Despite expanding data sets and advances in phylogenomic methods, deep-level metazoan relationships remain highly controversial. Recent phylogenomic analyses depart from classical concepts in ...recovering ctenophores as the earliest branching metazoan taxon and propose a sister-group relationship between sponges and cnidarians (e.g., Dunn CW, Hejnol A, Matus DQ, et al. (18 co-authors). 2008. Broad phylogenomic sampling improves resolution of the animal tree of life. Nature 452:745-749). Here, we argue that these results are artifacts stemming from insufficient taxon sampling and long-branch attraction (LBA). By increasing taxon sampling from previously unsampled nonbilaterians and using an identical gene set to that reported by Dunn et al., we recover monophyletic Porifera as the sister group to all other Metazoa. This suggests that the basal position of the fast-evolving Ctenophora proposed by Dunn et al. was due to LBA and that broad taxon sampling is of fundamental importance to metazoan phylogenomic analyses. Additionally, saturation in the Dunn et al. character set is comparatively high, possibly contributing to the poor support for some nonbilaterian nodes.
Significance
Affordable hand-held ultrasound is transforming health care as a diagnostic tool with the potential to be as ubiquitous as the stethoscope. Here, we present a platform for advancing ...diagnostic care consisting of an ultrasound-on-chip probe, leveraging state-of-the-art silicon-based semiconductor foundries, paired with a mobile device and artificial-intelligence–guided image interpretation and cloud interconnectivity. Demonstrations across key organs and modes illustrate the imaging capabilities. Presentations of automated guidance for untrained ultrasound users show the potential for further broadening accessibility and utility.
Over the past half-century, ultrasound imaging has become a key technology for assessing an ever-widening range of medical conditions at all stages of life. Despite ultrasound’s proven value, expensive systems that require domain expertise in image acquisition and interpretation have limited its broad adoption. The proliferation of portable and low-cost ultrasound imaging can improve global health and also enable broad clinical and academic studies with great impact on the fields of medicine. Here, we describe the design of a complete ultrasound-on-chip, the first to be cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for 13 indications, comprising a two-dimensional array of silicon-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) ultrasonic sensors directly integrated into complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor-based control and processing electronics to enable an inexpensive whole-body imaging probe. The fabrication and design of the transducer array with on-chip analog and digital circuits, having an operating power consumption of 3 W or less, are described, in which approximately 9,000 seven-level feedback-based pulsers are individually addressable to each MEMS element and more than 11,000 amplifiers, more than 1,100 analog-to-digital converters, and more than 1 trillion operations per second are implemented. We quantify the measured performance and the ability to image areas of the body that traditionally takes three separate probes. Additionally, two applications of this platform are described—augmented reality assistance that guides the user in the acquisition of diagnostic-quality images of the heart and algorithms that automate the measurement of cardiac ejection fraction, an indicator of heart health.
► We prepared and characterized new complexes of dl-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid (H2pa). ► The addition of ZnCl2 to dl-H2pa in either hard tap water or in presence of CaCl2, obtained ...trans-Zn2(m-Ca)2(Hpa)2Cl6. ► The X-ray structure of trans-Zn2(m-Ca)2(Hpa)2Cl6 shows two Zn(Hpa-)Cl3 units (each zinc atom ligates by carboxyl oxygen and three chlorine atoms) bridged by two calcium atoms. ► The free dl-H2pa and its complexes, trans-Zn2(m-Ca)2(Hpa)2Cl6, Pd(bpy)(Hpa)Cl and M(pa)(PPh3)2 (M(II) = Pd, Pt) have been tested against the serous ovarian cancer ascites, OV90 cell line in comparison to cis-platin. ► Pt(PPh3)2(pa) exhibits the highest growth inhibitory activity with mean IC50 43.13 μM.
New complexes of dl-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid (dl-H2pa), Zn(Hpa)(AcO)(H2O)2, trans-Zn2(μ-Ca)2(Hpa)2Cl6, M(bpy)(Hpa)Cl and M(pa)(PPh3)2 (M(II)=Pd, Pt) have been prepared and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductivity and thermal measurements, IR, Raman, UV–Vis, NMR (1H and 31P) and mass spectroscopy. dl-Piperidine-2-carboxylic acids act as bidentate ligands, through the carboxyl oxygen and cyclic nitrogen atoms. The crystal structure of trans-Zn2(μ-Ca)2(Hpa)2Cl6, obtained from the addition of ZnCl2 to dl-H2pa in either hard tap water or presence of CaCl2, has been determined by X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in a triclinic lattice with space group symmetry P1. The complex has two zinc atoms in tetrahedral geometry, each ligated by a carboxyl oxygen and three chlorine atoms. The other carboxyl oxygen atoms from the two Hpa− ligands are bridged by two calcium atoms, i.e., there are two Zn(Hpa−)Cl3 units bridged by two calcium atoms. The free dl-H2pa and its complexes, trans-Zn2(μ-Ca)2(Hpa)2Cl6, Pd(bpy)(Hpa)Cl and M(pa)(PPh3)2 (M(II)=Pd, Pt) have been tested against the serous ovarian cancer ascites, OV 90 cell line.
