bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic assays for detecting bone alkaline phosphatase based on biolayer interferometry-selected antibody
Authors: Liu Miao , Zeng Li-Feng , Yang Ya-Jie , Hu Li-Ming , Lai Wei-Hua
Published: June 2017

A convenient, reliable, highly sensitive, and competitive fluorescent microsphere-lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (FM-LFIA) was developed for the quantitative detection of BAP for the first time.
3D porous nanostructured platinum prepared using atomic layer deposition
Authors: Pulinthanathu Sree Sreeprasanth , Dendooven J. , Geerts L. , Ramachandran R. K. , Javon E. , Ceyssens F. , Breynaert E. , Kirschhock C. E. A. , Puers R. , Altantzis T. , Van Tendeloo G. , Bals S. , Detavernier C. , Martens J. A.
Published: June 2017

3D porous nanostructured platinum prepared via replicating the porosity of a 3D mesoporous silica material using atomic layer deposition.
In situ photodeposition of MoSx on CdS nanorods as a highly efficient cocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Fu Xianliang , Zhang Li , Liu Lihua , Li Hui , Meng Sugang , Ye Xiangju , Chen Shifu
Published: June 2017

In situ photodeposition of MoSx on CdS-nanorods for photocatalytic HER was achieved with (NH4)2MoS4 as a precursor. The optimal MoSx loading amount is 0.2 wt% and its performance is comparable to the well-known Pt cocatalyst. A junction in form of Cd–S–Mo bond was proposed to account for the higher HER activity.
Black phosphorus quantum dot based novel siRNA delivery systems in human pluripotent teratoma PA-1 cells
Authors: Yin Feng , Hu Kuan , Chen Si , Wang Dongyuan , Zhang Jianing , Xie Mingsheng , Yang Dan , Qiu Meng , Zhang Han , Li Zi-gang
Published: June 2017

As a novel semiconducting materials, BP-QDs possess superior transfection efficiency, excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, which shows promising potential for siRNA delivery and photothermal effects in cancer therapy.
Pixel‐wise varifocal camera model for handling multilayer refractions
Authors: Huang Longxiang , Zhao Xu , Liu Yuncai
Published: June 2017

When observing a scene by a perspective camera through multiple refractive planes (e.g. underwater imaging), distortions and illusions, mainly caused by the refractions occurring at the interfaces between the different mediums, will be brought into the imaging system. Traditional pin‐hole camera model becomes invalid in handling such case. A novel general camera model is presented, which is in fact a virtual pixel‐wise varifocal model and can be used to encode multilayer refractions effectively. The model is built up based on two important findings. One is that the air between the camera centre and the nearest layer can be modelled as an air layer. The other one is that a ray passing through the air layer and these multiple layers causes only lateral displacement without changing its direction. The proposed camera model guarantees fast calculation of the backward projection. The forward projection equation is also derived and an efficient solving algorithm is proposed. Synthetic and real experiments are designed to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed theory.
Delay constraint energy‐efficient routing based on Lagrange relaxation in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Huynh Trong‐Thua , Tran Thong‐Nhat , Tran Cong‐Hung , Dinh‐Duc Anh‐Vu
Published: June 2017

Most of researches on wireless sensor network (WSN) are focused on how to reduce energy consumption to increase the network lifetime. There are few researches solving the problem of energy optimization ensuring delay constraint. Whereas, the delay is important factor for applications that require delay‐sensitive data. Several works have been published to balance the energy consumption and delay. They achieved many different results but each proposal has certain limitations. Some proposals have high computational and messaging complexity. Some others have not found the optimal solution. In this study, we investigate in finding solution to improve the energy efficiency of sensor nodes satisfying end‐to‐end delay to transmit data from sensor nodes to sink in multi‐hop WSNs. Based on Lagrange relaxation method, we propose an aggregate cost function between energy consumption and delay as well as an efficient method to find the optimal multiplier for that objective function. We provide two algorithms to find paths with least energy consumption while maintaining end‐to‐end delay requirement from any sensor node to sink. Besides analyzing the complexity and convergence of the algorithm, the simulation results also show that the proposed algorithm achieved good balance between energy consumption and delay compared with the previous proposals.
Service performance of nanopins based on branched carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Zhong‐Qiang , Zhong Jun , Liu Zhen , Cheng Guang‐Gui , Ding Jian‐Ning
Published: June 2017

Service performance of nanopins based on different branched carbon nanotubes (CNTs) including the 45° Y‐type CNT, the 45° V‐type CNT, the 90° Y‐type CNT, and the T‐type CNT have been investigated using classical molecular dynamics simulations. The Y‐type CNT is the most cost‐effective while there is adequate room to improve its service performance. The installed V‐type CNT always has a trend of leaving from the silicon hole, and thus it would better be used with another nanopin cooperatively. For the 90° Y‐type CNT, the installation resistance and the unloading force are almost in the same order of magnitude while the installation in pushing approach is relatively easier than that in pulling approach. Interestingly, the attraction between the silicon hole and the T‐type CNT can mislead the branch, resulting in the failed installation of the T‐type CNT consequently.
Temperature‐dependence improvement for a MEMS gyroscope using triangular‐electrode based capacitive detection method
Authors: Lin Yiyu , Zheng Xudong , Liu Siqi , Ma Wei , Jin Zhonghe
Published: June 2017

