bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor and non-motor sequence learning in children and adolescents with cerebellar damage
Authors: BERGER ANDREA , SADEH MICHELLE , TZUR GABRIEL , SHUPER AVINOAM , KORNREICH LIORA , INBAR DOV , COHEN IAN J. , MICHOWIZ SHALOM , YANIV ISAAC , CONSTANTINI SHLOMI , VAKIL ELI
Published: April 2019

Cerebellar involvement in motor and non-motor sequence learning was examined with serial reaction time tasks (SRT). Our sample consisted of 8 children and adolescents who had undergone surgical removal of a benign posterior fossa tumor (PFT) during childhood. None of them had undergone chemotherapy or cranial radiation therapy (CRT). Ages ranged from 1–11 years at surgery and 9–17 years at testing. The children were tested not earlier than 2.5 years after surgery (M= 5.9 years), enabling brain plasticity and recovery of functions. Their performance was compared with a matched control sample. The PFT group was not impaired in the implicit learning of sequences, as reflected in their performance in blocks with a repeated sequence, both before and after a random block. However, in the perceptual task, their performance deteriorated more than that of the control group when a random block was introduced, suggesting that it was more difficult for the patients to respond flexibly or change their response set when encountering changing task demands. These results are in line with another study by our group on task switching with the same patients. (JINS, 2005,11, 482–487.)
Research, knowledge and collaboration Dilemmas of the PFI
Authors: FORD BRIAN
Published: April 2019

Recent correspondence in arq raises important questions about the relationship between the wide range of research being undertaken in the schools, and architectural practice. John Worthington (arq 7/3+4, pp197–199) makes a particularly important point when he says that architectural schools and the profession ‘cannot afford to stand aloof from the other (construction related) disciplines’. In many Universities (my own included), the discipline of architecture lies within a larger ‘School of the Built Environment’. I see this as entirely positive. The schools must reflect, and respond to, the contemporary realities of practice, if their relevance is to be maintained. As with practice, both teaching and research is increasingly based on interdisciplinary collaboration. While taking place within institutions, such collaboration between institutions and the wider construction industry (manufacturers, contractors and so on) is now often regarded as a prerequisite for successful research bids to both UK and European research funding agencies. Our school has found that many businesses within the construction industry (large and small) now recognize the value of research to the development of their products or processes. Professional practices are also benefiting in a similar way, in recognizing the expertise (and facilities) that reside within the Universities.
Neck circumference as an indicator of elevated central adiposity in children
Authors: Valencia-Sosa Evelyn , Chávez-Palencia Clío , Romero-Velarde Enrique , Larrosa-Haro Alfredo , Vásquez-Garibay Edgar Manuel , Ramos-García César Octavio
Published: April 2019

Objective

We aimed to study the correlation between neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric adiposity indicators, and to determine cut-off points of NC for both sexes to identify elevated central adiposity in schoolchildren in western Mexico.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Rural settings in western México.

Participants

Children from a convenience sample of six schools in Acatlán, Jalisco, Mexico (n1802).

Results

NC showed a strong positive correlation with all anthropometric adiposity indicators in both sexes, which were notably higher in boys regardless of age. Noteworthy, waist circumference displayed the highest significant correlation when analysed by both age and sex. As age increased, NC cut-off points to identify elevated central adiposity ranged from 25·7 to 30·1 cm for girls and from 27·5 to 31·7 cm for boys.

Conclusions

NC could be used as a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive indicator for central obesity assessment in Mexican schoolchildren.
POWER AND PLURALISM: AMERICAN PROTESTANTISM AND THE AMERICAN CENTURY
Authors: HUMMEL DANIEL G.
Published: April 2019

