Publication date: Available online 18 December 2015
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Lars M. Rimol, Knut J. Bjuland, Gro C.C. Løhaugen, Marit Martinussen, Kari Anne I. Evensen, Marit S. Indredavik, Ann-Mari Brubakk, Live Eikenes, Asta K. Håberg, Jon Skranes
While cross-sectional neuroimaging studies on cortical development predict reductions in cortical volume (surface area and thickness) during adolescence, this is the first study to undertake a longitudinal assessment of cortical surface area changes across the continuous cortical surface during this period. We studied the developmental dynamics of cortical surface area and thickness in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-20) born with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500g) as well in term-born controls. Previous studies have demonstrated brain structural abnormalities in cortical morphology, as well as long-term motor, cognitive and behavioral impairments, in adolescents and young adults with VLBW, but the developmental dynamics throughout adolescence have not been fully explored. T1 weighted MRI scans from 51 VLBW (27 scanned twice) and 79 term-born adolescents (37 scanned twice) were used to reconstruct the cortical surface and produce longitudinal estimates of cortical surface area and cortical thickness. Linear mixed model analyses were performed, and the main effects of time and group, as well as time × group interaction effects, were investigated. In both groups, cortical surface area decreased up to 5% over the five-year period, in some regions, and cortical thickness up to 8% over five years. The most affected regions were on the lateral aspect of the hemispheres, in posterior temporal, parietal and to some extent frontal regions. There was no significant interaction between time and group for either morphometry variable. In conclusion, cortical thickness decreases from 15 to 20 years of age, in a similar fashion in the clinical and control groups. Moreover, we show for the first time that developmental trajectories of cortical surface area in preterm and term-born adolescents do not diverge during adolescence.
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Παρασκευή 18 Δεκεμβρίου 2015
Cortical trajectories during adolescence in preterm born teenagers with very low birthweight
Viruses, Vol. 7, Pages 6739-6754: Ebola Virus Infections in Nonhuman Primates Are Temporally Influenced by Glycoprotein Poly-U Editing Site Populations in the Exposure Material
Recent experimentation with the variants of the Ebola virus that differ in the glycoprotein's poly-uridine site, which dictates the form of glycoprotein produced through a transcriptional stutter, has resulted in questions regarding the pathogenicity and lethality of the stocks used to develop products currently undergoing human clinical trials to combat the disease. In order to address these concerns and prevent the delay of these critical research programs, we designed an experiment that permitted us to intramuscularly challenge statistically significant numbers of naïve and vaccinated cynomolgus macaques with either a 7U or 8U variant of the Ebola virus, Kikwit isolate. In naïve animals, no difference in survivorship was observed; however, there was a significant delay in the disease course between the two groups. Significant differences were also observed in time-of-fever, serum chemistry, and hematology. In vaccinated animals, there was no statistical difference in survivorship between either challenge groups, with two succumbing in the 7U group compared to 1 in the 8U challenge group. In summary, survivorship was not affected, but the Ebola virus disease course in nonhuman primates is temporally influenced by glycoprotein poly-U editing site populations.
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Sensors, Vol. 15, Pages 31987-31998: Synthesis and Sensing Applications of Fluorescent 3-Cinnamoyl Coumarins
We have synthesized two novel fluorescent 3-(4-diethylaminocinnamoyl) coumarins that exhibit fluorescence quenching upon exposure to a nerve agent simulant, diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), providing a basis for rapid and sensitive DCP chemosensing. Furthermore, these coumarin derivatives display two-photon fluorescence upon illumination with near-infrared laser pulses and their two-photon (TP) absorption cross-section was evaluated. The potential for TP bio-imaging of these compounds was investigated by their cellular uptake in HeLa cells by TP confocal microscopy.
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Energies, Vol. 8, Pages 14407-14426: Life is Short: The Impact of Power States on Base Station Lifetime
We study the impact of power state transitions on the lifetime of base stations (BSs) in mobile networks. In particular, we propose a model to estimate the lifetime decrease/increase as a consequence of the application of power state changes. The model takes into account both hardware (HW) parameters, which depend on the materials used to build the device, and power state parameters, that instead depend on how and when power state transitions take place. More in depth, we consider the impact of different power states when a BS is active, and one sleep mode state when a BS is powered off. When a BS reduces the power consumption, its lifetime tends to increase. However, when a BS changes the power state, its lifetime tends to be decreased. Thus, there is a tradeoff between these two effects. Our results, obtained over universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) and long term evolution (LTE) case studies, indicate the need of a careful management of the power state transitions in order to not deteriorate the BS lifetime, and consequently to not increase the associated reparation/replacement costs.
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Materials, Vol. 8, Pages 8860-8867: Efficiency Enhancement of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells’ Performance with ZnO Nanorods Grown by Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Reaction
In this study, aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) with various lengths (1.5–5 µm) were deposited on ZnO:Al (AZO)-coated glass substrates by using a solution phase deposition method; these NRs were prepared for application as working electrodes to increase the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of solar cells. The results were observed in detail by using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, incident photo-to-current conversion efficiency, and solar simulation. The results indicated that when the lengths of the ZnO NRs increased, the adsorption of D-719 dyes through the ZnO NRs increased along with enhancing the short-circuit photocurrent and open-circuit voltage of the cell. An optimal power conversion efficiency of 0.64% was obtained in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) containing the ZnO NR with a length of 5 µm. The objective of this study was to facilitate the development of a ZnO-based DSSC.
