bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical-thermodynamic model for light scattering from eye lens protein mixtures
Authors: Bell Michael M. , Ross David S. , Bautista Maurino P. , Shahmohamad Hossein , Langner Andreas , Hamilton John F. , Lahnovych Carrie N. , Thurston George M.
Published: February 2017

We model light-scattering cross sections of concentrated aqueous mixtures of the bovine eye lens proteins γB- and α-crystallin by adapting a statistical-thermodynamic model of mixtures of spheres with short-range attractions. The model reproduces measured static light scattering cross sections, or Rayleigh ratios, of γB-α mixtures from dilute concentrations where light scattering intensity depends on molecular weights and virial coefficients, to realistically high concentration protein mixtures like those of the lens. The model relates γB-γB and γB-α attraction strengths and the γB-α size ratio to the free energy curvatures that set light scattering efficiency in tandem with protein refractive index increments. The model includes (i) hard-sphere α-α interactions, which create short-range order and transparency at high protein concentrations, (ii) short-range attractive plus hard-core γ-γ interactions, which produce intense light scattering and liquid-liquid phase separation in aqueous γ-crystallin solutions, and (iii) short-range attractive plus hard-core γ-α interactions, which strongly influence highly non-additive light scattering and phase separation in concentrated γ-α mixtures. The model reveals a new lens transparency mechanism, that prominent equilibrium composition fluctuations can be perpendicular to the refractive index gradient. The model reproduces the concave-up dependence of the Rayleigh ratio on α/γ composition at high concentrations, its concave-down nature at intermediate concentrations, non-monotonic dependence of light scattering on γ-α attraction strength, and more intricate, temperature-dependent features. We analytically compute the mixed virial series for light scattering efficiency through third order for the sticky-sphere mixture, and find that the full model represents the available light scattering data at concentrations several times those where the second and third mixed virial contributions fail. The model indicates that increased γ-γ attraction can raise γ-α mixture light scattering far more than it does for solutions of γ-crystallin alone, and can produce marked turbidity tens of degrees celsius above liquid-liquid separation.
Size dependent tunnel diode effects in gold tipped CdSe nanodumbbells
Authors: Saraf Deepashri , Kumar Ashok , Kanhere Dilip , Kshirsagar Anjali
Published: February 2017

We report simulation results for scanning tunneling spectroscopy of gold-tipped CdSe nanodumbbells of lengths ∼27 Å and ∼78 Å. Present results are based on Bardeen, Tersoff, and Hamann formalism that takes inputs from ab initio calculations. For the shorter nanodumbbell, the current-voltage curves reveal negative differential conductance, the characteristic of a tunnel diode. This behaviour is attributed to highly localized metal induced gap states that rapidly decay towards the center of the nanodumbbell leading to suppression in tunneling. In the longer nanodumbbell, these gap states are absent in the central region, as a consequence of which zero tunneling current is observed in that region. The overall current-voltage characteristics for this nanodumbbell are observed to be largely linear near the metal-semiconductor interface and become rectifying at the central region, the nature being similar to its parent nanorod. The cross-sectional heights of these nanodumbbells also show bias-dependence where we begin to observe giant Stark effect features in the semiconducting central region of the longer nanodumbbell.
Thermoelectric transport properties of polycrystalline SnSe alloyed with PbSe
Authors: Wei Tian-Ran , Tan Gangjian , Wu Chao-Feng , Chang Cheng , Zhao Li-Dong , Li Jing-Feng , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: February 2017

Single-crystal SnSe has been found to exhibit exceptional thermoelectric performance, but the efficiency of polycrystalline samples is still far from satisfactory. In this work, with an intention to effectively suppress heat conduction and minimally affect hole transport, we alloyed p-type polycrystalline SnSe with PbSe. Single-phase Sn1−xPbxSe solid solutions were formed up to x ≈ 0.12. The lattice thermal conductivity was reduced from 1.4 to 0.85 W m−1 K−1 by 12 at. % PbSe alloying due to strain and mass fluctuations. Interestingly, the Seebeck coefficient and carrier concentration were nearly unchanged by Pb substitution, indicating a constant effective mass and an undisrupted valence band maximum. A peak figure of merit (ZT) of 0.85 at 800 K was obtained in the x = 0 sample, and relatively high performance was also achieved in solid solutions. A concise model was developed involving multiple carrier scattering mechanisms, capturing the dependence of the mobility on composition and temperature.
Hyperbolic decay of photo-created Sb2+ ions in Sn2P2S6:Sb crystals detected with electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Basun S. A. , Halliburton L. E. , Evans D. R.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we employed a method that overcomes the known limitations of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to monitor charge trap dynamics over a broad temperature range not normally accessible due to the lifetime broadening of the EPR lines at higher temperatures. This was achieved by measuring the decay of the EPR intensity after thermal annealing by rapid cycling back to low temperatures for the EPR measurement. This technique was used to experimentally demonstrate interesting physics in the form of a direct measurement of the hyperbolic decay 1/(1+t) of a charge trap population, which previously was only considered theoretically. The nontrivial effects of bimolecular recombination are demonstrated in the Sn2S2P6:Sb crystals, providing an explanation of the optical sensitization process observed in photorefractive Sn2P2S6:Sb used for dynamic holography.
Proteomic analysis reveals O-GlcNAc modification on proteins with key regulatory functions in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Shou-Ling , Chalkley Robert J. , Maynard Jason C. , Wang Wenfei , Ni Weimin , Jiang Xiaoyue , Shin Kihye , Cheng Ling , Savage Dasha , Hühmer Andreas F. R. , Burlingame Alma L. , Wang Zhi-Yong
Published: February 2017

