bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF UAV-ENABLED PHOTOGRAMMETRY-BASED 3D POINT CLOUDS AND INTERPOLATED DSMs OF SLOPING TERRAIN FOR ROCKFALL HAZARD ANALYSIS
Authors: Manousakis J. , Zekkos D. , Saroglou F. , Clark M.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. UAVs are expected to be particularly valuable to define topography for natural slopes that may be prone to geological hazards, such as landslides or rockfalls. UAV-enabled imagery and aerial mapping can lead to fast and accurate qualitative and quantitative results for photo documentation as well as basemap 3D analysis that can be used for geotechnical stability analyses. In this contribution, the case study of a rockfall near Ponti village that was triggered during the November 17th 2015 Mw 6.5 earthquake in Lefkada, Greece is presented with a focus on feature recognition and 3D terrain model development for use in rockfall hazard analysis. A significant advantage of the UAV was the ability to identify from aerial views the rockfall trajectory along the terrain, the accuracy of which is crucial to subsequent geotechnical back-analysis. Fast static GPS control points were measured for optimizing internal and external camera parameters and model georeferencing. Emphasis is given on an assessment of the error associated with the basemap when fewer and poorly distributed ground control points are available. Results indicate that spatial distribution and image occurrences of control points throughout the mapped area and image block is essential in order to produce accurate geospatial data with minimum distortions.
Encuesta de satisfacción con el cuidado de la salud en las personas con enfermedad crónica
Authors: Gómez Ramírez Olga Janeth , Carrillo González Gloria Mabel , Cárdenas Diana Carolina
Published: October 2016

Objetivo Desarrollar y validar la Encuesta de satisfacción con el cuidado de la salud para personas con enfermedad crónica no trasmisible (ECNT), para ser utilizada en el contexto Latinoamericano.

Método Estudio metodológico desarrollado entre 2012 y 2014.   Para ello se cumplieron tres fases: 1) Revisión de la literatura relacionada con la satisfacción con el cuidado en situaciones de ECNT. 2) Estructuración de la propuesta preliminar de la “Encuesta  de satisfacción con el cuidado  de personas con enfermedad crónica”, conocida como GCPC-UN-ESU. 3) validez fácil y de contenido con expertos 4) Prueba de campo en la aplicación a 111 personas con ECNT  

Resultados La encuesta GCPC-UN-ESU contiene 19 ítems y 4 dimensiones: satisfacción con los cuidados, con la educación en salud, con la calidad en el servicio prestado y el nivel de fidelización con el servicio.   La encuesta en conjunto valora de manera integral la percepción de satisfacción con el cuidado de la salud por parte de las personas con ECNT, puede ser autodiligenciada.

Conclusiones. La encuesta CPC-UN ESU fue validada y mostró contar con las variables necesarias para determinar el nivel de satisfacción de las personas con ECNT en el contexto de América Latina.  Esta herramienta constituye una respuesta a las demandas de acreditación de los servicios en esta región
Uso de entrevistadores externos na pesquisa qualitativa: plano de ação
Authors: Gomes Ingrid Meireles , Lacerda Maria Ribeiro , Rodrigues Jessica Alline Pereira , Nascimento Jaqueline Dias , Camargo Tatiana Braga de
Published: October 2016

La investigación cualitativa está creciendo, trayendo consigo lLa investigación cualitativa está creciendo, trayendo consigo la necesidad de pensar en ella metodológicamente, con el fin de evitar sesgos y dilemas éticos. Por lo tanto, es necesario reflexionar acerca de sus etapas, entre ellas la recogida de datos a través de entrevistas. Se objetiva, por lo tanto, presentar un plan de acción que guíe la capacitación y supervisión de entrevistadores externos durante la realización de la investigación cualitativa. Se describe el plan de acción propuesto, que tiene cinco momentos: viabilidad; selección; negociación; entrenamiento, y supervisión. Y, con el fin de ilustrar su uso práctico, se describe la experiencia de las autoras con el uso del plan de acción propuesto, las facilidades y las dificultades encontradas. Se concluye que emplear una persona externa para llevar a cabo la recogida de datos en una investigación cualitativa es un facilitador, aunque represente un reto y requiera dedicación y pericia del investigador. También se reconoce la necesidad de mayores incentivos financieros para llevar a cabo este tipo de investigación, así como el compromiso de los investigadores para buscar fuentes de financiación.
RYBP stimulates PRC1 to shape chromatin-based communication between Polycomb repressive complexes
Authors: Rose Nathan R , King Hamish W , Blackledge Neil P , Fursova Nadezda A , Ember Katherine JI , Fischer Roman , Kessler Benedikt M , Klose Robert J
Published: October 2016

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins function as chromatin-based transcriptional repressors that are essential for normal gene regulation during development. However, how these systems function to achieve transcriptional regulation remains very poorly understood. Here, we discover that the histone H2AK119 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is defined by the composition of its catalytic subunits and is highly regulated by RYBP/YAF2-dependent stimulation. In mouse embryonic stem cells, RYBP plays a central role in shaping H2AK119 mono-ubiquitylation at PcG targets and underpins an activity-based communication between PRC1 and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) which is required for normal histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Without normal histone modification-dependent communication between PRC1 and PRC2, repressive Polycomb chromatin domains can erode, rendering target genes susceptible to inappropriate gene expression signals. This suggests that activity-based communication and histone modification-dependent thresholds create a localized form of epigenetic memory required for normal PcG chromatin domain function in gene regulation.
Soft matter physics: Tools and mechanical models for living cellular aggregates
Authors: Khalifat Nada , Beaune Grégory , Nagarajan Usharani , Winnik Françoise M. , Brochard-Wyart Françoise
Published: October 2016

