bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrazine Radical Cations as a Catalyst for the Aerobic Oxidation of Amines
Authors: Brisar Rok , Hollmann Dirk , Mejia Esteban
Published: August 2017

An efficient and green synthetic method for the preparation of N,N‐disubstituted tetramethylpyrazinium radical cations was developed, which does not require any solvent or strong alkylating agents. The investigation by UV/Vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy proved the stability of the prepared radical cation. Moreover, it was shown for the first time that the prepared N,N‐disubstituted tetramethylpyrazine can act as a powerful metal‐free catalyst for the selective oxidative homocoupling of amines to the corresponding imines under solvent‐free conditions. Furthermore, oxygen or even air can be employed as an efficient oxidative reagent.
Allosteric modulation of α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Desformylflustrabromine potentiates antiallodynic response of nicotine in a mouse model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Bagdas D. , Ergun D. , Jackson A. , Toma W. , Schulte M.K. , Damaj M.I.
Published: August 2017

Background

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand‐gated ion channels. The α4β2 subtype of nAChRs plays an important role in the mediation of pain and several nicotine‐evoked responses. Agonists and partial agonists of α4β2 nAChRs show efficacy in animal pain models. In addition, the antinociceptive properties of nicotine, a non‐selective nAChR agonist with a high affinity for α4β2 nAChRs, is well‐known. There is a growing body of evidence pointing to allosteric modulation of nAChRs as an alternative treatment strategy in experimental pain. Desformylflustrabromine (dFBr) is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) at α4β2 nAChRs that enhances agonist responses without activating receptors. We hypothesized that dFBr may enhance nicotine‐induced antinociception.

Methods

The present study investigated whether dFBr could attenuate mouse chronic constriction injury (CCI)‐induced neuropathic pain by increasing endogenous cholinergic tone or potentiating the nicotine‐evoked antiallodynic response.

Results

We found that subcutaneous administration of dFBr failed to reduce pain behaviour on its own. However, the combination of dFBr with nicotine significantly reversed neuropathic pain behaviour dose‐ and time‐dependently without motor impairment. Our data revealed that this effect was mediated by the α4β2 nAChRs by using competitive α4β2 antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine. In addition, dFBr failed to potentiate the antiallodynic effect of morphine, which shows the effect of dFBr is unique to α4β2 nAChRs.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that allosteric modulation of α4β2 nAChR may provide new strategies in chronic neuropathic pain.

Significance

α4β2 nAChRs are involved in pain modulation. dFBr, a PAM at α4β2 nAChRs, potentiates the nicotine response dose‐dependently in neuropathic pain. Thus, the present results suggest that allosteric modulation of α4β2* nAChR may provide new strategies in chronic neuropathic pain.
Evaluating hydrologic performance of bioretention cells in shallow groundwater
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chui Ting Fong May
Published: August 2017

Bioretention cells, which are generally effective in controlling surface runoff and recharging groundwater, have been widely adopted as low impact development practices. However, shallow groundwater has limited their implementation in some locations due to the potential problems of a reduction in surface runoff control, groundwater pollution, and continuous groundwater drainage through the underdrain. Many guidelines have established minimum requirements for the groundwater depth below bioretention cells, but they may not be optimized for certain environmental conditions and bioretention cell designs. This study made use of a variably saturated flow model to examine the hydrologic performance of a single bioretention cell in shallow groundwater with event‐based simulations, considering a wide range of initial groundwater depths, media and in situ soil types, surface runoff loads, and underdrain sizes. Performance indicators (e.g., runoff reduction, time for infiltrated water to reach the bioretention cell bottom and the groundwater table, and height and dissipation time of groundwater mound) were evaluated to examine the processes of runoff generation, the formation and dissipation of groundwater mounds, and the bioretention cell's performance in a shallow groundwater environment. The most influential factors were the initial groundwater depth, the hydraulic conductivity of the media soil, and the rainfall runoff load. With a deeper initial groundwater table, infiltrated water took longer to reach the bioretention cell bottom and groundwater table. Groundwater mounds, however, took longer to dissipate even though they were smaller. The groundwater quality can be better protected if relatively less‐permeable soil types (e.g., sandy loam) are used as the media, although it may compromise the performance in runoff quantity control. However, only very high surface runoff loads would cause concerns regarding a reduction in runoff quantity control and possible groundwater contamination due to the shallow groundwater. A distance of 1.5–3 m between the bioretention cell bottom and the groundwater table is generally sufficient. The results of this study could help to guide the planning and design of bioretention cells in areas of shallow groundwater.
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and clinical laboratory tests: When, why, and what is expected?
Authors: Zhang Zhanhu , Hu Wenjie , Li Linlin , Ding Hongxia , Li Haibo
Published: August 2017

Background

We herein provide an overview of the clinical laboratory tests that should be performed before, during and after using therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and the clinical laboratory tests that may be affected by mAbs.

Methods

The labels of FDA‐approved therapeutic mAbs were downloaded from DailyMed (the official website for drug labels) and were used as the sources of data for this review.