This work presents analysis and test results on temperature‐dependence improvement for a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope based on triangular‐electrode based (TEB) capacitive detection method. To reduce the effects of temperature variations on MEMS gyroscopes, TEB capacitive detection method is applied because the extracted amplitude and phase are robust to system parameter fluctuations. In the first place, analytical results for the scale factors and zero‐rate outputs, respectively, utilising linear electromechanical amplitude modulation (linear‐EAM) method and TEB method are derived. Then experimental results of the temperature characteristics for gyroscopes are conducted. The temperature coefficient of scale factor over the temperature range of −10 to 60°C is reduced from −8845 ppm/°C for linear‐EAM method to 1660 ppm/°C for TEB method with an improvement factor of 5.3. Moreover, the temperature‐induced zero‐rate output variation is decreased from −68.05°/s for linear‐EAM method to −29.09°/s for TEB method with an improvement factor of 2.3. Experimental results of temperature‐dependence improvement agree well with the theoretical analysis. In the end, Allan variance analysis demonstrates a bias instability of 2.85°/h, and an ARW (angle random walk) of 0.16°/√h with a vacuum‐packaged gyroscope using TEB method, which is significantly better than the bias instability 5.47°/h and ARW 0.22°/√h tested using linear‐EAM method.
Calibrating thePlanckcluster mass scale with CLASH
Authors: Penna-Lima M. , Bartlett J. G. , Rozo E. , Melin J.-B. , Merten J. , Evrard A. E. , Postman M. , Rykoff E.
Published: June 2017

We determine the mass scale ofPlanckgalaxy clusters using gravitational lensing mass measurements from the Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey withHubble(CLASH). We have compared the lensing masses to thePlanckSunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) mass proxy for 21 clusters in common, employing a Bayesian analysis to simultaneously fit an idealized CLASH selection function and the distribution between the measured observables and true cluster mass. We used a tiered analysis strategy to explicitly demonstrate the importance of priors on weak lensing mass accuracy. In the case of an assumed constant bias,bSZ, between true cluster mass,M500, and thePlanckmass proxy,MPL, our analysis constrains 1−bSZ= 0.73 ± 0.10 when moderate priors on weak lensing accuracy are used, including a zero-mean Gaussian with standard deviation of 8% to account for possible bias in lensing mass estimations. Our analysis explicitly accounts for possible selection bias effects in this calibration sourced by the CLASH selection function. Our constraint on the cluster mass scale is consistent with recent results from the Weighing the Giants program and the Canadian Cluster Comparison Project. It is also consistent, at 1.34σ, with the value needed to reconcile thePlanckSZ cluster counts withPlanck’s base ΛCDM model fit to the primary cosmic microwave background anisotropies.
The Systemic Effects of Endometriosis
Authors: Alderman Myles , Yoder Nicole , Taylor Hugh
Published: June 2017

Endometriosis is a condition defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in ectopic locations. While the most commonly seen symptoms of the disease are pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, endometriosis has also systemic effects in multiple organ systems. Here, we review literature describing closely associated comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, cancers, autoimmune disease, psychiatric conditions, and metabolism/body weight. We examine the pathophysiology and hypothesized mechanism by which endometriosis may lead to these systemic effects; mechanisms include cytokine and micro-RNA production as well as stem cell migration and dissemination. The broad systemic effects of endometriosis as well as correlated comorbidities are often overlooked in the treatment of patients with endometriosis. Increased awareness may lead to more effective treatment and prevention.
ADAMTS13 Deficiency Worsens Colitis and Exogenous ADAMTS13 Administration Decreases Colitis Severity in Mice
Authors: Zitomersky Naamah , Demers Melanie , Martinod Kimberly , Gallant Maureen , Cifuni Stephen , Biswas Amlan , Snapper Scott , Wagner Denisa
Published: June 2017

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects 1.6 million people in the United States. IBD is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, which rises with disease activity. The pathogenesis of IBD and its increased thrombotic risk is not completely understood. Ultra large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimers are secreted from activated endothelium, leading to recruitment of platelets and leukocytes. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type I repeats motif 13 (ADAMTS13) cleaves highly adhesive ULVWF into smaller, less bioactive, multimers, releasing them into circulation. Mice deficient in ADAMTS13 (ADAMTS13−/−) have heightened inflammatory and thrombotic responses.

Objectives We hypothesized that upon colitis induction, ADAMTS13−/− mice would have more severe symptoms compared with wild-type (WT) mice, and rhADAMTS13 administration to mice with colitis would improve their condition.