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An optimized and validated 1H NMR method for the quantification of α-pinene in essentials oils
Publication date: 1 April 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 150
Author(s): Cristiane I. Cerceau, Luiz C.A. Barbosa, Claudinei A. Filomeno, Elson S. Alvarenga, Antônio J. Demuner, Paulo H. Fidencio
The authenticity and composition of commercial essential oils requires strict quality control. Due to the importance of α-pinene containing essential oils, a rapid and efficient method for quantification of this terpene in oils of eucalyptus, pink pepper and turpentine using 1H NMR was developed and validated. All evaluated parameters (selectivity, linearity, accuracy/precision, repeatability, robustness, stability of analyte and internal standard in solutions) showed satisfactory results. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.1 and 2.5mg respectively. These values indicated that α-pinene was detected in 35mg samples containing at least 0.3% of this compound. In addition, a minimum of 8% of α-pinene in the sample was required for quantification. Furthermore, the standard deviations found in the 1H NMR methodology were less than 1% and were lower than those obtained by gas chromatographic analysis. Statistical tests have shown that the results obtained by 1H NMR methodology are similar to those obtained by GC-FID technique using external and internal standardization and normalization within 95% confidence. R&R values lower than 10% have shown that all the methods are appropriate and the 1H NMR method is suitable for quantification of α-pinene in samples of essential oils since this method possessed the smallest R&R (1.81) value.
Graphical abstract
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New approach to the fast screening of plant oil samples for F-, Cl-, Br- and S-organic compounds on the trace level
Publication date: 1 April 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 150
Author(s): M.E. Chivarzin, I.A. Revelsky, A.V. Nikoshina, A.N. Buldyzkova, D.A. Chepeliansky, A.I. Revelsky, A.K. Buriak
The fast method of the simultaneous determination of F−, Cl−, Br− and SO42− anions in the deionized water on the trace level by ion chromatography using thorough cleaning of respective water containers, 10μM NaHCO3 water solution as eluent, short Metrohm (50×4mm) separation column and a large water volume injection is proposed. Calculated detection limits are 10−9–10−8% depending on the element.The method for the fast screening of plant oil samples for the total fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine- and sulfur-organic compounds content (calculated for the respective elements) on the trace level is developed.It is based on the high temperature combustion of oil sample in oxygen flow, absoption of the conversion products in deionized water and whole absorbate volume analysis for F−, Cl−, Br− and SO42− anions, corresponding to the respective elements, using the developed method of these anions analysis by ion chromatography.The samples of soya, olive, sunflower and cotton seed oil were analyzed. The method detection limits (for 1mg sample) were 2×10−6%, 2×10−6%, 5×10−6% and 5×10−6% for fluorine, chlorine, bromine and sulfur, respectively. The relative standard deviation was≤15%. The method gives the compressed information about the total content of all target and nontarget fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine- and sulfur-organic compounds in plant oils.
Graphical abstract
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Upconversion luminescence tracking of gene delivery via multifunctional nanocapsules
Publication date: 1 April 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 150
Author(s): Xilin Bai, Suying Xu, Jiali Liu, Leyu Wang
The real-time fluorescence tracking of gene delivery is very important as it helps to figure out how a vector enters a cell and also to follow its fate within the cell interior. Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have shown great potential in biomedical applications in virtue of their unique optical and biological properties. Herein, we report a simple and versatile strategy to fabricate a multifunctional nanocapsule for effective gene delivery and real-time luminescence tracking. The hydrophobic UCNPs were modified by positively charged amphiphilic polymer together with polyethylene glycol-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG–PLGA) polymer, affording biocompatible nanocapsules with high gene loading capacity and good stability. Red UC luminescence of UCNPs are able to track the delivery of nanocapsules in cells without background fluorescence interference, in the meantime, the green fluorescence of green fluorescence protein (GFP) expressed by the pDNA could subtly monitor the gene transfection efficacy. The results demonstrated that our nanocapsule has ideal biocompatibility, satisfactory gene loading capacity and great bioimaging ability, which is promising for imaging guided cell therapy and gene engineering.
Graphical abstract
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Magnetic solid-phase extraction of phthalate esters (PAEs) in apparel textile by core–shell structured Fe3O4@silica@triblock-copolymer magnetic microspheres
Publication date: 1 April 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 150
Author(s): Mei Xu, Minhua Liu, Meirong Sun, Kun Chen, Xiujun Cao, Yaoming Hu
In this paper, novel core–shell structured magnetic Fe3O4/silica nanocomposites with triblock-copolymer grafted on their surface (Fe3O4@SiO2@MDN) were successfully fabricated by combining a sol–gel method with a seeded aqueous-phase radical copolymerization approach. Owing to the excellent characteristics of the strong magnetic responsivity, outstanding hydrophilicity and abundant π-electron system, the obtained core–shell structured microspheres showed great potential as a magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent. Several kinds of phthalate esters (PAEs) were selected as model analytes to systematically evaluate the applicability of adsorbents for extraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. Various parameters, including adsorbents amounts, adsorption time, species of eluent, and desorption time were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, Validation experiments such as recovery, reproducibility, and limit of detection were carried on and showed satisfactory results. The analysis method showed excellent linearity with a wide range of 0.2–10mg/kg (R2>0.9974) and low limits of detection (LOD) of 0.02–0.09mg/kg (S/N=3). Ultimately, the novel magnetic adsorbents were successfully employed to detect the PAEs in apparel textile samples. And the results indicated that this novel approach brought forward in the present work offered an attractive alternative for rapid, efficient and sensitive MSPE for PAEs compounds.