The study of US foreign relations (what is now often called “America and the World”) has been in a protracted “religious turn” for at least a decade. One of the most prominent statements of the turn was Andrew Preston's article in Diplomatic History from 2006, “Bridging the Gap between the Sacred and the Secular in the History of American Foreign Relations.” Preston, a trained diplomatic historian who made an indelible contribution to the turn with his later Sword of Spirit, Shield of Strength: Religion in American War and Diplomacy (2012), called for “paying more attention” to religion in the field of American foreign relations. More precisely he urged historians to make of religion “a systematic rubric under which various moments in the history of American foreign relations, or the whole history itself, can be analyzed and explained.”
Fortschritte in der Therapie der Multiplen Sklerose
Authors: Chan Andrew , Kamber Nicole , Hoepner Robert , Salmen Anke
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Wie kaum ein anderes Gebiet zeigt die Immuntherapie der Multiplen Sklerose, dass die Neurologie mittlerweile ein Fach mit vielen therapeutischen Möglichkeiten darstellt. Wesentlich hierfür sind Entwicklungen im Bereich der Grundlagenforschung, der translationalen Übertragung, aber auch in innovativen Studiendesigns klinischer Studien. Während die Erkrankung weiterhin kausal nicht heilbar ist, lässt sie sich vor allem in frühen Stadien mittlerweile häufig gut stabilisieren. Die Vielzahl von zur Verfügung stehenden immuntherapeutischen Substanzen ermöglicht oftmals eine individualisierte Therapieauswahl. Allerdings sind Patienten und Therapeuten aufgrund von zwar seltenen, aber potentiell schweren Nebenwirkungen mit neuen Dimensionen einer kritischen Nutzen-Risikoabwägung konfrontiert. Während sich auch für chronisch progrediente Verlaufsformen das therapeutische Armamentarium erweitert, befinden sich neuroprotektive oder -regenerative Ansätze weiterhin nur im experimentellen Stadium. Wesentliche Anstrengungen sind daher auch im Bereich der symptomatischen Therapie notwendig.
Nicht-medikamentöse Optionen zur Behandlung pharmakoresistenter Epilepsien
Authors: Grunwald Thomas , Kröll Judith
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Wenn mit den ersten beiden anfallspräventiven Medikamenten keine Anfallsfreiheit erzielt werden konnte, so ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dies mit anderen Medikamenten zu erreichen, nur noch ca. 10 %. Es sollte dann geprüft werden, warum eine Pharmakoresistenz besteht und ob ein epilepsiechirurgischer Eingriff zur Anfallsfreiheit führen kann. Ist eine solche Operation nicht möglich, so können palliative Verfahren wie die Vagus-Nerv-Stimulation (VNS) und die tiefe Hirnstimulation (Deep Brain Stimulation) in eine bessere Anfallskontrolle ermöglichen. Insbesondere bei schweren kindlichen Epilepsien stellt auch die ketogene Diät eine zu erwägende Option dar.
Migräneprophylaxe 2019 – die Rolle der CGRP Antagonisten
Authors: Sandor Peter S. , Gantenbein Andreas R.
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Das CGRP System ist Teil der Schmerzübertragung bei Migräne und Bestandteil eines komplexen pathophysiologischen Geschehens. Durch monoklonale Antikörper mit Wirkmechanismus im CGRP System wurde erstmals gezielt eine Substanzklasse entwickelt, deren Ziel die Reduktion der Attackenfrequenz und -intensität, also die Prophylaxe bei Migräne ist. Die Wirksamkeit ist vergleichbar mit etablierten Prophylaktika. Verträglichkeit und Sicherheit scheinen nach den publizierten Studiendaten und ersten klinischen Erfahrungen exzellent. Vor den Folgen des hohen Preises schützen sich die Kostenträger mit Limitationen. Die erste Substanz ist in der Schweiz zugelassen. Welche Rolle die neue Substanzklasse in der stratifizierten Behandlung der Betroffenen spielen wird, wird sich im Verlauf, insbesondere nach Zulassung mehrerer Substanzen, im klinischen Alltag zeigen.
Ocean Warming Resumes in the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: April 2019

The discovery of a decadal El Ni�o–like state associated with shifts in the Pacific trade winds could have important implications for predicting sea level in future decades.
WNT5A is transported via lipoprotein particles in the cerebrospinal fluid to regulate hindbrain morphogenesis
Authors: Kaiser Karol , Gyllborg Daniel , Procházka Jan , Salašová Alena , Kompaníková Petra , Molina Francisco Lamus , Laguna-Goya Rocio , Radaszkiewicz Tomasz , Harnoš Jakub , Procházková Michaela , Potěšil David , Barker Roger A. , Casado Ángel Gato , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Sedláček Radislav , Arenas Ernest , Villaescusa J. Carlos , Bryja Vítězslav
Published: April 2019

WNTs are lipid-modified proteins that control multiple functions in development and disease via short- and long-range signaling. However, it is unclear how these hydrophobic molecules spread over long distances in the mammalian brain. Here we show that WNT5A is produced by the choroid plexus (ChP) of the developing hindbrain, but not the telencephalon, in both mouse and human. Since the ChP produces and secretes the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), we examine the presence of WNT5A in the CSF and find that it is associated with lipoprotein particles rather than exosomes. Moreover, since the CSF flows along the apical surface of hindbrain progenitors not expressing Wnt5a, we examined whether deletion of Wnt5a in the ChP controls their function and find that cerebellar morphogenesis is impaired. Our study thus identifies the CSF as a route and lipoprotein particles as a vehicle for long-range transport of biologically active WNT in the central nervous system.
Nitrogen-fixing trees could exacerbate climate change under elevated nitrogen deposition
Authors: Kou-Giesbrecht Sian , Menge Duncan
Published: April 2019

Biological nitrogen fixation can fuel CO2 sequestration by forests but can also stimulate soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Here we use a theoretical model to suggest that symbiotic nitrogen-fixing trees could either mitigate (CO2 sequestration outweighs soil N2O emissions) or exacerbate (vice versa) climate change relative to non-fixing trees, depending on their nitrogen fixation strategy (the degree to which they regulate nitrogen fixation to balance nitrogen supply and demand) and on nitrogen deposition. The model posits that nitrogen-fixing trees could exacerbate climate change globally relative to non-fixing trees by the radiative equivalent of 0.77 Pg C yr−1 under nitrogen deposition rates projected for 2030. This value is highly uncertain, but its magnitude suggests that this subject requires further study and that improving the representation of biological nitrogen fixation in climate models could substantially decrease estimates of the extent to which forests will mitigate climate change.
Design of next-generation ceramic fuel cells and real-time characterization with synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography
Authors: Li Tao , Heenan Thomas M. M. , Rabuni Mohamad F. , Wang Bo , Farandos Nicholas M. , Kelsall Geoff H. , Matras Dorota , Tan Chun , Lu Xuekun , Jacques Simon D. M. , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R. , Di Michiel Marco , Beale Andrew M. , Vamvakeros Antonis , Li Kang
Published: April 2019