Results

It was found that most of the labels provided information relevant to the clinical laboratory tests, including the tests needed before mAbs treatment to check the patients’ background status and to identify potentially sensitive patients, the tests needed during or after the treatment to evaluate the patients’ response, and the mAbs that may lead to false positive or negative results for clinical laboratory tests.

Conclusions

The present findings will be of interest to physicians, laboratory scientists, those involved in drug development and surveillance and individuals making health care policy.
Computationally efficient modeling for assessing the energy efficiency of electric drivetrains using convex formulations
Authors: Vandeputte Matthias , De Keyser Arne , Crevecoeur Guillaume
Published: August 2017

High‐fidelity models capturing the dynamical behavior can be engaged for the analysis of complex mechatronic systems. Determining the optimal control parameters and design characteristics of such systems necessitates solving multiple interconnected models acting on their respective physical domains and time scales. In this paper, high‐fidelity physics‐based models are constructed for several electrical subsystems. Loss mechanisms in the various components are inferred because these are key when performing optimal design and control in terms of energy‐efficient conversion from power source to actuation. The complexity of the analyzed models is then reduced by introducing convex approximations for the occurring dissipation during power transfers, allowing abstracting the complicated dynamic behavior into a tractable convex formulation, specifically suited for time‐efficient numerical simulation. The effectiveness of the strategy is demonstrated on a case study originating from the field of all‐electric vehicles, embodying a series interconnection of a battery stack, a buck‐boost converter, a voltage source inverter, and an asynchronous electric motor. Results show that the dynamic simulation of the proposed system, composed of multiple time scales, can be reliably computed using the composed convex mappings, hereby reducing the computational time approximately by a factor 461, compromising only 1.8% accuracy regarding energy consumption assessment. The introduced convex formulation can therefore constitute the foundation for optimal control and design of complex mechatronic drives.
GCM‐related uncertainty in forecasting irrigation and design water requirement for paddy rice fields
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hyun , Yoo Seung‐Hwan , Choi Jin‐Yong , Hwang Syewoon
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to identify the global circulation model (GCM)‐related uncertainties regarding the climate‐change impacts that affect the water management in paddy rice fields. The crop evapotranspiration, effective rainfall, net irrigation water requirement (NIWR), and design water requirement (DWR) were simulated from 1981 to 2100 using 36 climate‐change outputs of 23 GCMs. In particular, the DWR indicates the NIWR of a drought with a 10‐year return period, which is used for the design of an agricultural reservoir in the Republic of Korea. The NIWR is the main factor for determining irrigation water supply and managing agricultural water resource. The average changes of the NIWR compared with the periods from 1981 to 2014 are from 5.2 to 8.3% in the central region and from 3.2 to 6.1% in the southern region under RCP (representative concentration pathways) 4.5. The largest increase from the average NIWR was simulated by the MIROC‐ESM (745.8 mm year−1). These results showed that the selection of GCM could lead to overestimates or underestimates of the potential impacts of climate change. Therefore, water managers should consider that each GCM simulated a different NIWR to enable the application of the appropriate GCMs for drought management, water‐resource development, or irrigation supply. Under the GCMS variations, an NIWR was identified, thereby allowing for a DWR estimation for which multi‐GCMs were used. Under RCP 4.5, the DWR gradually increased in future periods compared with the trends from 1981 to 2014, and the average rates increased 9.4% and 6.0% in the central and southern regions, respectively. The results showed that if the capacity of an agricultural water‐resource facility is maintained at its present status, an increase of the DWR may lead to water‐supply shortage.
Isocyanate‐Free, UV‐Crosslinked Poly(Hydroxyurethane) Networks: A Sustainable Approach toward Highly Functional Antibacterial Gels
Authors: Hua Geng , Odelius Karin
Published: August 2017

An increased sustainabile awarness has inspired the development of new polymeric networks in a remarkable way and this strive should be combined with environmentally concerned end‐uses. Therefore, a UV‐crosslinked polyhydroxyurethane film with antibacterial properties is developed. First, a hydroxyurethane precursor is synthesized using aminolysis condensation, circumventing the use of isocyanates. The films are subsequently crosslinked under solvent‐free conditions through a UV‐triggered thiol‐ene mechanism. The reactions are monitored by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and the networks have gel contents above 90%, and are transparent, hydrophilic, and highly flexible. Antibacterial properties are achieved by a controlled quaternization of the network's tertiary‐amine and methylation of thiol‐ether functionality, resulting in quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and sulfonium compounds. The antibacterial properties are evaluated against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar plate diffusion and tube shaking methods. The QAC‐loaded films exhibit outstanding bactericide properties (>99.9%) and the antibacterial mechanism is demonstrated to be a dual killing mechanism, i.e., diffusion killing and contact active killing.
Design of Random and Semi‐Random Conjugated Polymers for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Howard Jenna B. , Thompson Barry C.
Published: August 2017

