bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of ZnO seed layer precursor molar ratio on the density of interface defects in low temperature aqueous chemically synthesized ZnO nanorods/GaN light-emitting diodes
Authors: Alnoor Hatim , Pozina Galia , Khranovskyy Volodymyr , Liu Xianjie , Iandolo Donata , Willander Magnus , Nur Omer
Published: April 2016

Low temperature aqueous chemical synthesis (LT-ACS) of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) has been attracting considerable research interest due to its great potential in the development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The influence of the molar ratio of the zinc acetate (ZnAc): KOH as a ZnO seed layer precursor on the density of interface defects and hence the presence of non-radiative recombination centers in LT-ACS of ZnO NRs/GaN LEDs has been systematically investigated. The material quality of the as-prepared seed layer as quantitatively deduced by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is found to be influenced by the molar ratio. It is revealed by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence that the seed layer molar ratio plays a significant role in the formation and the density of defects at the n-ZnO NRs/p-GaN heterostructure interface. Consequently, LED devices processed using ZnO NRs synthesized with molar ratio of 1:5 M exhibit stronger yellow emission (∼575 nm) compared to those based on 1:1 and 1:3 M ratios as measured by the electroluminescence. Furthermore, seed layer molar ratio shows a quantitative dependence of the non-radiative defect densities as deduced from light-output current characteristics analysis. These results have implications on the development of high-efficiency ZnO-based LEDs and may also be helpful in understanding the effects of the ZnO seed layer on defect-related non-radiative recombination.
High-efficiency control of spin-wave propagation in ultra-thin yttrium iron garnet by the spin-orbit torque
Authors: Evelt M. , Demidov V. E. , Bessonov V. , Demokritov S. O. , Prieto J. L. , Muñoz M. , Ben Youssef J. , Naletov V. V. , de Loubens G. , Klein O. , Collet M. , Garcia-Hernandez K. , Bortolotti P. , Cros V. , Anane A.
Published: April 2016

We study experimentally with submicrometer spatial resolution the propagation of spin waves in microscopic waveguides based on the nanometer-thick yttrium iron garnet and Pt layers. We demonstrate that by using the spin-orbit torque, the propagation length of the spin waves in such systems can be increased by nearly a factor of 10, which corresponds to the increase in the spin-wave intensity at the output of a 10 μm long transmission line by three orders of magnitude. We also show that, in the regime, where the magnetic damping is completely compensated by the spin-orbit torque, the spin-wave amplification is suppressed by the nonlinear scattering of the coherent spin waves from current-induced excitations.
Toward transparent and self-activated graphene harmonic transponder sensors
Authors: Huang Haiyu (Harry) , Sakhdari Maryam , Hajizadegan Mehdi , Shahini Ali , Akinwande Deji , Chen Pai-Yen
Published: April 2016

We propose the concept and design of a transparent, flexible, and self-powered wireless sensor comprising a graphene-based sensor/frequency-modulator circuitry and a graphene antenna. In this all-graphene device, the multilayered-graphene antenna receives the fundamental tone at C band and retransmits the frequency-modulated sensed signal (harmonic tone) at X band. The frequency orthogonality between the received/re-transmitted signals may enable high-performance sensing in severe interference/clutter background. Here, a fully passive, quad-ring frequency multiplier is proposed using graphene field-effect transistors, of which the unique ambipolar charge transports render a frequency doubling effect with conversion gain being chemically sensitive to exposed gas/molecular/chemical/infectious agents. This transparent, light-weight, and self-powered system may potentially benefit a number of wireless sensing and diagnosis applications, particularly for smart contact lenses/glasses and microscope slides that require high optical transparency.
Flow of Sisko fluid over a stretching cylinder and heat transfer with viscous dissipation and variable thermal conductivity: A numerical study
Authors: Malik M. Y. , Hussain Arif , Salahuddin T. , Awais M. , Bilal S. , Khan Farzana
Published: April 2016

In present analysis boundary layer flow of Sisko fluid over stretching cylinder is analyzed. Combined effects of variable thermal conductivity and viscous dissipation are assumed in heat transfer. The modeled boundary layer partial differential equations are transfigured into ordinary differential equations by using suitable transformations. These nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. The accuracy of computed results is certified by comparing with existing literature. To interpret the effects of flow parameters on velocity and temperature profiles graphs are developed. The influence of all physical parameters on skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are discussed via tabular and graphical form.
Controlled synthesis of Eu2+ and Eu3+ doped ZnS quantum dots and their photovoltaic and magnetic properties
Authors: Horoz Sabit , Yakami Baichhabi , Poudyal Uma , Pikal Jon M. , Wang Wenyong , Tang Jinke
Published: April 2016

