bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crustal Azimuthal Anisotropy Beneath the Central North China Craton Revealed by Receiver Functions
Authors: Zheng Tuo , Ding Zhifeng , Ning Jieyuan , Liu Kelly H. , Gao Stephen S. , Chang Lijun , Kong Fansheng , Fan Xiaoping
Published: April 2019

To characterize crustal anisotropy beneath the central North China Craton (CNCC), we apply a recently developed deconvolution approach to effectively remove near‐surface reverberations in the receiver functions recorded at 200 broadband seismic stations and subsequently determine the fast orientation and the magnitude of crustal azimuthal anisotropy by fitting the sinusoidal moveout of the P to S converted phases from the Moho and intracrustal discontinuities. The magnitude of crustal anisotropy is found to range from 0.06 s to 0.54 s, with an average of 0.25 ± 0.08 s. Fault‐parallel anisotropy in the seismically active Zhangjiakou‐Penglai Fault Zone is significant and could be related to fluid‐filled fractures. Historical strong earthquakes mainly occurred in the fault zone segments with significant crustal anisotropy, suggesting that the measured crustal anisotropy is closely related to the degree of crustal deformation. The observed spatial distribution of crustal anisotropy suggests that the northwestern terminus of the fault zone probably ends at about 114°E. Also observed is a sharp contrast in the fast orientations between the western and eastern Yanshan Uplifts separated by the North‐South Gravity Lineament. The NW‐SE trending anisotropy in the western Yanshan Uplift is attributable to “fossil” crustal anisotropy due to lithospheric extension of the CNCC, while extensional fluid‐saturated microcracks induced by regional compressive stress are responsible for the observed ENE‐WSW trending anisotropy in the eastern Yanshan Uplift. Comparison of crustal anisotropy measurements and previously determined upper mantle anisotropy implies that the degree of crust‐mantle coupling in the CNCC varies spatially.
Ion Behaviors in the Reconnection Diffusion Region of a Corrugated Magnetotail Current Sheet
Authors: Wang Shan , Chen Li‐Jen , Bessho Naoki , Hesse Michael , Giles Barbara L. , Moore Thomas E.
Published: April 2019

The current sheet structure and ion behaviors in a magnetotail reconnection diffusion region are investigated. The multispacecraft analysis suggests a corrugated current sheet structure, interpreted as due to a flapping motion that propagates along geocentric solar magnetospheric along the +y direction in the Geocentric Solar Magnetospheric (GSM) coordinate. The electric field (E) and ion distributions have similarities with those in a planar current sheet. Energetic ions move along the current direction, suggesting the acceleration by the observed reconnection E during the meandering motion. Counterstreaming ions along the current sheet normal suggest the acceleration by the Hall E that is observed to be the dominant component. However, at certain locations, E and counterstreaming ions significantly deviate from the local normal direction, and more than one pair of counterstreaming populations exist, possibly because the corrugated current sheet enables ions entering the current sheet at different locations with different velocities to mix together.
Atlantic Zonal Mode: An Emerging Source of Indian Summer Monsoon Variability in a Warming World
Authors: Sabeerali C. T. , Ajayamohan R. S. , Bangalath Hamza Kunhu , Chen Nan
Published: April 2019

Atlantic Zonal Mode (AZM) and Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) are known to have an inverse relationship, which means that the cold (warm) phases of AZM result in strong (weak) ISMR. Here, we report that the inverse relationship between AZM and ISMR has significantly strengthened in recent decades. The cause of this strengthening relationship has been investigated. We find a robust increase in interannual variability of sea surface temperature over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean in recent decades, which implies an increase in the number of strong AZM events toward the end of the twentieth century. The increase in strong AZM events alters the large‐scale monsoon circulation over the Indian subcontinent by enhancing the Kelvin wave response into the Indian Ocean, leading to an enhanced AZM‐ISMR teleconnection. This demands a better representation of the AZM‐ISMR teleconnection in climate models for improving seasonal monsoon prediction in a warming world.
Reactive Transport of Nutrients and Bioclogging During Dynamic Disconnection Process of Stream and Groundwater
Authors: Xian Yang , Jin Menggui , Zhan Hongbin , Liu Yanfeng
Published: April 2019

Biofilm‐induced dynamic evolution of streambed permeability commonly concurs with the transition from connection to disconnection between surface water and groundwater in arid regions. However, in most previous studies, static streambeds were assumed to examine the evolution of disconnection, or despite dynamic streambeds being considered, the feedbacks between nutrients transport and microbial growth were ignored. In this study, we developed an innovative coupled variably saturated flow, microbial growth, biogeochemical reactions, and bioclogging model. We applied this model to investigate the feedbacks between nutrients transport and microbial growth and their controls on infiltration evolution. Our results showed that a new clogging layer can naturally develop due to these feedbacks and does not require prior clogging. The development of the new clogging layer promotes the occurrence of disconnection. These results illustrate that as bioclogging is a dominant process, previous static disconnection conditions cannot be used as criteria to predict whether disconnection can occur in a stream‐aquifer system. Furthermore, different from the previous assumption of constant specific microbial growth rates, biomass growth, and streambed permeability evolution are self‐limiting. Accordingly, due to initial low growth rate, infiltration increases when the water table declines, and it then decreases and reaches a minimum while a stable biofilm is developed. These trends coincide with the infiltration variations reported in previous field investigations. After reaching the minimum, infiltration increases again with decline of the water table until achieving a constant at the moment of disconnection. This stage was missing in previous studies because constant specific growth rates were assumed.
Author Correction: Mice lacking NF-κB1 exhibit marked DNA damage responses and more severe gastric pathology in response to intraperitoneal tamoxifen administration
Authors: Burkitt M. D. , Williams J. M. , Townsend T. , Hough R. , Duckworth Carrie A. , Pritchard D. M.
Published: April 2019