Significance

Studies in mammalian systems have shown important functions of O-linked
N
-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of proteins (O-GlcNAcylation) in a wide range of cellular, physiological, and disease processes. Genetic evidence indicates that O-GlcNAcylation is essential for plant growth and development. However, very few O-GlcNAc–modified proteins have been identified in plants. Here, we report identification of 262 O-GlcNAc–modified proteins in
Arabidopsis
, revealing both conserved and distinct functions of O-GlcNAc modification in plants. This study uncovers potentially important functions of O-GlcNAcylation in many cellular and developmental pathways and also provides a large number of modification sites for further genetic and molecular dissection of these specific functions. Our study provides the framework of an O-GlcNAc modification network underlying plant growth and development.
Trifunctional lipid probes for comprehensive studies of single lipid species in living cells
Authors: Höglinger Doris , Nadler André , Haberkant Per , Kirkpatrick Joanna , Schifferer Martina , Stein Frank , Hauke Sebastian , Porter Forbes D. , Schultz Carsten
Published: February 2017

Significance

Some lipids such as sphingosine and diacylglycerol are potent signaling effectors. However, comprehensive investigations of their bioactive actions are often hampered by a lack of tools that can be used in living cells. Here, we present chemically modified lipids that allow investigation of acute lipid signaling, lipid metabolism, lipid−protein interactions, and lipid localization by using a single probe for each target lipid. Equipped with a caging group, the lipid probe is biologically inactive, until activated by a flash of light. A second photoreaction cross-links the probe to protein interactors that may subsequently be analyzed by mass spectrometry or fluorescence/electron microscopy. We envision that this versatile design will be central to unraveling complex lipid signaling networks.
THE EFFICACY OF INFECTION SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL PROGRAMS IN PREVENTING NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN US HOSPITALS
Authors: HALEY ROBERT W. , CULVER DAVID H. , WHITE JOHN W. , MORGAN W. MEADE , EMORI T. GRACE , MUNN VAN P. , HOOTON THOMAS M.
Published: February 2017

In a representative sample of US general hospitals, the authors found that the establishment of intensive infection surveillance and control programs was strongly associated with reductions in rates of nosocomial urinary tract infection, surgical wound infection, pneumonia, and bacteremia between 1970 and 1975–1976, after controlling for other characteristics of the hospitals and their patients. Essential components of effective programs included conducting organized surveillance and control activities and having a trained, effectual infection control physician, an infection control nurse per 250 beds, and a system for reporting infection rates to practicing surgeons. Programs with these components reduced their hospitals' infection rates by 32%. Since relatively few hospitals had very effective programs, however, only 6% of the nation's approximately 2 million nosocomial infections were being prevented in the mid-1970s, leaving another 26% to be prevented by universal adoption of these programs. Among hospitals without effective programs, the overall infection rate increased by 18% from 1970 to 1976.
A MONITORING SYSTEM TO DETECT INCREASED RATES OF CANCER INCIDENCE
Authors: SITTER RANDY R. , HANRAHAN LAWRENCE P. , DEMETS DAVID , ANDERSON HENRY A.
Published: February 2017

A new method for monitoring occurrences of rare health events is proposed. This proposed method is similar in principle to the sets technique but is shown to have much better expected time to alarm properties. This is illustrated for a number of hypothetical situations, and then both methods are applied to cancer mortality data. The proposed method will allow the use of large monitoring systems consisting of implementations of the method in a number of subregions (i.e., counties) of a larger region (i.e., state) independently, and still maintain reasonable expected times between false alarms.
A Measurement of the Response to Fast Neutrons of Several Materials Dosemeters
Authors: Jones L.T. , Kitching S.J. , Lewis T.A. , Playle T.S.
Published: February 2017

The measurement of the response to fast neutrons of several materials dosemeters, used in zero energy reactor experiments, is described. They are (a) silicon diodes, (b) beryllia, alumina and calcium fluoride TLDs, and (c) C/CO2 and C/Ar ionisation chambers. Silicon diodes are used for measuring fast neutrons whereas the others are used to measure ? exposure where the fast neutron response is typically less than 5% of the total signal, the demand for absolute accuracy is not high: the main requirement is that the calibration source of neutrons be free from ? radiation. For silicon diodes, ? radiation is irrelevant since they respond only to fast neutrons, but the response must be defined accurately since ultimately it represents the limit of precision. Also the response function has several resonances so that the calibration must be with a variable but essentially monoenergetic neutron source. Between 0.3 and 2.3 MeV the requirements for both classes of detector can be met simultaneously by accelerating protons onto a tritium target to produce ? free neutrons in defined energy bands. This was used for all devices. In addition, a thin lithium target was also used to produce more closely defined neutron energies in the range between 117 and 650 keV to identify the response threshold and principal resonance in the silicon diode response. This target was unsuitable for the other devices because of the ? radiation produced.
European Intercomparison of Environmental Thermoluminescence Dosemeters
Authors: McKinlay A.F. , Driscoll C.M.H. , Richards D.J.
Published: February 2017