Significant effort has been devoted to the improvement of organic solar cell performance via the optimization of polymer structure. The expanding scope of conjugated polymer design extends from novel monomers to side‐chain and backbone engineering. These efforts target desired properties for optimal organic photovoltaic performance, including electronic aspects such as optical band gaps, frontier orbital levels, and charge carrier mobilities, as well as physical aspects such as surface energy. Perfectly alternating, donor‐acceptor copolymers represent the state‐of‐the‐art, having low band gaps and demonstrating record efficiencies. However, recent reports indicate significant potential by introducing some degree of randomization to donor‐acceptor copolymers. Specifically, semi‐random copolymers have demonstrated promising photovoltaic performance through incorporation of small ratios of acceptor monomers into a donor‐dominant polymer backbone. Semi‐random polymers have also been found uniquely suited to the optimization of ternary blend solar cells, which benefit from highly tunable randomized structures by means of energy level matching, complementary optical absorption, and directed polymer‐polymer miscibility via surface energy tuning. In this trend article the scope of random and semi‐random polymers, many based on poly(3‐hexyl thiophene), is explored, primarily in the context of solar cell applications. Distinctions between regimes of random copolymers are also defined and discussed.
The Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Butia sp.: A Systematic Review and an Overview of the Technological Monitoring Process
Authors: Schneider Lara Rodrigues , dos Santos Daniela Coelho , Campos Angela Diniz , Lund Rafael Guerra
Published: August 2017

The Butia sp. are native South America trees, whose fruits are consumed in natura and have significant biological properties; however, trees of this genus plant are in danger of extinction. A systematic review of the literature and a technological overview were carried out to summarize the available evidence on the therapeutic uses and the phytochemical compounds of Butia sp. The following electronic databases were researched: MedLine (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and the gray literature. Furthermore, the online system such as the US Patent and Trademark Office, Espacenet, National Institute of Industrial Property, and Google Patents were accessed to obtain patent data. The inclusion criteria were articles that describe either the therapeutic uses of Butia sp. (antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, anti‐inflammatory activity, antineoplastic activity) or studies describing phytochemical compounds of Butia sp. A limited amount of manual search was also undertaken. Reference lists were scanned to identify other relevant studies, and requests for unpublished data were conducted to people working in the field. Among 12 papers and 14 patents, 9 complete texts of scientific articles and 1 patent were scrutinised by two reviewers. We concluded that Butia has shown some antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, and its use could have important implications for future therapeutic uses. Although there is evidence of pharmacological potential from in vitro studies, clinical studies must be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of Butia sp. The evidence of its therapeutic uses has not been extensively studied yet, and the available evidence still needs further confirmation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Notes on the overlap measure as an alternative to the Youden index: How are they related?
Authors: Samawi Hani M. , Yin Jingjing , Rochani Haresh , Panchal Viral
Published: August 2017

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is frequently used to evaluate and compare diagnostic tests. As one of the ROC summary indices, the Youden index measures the effectiveness of a diagnostic marker and enables the selection of an optimal threshold value (cut‐off point) for the marker. Recently, the overlap coefficient, which captures the similarity between 2 distributions directly, has been considered as an alternative index for determining the diagnostic performance of markers. In this case, a larger overlap indicates worse diagnostic accuracy, and vice versa. This paper provides a graphical demonstration and mathematical derivation of the relationship between the Youden index and the overlap coefficient and states their advantages over the most popular diagnostic measure, the area under the ROC curve. Furthermore, we outline the differences between the Youden index and overlap coefficient and identify situations in which the overlap coefficient outperforms the Youden index. Numerical examples and real data analysis are provided.
Electric and Mechanical Switching of Ferroelectric and Resistive States in Semiconducting BaTiO3–δ Films on Silicon
Authors: Gómez Andrés , Vila‐Fungueiriño José Manuel , Moalla Rahma , Saint‐Girons Guillaume , Gázquez Jaume , Varela María , Bachelet Romain , Gich Martí , Rivadulla Francisco , Carretero‐Genevrier Adrián
Published: August 2017

Materials that can couple electrical and mechanical properties constitute a key element of smart actuators, energy harvesters, or many sensing devices. Within this class, functional oxides display specific mesoscale responses which often result in great sensitivity to small external stimuli. Here, a novel combination of molecular beam epitaxy and a water‐based chemical‐solution method is used for the design of mechanically controlled multilevel device integrated on silicon. In particular, the possibility of adding extra functionalities to a ferroelectric oxide heterostructure by n‐doping and nanostructuring a BaTiO3 thin film on Si(001) is explored. It is found that the ferroelectric polarization can be reversed, and resistive switching can be measured, upon a mechanical load in epitaxial BaTiO3−δ/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3/Si columnar nanostructures. A flexoelectric effect is found, stemming from substantial strain gradients that can be created with moderate loads. Simultaneously, mechanical effects on the local conductivity can be used to modulate a nonvolatile resistive state of the BaTiO3−δ heterostructure. As a result, three different configurations of the system become accessible on top of the usual voltage reversal of polarization and resistive states.
Piconewton‐Scale Analysis of Ras‐BRaf Signal Transduction with Single‐Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Lim Chae‐Seok , Wen Cheng , Sheng Yanghui , Wang Guangfu , Zhou Zhuan , Wang Shiqiang , Zhang Huaye , Ye Anpei , Zhu J. Julius
Published: August 2017