Following the publication of this article [1], it was noted that the author list was incomplete and was missing the following author:
ZFP30 promotes adipogenesis through the KAP1-mediated activation of a retrotransposon-derived Pparg2 enhancer
Authors: Chen Wanze , Schwalie Petra C. , Pankevich Eugenia V. , Gubelmann Carine , Raghav Sunil K. , Dainese Riccardo , Cassano Marco , Imbeault Michael , Jang Suk Min , Russeil Julie , Delessa Tenagne , Duc Julien , Trono Didier , Wolfrum Christian , Deplancke Bart
Published: April 2019

Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KZFPs) constitute the largest family of mammalian transcription factors, but most remain completely uncharacterized. While initially proposed to primarily repress transposable elements, recent reports have revealed that KFZPs contribute to a wide variety of other biological processes. Using murine and human in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate here that one poorly studied KZFP, ZFP30, promotes adipogenesis by directly targeting and activating a retrotransposon-derivedPparg2enhancer. Through mechanistic studies, we further show that ZFP30 recruits the co-regulator KRAB-associated protein 1 (KAP1), which, surprisingly, acts as a ZFP30 co-activator in this adipogenic context. Our findings provide an understanding of both adipogenic and KZFP-KAP1 complex-mediated gene regulation, showing that the KZFP-KAP1 axis can also function in a non-repressive manner.
Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog: An investigation of the association between dog ownership and physical activity levels in a UK community
Authors: Westgarth Carri , Christley Robert M. , Jewell Christopher , German Alexander J. , Boddy Lynne M. , Christian Hayley E.
Published: April 2019

Previous research suggests that dog owners are slightly more physically active than those without dogs, but have only studied one household member, and it is unclear whether time spent dog walking replaces other physical activity (PA). A survey of 191 dog owning adults (DO), 455 non-dog owning adults (NDO), and 46 children, living in 385 households in West Cheshire UK, was conducted in July-August 2015. Objective (accelerometer) validation occurred on a subset (n = 28 adults). Survey PA outcomes were modelled using hierarchical logistic and linear multivariable regression modelling, accounting for clustering of participants in households. DO were far more likely than NDO to report walking for recreation (OR = 14.35, 95% CI = 5.77–35.79, P < 0.001), and amongst recreational walkers walked for longer per week (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.27–5.91, P < 0.001). Other PA undertaken did not differ by dog ownership. The odds of DO meeting current physical activity guidelines of 150 mins per week were four times greater than for NDO (OR = 4.10, 95% CI = 2.05–8.19, P < 0.001). Children with dogs reported more minutes of walking (P = 0.01) and free-time (unstructured) activity (P < 0.01). Dog ownership is associated with more recreational walking and considerably greater odds of meeting PA guidelines. Policies regarding public spaces and housing should support dog ownership due to PA benefits.
Scattering of spoof surface plasmon polaritons in defect-rich THz waveguides
Authors: Klein Andreas K. , Basden Alastair , Hammler Jonathan , Tyas Luke , Cooke Michael , Balocco Claudio , Zeze Dagou , Girkin John M. , Gallant Andrew
Published: April 2019

We report on the first observation of ‘Spoof’ Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) scattering from surface defects on metal-coated 3D printed, corrugated THz waveguiding surfaces. Surface defects, a result of the printing process, are shown to assist the direct coupling of the incident free-space radiation into a spoof SPP wave; removing the need to bridge the photon momentum gap using knife-edge or prism coupling. The free space characteristics, propagation losses and confinement of the spoof SPPs to the surface are measured, and the results are compared to finite-difference time domain simulations. Angular resolved THz spectroscopy measurements reveal the scattering patterns from surfaces and are compared with Mie theory, taking into account the shortened wavelength of the photons in their bound SPP state compared to their free space wavelength. These results confirm yet another similarity between the properties of THz spoof SPPs and their natural, non-spoof, counterparts at optical and infrared frequencies which also, unexpectedly, adds functionality to the structures.
Sorption of Eu(III) on Eibenstock granite studied by µTRLFS: A novel spatially-resolved luminescence-spectroscopic technique
Authors: Molodtsov K. , Schymura S. , Rothe J. , Dardenne K. , Schmidt M.
Published: April 2019

