bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphatic transport of exosomes as a rapid route of information dissemination to the lymph node
Authors: Srinivasan Swetha , Vannberg Fredrik O. , Dixon J. Brandon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIt is well documented that cells secrete exosomes, which can transfer biomolecules that impact recipient cells’ functionality in a variety of physiologic and disease processes. The role of lymphatic drainage and transport of exosomes is as yet unknown, although the lymphatics play critical roles in immunity and exosomes are in the ideal size-range for lymphatic transport. Through in vivo near-infrared (NIR) imaging we have shown that exosomes are rapidly transported within minutes from the periphery to the lymph node by lymphatics. Using an in vitro model of lymphatic uptake, we have shown that lymphatic endothelial cells actively enhanced lymphatic uptake and transport of exosomes to the luminal side of the vessel. Furthermore, we have demonstrated a differential distribution of exosomes in the draining lymph nodes that is dependent on the lymphatic flow. Lastly, through endpoint analysis of cellular distribution of exosomes in the node, we identified macrophages and B-cells as key players in exosome uptake. Together these results suggest that exosome transfer by lymphatic flow from the periphery to the lymph node could provide a mechanism for rapid exchange of infection-specific information that precedes the arrival of migrating cells, thus priming the node for a more effective immune response.
Hemoglobin consumption by P. falciparum in individual erythrocytes imaged via quantitative phase spectroscopy
Authors: Rinehart Matthew T. , Park Han Sang , Walzer Katelyn A. , Chi Jen-Tsan Ashley , Wax Adam 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPlasmodium falciparum infection causes structural and biochemical changes in red blood cells (RBCs). To quantify these changes, we apply a novel optical technique, quantitative phase spectroscopy (QPS) to characterize individual red blood cells (RBCs) during the intraerythrocytic life cycle of P. falciparum. QPS captures hyperspectral holograms of individual RBCs to measure spectroscopic changes across the visible wavelength range (475–700 nm), providing complex information, i.e. amplitude and phase, about the light field which has interacted with the cell. The complex field provides complimentary information on hemoglobin content and cell mass, which are both found to dramatically change upon infection by P. falciparum. Hb content progressively decreases with parasite life cycle, with an average 72.2% reduction observed for RBCs infected by schizont-stage P. falciparum compared to uninfected cells. Infection also resulted in a 33.1% reduction in RBC’s optical volume, a measure of the cells’ non-aqueous components. Notably, optical volume is only partially correlated with hemoglobin content, suggesting that changes in other dry mass components such as parasite mass may also be assessed using this technique. The unique ability of QPS to discriminate individual healthy and infected cells using spectroscopic changes indicates that the approach can be used to detect disease.
Bio-inspired cofacial Fe porphyrin dimers for efficient electrocatalytic CO2 to CO conversion: Overpotential tuning by substituents at the porphyrin rings
Authors: Zahran Zaki N. , Mohamed Eman A. , Naruta Yoshinori 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEfficient reduction of CO2 into useful carbon resources particularly CO is an essential reaction for developing alternate sources of fuels and for reducing the greenhouse effect of CO2. The binuclear Ni, Fe−containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODHs) efficiently catalyzes the reduction of CO2 to CO. The location of Ni and Fe at proper positions allows their cooperation for CO2 to CO conversion through a push−pull mechanism. Bio−inspired from CODHs, we used several cofacial porphyrin dimers with different substituents as suitable ligands for holding two Fe ions with suitable Fe−Fe separation distance to efficiently and selectively promote CO2 to CO conversion with high turnover frequencies, TOFs. The substituents on the porphyrin rings greatly affect the catalysis process. By introducing electron-withdrawing/-donating groups, e.g. electron-withdrawing perfluorophenyl, at all meso positions of the porphyrin rings, the catalysis overpotential, η was minimized by ≈0.3 V compared to that obtained by introducing electron-donating mesityl groups. The Fe porphyrin dimers among reported catalysts are the most efficient ones for CO2 to CO conversion. Control experiments indicate that the high performance of the current CO2 to CO conversion catalysts is due to the presence of binuclear Fe centers at suitable Fe−Fe separation distance.
Short-term mindfulness intervention reduces the negative attentional effects associated with heavy media multitasking
Authors: Gorman Thomas E. , Green C. Shawn 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRecent research suggests that frequently switching between various forms of media (i.e. ‘media multitasking’) is associated with diminished attentional abilities, a disconcerting result given the prevalence of media multitasking in today’s society. In the present study, we sought to investigate the extent to which the deficits associated with frequent media multitasking can be temporarily ameliorated via a short-term mindfulness intervention previously shown to produce beneficial effects on the attentional abilities of normally functioning individuals. Consistent with previous work, we found: (1) that heavy media multitaskers showed generally poorer attentional abilities than light media multitaskers and (2) that all participants showed benefits from the short-term mindfulness intervention. Furthermore, we found that the benefits of the short-term mindfulness intervention were not equivalently large across participants. Instead, these benefits were disproportionately large in the heavy media multitaskers. While the positive outcomes were short-lived, this opens the possibility of performing long-term interventions with the goal of realizing lasting gains in this population.
Single-step cycle pulse operation of the label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor based on branched polypyrrole for carcinoembryonic antigen detection
Authors: Zhu Wenjuan , Wang Qi , Ma Hongmin , Lv Xiaohui , Wu Dan , Sun Xu , Du Bin , Wei Qin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA novel label-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor based on luminol functional-Au NPs@polypyrrole has been developed for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In this work, polypyrrole prepared by chemical polymerization provided a large surface area to load amounts of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Au NPs could not only attach abundant luminol for the enhancement of ECL signal, but also provide a friendly microenvironment for the immobilization of antibodies. Moreover, 1-butylpyridinium tetrafluroborate ([BPy]BF4) were used to disperse luminol functional-Au NPs@polypyrrole nanocomposites, resulting in the film-formation of composites on the electrode, which could improve the stability of immunosensor. In particular, employment of single-step cycle pulse could limit the consecutive reaction between luminol and H2O2 efficiently, thus leading to stable and strong signals. The proposed method presents good ECL response for the detection of CEA allowing a wide linear range from 0.01 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL and a limit of detection as low as 3 fg/mL. The immunosensor would be a promising tool in the early diagnosis of CEA due to its high sensitivity, simplicity and cost-effective.
Metabotypes with properly functioning mitochondria and anti-inflammation predict extended productive life span in dairy cows
Authors: Huber K. , Dänicke S. , Rehage J. , Sauerwein H. , Otto W. , Rolle-Kampczyk U. , von Bergen M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe failure to adapt metabolism to the homeorhetic demands of lactation is considered as a main factor in reducing the productive life span of dairy cows. The so far defined markers of production performance and metabolic health in dairy cows do not predict the length of productive life span satisfyingly. This study aimed to identify novel pathways and biomarkers related to productive life in dairy cows by means of (targeted) metabolomics. In a longitudinal study from 42 days before up to 100 days after parturition, we identified metabolites such as long-chain acylcarnitines and biogenic amines associated with extended productive life spans. These metabolites are mainly secreted by the liver and depend on the functionality of hepatic mitochondria. The concentrations of biogenic amines and some acylcarnitines differed already before the onset of lactation thus indicating their predictive potential for continuation or early ending of productive life.
Common neural correlates of real and imagined movements contributing to the performance of brain–machine interfaces
Authors: Sugata Hisato , Hirata Masayuki , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Matsushita Kojiro , Yorifuji Shiro , Yoshimine Toshiki 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe relationship between M1 activity representing motor information in real and imagined movements have not been investigated with high spatiotemporal resolution using non-invasive measurements. We examined the similarities and differences in M1 activity during real and imagined movements. Ten subjects performed or imagined three types of right upper limb movements. To infer the movement type, we used 40 virtual channels in the M1 contralateral to the movement side (cM1) using a beamforming approach. For both real and imagined movements, cM1 activities increased around response onset, after which their intensities were significantly different. Similarly, although decoding accuracies surpassed the chance level in both real and imagined movements, these were significantly different after the onset. Single virtual channel-based analysis showed that decoding accuracy significantly increased around the hand and arm areas during real and imagined movements and that these are spatially correlated. The temporal correlation of decoding accuracy significantly increased around the hand and arm areas, except for the period immediately after response onset. Our results suggest that cM1 is involved in similar neural activities related to the representation of motor information during real and imagined movements, except for presence or absence of sensory–motor integration induced by sensory feedback.
Flow directionality, mountain barriers and functional traits determine diatom metacommunity structuring of high mountain streams
Authors: Dong Xiaoyu , Li Bin , He Fengzhi , Gu Yuan , Sun Meiqin , Zhang Haomiao , Tan Lu , Xiao Wen , Liu Shuoran , Cai Qinghua 
Published: April 2016