Eu-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have been synthesized by wet-chemical method and found to form in zinc blende (cubic) structure. Both Eu2+ and Eu3+ doped ZnS can be controllably synthesized. The Eu2+ doped ZnS QDs show broad photoluminescence emission peak around 512 nm, which is from the Eu2+ intra-ion transition of 4f6d1 – 4f7, while the Eu3+ doped samples exhibit narrow emission lines characteristic of transitions between the 4f levels. The investigation of the magnetic properties shows that the Eu3+ doped samples exhibit signs of ferromagnetism, on the other hand, Eu2+ doped samples are paramagnetic of Curie-Weiss type. The incident photon to electron conversion efficiency is increased with the Eu doping, which suggests the QD solar cell efficiency can be enhanced by Eu doping due to widened absorption windows. This is an attractive approach to utilize benign and environmentally friendly wide band gap ZnS QDs in solar cell technology.
3D Ln–Organic Frameworks Featuring Lantern-Shaped Dihelicate Chains: Synthesis and Magnetic and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Liao Shengyun , Du Peiyao , Zhang Yanping , Fu Xin , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: April 2016

The in situ hydrothermal reaction of rare earth nitrate (Ln(NO3)3), 5-(4-carboxyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) isophthalic acid (H3ctia), and (NH4)2C2O4 resulted in the formation of a series of 3D 4f coordination polymers ([Ln(tia)(C2O4)0.5(H2O)]) (Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), and tia2– = 5-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) isophthalate). The results of single crystal X-ray diffraction reveal that the dinuclear lantern sub-building units ([Ln2(CO2)4]2+) are linked by C2O42– to form dihelicate chains, which are connected by tia2– to afford a novel 3D metal–organic framework with an unordinary 3-nodal (2,3,8)-connected topological network with the Schläfli symbol of {4.62}2{42.616.89.10}{6}. Complexes 2, 3, 5, and 6 exhibit strong fluorescent emissions in the visible region and complexes 1, 2, and 6 show characteristic fluorescent emissions in the near-infrared region. In addition, the magnetic properties of complexes 4, 5, and 6 were also investigated.
Another New Zealand centenarian: age validation of black cardinalfish (Epigonus telescopus) using lead–radium and bomb radiocarbon dating
Authors: Tracey Dianne M. , Andrews Allen H. , Horn Peter L. , Neil Helen L.
Published: April 2016

Black cardinalfish (Epigonus telescopus, Apogonidae) is an important component of deepsea commercial fishing activity in the New Zealand region. It is estimated to live longer than 100 years on the basis of counts of unvalidated annual growth zones in otoliths. Age-validation procedures for long-lived fishes are often one of the following two techniques: (1) lead–radium disequilibria, which uses the natural decay of radium-226 into lead-210 as a natural clock; or (2) bomb radiocarbon (Δ14C) dating, which relies on the marine signal created by nuclear testing. The high estimated lifespan, as well as the large size of the otolith core region, make E. telescopus an excellent candidate for a combined application of these two independent age-validation techniques. The lead–radium dating using otolith cores indicated that growth-zone counts less than ~60 years were consistent with radiometric ages, whereas higher counts appeared to be under-estimates. There was 95% confidence that maximum age was at least 95 years. The validation indicated that fish aged over 60 years tended to be under-aged by up to 30%. The bomb radiocarbon levels in otolith cores supported age estimates up to ~40 years made from zone counts, and by inference from the zone counts validated with lead–radium dating, longevity exceeds 100 years.
Passive interventions in primary healthcare waiting rooms are effective in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours: an integrative review
Authors: Cass Sarah J. , Ball Lauren E. , Leveritt Michael D.
Published: April 2016

Primary healthcare waiting rooms have the potential to provide health-promoting environments to support healthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking cessation, weight management and safe contraception. Passive interventions are cost-effective and continually available within an environment or setting, allowing individuals to interact, engage and learn about topics. The aim of this study was to undertake an integrative review to investigate the effectiveness of passive health-related waiting room interventions in improving healthy lifestyle behaviours, as well as precursors to behaviour change. The integrative review encompassed five phases: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies were included. Of the 9205 studies originally identified, 33 publications were included and grouped under four areas: knowledge about a health condition or behaviour, attitudes and intentions towards a health condition or behaviour, healthcare use and interactions, and health-related behaviours. Overall, the passive interventions had a general positive influence on knowledge, intentions, healthcare use and behaviours. Variable outcomes were reported regarding attitude towards a health topic. Few studies were assessed as both high quality and the highest suitability to assess effectiveness of interventions. Consideration of the clinical significance of improvements is warranted before implementation of future interventions. Overall, passive waiting room interventions appear to be effective in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Body mass scaling of passive oxygen diffusion in endotherms and ectotherms
Authors: Gillooly James F. , Gomez Juan Pablo , Mavrodiev Evgeny V. , Rong Yue , McLamore Eric S.
Published: April 2016

