild-type (WT) mice was associated with 1) loss of SCP-2; 2) upregulation of liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP); 3) increased mRNA and/or protein levels of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP1 and SREBP2) as well as increased expression of target genes of cholesterol synthesis ( Hmgcs1 and Hmgcr) and fatty acid synthesis ( Acc1 and Fas); and 4) cholesteryl ester accumulation was also associated with increased acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-2 (ACAT2) in males. DKO exacerbated the high-cholesterol diet-induced hepatic cholesterol and glyceride accumulation, without further increasing SREBP1, SREBP2, or target genes. This exacerbation was associated both with loss of SCP-2 and concomitant downregulation of Ceh/Hsl, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), MTP, and/or L-FABP protein expression. DKO diminished the ability to secrete excess cholesterol into bile and oxidize cholesterol to bile acid for biliary excretion, especially in females. This suggested that SCP-2/SCP-x affects cholesterol transport to particular intracellular compartments, with ablation resulting in less to the endoplasmic reticulum for SREBP regulation, making more available for cholesteryl ester synthesis, for cholesteryl-ester storage in lipid droplets, and for bile salt synthesis and/or secretion. These alterations are significant findings, since they affect key processes in regulation of sterol metabolism.
Urinary excretion of lipid mediators in response to repeated eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Bood Johan R. , Sundblad Britt-Marie , Delin Ingrid , Sjödin Marcus , Larsson Kjell , Anderson Sandra D. , Wheelock Craig E. , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Dahlén Barbro
Published: June 2015

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction displays refractoriness manifested as a decreased response to repeated exercise challenge within hours. The refractoriness may be attenuated by inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PG). The aim of the study was to determine which PGs and other lipid mediators are excreted during the refractory period. First, 16 subjects with mild stable asthma performed two repeated 4-min challenges with eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) 1 and 3 h apart. There was a similar degree of refractoriness in both protocols (∼15% protection). The 1-h interval was too short to study mediator excretion because the urinary levels did not return to baseline before the second challenge. With the 3-h protocol, there was increased urinary excretion of cysteinyl-leukotrienes and metabolites of the mast cell product PGD2after both challenges. Next, another eight subjects performed two 6-min challenges with EVH 3 h apart, which produced a greater bronchoconstrictor response than the 4-min protocol (30.0 ± 5.4 vs. 17.7 ± 1.5%; P = 0.0029) and a greater degree of refractoriness (∼30%). Analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry confirmed excretion of the bronchoconstrictor cysteinyl-leukotrienes and PGD2during both challenges. In addition, there was increased excretion of the bronchoprotective PGE2, and also of the main metabolite of PGI2. This is the first report of excretion of PGE2and PGI2during the refractory period to EVH challenge, suggesting that they may mediate the refractoriness. Maintained excretion of PGD2and leukotriene E4following the repeat challenge argues against mast cell mediator depletion as the mechanism of refractoriness.
Effects of sleeping with reduced carbohydrate availability on acute training responses
Authors: Lane Stephen C. , Camera Donny M. , Lassiter David Gray , Areta José L. , Bird Stephen R. , Yeo Wee Kian , Jeacocke Nikki A. , Krook Anna , Zierath Juleen R. , Burke Louise M. , Hawley John A.
Published: June 2015

We determined the effects of “periodized nutrition” on skeletal muscle and whole body responses to a bout of prolonged exercise the following morning. Seven cyclists completed two trials receiving isoenergetic diets differing in the timing of ingestion: they consumed either 8 g/kg body mass (BM) of carbohydrate (CHO) before undertaking an evening session of high-intensity training (HIT) and slept without eating (FASTED), or consumed 4 g/kg BM of CHO before HIT, then 4 g/kg BM of CHO before sleeping (FED). The next morning subjects completed 2 h of cycling (120SS) while overnight fasted. Muscle biopsies were taken on day 1 (D1) before and 2 h after HIT and on day 2 (D2) pre-, post-, and 4 h after 120SS. Muscle [glycogen] was higher in FED at all times post-HIT ( P < 0.001). The cycling bouts increased PGC1α mRNA and PDK4 mRNA ( P < 0.01) in both trials, with PDK4 mRNA being elevated to a greater extent in FASTED ( P < 0.05). Resting phosphorylation of AMPKThr172, p38MAPKThr180/Tyr182, and p-ACCSer79 (D2) was greater in FASTED ( P < 0.05). Fat oxidation during 120SS was higher in FASTED ( P = 0.01), coinciding with increases in ACCSer79 and CPT1 as well as mRNA expression of CD36 and FABP3 ( P < 0.05). Methylation on the gene promoter for COX4I1 and FABP3 increased 4 h after 120SS in both trials, whereas methylation of the PPARδ promoter increased only in FASTED. We provide evidence for shifts in DNA methylation that correspond with inverse changes in transcription for metabolically adaptive genes, although delaying postexercise feeding failed to augment markers of mitochondrial biogenesis.
Synthesis of Spherical Bi2WO6 Nanoparticles by a Hydrothermal Route and Their Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Wang B. , Yang H. , Xian T. , Di L. J. , Li R. S. , Wang X. X.
Published: June 2015