AbstractStream metacommunities are structured by a combination of local (environmental filtering) and regional (dispersal) processes. The unique characters of high mountain streams could potentially determine metacommunity structuring, which is currently poorly understood. Aiming at understanding how these characters influenced metacommunity structuring, we explored the relative importance of local environmental conditions and various dispersal processes, including through geographical (overland), topographical (across mountain barriers) and network (along flow direction) pathways in shaping benthic diatom communities. From a trait perspective, diatoms were categorized into high-profile, low-profile and motile guild to examine the roles of functional traits. Our results indicated that both environmental filtering and dispersal processes influenced metacommunity structuring, with dispersal contributing more than environmental processes. Among the three pathways, stream corridors were primary pathway. Deconstructive analysis suggested different responses to environmental and spatial factors for each of three ecological guilds. However, regardless of traits, dispersal among streams was limited by mountain barriers, while dispersal along stream was promoted by rushing flow in high mountain stream. Our results highlighted that directional processes had prevailing effects on metacommunity structuring in high mountain streams. Flow directionality, mountain barriers and ecological guilds contributed to a better understanding of the roles that mountains played in structuring metacommunity.
The signatures of Anthropocene defaunation: cascading effects of the seed dispersal collapse
Authors: Pérez-Méndez Néstor , Jordano Pedro , García Cristina , Valido Alfredo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAnthropogenic activity is driving population declines and extinctions of large-bodied, fruit-eating animals worldwide. Loss of these frugivores is expected to trigger negative cascading effects on plant populations if remnant species fail to replace the seed dispersal services provided by the extinct frugivores. A collapse of seed dispersal may not only affect plant demography (i.e., lack of recruitment), but should also supress gene flow via seed dispersal. Yet little empirical data still exist demonstrating the genetic consequences of defaunation for animal-dispersed plant species. Here, we first document a significant reduction of seed dispersal distances along a gradient of human-driven defaunation, with increasing loss of large- and medium-bodied frugivores. We then show that local plant neighbourhoods have higher genetic similarity and smaller effective population sizes when large seed dispersers become extinct (i.e., only small frugivores remain) or are even partially downgraded (i.e., medium-sized frugivores providing less efficient seed dispersal). Our results demonstrate that preservation of large frugivores is crucial to maintain functional seed dispersal services and their associated genetic imprints, a central conservation target. Early signals of reduced dispersal distances that accompany the Anthropogenic defaunation forecast multiple, cascading effects on plant populations.
Input‐series and output‐series connected modular single‐switch flyback converter operating in the discontinuous conduction mode
Authors: Pagliosa Mauro André , Faust Rafael Gomes , Lazzarin Telles Brunelli , Barbi Ivo 
Published: April 2016