In this study a novel technique, micro-focus time-resolved laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy (µTRLFS) is presented to investigate heterogeneous systems like granite (mainly consisting of quartz, feldspar, and mica), regarding their sorption behavior. µTRLFS is a spatially-resolved upgrade of conventional TRLFS, which allows point-by-point analysis of single minerals by reducing the beam size of the analytic laser beam to below the size of mineral grains. This provides visualization of sorption capacity as well as speciation of a luminescent probe, here Eu3+. A thin-section of granitic rock from Eibenstock, Saxony, Germany was analyzed regarding its mineralogy with microprobe X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Afterwards, it was reacted with 5.0 × 10−5 mol/L Eu3+ at pH 8.0 and uptake was quantified by autoradiography. Finally, the µTRLFS studies were conducted. The results clearly show that the materials interact differently with Eu3+, and often even on one mineral grain different speciations can be found. Alkali-feldspar shows very high uptake, with an inhomogeneous distribution, and intermediate sorption strength. On quartz uptake is almost 10-fold lower, while the complexation strength is higher than on feldspar. This may be indicative of adsorption only at surface defect sites, in accordance with low hydration of the observed species.
Isolation and characterisation of pVa-21, a giant bacteriophage with anti-biofilm potential against Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Kim Sang Guen , Jun Jin Woo , Giri Sib Sankar , Yun Saekil , Kim Hyoun Joong , Kim Sang Wha , Kang Jeong Woo , Han Se Jin , Jeong Dalsang , Park Se Chang
Published: April 2019

There is an increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant Vibrio alginolyticus, a zoonotic pathogen that causes mass mortality in aquatic animals and infects humans; therefore, there is a demand for alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by this pathogen. One possibility is through the exploitation of bacteriophages. In the present study, the novel bacteriophage pVa-21 was classified as Myoviridae and characterised as a candidate biocontrol agent against V. alginolyticus. Its morphology, host range and infectivity, growth characteristics, planktonic or biofilm lytic activity, stability under various conditions, and genome were investigated. Its latent period and burst size were estimated to be approximately 70 min and 58 plaque-forming units/cell, respectively. In addition, phage pVa-21 can inhibit bacterial growth in both the planktonic and biofilm states. Furthermore, phylogenetic and genome analysis revealed that the phage is closely related to the giant phiKZ-like phages and can be classified as a new member of the phiKZ-like bacteriophages that infect bacteria belonging to the family Vibrionaceae.
Author Correction: High-resolution record reveals climate-driven environmental and sedimentary changes in an active rift
Authors: McNeill Lisa C. , Shillington Donna J. , Carter Gareth D. O. , Everest Jeremy D. , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Miller Clint , Phillips Marcie P. , Collier Richard E. Ll. , Cvetkoska Aleksandra , De Gelder Gino , Diz Paula , Doan Mai-Linh , Ford Mary , Geraga Maria , Gillespie Jack , Hemelsdaël Romain , Herrero-Bervera Emilio , Ismaiel Mohammad , Janikian Liliane , Kouli Katerina , Le Ber Erwan , Li Shunli , Maffione Marco , Mahoney Carol , Machlus Malka L. , Michas Georgios , Nixon Casey W. , Oflaz Sabire Asli , Omale Abah P. , Panagiotopoulos Kostas , Pechlivanidou Sofia , Sauer Simone , Seguin Joana , Sergiou Spyros , Zakharova Natalia V. , Green Sophie
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Common patterns of gene regulation associated with Cesarean section and the development of islet autoimmunity – indications of immune cell activation
Authors: Laimighofer M. , Lickert R. , Fuerst R. , Theis F. J. , Winkler C. , Bonifacio E. , Ziegler A.-G. , Krumsiek J.
Published: April 2019

Birth by Cesarean section increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life. We aimed to elucidate common regulatory processes observed after Cesarean section and the development of islet autoimmunity, which precedes type 1 diabetes, by investigating the transcriptome of blood cells in the developing immune system. To investigate Cesarean section effects, we analyzed longitudinal gene expression profiles from peripheral blood mononuclear cells taken at several time points from children with increased familial and genetic risk for type 1 diabetes. For islet autoimmunity, we compared gene expression differences between children after initiation of islet autoimmunity and age-matched children who did not develop islet autoantibodies. Finally, we compared both results to identify common regulatory patterns. We identified the pentose phosphate pathway and pyrimidine metabolism - both involved in nucleotide synthesis and cell proliferation - to be differentially expressed in children born by Cesarean section and after islet autoimmunity. Comparison of global gene expression signatures showed that transcriptomic changes were systematically and significantly correlated between Cesarean section and islet autoimmunity. Moreover, signatures of both Cesarean section and islet autoimmunity correlated with transcriptional changes observed during activation of isolated CD4+ T lymphocytes. In conclusion, we identified shared molecular changes relating to immune cell activation in children born by Cesarean section and children who developed autoimmunity. Our results serve as a starting point for further investigations on how a type 1 diabetes risk factor impacts the young immune system at a molecular level.
The response of Sphingopyxis granuli strain TFA to the hostile anoxic condition
Authors: González-Flores Yolanda Elisabet , de Dios Rubén , Reyes-Ramírez Francisca , Santero Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Sphingomonads comprises a group of interesting aerobic bacteria because of their ubiquity and metabolic capability of degrading many recalcitrant contaminants. The tetralin-degrader Sphingopyxis granuli strain TFA has been recently reported as able to anaerobically grow using nitrate as the alternative electron acceptor and so far is the only bacterium with this ability within the sphingomonads group. To understand how strain TFA thrives under anoxic conditions, a differential transcriptomic analysis while growing under aerobic or anoxic conditions was performed. This analysis has been validated and complemented with transcription kinetics of representative genes of different functional categories. Results show an extensive change of the expression pattern of this strain in the different conditions. Consistently, the most induced operon in anoxia codes for proteases, presumably required for extensive changes in the protein profile. Besides genes that respond to lack of oxygen in other bacteria, there are a number of genes that respond to stress or to damage of macromolecules, including genes of the SOS DNA-damage response, which suggest that anoxic conditions represent a hostile environment for this bacterium. Interestingly, growth under anoxic conditions also resulted in repression of all flagellar and type IV pilin genes, which suggested that this strain shaves its appendages off while growing in anaerobiosis.
Rapid detection and specific identification of offals within minced beef samples utilising ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: Black Connor , Chevallier Olivier P. , Cooper Kevin M. , Haughey Simon A. , Balog Julia , Takats Zoltan , Elliott Christopher T. , Cavin Christophe
Published: April 2019

