bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Poststroke Motor Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Feng Wuwei , Kautz Steven A. , Schlaug Gottfried , Meinzer Caitlyn , George Mark S. , Chhatbar Pratik Y.
Published: September 2018

There has been a renewed research interest in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunctive tool for poststroke motor recovery as it has a neuro‐modulatory effect on the human cortex. However, there are barriers towards its successful application in motor recovery as several scientific issues remain unresolved, including device‐related issues (ie, dose‐response relationship, safety and tolerability concerns, interhemispheric imbalance model, and choice of montage) and clinical trial‐related issues (ie, patient selection, timing of study, and choice of outcomes). This narrative review examines and discusses the existing challenges in using tDCS as a brain modulation tool in facilitating recovery after stroke. Potential solutions pertinent to using tDCS with the goal of harnessing the brains plasticity are proposed.
Wearable Movement Sensors for Rehabilitation: A Focused Review of Technological and Clinical Advances
Authors: Porciuncula Franchino , Roto Anna Virginia , Kumar Deepak , Davis Irene , Roy Serge , Walsh Conor J. , Awad Louis N.
Published: September 2018

Recent technologic advancements have enabled the creation of portable, low‐cost, and unobtrusive sensors with tremendous potential to alter the clinical practice of rehabilitation. The application of wearable sensors to track movement has emerged as a promising paradigm to enhance the care provided to patients with neurologic or musculoskeletal conditions. These sensors enable quantification of motor behavior across disparate patient populations and emerging research shows their potential for identifying motor biomarkers, differentiating between restitution and compensation motor recovery mechanisms, remote monitoring, telerehabilitation, and robotics. Moreover, the big data recorded across these applications serve as a pathway to personalized and precision medicine. This article presents state‐of‐the‐art and next‐generation wearable movement sensors, ranging from inertial measurement units to soft sensors. An overview of clinical applications is presented across a wide spectrum of conditions that have potential to benefit from wearable sensors, including stroke, movement disorders, knee osteoarthritis, and running injuries. Complementary applications enabled by next‐generation sensors that will enable point‐of‐care monitoring of neural activity and muscle dynamics during movement also are discussed.
Robotic and Sensor Technology for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Authors: Jakob Iris , Kollreider Alexander , Germanotta Marco , Benetti Filippo , Cruciani Arianna , Padua Luca , Aprile Irene
Published: September 2018

Robotic and sensor‐based neurologic rehabilitation for the upper limb is an established concept for motor learning and is recommended in many national guidelines. The complexity of the human hands and arms and the different activities of daily living are leading to an approach in which robotic and sensor‐based devices are used in combination to fulfill the multiple requirements of this intervention. A multidisciplinary team of the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi (FDG), an Italian nonprofit foundation, which spans across the entire Italian territory with 28 rehabilitation centers, developed a strategy for the implementation of robotic rehabilitation within the FDG centers. Using an ad hoc form developed by the team, 4 robotic and sensor‐based devices were identified among the robotic therapy devices commercially available to treat the upper limb in a more comprehensive way (from the shoulder to the hand). Encouraging results from a pilot study, which compared this robotic approach with a conventional treatment, led to the deployment of the same set of robotic devices in 8 other FDG centers to start a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Efficiency and economic factors are just as important as clinical outcome. The comparison showed that robotic group therapy costs less than half per session in Germany than standard individual arm therapy with equivalent outcomes. To ensure access to high‐quality therapy to the largest possible patient group and lower health care costs, robot‐assisted group training is a likely option.
Effects of Land Tenure and Property Rights on Farm Households’ Willingness to Accept Incentives to Invest in Measures to Combat Land Degradation in Nigeria
Authors: Shittu Adebayo Musediku , Kehinde Mojisola Olanike , Ogunnaike Maria Gbemisola , Oyawole Funminiyi Peter
Published: September 2018

Influence of land tenure and property rights (LTPRs) on farmers’ willingness to accept (WTA) incentives to embrace climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to combat land degradation was examined with choice experiment data collected from 1,138 farmers drawn across 16 States in Nigeria. Data analysis within random-effect and mixed logit framework revealed the existence of strong linkages between the payment vehicle, LTPRs and farmers’ CSA preferences. While farmers who were dependent on leased and/or communal lands expressed implicit dislike for CSA-related investments, the majority with freehold titles, particularly those with registered titles, expressed positive WTA incentives to embrace CSA and combat land degradation.
Can the Global Forest Sector Survive 11 °C Warming?
Authors: Favero Alice , Mendelsohn Robert , Sohngen Brent
Published: September 2018

Although most global forest economic studies have found that warming is likely to increase forest supply, these studies have examined only the limited warming expected through 2100. This study extends the analysis out to 2250 to test much higher levels of warming to examine very long term effects. Future warming is predicted to steadily increase forest productivity, with global timber supply predicted to increase through 2250, even with warming up to 11 °C warming. However, natural forestland and biomass will shrink. This result suggests far future forests will not be able to hold the same stock of carbon they hold today.
Getting out of Hand? Examining the discourse of ‘character amnesia’
Authors: ALMOG GUY
Published: September 2018