Results Dextran sodium sulfate–induced colitis was worse in ADAMTS13−/− mice than WT. ADAMTS13−/− showed increased weight loss, worse anemia, and increased clinical and histologic colitis severity, compared with WT mice. ADAMTS13−/− mice had increased VWF release, with accumulation at inflamed colonic sites. Also, the majority of mice showed one or more submucosal colonic thrombi. ADAMTS13 deficiency worsened colitis and propagated intestinal inflammation, most likely through increased platelet–leukocyte recruitment by VWF. Treatment of WT mice with rhADAMTS13 decreased colitis severity without worsening anemia. Additionally, several immune-mediated chronic murine colitis models, and inflamed colon tissue specimens from IBD patients, showed increased VWF release at inflamed sites, suggesting a generalizability of our findings.

Conclusion Measuring VWF/ADAMTS13 levels could have clinical utility. When applicable, the administration of ADAMTS13, in addition to primary treatment, may improve outcomes for IBD patients.
Modified submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for submucosal tumors in the esophagus and gastric fundus near the cardia
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Cai Jian-Qun , Xiang Li , Wang Zhen , de Liu Si , Bai Yang
Published: June 2017

Background and study aims Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection with double opening (DO-STER) was developed by our group for the resection of submucosal tumors in the esophagus and gastric fundus near the cardia. This study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of feasibility and safety of DO-STER.

Methods The key to DO-STER is the creation of a tunnel opening in the mucosa over the inferior border of the tumor. During resection, the tumor can be gradually pushed out of the submucosal tunnel through the opening, leaving enough space for operation within the tunnel. A total of 10 tumors resected by DO-STER were retrospectively reviewed.

Results All tumors were successfully resected by DO-STER. One tumor was located at the lower esophagus, four at the esophagogastric junction, and five at the gastric fundus near the cardia. Tumor size ranged from 1.0 × 1.2 cm to 3.5 × 5.0 cm, and all tumors originated from the muscularis propria. Operative times ranged from 45 to 150 minutes. No delayed bleeding or perforation occurred.

Conclusion DO-STER seems to provide an alternative approach for resection of tumors in the esophagus and gastric fundus near the cardia.
Analysis on the effect of venturi tube structural parameters on fluid flow
Authors: Zhang J. X.
Published: June 2017

Fluid flow occurring in a venturi tube was numerically simulated with the Fluent software, and several factors to affect the mass flux and an asymmetric flow were analyzed, including the contraction ratio, ratio of the throat section length to diameter, the diffusion angle and the inlet and outlet pressure difference. Results show that the minimum pressure point occurs at the intersection between the contraction and throat sections in the venturi tube. As the contraction ratio increases, vacuum degree ascends, and mass flux rises. While both vacuum degree and mass flux reduces as the diffusion angle increases. In addition, an increment in the contraction ratio shortens a fully developed section of velocity in the diffusion section. At the contraction ratio less than 0.2 or the diffusion angle less than 35°, velocity in the diffusion section shows an asymmetric and skewed flow. However, as the inlet and outlet pressure difference increases, mass flux goes up, and thereby occurring a back-flowing in the throat section. The calculated results were compared with the reference’s data, both error is within 0.5% – -28%.
Demotivating incentives and motivation crowding out in charitable giving
Authors: Chao Matthew
Published: June 2017

Significance

Many nonprofits solicit contributions by offering thank-you gifts, such as mugs, in exchange for donations. However, these gifts may have counterproductive effects by drawing a prospective donor’s attention away from altruistic motives and leading him or her to use a more cost–benefit mindset. This study tests for the effect of thank-you gifts during a nonprofit’s direct-mail fundraising campaign and finds that gifts reduced donation rates in this campaign. A complementary online experiment confirms that thank-you gifts can reduce donation rates but only when the gift is visually salient and thus more likely to occupy the donor’s attention. Nonprofits should consider their donor’s psychological incentives carefully before implementing these types of extrinsic incentives.
Fine-Scale Spatial and Temporal Variation in Fishing Mortality of Southern Flounder: Management Implications for a Dynamic Estuarine Fishery
Authors: Scharf Frederick S. , Craig J. Kevin , Smith William E.
Published: June 2017

Fish demography and the behavior of fishing fleets can vary across fine spatial and temporal scales, generating dynamic patterns of harvest that can impact both fishery yield and the conservation of stock biomass. We conducted a paired tag return experiment in spatially distinct estuarine fisheries during two consecutive years to examine temporal and spatial variation in harvest of a commercially exploited flatfish, the Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma, in North Carolina. Monthly rates of instantaneous fishing mortality (F) varied across the fishing season in different ways, thus generating differences in total F between the two systems despite the fact that the fishery was concentrated in the warmer months and was dominated by the same gear in both systems. Recent patterns in fishing effort among gears and water bodies throughout the state illustrated seasonal and spatial variation that was produced mainly by gear type. Although current regulations in the Southern Flounder fishery recognize the existence of spatial differences in fishery selectivity and seasonality across North Carolina, fleet behavior has shown rapid and dynamic changes over time. When combined with recently documented fine-scale spatial variation in life history traits, these spatial patterns of effort and harvest that change in response to regulatory measures and socioeconomic drivers can potentially influence—in ways that are difficult to predict—the ability of managers to achieve harvest and conservation goals.