Significance

Biologists have long sought to understand how differences in the structure of vertebrate respiratory systems are related to differences in oxygen consumption rates associated with metabolism. In particular, they have sought to understand how structural constraints on passive oxygen diffusion through gills or lungs are related to the nonlinear body mass scaling of oxygen consumption rates. Here we show that the body mass dependence of oxygen diffusion capacity, which is governed by the area and thickness of respiratory surfaces, matches the body mass dependence of respiration in diverse endothermic (birds and mammals) and ectothermic (reptiles, amphibians, and fishes) vertebrates. These results provide a step toward a more complete understanding of the structural differences that underlie changes in oxygen consumption rates with body size.
Tobacco mosaic virus-directed reprogramming of auxin/indole acetic acid protein transcriptional responses enhances virus phloem loading
Authors: Collum Tamara D. , Padmanabhan Meenu S. , Hsieh Yi-Cheng , Culver James N.
Published: April 2016

Significance

For plant viruses a successful infection correlates with the ability to access the vascular phloem and move systemically into distal tissues. However, how viruses gain access to and usurp vascular tissues is poorly understood. Here we show how tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) enhances its access to the phloem of mature plant tissues through the targeted disruption of auxin/indole acetic acid (Aux/IAA) transcriptional regulators that control expression of host genes involved in virus cell-to-cell movement, plasmodesmata gating, and defense. TMV’s ability to disrupt Aux/IAA function successfully confers a significant advantage in the systemic spread of this virus, allowing it to outcompete nondisrupting viruses. In summary, TMV interacts with Aux/IAA proteins to reprogram the vascular phloem, making it more conducive to systemic movement.
Big data visualization identifies the multidimensional molecular landscape of human gliomas
Authors: Bolouri Hamid , Zhao Lue Ping , Holland Eric C.
Published: April 2016

Significance

We demonstrate that computational visualization of large-scale molecular and clinical datasets can delineate molecularly defined groups of highly similar patients that are well separated from other subgroups. We show that our approach is applicable to multiple data types (sequence, expression, DNA methylation), and that it provides the ability to discover clusters of tumors with targetable lesions. Our methods are generally applicable to all diseases and provide an intuitive means for physicians and bench scientists to work directly with “big” biomedical data.
GABA
B
receptor-mediated, layer-specific synaptic plasticity reorganizes gamma-frequency neocortical response to stimulation
Authors: Ainsworth Matthew , Lee Shane , Kaiser Marcus , Simonotto Jennifer , Kopell Nancy J. , Whittington Miles A.
Published: April 2016

Significance

How the brain deals with the barrage of sensory information during wakefulness determines cognitive performance. Strategies include bias toward attending to novel sensory information and an ability to enhance or habituate cortical responses to repeated inputs. Here we show both enhancement and habituation occur simultaneously in different layers of cortex and that the plastic processes involved require activation of the GABA
B
subtype of neuronal inhibition. The work demonstrates that the brain can change the way it routes repeatedly presented sensory information in two complementary ways: It optimizes the local cortical representation, including more information as the stimulus is repeated; and it minimizes the output to other areas, preserving only outputs most closely correlated with the local cortical representation.
Monitoring Demographic and Genetic Responses of a Threatened Inland Trout to Habitat Reconnection
Authors: Neville Helen , Dauwalter Dan , Peacock Mary
Published: April 2016

Freshwater fishes living in streams and rivers can be affected strongly by isolation, which causes a disproportionate degree of fragmentation in such dendritic systems. Isolation disrupts important ecological and migratory processes as well as the ability to access refuge habitats during disturbances. The restoration of habitat connectivity, then, should be a productive strategy for improving the resiliency of freshwater fish populations, but the local and broader ecological benefits of barrier removal are still poorly understood. We report on a long‐term, spatially intensive effort to monitor the responses of inland trout to stream habitat reconnection at a watershed scale, using both demographic and genetic techniques. Individual‐based genetic assignment uncovered clear evidence of movement into the primary tributary of interest, which had been blocked by an assumedly complete barrier, but the source population generating this movement varied over time. A linear mixed‐effect model suggested trout densities in this target stream increased threefold and the population sustained more large migratory‐sized individuals after habitat reconnection. Densities overall did not respond to fire or variable spring flows which occurred during the course of the study, but a negative parameter estimate for “year” suggested a possible decline in densities over the study period (although 95% CIs barely overlapped with 0). Population genetic metrics showed no change in population differentiation or metrics of genetic diversity in most cases, except for a significant decline in allelic richness in the target population. The effective biological reconnection documented in our study should improve population resiliency in the future, but we discuss the benefits of spatially intensive monitoring at a watershed scale and combined inference from both demographic and genetic metrics to uncover unexpectedly complex fish responses to habitat reconnection.