Ceramic fuel cells offer a clean and efficient means of producing electricity through a variety of fuels. However, miniaturization of cell dimensions for portable device application remains a challenge, as volumetric power densities generated by readily-available planar/tubular ceramic cells are limited. Here, we demonstrate a concept of ‘micro-monolithic’ ceramic cell design. The mechanical robustness and structural integrity of this design is thoroughly investigated with real-time, synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography, suggesting excellent thermal cycling stability. The successful miniaturization results in an exceptional power density of 1.27 W cm−2 at 800 °C, which is among the highest reported. This holistic design incorporates both mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance, leading to mechanical property enhancement and representing an important step toward commercial development of portable ceramic devices with high volumetric power (>10 W cm−3), fast thermal cycling and marked mechanical reliability.
Skeletonema marinoi as a new genetic model for marine chain-forming diatoms
Authors: Johansson Oskar N. , Töpel Mats , Pinder Matthew I. M. , Kourtchenko Olga , Blomberg Anders , Godhe Anna , Clarke Adrian K.
Published: April 2019

Diatoms are ubiquitous primary producers in marine ecosystems and freshwater habitats. Due to their complex evolutionary history, much remains unknown about the specific gene functions in diatoms that underlie their broad ecological success. In this study, we have genetically transformed the centric diatom Skeletonema marinoi, a dominant phytoplankton species in temperate coastal regions. Transformation of S. marinoi is the first for a true chain-forming diatom, with the random genomic integration via nonhomologous recombination of a linear DNA construct expressing the resistance gene to the antibiotic zeocin. A set of molecular tools were developed for reliably identifying the genomic insertion site within each transformant, many of which disrupt recognizable genes and constitute null or knock-down mutations. We now propose S. marinoi as a new genetic model for marine diatoms, representing true chain-forming species that play a central role in global photosynthetic carbon sequestration and the biogeochemical cycling of silicates and various nutrients, as well as having potential biotechnological applications.
Profile measurement adopting binocular active vision with normalization object of vector orthogonality
Authors: Xu Guan , Chen Junyi , Li Xiaotao , Su Jian
Published: April 2019

Active-vision-based measurement plays an important role in the profile inspection study. The binocular vision, a passive vision, is employed in the active vision system to contribute the benefits of them. The laser plane is calibrated by two 2D targets without texture initially. Then, an L target with feature points is designed to construct the orthogonality object of two vectors. In order to accurately model the binocular-active-vision system, the feature points on the L target are built by two cameras and parameterized by the laser plane. Different from the optimization methods on the basis of the distance object, the laser plane is further refined by the distance-angle object. Thus, an optimization function is created considering both the norms and angles of the vectors. However, the scale of the distance is diverse from the scale of the angle. Therefore, the optimization function is enhanced by the normalization process to balance the different scales. The comparison experiments show that the binocular active vision with the normalization object of vector orthogonality achieves the decreasing distance errors of 25%, 22%, 13% and 4%, as well as the decreasing angle errors of 23%, 20%, 14% and 4%, which indicates an accurate measurement to reconstruct the object profile.
Arctic warming interrupts the Transpolar Drift and affects long-range transport of sea ice and ice-rafted matter
Authors: Krumpen Thomas , Belter H. Jakob , Boetius Antje , Damm Ellen , Haas Christian , Hendricks Stefan , Nicolaus Marcel , Nöthig Eva-Maria , Paul Stephan , Peeken Ilka , Ricker Robert , Stein Rüdiger
Published: April 2019

Sea ice is an important transport vehicle for gaseous, dissolved and particulate matter in the Arctic Ocean. Due to the recently observed acceleration in sea ice drift, it has been assumed that more matter is advected by the Transpolar Drift from shallow shelf waters to the central Arctic Ocean and beyond. However, this study provides first evidence that intensified melt in the marginal zones of the Arctic Ocean interrupts the transarctic conveyor belt and has led to a reduction of the survival rates of sea ice exported from the shallow Siberian shelves (−15% per decade). As a consequence, less and less ice formed in shallow water areas (<30 m) has reached Fram Strait (−17% per decade), and more ice and ice-rafted material is released in the northern Laptev Sea and central Arctic Ocean. Decreasing survival rates of first-year ice are visible all along the Russian shelves, but significant only in the Kara Sea, East Siberian Sea and western Laptev Sea. Identified changes affect biogeochemical fluxes and ecological processes in the central Arctic: A reduced long-range transport of sea ice alters transport and redistribution of climate relevant gases, and increases accumulation of sediments and contaminates in the central Arctic Ocean, with consequences for primary production, and the biodiversity of the Arctic Ocean.
Ultrasonic tracking of a sinking ball in a vibrated dense granular suspension
Authors: van den Wildenberg S. , Jia X. , Léopoldès J. , Tourin A.
Published: April 2019

Observing and understanding the motion of an intruder through opaque dense suspensions such as quicksand remains a practical and conceptual challenge. Here we use an ultrasonic probe to monitor the sinking dynamics of a steel ball in a dense glass bead packing (3D) saturated by water. We show that the frictional model developed for dry granular media can be used to describe the ball motion induced by horizontal vibration. From this rheology, we infer the static friction coefficient and effective viscosity that decrease when increasing the vibration intensity. Our main finding is that the vibration-induced reduction of the yield stress and increase of the sinking depth are presumably due to micro-slips induced at the grain contacts but without visible plastic deformation due to macroscopic rearrangements, in contrast to dry granular packings. To explain these results, we propose a mechanism of acoustic lubrication that reduces the inter-particle friction and leads to a decrease of the yield stress. This scenario is different from the mechanism of liquefaction usually invoked in loosely packed quicksands where the vibration-induced compaction increases the pore pressure and decreases the confining pressure on the solid skeleton, thus reducing the granular resistance to external load.
Humans best judge how much to cooperate when facing hard problems in large groups
Authors: Guazzini Andrea , Stefanelli Federica , Imbimbo Enrico , Vilone Daniele , Bagnoli Franco , Levnajić Zoran
Published: April 2019