Spherical Bi2WO6 nanoparticles were synthesized by a hydrothermal route. SEM observation shows that the size of the particles ranges from 60 to 120 nm and the average particle size is ~85 nm. TEM investigation shows that the particles are made up of subgrains with size of 5–10 nm. The bandgap energy of the particles is measured to be 2.93 eV by ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. RhB was chosen as the target pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the particles under irradiation of simulated sunlight, revealing that they exhibit an obvious photocatalytic activity. The effects of ethanol, KI, and BQ on the photocatalytic efficiency of Bi2WO6 particles towards the RhB degradation were investigated. It is observed that ethanol has no effect on the photocatalytic degradation of RhB, whereas KI and BQ exhibit a substantial suppression of RhB degradation. No hydroxyl (•OH) is found, by the photoluminescence technique using terephthalic acid as a probe molecule, to be produced over the irradiated Bi2WO6 particles. Based on the experimental results, photoexcited hole (h+) and superoxide (•) are suggested to be the two main active species responsible for the dye degradation, while •OH plays a negligible role in the photocatalysis.
Transmission of Impact Vibration on Concrete and Mortar Sheets
Authors: Morón Carlos , García Alfonso , Ferrández Daniel , Blanco Víctor
Published: June 2015

The present work exposes an alternative system for detecting vibrations generated by impact on concrete and mortar sheets. In order to carry out the tests it is necessary to implement a system of measurement different than the one proposed by the current UNE EN 140-7. This system consists of an amplifier and a striking device that is also able to measure the deformation of the material once the impact has been produced. This system is able to detect variations in transmission of vibration at the same frequency between the various building materials employed, after establishing a relationship between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results. Thus, this system could be used as a vibration detection system and as an alternative method of standardization of materials against their acoustic characteristics.
The Complex Role of STAT3 in Viral Infections
Authors: Kuchipudi Suresh V.
Published: June 2015

Signal transducer and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) regulates diverse biological functions including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition, STAT3 plays a key role in regulating host immune and inflammatory responses and in the pathogenesis of many cancers. Several studies reported differential regulation of STAT3 in a range of viral infections. Interestingly, STAT3 appears to direct seemingly contradictory responses and both pro- and antiviral roles of STAT3 have been described. This review summarized the currently known functions of STAT3 in the regulation of viral replication and pathogenesis of viral infections. Some of the key unanswered questions and the gap in our current understanding of the role of STAT3 in viral pathogenesis are discussed.
Graphene Platelets as Morphology Tailoring Additive in Carbon Nanotube Transparent and Flexible Electrodes for Heating Applications
Authors: Wroblewski Grzegorz , Kielbasinski Konrad , Stapinski Tomasz , Jaglarz Janusz , Marszalek Konstanty , Swatowska Barbara , Dybowska-Sarapuk Lucja , Jakubowska Malgorzata
Published: June 2015

Flexible and transparent electrodes were fabricated with spray coating technique from paints based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes with the addition of graphene platelets. The work presents the influence of graphene platelets on the paints rheology and layers morphology, which has a strong connection to the electrooptical parameters of the electrodes. The paints rheology affects the atomization during spray coating and later the leveling of the coating on the substrate. Both technological aspects shape the morphology of the electrode and the distribution of nanoparticles in the coating. All these factors influence the sheet resistance and roughness, which is linked to the optical transmission and absorbance. In our research the electrode was applied as a transparent and elastic heating element with 68% optical transmission at 550 nm wavelength and 8.4 kΩ/□ sheet resistance. The elastic heating element was tested with a thermal camera at the 3 diverse supply voltages −20, 30, and 60 VDC. The test successfully confirmed and supported our proposed uses of elaborated electrodes.
Chemical, Bioactive, and Antioxidant Potential of Twenty Wild Culinary Mushroom Species
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Gautam N.
Published: June 2015