Received September 18, 2015; accepted December 10, 2015 Published online April 27, 2016
Carbon Dioxide as a Tool to Deter the Movement of Invasive Bigheaded Carps
Authors: Donaldson Michael R. , Amberg Jon , Adhikari Shivani , Cupp Aaron , Jensen Nathan , Romine Jason , Wright Adam , Gaikowski Mark , Suski Cory D.
Published: April 2016

Nonnative bigheaded carps are established in the Mississippi River and there is substantial concern about their potential entry into the interconnected Laurentian Great Lakes. While electrical barriers currently exist as a preventative measure, there is need for additional control mechanisms to promote barrier security through redundancy. We tested the effectiveness of infused carbon dioxide gas (CO2) as a tool to influence the movement and behavior invasive bigheaded carps, namely Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix, as well as native Bigmouth Buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus, Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus, Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, and Yellow Perch Perca flavescens in an experimental pond. Individuals were monitored with acoustic telemetry before, during, and after CO2 addition to the pond. We noted distinct changes in fish behavior following CO2 addition. Each species except Paddlefish maintained farther distances from the CO2 infusion manifold relative to controls. Both bigheaded carp species had slower persistence velocities (persistence of a movement in a given direction) following CO2 infusion and Bighead Carp used a smaller area of the pond immediately after CO2 addition. Pond pH progressively decreased up to 1.5 units following CO2 infusion. This work provides evidence that could inform future research to enhance existing control measures used to deter high‐risk invasive fishes, such as bigheaded carps.

Received July 27, 2015; accepted January 11, 2016 Published online April 27, 2016
Distinguishing Three Unprofessional Behavior Profiles of Medical Students Using Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Mak-van der Vossen Marianne C. , van Mook Walther N.K.A. , Kors Joyce M. , van Wieringen Wessel N. , Peerdeman Saskia M. , Croiset Gerda , Kusurkar Rashmi A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Because unprofessional behavior of physicians is associated with unprofessional behavior in medical school, identifying unprofessional behavior in medical school is critical. Research has noted the difficulty in assessing professional behavior. Instead of identifying isolated behaviors, it could be more helpful to recognize behavioral patterns to evaluate students’ professional behavior. The authors aimed to identify patterns in the unprofessional behaviors of medical students and to construct descriptions based on these patterns.

Method

Content analysis of research articles yielded a template of unprofessional behaviors for coding student evaluation forms indicating unsatisfactory professional behavior, collected from 2012 to 2014 at the VUmc School of Medical Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Latent class analysis was used to identify classes of students with a high chance of displaying comparable unprofessional behaviors. Teachers’ feedback of prototype students was summarized to generate profile descriptions.

Results

A template of 109 behaviors was used to code 232 evaluation forms of 194 students (3.9% students/year). Latent class analysis identified three hypothetical classes of students: Class 1 (43%) was labeled as “Poor reliability,” class 2 (20%) was labeled as “Poor reliability and poor insight,” and class 3 (37%) was labeled as “Poor reliability, poor insight, and poor adaptability.”

Conclusions

These profiles of unprofessional behavior might help to improve the evaluation of unprofessional behavior in medical school. Further research should provide evidence for confidently accepting or rejecting the profiles as an instrument to identify which students are expected to benefit from remediation trajectories.
Risk of Recurrence After Surviving Severe Sepsis: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Shen Hsiu-Nien , Lu Chin-Li , Yang Hsi-Hsing
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

To examine the risk of recurrence in adults who survived first-episode severe sepsis for at least 3 months.

Design:

A matched cohort study.

Setting:

Inpatient claims data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database.

Subjects:

We analyzed 10,818 adults who survived first-episode severe sepsis without recurrence for at least 3 months in 2000 (SS group; mean age, 62.7 yr; men, 54.7%) and a group of age/sex-matched (1:1) population controls who had no prior history of severe sepsis. All subjects were followed from the study entry to the occurrence of end-point, death, or until December 31, 2008, whichever date came first.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Primary end-point was severe sepsis that occurred after January 1, 2001 (the study entry). Relative risk of the end-point was assessed using competing risk regression model. During the follow-up period, severe sepsis and death occurred in 35.0% and 26.5% of SS group and in 4.3% and 18.6% of controls, respectively, representing a covariate-adjusted sub–hazard ratio of 8.89 (95% CI, 8.04–9.83) for the risk of recurrence. In stratified analysis by patient characteristics, the sub–hazard ratios ranged from 7.74 in rural area residents to 23.17 in young adults. In subgroup analysis by first-episode infection sites in SS group, the sub–hazard ratios ranged from 4.82 in intra-abdominal infection to 9.99 in urinary tract infection.

Conclusions:

Risk of recurrence after surviving severe sepsis is substantial regardless of patient characteristics or infection sites. Further research is necessary to find underlying mechanisms for the high risk of recurrence in these patients.
Comparison of Three Assays to Quantify Infliximab, Adalimumab, and Etanercept Serum Concentrations
Authors: van Bezooijen Ji S. , Koch Birgit C. P. , van Doorn Martijn B. A. , Prens Errol P. , van Gelder Teun , Schreurs Marco W. J.
Published: April 2016

Background:

To optimize treatment of inflammatory diseases, interest in the measurement of anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) serum drug concentrations is increasing. Preferably, assays for the detection of these drugs should be compared using the same reference material. In this study, 2 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and a commercially available bioassay for the determination of anti-TNFα drugs are compared.