Graphical abstract
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A handheld laser-induced fluorescence detector for multiple applications
Publication date: 1 April 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 150
Author(s): Xiao-Xia Fang, Han-Yang Li, Pan Fang, Jian-Zhang Pan, Qun Fang
In this paper, we present a compact handheld laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detector based on a 450nm laser diode and quasi-confocal optical configuration with a total size of 9.1×6.2×4.1cm3. Since there are few reports on the use of 450nm laser diode in LIF detection, especially in miniaturized LIF detector, we systematically investigated various optical arrangements suitable for the requirements of 450nm laser diode and system miniaturization, including focusing lens, filter combination, and pinhole, as well as Raman effect of water at 450nm excitation wavelength. As the result, the handheld LIF detector integrates the light source (450nm laser diode), optical circuit module (including a 450nm band-pass filter, a dichroic mirror, a collimating lens, a 525nm band-pass filter, and a 1.0mm aperture), optical detector (miniaturized photomultiplier tube), as well as electronic module (including signal recording, processing and displaying units). This detector is capable of working independently with a cost of ca. $2000 for the whole instrument. The detection limit of the instrument for sodium fluorescein solution is 0.42nM (S/N=3). The broad applicability of the present system was demonstrated in capillary electrophoresis separation of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled amino acids and in flow cytometry of tumor cells as an on-line LIF detector, as well as in droplet array chip analysis as a LIF scanner. We expect such a compact LIF detector could be applied in flow analysis systems as an on-line detector, and in field analysis and biosensor analysis as a portable universal LIF detector.
Graphical abstract
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Novel molecularly-imprinted solid-phase microextraction fiber coupled with gas chromatography for analysis of furan
Publication date: 1 April 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 150
Author(s): Hamid Hashemi-Moghaddam, Mojtaba Ahmadifard
This study combined a molecularly-imprinted polymer with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). Preparation of molecularly-imprinted polymer is not effective for volatile compounds. To overcome this limitation, pyrrole was chosen as a template for the preparation of the furan-imprinted polymer. The holes in the synthesized polymer were suitable for furan adsorption because the chemical structure of pyrrole is similar to that of furan. The extraction properties of the fiber to furan were examined using an HS-SPME device coupled with gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The effects of the extraction parameters of exposure time, sampling temperature, and salt concentration on extraction efficiency were studied. Satisfactory reproducibility was obtained for extractions from spiked water samples at RSD<7.5% (n=5). The calibration graphs were linear at 0.5–100ngml−1 and the detection limit for furan was 0.042ngml−1. The fabricated fiber was successfully applied for headspace extraction of furan from tap water and canned tuna as shown by GC–MS analysis.
Graphical abstract
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Enhancement of Cognitive Functions by Aronia melanocarpa Elliot Through an Intermittent Ultrasonication Extraction Process
Journal of Medicinal Food , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Synthetic High-Density Lipoprotein-Like Nanocarrier Improved Cellular Transport of Lysosomal Cholesterol in Human Sterol Carrier Protein-Deficient Fibroblasts
Journal of Medicinal Food , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Tunable Microfibers Suppress Fibrotic Encapsulation Via Inhibition of TGFβ Signaling
Tissue Engineering Part A , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Tissue Engineering for Pediatric Applications
Tissue Engineering Part A , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Delivery of a Cell Patch of Cocultured Endothelial Cells and Smooth Muscle Cells Using Thermoresponsive Hydrogels for Enhanced Angiogenesis
Tissue Engineering Part A , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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2015 Lifetime Achievement Award of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society-Americas: Antonios G. Mikos, PhD
Tissue Engineering Part A , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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A heterotrimer model of the complete Microprocessor complex revealed by single-molecule subunit counting [LETTER TO THE EDITOR]
During microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, the Microprocessor complex (MC), composed minimally of Drosha, an RNaseIII enzyme, and DGCR8, a double-stranded RNA-binding protein, cleaves the primary-miRNA (pri-miRNA) to release the pre-miRNA stem–loop structure. Size-exclusion chromatography of the MC, isolated from mammalian cells, suggested multiple copies of one or both proteins in the complex. However, the exact stoichiometry was unknown. Initial experiments suggested that DGCR8 bound pri-miRNA substrates specifically, and given that Drosha could not be bound or cross-linked to RNA, a sequential model for binding was established in which DGCR8 bound first and recruited Drosha. Therefore, many laboratories have studied DGCR8 binding to RNA in the absence of Drosha and have shown that deletion constructs of DGCR8 can multimerize in the presence of RNA. More recently, it was demonstrated that Drosha can bind pri-miRNA substrates in the absence of DGCR8, casting doubt on the sequential model of binding. In the same study, using a single-molecule photobleaching assay, fluorescent protein-tagged deletion constructs of DGCR8 and Drosha assembled into a heterotrimeric complex on RNA, comprising two DGCR8 molecules and one Drosha molecule. To determine the stoichiometry of Drosha and DGCR8 within the MC in the absence of added RNA, we also used a single-molecule photobleaching assay and confirmed the heterotrimeric model of the human MC. We demonstrate that a heterotrimeric complex is likely preformed in the absence of RNA and exists even when full-length proteins are expressed and purified from human cells, and when hAGT-derived tags are used rather than fluorescent proteins.