The ability to handwrite Chinese characters in East Asia appears to be in sharp decline, most likely due to an increasing reliance upon digital technology and phonetic input systems. This so-called ‘character amnesia’ has provoked a heated debate, leading some to argue that Chinese characters—and even the Chinese and Japanese languages and cultures themselves—are facing a serious crisis. This article aims to examine the scope of this (predominantly alarmist) discourse and assess the coherence and validity of its arguments. In addition, it seeks to make sense of the possible forces and motives behind this upsurge in ‘verbal hygiene’ by answering such questions as: what led to the formation of such a discourse in the first place? What social functions might it serve, and what kinds of deep-rooted beliefs and anxieties does such a discourse reveal?
Couples affected by dementia and their experiences of advance care planning: a grounded theory study
Authors: Ryan Tony , McKeown Jane
Published: September 2018

Global policy places emphasis on the implementation and usage of advance care planning (ACP) to inform decision making at the end of life. For people with dementia, where its use is encouraged at the point of diagnosis, utilisation of ACP is relatively poor, particularly in parts of Europe. Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology, this study explores the ways in which co-residing couples considered ACP. Specifically, it seeks to understand the ways in which people with dementia and their long-term co-residing partners consider and plan, or do not plan, for future medical and social care. Sixteen participants were interviewed. They identified the importance of relationships in the process of planning alongside an absence of formal service support and as a result few engaged in ACP. The study recognises the fundamental challenges for couples in being obliged to consider end-of-life issues whilst making efforts to ‘live well’. Importantly, the paper identifies features of the ACP experience of a relational and biographical nature. The paper challenges the relevance of current global policy and practice, concluding that what is evident is a process of ‘emergent planning’ through which couples build upon their knowledge of dementia, their networks and relationships, and a number of ‘tipping points’ leading them to ACP. The relational and collective nature of future planning is also emphasised.
Cultural neurobiology and the family: Evidence from the daily lives of Latino adolescents
Authors: Doane Leah D. , Sladek Michael R. , Breitenstein Reagan S. , Park Hyejung , Castro Saul A. , Kennedy Jennifer L.
Published: September 2018

Culturally linked family influences during adolescence are important predictors of health and well-being for Latino youth, yet few studies have examined whether these familial influences are associated with indicators of typical physiological stress processes. Following a cultural neurobiology framework, we examined the role of family in the everyday lives of Latino adolescents (N = 209; Mage = 18.10; 85.1% Mexican descent; 64.4% female) by investigating familism values and perceptions of parent support as well as daily family assistance behaviors in relation to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis diurnal patterns, indexed by salivary cortisol five times a day for 3 weekdays. Three-level growth curve analyses revealed that perceptions of parental support were associated with greater cortisol awakening responses, whereas familism values were not associated with diurnal cortisol patterns. In day-to-day analyses, assisting family during the day (compared to not assisting family) was associated with lower waking cortisol levels and flatter diurnal slopes the next day. Our findings highlight the dynamic associations and multiple time courses between cultural values and behaviors, daily experiences, and physiological stress processes for Latino adolescents. Further, we identified important cultural risk and promotive factors associated with physiological regulation in daily life and potential pathways toward health outcomes in adulthood.
Community participation in primary care: willingness to participate, a web survey in the Netherlands
Authors: Kroneman Madelon , van Erp Kim , Groenewegen Peter
Published: September 2018

Aim

The aim of the study is to explore to what extent members of the community are willing to participate in the way their primary care practice is organized and which characteristics of people and community are associated with this willingness.

Background

Community participation in primary care refers to involvement of community members in the organization, governance and policy making of primary care facilities. Due to demographic changes and changes in the role of patients and the community concerning health care, it becomes important to include the social environment of patients into healthcare. Community participation may help GPs to improving their practice and providing care according to the needs of the population. Interpreted this way, it may be an important contributor to quality of care.

Methods

In 2016, a web questionnaire was send to 800 members of the Dutch Health Care Consumer Panel. The response rate was 34%. Willingness to participate was divided into perceived readiness, ability and time to participate. The data were analysed using frequency tables and linear regression analysis.

Findings

Half of the participants were ready to give their opinion on primary care and one-third reported willingness to participate in decision making. Participants were less optimistic about their ability to participate and the time they have available for participation. Readiness and perceived ability were mainly determined by the importance that the respondents attributed to participation. Participants with previous experience in volunteering appeared more willing to spend time on participation.