Intermolecular interactions dominate the behavior of signal transduction in various physiological and pathological cell processes, yet assessing these interactions remains a challenging task. Here, this study reports a single‐molecule force spectroscopic method that enables functional delineation of two interaction sites (≈35 pN and ≈90 pN) between signaling effectors Ras and BRaf in the canonical mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This analysis reveals mutations on BRaf at Q257 and A246, two sites frequently linked to cardio‐faciocutaneous syndrome, result in ≈10−30 pN alterations in RasBRaf intermolecular binding force. The magnitude of changes in RasBRaf binding force correlates with the size of alterations in protein affinity and in α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)‐sensitive glutamate receptor (‐R)‐mediated synaptic transmission in neurons expressing replacement BRaf mutants, and predicts the extent of learning impairments in animals expressing replacement BRaf mutants. These results establish single‐molecule force spectroscopy as an effective platform for evaluating the piconewton‐level interaction of signaling molecules and predicting the behavior outcome of signal transduction.
Residual flexural strengths of steel fiber reinforced concrete with multiple hooked‐end fibers
Authors: Venkateshwaran Akshay , Tan Kiang Hwee , Li Yi
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the results of 3‐point bending tests on 69 prenotched steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) prisms conducted in accordance with EN 14651 to obtain the stress versus crack‐mouth‐opening displacement curves. SFRC prisms with fiber content greater than 20 kg/m3 and containing multiple hooked‐end fibers were found to exhibit deflection hardening behavior in bending after first crack. Based on the test results, empirical models to determine the residual flexural stresses are established through multiple regression analysis and further validated with test results available in the literature. The residual flexural strengths were found to be proportional to the reinforcing index, the square root of concrete compressive strength, and the square of the number of hooks at the fiber ends. Size effect is accounted for by introducing a factor which is a function of the fiber length. The empirical equations for the residual flexural strengths enable the use of Model Code 2010 constitutive relation for SFRC in tension without resorting to prism tests.
Crosstalk between transcription and metabolism: how much enzyme is enough for a cell?
Authors: Donati Stefano , Sander Timur , Link Hannes
Published: August 2017

Cells employ various mechanisms for dynamic control of enzyme expression. An important mechanism is mutual feedback—or crosstalk—between transcription and metabolism. As recently suggested, enzyme levels are often much higher than absolutely needed to maintain metabolic flux. However, given the potential burden of high enzyme levels it seems likely that cells control enzyme expression to meet other cellular objectives. In this review, we discuss whether crosstalk between metabolism and transcription could inform cells about how much enzyme is optimal for various fitness aspects. Two major problems should be addressed in order to understand optimization of enzyme levels by crosstalk. First, mapping of metabolite–protein interactions will be crucial to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of crosstalk. Second, investigating cellular objectives that define optimal enzyme levels can reveal the functional relevance of crosstalk. We present recent studies that approach these problems, drawing from experimental transcript and metabolite data, and from theoretical network analyses. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2018, 10:e1396. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1396

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Metabolomics

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Human Rights Diffusion in North Korea: The Impact of Transnational Legal Mobilization
Authors: GOEDDE Patricia
Published: August 2017

This article asks how legal mechanisms are employed outside of North Korea to achieve human rights diffusion in the country; to what extent these result in human rights diffusion in North Korea; and whether measures beyond accountability can be pursued in tandem for more productive engagement. Specifically, it examines how the North Korean government has interacted with the globalized legal regime of human rights vis-à-vis the UN and details the legal processes and implications of the UN Commission of Inquiry report, including domestic legislation, and evidence collection. While transnational legal mobilization has gathered momentum on the accountability side, it is significantly weaker in terms of achieving human rights protection within North Korea given the government’s perception of current human rights discourse as part of an externally produced war repertoire. Thus, efforts to engage the North Korean population and government require concurrent reframing of human rights discourse into more localized and relatable contexts.
A tetrapod swimming traceway from the Triassic of Winterswijk, the Netherlands
Authors: Schulp Anne S. , Bleeker Remco W. , Haarhuis Adam , van Spronsen Edwin , During Melanie A. D. , Goris Gerard , Kaskes Pim , Matteman Yuri , Winkelhorst Wout , Winkelhorst Herman
Published: August 2017

We describe a tetrapod swimming traceway from the Middle Triassic Vossenveld Formation of the Netherlands. Forty-five individual traces, each consisting of two parallel claw drag marks, were followed over 9 m in a roughly east–west direction. The asymmetry of the traceway geometry indicates the trace maker negotiated a lateral current. The trace maker could not be identified, but the traces described here are markedly different fromDikoposichnustraces attributed to swimming nothosaurs.
Vegetation and environmental changes at the Middle Stone Age site of Wonderkrater, Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Puech Elysandre , Urrego Dunia H. , Sánchez Goñi María Fernanda , Backwell Lucinda , d’Erricoc Francesco
Published: August 2017