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Tunable Microfibers Suppress Fibrotic Encapsulation Via Inhibition of TGFβ Signaling
Tissue Engineering Part A , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Tissue Engineering for Pediatric Applications
Tissue Engineering Part A , Vol. 0, No. 0.
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Neonatal Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Monitoring—Effect on Clinical Management and Outcomes
BACKGROUND:This work aimed to compare frequency of blood gas measurements per day of mechanical ventilation, occurrence of extreme blood gas CO2 values, and clinical outcomes among ventilated neonates managed with and without transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2) monitors. This work also measures agreement between simultaneous PtcCO2 and blood gas CO2 measurements and ascertains factors that affect agreement.METHODS:This is a cohort study with retrospective analysis comparing 5,726 blood gas measurements and clinical outcomes for 123 neonates intubated for >48 h before and after the introduction of transcutaneous carbon-di-oxide monitoring devices in a single tertiary care unit.RESULTS:Median (interquartile range) blood gas frequency per mechanical ventilation day was 3.9 (2.6–5.3) and 2.9 (2.1–4.0) before and after PtcCO2 monitoring (P = .002) without differences in clinical outcomes at discharge. After adjusting for confounders using Poisson regression, this difference remained significant. The mean ± 2 SD blood gas-PtcCO2 difference was −5.2 ± 17.3 mm Hg. 64% of simultaneous blood gas-PtcCO2 measurements per subject were within ±7 mm Hg. Greater bias was noted with arterial sample and during the use of high-frequency ventilation.CONCLUSION:Despite only moderate agreement between simultaneous PtcCO2 and blood gas measurements, PtcCO2 monitoring statistically decreased blood gas frequency among ventilated neonates without affecting the duration of mechanical ventilation or clinical outcomes at discharge. The clinical impact of this technology appears to be minimal.
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The Role of Mean Platelet Volume in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation
BACKGROUND:Studies have supported the correlation between mean platelet volume and COPD. However, there are limited data on the relationship between COPD exacerbation and mean platelet volume. We aimed to evaluate the mean platelet volume trend in patients with COPD exacerbation.METHODS:A total of 81 subjects, 62 men and 19 women, who were admitted to the hospital because of exacerbation of COPD during 9 months, were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The levels of mean platelet volume, C-reactive protein, complete blood count, and percent-of-predicted FEV1 were measured in subjects at admission (exacerbation period) and after 3 months (stable period). Thirty-seven age- and sex-matched healthy individuals constituted the control group.RESULTS:Subjects in the exacerbation period had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (P = .001), white blood cell count (P = .01), and percentage of neutrophils (P = .01) and lower percent-of-predicted FEV1 than in the stable period (P = .02). Mean platelet volume levels were significantly decreased in the exacerbation period (P = .001). Considering a cut-off point of mean platelet volume levels <8.2 fL for indicating COPD exacerbation showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 76%. Also, mean platelet volume levels correlated significantly with increase of C-reactive protein level, white blood cell count, and neutrophil percentage in the exacerbation period (P = .01, P = .01, and P = .02, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:Mean platelet volume may be an inflammatory marker in exacerbation of COPD, and the measurement of mean platelet volume values may be useful for identifying patients who are at increased risk for exacerbations of illness.
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Asthma Control Assessment Tools
Both the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3 and the 2015 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines identify achieving and maintaining asthma control as goals of therapy, and they emphasize periodic assessment of asthma control once treatment is established. Accurate assessment of asthma control is difficult due to the complexity of asthma control and due to the limitations in the traditional methods of assessment, such as lung function tests, physician assessment, and patients' self-assessment. Relying solely on the role of lung function tests is insufficient to reflect the status of asthma control, since patients with asthma may have normal spirometry between exacerbations. Clinicians often overestimate the level of asthma control. Similarly, it is not uncommon for patients to overestimate how well their asthma is controlled, and, therefore, they under-report asthma symptoms and fail to recognize the impact that asthma has on their daily life. As a result, several tools have been developed to quantify the level of asthma control, identify patients at risk, and evaluate the effect of asthma management. This review examines the commonly used asthma control assessment tools in terms of content, psychometric properties, methods of administration, limitations, and ability to reflect the overall status of asthma control, which can aid clinicians in selecting the most appropriate tool for their needs.
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Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Calisthenics-and-Breathing Exercises in COPD With and Without Respiratory Muscle Weakness
BACKGROUND:Patients with COPD may experience respiratory muscle weakness. Two therapeutic approaches to the respiratory muscles are inspiratory muscle training and calisthenics-and-breathing exercises. The aims of the study are to compare the effects of inspiratory muscle training and calisthenics-and-breathing exercises associated with physical training in subjects with COPD as an additional benefit of strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles, thoracoabdominal mobility, physical exercise capacity, and reduction in dyspnea on exertion. In addition, these gains were compared between subjects with and without respiratory muscle weakness.METHODS:25 subjects completed the study: 13 composed the inspiratory muscle training group, and 12 composed the calisthenics-and-breathing exercises group. Subjects were assessed before and after training by spirometry, measurements of respiratory muscle strength and test of inspiratory muscle endurance, thoracoabdominal excursion measurements, and the 6-min walk test. Moreover, scores for the Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale were reported.RESULTS:After intervention, there was a significant improvement in both groups of respiratory muscle strength and endurance, thoracoabdominal mobility, and walking distance in the 6-min walk test. Additionally, there was a decrease of dyspnea in the 6-min walk test peak. A difference was found between groups, with higher values of respiratory muscle strength and thoracoabdominal mobility and lower values of dyspnea in the 6-min walk test peak and the Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale in the inspiratory muscle training group. In the inspiratory muscle training group, subjects with respiratory muscle weakness had greater gains in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance.CONCLUSIONS:Both interventions increased exercise capacity and decreased dyspnea during physical effort. However, inspiratory muscle training was more effective in increasing inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, which could result in a decreased sensation of dyspnea. In addition, subjects with respiratory muscle weakness that performed inspiratory muscle training had higher gains in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance but not of dyspnea and submaximal exercise capacity. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01510041.)