Received March 17, 2017; accepted June 20, 2017 Published online August 22, 2017
Reading Augustan Rome: Materiality as RhetoricIn Situ
Authors: Favro Diane
Published: June 2017

The first emperor of Rome, Augustus, exploited architecture to convey his sophisticated propaganda. He famously boasted to have found Rome a city of brick, and left it a city of marble. This claim has been considered an apt metaphor for the establishment of an imperial state, though the quantitative, physical veracity of the boast has never been fully interrogated. A team from UCLA mapped and modeled the marble projects added to Rome in the decades of Augustan power, using rule-based procedural modeling to generate numerous 3D, interactive, geo-temporal simulations of the entire cityscape with each marble intervention placed in situ topographically and chronologically. Broad, pan-urban views of the city’s evolution revealed that Augustan marble projects were neither overwhelming in number nor readily visible. Examination of the urban experience over time and space, however, revealed that marble construction had a constant and pervasive impact. Daily urban residents found their movements blocked by marble transports and their senses bombarded by the noisy, dusty work at construction sites. Thus, it was not the rhetoric conveyed by architecture that justified Augustus’ claim, but the rhetoric of the building act that spoke loudly and persuasively in situ.
Postoperative Epileptic Seizures in Children: Is the Brain Incision a Risk Factor?
Authors: Massimi Luca , Battaglia Domenica , Bianchi Federico , Peraio Simone , Peppucci Elisabetta , Di Rocco Concezio
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Postoperative seizures (PSs) after neurosurgical operations are common but little is known about the role of surgical brain incision on their genesis. This topic has not been addressed so far.

OBJECTIVE

To verify if the corticotomy affects the risk of PSs and postoperative epilepsy (PE) in children.

METHODS

One hundred forty-three consecutive pediatric cases operated on for supratentorial lesions at the same institution in the last 15 yr have been retrospectively reviewed by dividing them into group A, 68 children who required brain corticotomy mainly for hemispheric tumors, and group B, 75 children treated through extracortical approaches mainly for suprasellar and optic tumors. Patients with possible “epileptic” biases, like preoperative seizures, were excluded.

RESULTS

No significant differences have been found between group A and B as far as incidence of PSs (11.7% vs 14.5%) and PE (4.5% vs 6.5%), timing, and type of seizures are concerned after a mean 6.8 yr follow-up. The size of corticotomy in group A (<3 cm2 vs >3 cm2) had no impact on epileptogenesis as well as the other variables considered in both groups (age, sex, extent of lesion resection).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the surgical cortical “trauma” would not represent a risk factor for PSs and PE. According to the present analysis and the literature, other causes seem to be involved (namely, electrolytic imbalance and brain gliosis). This information is important for preoperative surgical planning and postoperative management. A validation by both adult series and prospective studies is needed.
Physician assistant dual employment
Authors: Jeffery Colette , Morton-Rias Dawn , Rittle Mary , Cannon James , Hooker Roderick S.
Published: June 2017

National health workforce supply and demand models help predict requirements built on individual annual productivity assumptions. Dual employment rarely is addressed, yet in 2015, about 13.5% of certified physician assistants (PAs) reported two or more clinical positions. Of PAs working two positions, 44% reported the main reason was to supplement earnings, followed by role variety. The mean number of hours worked by all certified PAs was 40.7 per week and the average number of patients was 75. Dual-employed PAs averaged more than 51 hours and 97 patients per week. This new finding reveals an added dimension to provider productivity statistics requiring refinements to annual output calculations.
Socially Accountable Medical Education: An Innovative Approach at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Authors: Greer Pedro J. , Brown David R. , Brewster Luther G. , Lage Onelia G. , Esposito Karin F. , Whisenant Ebony B. , Anderson Frederick W. , Castellanos Natalie K. , Stefano Troy A. , Rock John A.
Published: June 2017

Problem

Despite medical advances, health disparities persist, resulting in medicine’s renewed emphasis on the social determinants of health and calls for reform in medical education.

Approach

The Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP) at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine provides a platform for the school’s community-focused mission. NeighborhoodHELP emphasizes social accountability and interprofessional education while providing evidence-based, patient- and household-centered care. NeighborhoodHELP is a required, longitudinal service–learning outreach program in which each medical student is assigned a household in a medically underserved community. Students, teamed with learners from other professional schools, provide social and clinical services to their household for three years. Here the authors describe the program’s engagement approach, logistics, and educational goals and structure.