We report the results of a game-theoretic experiment with human players who solve problems of increasing complexity by cooperating in groups of increasing size. Our experimental environment is set up to make it complicated for players to use rational calculation for making the cooperative decisions. This environment is directly translated into a computer simulation, from which we extract the collaboration strategy that leads to the maximal attainable score. Based on this, we measure the error that players make when estimating the benefits of collaboration, and find that humans massively underestimate these benefits when facing easy problems or working alone or in small groups. In contrast, when confronting hard problems or collaborating in large groups, humans accurately judge the best level of collaboration and easily achieve the maximal score. Our findings are independent on groups’ composition and players’ personal traits. We interpret them as varying degrees of usefulness of social heuristics, which seems to depend on the size of the involved group and the complexity of the situation.
Insertional mutagenesis using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system identifies drivers of erythroleukemia in mice
Authors: Loeb Keith R. , Hughes Bridget T. , Fissel Brian M. , Osteen Nyka J. , Knoblaugh Sue E. , Grim Jonathan E. , Drury Luke J. , Sarver Aaron , Dupuy Adam J. , Clurman Bruce E.
Published: April 2019

Insertional mutagenesis is a powerful means of identifying cancer drivers in animal models. We used the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon/transposase system to identify activated oncogenes in hematologic cancers in wild-type mice and mice that express a stabilized cyclin E protein (termed cyclin ET74AT393A). Cyclin E governs cell division and is misregulated in human cancers. Cyclin ET74AT393A mice develop ineffective erythropoiesis that resembles early-stage human myelodysplastic syndrome, and we sought to identify oncogenes that might cooperate with cyclin E hyperactivity in leukemogenesis. SB activation in hematopoietic precursors caused T-cell leukemia/lymphomas (T-ALL) and pure red blood cell erythroleukemias (EL). Analysis of >12,000 SB integration sites revealed markedly different oncogene activations in EL and T-ALL: Notch1 and Ikaros were most common in T-ALL, whereas ETS transcription factors (Erg and Ets1) were targeted in most ELs. Cyclin E status did not impact leukemogenesis or oncogene activations. Whereas most SB insertions were lost during culture of EL cell lines, Erg insertions were retained, indicating Erg’s key role in these neoplasms. Surprisingly, cyclin ET74AT393A conferred growth factor independence and altered Erg-dependent differentiation in EL cell lines. These studies provide new molecular insights into erythroid leukemia and suggest potential therapeutic targets for human leukemia.
The use of spatially explicit genetic variation data from four deep-sea sponges to inform the protection of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Zeng Cong , Clark Malcolm R. , Rowden Ashley A. , Kelly Michelle , Gardner Jonathan P. A.
Published: April 2019

The United Nations General Assembly has called for greater protection of the world’s deep-sea species and of features such as Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Sponges are important components of VMEs and information about their spatially explicit genetic diversity can inform management decisions concerning the placement of protected areas. We employed a spatially explicit hierarchical testing framework to examine genetic variation amongst archived samples of four deep-sea sponges in the New Zealand region. For Poecillastra laminaris Sollas 1886, significant mitochondrial (COI, Cytb) and nuclear DNA (microsatellite) genetic differences were observed between provinces, amongst north-central-south regions and amongst geomorphic features. For Penares sp. no significant structure was detected (COI, 12S) across the same areas. For both Neoaulaxinia persicum Kelly, 2007 (COI, 12S) and Pleroma menoui Lévi & Lévi 1983 (COI) there was no evidence of genetic differentiation within their northern only regional distributions. Of 10 separate species-by-marker tests for isolation-by-distance and isolation-by-depth, only the isolation-by-depth test for N. persicum for COI was significant. The use of archived samples highlights how historical material may be used to support national and international management decisions. The results are discussed in the broader context of existing marine protected areas, and possible future design of spatial management measures for protecting VMEs in the New Zealand region.
Research of activity of Main Belt Comets 176P/LINEAR, 238P/Read and 288P/(300163) 2006 VW139
Authors: Shi Jianchun , Ma Yuehua , Liang He , Xu Ruiqi
Published: April 2019

As a new class of comet, main belt comets (MBCs) have attracted more and more attention in recent years. To study activity and physical properties of three MBCs 176P/LINEAR, 238P/Read and 288P/(300163) 2006 VW139, we carried out broadband CCD photometry of three MBCs on UT 2016 November 18–19 with the 1-m optical telescope at Lulin Observatory in Taiwan. By comparing cometary surface brightness profiles to stellar surface brightness profiles, and by comparing cometary absolute magnitude to the expected magnitude of inactive nucleus, we found that 176P/LINEAR was inactive, while 238P/Read and 288P/(300163) 2006 VW139 were active. By photometric studies, we obtained the Afρ values and the dust production rates. Finally, the activity of three MBCs were discussed. Our photometric results show that the total dust mass of 238P/Read and 288P/(300163) 2006 VW139 obtained in this work are of the same magnitude as the majority of known MBCs.
Integrating gene regulatory pathways into differential network analysis of gene expression data
Authors: Grimes Tyler , Potter S. Steven , Datta Somnath
Published: April 2019