This study proposes a modular isolated dc–dc converter, based on the input‐series and output‐series connection of flyback converters operating in discontinuous conduction mode, as an alternative to provide higher voltage capability for medium‐voltage applications (1–10 kV), from low‐voltage semiconductors and passive components. The proposed architecture allows the modular system to operate with a simplified control scheme thanks to an intrinsic voltage‐balancing mechanism. The voltage‐balancing mechanism is investigated by theoretical analysis, both for steady‐state and dynamic operations. A small‐signal ac modelling of the architecture is developed to design the total output‐voltage controller. To experimentally verify the proposed technique, a laboratory prototype system with three single‐switch flyback converters, with 3 kW output power, 600 V dc input and output voltages, and 40 kHz of switching frequency was built.
Ontogenetic and Long‐Term Diet Shifts of a Generalist Juvenile Predatory Fish in an Urban Estuary Undergoing Dramatic Changes in Habitat Availability
Authors: Hall‐Scharf Brittany J. , Switzer Theodore S. , Stallings Christopher D. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractVegetated areas such as seagrass beds provide food and essential habitat for many fish and invertebrate species. In particular, many economically important fishes depend on seagrass beds as nursery grounds. In recent decades, there has been a rapid decline in seagrass coverage due to the development of coastal areas worldwide, altering these ecosystems and their community structure. Within Tampa Bay (Florida's largest estuary), seagrass coverage and water quality underwent a decline followed by a recovery over the past three decades; these changes may have altered the community structure of seagrass‐associated fauna. We examined the diets of juvenile Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, a common estuarine predator, to assess whether documented changes in water quality and habitat were reflected in their trophodynamics. Stomach contents of Spotted Seatrout from Tampa Bay were sampled during three different studies conducted in 1981–1982, 1991–1992, and 2005–2013. We analyzed data from these studies to compare the diet across size‐classes and time periods. Using canonical analysis of principal coordinates, we discerned significant differences in diet composition among size‐classes and among time periods. Ontogenetic shifts in diet during all three time periods were consistent with those previously reported, highlighting the plasticity of a generalist piscivore in a recovering seagrass ecosystem. Subtle shifts in diet were detected among the three time periods, suggesting that changes in seagrass coverage contributed to altered trophodynamics in this estuarine system. Our efforts highlight the utility of using a generalist piscivore's diet as a tool for monitoring and quantifying faunal shifts in an ecosystem.Received July 21, 2015; accepted January 5, 2016 Published online April 18, 2016
How Do Residents Spend Their Shift Time? A Time and Motion Study With a Particular Focus on the Use of Computers
Authors: Mamykina Lena , Vawdrey David K. , Hripcsak George 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
To understand how much time residents spend using computers compared with other activities, and what residents use computers for.