Outcomes

During the first six years of NeighborhoodHELP (September 2010–August 2016), 1,470 interprofessional students conducted 7,452 visits to 848 households with, collectively, 2,252 members. From August 2012, when mobile health centers were added to the program, through August 2016, students saw a total of 1,021 household members through 7,207 mobile health center visits. Throughout this time, households received a variety of free health and social services (e.g., legal aid, tutoring). Compared with peers from other schools, graduating medical students reported more experience with clinical interprofessional education and health disparities. Surveyed residency program directors rated graduates highly for their cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and accountability.

Next Steps

Faculty and administrators are focusing on social accountability curriculum integration, systems for assessing and tracking relevant educational and household outcomes, and policy analysis.
A Framework for Integrating Implicit Bias Recognition Into Health Professions Education
Authors: Sukhera Javeed , Watling Chris
Published: June 2017

Existing literature on implicit bias is fragmented and comes from a variety of fields like cognitive psychology, business ethics, and higher education, but implicit-bias-informed educational approaches have been underexplored in health professions education and are difficult to evaluate using existing tools. Despite increasing attention to implicit bias recognition and management in health professions education, many programs struggle to meaningfully integrate these topics into curricula. The authors propose a six-point actionable framework for integrating implicit bias recognition and management into health professions education that draws on the work of previous researchers and includes practical tools to guide curriculum developers. The six key features of this framework are creating a safe and nonthreatening learning context, increasing knowledge about the science of implicit bias, emphasizing how implicit bias influences behaviors and patient outcomes, increasing self-awareness of existing implicit biases, improving conscious efforts to overcome implicit bias, and enhancing awareness of how implicit bias influences others. Important considerations for designing implicit-bias-informed curricula—such as individual and contextual variables, as well as formal and informal cultural influences—are discussed. The authors also outline assessment and evaluation approaches that consider outcomes at individual, organizational, community, and societal levels. The proposed framework may facilitate future research and exploration regarding the use of implicit bias in health professions education.
Investigation of the Effect of Diabetes on Radiculopathy Induced by Nucleus Pulposus Application to the DRG in a Spontaneously Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Kameda Takuya , Sekiguchi Miho , Kaneuchi Yoichi , Konno Shin-ichi
Published: June 2017

Study Design.

A controlled, interventional animal study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH), by investigating pain-related behavior and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) in type 2 diabetic rats following application of nucleus pulposus (NP) to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG).

Summary of Background Data.

Previous clinical studies suggested negative effects of DM on radiculopathy due to LDH, and that inflammation and nerve regeneration could interact with DM and radiculopathy.

Methods.

We applied autologous NP to the left L5 DRG of adult male Wistar rats and Goto-Kakizaki rats. Behavioral testing measured the mechanical withdrawal threshold of rats. We immunohistochemically evaluated the localization of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and TNF-α in DRGs. TNF-α and GAP43 expression levels in DRG were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting.

Results.

The mechanical withdrawal threshold significantly declined in the non-DM NP group compared with the non-DM sham group for 28 days, whereas the decline in threshold extended to 35 days in the DM NP group compared with the DM sham group. RAGE and TNF-α expression in DRGs was colocalized in Iba-1 positive cells. The non-DM NP rats had higher TNF-α protein expression levels versus the non-DM sham rats on day 7, and the DM NP group had higher levels versus the DM sham group on days 7 and 14. The non-DM NP group had higher GAP43 mRNA expression than the non-DM sham group for 28 days, while the DM NP group had a higher level than the DM sham group for 35 days.

Conclusion.

DM prolongs the pain-related behavior caused by NP. The prolonged inflammation and nerve regeneration could elucidate the pathogenesis of continuous pain of radiculopathy initiated by LDH.

Level of Evidence: N /A
Brain changes associated with age-related hearing loss
Authors: Golub Justin S.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

To discuss brain changes associated with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), including cognitive abilities and neuroimaging findings. This information will be helpful to hypothesize and ultimately understand how ARHL may be mechanistically related to changes in brain structure and function. It will also be helpful to guide the strength of treatment recommendations.

Recent findings

ARHL has recently been associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. This observation is present in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, in diverse patient populations, and after controlling for a variety of potential confounders. Preliminary brain imaging studies show smaller brain volumes as well as white matter tract dysfunction in adults with hearing loss.

ARHL is related to cognitive impairment and dementia. More study is needed to determine if the association is causal, and if treatment efforts could reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Given the low risk of treating ARHL and the potential health benefit for the aging brain, it is recommended to proactively discuss ARHL and treatment with patients.
Unmet Needs and Caregiver Burden Among Family Caregivers of Hospice Patients in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jihyeon , Cha Chiyoung
Published: June 2017