The National Radiological Protection Board has a continuing interest in the development of thermoluminescence measurement techniques and has been using thermoluminescence dosemeters for the measurement of environmental gamma ray exposure in houses as part of a national indoor radiation survey. A number of other scientific laboratories within Europe are currently involved in similar studies or are using thermoluminescence dosemeters for the routine measurement of environmental exposure at reactor sites. Five such laboratories were invited to participate in an intercomparison study of the performance of thermoluminescence dosemeters for environmental measurements. Following completion of this exercise a further five laboratories were invited to participate in a second study. In both intercomparisons, the National Radiological Protection Board was responsible for the planning and administration of the exercise and acted as a clearing house for transport, temporary storage and distribution of the dosemeters. This paper describes the objectives, methodology and results of these international intercomparison exercises.
The Quality Factor for Neutrons in Radiation Protection: Physical Parameters
Authors: Kellerer A.M. , Hahn (INVITED) K.
Published: February 2017

Recommendations by NCRP and ICRP for a selective increase of the quality factor for neutrons have not been implemented in the practice of radiation protection, but have added urgency to the search for a more consistent new convention on quality factors. In response to this need, a liaison group of ICRP and ICRU has proposed numerical changes, but also a replacement of the reference parameter LET by the microdosimetric variable lineal energy. This would make quality factors and dose equivalents measurable, but would make computations more complicated. To resolve the dilemma, it is proposed to use an equivalence relation between lineal energy and LET which leads to nearly identical definitions whenever one deals with charged particles of sufficiently long range, For photons below 200 keV and for neutrons below 0.5 MeV, the equivalence is imperfect, but it may, even in these cases, be acceptable for the practical purposes of radiation protection.
Track Structure, Target Structure and Radiation Effectiveness
Authors: Leenhouts H.P. , Pruppers M.J.M. , Chadwick K.H.
Published: February 2017

A track structure model based on energy deposition in water is used to investigate the dependence of the response of a typical 'single hit' detector and a biological effect, the induction of double strand breaks, on the type and energy of the radiation. In making the calculations for a single hit detector, it is assumed that an energy deposition event within a small sphere around the target causes the effect. For the induction of DNA double strand breaks it is assumed that two energy deposition events along the same track are necessary, one occurring in each of two small spheres at a distance of 1.2 nm from each other to simulate the two strands of the DNA helix. The calculations show that for a series of different particles, a series of differing curves of effectiveness relative to stopping power are found. These differing curves offer an explanation for the differences in effectiveness of two different particles having the same stopping power.
On the Use of LET for a Revised Quality Factor for Photons
Authors: Hahn K. , Roos H. , Kellerer A.M.
Published: February 2017

Linear energy transfer, L, is currently used as reference parameter for the quality factor in radiation protection, and this practice is likely to be continued in an impending revision of the quality factor. But the numerical convention is not, at present, actually applied to photon or electron fields; their quality factor is, instead, summarily equated to unity. The current trend of tightened dose limits in radiation protection may create the need for precise computations of quality factors even for photon and electron radiations. Such computations can, however, not be performed in terms of unrestricted linear energy transfer. The reasons for this difficulty are explained, and the formulae for the quality factor as an integral over electron fluence and restricted linear energy transfer are given. A correct energy balance in this and in a variety of linked dosimetric relations requires a modification of the definition of restricted linear energy transfer. For large energy cut-off values the correction is of minor importance, but for small cut-off values - such as those invoked in biophysical considerations - the modification is essential.
The Dose Equivalent Response of Tissue-Equivalent Proportional Counters to Low Energy Neutrons
Authors: Schuhmacher H. , Kunz A. , Menzel H.G. , Coyne J.J. , Schwartz R.B.
Published: February 2017

Recent investigations of area monitors based on tissue-equivalent proportional counters have shown that their dose equivalent response, RH = MH/H*(10), (MH, dose equivalent reading; H*(10), ambient dose equivalent) is considerably smaller than one for neutron energies below a few hundred keV. Measurements in monoenergetic neutron beams with energies of 2 and 24 keV are described. Results for RH are presented and various means of improving the dose equivalent response in the low energy region are investigated: detector size, wall thickness and pressure of gas filling.
Miscellaneous Properties of Toshiba FD-7 and SEI Schulman High-Z Radiophotoluminescent Glass Dosemeters
Authors: Croft S.
Published: February 2017