Conclusions

This study showed that half of the respondents are willing to participate, but they are less sure about their ability to do so and that finding time to participate is seen as problematic. Future research should focus on which characteristics influence willingness. This knowledge might help primary care facilities to recruit people more easily and successfully.
Between Neoliberalism and Nationalist Populism: What Role for the ‘European Social Model’ and Social Quality in Post-Brexit Europe?
Authors: Corbett Steve , Walker Alan
Published: September 2018

This article investigates the idea of ‘the social’ in Europe after the UK's EU Referendum vote, with reference to the ‘European social model’. It is argued that the key drivers of the vote outcome did not feature in the referendum campaign but are features of longer running and deeper fractures in both British and wider European society. Especially, the lack of response to societal problems, the downplaying of individual participation, and a crisis in democracy created by an increasingly neoliberal direction within an EU concerned with austerity and social control, contrary to the values of the ‘European social model’ (Walker, 2005). In the absence of action for better ‘social quality’, this overall neoliberal direction has also weakened the progressive and integrative potential of social policy. The result is the regressive nationalist populist backlash against neoliberal technocracy. Instead, we argue that answers to contemporary European challenges must focus on improving social quality and democracy.
MISS THE TARGET: HOW SOME ‘SOPHISTICATED’ THEISTS DODGE ATHEIST CRITICISM
Authors: Law Stephen
Published: September 2018

This short article looks at a move made by some theists in defence of theism: the suggestion is that because the atheist (e.g. Richard Dawkins) has failed fully to grasp what the theist means by ‘God’ etc. so the atheist's criticisms must miss their target.
SHOULD YOU BE AFRAID? ALONENESS SCEPTICISM AND DESCARTES
Authors: Hetherington Stephen
Published: September 2018

Philosophers routinely claim that sceptical arguments are not only intellectually but also emotionally confronting. When students first meet these arguments, though, no fear arises. This article presents aloneness scepticism: you never know that other people are not aiming to deceive you or at least not caring about being truthful. Imagine raising this possibility in a classroom by directing it at a single student. He or she should feel fear.
FOR AND AGAINST MORAL CONVERSATION-STOPPERS
Authors: Piper Mark
Published: September 2018

In this article I argue that although Daniel Dennett is right to hold that moral conversation-stoppers (considerations that tend to bring moral deliberation to an end) are practically helpful, there are also moral and philosophical benefits to be gained from developing a habit of being suspicious of them.
MILL AND SEXUAL REFORM
Authors: Orsi Francesco
Published: September 2018

Should positional sexual misconduct (sexual advances or interaction where one party is known, or should be known, to have a significant power over the other) be included in the list of morally forbidden behaviours? I explore benefits and costs of this moral reform with the help of J. S. Mill.
PLAYING ON UNCLE SAM'S TEAM: AMERICAN CHILDHOODS DURING WORLD WAR I
Authors: Honeck Mischa
Published: September 2018

If World War I has interested historians of the United States considerably less than other major wars, it is also true that children rank among the most neglected actors in the literature that exists on the topic. This essay challenges this limited understanding of the roles children and adolescents played in this transformative period by highlighting their importance in three different realms. It shows how childhood emerged as a contested resource in prewar debates over militarist versus pacifist education; examines the affective power of images of children—American as well as foreign—in U.S. wartime propaganda; and maps various social arenas in which the young engaged with the war on their own account. While constructions of childhood and youth as universally valid physical and developmental categories gained greater currency in the early twentieth century, investigations of young people in wartime reveal how much the realities of childhood and youth differed according to gender, class, race, region, and age.
Examining Intrinsic Aerosol‐Cloud Interactions in South Asia Through Multiple Satellite Observations
Authors: Pan Zengxin , Mao Feiyue , Wang Wei , Logan Timothy , Hong Jia
Published: September 2018

Changes in anthropogenic aerosol loading affect cloud albedo and the Earth's radiative balance with a low level of scientific understanding. Aerosol‐cloud interaction and its effects on climate are mainly evaluated using passive observations in a global scale. Here this study estimated the intrinsic response of clouds to aerosols by combining active and passive satellite observations from July 2006 to February 2011 in South Asia. We evaluate the average radiative forcing by the intrinsic aerosol‐cloud interaction for warm liquid clouds as 0.63 ± 0.19, −0.34 ± 0.40, and 1.11 ± 0.08 W/m2 during the annual, monsoon, and nonmonsoon periods in South Asia, respectively. Relationships derived among liquid water path, cloud droplet number concentration, and consequent cloud albedo are assessed as a function of aerosol concentration. The intensity of the aerosol‐cloud interaction gradually weakens with increasing cloud base height above ground level in South Asia, is associated with aerosol vertical distribution and vertical atmospheric upward motion. Moreover, distinct regional and seasonal variations in the aerosol‐cloud interaction are observed for liquid water path, cloud droplet number concentration, and the resulting cloud albedo in South Asia. These variations are associated with water vapor and aerosol absorption levels. Results contribute to the understanding and modeling of aerosol‐cloud interactions and determining their effects on radiative forcing and climate in South Asia.
Incorporation of Portable Infrared Spectral Imaging Into Planetary Geological Field Work: Analog Studies at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii, and Potrillo Volcanic Field, New Mexico
Authors: Ito Gen , Rogers A. Deanne , Young Kelsey E. , Bleacher Jacob E. , Edwards Christopher S. , Hinrichs John , Honniball Casey I. , Lucey Paul G. , Piquero Daniel , Wolfe Byron , Glotch Timothy D.
Published: September 2018