The morphological transformation of beef tissues after various processing treatments facilitates the addition of cheap offal products. Undetectable to the naked eye, analytical techniques are required to identify such scenarios within minced and processed products. DNA methodologies are ill-equipped to detect adulteration of offal cuts from the same species and vibrational spectroscopic studies, although rapid and non-destructive, have proved inconclusive as to whether the specific adulterant can be identified. For the first time we present a mass spectrometric approach employing an ambient ionisation process to eliminate sample preparation and provide near-instantaneous results. Rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (REIMS) was used to assess its capabilities of detecting minced beef adulteration with beef brain, heart, kidney, large intestine and liver tissues and chemometric analysis enabled unique or significant markers to be identified. The adulteration levels detected with the REIMS technology when analysing raw adulterated beef burgers were; brain (5%); heart (1–10%); kidney (1–5%); large intestine (1–10%) and liver (5–10%). For boiled adulterated samples; brain (5–10%); heart (1–10%); kidney (1–5%); large intestine (1–10%) and liver (5–10%). REIMS allows rapid and specific identification of offal cuts within adulterated beef burgers and could provide a paradigm shift across many authenticity applications.
Supplementation with compound polysaccharides contributes to the development and metabolic activity of young rat intestinal microbiota
Authors: Wang Mengxia , Xie Zhiyong , Li Lin , Chen Yongxiong , Li Yuan , Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Biyu , Zhang Shaobao , Ma Fangli , Ma ChungWah , Lin Lei , Liao Qiongfeng
Published: April 2019

Compound polysaccharides may be used as a functional food to modulate the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota, and to help maintain the health of the intestinal microecosystem.
Correction: Facile synthesis of orange emissive carbon dots and their application for mercury ion detection and fast fingerprint development
Authors: Tang Mingyu , Ren Guojuan , Zhu Baoya , Yu Liying , Liu Xiaodong , Chai Fang , Wu Hongbo , Wang Chungang
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Facile synthesis of orange emissive carbon dots and their application for mercury ion detection and fast fingerprint development’ by Mingyu Tang et al., Anal. Methods, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9ay00178f.
Rh(i)-Catalyzed [3+2] annulation reactions of cyclopropenones with amides
Authors: Haito Akira , Chatani Naoto
Published: April 2019

Rh(i)-Catalyzed [3+2] annulation reactions of cyclopropenones with amides are reported.
Multicolor properties and applications of Ln3+ doped hierarchical NaY(WO4)2via a facile solvothermal process
Authors: Zeng Ming , Liu Jie , Ding Yang , He Wen , Lan Ranran , Tang Yuxin , Zhou Mengyang , Yu Xibin
Published: April 2019

A modified method to synthesise NaY(WO4)2:Ln3+ with hierarchical structure and luminescence properties was investigated in this work.
Deviations from Beer's law on the microscale – nonadditivity of absorption cross sections
Authors: Mayerhöfer Thomas G. , Höfer Sonja , Popp Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Beer's law on the micro- and nanoscale only holds for vanishing nearfield effects and large distances between the absorbing moieties.
Cadmium association with DREAM promotes DREAM interactions with intracellular partners in a similar manner to its physiological ligand, calcium
Authors: Azam Samiol , Louis Gessica St , Miksovska Jaroslava
Published: April 2019

Cd2+ exposure has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases and other pathologies, but the underlying mechanism through which it exerts toxic effects remain unresolved. Using calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques, we show that Cd2+ binds to EF-hands in DREAM (downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator) with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 89 ± 10 nM, which is superior to that determined for Ca2+ (Kd = 1000 nM). Analogous to Ca2+ binding, Cd2+ binding triggers changes in the protein secondary and tertiary structure, including increased exposure of the hydrophobic cavities, as determined using a fluorescent probe, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid. In addition, we demonstrate that Cd2+ binding modulates DREAM interactions with FITC-labeled peptides that mimic binding sites of DREAM effector proteins; helix-9 of presenilin-1, and site-1 and site 2 of potassium voltage channel 4.3 (residues 2–22 and 70–90, respectively). Cd2+ association with DREAM increases its affinity for helix 9 of presenilin roughly 30-times compared to metal-free DREAM. The DREAM affinity for site-1 and site 2 is elevated approximately 7 and 15 times, respectively, in the presence of Cd2+. The above results suggest that DREAM and probably other members of the neuronal calcium sensor family bind Cd2+ with an affinity that is superior to that for Ca2+ and the interactions between toxic Cd2+ and DREAM and other neuronal calcium sensors provide novel insight into the molecular mechanism of Cd2+ neurotoxicity.
A novel structure of grid spirofluorene: a new organic semiconductor with low reorganization energy
Authors: Yang Lei , Mao Jie , Yin Cheng-Zhu , Akbar Ali Mohamad , Wu Xiang-Ping , Dong Chao-Yang , Liu Yu-Yu , Wei Ying , Xie Ling-Hai , Ran Xue-Qin , Huang Wei
Published: April 2019