The chemical, bioactive, and antioxidant potential of twenty wild culinary mushroom species being consumed by the people of northern Himalayan regions has been evaluated for the first time in the present study. Nutrients analyzed include protein, crude fat, fibres, carbohydrates, and monosaccharides. Besides, preliminary study on the detection of toxic compounds was done on these species. Bioactive compounds evaluated are fatty acids, amino acids, tocopherol content, carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanidins. Fruitbodies extract of all the species was tested for different types of antioxidant assays. Although differences were observed in the net values of individual species all the species were found to be rich in protein, and carbohydrates and low in fat. Glucose was found to be the major monosaccharide. Predominance of UFA (65–70%) over SFA (30–35%) was observed in all the species with considerable amounts of other bioactive compounds. All the species showed higher effectiveness for antioxidant capacities.
EG‐Assisted Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Ultrathin Carbon‐Coated LiMnPO4 Nanoplates as Cathodes in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Su Liwei , Sha Yali , Jiang Jingkang , Wang Lianbang , Wang Yuanhao
Published: June 2015

Ultrathin carbon‐coated LiMnPO4 (ULMP/C) nanoplates were prepared through an ethylene glycol‐ (EG‐) assisted pyrolysis method. Different from most of LiMnPO4/C works, the obtained ULMP/C possessed relatively small particle size (less than 50 nm in thickness) and preferable carbon coating (~1 nm in thickness, 2 wt.%). As a reference, LiMnPO4/C (LMP/C) composites were also fabricated via the traditional hydrothermal method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), galvanostatic charge‐discharge, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were performed to characterize the crystalline phase, morphology, structure, carbon content, and electrochemical behaviors of samples. The electrochemical performance of bare and carbon‐coated LiMnPO4 was evaluated as cathodes in lithium ion batteries. As a result, the obtained ULMP/C nanoplates demonstrated much higher reversible capacities (110.9 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.1 C) and rate performances than pure LMP and LMP/C composites. This facile and efficient EG‐assisted pyrolysis method can enlighten us on exploiting advanced routes to modify active materials with ultrathin and homogeneous carbon layers.
Impact of a Simulation-Based Communication Workshop on Resident Preparedness for End-of-Life Communication in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Markin Abraham , Cabrera-Fernandez Diego F. , Bajoka Rebecca M. , Noll Samantha M. , Drake Sean M. , Awdish Rana L. , Buick Dana S. , Kokas Maria S. , Chasteen Kristen A. , Mendez Michael P.
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Although residents frequently lead end-of-life (EOL) discussions in the intensive care unit (ICU), training in EOL care during residency has been required only recently, and few educational interventions target EOL communication in the ICU. This study evaluated a simulation-based intervention designed to improve resident EOL communication skills with families in the ICU.Methods. Thirty-four second-year internal medicine residents at a large urban teaching hospital participated in small group sessions with faculty trained in the “VitalTalk” method. A Likert-type scale questionnaire measured self-assessed preparedness before, immediately following, and approximately 9 months after intervention. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum analysis.Results. Self-assessed preparedness significantly improved for all categories surveyed (preintervention mean; postintervention mean;pvalue), including discussing bad news (3.3; 4.2;p<0.01), conducting a family conference (3.1; 4.1;p<0.01), discussing treatment options (3.2; 3.9;p<0.01), discussing discontinuing ICU treatments (2.9; 3.5;p<0.01), and expressing empathy (3.9; 4.5;p<0.01). Improvement persisted at follow-up for all items except “expressing empathy.” Residents rated the educational quality highly.Conclusion. This study provides evidence that brief simulation-based interventions can produce lasting improvements in residents’ confidence to discuss EOL care with family members of patients in the ICU.
Whole Lung Irradiation in Adults with Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma: Practice Patterns and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Tanguturi Shyam K. , George Suzanne , Marcus Karen J. , Demetri George D. , Baldini Elizabeth H.
Published: June 2015

Background. Whole lung irradiation (WLI) is a standard treatment component for children with metastatic Ewing Sarcoma (ES), but data on WLI for adults are sparse.Design. An email survey was sent to expert sarcoma-dedicated oncologists worldwide:An adult with excellent performance status presents with primary ES in the leg and multiple pulmonary metastases. The patient achieves complete radiographic response after chemotherapy and resection of the primary. Would you give bilateral WLI to (1) this adult patient?, (2) this patient if 20 years old (yo)?, (3) this patient if 45 yo?, or (4) this patient if 60 yo? Results. 38 experts responded, including 24 adult, 1 adolescent young adult, and 13 pediatric oncologists. 63%, 63%, 62%, and 50% of respondents offered WLI to the adult, 20-year-old, 45-year-old, and 60-year-old, respectively. Pediatric oncologists more likely endorsed WLI across all ages including the adult (P=0.01), 20-year-old (P=0.005), 45-year-old (P=0.01), and 60-year-old (P=0.08). There were no significant differences between medical and radiation oncologists or between European/Australian and American providers.Conclusions. Almost two-thirds of experts surveyed supported WLI for adults with metastatic ES up to age 45 and half supported WLI for a 60-year-old. Continued collaboration across adult and pediatric oncology is needed to define evidence-based strategies across the age spectrum.