During geological work for future planetary missions, portable/hand‐held infrared spectral imaging instruments have the potential to significantly benefit science objectives. We assess how ground‐based infrared spectral imaging can be incorporated into geological field work in a planetary setting through a series of field campaigns at two analog sites: Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii, and Potrillo Volcanic Field, New Mexico. For this study, we utilize thermal infrared emission spectroscopy (8–13 μm) because this wavelength range is sensitive to major silicate spectral features and covers the terrestrial atmospheric window; however, our conclusions are applicable to other forms of infrared imaging (e.g., near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy). We demonstrate the ways in which spectral imaging could potentially enhance the science return and/or efficiency of traditional geological field work. Benefits include the following: documentation of major compositional variations within scenes, the ability to detect visually subtle and/or concealed variability in (sub) units, and the ability to characterize remote and/or inaccessible outcrops. These advantages could help field workers rapidly document sample context and develop strategic work plans. Furthermore, ground‐based imaging provides a critical link between orbital/aerial imaging scales and sampling scales. Last, infrared spectral imaging data may be combined with in situ measurement techniques, such as X‐ray fluorescence, as well as other ground‐based remote sensing techniques, such as LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), to maximize geological understanding of the work area.
John T. “Jack” Gosling (1938–2018)
Authors: Baker Daniel , Feldman Bill , McComas Dave , Schwartz Steve , Thomsen Michelle
Published: September 2018

This prolific researcher helped us understand the interactions of the solar wind and coronal mass ejections with Earth’s magnetic field.
Formation of Rifts in Central Tibet: Insight From P Wave Radial Anisotropy
Authors: Zhang Heng , Li Yunyue Elita , Zhao Dapeng , Zhao Junmeng , Liu Hongbing
Published: September 2018

The strikes of rifts in western Tibet show NNW‐SSE trending, whereas the rifts in eastern Tibet strike in the NNE‐SSW direction. The difference in the rift strike orientation suggests that the formation mechanisms of these rifts are different in southern Tibet, which can be most reliably inferred from seismic structure beneath these rifts. In this work we study 3‐D P wave velocity structure and radial anisotropy using a large number of travel time data recorded by the ANTILOPE and Hi‐CLIMB portable seismic arrays deployed in central Tibet. Our results show that to the west of the Pumuqu Xianza rift, a low‐velocity zone with a positive radial anisotropy exists beneath the Lopu Kangri rift (~85°E), which may reflect melt‐filled cracks. A high‐velocity zone with a negative radial anisotropy is revealed beneath the Pumuqu Xianza rift (~88°E), which reflects lithospheric downwelling. The different upper mantle structures may result in the patterns of rift strike orientation in central Tibet.
Soil Temperature Dynamics Modulate N2O Flux Response to Multiple Nitrogen Additions in an Alpine Steppe
Authors: Peng Yunfeng , Wang Guanqin , Li Fei , Zhou Guoying , Yang Guibiao , Fang Kai , Liu Li , Qin Shuqi , Zhang Dianye , Yang Yuanhe
Published: September 2018

Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) contribute to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion. Anthropogenic N2O emissions predominately result from the addition of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to terrestrial ecosystems. Usually, an exponential increase in N2O emissions occurs as N addition rates increase to exceed plant demands. However, most evidence to date is from temperate areas, with little information available for alpine ecosystems. Here we examined the changes in N2O flux under eight N addition levels and the mechanisms regulating these changes in a Tibetan alpine steppe. Our results showed that N2O emission rate increased linearly with increasing N additions. Even when soil N availability exceeded plant N uptake, no sharp N2O emissions were observed. The likely explanation was that decreased soil temperature limited the growth of nitrification‐related microorganisms, mainly ammonia‐oxidizing archaea, which further attenuated the positive response of N2O emissions to excess N supply. These findings suggest that the N‐induced changes in soil temperature regulate the growth of nitrifying microorganisms and the subsequent N2O fluxes in this alpine steppe, and the exponential N2O emission‐N rate relationship observed in warm regions may not be simply extrapolated to alpine ecosystems.
Know Your Preferences: Self-Regulation as Need-Congruent Goal Selection
Authors: Grund Axel , Fries Stefan , Rheinberg Falko
Published: September 2018

Theory and research on self-regulation is dominated by a social–cognitive perspective that places an emphasis on postdecisional (i.e., volitional) control processes of goal-maintenance in response to dual-motive conflict. In the current contribution, we focus on research on self-regulation that acknowledges the affective fundamentals of motivated action, and we highlight processes of goal selection as vital parts of self-regulation. From our perspective of motivational competence, affective and cognitive processes work together rather than oppose each other in self-regulation, rendering effortless rather than effortful goal pursuit as the hallmark of efficient human action. A precondition for such motive- and self-congruent goal pursuits is that individuals have insight into their basic preferences and (can) act accordingly. Therefore, we address capacities, such as mindfulness, which may take effect in predecisional (i.e., motivational) action phases, thereby determining all subsequent action processes.
Combined impacts of deforestation and wildlife trade on tropical biodiversity are severely underestimated
Authors: Symes William S. , Edwards David P. , Miettinen Jukka , Rheindt Frank E. , Carrasco L. Roman
Published: September 2018