Tissues belong to the broad field of active matter, a novel class of non-equilibrium materials composed of many interacting units that individually consume energy and collectively generate motion or mechanical stresses. Active systems span an enormous range of length scales, from individual living cells, to tissues and organisms, to animal groups. We introduce the concept of biological tissues as examples of entangled active matter, where the units (cell) are bound by transient links. We focus here on the mechanical properties (surface tension, elasticity, and viscosity) of cells and tissues derived from measurements performed by the pipette aspiration technique. This approach has been very fruitful in unveiling striking analogies between the physics of inert soft matter (polymer, viscous pastes, and Silly Putty®) and the behavior of biological tissues. The results obtained from such analogies suggest important implications in the fields of tissue engineering and development.
Prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis with probiotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sawh Sonja C. , Deshpande Santosh , Jansen Sandy , Reynaert Christopher J. , Jones Philip M.
Published: October 2016

Context

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frequent gastrointestinal emergency in neonates. The microbiome of the preterm gut may regulate the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. Probiotics may positively contribute to mucosal integrity, potentially reducing the risk of NEC in neonates.

Objective

To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of probiotics for the prevention of NEC in premature infants.

Data Sources

Structured searches were performed in: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (all via Ovid, from 2013 to January 2015). Clinical trial registries and electronically available conference materials were also searched. An updated search was conducted June 3, 2016.

Study Selection

Randomized trials including infants less than 37 weeks gestational age or less than 2,500 g on probiotic vs. standard therapy.

Data Extraction

Data extraction of the newly-identified trials with a double check of the previously-identified trials was performed using a standardized data collection tool.

Results

Thirteen additional trials (n= 5,033) were found. The incidence of severe NEC (RR 0.53 95% CI [0.42–0.66]) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.79 95% CI [0.68–0.93]) were reduced. No difference was shown in culture-proven sepsis RR 0.88 95% CI [0.77–1.00].

Limitations

Heterogeneity of organisms and dosing regimens studied prevent a species-specific treatment recommendation from being made.

Conclusions

Preterm infants benefit from probiotics to prevent severe NEC and death.
Personalization and Personality: Some Effects of Customizing Message Style Based on Consumer Personality
Authors: Moon Youngme
Published: October 2016

In this investigation, the extent to which a computer's message style influences consumers with different personality types is investigated. Two experiments are presented. In Experiment 1, a computer is used to display advice and information regarding products that the participant is asked to consider purchasing. In Experiment 2, a computer is used to present participants with a variety of news and entertainment selections. The results indicate that computers are more effective as agents of influence when the computer's message style matches the participant's personality type. Theoretical and practical implications of this finding are discussed.
The Temporary Construction of Consumer Attitudes
Authors: Reed Americus , Wooten David B. , Bolton Lisa E.
Published: October 2016

This article investigates factors that affect whether people will construct attitudes based on external information from others, their own direct experience, or some combination of the two. Evidence from two studies suggests that consumers' salient goals and the order and degree of favorability associated with the two types of information (external vs. experiential) are factors that may jointly determine attitude construction. In study 1, participants who were in an evaluative (nonevaluative) frame of mind were more likely to construct their attitudes based on initial (recent) diagnostic information regarding the attitude object (i.e., an advertisement). Participants appear to use an anchoring and adjustment process to construct their attitudes. In study 2, to further test this anchoring and adjustment explanation, we use the well‐established finding that people sometimes express attitude behaviors in line with a third party's views. When a third party created an external contingency, participants no longer systematically anchored on prior or recent information toward the attitude object. The results of these two studies point out the usefulness of identifying (a) processes of attitude construction, and (b) processes of how consumers determine whether a generated attitude is an appropriate guide for their behavior. The findings are discussed in terms of the current retrieval versus construction debate in the attitude literature.
Density mediates grasshopper performance in response to temperature manipulation and spider predation in tallgrass prairie
Authors: Laws A.N. , Joern A.
Published: October 2016

Species interactions are often context-dependent, where outcomes require an understanding of influences among multiple biotic and abiotic factors. However, it remains unclear how abiotic factors such as temperature combine with important biotic factors such as density-dependent food limitation and predation to influence species interactions. Using a native grassland – grasshopper – wolf spider model food chain in tallgrass prairie, we conducted a manipulative field experiment to examine how predator–prey interactions respond to manipulations of temperature, grasshopper density, and food chain length. We find that grasshopper performance responses to temperature and predator treatments were density dependent. At high densities, grasshopper survival decreased with increased temperature when no spiders were present. When spiders were present, grasshopper survival was reduced, and this effect was strongest in the cooled treatment. In contrast, grasshopper survival did not vary significantly with spider presence or among temperature treatments at low grasshopper densities. Our results indicate that context-dependent species interactions are common and highlight the importance of understanding how and when key biotic and abiotic factors combine to influence species interactions.
Common Sense Regeneration: Alexander Campbell on Regeneration, Conversion, and the Work of the Holy Spirit
Authors: Waers Stephen
Published: October 2016