Method
This time and motion study was conducted in June and July 2010 at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center with seven residents (first-, second-, and third-year) on the general medicine service. An experienced observer shadowed residents during a single day shift, captured all their activities using an iPad application, and took field notes. The activities were captured using a validated taxonomy of clinical activities, expanded to describe computer-based activities with a greater level of detail.

Results
Residents spent 364.5 minutes (50.6%) of their shift time using computers, compared with 67.8 minutes (9.4%) interacting with patients. In addition, they spent 292.3 minutes (40.6%) talking with others in person, 186.0 minutes (25.8%) handling paper notes, 79.7 minutes (11.1%) in rounds, 80.0 minutes (11.1%) walking or waiting, and 54.0 minutes (7.5%) talking on the phone. Residents spent 685 minutes (59.6%) multitasking. Computer-based documentation activities amounted to 189.9 minutes (52.1%) of all computer-based activities time, with 128.7 minutes (35.3%) spent writing notes and 27.3 minutes (7.5%) reading notes composed by others.

Conclusions
The study showed that residents spent considerably more time interacting with computers (over 50% of their shift time) than in direct contact with patients (less than 10% of their shift time). Some of this may be due to an increasing reliance on computing systems for access to patient data, further exacerbated by inefficiencies in the design of the electronic health record.
Ranking Practice Variability in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation: So Bad, It’s “Good”
Authors: Boysen Osborn Megan , Mattson James , Yanuck Justin , Anderson Craig , Tekian Ara , Fox John Christian , Harris Ilene B. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
To examine the variability among medical schools in ranking systems used in medical student performance evaluations (MSPEs).

Method
The authors reviewed MSPEs from U.S. MD-granting medical schools received by the University of California, Irvine emergency medicine and internal medicine residency programs during 2012–2013 and 2014–2015. They recorded whether the school used a ranking system, the type of ranking system used, the size and description of student categories, the location of the ranking statement and category legend, and whether nonranking schools used language suggestive of rank.

Results
Of the 134 medical schools in the study sample, the majority (n = 101; 75%) provided ranks for students in the MSPE. Most of the ranking schools (n = 63; 62%) placed students into named category groups, but the number and size of groups varied. The most common descriptors used for these 63 schools’ top, second, third, and lowest groups were “outstanding,” “excellent,” “very good,” and “good,” respectively, but each of these terms was used across a broad range of percentile ranks. Student ranks and school category legends were found in various locations. Many of the 33 schools that did not rank students included language suggestive of rank.

Conclusions
There is extensive variation in ranking systems used in MSPEs. Program directors may find it difficult to use MSPEs to compare applicants, which may diminish the MSPE’s value in the residency application process and negatively affect high-achieving students. A consistent approach to ranking students would benefit program directors, students, and student affairs officers.
Enrollment Management in Medical School Admissions: A Novel Evidence-Based Approach at One Institution
Authors: Burkhardt John C. , DesJardins Stephen L. , Teener Carol A. , Gay Steven E. , Santen Sally A. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
In higher education, enrollment management has been developed to accurately predict the likelihood of enrollment of admitted students. This allows evidence to dictate numbers of interviews scheduled, offers of admission, and financial aid package distribution. The applicability of enrollment management techniques for use in medical education was tested through creation of a predictive enrollment model at the University of Michigan Medical School (U-M).

Method
U-M and American Medical College Application Service data (2006–2014) were combined to create a database including applicant demographics, academic application scores, institutional financial aid offer, and choice of school attended. Binomial logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models were estimated in order to study factors related to enrollment at the local institution versus elsewhere and to groupings of competing peer institutions. A predictive analytic “dashboard” was created for practical use.

Results
Both models were significant at P < .001 and had similar predictive performance. In the binomial model female, underrepresented minority students, grade point average, Medical College Admission Test score, admissions committee desirability score, and most individual financial aid offers were significant (P < .05). The significant covariates were similar in the multinomial model (excluding female) and provided separate likelihoods of students enrolling at different institutional types.

Conclusions
An enrollment-management-based approach would allow medical schools to better manage the number of students they admit and target recruitment efforts to improve their likelihood of success. It also performs a key institutional research function for understanding failed recruitment of highly desirable candidates.