Tropical forest diversity is simultaneously threatened by habitat loss and exploitation for wildlife trade. Quantitative conservation assessments have previously considered these threats separately, yet their impacts frequently act together. We integrate forest extent maps in 2000 and 2015 with a method of quantifying exploitation pressure based upon a species’ commercial value and forest accessibility. We do so for 308 forest-dependent bird species, of which 77 are commercially traded, in the Southeast Asian biodiversity hotspot of Sundaland. We find 89% (274) of species experienced average habitat losses of 16% and estimate exploitation led to mean population declines of 37%. Assessing the combined impacts of deforestation and exploitation indicates the average losses of exploited species are much higher (54%), nearly doubling the regionally endemic species (from 27 to 51) threatened with extinction that should be IUCN Red Listed. Combined assessment of major threats is vital to accurately quantify biodiversity loss.
Rich spatio-temporal stimulus dynamics unveil sensory specialization in cortical area S2
Authors: Goldin Matías A. , Harrell Evan R. , Estebanez Luc , Shulz Daniel E.
Published: September 2018

Tactile perception in rodents depends on simultaneous, multi-whisker contacts with objects. Although it is known that neurons in secondary somatosensory cortex (wS2) respond to individual deflections of many whiskers, wS2′s precise function remains unknown. The convergence of information from multiple whiskers into wS2 neurons suggests that they are good candidates for integrating multi-whisker information. Here, we apply stimulation patterns with rich dynamics simultaneously to 24 macro-vibrissae of rats while recording large populations of single neurons. Varying inter-whisker correlations without changing single whisker statistics, we observe pronounced supra-linear multi-whisker integration. Using novel analysis methods, we show that continuous multi-whisker movements contribute to the firing of wS2 neurons over long temporal windows, facilitating spatio-temporal integration. In contrast, primary cortex (wS1) neurons encode fine features of whisker movements on precise temporal scales. These results provide the first description of wS2′s representation during multi-whisker stimulation and outline its specialized role in parallel to wS1 tactile processing.
Quasicrystal nucleation and ℤ module twin growth in an intermetallic glass-forming system
Authors: Hornfeck Wolfgang , Kobold Raphael , Kolbe Matthias , Conrad Matthias , Herlach Dieter
Published: September 2018

While quasicrystals possess long-range orientational order they lack translation periodicity. Considerable advancements in the elucidation of their structures and formative principles contrast with comparatively uncharted interrelations, as studies bridging the spatial scales from atoms to the macroscale are scarce. Here, we report on the homogeneous nucleation of a single quasicrystalline seed from the undercooled melt of glass-forming NiZr and its continuous growth into a tenfold twinned dendritic microstructure. Observing a series of crystallization events on electrostatically levitated NiZr confirms homogeneous nucleation. Mapping the microstructure with electron backscatter diffraction suggests a unique, distortion-free structure merging a common structure type of binary alloys with a spiral growth mechanism resembling phyllotaxis. A general geometric description, relating all atomic loci, observed by atomic resolution electron microscopy, to a pentagonal $${\Bbb Z}$$
Z
module, explains how the seed’s decagonal long-range orientational order is conserved throughout the symmetry breaking steps of twinning and dendritic growth.
Rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas aeruginosa disperse the biofilms of sulfate-reducing bacteria
Authors: Wood Thammajun L. , Gong Ting , Zhu Lei , Miller James , Miller Daniel S. , Yin Bei , Wood Thomas K.
Published: September 2018

Biofilm formation is an important problem for many industries. Desulfovibrio vulgaris is the representative sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) which causes metal corrosion in oil wells and drilling equipment, and the corrosion is related to its biofilm formation. Biofilms are extremely difficult to remove since the cells are cemented in a polymer matrix. In an effort to eliminate SRB biofilms, we examined the ability of supernatants from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 to disperse SRB biofilms. We found that the P. aeruginosa supernatants dispersed more than 98% of the biofilm. To determine the biochemical basis of this SRB biofilm dispersal, we examined a series of P. aeruginosa mutants and found that mutants rhlA, rhlB, rhlI, and rhlR, defective in rhamnolipids production, had significantly reduced levels of SRB biofilm dispersal. Corroborating these results, purified rhamnolipids dispersed SRB biofilms, and rhamnolipids were detected in the P. aeruginosa supernatants. Hence, P. aeruginosa supernatants disperse SRB biofilms via rhamnolipids. To determine the genetic basis of how the P. aeruginosa supernatants disperse SRB biofilms, a whole transcriptomic analysis was conducted (RNA-seq); based on this analysis, we identified four proteins (DVUA0018, DVUA0034, DVUA0066, and DVUA0084) of the D. vulgaris megaplasmid that influence biofilm formation, with production of DVUA0066 (a putative phospholipase) reducing biofilm formation 5.6-fold. In addition, the supernatants of P. aeruginosa dispersed the SRB biofilms more readily than protease in M9 glucose minimum medium and were also effective against biofilms of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Membrane-based technologies for post-treatment of anaerobic effluents
Authors: Rongwong Wichitpan , Lee Jaewoo , Goh Kunli , Karahan H. Enis , Bae Tae-Hyun
Published: September 2018