Family caregivers of hospice patients experience burden of care, various unmet needs, and emotional pain, especially in cultures where social responsibilities are imposed on families with terminally ill patients. This study investigated unmet needs and caregiving burden of hospice patients’ family caregivers in South Korea who care for patients as they are dying. A descriptive correlation study design queried 101 family caregivers of patients hospitalized in 4 urban hospice palliative care institutions. Data gathered between September 2015 and March 2016 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlations. A positive correlation emerged between unmet needs and burden of care. Many subdomains of unmet needs showed a significant positive correlation with burden of care: health and psychological problems, family and social support, information, religious and spiritual needs, and practical support needs. Unmet needs in South Korean family caregivers of hospitalized hospice patients aligned with a higher burden of care. Assessment and intervention for health and psychological problems, family and social support needs, and informational needs were discussed affiliated with culture, aiming to alleviate the unmet needs and burden of care in family caregivers of hospice patients.
Hydrocortisone Therapy in Catecholamine-Resistant Pediatric Septic Shock: A Pragmatic Analysis of Clinician Practice and Association With Outcomes*
Authors: Nichols Blake , Kubis Sherri , Hewlett Jennifer , Yehya Nadir , Srinivasan Vijay
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

The 2012 Surviving Sepsis Campaign pediatric guidelines recommend stress dose hydrocortisone in children experiencing catecholamine-dependent septic shock with suspected or proven absolute adrenal insufficiency. We evaluated whether stress dose hydrocortisone therapy in children with catecholamine dependent septic shock correlated with random serum total cortisol levels and was associated with improved outcomes.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Non-cardiac PICU.

Patients:

Critically ill children (1 mo to 18 yr) admitted between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, with catecholamine dependent septic shock who had random serum total cortisol levels measured prior to potential stress dose hydrocortisone therapy.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

The cohort was dichotomized to random serum total cortisol less than 18 mcg/dL and greater than or equal to 18 mcg/dL. Associations of stress dose hydrocortisone with outcomes: PICU mortality, PICU and hospital length of stay, ventilator-free days, and vasopressor-free days were examined. Seventy children with catecholamine-dependent septic shock and measured random serum total cortisol levels were eligible (16% PICU mortality). Although 43% (30/70) had random serum total cortisol less than 18 μg/dL, 60% (42/70) received stress dose hydrocortisone. Children with random serum total cortisol less than 18 μg/dL had lower severity of illness and lower Vasopressor Inotrope Scores than those with random serum total cortisol greater than or equal to 18 μg/dL (all p < 0.05). Children with stress dose hydrocortisone had higher severity of illness and PICU mortality than those without stress dose hydrocortisone (all p < 0.05). Mean random serum total cortisol levels were similar in children with and without stress dose hydrocortisone (21.1 vs 18.7 μg/dL; p = 0.69). In children with random serum total cortisol less than 18 μg/dL, stress dose hydrocortisone was associated with greater PICU and hospital length of stay and fewer ventilator-free days (all p < 0.05). In children with random serum total cortisol greater than 18 μg/dL, stress dose hydrocortisone was associated with greater PICU mortality and fewer ventilator-free days and vasopressor-free days (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Stress dose hydrocortisone therapy in children with catecholamine-dependent septic shock correlated more with severity of illness than random serum total cortisol levels and was associated with worse outcomes, irrespective of random serum total cortisol levels.
Predictors of Autologous Free Fat Graft Retention in the Management of Craniofacial Contour Deformities
Authors: Denadai Rafael , Raposo-Amaral Cesar Augusto , Pinho Andre Silveira , Lameiro Thais Miguel , Buzzo Celso Luiz , Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo
Published: June 2017

Background:

Autologous free fat graft outcomes are not always predictable, and variables that can potentially influence fat graft retention are still not well understood or investigated. The purposes of this study were to assess fat graft retention in the management of craniofacial contour deformities and to identify possible predictive factors of this retention.

Methods:

A prospective analysis was conducted using consecutive patients with unilateral craniofacial contour deformities who underwent autologous free fat grafting between 2012 and 2015. Standardized ultrasonographic craniofacial soft-tissue thickness measurements were adopted to determine the fat graft retention. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of 12-month postoperative fat graft retention.

Results:

One hundred forty-two patients were enrolled. There was significant (all p < 0.05) and progressive reduction in fat graft retention within the first 3 postoperative months, and the retained fat graft was maintained (all p > 0.05) from 3 to 12 months postoperatively, with a 12-month fat graft retention rate of 67.7 percent. Age, Parry-Romberg syndrome, previous craniofacial bone surgery, grafted volume, and forehead unit were independently negative (all p < 0.05) predictors of fat graft retention, whereas cheek unit was an independently positive (all p < 0.05) predictor of retention.