The lower charge mobility of organic semiconductors relative to that of inorganic semiconductors is a thorny problem that still has not been resolved.
Secondary compounds in the catalytic hydrogenation of enone and allylic alcohol prostaglandin intermediates: isolation, characterization, and X-ray crystallography
Authors: Tănase Constantin I. , Cocu Florea , Drăghici Constantin , Hanganu Anamaria , Pintilie Lucia , Maganu Maria , Munteanu Cristian V. A. , Shova Sergiu
Published: April 2019

Hydrogenation of the double bond in the ω-side chain of prostaglandin intermediates: conditions to increase the yield and minimize the formation of secondary compounds.
Synthesis of pyrazolylvinyl ketones from furan derivatives
Authors: Sawengngen Nattawut , Chalikidi Petrakis N. , Araby Sara , Hampel Frank , Gmeiner Peter , Serdyuk Olga V.
Published: April 2019

A new protocol for the synthesis of pyrazol-5-ylvinyl ketones, e.g. pyrazole-chalcones, employing furfuryl ketones as a triketone equivalent, has been described.
Self-promoted and stereospecific formation of N-glycosides
Authors: Nielsen Michael Martin , Mała Patrycja , Baldursson Eirikur Þórir , Pedersen Christian Marcus
Published: April 2019

A stereoselective and self-promoted glycosylation for the synthesis of various N-glycosides and glycosyl sulfonamides from trichloroacetimidates is presented.
The versatility of copper tin sulfide
Authors: Lokhande A. C. , Babar P. T. , Karade V. C. , Gang M. G. , Lokhande V. C. , Lokhande C. D. , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: April 2019

The multifunctional applications of copper tin sulfide (CTS) compound.
High energy density of all-screen-printable solid-state microsupercapacitors integrated by graphene/CNTs as hierarchical electrodes
Authors: Chih Jui-Kung , Jamaluddin Anif , Chen Fuming , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Su Ching-Yuan
Published: April 2019

An all-screen-printable method for fabricating all solid MSCs by graphene/CNTs hybrid electrodes, where the method shows features of a facile and scalable route to assemble MSCs with high energy density and excellent cyclic stability.
Saddle-like, π-conjugated, cyclooctatetrathiophene-based, hole-transporting material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Urieta-Mora Javier , García-Benito Inés , Zimmermann Iwan , Aragó Juan , Calbo Joaquín , Grancini Giulia , Molina-Ontoria Agustín , Ortí Enrique , Martín Nazario , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2019

A new HTM incorporating a saddle-like, thiophene-rich core endowed with four triphenylamine units is proposed. The new HTM leads to PSCs reaching efficiencies up to 16.3%.
Protective cardiac conditioning by an atypical cytokine
Authors: Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) represents the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therapy options generally aim at restoring the blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve the ischemic insult. Paradoxically, coronary artery reperfusion itself, both during emergency intervention in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients or in the setting of elective cardiac surgery, damages the heart muscle, a phenomenon known as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI). Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is defined by episodes of ‘sub-lethal’ ischemia and reperfusion prior to prolonged coronary artery occlusion. It has been extensively studied as a promising approach to attenuate IRI, but two recent multicenter clinical trials of remote IPC (RIPC) on clinical outcomes have been disappointing. Macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) is a structurally unique chemokine-like inflammatory cytokine. MIF is pro-atherogenic, but has a complex function in the ischemic heart with a surprising potential as a local cardioprotective factor in early myocardial ischemia. A recent paper published in Clinical Science by Ruze et al. [9], now suggests that MIF could be a key player mediating IPC in the ischemic heart. Employing a Mif gene knockout mouse model, the study indicates a role for endogenous MIF in IPC-mediated protection from myocardial IRI. It could assist in understanding how this atypical cytokine controls ischemic heart pathologies and may set the stage for novel MIF-based therapeutic strategies in IHD.
Design of slant polariser for directional antennas and antenna arrays
Authors: Surmeli Koray , Kizilay Ahmet
Published: April 2019