Anaerobic digestion-based processes for converting wastewater into clean water and energy are attracting ever-growing industrial interest. However, apart from the microbial digestion step, current technologies require further progress from an integrated process point of view, including post-treatment steps. Anaerobic effluents normally undergo extensive post-treatment steps to meet stringent discharge standards, while valuable nutrients are rarely recovered. Additionally, a significant portion of the produced methane remains inevitably dissolved in the effluent, which is eventually released into the environment, causing economic loss and global warming concerns. To address these issues, several membrane-based technologies show significant promise. Here, we review current progress in membrane-based recovery of dissolved methane and nutrients, highlighting opportunities where membrane-based technologies can improve the post-treatment of anaerobic effluents. Lastly, we also share our perspectives for promising research directions and how to secure the competitiveness of membrane-based technologies for anaerobic wastewater treatment processes, focusing on current challenges for membrane development, biofouling mitigation strategies, and small-scale to large-scale implementation.
Fabry-Perot cavity resonance enabling highly polarization-sensitive double-layer gold grating
Authors: Hwang Jehwan , Oh Boram , Kim Yeongho , Silva Sinhara , Kim Jun Oh , Czaplewski David A. , Ryu Jong Eun , Kim Eun Kyu , Urbas Augustine , Zhou Jiangfeng , Ku Zahyun , Lee Sang Jun
Published: September 2018

We present experimental and theoretical investigations on the polarization properties of a single- and a double-layer gold (Au) grating, serving as a wire grid polarizer. Two layers of Au gratings form a cavity that effectively modulates the transmission and reflection of linearly polarized light. Theoretical calculations based on a transfer matrix method reveals that the double-layer Au grating structure creates an optical cavity exhibiting Fabry-Perot (FP) resonance modes. As compared to a single-layer grating, the FP cavity resonance modes of the double-layer grating significantly enhance the transmission of the transverse magnetic (TM) mode, while suppressing the transmission of the transverse electric (TE) mode. As a result, the extinction ratio of TM to TE transmission for the double-layer grating structure is improved by a factor of approximately 8 in the mid-wave infrared region of 3.4–6 μm. Furthermore, excellent infrared imagery is obtained with over a 600% increase in the ratio of the TM-output voltage (Vθ = 0°) to TE-output voltage (Vθ = 90°). This double-layer Au grating structure has great potential for use in polarimetric imaging applications due to its superior ability to resolve linear polarization signatures.
The relationship between transgenerational acquired resistance and global DNA methylation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Stassen Joost H. M. , López Ana , Jain Ritushree , Pascual-Pardo David , Luna Estrella , Smith Lisa M. , Ton Jurriaan
Published: September 2018

Progeny of heavily diseased plants develop transgenerational acquired resistance (TAR). In Arabidopsis, TAR can be transmitted over one stress-free generation. Although DNA methylation has been implicated in the regulation of TAR, the relationship between TAR and global DNA methylation remains unknown. Here, we characterised the methylome of TAR-expressing Arabidopsis at different generations after disease exposure. Global clustering of cytosine methylation revealed TAR-related patterns in the F3 generation, but not in the F1 generation. The majority of differentially methylated positions (DMPs) occurred at CG context in gene bodies. TAR in F3 progeny after one initial generation of disease, followed by two stress-free generations, was lower than TAR in F3 progeny after three successive generations of disease. This difference in TAR effectiveness was proportional to the intensity of differential methylation at a sub-set of cytosine positions. Comparison of TAR-related DMPs with previously characterised cytosine methylation in mutation accumulation lines revealed that ancestral disease stress preferentially acts on methylation-labile cytosine positions, but also extends to methylation-stable positions. Thus, the TAR-related impact of ancestral disease extends beyond stochastic variation in DNA methylation. Our study has shown that the Arabidopsis epigenome responds globally to disease in previous generations and we discuss its contribution to TAR.
Glycerophosphatidylcholine PC(36:1) absence and 3′-phosphoadenylate (pAp) accumulation are hallmarks of the human glioma metabolome
Authors: Li Wenchen , Jia Hongmei , Li Qi , Cui Jiayue , Li Ri , Zou Zhongmei , Hong Xinyu
Published: September 2018