Conclusion:

Craniofacial fat graft retention is achievable but remains somewhat unpredictable, with age, Parry-Romberg syndrome, previous bone surgical intervention, grafted volume, and recipient sites affecting retention.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Perception of animacy in dogs and humans
Authors: Abdai Judit , Ferdinandy Bence , Terencio Cristina Baño , Pogány Ákos , Miklósi Ádám
Published: June 2017

Humans have a tendency to perceive inanimate objects as animate based on simple motion cues. Although animacy is considered as a complex cognitive property, this recognition seems to be spontaneous. Researchers have found that young human infants discriminate between dependent and independent movement patterns. However, quick visual perception of animate entities may be crucial to non-human species as well. Based on general mammalian homology, dogs may possess similar skills to humans. Here, we investigated whether dogs and humans discriminate similarly between dependent and independent motion patterns performed by geometric shapes. We projected a side-by-side video display of the two patterns and measured looking times towards each side, in two trials. We found that in Trial 1, both dogs and humans were equally interested in the two patterns, but in Trial 2 of both species, looking times towards the dependent pattern decreased, whereas they increased towards the independent pattern. We argue that dogs and humans spontaneously recognized the specific pattern and habituated to it rapidly, but continued to show interest in the ‘puzzling’ pattern. This suggests that both species tend to recognize inanimate agents as animate relying solely on their motions.
Domain Cell Theory supports the independent evolution of the Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea and the Nuclear Compartment Commonality hypothesis
Authors: Staley James T.
Published: June 2017

In 2015, the Royal Society of London held a meeting to discuss the various hypotheses regarding the origin of the Eukarya. Although not all participants supported a hypothesis, the proposals that did fit into two broad categories: one group favoured ‘Prokaryotes First’ hypotheses and another addressed ‘Eukaryotes First’ hypotheses. Those who proposed Prokaryotes First hypotheses advocated either a fusion event between a bacterium and an archaeon that produced the first eukaryote or the direct evolution of the Eukarya from the Archaea. The Eukaryotes First proponents posit that the eukaryotes evolved initially and then, by reductive evolution, produced the Bacteria and Archaea. No mention was made of another previously published hypothesis termed the Nuclear Compartment Commonality (NuCom) hypothesis, which proposed the evolution of the Eukarya and Bacteria from nucleated ancestors (Staley 2013
Astrobiol Outreach
1
, 105 (
doi:10.4172/2332-2519.1000105
)). Evidence from two studies indicates that the nucleated Planctomycetes–Verrucomicrobia–Chlamydia superphylum members are the most ancient Bacteria known (Brochier & Philippe 2002
Nature
417
, 244 (
doi:10.1038/417244a
); Jun
et al.
2010
Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA
107
, 133–138 (
doi:10.1073/pnas.0913033107
)). This review summarizes the evidence for the NuCom hypothesis and discusses how simple the NuCom hypothesis is in explaining eukaryote evolution relative to the other hypotheses. The philosophical importance of simplicity and its relationship to truth in hypotheses such as NuCom and Domain Cell Theory is presented. Domain Cell Theory is also proposed herein, which contends that each of the three cellular lineages of life, the Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya domains, evolved independently, in support of the NuCom hypothesis. All other proposed hypotheses violate Domain Cell Theory because they posit the evolution of different cellular descendants from ancestral cellular types.
Recognition of a glycosylation substrate by the O-GlcNAc transferase TPR repeats
Authors: Rafie Karim , Raimi Olawale , Ferenbach Andrew T. , Borodkin Vladimir S. , Kapuria Vaibhav , van Aalten Daan M. F.
Published: June 2017

O-linked
N
-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is an essential and dynamic post-translational modification found on hundreds of nucleocytoplasmic proteins in metazoa. Although a single enzyme, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), generates the entire cytosolic O-GlcNAc proteome, it is not understood how it recognizes its protein substrates, targeting only a fraction of serines/threonines in the metazoan proteome for glycosylation. We describe a trapped complex of human OGT with the C-terminal domain of TAB1, a key innate immunity-signalling O-GlcNAc protein, revealing extensive interactions with the tetratricopeptide repeats of OGT. Confirmed by mutagenesis, this interaction suggests that glycosylation substrate specificity is achieved by recognition of a degenerate sequon in the active site combined with an extended conformation C-terminal of the O-GlcNAc target site.
CEP19 cooperates with FOP and CEP350 to drive early steps in the ciliogenesis programme
Authors: Mojarad Bahareh A. , Gupta Gagan D. , Hasegan Monica , Goudiam Oumou , Basto Renata , Gingras Anne-Claude , Pelletier Laurence
Published: June 2017

Primary cilia are microtubule-based sensory organelles necessary for efficient transduction of extracellular cues. To initiate cilia formation, ciliary vesicles (CVs) are transported to the vicinity of the centrosome where they dock to the distal end of the mother centriole and fuse to initiate cilium assembly. However, to this date, the early steps in cilia formation remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate functional interplay between CEP19, FOP and CEP350 in ciliogenesis. Using three-dimensional structured-illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) imaging, we mapped the relative spatial distribution of these proteins at the distal end of the mother centriole and show that CEP350/FOP act upstream of CEP19 in their recruitment hierarchy. We demonstrate that CEP19 CRISPR KO cells are severely impaired in their ability to form cilia, analogous to the loss of function of CEP19 binding partners FOP and CEP350. Notably, in the absence of CEP19 microtubule anchoring at centromes is similar in manner to its interaction partners FOP and CEP350. Using GFP-tagged deletion constructs of CEP19, we show that the C-terminus of CEP19 is required for both its localization to centrioles and for its function in ciliogenesis. Critically, this region also mediates the interaction between CEP19 and FOP/CEP350. Interestingly, a morbid-obesity-associated R82* truncated mutant of CEP19 cannot ciliate nor interact with FOP and CEP350, indicative of a putative role for CEP19 in ciliopathies. Finally, analysis of CEP19 KO cells using thin-section electron microscopy revealed marked defects in the docking of CVs to the distal end of the mother centrioles. Together, these data demonstrate a role for the CEP19, FOP and CEP350 module in ciliogenesis and the possible effect of disrupting their functions in ciliopathies.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of edible oils
Authors: Dinovitser Alex , Valchev Dimitar G. , Abbott Derek
Published: June 2017