Methods:

Serum samples from infliximab-, adalimumab-, and etanercept-treated patients, control samples from ustekinumab-treated patients, and healthy donors were obtained. ELISAs manufactured by Sanquin and Theradiag and the iLite reporter gene–based bioassay from Biomonitor were compared.

Results:

Sanquin, Theradiag, and iLite assays concordantly (100%) detected infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept in the relevant patient groups. The Sanquin ELISAs specifically detected the anti-TNFα drug they were designed for, whereas the Theradiag and iLite showed cross-reactivity with other anti-TNFα drugs. Ustekinumab was not detected in any of the assays. Sanquin, Theradiag, and iLite exhibited linear quantitative correlation for all drug concentration assays. However, there were statistically significant quantitative differences in measured concentrations.

Conclusions:

All 3 commercially available assays seem suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of anti-TNFα drugs, allowing sensitive and comparable detection of infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept concentrations, however with differences in specificity and recovery.
Aesthetic Total Reconstruction of Lower Eyelid Using Scapha Cartilage Graft on a Vascularized Propeller Flap
Authors: Uemura Tetsuji , Watanabe Hidekata , Masumoto Kazuyuki , Kikuchi Mamoru , Satake Yoshiyasu , Yanai Tetsu , Harada Yoshimi , Ishihara Yasuhiro , Yasuta Masato
Published: April 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to review the results of a cohort of patients based on our experience with a new technique for total lower eyelid reconstruction after a large defect caused by malignant tumor and trauma. A scapha cartilage graft with small skin on a vascularized propeller flap was used for 16 cases requiring lower eyelid reconstruction.

Methods:

Patients were identified from a database, and a retrospective case note review was conducted. The scapha cartilage graft was sutured to the margin of the defect of the palpebral conjunctiva and tarsus. The propeller flap, rotated by a perforator-based lateral orbital flap or a subcutaneous-based nasolabial flap, was vascularized on the scapha cartilage graft as anterior lining of the lower eyelid. The follow-up, including results of slit-lamp examination, lasted for varying periods, but often it was for 12 months.

Results:

The scapha cartilage graft with small skin on a vascularized propeller flap was viable in all cases. Slit-lamp examination detected no irritation or injury of the conjunctiva and cornea, and visual acuity was maintained in all cases. A deformity in the donor helix by this technique was also improved by getting a smaller skin harvested from the scapha.

Conclusion:

Use of the scapha cartilage graft with small skin on a vascularized propeller flap allows for a good fit to the orbit, short operative time under local anesthesia, good graft viability, and a good esthetic result with minimal donor site morbidity.
Physiological Profile and Limitations in Exercise in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Vainshelboim Baruch , Oliveira Jose , Fox Benjamin Daniel , Adir Yochai , Ollech Jacob Eliezer , Kramer Mordechai Reuven
Published: April 2016

PURPOSE:

This study aimed to describe the physiological profile and limiting factors during exercise among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS:

A descriptive study involving 34 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (22 men) aged 68 ± 8 years was conducted. All patients completed a pulmonary function test, cardiopulmonary exercise test, Doppler echocardiography, 6-minute walk test, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea evaluation.

RESULTS:

Approximately 38% of patients (range, 15%-71%) presented with coexisting comorbidities including pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. Modified Medical Research Council grades 0-2 and 3-4 were assigned to 68% and 32% of patients, respectively. Median values for forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide percent (%) predicted were 68 (95% CI, 63-76) and 51 (95% CI, 46-55), respectively. Left ventricular systolic function was normal. Aerobic capacity (

JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-201607000-00007/7FSM1/v/2023-09-11T074056Z/r/image-gif

o
2peak = 13.4 mL/kg/min [95% CI, 12.6-14.9]; 62% predicted [95% CI, 56-67]) was moderately reduced with the presence of abnormalities in pulmonary gas exchange and desaturation, circulatory impairments, inefficient ventilation, and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Functional capacity was normal (6-minute walk test distance = 505 m [95% CI, 435-522]; 99% predicted [95% CI, 91-108]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The physiological profile demonstrated the presence of comorbidities in approximately 38% of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a moderate level of dyspnea. Resting cardiopulmonary function showed moderate pulmonary restriction and severe impairments in diffusion capacity with normal left ventricular systolic function. Multifactorial limitations for a moderately diminished aerobic capacity were revealed during the cardiopulmonary exercise test, although functional capacity was normal. These results emphasize the significance of a meticulous evaluation, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test for an accurate exercise tolerance evaluation, to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis and for developing effective targeted treatments.
Aerobic Exercise for Adolescents With Prolonged Symptoms After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kurowski Brad G. , Hugentobler Jason , Quatman-Yates Catherine , Taylor Jennifer , Gubanich Paul J. , Altaye Mekibib , Wade Shari L.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

To describe the methodology and report primary outcomes of an exploratory randomized clinical trial (RCT) of aerobic training for management of prolonged symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adolescents.