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Cough Augmentation in Subjects With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Comparison of Air Stacking via a Resuscitator Bag Versus Mechanical Ventilation
BACKGROUND:Air stacking improves cough effectiveness in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and respiratory muscle weakness. However, it is not known whether air stacking is more effective via a resuscitator bag or a home ventilator.METHODS:This prospective randomized study investigated the effect of air stacking via a volume-cycled home ventilator versus via a resuscitator bag in participants with DMD. Maximum insufflation capacity and peak expiratory flow during spontaneous (cough peak flow) and air stacking-assisted cough maneuvers (air stacking-assisted cough peak flow) were measured.RESULTS:Fifty-two adult DMD subjects receiving noninvasive ventilation were included in the study: 27 participants performed air stacking via their home ventilator (home-ventilator group; age = 25.3 ± 5.1 y; forced vital capacity (FVC) = 809 ± 555 mL), and 25 participants used a resuscitator bag (resuscitator-bag group; age = 24.7 ± 5.7 y, FVC = 807 ± 495 mL). Following a single training session, air stacking could be performed successfully by 89% (home ventilator) and 88% (resuscitator bag) of participants. There were comparable maximum insufflation capacities (1,481 mL for the home-ventilator group vs 1,344 mL for the resuscitator-bag group, P = .33) and mean air stacking-assisted cough peak flow values (199 L/min for the home-ventilator group vs 186 L/min for the resuscitator-bag group, P = .33) between techniques. Air stacking-assisted cough peak flow increased significantly compared with baseline in both groups (mean increase: +51% [home ventilator] vs +49% [resuscitator bag], P < .001), with individual air stacking-assisted cough peak flow improvements ranging from −20 to 245%.CONCLUSIONS:Cough augmentation is an important component of the respiratory management of people with a neuromuscular disorder. No difference in cough effectiveness as measured by air stacking-assisted cough peak flow was found in air stacking via a ventilator compared with via a resuscitator bag. Both methods achieved mean air stacking-assisted cough peak flow values of >160 L/min. Provision of an inexpensive resuscitator bag can effectively improve cough capacity, and it is simple to use, which may improve access to respiratory care in people with DMD.
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Supramolecular recognition control of polyethylene glycol modified N doped graphene quantum dots: tunable selectivity for alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02270C, Paper
The graphene quantum dot based fluorescent probe community needs unambiguous evidences about the control on the ion selectivity. In this paper, polyethylene glycol modified N-doped graphene quantum dots (PN-GQDs) were...
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Study of Molecular Adsorption of Cationic Surfactant on Complex Surfaces with Atomic Force Microscopy
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN01941A, Paper
Study of molecular adsorption on solid surfaces is of broad interest. However, so far the study has been restricted to idealized flat smooth rigid surfaces which are rarely the case...
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Development of a novel bacteriophage based biomagnetic separation method as an aid for sensitive detection of viable Escherichia coli
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN01769F, Paper
The application of bacteriophage combined with the use of magnetic separation techniques has emerged as a valuable tool for the sensitive identification and detection of bacteria. In this study, bacteriophage...
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Measuring Global Brain Atrophy with the Brain Volume/Cerebrospinal Fluid Index: Normative Values, Cut-Offs and Clinical Associations
Neurodegener Dis 2016;16:77-86
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The Uluzzian technology of Grotta di Fumane and its implication for reconstructing cultural dynamics in the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition of Western Eurasia
Publication date: February 2016
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 91
Author(s): Marco Peresani, Emanuela Cristiani, Matteo Romandini
From the intricate ensemble of evidence related to the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition and the presumed first spread of anatomically modern humans in Europe, the Uluzzian has attracted major attention in the past few years. Although the Uluzzian has been viewed as a supposed product of modern humans settling in Mediterranean Europe, the techno–cultural complex has been the subject of few investigations aiming to clarify its chronology, bone industry, and settlement dynamics. Further, little is known of its technological structure. This article presents the results of an extensive study of the lithic and bone technologies from assemblages recovered at Fumane Cave in the north of Italy. Results confirm that the Uluzzian is a flake-dominated industry that brings together a set of technological innovations. The Levallois is the most used method in the initial phase, which is replaced by more varied flaking procedures and an increase in bladelets and flake-blades. Sidescrapers and points also represent a Mousterian feature in the initial phase, while splintered pieces, backed knives and other Upper Palaeolithic tools increase in the later phase. Our results suggest that the Uluzzian is rooted in the Mousterian lithic technological context and cannot be viewed as a proxy for anatomically modern humans, the carriers of the abrupt cultural changes related to the Aurignacian.