In this study, a slant polariser design for directional antennas and antenna arrays is proposed. The polariser changes linear polarisation (vertical or horizontal polarisation) to slant (45°) polarisation of a directional antenna and arrays. The polariser consists of five layers that are formed by metallic strips with different angular orientations on each layer. In this way wide impedance and pattern bandwidth is obtained. Theoretical background of the polariser is examined and calculated parameters for the polariser are given. The designed slant polariser is placed in front of the horn antennas and the stacked patch antenna array. The polariser has a wide bandwidth and operates in the frequency range of 6.5–18 GHz. The performance of these polarisers are examined with simulations and verified by experimental results. Measured radiation pattern results show that the polariser successfully changes the polarisation for directional antennas and antenna array. Also, measurement results show that by using the polariser these directional antennas and antenna arrays can radiate in both two linear polarisation components (both vertical and horizontal polarisation).
Design of UWB antenna integrated with dual GSM functionalities and dual notches in the UWB region using single branched EBG inspired structure
Authors: Ghosh Anumoy , Sen Gobinda , Kumar Mukesh , Das Santanu
Published: April 2019

A microstrip line fed planar monopole patch antenna is designed to provide impedance bandwidth (|S11| ≤ −10 dB) of 2.56–12.25 GHz, thus exhibiting ultra‐wideband (UWB) characteristic. Two metallic strips are branched symmetrically from the patch radiator to generate resonant frequencies at 0.9 and 1.9 GHz, corresponding to GSM operating frequencies. A filtering element based on electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) unit cell is placed near the feedline of the antenna to introduce two notches at 5.17 and 7.97 GHz thereby mitigating any interference from lower WLAN and X‐band satellite uplink frequencies respectively. The proposed structure has satisfactory gain at the GSM frequencies and fairly constant gain with a variation of <2 dB in its UWB operating region except at the notch bands. The radiation patterns are stable and symmetric with low cross polarisation. In order to comprehend the novelty of the proposed structure, it is compared with similar structures found in literature in terms of notch generation, achieving extra resonance outside UWB range, compactness, thickness of the substrate, and maintaining consistent gain in UWB region. A prototype of the proposed structure is fabricated and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results.
The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Physical Activity in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kahrmann Nicolas , Scheermesser Mandy , Rausch Osthoff Anne-Kathrin
Published: April 2019

Background Current guidelines emphasise the importance of physical activity in the treatment of people with COPD. In general the physical activity level of of people with COPD is lower compared to healthy subjects. Evidence of the effectiveness of counselling in helping people with COPD to increase their activity is inconclusive. The promising method of motivational interviewing (MI) increased the activity levels in people with other chronic diseases.

Objective The aim of this review was to examine the effect of MI-based counselling on activity levels in people with COPD.

Method A systematic review on studies addressing short-term and preferably long-term effects of MI-based counselling on activity levels in people with COPD was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Cochrane Library, psycINFO and Web of Science. The study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the TIDieR checklist.

Results The review included seven randomised controlled trials (RCT). Two of the three RCT with clinically relevant between-group differences showed also statistically significant effects.

Conclusion MI-counselling might have a positive short-term effect on physical activity in people with COPD. However, all studies showed no long-term impact.
Effect of Homeopathic Medicines on Intestinal Coccidia and Immune Response Cells in Spotted Rose Snapper (Lutjanus guttatus)
Authors: Rosero-García Antonia del Pilar , Mazón-Suástegui José Manuel , Dumas Silvie , Chávez-Sánchez María Cristina , Avilés-Quevedo Araceli , Rodríguez-Jaramillo Carmen
Published: April 2019

Background Homeopathy has been widely applied in freshwater species but rarely in marine fish. Farm stress destabilises host–pathogen equilibrium, favouring parasites and disease. Coccidian endoparasites cause intestinal infections and cell degeneration.

Materials and Methods Naturally parasite-infested juvenile snapper Lutjanus guttatus (n = 430; weight 1.9 ± 0.01 g; length 4.9 ± 0.03 cm) specimens were distributed in group sizes of 43, in 10 fiberglass tanks (100 L) with aeration and continuous water change. Five groups in duplicate were assessed: Passival (PaV); Passival and Phosphoricum acid Similia (PaV–PhA); Passival and Silicea terra Similia (PaV–SiT); Endecto and Infecçoes (End–Inf) and a control (Ethanol) for 45 days. Feed was sprinkled with treatment (5% v/w) and dried to avoid ethanol side-effects. Statistical results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

Results Intestinal coccidia were recorded histopathologically, with the least incidence attained at T45 with End–Inf treatment (p < 0.001), coinciding with the highest lymphocyte (p = 0.015) count. Fish treated with PaV–PhA recorded a higher percentage of neutrophils (p = 0.015), and those treated with PaV–PhA, PaV–SiT and End–Inf revealed a decrease in lesions, degree of alteration and change in intestine and stomach tissues (p < 0.05). The number of mucous cells in gills was greater (p < 0.001) for End–Inf (43 ± 0.58), PaV–SiT (40 ± 2.89) and PaV–PhA (39 ± 3.46) as compared respectively with T0 and control (19 ± 0.58 and 28 ± 2.31). PaV and PaV–SiT increased carbohydrate reserves in liver (28.4 ± 1.39% and 22.4 ± 0.12%, respectively) compared with T0 and control (3.4 ± 0.32 and 5.6 ± 0.66%). The highest survival rate was 97.7 ± 0.16% in fish treated with PaV and End–Inf.