Alexander Campbell (1788–1866), a controversialist and prolific writer, often addressed his theological opponents with an acid-tipped pen. Early in his career, few topics received as much attention as regeneration, conversion, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Campbell and his coreligionists on the frontier were hardly the only theologians who focused on these doctrines during the first half of the nineteenth century. Campbell's early polemics make it clear that he had substantially modified or rejected many of the major tenets of the Presbyterianism of his youth regarding these topics. His early writings find his literary resources arrayed against such doctrines as human inability and metaphysical regeneration that his Reformed opponents held. Campbell's biographer even tells us that Campbell's views of regeneration and conversion shifted. In this paper, I argue that one of the major factors driving Campbell's rejection of these widely held Reformed doctrines was his appropriation of the thought of John Locke and Scottish Common Sense Philosophy (SCSP). More specifically, I argue that Alexander Campbell's understanding of testimony, firmly rooted in the thought of Locke and SCSP, was the sine qua non of his conception of regeneration, conversion, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Differences in expenditure and amounts of fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, and fish purchased in urban and rural Scotland
Authors: de Roos Baukje , Binacchi Ferdinando , Whybrow Stephen , Sneddon Alan A
Published: October 2016

Objective

To quantitatively analyse expenditure on all fresh foods, fruits and vegetables (F&V) and fish across urban and rural households in Scotland. Fresh foods were chosen since, in general, they are perceived to contribute more to health than processed foods.

Design

Descriptive analysis of purchase data of all foods brought into the home during 2012 from the Kantar Worldpanel database. Purchase data were restricted to fresh, unprocessed and raw foods or ‘fresh to frozen’ foods where freezing was part of harvesting. Total household purchases were adjusted for household size and composition.

Setting

Scotland.

Subjects

Households (n2576).

Results

Rural households reported the highest expenditure per person on fresh foods and F&V, but also bought the most (kilograms) of these items. There were linear trends of average prices paid with urban–rural location (P<0·001), with average prices paid by large urban and remote rural households being £2·14/kg and £2·04/kg for fresh foods, £1·64/kg and £1·60/kg for F&V and £10·07/kg and £10·20/kg for fish, respectively, although differences were quantitatively small.

Conclusions

Contrary to previous studies, purchase data show that access to and average prices of fresh foods generally, and F&V and fish specifically, are broadly similar between urban and rural areas. Therefore, the higher expenditure on these foods in ruralv. urban areas is probably due to factors other than pricing and availability.
THE UNITY OF HISTORY AND PERIODS? THE UNIQUE HISTORICAL PERIODIZATION OF E. A. FREEMAN
Authors: STEINBERG ODED Y.
Published: October 2016

The Victorian historian E. A. Freeman (1823–92), following Thomas Arnold, promoted the innovative idea of the “unity of history,” according to which history was a linked, recurring cycle without the artificial boundary of periods. In recent research, however, it is little noticed that, along with this “unity” theory, Freeman also emphasized the ruptures and the divisions in history. It is even less noticed that Freeman devised a unique periodization, which abolished AD 476 as the date marking the fall of Rome. Thus the very idea of the “unity of history” seems to contradict the use of periods. The former stressed a historical continuum while the latter denoted historical ruptures. This article argues that Freeman's notion of “race” could, in most cases, solve the apparent tension between these two “divergent” ideas (unity versus periods). Nevertheless, it is also argued that in some exceptional cases Freeman identified other factors besides race (e.g. religion) as transforming the innate racial belonging and the predestined course of history.
Enhancing stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells with crosslinkable silane-functionalized and doped fullerene
Authors: Bai Yang , Dong Qingfeng , Shao Yuchuan , Deng Yehao , Wang Qi , Shen Liang , Wang Dong , Wei Wei , Huang Jinsong
Published: October 2016

The instability of hybrid perovskite materials due to water and moisture arises as one major challenge to be addressed before any practical application of the demonstrated high efficiency perovskite solar cells. Here we report a facile strategy that can simultaneously enhance the stability and efficiency of p–i–n planar heterojunction-structure perovskite devices. Crosslinkable silane molecules with hydrophobic functional groups are bonded onto fullerene to make the fullerene layer highly water-resistant. Methylammonium iodide is introduced in the fullerene layer for n-doping via anion-induced electron transfer, resulting in dramatically increased conductivity over 100-fold. With crosslinkable silane-functionalized and doped fullerene electron transport layer, the perovskite devices deliver an efficiency of 19.5% with a high fill factor of 80.6%. A crosslinked silane-modified fullerene layer also enhances the water and moisture stability of the non-sealed perovskite devices by retaining nearly 90% of their original efficiencies after 30 days’ exposure in an ambient environment.
Elucidation of the biosynthesis of carnosic acid and its reconstitution in yeast
Authors: Scheler Ulschan , Brandt Wolfgang , Porzel Andrea , Rothe Kathleen , Manzano David , Božić Dragana , Papaefthimiou Dimitra , Balcke Gerd Ulrich , Henning Anja , Lohse Swanhild , Marillonnet Sylvestre , Kanellis Angelos K. , Ferrer Albert , Tissier Alain
Published: October 2016