Wonderkrater, a Middle Stone Age site in the interior of South Africa, is a spring and peat mound featuring both paleoclimatic and archaeological records. The site preserves three small MSA lithic assemblages with age estimates of 30 ka, >45 ka and 138.01±7.7 ka. Here we present results of the pollen analysis of a core retrieved from the middle of the peat mound, which covers, with hiatuses, the timespan between ca. 70±10 ka and 30 ka. Pollen percentages of terrestrial, local aquatic, and semi-aquatic plants reveal changes in the regional climate and in the water table of the spring. Results identify regional wet conditions at ca. 70±10 ka, followed by a dry and a wet period between 60 ka and 30 ka. Superimposed on these three phases, recurring changes in the size and depth of the water table are observed between >45 ka and 30 ka. Wet conditions at 70 ka and 30 ka are tentatively correlated here with Marine Isotope Stage 4 and Heinrich Stadial 3, respectively. A warm and dry savanna landscape was present during human occupation older than 45 ka, and a wet phase was contemporaneous with the final occupation, dated at ~30 ka.
Telephone versus Online Survey Modes for Election Studies: Comparing Canadian Public Opinion and Vote Choice in the 2015 Federal Election
Authors: Breton Charles , Cutler Fred , Lachance Sarah , Mierke-Zatwarnicki Alex
Published: August 2017

Election studies must optimize on sample size, cost and data quality. The 2015 Canadian Election Study was the first CES to employ a full mixed-mode design, aiming to take advantage of the opportunities of each mode while preserving enough commonality to compare them. This paper examines the phone interviews conducted by ISR-York and the online questionnaires from panellists purchased from a sample provider. We compare data quality and representativeness. We conduct a comprehensive comparison of the distributions of responses across modes and a comparative analysis of inferences about voting. We find that the cost/power advantages of the online mode will likely make it the mode of choice for subsequent election studies.
The Interpretation of Unanticipated News Arrival and Analysts’ Skill
Authors: Rubin Amir , Segal Benjamin , Segal Dan
Published: August 2017

Analysts’ functions are divided into discovery and interpretation roles, but distinguishing between the two is nontrivial. We conjecture that analysts’ interpretation skill can be gauged by their forecast revisions following material unanticipated news, in particular, following nonearnings 8-K reports, which arrive at the market unexpectedly. We establish that unanticipated 8-Ks are informative for analysts and find that analysts who are more likely to revise their forecasts following unanticipated 8-Ks provide more timely and accurate forecasts. We document a positive association between analysts’ tendency to react to unanticipated 8-Ks and market reaction to their recommendation changes, suggesting investors prefer these analysts’ opinions.
Posterior translacrimal approach to the maxillary sinus
Authors: Dönmez D , Giotakis E , Hosemann W G , Kühnel T S , Hirt B , Weber R K
Published: August 2017

Background:

This study aimed to compare the view into the maxillary sinus using the posterior translacrimal approach compared with grade 3 antrostomy.

Methods:

Grade 3 antrostomy followed by a posterior translacrimal approach was performed on four cadavers. The maximum intramaxillary view was documented endoscopically guided by electromagnetic navigation. Representative screenshots were evaluated in a blinded manner by three independent sinus surgeons. In addition, a prospective investigation of specific complications in the post-operative course of consecutive patients was performed.

Results:

In the cadaver study, the posterior translacrimal approach provided a significantly better view into the maxillary sinus compared with grade 3 antrostomy. In the clinical study, only 1 out of 20 patients reported on a minor problem with lacrimal drainage at 6 months.

Conclusion:

The posterior translacrimal approach to visualising the maxillary sinus should be considered a strong alternative to more radical techniques.
The relationship between lung function and the clinical and histopathological features in Chinese patients with nasal polyps
Authors: Zhao Q L , Yu L , Zhi L L , Jin P , Zi X X , Zhao L , Li A , Tu Y Y , Shi L , Zhang H P
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To investigate lung function in Chinese patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and examine its association with histopathological features.

Methods:

The lung function of 99 patients with nasal polyps was measured. Haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to evaluate any inflammatory cells and epithelial tissue remodelling.

Results:

Predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 25 per cent vital capacity was reduced (p< 0.05) in epithelial hyperplasia, and predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 50 per cent vital capacity was reduced (p< 0.05) in goblet cell hyperplasia. Both peripheral blood eosinophilia and tissue eosinophilia nasal polyps manifested significantly reduced: forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio, predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 25, 50 and 75 per cent of vital capacity, and predicted maximal mid-expiratory flow. Peripheral blood eosinophils were negatively correlated with predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 25 and 50 per cent of vital capacity, and predicted maximal mid-expiratory flow. Eosinophils in tissue were negatively correlated with all lung function parameters investigated except predicted forced vital capacity.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should be aware of lung function decline in nasal polyps patients, especially in those with tissue eosinophilia.
Detecting signatures of past pathogen selection on human HLA loci: are there needles in the haystack?
Authors: Penman Bridget S. , Gupta Sunetra
Published: August 2017

Human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) are responsible for the display of peptide fragments for recognition by T-cell receptors. The gene family encoding them is thus integral to human adaptive immunity, and likely to be under strong pathogen selection. Despite this, it has proved difficult to demonstrate specific examples of pathogen–HLA coevolution. Selection from multiple pathogens simultaneously could explain why the evolutionary signatures of particular pathogens on HLAs have proved elusive. Here, we present an individual-based model of HLA evolution in the presence of two mortality-causing pathogens. We demonstrate that it is likely that individual pathogen species causing high mortality have left recognizable signatures on the HLA genomic region, despite more than one pathogen being present. Such signatures are likely to exist at the whole-population level, and involve haplotypic combinations of HLA genes rather than single loci.
Partial inverse problems for Sturm–Liouville operators on trees
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia , Shieh Chung-Tsun
Published: August 2017