Conclusion Homeopathic treatments had a positive effect on fish health. Besides the accumulation of metabolic reserves in the liver, homeopathic treatment was associated with mucin increase in gills as well as raised production of lymphocytes and neutrophils in blood, which could act as macrophages against intestinal coccidia.
Quantitative counting of Zn and O atoms by atomic resolution off-axis and in-line electron holography
Authors: Bhat U. , Datta R.
Published: April 2019

We present quantitative counting of Zn and O atoms in zinc oxide epitaxial thin film by different routes; reconstruction of phase from the side and central bands of atomic resolution off-axis and in-line electron holography. Results show that the reconstructed phase from both the side and the central bands and the corresponding number of Zn (Z = 30) and O (Z = 8) atoms are in close agreement with the systematic increase in the number of atoms for a sample area less than the extinction distance. However, complete disagreement is observed for the sample area more than the extinction distance. On the other hand, the reconstructed phase obtained via in-line holography shows no systematic change with thickness for the same sample. Phase detection limits and the atomic model used to count the atoms are discussed.
Study of power width scaling in scrape-off layer with 2D electrostatic turbulence code based on EAST L-mode discharges
Authors: Liu X. , Nielsen A. H. , Rasmussen J. J. , Naulin V. , Olsen J. , Xia T. Y. , Wang L. , Deng G. Z. , Wu X. Q. , Liu Y. , Wang Y. M. , Li Y. Y. , Zang Q. , Xu G. S. , Li J.
Published: April 2019

The study of the power width in the scrape-off layer (SOL) is very important for the design and operation of ITER. In this paper, a 2D electrostatic turbulence code is employed to study the power width scaling in L-mode plasmas. It is found that the electron and ion turbulent transports dominate the radial heat fluxes, and the electron heat conduction and the ion heat advection dominate the parallel heat flux in the near and far SOL in L-mode plasmas. The simulated SOL power width agrees well with the Eich scaling [T. Eich et al., Nucl. Fusion 53, 093031 (2013)] and the predictions by the heuristic drift-based model [R. J. Goldston, Nucl. Fusion 52, 013009 (2012)] for selected EAST L-mode discharges. A numerical scaling has been performed based on one of these discharges. The scaling dependence on the safety factor is consistent with the Eich scaling and the scaling exponent of the edge electron temperature is close to that in the ASDEX-Upgrade L-mode scaling [B. Sieglin et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 58, 055015 (2016)]. The investigation of the obtained numerical scaling for L-mode plasmas reveals that the SOL power width is influenced by the safety factor, the edge electron density, and the edge electron temperature through the parallel heat transports, the radial turbulent heat transports, and both the parallel and radial heat transports, respectively. The formulation of the turbulence model suggests that the scaling dependence on the poloidal magnetic field (or the plasma current) for the experimental scalings is essentially the scaling dependence on the ballooning length, q95R. Based on this idea, a further numerical scaling gives λq∝q951.30Bt−0.33R1.32∝Bt−0.29(q95R)1.33, which has a strong scaling dependence on the major radius that is different from the Eich scaling.
Theoretical study of the absolute inner-shell photoionization cross sections of the formic acid and some of its hydrogen-bonded clusters
Authors: Tenorio Bruno Nunes Cabral , Nascimento Marco Antonio Chaer , Rocha Alexandre Braga
Published: April 2019

Inner-shell absolute photoabsorption and photoionization cross sections of the formic acid, HCOOH, and its small hydrogen-bonded clusters, i.e., (HCOOH)2, HCOOH2+, HCOHOH+, and HCOOH·H3O+, were calculated at the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) level, and the results were used to analyze the effect of the formic acid clustering on the carbon and oxygen K-edge photoionization cross sections. The discrete electronic pseudospectra obtained with square-integrable (L2) basis set calculations were used in an analytic continuation procedure based on continued fraction functions to obtain the photoabsorption cross sections. Symmetry adapted cluster configuration interaction calculations on the small formic acid clusters have also been performed at the oxygen K-edge to assign the discrete transitions and ionization potentials in support to the TDDFT results.
A kinetic model for investigating the dielectric properties of rocket exhaust dusty plasmas
Authors: Liang Yonggan , Wu Jian , Li Hui , Tian Ruihuan , Yuan Chengxun , Wang Ying , Kudryavtsev A. A. , Zhou Zhongxiang , Tian Hao
Published: April 2019

The electron kinetic model of rocket exhaust dusty plasma is developed based on the Boltzmann equation. Additional electron-dust elastic and inelastic collision processes are included in the kinetic equation except for the electron-neutral collisions. The dust surface potential and electron density are calculated according to the dust charging balance equation and the quasineutrality condition. The electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is calculated by solving the kinetic equation numerically. It shows that the obtained EEDF results for different dust densities deviate from the Maxwellian distribution obviously. In addition, the dielectric properties of rocket exhausts based on the obtained non-Maxwellian EEDFs are analyzed for different dust and plasma parameters. It is shown that the relative permittivity based on the EEDFs obtained from the kinetic model is larger than that based on Maxwellian distribution, while for the conductivity and attenuation constant, they become smaller. As for the influence of dust particles on the dielectric properties, a high ratio of dust and neutral density (10−9) leads to a smaller absolute value of relative permittivity, electrical conductivity, and attenuation constant for both Maxwellian distribution and EEDF obtained from the kinetic model. When the ratio is low (10−10), the dust particles almost have no influence on the dielectric properties. Meanwhile, it can be seen that the existence of dust particles makes the difference in dielectric properties obtained from the calculated EEDFs and Maxwellian distribution smaller.
Incident haemodialysis and outcomes in the Top End of Australia
Authors: Hughes Jaquelyne T. , Majoni Sandawana W. , Barzi Federica , Harris Tegan M. , Signal Selina , Lowah Gwendoline , Kapojos Jola , Abeyaratne Asanga , Sundaram Madhivanan , Goldrick Paul , Jones Sarah L. , McFarlane Robert , Campbell Lewis T. , Stephens Dianne , Cass Alan
Published: April 2019