The advent of next-generation sequencing has introduced new opportunities in analyzing gene expression data. Research in systems biology has taken advantage of these opportunities by gleaning insights into gene regulatory networks through the analysis of gene association networks. Contrasting networks from different populations can reveal the many different roles genes fill, which can lead to new discoveries in gene function. Pathologies can also arise from aberrations in these gene-gene interactions. Exposing these network irregularities provides a new avenue for understanding and treating diseases. A general framework for integrating known gene regulatory pathways into a differential network analysis between two populations is proposed. The framework importantly allows for any gene-gene association measure to be used, and inference is carried out through permutation testing. A simulation study investigates the performance in identifying differentially connected genes when incorporating known pathways, even if the pathway knowledge is partially inaccurate. Another simulation study compares the general framework with four state-of-the-art methods. Two RNA-seq datasets are analyzed to illustrate the use of this framework in practice. In both examples, the analysis reveals genes and pathways that are known to be biologically significant along with potentially novel findings that may be used to motivate future research.
A Pilot Randomised Double-Blind Study of the Tolerability and efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome
Authors: Moussavi Zahra , Suleiman Abdelbaset , Rutherford Grant , Ranjbar Pouya Omid , Dastgheib Zeinab , Zhang Weijia , Salter Jennifer , Wang Xikui , Mansouri Behzad , Lithgow Brian
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The study design was a randomized (coin toss), placebo controlled, and double-blind study. Thirty-seven participants with PCS were assessed for eligibility; 22 were randomised and 18 completed the study requirements. Half the participants with PCS were given an Active rTMS intervention and the other half given Sham rTMS over 3 weeks. Follow ups were at the end of treatment and at 30 and 60 days. The primary outcome measure was the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ3 & RPQ13). The results indicate participants with more recent injuries (<12 month), who received Active rTMS, showed significant improvements compared to those of: 1) the same subgroup who received Sham, and 2) those with a longer duration of injury (>14 months) who received Active rTMS. This improvement predominantly manifested in RPQ13 in the follow up periods 1 and 2 months after the intervention (RPQ13 change (mean ± SD): at 1 month, Active = −21.8 ± 6.6, Sham = −2.2 ± 9.8; at 2 months, Active = −21.2 ± 5.3, Sham = −5.4 ± 13.7). No improvement was found in the subgroup with longer duration injuries. The results support rTMS as a tolerable and potentially effective treatment option for individuals with a recent (<1 year) concussion.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations and respiratory chain dysfunction in idiopathic and connective tissue disease-related lung fibrosis
Authors: Jaeger Veronika K. , Lebrecht Dirk , Nicholson Andrew G. , Wells Athol , Bhayani Harshil , Gazdhar Amiq , Tamm Michael , Venhoff Nils , Geiser Thomas , Walker Ulrich A.
Published: April 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the aetiology of interstitial lung disease (ILD). We investigated the role of large-scale somatically acquired mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and consecutive respiratory chain dysfunction as a trigger of ROS-formation and lung fibrosis. Mitochondria were analysed in lung biopsies from 30 patients with idiopathic or connective tissue disease (CTD)-related ILD and 13 controls. In 17 patients we had paired biopsies from upper and lower lobes. Control samples were taken from lung cancer resections without interstitial fibrosis. Malondialdehyde, a marker of ROS-formation, was elevated in ILD-biopsies (p = 0.044). The activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (cytochrome c-oxidase/succinate dehydrogenase [COX/SDH]-ratio) was depressed in ILD (median = 0.10,) compared with controls (0.12, p < 0.001), as was the expression of mtDNA-encoded COX-subunit-2 protein normalized for the nucleus-encoded COX-subunit-4 (COX2/COX4-ratio; ILD-median = 0.6; controls = 2.2; p < 0.001). Wild-type mtDNA copies were slightly elevated in ILD (p = 0.088). The common mtDNA deletion was only present at low levels in controls (median = 0%) and at high levels in ILD (median = 17%; p < 0.001). In ILD-lungs with paired biopsies, lower lobes contained more malondialdehyde and mtDNA deletions than upper lobes and had lower COX2/COX4-ratios and COX/SDH-ratios (all p < 0.001). Acquired mtDNA-mutations and consecutive respiratory chain dysfunction may both trigger and perpetuate ROS-formation in ILD.
Halve the dose while maintaining image quality in paediatric Cone Beam CT
Authors: Oenning Anne Caroline , Pauwels Ruben , Stratis Andreas , De Faria Vasconcelos Karla , Tijskens Elisabeth , De Grauwe Annelore ,   Dimitra research group, Chaussain Catherine , Bosmans Hilde , Bogaerts Ria , Politis Constantinus , Nicolielo Laura , Zhang Guozhi , Vranckx Myrthel , Ockerman Anna , Baatout Sarah , Belmans Niels , Moreels Marjan , Hedesiu Mihaela , Virag Pirsoka , Baciut Mihaela , Marcu Maria , Almasan Oana , Roman Raluca , Barbur Ioan , Dinu Cristian , Rotaru Horatiu , Hurubeanu Lucia , Istouan Vlad , Lucaciu Ondine , Leucuta Daniel , Crisan Bogdan , Bogdan Loredana , Candea Ciprian , Bran Simion , Baciut Grigore , Jacobs Reinhilde , Salmon Benjamin
Published: April 2019