Radiophotoluminescence in silver-activated metaphosphate glass forms the basis of a well established dosimetry technique. However, in order to achieve precise and accurate results, careful attention must be paid to the influence of a number of factors which can affect the apparent level of radiophotoluminescent light measured from a dosemeter for a given dose of radiation. Some of these factors are considered in this work. A simple yet efficient dosemeter cleaning procedure has been developed and signal stability has been studied. The influence of the dosemeter temperature during exposure, storage and readout have been determined. The sensitivities of irradiated and unirradiated dosemeters to both ultraviolet and ambient light have been investigated. For the ultraviolet measurements a kinetics analysis has been performed.
Influence of High Temperature Annealing on TL Response of CaF2:Tm
Authors: Hsu P.-C. , Li S.-H.
Published: February 2017

The high temperature annealing treatment given to CaF2:Tm phosphor from 100 oC to 800 oC is described. The thermoluminescent (TL) properties were investigated by studying the residual TL, its sensitivity and glow curve at different annealing treatments. The experimental results indicate that (1) there is no difference in the TL output for annealing temperatures less than 400 oC, (2) the TL sensitivity decreases as the annealing temperature increases, and (3) the low temperature peak shifts to the low temperature region and the high temperature peak shifts to the high temperature region as the annealing temperature increases.
Thin CaSO4:Dy for Beta Dosimetry, Grain Size and Energy Dependence
Authors: Luguera E. , Fernández F. , Planas J. , Dahabi K.E. , Bruguier G. , Daoud M. , Gasiot J.
Published: February 2017

One of the problems of beta dosimetry is the different response of CaSO4:Dy when irradiated with electrons having different energies. We are looking for the adequate grain size in order to obtain a good and flat TL response in an energy interval as wide as possible. We present the study of CaSO4:Dy (1%) TL response as a function of the grain size, in the range 25-200 µm, and its energy dependence when irradiated with electrons of energy up to 3 MeV.
Phototransfer Studies in Synthetic Quartz
Authors: Kristianpoller N. , Abu-Rayya M. , Chen R.
Published: February 2017

The PTTL of high purity synthetic quartz was studied in the temperature range from 80 to 500 K. Main PTTL peaks appeared after LNT illuminations at 205 and 265 K and after RT illuminations at 380 K with a shoulder at ~430 K. PTTL excitation spectra have maxima at 275, 315 and 330 nm. Emission spectra of PTTL showed maxima at 330, 370 nm and a broad maximum centred at 460 nm. The same emission bands have also been recorded in the TL, indicating that the same luminescence processes are responsible for the emission in both cases. The finding that the PTTL peaks appear at the same temperatures and with the same thermal activation energies as the ß, X and some of VUV induced TL peaks, indicates that the carriers are released in these cases, from the same traps.
Is Diffusion or Forced Flow the Main Mechanism of Radon Infiltration into Underground Openings? A Theoretical Study
Authors: Holub R.F. , Killoran L.K.
Published: February 2017

The diffusion length in porous materials is usually determined from core samples and not for an underground opening as a whole. Underground structures usually have widely differing porosity and crack systems through which equally widely differing diffusive and convective flows deliver gases into underground openings. This paper discusses whether diffusion, rather than forced flow, can be the major cause of radon infiltration into underground openings. To calculate the diffusion through cracks across a slab, an approach developed by Landman was used in which a single rectangular crack of porosity (cr gives a diffusion flow. The two-dimensional calculation is repeated for a case where there are two cracks per unit length, three cracks, four cracks, etc. while keeping the crack porosity (cr constant. The corresponding forced flow for identical cracks is also calculated for a typical pressure difference across the slab. When the diffusion and forced flow are plotted as a function of the number of cracks per unit length, a crossover occurs where the diffusion flow starts to dominate. In another case where the forced flow is kept constant, an even more dramatic increase in the diffusion flow is observed as the number of cracks per unit length increases.
Investigations on the TL Properties of Chemical Reagent NaCl
Authors: Kaibao L. , Jindi C. , Qixin Z. , Zhizhao Z.
Published: February 2017

TL dosimetric properties of the chemical reagent NaCl were examined. NaCl is manufactured in several chemical factories in China and the material used in the present work was obtained from a local commercial supplier. Our studies show that this material can be used as a phosphor with the characteristics of high TL sensitivity, simple glow curve, low TL fading rate, and appropriate TL emission spectrum. The conspicuous advantage of this phosphor is its availability at a very low cost; the disadvantages include its hygroscopic nature and light induced TL fading.
The Development of Microdosimetric Detectors for Investigating LET Distributions in Different Body Tissues
Authors: Green S. , Aro A.C.A. , Taylor G.C. , Scott M.C.
Published: February 2017

Differences between the microdosimetric response of A-150 plastic and real tissue are significant even at energies below 20 MeV. Lack of data precludes predictions of the differences between 20 and 60 MeV, the region of primary interest in current neutron therapy programmes, and it is thus necessary to explore this problem experimentally. In order to synthesise the response of a range of real tissues to neutrons, detectors are being built to determine the contributions from each of the important constituent elements, namely C, Ca, H, N and O. Methods of providing conducting cathodes for non-conducting wall materials are described, and tests made on the procedures using polythene and carbon counters exposed to 15 MeV and p(62)Be neutrons are discussed.
Comparative analysis of protein abundance studies to quantify theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeproteome
Authors: Ho Brandon , Baryshnikova Anastasia , Brown Grant W.
Published: February 2017