In this paper, inverse spectral problems for Sturm–Liouville operators on a tree (a graph without cycles) are studied. We show that if the potential on an edge is known a priori, then b – 1 spectral sets uniquely determine the potential functions on a tree with b external edges. Constructive solutions, based on the method of spectral mappings, are provided for the considered inverse problems.
Crystal structure of a new polymorph of iodic acid,δ-HIO3, from powder diffraction
Authors: Wu Tao , Zavalij Peter Y. , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: August 2017

A new polymorph of iodic acid,δ-HIO3, synthesized via aerosol spray pyrolysis was characterized with powder X-ray diffraction and its crystal structure was solved. We find that a previously misidentified phase of I4O9hydrate is in fact a new polymorph of HIO3, which crystalizes in the orthorhombic space groupP212121.
A Descriptive Analysis of Traction Splint Utilization and IV Analgesia by Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Nackenson Joshua , Baez Amado A. , Meizoso Jonathan P.
Published: August 2017

Study Objectives

Traction splinting has been the prehospital treatment of midshaft femur fracture as early as the battlefield of the First World War (1914-1918). This study is the assessment of these injuries and the utilization of a traction splint (TS) in blunt and penetrating trauma, as well as intravenous (IV) analgesia utilization by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Miami, Florida (USA).

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients who sustained a midshaft femur fracture in the absence of multiple other severe injuries or severe physiologic derangement, as defined by an injury severity score (ISS) <20 and a triage revised trauma score (T-RTS)≥10, who presented to an urban, Level 1 trauma center between September 2008 and September 2013. The EMS patient care reports were assessed for physical exam findings and treatment modality. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistical differences were assessed using odds ratios and Z-score with significance set at P≤.05.

Results

There were 170 patients studied in the cohort. The most common physical exam finding was a deformity +/- shortening and rotation in 136 patients (80.0%), followed by gunshot wound (GSW) in 22 patients (13.0%), pain or tenderness in four patients (2.4%), and no findings consistent with femur fracture in three patients (1.7%). The population was dichotomized between trauma type: blunt versus penetrating. Of 134 blunt trauma patients, 50 (37.0%) were immobilized in traction, and of the 36 penetrating trauma victims, one (2.7%) was immobilized in traction. Statistically significant differences were found in the application of a TS in blunt trauma when compared to penetrating trauma (OR=20.83; 95% CI, 2.77-156.8; P <.001). Intravenous analgesia was administered to treat pain in only 35 (22.0%) of the patients who had obtainable IV access. Of these patients, victims of blunt trauma were more likely to receive IV analgesia (OR=6.23; 95% CI, 1.42-27.41; P=.0067).

Conclusion

Although signs of femur fracture are recognized in the majority of cases of midshaft femur fracture, only 30% of patients were immobilized using a TS. Statistically significant differences were found in the utilization of a TS and IV analgesia administration in the setting of blunt trauma when compared to penetrating trauma.

NackensonJ, BaezAA, MeizosoJP. A descriptive analysis of traction splint utilization and IV analgesia by Emergency Medical Services.Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):631–635.
A Comparison of Paramedic First Pass Endotracheal Intubation Success Rate of the VividTrac VT-A 100, GlideScope Ranger, and Direct Laryngoscopy Under Simulated Prehospital Cervical Spinal Immobilization Conditions in a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Hodnick Ryan , Zitek Tony , Galster Kellen , Johnson Stephen , Bledsoe Bryan , Ebbs Daniel
Published: August 2017

Objective

The primary goal of this study was to compare paramedic first pass success rate between two different video laryngoscopes and direct laryngoscopy (DL) under simulated prehospital conditions in a cadaveric model.

Methods

This was a non-randomized, group-controlled trial in which five non-embalmed, non-frozen cadavers were intubated under prehospital spinal immobilization conditions using DL and with both the GlideScope Ranger (GL; Verathon Inc, Bothell, Washington USA) and the VividTrac VT-A100 (VT; Vivid Medical, Palo Alto, California USA). Participants had to intubate each cadaver with each of the three devices (DL, GL, or VT) in a randomly assigned order. Paramedics were given 31 seconds for an intubation attempt and a maximum of three attempts per device to successfully intubate each cadaver. Confirmation of successful endotracheal intubation (ETI) was confirmed by one of the six on-site physicians.

Results

Successful ETI within three attempts across all devices occurred 99.5% of the time overall and individually 98.5% of the time for VT, 100.0% of the time for GL, and 100.0% of the time for DL. First pass success overall was 64.4%. Individually, first pass success was 60.0% for VT, 68.8% for GL, and 64.5% for DL. A chi-square test revealed no statistically significant difference amongst the three devices for first pass success rates (P=.583). Average time to successful intubation was 42.2 seconds for VT, 38.0 seconds for GL, and 33.7 for seconds for DL. The average number of intubation attempts for each device were as follows: 1.48 for VT, 1.40 for GL, and 1.42 for DL.