Rosemary extracts containing the phenolic diterpenes carnosic acid and its derivative carnosol are approved food additives used in an increasingly wide range of products to enhance shelf-life, thanks to their high anti-oxidant activity. We describe here the elucidation of the complete biosynthetic pathway of carnosic acid and its reconstitution in yeast cells. Cytochrome P450 oxygenases (CYP76AH22-24) from Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia fruticosa already characterized as ferruginol synthases are also able to produce 11-hydroxyferruginol. Modelling-based mutagenesis of three amino acids in the related ferruginol synthase (CYP76AH1) from S. miltiorrhiza is sufficient to convert it to a 11-hydroxyferruginol synthase (HFS). The three sequential C20 oxidations for the conversion of 11-hydroxyferruginol to carnosic acid are catalysed by the related CYP76AK6-8. The availability of the genes for the biosynthesis of carnosic acid opens opportunities for the metabolic engineering of phenolic diterpenes, a class of compounds with potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities.
Determinants of carbon release from the active layer and permafrost deposits on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Leiyi , Liang Junyi , Qin Shuqi , Liu Li , Fang Kai , Xu Yunping , Ding Jinzhi , Li Fei , Luo Yiqi , Yang Yuanhe
Published: October 2016

The sign and magnitude of permafrost carbon (C)-climate feedback are highly uncertain due to the limited understanding of the decomposability of thawing permafrost and relevant mechanistic controls over C release. Here, by combining aerobic incubation with biomarker analysis and a three-pool model, we reveal that C quality (represented by a higher amount of fast cycling C but a lower amount of recalcitrant C compounds) and normalized CO2–C release in permafrost deposits were similar or even higher than those in the active layer, demonstrating a high vulnerability of C in Tibetan upland permafrost. We also illustrate that C quality exerts the most control over CO2–C release from the active layer, whereas soil microbial abundance is more directly associated with CO2–C release after permafrost thaw. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of incorporating microbial properties into Earth System Models when predicting permafrost C dynamics under a changing environment.
A Tetravalent Sub-unit Dengue Vaccine Formulated with Ionizable Cationic Lipid Nanoparticle induces Significant Immune Responses in Rodents and Non-Human Primates
Authors: Swaminathan Gokul , Thoryk Elizabeth A. , Cox Kara S. , Smith Jeffrey S. , Wolf Jayanthi J. , Gindy Marian E. , Casimiro Danilo R. , Bett Andrew J.
Published: October 2016

Dengue virus has emerged as an important arboviral infection worldwide. As a complex pathogen, with four distinct serotypes, the development of a successful Dengue virus vaccine has proven to be challenging. Here, we describe a novel Dengue vaccine candidate that contains truncated, recombinant, Dengue virus envelope protein from all four Dengue virus serotypes (DEN-80E) formulated with ionizable cationic lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Immunization studies in mice, Guinea pigs, and in Rhesus macaques, revealed that LNPs induced high titers of Dengue virus neutralizing antibodies, with or without co-administration or encapsulation of a Toll-Like Receptor 9 agonist. Importantly, LNPs were also able to boost DEN-80E specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Cytokine and chemokine profiling revealed that LNPs induced strong chemokine responses without significant induction of inflammatory cytokines. In addition to being highly efficacious, the vaccine formulation proved to be well-tolerated, demonstrating no elevation in any of the safety parameters evaluated. Notably, reduction in cationic lipid content of the nanoparticle dramatically reduced the LNP’s ability to boost DEN-80E specific immune responses, highlighting the crucial role for the charge of the LNP. Overall, our novel studies, across multiple species, reveal a promising tetravalent Dengue virus sub-unit vaccine candidate.
Degradation of Redox-Sensitive Proteins including Peroxiredoxins and DJ-1 is Promoted by Oxidation-induced Conformational Changes and Ubiquitination
Authors: Song In-Kang , Lee Jae-Jin , Cho Jin-Hwan , Jeong Jihye , Shin Dong-Hae , Lee Kong-Joo
Published: October 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key molecules regulating various cellular processes. However, what the cellular targets of ROS are and how their functions are regulated is unclear. This study explored the cellular proteomic changes in response to oxidative stress using H2O2 in dose- and recovery time-dependent ways. We found discernible changes in 76 proteins appearing as 103 spots on 2D-PAGE. Of these, Prxs, DJ-1, UCH-L3 and Rla0 are readily oxidized in response to mild H2O2 stress, and then degraded and active proteins are newly synthesized during recovery. In studies designed to understand the degradation process, multiple cellular modifications of redox-sensitive proteins were identified by peptide sequencing with nanoUPLC-ESI-q-TOF tandem mass spectrometry and the oxidative structural changes of Prx2 explored employing hydrogen/deuterium exchange-mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). We found that hydrogen/deuterium exchange rate increased in C-terminal region of oxidized Prx2, suggesting the exposure of this region to solvent under oxidation. We also found that Lys191 residue in this exposed C-terminal region of oxidized Prx2 is polyubiquitinated and the ubiquitinated Prx2 is readily degraded in proteasome and autophagy. These findings suggest that oxidation-induced ubiquitination and degradation can be a quality control mechanism of oxidized redox-sensitive proteins including Prxs and DJ-1.
Towards Dynamic Contrast Specific Ultrasound Tomography
Authors: Demi Libertario , Van Sloun Ruud J. G. , Wijkstra Hessel , Mischi Massimo
Published: October 2016