Global gene expression and proteomics tools have allowed large-scale analyses of the transcriptome and proteome in eukaryotic cells. These tools have enabled studies of protein abundance changes that occur in cells under stress conditions, providing insight into regulatory programs required for cellular adaptation. While the proteome of yeast has been subjected to the most comprehensive analysis of any eukary-ote, each of the existing datasets is separate and reported in different units. A comparison of all the available protein abundance data sets is key towards developing a complete understanding of the yeast proteome. We evaluated 19 quantitative proteomic analyses performed under normal and stress conditions and normalized and converted all measurements of protein abundance into absolute molecules per cell. Our analysis yields an estimate of the cellular abundance of 97% of the proteins in the yeast proteome, as well as an assessment of the variation in each abundance measurement. We evaluate the variance and sensitivity associated with different measurement methods. We find that C-terminal tagging of proteins, and the accompanying alterations to the 3’ untranslated regions of the tagged genes, has little effect on protein abundance. Finally, our normalization of diverse datasets facilitates comparisons of protein abundance remodeling of the proteome during cellular stresses.
Developmental diversification of cortical inhibitory interneurons
Authors: Mayer Christian , Hafemeister Christoph , Bandler Rachel C. , Machold Robert , Allaway Kathryn , Jaglin Xavier , Brito Renata Batista , Butler Andrew , Fishell Gord , Satija Rahul
Published: February 2017

Diverse subsets of cortical interneurons play a particularly important role in the stability of the neural circuits underlying cognitive and higher order brain functions, yet our understanding of how this diversity is generated is far from complete. We applied massively parallel single-cell RNA-seq to profile a developmental time course of interneuron development, measuring the transcriptomes of over 60,000 progenitors during their maturation in the ganglionic eminences and embryonic migration into the cortex. While diversity within mitotic progenitors is largely driven by cell cycle and differentiation state, we observed sparse eminence-specific transcription factor expression, which seeds the emergence of later cell diversity. Upon becoming postmitotic, cells from all eminences pass through one of three precursor states, one of which represents a cortical interneuron ground state. By integrating datasets across developmental timepoints, we identified transcriptomic heterogeneity in interneuron precursors representing the emergence of four cardinal classes (Pvalb, Sst, Id2 and Vip), which further separate into subtypes at different timepoints during development. Our analysis revealed that the ASD-associated transcription factor Mef2c discriminates early Pvalb-precursors in E13.5 cells, and removal ofMef2cconfirms its essential role for Pvalb interneuron development. These findings shed new light on the molecular diversification of early inhibitory precursors, and suggest gene modules that may link developmental specification with the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
CT of the head for acute stroke: Diagnostic performance of a tablet computer prior to intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: McLaughlin Patrick D , Moloney Fiachra , O'Neill Siobhan B , James Karl , Crush Lee , Flanagan Oisin , Maher Michael M , Wyse Gerald , Fanning Noel
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The authors propose that tablet computers could benefit patients with acute stroke in the remote care setting, where time to and accuracy of CT interpretation greatly influences patient outcome.

Methods

One hundred and fifty consecutive patients who presented to the Emergency Department of a tertiary referral neurosciences centre within a time window suitable for intravenous thrombolytic therapy were included. Images were wirelessly transmitted to a tablet computer (iPad 3rd Generation, model = A1430, Apple, Cupertino, CA) and were reviewed by radiologists with three levels of experience for signs of intracranial haemorrhage, large vessel occlusion and parenchymal infarction. Reference standard interpretation was performed by two neuroradiologists using a diagnostic monochrome display.

Results

Consensus neuroradiologist review on the tablet display found and correctly classified all of the 23 cases of intracranial haemorrhage including 21 cases of parenchymal haematoma, two cases of petechial haemorrhage and one patient with an acute subdural haematoma. Less experienced readers missed cases of petechial and subdural haematomas. There was excellent agreement between the tablet and diagnostic monochrome display in cases with no infarct or extensive parenchymal infarction.

Conclusions

Tablet computers can be used to facilitate rapid preliminary CT interpretation in patients with acute stroke in the remote setting.
Utility of I‐124 PET/CT in identifying radioiodine avid lesions in differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santhanam Prasanna , Taieb David , Solnes Lilja , Marashdeh Wael , Ladenson Paul W.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Diagnostic I‐123 scans have been shown to underestimate the disease burden in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) when compared to I‐131 post‐treatment scans, especially in children and patients who have had prior radioiodine (RAI) therapy and/or distant metastasis. I‐124 PET/CT has been shown to be highly effective in imaging DTC‐related metastatic disease.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies investigating the sensitivity and specificity of I‐124 PET/CT in identifying lesions amenable to RAI therapy as confirmed by I‐131 post‐treatment scanning.