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Editorial Board
Publication date: December 2015
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 89
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Main Trunk and Division Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions: Differences in Recanalization Times, Number of Stent Retriever Passes and Clinical Outcomes: A Single-Center Experience
Intervent Neurol 2015;4:83-89
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JDB, Vol. 3, Pages 177-192: Role of Chondrocytes in Cartilage Formation, Progression of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Regeneration
Articular cartilage (AC) covers the diarthrodial joints and is responsible for the mechanical distribution of loads across the joints. The majority of its structure and function is controlled by chondrocytes that regulate Extracellular Matrix (ECM) turnover and maintain tissue homeostasis. Imbalance in their function leads to degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is characterized by cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation and stiffening of joints. Cartilage degeneration is a consequence of chondrocyte hypertrophy along with the expression of proteolytic enzymes. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) are an example of these enzymes that degrade the ECM. Signaling cascades involved in limb patterning and cartilage repair play a role in OA progression. However, the regulation of these remains to be elucidated. Further the role of stem cells and mature chondrocytes in OA progression is unclear. The progress in cell based therapies that utilize Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) infusion for cartilage repair may lead to new therapeutics in the long term. However, many questions are unanswered such as the efficacy of MSCs usage in therapy. This review focuses on the role of chondrocytes in cartilage formation and the progression of OA. Moreover, it summarizes possible alternative therapeutic approaches using MSC infusion for cartilage restoration.
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Education Sciences, Vol. 5, Pages 413-439: Reading Comprehension Instruction for Adolescents with Learning Disabilities: A Reality Check
Reading comprehension is a significant concern for adolescents with learning disabilities (LD), particularly in secondary schools in the United States (US) where content is taught primarily through textbooks. Surprisingly little is known about the actual reading instruction for students with LD in secondary classrooms. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the reading comprehension instruction in US secondary special education classrooms. Eight special education teachers in urban high schools were observed and interviewed. Findings showed that teachers implemented a number of reading comprehension practices, not all were considered "best practice". The most frequently observed practices included reading aloud, questioning, seatwork, activating prior knowledge, and using graphic organizers. Explicit instruction in how and when to use reading comprehension strategies, however, was not observed. This study reveals the extent to which evidence-based reading comprehension practices are not making their way into secondary reading classrooms and offers insight into factors that teachers state as influencing their instruction for students with LD.
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Highly CO2 sensitive extruded fluorescent plastic indicator film based on HPTS
DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02239H, Paper
A HPTS-based, very CO2-sensitive plastic film is reported which is yellow, and fluoresces green in the absence of CO2, and colourless and fluoresces blue in the presence of CO2.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
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Remote Sensing, Vol. 7, Pages 17234-17245: Validation of S-NPP VIIRS Sea Surface Temperature Retrieved from NAVO
The validation of sea surface temperature (SST) retrieved from the new sensor Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Satellite is essential for the interpretation, use, and improvement of the new generation SST product. In this study, the magnitude and characteristics of uncertainties in S-NPP VIIRS SST produced by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) are investigated. The NAVO S-NPP VIIRS SST and eight types of quality-controlled in situ SST from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in situ Quality Monitor (iQuam) are condensed into a Taylor diagram. Considering these comparisons and their spatial coverage, the NAVO S-NPP VIIRS SST is then validated using collocated drifters measured SST via a three-way error analysis which also includes SST derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) onboard AQUA. The analysis shows that the NAVO S-NPP VIIRS SST is of high accuracy, which lies between the drifters measured SST and AQUA MODIS SST. The histogram of NAVO S-NPP VIIRS SST root-mean-square error (RMSE) shows normality in the range of 0–0.6 °C with a median of ~0.31 °C. Global distribution of NAVO VIIRS SST shows pronounced warm biases up to 0.5 °C in the Southern Hemisphere at high latitudes with respect to the drifters measured SST, while near-zero biases are observed in AQUA MODIS. It means that these biases may be caused by the NAVO S-NPP VIIRS SST retrieval algorithm rather than the nature of the SST. The reasons and correction for this bias need to be further studied.
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Metals, Vol. 5, Pages 2413-2427: Direct Aqueous Mineral Carbonation of Waste Slate Using Ammonium Salt Solutions
The carbonation of asbestos-containing waste slate using a direct aqueous mineral carbonation method was evaluated. Leaching and carbonation tests were conducted on asbestos-containing waste slate using ammonium salt (CH3COONH4, NH4NO3, and NH4HSO4) solutions at various concentrations. The CH3COONH4 solution had the highest Ca-leaching efficiency (17%–35%) and the NH4HSO4 solution had the highest Mg-leaching efficiency (7%–24%) at various solid dosages and solvent concentrations. The CaCO3 content of the reacted materials based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was approximately 10%–17% higher than that of the as-received material for the 1 M CH3COONH4 and the 1 M NH4HSO4 solutions. The carbonates were precipitated on the surface of chrysotile, which was contained in the waste slate reacted with CO2. These results imply that CO2 can be sequestered by a direct aqueous mineral carbonation using waste slate.