We report on the first study demonstrating the ability of a recently-developed, contrast-enhanced, ultrasound imaging method, referred to as cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI), to image and quantify ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) kinetics. Unlike standard ultrasound tomography, which exploits changes in speed of sound and attenuation, CPDI is based on a marker specific to UCAs, thus enabling dynamic contrast-specific ultrasound tomography (DCS-UST). For breast imaging, DCS-UST will lead to a more practical, faster and less operator-dependent imaging procedure compared to standard echo-contrast, while preserving accurate imaging of contrast kinetics. Moreover, a linear relation between CPD values and ultrasound second-harmonic intensity was measured (coefficient of determination = 0.87). DCS-UST can find clinical applications as a diagnostic method for breast cancer localization, adding important features to multi-parametric ultrasound tomography of the breast.
Transcriptome and Metabolite analysis reveal candidate genes of the cardiac glycoside biosynthetic pathway from Calotropis procera
Authors: Pandey Akansha , Swarnkar Vishakha , Pandey Tushar , Srivastava Piush , Kanojiya Sanjeev , Mishra Dipak Kumar , Tripathi Vineeta
Published: October 2016

Calotropis procera is a medicinal plant of immense importance due to its pharmaceutical active components, especially cardiac glycosides (CG). As genomic resources for this plant are limited, the genes involved in CG biosynthetic pathway remain largely unknown till date. Our study on stage and tissue specific metabolite accumulation showed that CG’s were maximally accumulated in stems of 3 month old seedlings. De novo transcriptome sequencing of same was done using high throughput Illumina HiSeq platform generating 44074 unigenes with average mean length of 1785 base pair. Around 66.6% of unigenes were annotated by using various public databases and 5324 unigenes showed significant match in the KEGG database involved in 133 different pathways of plant metabolism. Further KEGG analysis resulted in identification of 336 unigenes involved in cardenolide biosynthesis. Tissue specific expression analysis of 30 putative transcripts involved in terpenoid, steroid and cardenolide pathways showed a positive correlation between metabolite and transcript accumulation. Wound stress elevated CG levels as well the levels of the putative transcripts involved in its biosynthetic pathways. This result further validated the involvement of identified transcripts in CGs biosynthesis. The identified transcripts will lay a substantial foundation for further research on metabolic engineering and regulation of cardiac glycosides biosynthesis pathway genes.
COMPASS: A computational model to predict changes in MMSE scores 24-months after initial assessment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhu Fan , Panwar Bharat , Dodge Hiroko H. , Li Hongdong , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Albin Roger L. , Paulson Henry L. , Guan Yuanfang
Published: October 2016

We present COMPASS, a COmputational Model to Predict the development of Alzheimer’s diSease Spectrum, to model Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. This was the best-performing method in recent crowdsourcing benchmark study, DREAM Alzheimer’s Disease Big Data challenge to predict changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores over 24-months using standardized data. In the present study, we conducted three additional analyses beyond the DREAM challenge question to improve the clinical contribution of our approach, including: (1) adding pre-validated baseline cognitive composite scores of ADNI-MEM and ADNI-EF, (2) identifying subjects with significant declines in MMSE scores and (3) incorporating SNPs of top 10 genes connected to APOE identified from functional-relationship network. For (1) above, we significantly improved predictive accuracy, especially for the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) group. For (2), we achieved an area under ROC of 0.814 in predicting significant MMSE decline: our model has 100% precision at 5% recall and 91% accuracy at 10% recall. For (3), “genetic only” model has Pearson’s correlation of 0.15 to predict progression in the MCI group. Even though addition of this limited genetic model to COMPASS did not improve prediction of progression of MCI group, the predictive ability of SNP information extended beyond well-known APOE allele.
Hybrid boron nitride-natural fiber composites for enhanced thermal conductivity
Authors: Xia Changlei , Garcia Andres C. , Shi Sheldon Q. , Qiu Ying , Warner Nathaniel , Wu Yingji , Cai Liping , Rizvi Hussain R. , D’Souza Nandika A. , Nie Xu
Published: October 2016

Thermal conductivity was dramatically increased after adding natural fiber into hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)/epoxy composites. Although natural fiber does not show high-thermal conductivity itself, this study found that the synergy of natural fiber with hBN could significantly improve thermal conductivity, compared with that solely using hBN. A design of mixtures approach using constant fibers with increasing volume fractions of hBN was examined and compared. The thermal conductivity of the composite containing 43.6% hBN, 26.3% kenaf fiber and 30.1% epoxy reached 6.418 W m−1 K−1, which was 72.3% higher than that (3.600 W m−1 K−1) of the 69.0% hBN and 31.0% epoxy composite. Using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and micro computed tomography (micro-CT), it was observed that the hBN powders were well distributed and ordered on the fiber surfaces enhancing the ceramic filler’s interconnection, which may be the reason for the increase in thermal conductivity. Additionally, the results from mechanical and dynamic mechanical tests showed that performances dramatically improved after adding kenaf fibers into the hBN/epoxy composite, potentially benefiting the composite’s use as an engineered material.
Lateralization of gene expression in the honeybee brain during olfactory learning
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Zilong , Li You , Wei Guifeng , Yuan Jiao , Sun Yu , Wang Huan , Qin Qiuhong , Zeng Zhijiang , Zhang Shaowu , Chen Runsheng
Published: October 2016