Results

There were 141 patients and 415 lesions of DTC identified altogether. There was significant heterogeneity in the individual studies. The pooled sensitivity of the I‐124 PET/CT in detecting lesions of differentiated thyroid cancer amenable to I‐131 therapy was 94·2% (91·3–96·4% CI, P < 0·01), and the pooled specificity was 49·0% (34·8–63·4% CI, P < 0·01). The pooled positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 1·43 (1·05–1·94 CI), and the pooled negative LR was 0·28 (0·15–0·53 CI). Overall, the diagnostic odds ratio was 7·90 (3·39–18·48 CI). There were a small but increased number of lesions identified by I‐124 PET/CT that was not detected on post‐treatment scan.

Conclusion

I‐124 PET/CT is a sensitive tool to diagnose RAI avid DTC lesions, but also detects some new lesions that are not visualized on the post‐treatment I‐131 scan. Further, carefully designed dosimetric studies may be required to fully establish the role of I‐124 PET CT for identifying potential lesions for I‐131 therapy. I‐124 PET/CT in patients with DTC may have other applications in specific clinical situations.
The Danish HD Registry—a nationwide family registry of HD families in Denmark
Authors: Gilling M. , Budtz‐Jørgensen E. , Boonen S.E. , Lildballe D. , Bojesen A. , Hertz J.M. , Sørensen S.A.
Published: February 2017

The Danish Huntington's Disease Registry (DHR) is a nationwide family registry comprising 14 245 individuals from 445 Huntington's disease (HD) families of which the largest family includes 845 individuals in 8 generations. 1136 DNA and/or blood samples and 18 fibroblast cultures are stored in a local biobank. The birthplace of the oldest HD carrier in each of the 261 families of Danish origin was unevenly distributed across Denmark with a high number of families in the middle part of the peninsula Jutland and in Copenhagen, the capital. The prevalence of HD in Denmark was calculated to be 5‐8:100 000. 1451 individuals in the DHR had the size of the HTT CAG repeat determined of which 975 had 36 CAG repeats or more (mean ± SD: 43,5 ± 4,8). Two unrelated individuals were compound heterozygous for alleles ≥36 CAGs, and 60 individuals from 34 independent families carried an intermediate allele.
Further delineation of a rare recessive encephalomyopathy linked to mutations in GFER thanks to data sharing of whole exome sequencing data
Authors: Nambot S. , Gavrilov D. , Thevenon J. , Bruel A.L. , Bainbridge M. , Rio M. , Goizet C. , Rötig A. , Jaeken J. , Niu N. , Xia F. , Vital A. , Houcinat N. , Mochel F. , Kuentz P. , Lehalle D. , Duffourd Y. , Rivière J.B. , Thauvin‐Robinet C. , Beaudet A.L. , Faivre L.
Published: February 2017

Background

Alterations in GFER gene have been associated with progressive mitochondrial myopathy, congenital cataracts, hearing loss, developmental delay, lactic acidosis and respiratory chain deficiency in 3 siblings born to consanguineous Moroccan parents by homozygosity mapping and candidate gene approach (OMIM#613076). Next generation sequencing recently confirmed this association by the finding of compound heterozygous variants in 19‐year‐old girl with a strikingly similar phenotype, but this ultra‐rare entity remains however unknown from most of the scientific community.

Materials and Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed as part of a “diagnostic odyssey” for suspected mitochondrial condition in 2 patients, presenting congenital cataracts, progressive encephalomyopathy and hypotrophy and detected unreported compound heterozygous variants in GFER.

Results

Thanks to an international data sharing, we found 2 additional patients carrying compound heterozygous variants in GFER. Reverse phenotyping confirmed the phenotypical similarities between the 4 patients. Together with the first literature reports, the review of these 8 cases from 4 unrelated families enables us to better describe this apparently homogeneous disorder, with the clinical and biological stigmata of mitochondrial disease.

Conclusion

This report highlights the clinical utility of whole exome sequencing and reverse phenotyping for the diagnosis of ultra‐rare diseases and underlines the importance of a broad data sharing for accurate clinical delineation of previously unrecognized entities.
Applicability of extracellular vesicles in clinical studies
Authors: Vozel Domen , Uršič Bojana , Krek Judita Lea , Štukelj Roman , Kralj‐Iglič Veronika
Published: February 2017

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are submicron cellular fragments that mediate intercellular communication. EVs have in the last decade attracted major interest as biomarkers or platforms for biomarkers of health and disease. To better understand the reasons why despite great expectations and considerable effort, EV‐based methods have not yet been introduced into clinical practice, we present a systematic analysis of published results of clinical studies.

Materials and methods

Clinical studies on populations of body fluid samples, published from 2010 to including 2015, applying centrifugation of fluid human samples with centrifuge accelerations up to about 25 000 g and flow cytometry for detection of EVs were analysed with respect to statistical significance (p), statistical power (P), clinical significance (CS), defined as the difference between the means divided by the sum of standard deviations, and size of the populations (Nmin), defined as the number of samples in the smaller group.

Results

Final analysis included 65 publications with 716 comparisons reporting 308 (43%) statistically significant differences (P < 0·05), 242 (34%) had statistical power P > 0·8 and 88 (12%) had clinical importance CS > 1·96. None of comparison with CS > 1·96 included populations in which the smaller group consisted of 50 or more samples.