Glioma is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor. A comprehensive analysis of the glioma metabolome is still lacking. This study aims to explore new special metabolites in glioma tissues. A non-targeted human glioma metabolomics was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The gene expressions of 18 enzymes associated with 3’-phosphoadenylate (pAp) metabolism was examined by qRT-PCR. Those enzymes cover the primary metabolic pathway of pAp. We identified 15 new metabolites (13 lipids and 2 nucleotides) that were significantly different between the glioma and control tissues. Glycerophosphatidylcholine [PC(36:1)] content was high and pAp content was significantly low in the control brain (p  < 0.01). In glioma tissues, PC(36:1) was not detected and pAp content was significantly increased. The gene expressions of 3′-nucleotidases (Inositol monophosphatase (IMPAD-1) and 3′(2′),5′-bisphosphate nucleotidase 1(BPNT-1)) were dramatically down-regulated. Meanwhile, the gene expression of 8 sulfotransferases (SULT), 2 phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate synthases (PAPSS-1 and PAPSS-2) and L-aminoadipate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase-phosphopante-theinyl transferase (AASDHPPT) were up-regulated. PC(36:1) absence and pAp accumulation are the most noticeable metabolic aberration in glioma. The dramatic down-regulation of IMPAD-1 and BPNT-1 are the primary cause for pAp dramatic accumulation. Our findings suggest that differential metabolites discovered in glioma could be used as potentially novel therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers and that abnormal metabolism of lipids and nucleotides play roles in the pathogenesis of glioma.
The effect of pulsed current on the shear deformation behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Wang Guofeng , Hou Hongliang , Zhang Yanling , Wang Yaoqi
Published: September 2018

Pulse current-assisted forming is a new technology to improve the plastic deformability of titanium alloy. In this work, Shearing tests of Ti-6Al-4V alloy were conducted using hat-shaped specimens under pulsed current (electroplastic shearing) and constant temperature (isothermal shearing). The actual deformation in shear zone of electroplastic shearing was larger than that of isothermal shearing. The shear load is also decreased by the pulsed current. Microstructure variation in the shear zone was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. An evident straight shear band was observed in the electroplastic shearing specimens. The deformation model of shear zone was established. Intracrystalline deformation was markedly easier for the grains with the pulsed current and induced larger deformation of the grains along the shear direction. Microcracks were observed in the shear zone of isothermal shearing, but none were found in the shear zone of electroplastic shearing. Evident crack healing was found in the crack tip of the shear zone of electroplastic shearing.
Nuclear expansion and pore opening are instant signs of neuronal hypoxia and can identify poorly fixed brains
Authors: Dehghani Anisa , Karatas Hulya , Can Alp , Erdemli Esra , Yemisci Muge , Eren-Kocak Emine , Dalkara Turgay
Published: September 2018

The initial phase of neuronal death is not well characterized. Here, we show that expansion of the nuclear membrane without losing its integrity along with peripheralization of chromatin are immediate signs of neuronal injury. Importantly, these changes can be identified with commonly used nuclear stains and used as markers of poor perfusion-fixation. Although frozen sections are widely used, no markers are available to ensure that the observed changes were not confounded by perfusion-induced hypoxia/ischemia. Moreover, HMGB1 was immediately released and p53 translocated to mitochondria in hypoxic/ischemic neurons, whereas nuclear pore complex inhibitors prevented the nuclear changes, identifying novel neuroprotection targets.
Copper pollution exacerbates the effects of ocean acidification and warming on kelp microscopic early life stages
Authors: Leal Pablo P. , Hurd Catriona L. , Sander Sylvia G. , Armstrong Evelyn , Fernández Pamela A. , Suhrhoff Tim J. , Roleda Michael Y.
Published: September 2018

Ocean warming (OW), ocean acidification (OA) and their interaction with local drivers, e.g., copper pollution, may negatively affect macroalgae and their microscopic life stages. We evaluated meiospore development of the kelps Macrocystis pyrifera and Undaria pinnatifida exposed to a factorial combination of current and 2100-predicted temperature (12 and 16 °C, respectively), pH (8.16 and 7.65, respectively), and two copper levels (no-added-copper and species-specific germination Cu-EC50). Meiospore germination for both species declined by 5–18% under OA and ambient temperature/OA conditions, irrespective of copper exposure. Germling growth rate declined by >40%·day−1, and gametophyte development was inhibited under Cu-EC50 exposure, compared to the no-added-copper treatment, irrespective of pH and temperature. Following the removal of copper and 9-day recovery under respective pH and temperature treatments, germling growth rates increased by 8–18%·day−1. The exception was U. pinnatifida under OW/OA, where growth rate remained at 10%·day−1 before and after copper exposure. Copper-binding ligand concentrations were higher in copper-exposed cultures of both species, suggesting that ligands may act as a defence mechanism of kelp early life stages against copper toxicity. Our study demonstrated that copper pollution is more important than global climate drivers in controlling meiospore development in kelps as it disrupts the completion of their life cycle.
Profiling inflammatory markers in patients with pneumonia on intensive care
Authors: Antcliffe David B. , Wolfer Arnaud M. , O’Dea Kieran P. , Takata Masao , Holmes Elaine , Gordon Anthony C.
Published: September 2018