In the last decade, it has been demonstrated that brain functional asymmetry occurs not only in vertebrates but also in invertebrates. However, the mechanisms underlying functional asymmetry remain unclear. In the present study, we trained honeybees of the same parentage and age, on the proboscis extension reflex (PER) paradigm with only one antenna in use. The comparisons of gene expression between the left and right hemispheres were carried out using high throughput sequencing. Our research revealed that gene expression in the honeybee brain is also asymmetric, with more genes having higher expression in the right hemisphere than the left hemisphere. Our studies show that during olfactory learning, the left hemisphere is more responsible for long term memory and the right hemisphere is more responsible for the learning and short term memory.
Fully Controllable Pancharatnam-Berry Metasurface Array with High Conversion Efficiency and Broad Bandwidth
Authors: Liu Chuanbao , Bai Yang , Zhao Qian , Yang Yihao , Chen Hongsheng , Zhou Ji , Qiao Lijie
Published: October 2016

Metasurfaces have powerful abilities to manipulate the properties of electromagnetic waves flexibly, especially the modulation of polarization state for both linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) waves. However, the transmission efficiency of cross-polarization conversion by a single-layer metasurface has a low theoretical upper limit of 25% and the bandwidth is usually narrow, which cannot be resolved by their simple additions. Here, we efficiently manipulate polarization coupling in multilayer metasurface to promote the transmission of cross-polarization by Fabry-Perot resonance, so that a high conversion coefficient of 80–90% of CP wave is achieved within a broad bandwidth in the metasurface with C-shaped scatters by theoretical calculation, numerical simulation and experiments. Further, fully controlling Pancharatnam-Berry phase enables to realize polarized beam splitter, which is demonstrated to produce abnormal transmission with high conversion efficiency and broad bandwidth.
In situ rapid growth of fluorescent silicon nanoparticles at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure
Authors: Zhong Yiling , Song Bin , Peng Fei , Wu Yanyan , Wu Sicong , Su Yuanyuan , He Yao
Published: October 2016

Fluorescent and small-sized silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) can be quickly created through in situ bottom-up growth under mild reaction conditions.
Non-conjugated polyurethane polymer dots based on crosslink enhanced emission (CEE) and application in Fe3+ sensing
Authors: Tong Dingyi , Li Wenying , Zhao Yunxing , Zhang Li , Zheng Jian , Cai Tao , Liu Shenggao
Published: October 2016

A novel non-conjugated polymer dot sensor is developed for Fe3+ detection based on crosslink enhanced emission.
Metal removal and reduction potential of an exopolysaccharide produced by Arctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. PAMC 28620
Authors: Sathiyanarayanan Ganesan , Bhatia Shashi Kant , Kim Hyun Joong , Kim Jung-Ho , Jeon Jong-Min , Kim Yun-Gon , Park Sung-Hee , Lee Sang Hyun , Lee Yoo Kyung , Yang Yung-Hun
Published: October 2016

Metal reducing potential of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Arctic glacier soil bacteriumPseudomonassp. PAMC 28620.
Band gap engineering of ZnO substituted with nitrogen and fluorine, ZnO1−3xN2xFx: a hybrid density functional study
Authors: Kumar S. , Sharma Durgesh Kumar , Auluck S.
Published: October 2016

A series of first principles calculations within density functional theory (DFT) have been performed for ZnO, co-doped with N and F with the aim of engineering the band gap and improving its application to photo-absorption activity.
Structural grounds for the 2-aminopurine mutagenicity: a novel insight into the old problem of the replication errors
Authors: Brovarets' Ol'ha O. , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Hovorun Dmytro M.
Published: October 2016

Mutagenic pressure of the 2AP molecule on DNA during its replication is realizedviathe more intensive generation of the T* mutagenic tautomers through the reaction 2AP·T(WC) → 2AP·T*(w).
Behavior of dissolved organic carbon sources on the microbial reduction and precipitation of vanadium(v) in groundwater
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Baogang , Xing Yi , Hao Liting
Published: October 2016

The performance of anaerobic microbial vanadium(v) reduction using five ordinary dissolved organic carbon sources was evaluated.
Novel β-galactosidase nanobiocatalyst systems for application in the synthesis of bioactive galactosides
Authors: Banjanac Katarina , Carević Milica , Ćorović Marija , Milivojević Ana , Prlainović Nevena , Marinković Aleksandar , Bezbradica Dejan
Published: October 2016

Amino modified nonporous fumed nano-silica particles was used for the development of efficient nanobiocatalysts for application in the biosynthesis of bioactive galactosides, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).
Novel synthetic strategy towards NiO/Ni3N composite hollow nanofibers for superior NOx gas-sensing properties at room temperature
Authors: Guo Jiangdong , Yang Ying , Dong Xiangting , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia , Yu Wensheng , Wang Tingting
Published: October 2016

The prepared NiO hollow nanofibers, NiO/Ni3N hollow nanofibers and Ni3N nanofibers exhibit good sensing performances toward NOx at room temperature.
Flexible humidity sensors composed of graphite-like carbon micro-pinecone arrays
Authors: Nakajima Tomohiko , Nakamura Takako , Tsuchiya Tetsuo
Published: October 2016

We have prepared flexible graphite-like carbon humidity sensors at room temperature in air.
Regioselective synthesis of spiroxindolopyrrolidine: a one step cycloaddition reaction twists inherent optical and fluorescence property of ferrocene–anthracene dyad
Authors: Saravanan Pasupathy , Sundaramoorthy Shanmugam , Raghunathan Raghavachary
Published: October 2016