Cone beam CT (CBCT) for dentomaxillofacial paediatric assessment has been widely used despite the uncertainties of the risks of the low-dose radiation exposures. The aim of this work was to investigate the clinical performance of different CBCT acquisition protocols towards the optimization of paediatric exposures. Custom-made anthropomorphic phantoms were scanned using a CBCT unit in six protocols. CT slices were blinded, randomized and presented to three observers, who scored the image quality using a 4-point scale along with their level of confidence. Sharpness level was also measured using a test object containing an air/PMMA e,dge. The effective dose was calculated by means of a customized Monte Carlo (MC) framework using previously validated paediatric voxels models. The results have shown that the protocols set with smaller voxel size (180 µm), even when decreasing exposure parameters (kVp and mAs), showed high image quality scores and increased sharpness. The MC analysis showed a gradual decrease in effective dose when exposures parameters were reduced, with an emphasis on an average reduction of 45% for the protocol that combined 70 kVp, 16 mAs and 180 µm voxel size. In contrast, both “ultra-low dose” protocols that combined a larger voxel size (400 µm) with lower mAs (7.4 mAs) demonstrated the lowest scores with high levels of confidence unsuitable for an anatomical approach. In conclusion, a significant decrease in the effective dose can be achieved while maintaining the image quality required for paediatric CBCT.
Potassium doping increases biochar carbon sequestration potential by 45%, facilitating decoupling of carbon sequestration from soil improvement
Authors: Mašek Ondřej , Buss Wolfram , Brownsort Peter , Rovere Massimo , Tagliaferro Alberto , Zhao Ling , Cao Xinde , Xu Guangwen
Published: April 2019

Negative emissions technologies offer an important tool to limit the global warming to <2 °C. Biochar is one of only a few such technologies, and the one at highest technology readiness level. Here we show that potassium as a low-concentration additive in biochar production can increase biochar’s carbon sequestration potential; by up to 45% in this study. This translates to an increase in the estimated global biochar carbon sequestration potential to over 2.6 Gt CO2-C(eq) yr−1, thus boosting the efficiency of utilisation of limited biomass and land resources, and considerably improving the economics of biochar production and atmospheric carbon sequestration. In addition, potassium doping also increases plant nutrient content of resulting biochar, making it better suited for agricultural applications. Yet, more importantly, due to its much higher carbon sequestration potential, AM-enriched biochar facilitates viable biochar deployment for carbon sequestration purposes with reduced need to rely on biochar’s abilities to improve soil properties and crop yields, hence opening new potential areas and scenarios for biochar applications.
Sustained effects of corrupted feedback on perceptual inference
Authors: Varrier R. S. , Stuke H. , Guggenmos M. , Sterzer P.
Published: April 2019

Feedback is central to most forms of learning, and its reliability is therefore critical. Here, we investigated the effects of corrupted, and hence unreliable, feedback on perceptual inference. Within the framework of Bayesian inference, we hypothesised that corrupting feedback in a demanding perceptual task would compromise sensory information processing and bias inference towards prior information if available. These hypotheses were examined by a simulation and in two behavioural experiments with visual detection (experiment 1) and discrimination (experiment 2) tasks. Both experiments consisted of two sessions comprising intervention runs with either corrupted or uncorrupted (correct) feedback, and pre- and post-intervention tests to assess the effects of feedback. In the tests alone, additional prior beliefs were induced through predictive auditory cues to assess sustained effects of feedback on the balance between sensory evidence and prior beliefs. Both experiments and the simulation showed the hypothesised decrease in performance and increased reliance on prior beliefs after corrupted but not uncorrupted feedback. Exploratory analyses indicated reduced confidence regarding perceptual decisions during delivery of corrupted feedback. Our results suggest that corrupted feedback on perceptual decisions leads to sustained changes in perceptual inference, characterised by a shift from sensory likelihood to prior beliefs when those are accessible.
Profiling of aminoxyTMT-labeled bovine milk oligosaccharides reveals substantial variation in oligosaccharide abundance between dairy cattle breeds
Authors: Robinson Randall C. , Poulsen Nina A. , Colet Emeline , Duchene Chloe , Larsen Lotte Bach , Barile Daniela
Published: April 2019

Free milk oligosaccharides are bioactive molecules that function as prebiotics and prevent infections that commonly afflict developing infants. To date, few publications have examined the factors affecting bovine milk oligosaccharide production among cattle in the dairy industry. Here we have applied a high-throughput isobaric labeling technique to measure oligosaccharide abundances in milk collected from Danish Holstein-Friesian and Jersey dairy cattle by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. With a total of 634 milk samples, this collection represents the largest sample set used for milk oligosaccharide profiling in the current literature. This study is also the first to use isobaric labeling for the purpose of measuring free oligosaccharides in a real sample set. We have identified 13 oligosaccharides that vary significantly by breed, with most structures being more abundant in the milk of Jersey cattle. The abundances of several oligosaccharides were increased in second-parity cows, and correlations between the abundances of oligosaccharide pairs were identified, potentially indicating similarities in their synthetic pathways. Fucosylated oligosaccharide structures were widely identified among both breeds. Improving our understanding of oligosaccharide production will aid in developing strategies to recover these compounds from processing streams and may enable their use as a functional ingredient in foods for infants and adults.
Molecular characterization and epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 24F in Denmark
Authors: Kavalari Ioanna Drakaki , Fuursted Kurt , Krogfelt Karen A. , Slotved H.-C.
Published: April 2019