Conclusions

To fulfil claimed expectations for EV‐based methods as promising diagnostic tools, more evidence on EV‐based mechanisms of diseases should be gathered. Also, the methods of EV harvesting and assessment should be improved to yield better repeatability and thus allow clinical studies with larger number of samples.
The Effect of Familiarity with Demonstrators on Social Learning in Three‐Spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Trapp Rebecca M. , Bell Alison M.
Published: February 2017

Social learning is an important process in the spread of information, especially in changing environments where inherited behaviors may not remain relevant. In many species, the decision of whom to trust to have reliable information depends on the relationship between individuals. Many fish species, including three‐spined sticklebacks, preferentially associate with familiar individuals. Previous studies in three‐spined sticklebacks have provided mixed evidence about the effect of familiarity on social learning in this species. Therefore, this study further explores familiarity and social learning in sticklebacks, specifically from a demonstrator‐focused perspective. We found that in a food patch discrimination task, individuals with unfamiliar demonstrators performed significantly better than those with familiar demonstrators. In a problem‐solving task, we found that focal fish attended to the behavior of demonstrators, but we did not detect an effect of familiarity on performance, and indeed the proportion of individuals to solve the task after observing demonstrators was low. These results suggest that sticklebacks have a preference for unfamiliar demonstrators, but that the use of social information varies depending on context.
Descriptive analysis of bacterial profile, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of grape juice containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall‐coated probiotic microcapsules during storage
Authors: Mokhtari Samira , Khomeiri Morteza , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Maghsoudlou Yahya , Ghorbani Mohammad
Published: February 2017

In this study the feasibility of incorporation of probiotic microcapsules coated with fragmented yeast cell wall in grape juice was evaluated during 60 days at 4 °C. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum were encapsulated in alginate microbeads and coated with fragmented Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall and calcium alginate and were added into grape juice. At the end of storage, the survival of probiotics was higher than recommended minimum value (107 cfu mL−1) and the results demonstrated that applying yeast cell wall layer for L. acidophilus microcapsules significantly enhanced its survival while did not affect the survival of B. bifidum (P > 0.05). Generally, probiotic grape juice showed decrease in °Brix, pH and colour and increase in acidity and turbidity during storage and the presence of yeast wall layer had no significant effect on its properties expect colour and turbidity. Overall acceptance of grape juices containing yeast cell wall‐coated microcapsules scored the least.
Seeking and defining the ‘special’ in specialist mental health nursing: A theoretical construct
Authors: Santangelo Peter , Procter Nicholas , Fassett Denise
Published: February 2017

In the context of an enduring debate about the distinct identity of mental health nursing, this qualitative study explored the nature, scope and consequences of mental health nursing practice. Data for interpretation were generated through interviews with 36 mental health nurses, five of their clients and one health care colleague, each of whom were asked to speak in as much detail as possible about what they believe is special about mental health nursing and what had influenced them to arrive at this understanding. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the study generated a substantive theory of recovery‐focused mental health nursing expressed as ‘Being in the here and now, side by side, co‐constructing care’. The study revealed that the distinct nature and identity of mental health nursing provides the foundation that primes and drives practice scope and consequences. Conceptual interpretations of the data emphasized the mental health nursing perspective of care as an acquired lens founded in nursing as a profession and enhanced by the relational interplay between the nurse and the client that facilitates the nurse to adopt recovery‐focused practices. This theoretical construct holds the potential to be the mediating connection between client and mental health nurse. By situating mental health nursing and its central role in practice as something co‐constructed, findings from this study can be expanded beyond the Australian context, particularly in terms of mental health nursing's distinct professional identity and practice.
Antecedents and Implications of Expiration Date Search Effort
Authors: Shah Purvi , Hall‐Phillips Adrienne
Published: February 2017

When consumers search for and check expiration dates, the risk of purchasing and consuming a stale and denigrated quality product reduces. Since checking expiration dates has a significant impact on consumers' purchase and consumption decision making, the authors investigate what motivates consumers to search for expiration dates while shopping for and before consuming perishable grocery products. This research adapts and extends the information search model (Schmidt and Spreng 1996) by providing new insight on information search as not only a prepurchase but also a consumption stage activity. Findings suggest that expiration date search effort is influenced by perceived risk, time pressure while grocery shopping, and the motivation of checking expiration dates. These findings provide several implications for consumers and policymakers.
Effect of socio‐economic status on sleep
Authors: Seo Won Hee , Kwon Jung Hyun , Eun So‐hee , Kim Gunha , Han Kyungdo , Choi Byung Min
Published: February 2017

Aim

Sufficient sleep is an important factor in physical and mental health. Sleep duration can be affected by socio‐economic status (SES). This study aimed to examine the association between sleep duration and SES in Korean adolescents.

Methods

This study was conducted with 1608 adolescents aged 12–18 years, based on data from the 2010 to 2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Sleep duration was self‐reported in hours and three SES indicators were used: household income, basic livelihood security programmes and type of health insurance. Confounding factors in this study were age, mental health and physical activity.