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Healthcare, Vol. 3, Pages 1271-1283: Psychosocial Impact of Epilepsy in Older Adults
Objective: The purpose of our study was to describe the quality of life of older adults with seizures or epilepsy and compare its psychosocial impact between those who were new diagnosed and those diagnosed before the age of 65. Methods: In-depth face to face interviews with open ended questions were conducted with two participant groups: Incident group: 42 older adults (>65 years) with new onset or newly diagnosed after age of 65; and Prevalent group: 15 older adults (>65 years) diagnosed before age of 65. Interviews were reviewed and coded using a list of themes and results were compared between the two groups. Eight topics were selected from the participants' responses to questions about the psychosocial impact of epilepsy and seizures. The topics were then analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The topics analyzed were: Emotional and physical impact, significant life changes, co-morbidities, information gathering, stigma, AED side effects, changes in relationships and attitude toward diagnosis. Conclusion: We concluded that the age at onset and duration does seem to have a negative correlation with health related quality of life. However, the perceived health status of older adults with chronic epilepsy was significantly better and reflected in their more positive approach to the diagnosis of seizures or epilepsy probably because they have had a longer opportunity to learn to cope with their diagnosis.
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Viruses, Vol. 7, Pages 6716-6729: Mechanisms of Hepatitis C Viral Resistance to Direct Acting Antivirals
There has been a remarkable transformation in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in recent years with the development of direct acting antiviral agents targeting virus encoded proteins important for viral replication including NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B. These agents have shown high sustained viral response (SVR) rates of more than 90% in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials; however, this is slightly lower in real-life cohorts. Hepatitis C virus resistant variants are seen in most patients who do not achieve SVR due to selection and outgrowth of resistant hepatitis C virus variants within a given host. These resistance associated mutations depend on the class of direct-acting antiviral drugs used and also vary between hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes. The understanding of these mutations has a clear clinical implication in terms of choice and combination of drugs used. In this review, we describe mechanism of action of currently available drugs and summarize clinically relevant resistance data.
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Marine Drugs, Vol. 13, Pages 7446-7462: Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan Induces Endothelial Cell Migration via the PI3K/AKT Pathway and Modulates the Transcription of Genes Involved in Angiogenesis
Low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMWF) is a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed that presents antithrombotic and pro-angiogenic properties. However, its mechanism of action is not well-characterized. Here, we studied the effects of LMWF on cell signaling and whole genome expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and endothelial colony forming cells. We observed that LMWF and vascular endothelial growth factor had synergistic effects on cell signaling, and more interestingly that LMWF by itself, in the absence of other growth factors, was able to trigger the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. We also observed that the effects of LMWF on cell migration were PI3K/AKT-dependent and that LMWF modulated the expression of genes involved at different levels of the neovessel formation process, such as cell migration and cytoskeleton organization, cell mobilization and homing. This provides a better understanding of LMWF's mechanism of action and confirms that it could be an interesting therapeutic approach for vascular repair.
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Information, Vol. 6, Pages 880-894: An Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy MADM Method Based on a New Similarity Measure
Similarity measure is one of the most important measures of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) sets. This article will put forward a new similarity measure, which considers the impacts of membership degree, nonmembership degree and median point of IVIF sets. For cases with partially known attribute weight information in multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems, a new weighting method is put forward by establishing the maximum similarity optimization model to solve the optimal weights. Further, a new decision-making method is developed on the basis of proposed similarity measure, and an applied example proves the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods.
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Cancers, Vol. 7, Pages 2466-2485: Oncogenic MicroRNAs: Key Players in Malignant Transformation
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of non-coding RNAs that exert pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs are involved in many biological processes and slight modulations in their expression have been correlated with the occurrence of different diseases. In particular, alterations in the expression of miRNAs with oncogenic or tumor suppressor functions have been associated with carcinogenesis, malignant transformation, metastasis and response to anticancer treatments. This review will mainly focus on oncogenic miRNAs whose aberrant expression leads to malignancy.
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IJGI, Vol. 4, Pages 2842-2889: Applications of 3D City Models: State of the Art Review
In the last decades, 3D city models appear to have been predominantly used for visualisation; however, today they are being increasingly employed in a number of domains and for a large range of tasks beyond visualisation. In this paper, we seek to understand and document the state of the art regarding the utilisation of 3D city models across multiple domains based on a comprehensive literature study including hundreds of research papers, technical reports and online resources. A challenge in a study such as ours is that the ways in which 3D city models are used cannot be readily listed due to fuzziness, terminological ambiguity, unclear added-value of 3D geoinformation in some instances, and absence of technical information. To address this challenge, we delineate a hierarchical terminology (spatial operations, use cases, applications), and develop a theoretical reasoning to segment and categorise the diverse uses of 3D city models. Following this framework, we provide a list of identified use cases of 3D city models (with a description of each), and their applications. Our study demonstrates that 3D city models are employed in at least 29 use cases that are a part of more than 100 applications. The classified inventory could be useful for scientists as well as stakeholders in the geospatial industry, such as companies and national mapping agencies, as it may serve as a reference document to better position their operations, design product portfolios, and to better understand the market.
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IJERPH, Vol. 12, Pages 16043-16059: Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Tobacco Smoke Pollution in Homes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Introduction: Smoke-free homes can help protect children from tobacco smoke exposure (TSE). The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify effects of interventions on changes in tobacco smoke pollution in the home, as measured by air nicotine and particulate matter (PM). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase. We included controlled trials of interventions which aimed to help parents protect children from tobacco smoke exposure. Two reviewers identified relevant studies, and three reviewers extracted data. Results: Seven studies were identified. Interventions improved tobacco smoke air pollution in homes as assessed by nicotine or PM. (6 studies, N = 681, p = 0.02). Analyses of air nicotine and PM separately also showed some benefit (Air nicotine: 4 studies, N = 421, p = 0.08; PM: 3 studies, N = 340, p = 0.02). Despite improvements, tobacco smoke pollution was present in homes in all studies at follow-up. Conclusions: Interventions designed to protect children from tobacco smoke are effective in reducing tobacco smoke pollution (as assessed by air nicotine or PM) in homes, but contamination remains. The persistence of significant pollution levels in homes after individual level intervention may signal the need for other population and regulatory measures to help reduce and eliminate childhood tobacco smoke exposure.