Setting:

Outpatient research setting.

Participants:

Thirty adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years who sustained a mTBI and had between 4 and 16 weeks of persistent symptoms.

Design:

Partially blinded, pilot RCT of subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training compared with a full-body stretching program.

Main Measures:

The primary outcome was postinjury symptom improvement assessed by the adolescent's self-reported Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) repeated for at least 6 weeks of the intervention. Parent-reported PCSI and adherence are also described.

Results:

Twenty-two percent of eligible participants enrolled in the trial. Repeated-measures analysis of variance via mixed-models analysis demonstrated a significant group × time interaction with self-reported PCSI ratings, indicating a greater rate of improvement in the subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training group than in the full-body stretching group (F = 4.11, P = .044). Adherence to the home exercise programs was lower in the subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training group compared with the full-body stretching group (mean [SD] times per week = 4.42 [1.95] vs 5.85 [1.37], P < .0001) over the duration of the study.

Conclusion:

Findings from this exploratory RCT suggest subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training is potentially beneficial for adolescents with persistent symptoms after an mTBI. These findings and other recent research support the potential benefit of active rehabilitation programs for adolescents with persistent symptoms after an mTBI. Larger replication studies are needed to verify findings and improve generalizability. Future work should focus on determining the optimal type, timing, and intensity of active rehabilitation programs and characteristics of individuals most likely to benefit.
BILATERAL SUBRETINAL FLUID AND RETINAL VASCULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha , Singh Ramandeep , Kumar Abiraj , Dogra Mangat R. , Gupta Amod
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To report a case of bilateral retinopathy associated with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Methods:

History and clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.

Results:

We report a rare case of unilateral, followed by bilateral retinopathy, subretinal fluid, and vasculopathy in a young boy. History of missed measles vaccination, behavioral and neurologic symptoms, and electroencephalogram suggested a diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Retinal imaging using optical coherence tomography was performed to document changes in the retinal microstructure through the natural course of the disease. Within 8 weeks, the changes progressed to retinal atrophy in both eyes.

Conclusion:

The progressive course of retinitis associated with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can be monitored on optical coherence tomography. Retinitis is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis rapidly progressive from the acute stage to the stage of atrophy, involving full thickness of the retina.
WALDENSTRÖM'S MACROGLOBULINEMIA MASQUERADING AS BIRDSHOT CHORIORETINOPATHY
Authors: Kim Jane S. , Jaworski Laurence , Patel-Donnelly Dipti , Nussenblatt Robert B. , Sen H. Nida
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To describe Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) as a masquerade syndrome.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 59-year-old human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A29-negative white male presented with a 7-year history of floaters, progressive vision loss, and poor contrast sensitivity along with choroidal lesions suggestive of birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR). Fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and indocyanine green angiography showed multiple areas of hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescence. Electroretinography showed reduced cone and rod responses. Comprehensive workup for infectious, paraneoplastic, and other causes including sarcoidosis was negative at the time. The patient was treated with multiple immunomodulatory agents without any significant improvement. Two years after initial presentation, the patient developed normocytic anemia and high levels of inflammatory markers. Further workup yielded a diagnosis of WM. His choroidal lesions were significantly reduced after treatment with rituximab and bendamustine.

Conclusion:

We report a case of WM masquerading as BCR. Other indolent diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis for HLA-A29-negative patients presenting with birdshot-like lesions, especially if they are clinically unresponsive to multiple systemic immunosuppressive agents.
A CASE OF UNILATERAL RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM DYSGENESIS
Authors: Yamasaki Atsushi , Tominaga Takeshi , Ishikura Ryoko , Ohmatsu Hiroshi , Inoue Yoshitsugu
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To report a case of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis.

Methods:

An 8-year-old boy with a large grayish lesion and leopard-spot pattern lesion at its periphery in his left eye underwent fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and electroretinography.

Results:

Fluorescein angiography showed an area of geographic hyperfluorescence with a peripheral pattern of dark spots. The area of retinal pigment epithelial atrophy showed hypofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence. Optical coherence tomography of the left eye showed attenuation of the inner segment–outer segment junction and choroidal thinning. Single-flash electroretinography and scotopic electroretinography showed normal results and did not differ between both the eyes. The 30-Hz flicker test and photopic electroretinography showed a decrease in amplitude in the left eye.