Results

Participants’ average age was 15.6 ± 0.05 years and average sleep duration was 7.04 ± 0.05 h. There was a strong association between sleep duration and household income (P < 0.05) rather than other socio‐economic indicators. In addition, it showed that sleep duration was significantly associated with age, body mass index (P < 0.05) and low mood is associated with short sleep and long sleep (>9 h/night). We found similar results in both genders, that is, that the highest income group had shorter sleep duration than the lowest income group.

Conclusions

This study shows that the SES, particularly household income, is an important factor in short sleep duration in Korean adolescents. Our findings suggest that, in future investigations of the adolescent's sleep problem, attention should be paid to household income.
Phosphorus Budget in Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture Systems with Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and Amazon River Prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum
Authors: David Fernanda S. , Proença Danilo C. , Valenti Wagner C.
Published: February 2017

Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems are designed mainly for efficient use of resources. Substrates added to aquaculture ponds provide space for periphyton to settle and recover nutrients, making these nutrients available to the species being reared. The present study is centered on the phosphorus budget, analyzing the main ecological compartments of IMTA systems in earthen ponds stocked with Amazon River prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, with or without different added substrates. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments (without a substrate, with a geotextile fabric substrate, and with a bamboo substrate) and four replications. Phosphorus entered the systems mainly in tilapia feed (ca. 50–61%), inlet water (ca. 17–27%), and fertilizer (ca. 6–7%). Input of phosphorus from other compartments ranged from 1.5 to 1.9%. Most phosphorus was accumulated at the pond bottom as sediment (ca. 60–68%) and fish biomass (ca. 18–26%), or discharged in the outlet water (ca. 7–10%). Feeding is the main driver for the distribution of phosphorus in the ponds. Levels of phosphorus retained in reared animals (20–28%) were higher in these IMTA systems than in tilapia and prawn monocultures (reported as 10–20% and 10–13%, respectively). Nonetheless, the present data showed that the addition of different types of substrates might not improve the recovery of phosphorus in animal biomass as initially supposed. Even so, these IMTA systems decreased the amount of phosphorus released in effluents, and this decrease was enhanced by the addition of substrates, reducing the impact on the receiving waterbodies.
AtSERPIN1 is an inhibitor of the metacaspase AtMC1‐mediated cell death and autocatalytic processing in planta
Authors: Lema Asqui Saul , Vercammen Dominique , Serrano Irene , Valls Marc , Rivas Susana , Van Breusegem Frank , Conlon Frank L. , Dangl Jeffery L. , Coll Núria S.
Published: February 2017

The hypersensitive response (HR) is a localized programmed cell death phenomenon that occurs in response to pathogen recognition at the site of attempted invasion. Despite more than a century of research on HR, little is known about how it is so tightly regulated and how it can be contained spatially to a few cells.

AtMC1 is an Arabidopsis thaliana plant metacaspase that positively regulates the HR. Here, we used an unbiased approach to identify new AtMC1 regulators. Immunoaffinity purification of AtMC1‐containing complexes led us to the identification of the protease inhibitor AtSerpin1.

Our data clearly showed that coimmunoprecipitation between AtMC1 and AtSerpin1 and formation of a complex between them was lost upon mutation of the AtMC1 catalytic site, and that the AtMC1 prodomain was not required for the interaction. AtSerpin1 blocked AtMC1 self‐processing and inhibited AtMC1‐mediated cell death. Our results constitute an in vivo example of a Serpin acting as a suicide inhibitor in plants, reminiscent of the activity of animal or viral serpins on immune/cell death regulators, including caspase‐1.

These results indicate a conserved function of a protease inhibitor on cell death regulators from different kingdoms with unrelated modes of action (i.e. caspases vs metacaspases).
Estimating the impact of oyster restoration scenarios on transient fish production
Authors: McCoy Elizabeth , Borrett Stuart R. , LaPeyre Megan K. , Peterson Bradley J.
Published: February 2017

Oyster reef restoration projects are increasing in number both to enhance oyster density and to retain valuable ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs. Although some oyster restoration projects have demonstrated success by increasing density and biomass of transient fish, it still remains a challenge to quantify the effects of oyster restoration on transient fish communities. We developed a bioenergetics model to assess the impact of selected oyster reef restoration scenarios on associated transient fish species. We used the model to analyze the impact of changes in (1) oyster population carrying capacity; (2) oyster population growth rate; and (3) diet preference of transient fish on oyster reef development and associated transient fish species. Our model results indicate that resident fish biomass is directly affected by oyster restoration and oyster biomass, and oyster restoration can have cascading impacts on transient fish biomass. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of a favorable oyster population growth rate during early restoration years, as it can lead to rapid increases in mean oyster biomass and biomass of transient fish species. The model also revealed that a transient fish's diet solely dependent on oyster reef‐derived prey could limit the biomass of transient fish species, emphasizing the importance of habitat connectivity in estuarine areas to enhance transient fish species biomass. Simple bioenergetics models can be developed to understand the dynamics of a system and make qualitative predictions of management and restoration scenarios.