Since 2012, have we in Denmark observed an increase of invasive pneumococcal infections (IPD) due to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 24F. We here present epidemiological data on 24F IPD cases, and characterization of 48 24F clinical isolates based on clonal relationship, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants and virulence factors. IPD surveillance data from (1999–2016) were used to calculate the incidence and age-distribution of serotype 24F IPD and the effect of pneumococcal conjugated vaccines (PCV). Characterization of forty-eight 24F isolates (14.7% of all 24F isolates from the period) was based on whole-genome sequencing analysis (WGS). The IPD cases of serotype 24F showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) for all age groups after the PCV-13 introduction in 2010. The majority of tested 24F isolates consisted of two MLST types, i.e. the ST72 and the ST162. Serotype 24F IPD increased in Denmark after the PCV-13 introduction in parallel with an increase of the ST162 clone. The genotypic penicillin binding protein (PBP) profile agreed with the phenotypical penicillin susceptibility. The virulence genes lytA, ply, piaA, piaB, piaC, rspB and the cpsA/wzg were detected in all 24F isolates, while the pspA and zmpC genes were absent.
Molecular and Structural Characterization of MHC Class II β Genes Reveals High Diversity in the Cold-Adapted Icefish Chionodraco hamatus
Authors: Gerdol Marco , Lucente Daniela , Buonocore Francesco , Poerio Elia , Scapigliati Giuseppe , Mattiucci Simonetta , Pallavicini Alberto , Cimmaruta Roberta
Published: April 2019

This study reports the presence of two distinct MHC class II β genes in the Antarctic icefish Chionodraco hamatus, belonging to the classical (ChhaDAB) and nonclassical (ChhaDBB) evolutionary lineages. By the application of targeted sequencing approach, a remarkable molecular diversity in the exon 2 sequence of the highly expressed gene ChhaDAB has been observed, resulting in an estimate of 92 different variants translated in 87 different peptides from 54 analysed icefish individuals. A highly conservative estimate, based on a 95% sequence identity threshold clustering, translate this variability in 41 different peptide clusters belonging to four different clades and showing the signature of different kinds of selection. In stark contrast, the poorly expressed ChhaDBB gene displayed a very low level of molecular diversity within exon 2, in agreement with expectations for a nonclassical MHC class II β gene.
Novel avian paramyxovirus-based vaccine vectors expressing the Ebola virus glycoprotein elicit mucosal and humoral immune responses in guinea pigs
Authors: Yoshida Asuka , Kim Shin-Hee , Manoharan Vinoth K. , Varghese Berin P. , Paldurai Anandan , Samal Siba K.
Published: April 2019

Paramyxovirus vaccine vectors based on human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been previously evaluated against Ebola virus (EBOV) challenge. Although both the viral vectored vaccines efficiently induce protective immunity, some concerns remain to be solved. Since HPIV-3 is a common human pathogen, the human population has pre-existing immunity to HPIV-3, which may restrict the replication of the vaccine vector. For NDV, mesogenic (intermediate virulent) strain used in previous studies is currently classified as a Select Agent in the United States, thus making it unsuitable to be used as a vaccine vector. To overcome these concerns, we have developed a modified NDV vector based on a mesogenic NDV strain, in which the ectodomains of envelope glycoproteins were replaced with the corresponding ectodomains from avian paramyxovirus serotype 3 (APMV-3). The modified NDV vector was highly attenuated in chickens and was able to express the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) gene at high level. In addition, the recombinant APMV-3 was also evaluated as a vaccine vector to express the EBOV GP gene. Guinea pigs immunized with these two vector vaccines developed high levels of neutralizing GP-specific IgG and IgA antibodies.
Association of body composition with predicted hip bone strength among Chinese postmenopausal women: a longitudinal study
Authors: Shi Xin , Deng Yunyang , Kang Huili , Liu Meng , Chen Yu-Ming , Xiao Su-Mei
Published: April 2019

Body composition and bone strength are closely associated. How lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) contribute to bone strength remains ambiguous. We investigated the associations of total body LM and FM with changes in predicted hip bone strength over a period of 3 years in 1,743 postmenopausal Chinese women from the communities of Guangzhou, China. The body compositions of the women were obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We used the hip structure analysis program to obtain the bone parameters at the femoral neck region, including the bone mineral density (BMD), cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical thickness (CT), section modulus (SM) and buckling ratio (BR). We found the FM and LM were positive predictors for hip bone strength (β > 0, P < 0.05). The LM had a larger contribution to the BMD, CSA, CT, SM and/or their annual percent changes (βLM > βFM), while the contribution of FM to the BR and its annual percent change was higher than LM (|βFM| > |βLM|). Further analysis found that the associations of FM and LM with bone parameters were stronger in the underweight and normal weight participants (|βBMI1| > |βBMI2|). Overall, FM and LM had positive but differential effects on predicted hip bone strength, with a higher impact in the thinner participants.
Fluid release pressure for nanochannels: the Young–Laplace equation using the effective contact angle
Authors: Mo Jingwen , Sha Jingjie , Li Dengke , Li Zhigang , Chen Yunfei
Published: April 2019