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Religions, Vol. 6, Pages 1411-1432: The Catholic Bishops vs. the Contraceptive Mandate
The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States have publicly opposed artificial contraception since they first issued a public statement condemning it in 1919. Thereafter, the bishops were generally unsuccessful in persuading the public that contraceptive access should be restricted. Recently, however, the bishops succeeded in a campaign to restrict access to contraceptives for Catholic and non-Catholic women alike. Their lobbying and public criticism of the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires employer health plans to offer preventive reproductive care coverage, forced Obama administration officials into a series of accommodations that gutted portions of the law intended to provide contraception to employees without copayment or cost sharing. In contrast to their earlier efforts to restrict reproductive freedom, the bishops successfully characterized their efforts against the ACA as a battle for religious freedom rather than against reproductive rights. This successful strategy may lead to future setbacks for women's reproductive liberty.
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Veterinary Sciences, Vol. 2, Pages 456-476: Efficacy of Antiviral Drugs against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is one of the most common infectious agents affecting cats worldwide .FIV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share many properties: both are lifelong persistent lentiviruses that are similar genetically and morphologically and both viruses propagate in T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and neural cells. Experimentally infected cats have measurable immune suppression, which sometimes progresses to an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A transient initial state of infection is followed by a long latent stage with low virus replication and absence of clinical signs. In the terminal stage, both viruses can cause severe immunosuppression. Thus, FIV infection in cats has become an important natural model for studying HIV infection in humans, especially for evaluation of antiviral compounds. Of particular importance for chemotherapeutic studies is the close similarity between the reverse transcriptase (RT) of FIV and HIV, which results in high in vitro susceptibility of FIV to many RT-targeted antiviral compounds used in the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of studies on antiviral treatment of FIV, focusing on commercially available compounds for human or animal use.
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Nanomaterials, Vol. 5, Pages 2348-2358: Size Effect of Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres for Anodes in Li-Ion Battery
The present work demonstrates the application of various sizes of ordered mesoporous carbon nanospheres (OMCS) with diameters of 46–130 nm as an active anode material for Li-ion batteries (LIB). The physical and chemical properties of OMCS have been evaluated by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption analysis; small-angle scattering system (SAXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical analysis of using various sizes of OMCS as anode materials showed high capacity and rate capability with the specific capacity up to 560 mA·h·g−1 at 0.1 C after 85 cycles. In terms of performance at high current rate compared to other amorphous carbonaceous materials; a stable and extremely high specific capacity of 240 mA·h·g−1 at 5 C after 15 cycles was achieved. Such excellent performance is mainly attributed to the suitable particle size distribution of OMCS and intimate contact between OMCS and conductive additives; which can be supported from the TEM images. Results obtained from this study clearly indicate the excellence of size distribution of highly integrated mesoporous structure of carbon nanospheres for LIB application.
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Water, Vol. 7, Pages 7066-7077: Reducing Agricultural Water Footprints at the Farm Scale: A Case Study in the Beijing Region
Beijing is one of the most water-stressed regions in the world. Reducing agricultural water use has long been the basis of local policy for sustainable water use. In this article, the potential to reduce the life cycle (cradle to gate) water footprints of wheat and maize that contribute to 94% of the local cereal production was assessed. Following ISO 14046, consumptive and degradative water use for the wheat-maize rotation system was modeled under different irrigation and nitrogen (N) application options. Reducing irrigation water volume by 33.3% compared to current practice did not cause a significant yield decline, but the water scarcity footprint and water eutrophication footprint were decreased by 27.5% and 23.9%, respectively. Similarly, reducing the N application rate by 33.3% from current practice did not cause a significant yield decline, but led to a 52.3% reduction in water eutrophication footprint while maintaining a similar water scarcity footprint. These results demonstrate that improving water and fertilizer management has great potential for reducing the crop water footprints at the farm scale. This situation in Beijing is likely to be representative of the challenge facing many of the water-stressed regions in China, where a sustainable means of agricultural production must be found.
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Nanomaterials, Vol. 5, Pages 2335-2347: Facile and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Finger-Like Co3O4 Nanorods for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Co3O4 nanorods were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Eco-friendly deionized water rather than organic solvent was used as the hydrothermal media. The as-prepared Co3O4 nanorods are composed of many nanoparticles of 30–50 nm in diameter, forming a finger-like morphology. The Co3O4 electrode shows a specific capacitance of 265 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 in a supercapacitor and delivers an initial specific discharge capacity as high as 1171 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 in a lithium ion battery. Excellent cycling stability and electrochemical reversibility of the Co3O4 electrode were also obtained.
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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,0030693260717...
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heory of COVID-19 pathogenesis Publication date: November 2020Source: Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144Author(s): Yuichiro J. Suzuki ScienceD...
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Alimentary Pharmacology &Therapeutics, EarlyView. https://ift.tt/2qECBIJ