The MUon Scattering Experiment, MUSE, at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland, investigates the proton charge radius puzzle, lepton universality, and two-photon exchange, via simultaneous ...measurements of elastic muon-proton and electron-proton scattering. The experiment uses the PiM1 secondary beam channel, which was designed for high precision pion scattering measurements. We review the properties of the beam line established for pions. We discuss the production processes that generate the electron and muon beams, and the simulations of these processes. Simulations of the π/μ/e beams through the channel using TURTLE and G4beamline are compared. The G4beamline simulation is then compared to several experimental measurements of the channel, including the momentum dispersion at the intermediate focal plane and target, the shape of the beam spot at the target, and timing measurements that allow the beam momenta to be determined. Finally, we conclude that the PiM1 channel can be used for high precision π, μ, and e scattering.
Background: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a novel method for staging of the mediastinum in lung cancer patients. The recent development of linear scanners enables safe and accurate fine-needle ...aspiration (FNA) of mediastinal and upper abdominal structures under real-time ultrasound guidance. However, various methods and equipment for mediastinal EUS–FNA are being used throughout the world, and a detailed description of the procedures is lacking. A thorough description of linear EUS–FNA is needed.
Methods: A step-by-step description of the linear EUS–FNA procedure as performed in our hospital will be provided. Ultrasonographic landmarks will be shown on images. The procedure will be related to published literature, with a systematic literature search.
Results: EUS–FNA is an outpatient procedure under conscious sedation. The typical linear EUS–FNA procedure starts with examination of the retroperitoneal area. After this, systematic scanning of the mediastinum is performed at intervals of 1–2cm. Abnormalities are noted, and FNA of the abnormalities can be performed. Specimens are assessed for cellularity on-site. The entire procedure takes 45–60min.
Conclusions: EUS–FNA is minimally invasive, accurate, and fast. Anatomical areas can be reached that are inaccessible for cervical mediastinoscopy. EUS–FNA is useful for the staging of lung cancer or the assessment and diagnosis of abnormalities in the posterior mediastinum.
Behavioral intervention technologies have the potential to expand the reach of psychological treatment. Digital natives are young individuals who have been raised amongst the information age of ...technology. However, more research is needed to better understand both the advantages and limitations of integrating BITs and psychotherapy, particularly for youth who are at a higher risk of mental health disorders such as depression and more apt to utilize online mental health interventions provided in a format they are accustomed to. Current research has demonstrated that the inclusion of human support with BITs enhances engagement with these interventions which theoretically leads to better treatment outcomes. However, there is limited research on human support with BITs, particularly with youth populations. This study utilized secondary data from CATCH-IT, an online depression prevention program for adolescents that included two conditions of varying human support: Motivational Interviewing and Brief Advice. Additionally, this study further expanded on findings from the original study by examining participants’ typed responses within the CATCH-IT modules to better understand if varying levels of human support impacted both engagement and appropriate application of learned clinical skills from the program. This study also sought to examine if level of human support and interaction with CATCH-IT modules determined any changes in post-test depression scores. Findings determined that there were no significant differences in total correct responses between participants who received more human support. Additional findings demonstrated that human support did not produce a difference in engagement with CATCH-IT, but more engagement was predictive of more accurate responding. In conclusion, human support may not be necessary for youth to complete online interventions.
The present study aimed to determine the effects of various weed management approaches on the leaf nutrient and chlorophyll content in apple nursery plants raised on clonal rootstock M9-T337. Weed ...management approaches evaluated consisted of seven treatments viz; manual weeding, pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1, pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + manual weeding, paddy straw mulch-6 cm thick, black polyethylene mulch-200 micron, weed-free and weedy check laid out in randomized compelete block design and replicated thrice. Data on the leaf nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and chlorophyll content in leaves were recorded. Weed control treatments significantly influenced the leaf nutrient status of apple nursery plants. Significantly higher content of leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as chlorophyll content were recorded with paddy straw mulch but were at par with black polyethylene much treatment. In conclusion, weed management through paddy straw mulch was found to be beneficial for higher leaf nutrient and chlorophyll content in grafted apple nursery plants.
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