We report the regioselective synthesis of spiroxindole using a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction (1,3-DC). Our experiments show that cycloaddition can alter the inherent optical and fluorescence properties of the ferrocene–anthraced dyad system.
Scalable synthesis of high-quality transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets and their application as sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Zhou Jingwen , Qin Jian , Guo Lichao , Zhao Naiqin , Shi Chunsheng , Liu En-zuo , He Fang , Ma Liying , Li Jiajun , He Chunnian
Published: October 2016

High-quality 2D WS2, MoS2, MoSe2 and WSe2 nanosheets with a single-crystalline structure have been synthesized on a large scale by a NaCl template-assisted strategy.
Distinctive excitonic recombination in solution-processed layered organic–inorganic hybrid two-dimensional perovskites
Authors: Gan Lu , He Haiping , Li Shuoxing , Li Jing , Ye Zhizhen
Published: October 2016

Solution-grown two-dimensional (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4 perovskites show three distinctive excitonic emissions.
Efficient deep-blue OLEDs based on phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole-containing emitters with AIE and bipolar transporting properties
Authors: Li Chenglong , Wei Jinbei , Han Jianxiong , Li Zhiqiang , Song Xiaoxian , Zhang Zuolun , Zhang Jingying , Wang Yue
Published: October 2016

Two AIE-type emitters that can realize efficient deep-blue OLEDs with the CIE coordinates matching well with the standard blue-light CIE coordinate of (0.14, 0.08) have been designed and synthesized.
Pyrazinamide-induced hepatotoxicity and gender differences in rats as revealed by a1H NMR based metabolomics approach
Authors: Zhao He , Si Zhi-Hong , Li Ming-Hui , Jiang Lei , Fu Yong-Hong , Xing Yue-Xiao , Hong Wei , Ruan Ling-Yu , Li Pu-Ming , Wang Jun-Song
Published: October 2016

Pyrazinamide disturbed the metabolic profiles of rats with gender difference, with regard to metabolic pathways related to its hepatotoxicity.
Fresenius-Quirónsalud-Deal: La fusión de grandes
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: October 2016

Fresenius hat für 5,76 Milliarden Euro die spanische Kette Quirónsalud gekauft. Damit gibt es erstmals in der deutschen Krankenhausgeschichte eine grenzüberschreitende Mega-Fusion. kma sprach mit Boris Augurzky über die Folgen für den hiesigen Klinikmarkt.
DGIV: 13. DGIV-Bundeskongress „Neue Wege für Integrierende Versorgungsformen“
Authors: Spitzer Stefan G.
Published: October 2016

Der 13. Bundeskongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Integrierte Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen e.V. findet vom 30. November bis 1. Dezember 2016 in Berlin statt.
Topical Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients with Increased Thromboembolic Risk
Authors: Spanyer Jonathon , Patel Jay , Emberton Eric , Smith Langan , Malkani Arthur
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with comorbid conditions precluding them from intravenous (IV) TXA use. A total of 104 patients were divided into two groups: 47 in the normal-risk group and 57 in the high-risk group, with the latter representing those with one or more risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Demographics were similar between groups, and there were no differences with regard to postoperative changes in hemoglobin (− 3.42 g/dL ± 1.07 and − 3.68 g/dL ± 1.07, p = 0.214), total drain output (630.2 mL ± 331.6 and 566.9 mL ± 343.9, p = 0.344), postoperative transfusion rate (2.1 and 3.5%, p = 0.675), or total number of complications 3 (6.5%) and 5 (8.8%) for the normal- and high-risk groups, respectively (p = 0.671). Topical TXA exhibited a similar safety and efficacy profile in reducing postoperative blood loss in a group of patients at increased thromboembolic risk, without a significant increase in complications or thromboembolic events. Topical TXA appears to represent a safe and efficacious alternative to IV TXA in patients at high risk for VTE undergoing TKA.
Pilot Study of Propofol-induced Slow Waves as a Pharmacologic Test for Brain Dysfunction after Brain Injury
Authors: Kortelainen Jukka , Väyrynen Eero , Huuskonen Usko , Laurila Jouko , Koskenkari Juha , Backman Janne T. , Alahuhta Seppo , Seppänen Tapio , Ala-Kokko Tero
Published: October 2016

Background

Slow waves (less than 1 Hz) are the most important electroencephalogram signatures of nonrapid eye movement sleep. While considered to have a substantial importance in, for example, providing conditions for single-cell rest and preventing long-term neural damage, a disturbance in this neurophysiologic phenomenon is a potential indicator of brain dysfunction.

Methods

Since, in healthy individuals, slow waves can be induced with anesthetics, the authors tested the possible association between hypoxic brain injury and slow-wave activity in comatose postcardiac arrest patients (n = 10) using controlled propofol exposure. The slow-wave activity was determined by calculating the low-frequency (less than 1 Hz) power of the electroencephalograms recorded approximately 48 h after cardiac arrest. To define the association between the slow waves and the potential brain injury, the patients’ neurologic recovery was then followed up for 6 months.

Results

In the patients with good neurologic outcome (n = 6), the low-frequency power of electroencephalogram representing the slow-wave activity was found to substantially increase (mean ± SD, 190 ± 83%) due to the administration of propofol. By contrast, the patients with poor neurologic outcome (n = 4) were unable to generate propofol-induced slow waves.