Chemical degradation of edible oils has been studied using conventional spectroscopic methods spanning the spectrum from ultraviolet to mid-IR. However, the possibility of morphological changes of oil molecules that can be detected at terahertz frequencies is beginning to receive some attention. Furthermore, the rapidly decreasing cost of this technology and its capability for convenient,in situmeasurement of material properties, raises the possibility of monitoring oil during cooking and processing at production facilities, and more generally within the food industry. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that oil undergoes chemical and physical changes when heated above the smoke point, which can be detected in the 0.05–2 THz spectral range, measured using the conventional terahertz time-domain spectroscopy technique. The measurements demonstrate a null result in that there is no significant change in the spectra of terahertz optical parameters after heating above the smoke point for 5 min.
Humans permanently occupied the Andean highlands by at least 7 ka
Authors: Haas Randall , Stefanescu Ioana C. , Garcia-Putnam Alexander , Aldenderfer Mark S. , Clementz Mark T. , Murphy Melissa S. , Llave Carlos Viviano , Watson James T.
Published: June 2017

High-elevation environments above 2500 metres above sea level (m.a.s.l.) were among the planet's last frontiers of human colonization. Research on the speed and tempo of this colonization process is active and holds implications for understanding rates of genetic, physiological and cultural adaptation in our species. Permanent occupation of high-elevation environments in the Andes Mountains of South America tentatively began with hunter–gatherers around 9 ka according to current archaeological estimates, though the timing is currently debated. Recent observations on the archaeological site of Soro Mik'aya Patjxa (8.0–6.5 ka), located at 3800 m.a.s.l. in the Andean Altiplano, offer an opportunity to independently test hypotheses for early permanent use of the region. This study observes low oxygen (
δ
18
O) and high carbon (
δ
13
C) isotope values in human bone, long travel distances to low-elevation zones, variable age and sex structure in the human population and an absence of non-local lithic materials. These independent lines of evidence converge to support a model of permanent occupation of high elevations and refute logistical and seasonal use models. The results constitute the strongest empirical support to date for permanent human occupation of the Andean highlands by hunter–gatherers before 7 ka.
The effect of coherent stirring on the advection–condensation of water vapour
Authors: Tsang Yue-Kin , Vanneste Jacques
Published: June 2017

Atmospheric water vapour is an essential ingredient of weather and climate. The key features of its distribution can be represented by kinematic models which treat it as a passive scalar advected by a prescribed flow and reacting through condensation. Condensation acts as a sink that maintains specific humidity below a prescribed, space-dependent saturation value. To investigate how the interplay between large-scale advection, small-scale turbulence and condensation controls moisture distribution, we develop simple kinematic models which combine a single circulating flow with a Brownian-motion representation of turbulence. We first study the drying mechanism of a water-vapour anomaly released inside a vortex at an initial time. Next, we consider a cellular flow with a moisture source at a boundary. The statistically steady state attained shows features reminiscent of the Hadley cell such as boundary layers, a region of intense precipitation and a relative humidity minimum. Explicit results provide a detailed characterization of these features in the limit of strong flow.
MoMo: Discovery of post-translational modification motifs
Authors: Cheng Alice , Grant Charles E. , Bailey Timothy L. , Noble William Stafford
Published: June 2017

Motivation

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are associated with many significant biological functions and can be identified in high throughput using tandem mass spectrometry. Many PTMs are associated with short sequence patterns called “motifs” that help localize the modifying enzyme. Accordingly, many algorithms have been designed to identify these motifs from mass spectrometry data.

Results

MoMo is a software tool for identifying motifs among sets of PTMs. The program re-implements two previously described algorithms, Motif-X and MoDL, packaging them in a web-accessible user interface. In addition to reading sequence files in FASTA format, MoMo is capable of directly parsing output files produced by commonly used mass spectrometry search engines. The resulting motifs are presented to the user in an HTML summary with motif logos and linked text files in MEME motif format.

Availability

Source code and web server available athttp://meme-suite.org

Contact

timothybailey@unr.eduandwilliam-noble@uw.edu

Supplementary information

Supplementary figures are available atBioinformaticsonline.