Conclusion

The was no statistically significant difference in first pass or overall successful ETI rates between DL and video laryngoscopy (VL) with either the GL or VT (adult).

HodnickR, ZitekT, GalsterK, JohnsonS, BledsoeB, EbbsD. A comparison of paramedic first pass endotracheal intubation success rate of the VividTrac VT-A 100, GlideScope Ranger, and direct laryngoscopy under simulated prehospital cervical spinal immobilization conditions in a cadaveric model. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):621–624.
Emergency Medical Technician Education in Saudi Arabia: History and Challenges
Authors: Alamri Yassar
Published: August 2017

AlamriY. Emergency medical technician education in Saudi Arabia: history and challenges. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):699.
Syncope During Competitive Events: Interrogating Heart Rate Monitor Watches May Be Useful!
Authors: Thabouillot Oscar , Bostanci Kevin , Bouvier Francois , Dumitrescu Nicolae , Stéfuriac Maria , Paule Philippe , Roche Nicolas-Charles
Published: August 2017

This is a case report of a 45-year-old man who reported complete amnesia during the very first kilometer of a 10-km run. He was wearing a heart rate monitor (HRM). The interrogation of his HRM watch showed 200 bpm tachycardia beginning in the first kilometer and increasing up to 220 bpm during the last kilometer. The patient was asked to wear a Holter-monitor (Holter Research Laboratory; Helena, Montana USA) electrocardiogram (ECG) while practicing a training session. This examination allowed for the diagnosis of an adrenergic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with an impressive auriculo-ventricular conduction over 260 bpm. This case highlights that non-medical devices, such as connected watches, can be helpful to diagnose arrhythmias.

ThabouillotO, BostanciK, BouvierF, DumitrescuN, StéfuriacM, PauleP, RocheNC. Syncope during competitive events: interrogating heart rate monitor watches may be useful!Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):691–693
A Pilot Project Demonstrating that Combat Medics Can Safely Administer Parenteral Medications in the Emergency Department
Authors: Schauer Steven G. , Cunningham Cord W. , Fisher Andrew D. , DeLorenzo Robert A.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Select units in the military have improved combat medic training by integrating their functions into routine clinical care activities with measurable improvements in battlefield care. This level of integration is currently limited to special operations units. It is unknown if regular Army units and combat medics can emulate these successes. The goal of this project was to determine whether US Army combat medics can be integrated into routine emergency department (ED) clinical care, specifically medication administration.

Project Design

This was a quality assurance project that monitored training of combat medics to administer parenteral medications and to ensure patient safety. Combat medics were provided training that included direct supervision during medication administration. Once proficiency was demonstrated, combat medics would prepare the medications under direct supervision, followed by indirect supervision during administration. As part of the quality assurance and safety processes, combat medics were required to document all medication administrations, supervising provider, and unexpected adverse events. Additional quality assurance follow-up occurred via complete chart review by the project lead.

Data

During the project period, the combat medics administered the following medications: ketamine (n=13), morphine (n=8), ketorolac (n=7), fentanyl (n=5), ondansetron (n=4), and other (n=6). No adverse events or patient safety events were reported by the combat medics or discovered during the quality assurance process.

Conclusions

In this limited case series, combat medics safely administered parenteral medications under indirect provider supervision. Future research is needed to further develop this training model for both the military and civilian setting.

SchauerSG,CunninghamCW,FisherAD,DeLorenzoRA.A pilot project demonstrating that combat medics can safely administer parenteral medications in the emergency department.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(6):679–681.
Rs6586282 of the CBS Gene: Its Lack of Eff ect on Homocysteine Concentrations, and Interaction Eff ects on Body Weight in Elderly Women
Authors: Chmurzynska Agata , Malinowska Anna M. , Twardowska-Rajewska Jolanta , Gawecki Jan
Published: August 2017

Abstract.The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the rs6586282 polymorphism of the cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) gene, and of the intake of B vitamins on anthropometric parameters, tHcy levels, and lipoprotein levels in women over 60 years of age. 122 volunteers were supplemented with 400 μg/day folic acid for 8 weeks. The intake of B vitamins above the median value was associated with lower levels of blood biomarkers: folate with tHcy post supplementation (6.21 ± 0.24 μM vs 7.11 ± 0.32 μM; p < 0.05), vitamin B6 with baseline triacylglycerol (TAG, 107.3 ± 5.5 mg/dL vs 127.2 ± 6.4 mg/dL; p < 0.05) and glucose (82.3 ± 1.1 mg/dL vs 86.9 ± 1.5 mg/dL; p < 0.05); and vitamin B12 with baseline TAG (106.8 ± 5.5 mg/dL vs 127.7 ± 6.3 mg/dL; p < 0.01). Women with a T allele consuming lower amounts of folate had higher body weight (72.3 ± 2.3 kg vs 64.0 ± 1.7 kg; p < 0.05), body mass index (28.7 ± 0.8 vs 25.2 ± 0.7; p < 0.05), waist (0.90 ± 0.02 m vs 0.82 ± 0.01 m; p < 0.01), and hip circumference (1.08 ± 0.02 vs 1.02 ± 0.01 m; p < 0.01) than the CC homozygotes. Intake of vitamin B6 or B12 may infl uence blood TAG and glucose concentrations in elderly women, but the rs6586282 polymorphism of the CBS gene does not alter either tHcy or the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation. The CBS SNP at rs6586282 may infl uence anthropometric parameters, though only in case of low folate intake.
Hemojuvelin regulates the innate immune response to peritoneal bacterial infection in mice
Authors: Wu Qian , Shen Yuanyuan , Tao Yunlong , Wei Jiayu , Wang Hao , An Peng , Zhang Zhuzhen , Gao Hong , Zhou Tianhua , Wang Fudi , Min Junxia
Published: August 2017