Objective
The Northern Territory has the highest incidence of haemodialysis care for end-stage kidney disease in Australia. Although acute kidney injury (AKI) is a recognised risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), the effect of AKI causing incident haemodialysis (iHD) is unknown. Audits identifying antecedents of iHD may inform health service planning. Thus, the aims of this study were to describe: (1) the development of an iHD recording system involving patients with AKI and CKD; and (2) the incidence, patient characteristics and mortality for patients with dialysis-requiring AKI.
Methods
A retrospective data linkage study was conducted using eight clinical and administrative datasets of adults receiving iHD during the period from July 2011 to December 2012 within a major northern Australian hospital for AKI without CKD (AKI), AKI in people with pre-existing CKD (AKI/CKD) and CKD (without AKI). The time to death was identified by the Northern Territory Register of deaths.

Results
In all, 121 iHD treatments were provided for the cohort, whose mean age was 51.5 years with 53.7% female, 68.6% Aboriginal ethnicity and 46.3% with diabetes. iHD was provided for AKI (23.1%), AKI/CKD (47.1%) and CKD (29.8%). The 90-day mortality rate was 25.6% (AKI 39.3%, AKI/CKD 22.8%, CKD 19.4%). The 3-year mortality rate was 45.5% (AKI 53.6%, AKI/CKD 22.8%, CKD 19.4%). The time between requesting data from custodians and receipt of data ranged from 15 to 1046 days.

Conclusion
AKI in people with pre-existing CKD was a common cause of iHD. Health service planning and community health may benefit from AKI prevention strategies and the implementation of sustainable and permanent linkages with the datasets used to monitor prospective incident haemodialysis.

What is known about the topic?
AKI is a risk factor for CKD. The Northern Territory has the highest national incidence rates of dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease, but has no audit tool describing outcomes of dialysis-requiring AKI.

What does this paper add?
We audited all iHD and showed 25.6% mortality within the first 90 days of iHD and 45.5% overall mortality at 3 years. AKI in people with pre-existing CKD caused 47.1% of iHD.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Health service planning and community health may benefit from AKI prevention strategies and the implementation of sustainable and permanent linkages with the datasets used to monitor prospective incident haemodialysis.
The rise and rise of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Stewart Adam , Wright Hugh , Hajkowicz Krispin
Published: April 2019

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to the delivery of effective care and already causes 700000 excess deaths per year worldwide. International consensus on action to combat antimicrobial resistance was reached in 2015. Australia is implementing a national strategy. The clinical consequences of antimicrobial resistance are seen most acutely in multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, where they cause increased mortality and morbidity and threaten the delivery of once routine medical care. The solution to antimicrobial resistance is complex and multifaceted. Antimicrobial stewardship, that is optimising the use of the antibiotics we currently have, is the most rapidly deployable mitigation. Several novel antibiotics with activity against a range of drug-resistant bacteria are now available clinically, leading to hope that innovative solutions will reduce the impact of resistance. It is critical that these new drugs are protected from inappropriate use.
A One Health genomic approach to antimicrobial resistance is essential for generating relevant data for a holistic assessment of the biggest threat to public health
Authors: Djordjevic Steven P , Morgan Branwen S
Published: April 2019

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens modern medicine as we know it. AMR infections may ultimately be untreatable and routine surgeries will become inherently risky1. By 2050 more people may die of drug-resistant infections (DRIs) every year than of cancer, which equates to more than 10 million annual deaths globally2 and the World Bank has estimated that AMR could cost the global economy $1 trillion every year after 2030. DRIs also lead to an increase in the length of hospital stays, the use of more toxic or costly antibiotics and an increased likelihood of death3. BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and socio-economically challenged countries and people who already have higher rates of infectious diseases will feel the greatest impact2. Indeed, AMR has been likened to the 2008 global financial crisis on an annual repeat cycle. That is because the effects of AMR are not just confined to the human medical sector. The veterinary sector is also reliant on the availability of antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases in companion and food-producing animals.
The diminished antimicrobial pipeline
Authors: Blaskovich Mark AT
Published: April 2019

Australians love antibiotics, with one of the highest rates of human antibiotic usage in the world. Unfortunately, they are being loved to death, as high rates of inappropriate use, both here and around the globe, are contributing to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria against which our current arsenal of antibiotics is becoming increasingly ineffective. In the past, advancements in developing new antibiotics kept pace with developing resistance, but we are now facing a deadly reality where the pipeline of ‘new and improved' antibiotics is rapidly drying up. There are a number of global initiatives attempting to reprime the pipeline, but the exit of major pharmaceutical companies from antibiotic research and the poor financial performance of antibiotic-focused biotechnology companies continues.