Conclusion:

Unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis is very rare, and its prognosis is still unknown. Careful follow-up of the patient seems to be essential.
Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale among stroke patients
Authors: Li Hong-Yan , Cheng Hui-Lin , Fang Liang , Bi Rui-Xue , Fang Xiao-Qun , Hu Min
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale (DLSES) in stroke patients. In total, 172 participants were recruited from a local hospital in China. The internal consistent reliability and convergent validity of the total scale and activities of daily living (ADL) and psychosocial functioning subscales were examined and factor analysis was carried out. Cronbach’s αs for the Chinese version of the DLSES, ADL subscale, and psychosocial subscale were 0.96, 0.90, and 0.95, respectively. In the factor analysis, two factors (ADL and psychosocial functioning) were extracted, explaining 84.4% of the total variance in self-efficacy (χ

2

/d.f.=2.19, root mean square error of approximation=0.08, normed fit index=0.95, comparative fit index=0.98, incremental fit index=0.98). Convergent validity was confirmed by positive relationships between the Chinese version of the DLSES and the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (r=0.87). The ADL subscale was associated positively with the Barthel Index (r=0.74) and the psychosocial functioning subscale was associated negatively with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (r=−0.73) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (r=−0.44). The Chinese version of the DLSES was shown to be a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy in stroke patients.
Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory to Predict Response to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depression
Authors: SIDDIQI SHAN H. , CHOCKALINGAM RAVIKUMAR , CLONINGER C. ROBERT , LENZE ERIC J. , CRISTANCHO PILAR
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The goal of this study was to investigate the utility of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in predicting antidepressant response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Background:

Although rTMS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is an established antidepressant treatment, little is known about predictors of response. The TCI measures multiple personality dimensions (harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, persistence, self-directedness, self-transcendence, and cooperativeness), some of which have predicted response to pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. A previous study suggested a possible association between self-directedness and response to rTMS in melancholic depression, although this was limited by the fact that melancholic depression is associated with a limited range of TCI profiles.

Methods:

Nineteen patients with a major depressive episode completed the TCI before a clinical course of rTMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Treatment response was defined as ≥50% decrease in scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D). Baseline scores on each TCI dimension were compared between responders and nonresponders through analysis of variance. Pearson correlations were also calculated for temperament/character scores in comparison with percentage improvement in Ham-D scores.

Results:

Eleven of the 19 patients responded to rTMS. T-scores for persistence were significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders (P=0.022). Linear regression revealed a correlation between persistence scores and percentage improvement in Ham-D scores.

Conclusions:

Higher persistence scores predicted antidepressant response to rTMS. This may be explained by rTMS-induced enhancement of cortical excitability, which has been found to be decreased in patients with high persistence. Personality assessment that includes measurement of TCI persistence may be a useful component of precision medicine initiatives in rTMS for depression.
Estimating times of extinction in the fossil record
Authors: Wang Steve C. , Marshall Charles R.
Published: April 2016

Because the fossil record is incomplete, the last fossil of a taxon is a biased estimate of its true time of extinction. Numerous methods have been developed in the palaeontology literature for estimating the true time of extinction using ages of fossil specimens. These methods, which typically give a confidence interval for estimating the true time of extinction, differ in the assumptions they make and the nature and amount of data they require. We review the literature on such methods and make some recommendations for future directions.
Genetic variation in male-induced harm in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Filice David C. S. , Long Tristan A. F.
Published: April 2016

In
Drosophila melanogaster
, prolonged exposure to males reduces the longevity and fecundity of females. This harm arises from the effects of male courtship behaviours and the toxic side effects of the accessory gland proteins (Acps) in their seminal fluids. Here, we examine the relationship between male exposure and its harmful effect on the lifetime fitness of his mates, and quantify the genetic basis for this variation. We found significant additive genetic variation in the magnitude of harm that males impose on females by exposing females to males from a variety of hemiclonal backgrounds for either a brief or prolonged period of time and measuring their fecundity, a meaningful fitness index. Furthermore, we discovered a strong
negative
correlation between the magnitude of harm and the short-term effects of male exposure on female fitness. We discuss the evolutionary significance of these results with regards to potential life-history trade-offs in females, and its relationship to male body size.
Structure and evolutionary history of a large family of NLR proteins in the zebrafish
Authors: Howe Kerstin , Schiffer Philipp H. , Zielinski Julia , Wiehe Thomas , Laird Gavin K. , Marioni John C. , Soylemez Onuralp , Kondrashov Fyodor , Leptin Maria
Published: April 2016