Hereditary hemochromatosis and iron imbalance are associated with susceptibility to bacterial infection; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we performedin vivobacterial infection screening using several mouse models of hemochromatosis, includingHfe(Hfe−/−),hemojuvelin(Hjv−/−), and macrophage-specificferroportin-1(Fpn1fl/fl;LysM-Cre+) knockout mice. We found thatHjv−/−mice, but notHfe−/−orFpn1fl/fl;LysM-Cre+mice, are highly susceptible to peritoneal infection by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Interestingly, phagocytic cells in the peritoneum ofHjv−/−mice have reduced bacterial clearance, IFN-γ secretion, and nitric oxide production; in contrast, both cell migration and phagocytosis are normal. ExpressingHjvin RAW264.7 cells increased the level of phosphorylated Stat1 and nitric oxide production. Moreover, macrophage-specificHjvknockout mice are susceptible to bacterial infection. Finally, we found that Hjv facilitates the secretion of IFN-γ via the IL-12/Jak2/Stat4 signaling pathway. Together, these findings reveal a novel protective role of Hjv in the early stages of antimicrobial defense.
Myosin efflux promotes cell elongation to coordinate chromosome segregation with cell cleavage
Authors: Montembault Emilie , Claverie Marie-Charlotte , Bouit Lou , Landmann Cedric , Jenkins James , Tsankova Anna , Cabernard Clemens , Royou Anne
Published: August 2017

Chromatid segregation must be coordinated with cytokinesis to preserve genomic stability. Here we report that cells clear trailing chromatids from the cleavage site by undergoing two phases of cell elongation. The first phase relies on the assembly of a wide contractile ring. The second phase requires the activity of a pool of myosin that flows from the ring and enriches the nascent daughter cell cortices. This myosin efflux is a novel feature of cytokinesis and its duration is coupled to nuclear envelope reassembly and the nuclear sequestration of the Rho-GEF Pebble. Trailing chromatids induce a delay in nuclear envelope reassembly concomitant with prolonged cortical myosin activity, thus providing forces for the second elongation. We propose that the modulation of cortical myosin dynamics is part of the cellular response triggered by a “chromatid separation checkpoint” that delays nuclear envelope reassembly and, consequently, Pebble nuclear sequestration when trailing chromatids are present at the midzone.
Diffusive and arrested transport of atoms under tailored disorder
Authors: An Fangzhao Alex , Meier Eric J. , Gadway Bryce
Published: August 2017

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices offer a unique platform for investigating disorder-driven phenomena. While static disordered site potentials have been explored in a number of experiments, a more general, dynamical control over site-energy and off-diagonal tunnelling disorder has been lacking. The use of atomic quantum states as synthetic dimensions has introduced the spectroscopic, site-resolved control necessary to engineer more tailored realisations of disorder. Here, we present explorations of dynamical and tunneling disorder in an atomic system by controlling laser-driven dynamics of atomic population in a momentum-space lattice. By applying static tunnelling phase disorder to a one-dimensional lattice, we observe ballistic quantum spreading. When the applied disorder fluctuates on time scales comparable to intersite tunnelling, we instead observe diffusive atomic transport, signalling a crossover from quantum to classical expansion dynamics. We compare these observations to the case of static site-energy disorder, where we directly observe quantum localisation.
Extracellular-matrix-mediated osmotic pressure drives Vibrio cholerae biofilm expansion and cheater exclusion
Authors: Yan Jing , Nadell Carey D. , Stone Howard A. , Wingreen Ned S. , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: August 2017

Biofilms, surface-attached communities of bacteria encased in an extracellular matrix, are a major mode of bacterial life. How the material properties of the matrix contribute to biofilm growth and robustness is largely unexplored, in particular in response to environmental perturbations such as changes in osmotic pressure. Here, usingVibrio choleraeas our model organism, we show that during active cell growth, matrix production enables biofilm-dwelling bacterial cells to establish an osmotic pressure difference between the biofilm and the external environment. This pressure difference promotes biofilm expansion on nutritious surfaces by physically swelling the colony, which enhances nutrient uptake, and enables matrix-producing cells to outcompete non-matrix-producing cheaters via physical exclusion. Osmotic pressure together with crosslinking of the matrix also controls the growth of submerged biofilms and their susceptibility to invasion by planktonic cells. As the basic physicochemical principles of matrix crosslinking and osmotic swelling are universal, our findings may have implications for other biofilm-forming bacterial species.