Clinical investigations lack predictive value when diagnosing pneumonia, especially when patients are ventilated and develop ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). New tools to aid diagnosis are important to improve outcomes. This pilot study examines the potential for a panel of inflammatory mediators to aid in the diagnosis. Forty-four ventilated patients, 17 with pneumonia and 27 with brain injuries, eight of whom developed VAP, were recruited. 51 inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and oxylipins, were measured in patients’ serum using flow cytometry and mass spectrometry. The mediators could separate patients admitted to ICU with pneumonia compared to brain injury with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.75 (0.61–0.90). Changes in inflammatory mediators were similar in both groups over the course of ICU stay with 5,6-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic and 8,9-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids increasing over time and interleukin-6 decreasing. However, brain injured patients who developed VAP maintained inflammatory profiles similar to those at admission. A multivariate model containing 5,6-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid, 8,9-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8, could differentiate patients with VAP from brain injured patients without infection (AUROC 0.94 (0.80–1.00)). The use of a selected group of markers showed promise to aid the diagnosis of VAP especially when combined with clinical data.
A novel design to screen chlorogenic acid-producing microbial strains from the environment
Authors: Wang Xiao , Qin Lifang , Zhou Jia , Li Youzhi , Fan Xianwei
Published: September 2018

The present study aimed to develop a plate-screening method, based on the specific color development of complexes formed between chlorogenic acid, a valuable plant-derived compound, and aluminum (III), to detect chlorogenic acid-producing microbial strains. Modified media with 0.75 mM aluminum chloride were developed to identify CGA-producing bacteria (based on beef extract agar medium) or fungi (based on the potato dextrose agar medium). Compared with conventional screening, the modified media let to 3.3 times more CGA producers from plants, at 90.9% selective accuracy. Novel chlorogenic acid-biosynthesizing strains included Brevibacillus borstelensis B14, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B17, Bacillus badius B19, Sphingomonas yabuuchiae N21, Enterobacter tabaci N22, and Lodderomyces elongisporus S216 and P212. Strain S216 produced the highest chlorogenic acid yield (23.39 mg L−1). This study provides a highly efficient and low-cost tool for quick detection and subsequent identification of several newly isolated strains with chlorogenic acid-producing potential.
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease harbour a variation of Haemophilus species
Authors: Osman Karen L. , Jefferies Johanna M. C. , Woelk Christopher H. , Devos Nathalie , Pascal Thierry G. , Mortier Marie-Cécile , Devaster Jeanne-Marie , Wilkinson Tom M. A , Cleary David W. , Clarke Stuart C. ,   AERIS Study Group, Alnajar J. , Anderson R. , Aris E. , Ballou W. R. , Barton A. , Bourne S. , Caubet M. , Cohet C. , Coombs N. , Devine V. , Dineen E. , Elliott T. , Gladstone R. , Harden S. , Kim V. , Vela S. Mesia , Moris P. , Ostridge K. , Peeters M. , Schoonbroodt S. , Staples K. J. , Tuck A. , Welch L. , Weynants V. , Williams A. P. , Williams N. , Wojtas M. , Wootton S.
Published: September 2018

H. haemolyticus is often misidentified as NTHi due to their close phylogenetic relationship. Differentiating between the two is important for correct identification and appropriate treatment of infective organism and to ensure any role of H. haemolyticus in disease is not being overlooked. Speciation however is not completely reliable by culture and PCR methods due to the loss of haemolysis by H. haemolyticus and the heterogeneity of NTHi. Haemophilus isolates from COPD as part of the AERIS study (ClinicalTrials - NCT01360398) were speciated by analysing sequence data for the presence of molecular markers. Further investigation into the genomic relationship was carried out using average nucleotide identity and phylogeny of allelic and genome alignments. Only 6.3% were identified as H. haemolyticus. Multiple in silico methods were able to distinguish H. haemolyticus from NTHi. However, no single gene target was found to be 100% accurate. A group of omp2 negative NTHi were observed to be phylogenetically divergent from H. haemolyticus and remaining NTHi. The presence of an atypical group from a geographically and disease limited set of isolates supports the theory that the heterogeneity of NTHi may provide a genetic continuum between NTHi and H. haemolyticus.
Multivalent and multifunctional polysaccharide-based particles for controlled receptor recognition
Authors: Duan Haohao , Donovan Mark , Foucher Aude , Schultze Xavier , Lecommandoux Sebastien
Published: September 2018

Polysaccharides represent a versatile class of building blocks that are used in macromolecular design. By choosing the appropriate saccharide block, various physico-chemical and biological properties can be introduced both at the level of the polymer chains and the resulting self-assembled nanostructures. Here, we synthetized amphiphilic diblock copolymers combining a hydrophobic and helical poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) PBLG and two polysaccharides, namely hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminarin (LAM). The copolymers could self-assemble to form particles in water by nanoprecipitation. In addition, hybrid particles containing both HA and LAM in different ratios were obtained by co-nanoprecipitation of the two copolymers. By controlling the self-assembly process, five particle samples with different morphologies and compositions were developed. The interaction between the particles and biologically relevant proteins for HA and LAM, namely CD44 and Dectin-1 respectively, was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We demonstrated that the particle-protein interaction could be modulated by the particle structure and composition. It is therefore suggested that this method based on nanoprecipitation is a practical and versatile way to obtain particles with controllable interactions with proteins, hence with the appropriate biological properties for biomedical applications such as drug delivery.