Multicellular eukaryotes have evolved a range of mechanisms for immune recognition. A widespread family involved in innate immunity are the NACHT-domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing (NLR) proteins. Mammals have small numbers of NLR proteins, whereas in some species, mostly those without adaptive immune systems, NLRs have expanded into very large families. We describe a family of nearly 400 NLR proteins encoded in the zebrafish genome. The proteins share a defining overall structure, which arose in fishes after a fusion of the core NLR domains with a B30.2 domain, but can be subdivided into four groups based on their NACHT domains. Gene conversion acting differentially on the NACHT and B30.2 domains has shaped the family and created the groups. Evidence of positive selection in the B30.2 domain indicates that this domain rather than the leucine-rich repeats acts as the pathogen recognition module. In an unusual chromosomal organization, the majority of the genes are located on one chromosome arm, interspersed with other large multigene families, including a new family encoding zinc-finger proteins. The NLR-B30.2 proteins represent a new family with diversity in the specific recognition module that is present in fishes in spite of the parallel existence of an adaptive immune system.
Sexual selection on male vocal fundamental frequency in humans and other anthropoids
Authors: Puts David A. , Hill Alexander K. , Bailey Drew H. , Walker Robert S. , Rendall Drew , Wheatley John R. , Welling Lisa L. M. , Dawood Khytam , Cárdenas Rodrigo , Burriss Robert P. , Jablonski Nina G. , Shriver Mark D. , Weiss Daniel , Lameira Adriano R. , Apicella Coren L. , Owren Michael J. , Barelli Claudia , Glenn Mary E. , Ramos-Fernandez Gabriel
Published: April 2016

In many primates, including humans, the vocalizations of males and females differ dramatically, with male vocalizations and vocal anatomy often seeming to exaggerate apparent body size. These traits may be favoured by sexual selection because low-frequency male vocalizations intimidate rivals and/or attract females, but this hypothesis has not been systematically tested across primates, nor is it clear why competitors and potential mates should attend to vocalization frequencies. Here we show across anthropoids that sexual dimorphism in fundamental frequency (
F
0
) increased during evolutionary transitions towards polygyny, and decreased during transitions towards monogamy. Surprisingly, humans exhibit greater
F
0
sexual dimorphism than any other ape. We also show that low-
F
0
vocalizations predict perceptions of men's dominance and attractiveness, and predict hormone profiles (low cortisol and high testosterone) related to immune function. These results suggest that low male
F
0
signals condition to competitors and mates, and evolved in male anthropoids in response to the intensity of mating competition.
Maintenance of biodiversity on islands
Authors: Chisholm Ryan A. , Fung Tak , Chimalakonda Deepthi , O'Dwyer James P.
Published: April 2016

MacArthur and Wilson's theory of island biogeography predicts that island species richness should increase with island area. This prediction generally holds among large islands, but among small islands species richness often varies independently of island area, producing the so-called ‘small-island effect’ and an overall biphasic species–area relationship (SAR). Here, we develop a unified theory that explains the biphasic island SAR. Our theory's key postulate is that as island area increases, the total number of immigrants increases faster than niche diversity. A parsimonious mechanistic model approximating these processes reproduces a biphasic SAR and provides excellent fits to 100 archipelago datasets. In the light of our theory, the biphasic island SAR can be interpreted as arising from a transition from a niche-structured regime on small islands to a colonization–extinction balance regime on large islands. The first regime is characteristic of classic deterministic niche theories; the second regime is characteristic of stochastic theories including the theory of island biogeography and neutral theory. The data furthermore confirm our theory's key prediction that the transition between the two SAR regimes should occur at smaller areas, where immigration is stronger (i.e. for taxa that are better dispersers and for archipelagos that are less isolated).
Metapopulation dominance and genomic-island acquisition ofBradyrhizobiumwith superior catabolic capabilities
Authors: Hollowell Amanda C. , Regus John U. , Turissini David , Gano-Cohen Kelsey A. , Bantay Roxanne , Bernardo Andrew , Moore Devora , Pham Jonathan , Sachs Joel L.
Published: April 2016

Root nodule-forming rhizobia exhibit a bipartite lifestyle, replicating in soil and also within plant cells where they fix nitrogen for legume hosts. Host control models posit that legume hosts act as a predominant selective force on rhizobia, but few studies have examined rhizobial fitness in natural populations. Here, we genotyped and phenotypedBradyrhizobiumisolates across more than 800 km of the nativeAcmispon strigosushost range. We sequenced chromosomal genes expressed under free-living conditions and accessory symbiosis loci expressedin plantaand encoded on an integrated ‘symbiosis island’ (SI). We uncovered a massive clonal expansion restricted to theBradyrhizobiumchromosome, with a single chromosomal haplotype dominating populations, ranging more than 700 km, and acquiring 42 divergent SI haplotypes, none of which were spatially widespread. For focal genotypes, we quantified utilization of 190 sole-carbon sources relevant to soil fitness. Chromosomal haplotypes that were both widespread and dominant exhibited superior growth on diverse carbon sources, whereas these patterns were not mirrored among SI haplotypes. Abundance, spatial range and catabolic superiority of chromosomal, but not symbiosis genotypes suggests that fitness in the soil environment, rather than symbiosis with hosts, might be the key driver ofBradyrhizobiumdominance.