Conclusions

In this experimental pilot study, the comatose postcardiac arrest patients with poor neurologic outcome were unable to generate normal propofol-induced electroencephalographic slow-wave activity 48 h after cardiac arrest. The finding might offer potential for developing a pharmacologic test for prognostication of brain injury by measuring the electroencephalographic response to propofol.
Comparison of EX-PRESS Shunt and Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin-C in Congenital and Juvenile Glaucoma
Authors: Nash David L. , Crouch Eric R. , Crouch Earl R.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To compare efficacy and safety of EX-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt (Alcon) and trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) in the management of pediatric glaucoma.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed patients from a single pediatric ophthalmology practice with either congenital or juvenile glaucoma who underwent surgical treatment with either trabeculectomy or EX-PRESS shunt insertion with MMC. Postoperative intraocular pressure at 6, 18, and 36 months, medication requirements, visual acuities, postoperative interventions, complications, and noncompliance with medications or follow-up was reviewed.

Results:

A total of 42 cases of glaucoma with either trabeculectomy or EX-PRESS shunt were identified for review (n trabeculectomy=25, n EX-PRESS=17). At 6 months, 62.5% of trabeculectomies and 94.1% of EX-PRESS shunts met criteria for success (P=0.0281). At 18 months, 38.1% of trabeculectomies and 81.3% of EX-PRESS shunts met criteria for success (P=0.0178). At 36 months, trabeculectomies had a success rate of 33.3% versus 66.7% for EX-PRESS shunts (P=0.321). The average decrease in medications postoperatively was 0.375 and 1.63 for trabeculectomy and EX-PRESS shunt, respectively (P=0.06). Preoperative visual acuities compared with postoperative best-corrected visual acuities before additional surgery demonstrated a slight average worsening of 0.11 logMAR in trabeculectomy patients and an average improvement of 0.56 logMAR in EX-PRESS shunt patients (P=0.0037).

Conclusions:

In this review, patients with pediatric glaucoma managed with EX-PRESS shunt with MMC compared with trabeculectomy with MMC appear to have better intraocular pressure control, better visual acuities, and fewer complications and reoperations.
Repeated intensified infliximab induction – results from an 11-year prospective study of ulcerative colitis using a novel treatment algorithm
Authors: Johnsen Kay-Martin , Goll Rasmus , Hansen Vegard , Olsen Trine , Rismo Renathe , Heitmann Richard , Gundersen Mona D. , Kvamme Jan M. , Paulssen Eyvind J. , Kileng Hege , Johnsen Knut , Florholmen Jon
Published: October 2016

Background

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents play a pivotal role in the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), and yet, no international consensus on when to discontinue therapy exists.

Objective

The aim of this study is to study the long-term performance of a treatment algorithm of repeated intensified induction therapy with infliximab (IFX) to remission, followed by discontinuation in patients with UC.

Patients and methods

Patients with moderate to severe UC were enroled in an open prospective study design. The following algorithm was implemented: (a) intensified induction treatment to remission (Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index score 0–2); (b) discontinuation of IFX; and (c) reinduction treatment if relapse. Mucosal gene expression for TNF was measured with qPCR.

Results

A total of 116 patients were included. The median observation time was 47 and 51 months in intention to treat and per protocol. Remission rates of the first three inductions were 95, 93 and 91% per protocol and 83, 56 and 59% by intention to treat. The median time in remission was 40 months per protocol and 34 months by intention to treat. Long-term remission without further anti-TNF treatment during the observation period was obtained for 41%, with a median observation time of 48 months (range: 18–129 months). The median time to relapse was 33 and 11 months with/without normalization of mucosal TNF, respectively. The 5-year success rate for maintaining the effect of IFX in the algorithm was 66%.

Conclusion

The treatment algorithm is highly effective for achieving long-term clinical remission in UC. Normalization of mucosal TNF gene expression predicts long-term remission upon discontinuation of IFX.
Long-distance autumn migration across the Sahara by painted lady butterflies: exploiting resource pulses in the tropical savannah
Authors: Stefanescu Constantí , Soto David X. , Talavera Gerard , Vila Roger , Hobson Keith A.
Published: October 2016

The painted lady,
Vanessa cardui
, is a migratory butterfly that performs an annual multi-generational migration between Europe and North Africa. Its seasonal appearance south of the Sahara in autumn is well known and has led to the suggestion that it results from extremely long migratory flights by European butterflies to seasonally exploit the Sahel and the tropical savannah. However, this possibility has remained unproven. Here, we analyse the isotopic composition of butterflies from seven European and seven African countries to provide new support for this hypothesis. Each individual was assigned a geographical natal origin, based on its wing stable hydrogen isotope (δ
2
H
w
) value and a predicted δ
2
H
w
basemap for Europe and northern Africa. Natal assignments of autumn migrants collected south of the Sahara confirmed long-distance movements (of 4000 km or more) starting in Europe. Samples from Maghreb revealed a mixed origin of migrants, with most individuals with a European origin, but others having originated in the Sahel. Therefore, autumn movements are not only directed to northwestern Africa, but also include southward and northward flights across the Sahara. Through this remarkable behaviour, the productive but highly seasonal region south of the Sahara is incorporated into the migratory circuit of
V. cardui
.