Releasing fluids from nanochannels is quite challenging, yet crucial for the application of nanofluidic systems, e.g. drug delivery and nanoprinting.
Gold nanoholes fabricated by colloidal lithography: novel insights into nanofabrication, short-range correlation and optical properties
Authors: Cesaria Maura , Taurino Antonietta , Manera Maria Grazia , Minunni Maria , Scarano Simona , Rella Roberto
Published: April 2019

A simplified colloidal lithography protocol (polyelectrolyte monolayer) for Au nanohole fabrication and autocorrelation/FFT analysis of SEM images to disclose hidden short-range periodicities.
Accelerated biodegradation of PLA/PHB-blended nonwovens by a microbial community
Authors: Liu Yalan , Zhan Zhicheng , Ye Haixian , Lin Xiaoshan , Yan Yurong , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2019

Accelerated biodegradation of PLA–PHB blends by domesticated Proteobacteria and Firmicutes strains.
Design of organic structure directing agents for polymorph A zeolite beta
Authors: Daeyaert Frits , Deem Michael W.
Published: April 2019

Zeolite beta is a crystalline material with layer-type faulting.
Poly-GeSn junctionless P-TFTs featuring a record high ION/IOFF ratio and hole mobility by defect engineering
Authors: Chou Chuan-Pu , Lin Yan-Xiao , Hsieh Kuan-Ying , Wu Yung-Hsien
Published: April 2019

2-Stage defect engineering of poly-GeSn (Sn: ∼5.1%) film for bottom-gate junctionless P-channel thin film transistors (JL P-TFTs), including gas annealing and plasma treatment, is investigated in this work.
Reduction of scaling in microwave induced membrane distillation on a carbon nanotube immobilized membrane
Authors: Humoud Madihah Saud , Intrchom Worawit , Roy Sagar , Mitra Somenath
Published: April 2019

Membrane distillation (MD) is an emerging technology that has much potential in desalination and treatment of saline waste.
Ginsenoside Rk3 ameliorates high-fat-diet/streptozocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice via the AMPK/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yao , Deng Jianjun , Fan Daidi
Published: April 2019

Ginsenoside Rk3 (G-Rk3) is a main active ingredient of ginsenosides.
Charge transporting nanostructured polymers for electrochemical systems – a themed collection
Authors: Patel Shrayesh N. , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: April 2019

Guest editors Shrayesh N. Patel and Nitash P. Balsara introduce this themed collection on charge transporting nanostructured polymers for electrochemical systems.
Zinc oxide ultraviolet photodetectors: rapid progress from conventional to self-powered photodetectors
Authors: Deka Boruah Buddha
Published: April 2019

This review article focuses on the current developments of UV photodetectors from conventional to self-powered device designs based on energy efficient ZnO nanomaterials.
High-temperature ferroelastic phase transition in a perovskite-like complex: [Et4N]2[PbBr3]2
Authors: Huang Yuan , Yang Jie , Li Zi-jian , Qian Kun , Sao Feng
Published: April 2019

A new lead-bromide hybrid organic–inorganic complex [Et4N]2[PbBr3]2 (Et = ethyl) was synthesized, and its crystal structures could be described as a distorted perovskite-like one and a step-like dielectric anomaly was obtained at around 375/367 K.
Porous oxygen vacancy-rich V2O5 nanosheets as superior semiconducting supports of nonprecious metal nanoparticles for efficient on-demand H2 evolution from ammonia borane under visible light irradiation
Authors: Song Jin , Gu Xiaojun , Cao Yaduo , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2019

Porous post-modified V2O5 nanosheets with rich oxygen vacancies are superior semiconducting supports of nonprecious metal nanoparticles for efficient visible-light-driven H2 evolution from aqueous NH3BH3 at 298 K.
Direct synthesis of hollow single-crystalline zeolite beta using a small organic lactam as a recyclable hollow-directing agent
Authors: Zhao Dongpu , Wang Yanan , Chu Weifeng , Wang Xinyi , Zhu Xiangxue , Li Xiujie , Xie Sujuan , Wang Hongxia , Liu Shenglin , Xu Longya
Published: April 2019

Hollow zeolite beta can be directly synthesized by using some pentacyclic lactams as hollow-directing agents.
Ultra-high performance and flexible polypyrrole coated CNT paper electrodes for all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Tong Liang , Gao Mingyuan , Jiang Cong , Cai Kefeng
Published: April 2019

Ultra-high performance and flexible polypyrrole coated CNT paper electrodes prepared by an in situ interfacial polymerization method for all-solid-state supercapacitors.
Dual-nitrogen-source engineered Fe–Nx moieties as a booster for oxygen electroreduction
Authors: Wang Dan , Xiao Lihui , Yang Peixia , Xu Zhengrui , Lu Xiangyu , Du Lei , Levin Oleg , Ge Liping , Pan Xiaona , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong
Published: April 2019

The improved ORR performance is attributed to the rich density of the Fe–Nx moieties derived from regulated coordination structures using dual-nitrogen-sources.
Dithienocyclopentadibenzothiophene: a C2v-symmetric core for nonfullerene acceptors with tunable bandgaps
Authors: Tang Changquan , Cai Dongdong , Zheng Qingdong
Published: April 2019

Dithienocyclopentadibenzothiophene was first used for efficient nonfullerene acceptors with a best power conversion efficiency of 11.25%.