bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Executive Control on Memory Test Performance across Life: Test of Memory Strategies
Authors: Abellán-Martínez María , Castellanos López Miguel Ángel , Delgado-Losada María Luisa , Yubero Raquel , Paúl Nuria , Unturbe Fernando Maestú
Published: November 2019

The ability to generate memory strategies is a key factor in performance of episodic memory tests. There is evidence about the inefficient use of memory strategies in old adults. However, a question remains unresolved: Worse performance on memory test in the older people is due to an inability to mobilize cognitive strategies or to an episodic memory deficit? In this study we tried to answer it by using the Test of Memory Strategies (TMS), which parametrically reduces the need of executive functions on memory tests. The test consists of five experimental conditions (TMS1–5) where a progressive external organization of the material reduces the need to mobilize memory strategies. TMS was applied to a sample of 180 participants (n = 180) divided into three age groups (25–45; 46–65; 66–85). The results showed an increased performance in all groups groups (F(2, 177) = 14.79, p < .001) across conditions (F(3.88,674.04) = 292.48, p < .001), without group differences in those conditions with a maximum reduction of the need of executive functions (F(7.61,674.04) = 1.95, p = .053). However, middle age and older adults showed more difficulties in establishing cognitive strategies, in the initial conditions. These results lead to the conclusion that the typical pattern of low performance on episodic memory tasks in the older population may be due to the deterioration of executive functions and not mainly to a primary decline of memory process.
The Structure of Conflict Styles in Adolescents
Authors: Filsecker Michael , Abs Hermann J. , Roczen Nina
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This study examines the latent structure of the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory – II (ROCI-II) in several samples of secondary school students. Findings from earlier studies conducted in adult populations suggested that the instrument has a four- or five-factor structure; however, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in this study yielded a three-factor (integrating, dominating, avoiding) solution, with most of the items associated with a fourth factor (Obliging) failing to load as predicted. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) replicated the three-factor solution satisfactorily. A multiple-group CFA indicated that the ROCI-II showed invariant measurement properties in male and female students and corroborated the concurrent validity of the three-factor solution. The integrating factor was related positively to a measure of perspective taking but negatively to a measure of reluctance to participate. The avoiding factor was associated with a measure of reluctance to participate. We discuss the implications of the results for understanding the latent structure of the ROCI-II in adolescents.
Measuring Dimensions of Family Interaction in	Adolescence
Authors: Eichas Kyle , Ferrer-Wreder Laura , Trost Kari , Galanti Maria Rosaria
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of adolescent and parent ratings of family interaction. Adolescent and parent ratings of democratic parenting, parental warmth, and adolescent free disclosure were measured using a multitrait–multimethod confirmatory factor analytic approach. Participants included 3,959 Swedish youth in seventh grade (average age 13 years), with follow-up measurements in eighth and ninth grades. At each grade, findings provided support for trait discriminant validity and discriminant validity of methods. However, findings failed to provide support for convergent validity. Overall, the present findings suggest that measurement of family interactions should include the perspectives of both parents and adolescents because their perceptions of family interactions may represent different family interaction constructs.
Development and Validation of a German Language Unit-Level	Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) Scale
Authors: Gunnesch-Luca George , Moser Klaus
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The current paper presents the development and validation of a unit-level Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) scale based on the Referent-Shift Consensus Model (RSCM). In Study 1, with 124 individuals measured twice, both an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) established and confirmed a five-factor solution (helping behavior, sportsmanship, loyalty, civic virtue, and conscientiousness). Test–retest reliabilities at a 2-month interval were high (between .59 and .79 for the subscales, .83 for the total scale). In Study 2, unit-level OCB was analyzed in a sample of 129 work teams. Both Interrater Reliability (IRR) measures and Interrater Agreement (IRA) values provided support for RSCM requirements. Finally, unit-level OCB was associated with group task interdependence and was more predictable (by job satisfaction and integrity of the supervisor) than individual-level OCB in previous research.
The Pregnancy Anxiety Questionnaire Revised-2
Authors: Dellagiulia Antonio , Lionetti Francesca , Pastore Massimiliano , Linnea Karlsson , Hasse Karlsson , Huizink Anja C.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Pregnancy-related anxiety is an important risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes and postnatal parental well-being, to a greater extent than general anxiety, calling for a reliable and validated measure for its assessment. The current paper aimed to validate the Pregnancy Anxiety Questionnaire – Revised-2 (PRAQ-R2; Huizink et al., 2016 ) in a sample of Italian women, by testing its psychometric properties, and checking for Italian–Finnish measurement invariance. Additionally, the association with general anxiety and depression was examined. Participants included 348 Italian pregnant women and 348 Finnish pregnant women. Results showed that the Italian version of PRAQ-R2 presents satisfying psychometric proprieties. Data supported a three-factor solution including fear of giving birth, w orries about bearing a handicapped child, and concern about own appearance. Invariance across countries was confirmed. The primiparous condition was associated with a higher level of pregnancy anxiety only for fear of giving birth. A moderate correlation was found between pregnancy anxiety and general anxiety and depression, providing evidence for concurrent validity, as well as for the existence of a specific pregnancy anxiety dimension.
Effectiveness of a School-Based Intervention to Empower Children to Cope With Advertising
Authors: Rozendaal Esther , Figner Bernd
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This study tested the effectiveness of a theory-driven, school-based advertising intervention entitled Ad Masters that aimed to stimulate children’s advertising coping behavior in the current media landscape. A cluster randomized controlled trial was completed among 704 children (7–12 years old) in schools. The schools were allocated to either the intervention group ( n = 399) or control group ( n = 305). Both short-term (directly after the intervention) and long-term effects (3 months after the end of the intervention) were measured. Bayesian mixed-effect analyses showed positive short- and long-term effects of the intervention on children’s understanding of advertising’s tactics. Structural equation analysis showed that the intervention-induced changes in children’s understanding of advertising’s tactics were not related to any changes in their use of advertising coping strategies or their advertising susceptibility. No other intervention effects were found. However, structural equation analyses showed that, regardless of the intervention, motivation and ability to use advertising coping strategies are both associated with children’s actual coping behavior. These findings indicate that motivation and ability to effectively use advertising coping strategies are important empowering factors that should be taken into account in future research on children’s advertising coping behavior and in advertising intervention development.
Emphasis Framing Effects of Conflicting Messages
Authors: Kobayashi Keiichi
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This study examined the emphasis framing effects of conflicting messages. Japanese undergraduate students ( N = 199) received one message supporting whale-fishery competition with another message opposing it (the conflicting-message condition), arguing against the public demand for whale meat (the competing-message condition), or taking a neutral stance on whaling (the unbalanced-message condition). Although the conflicting and competing messages (vs. the unbalanced messages) had no effect on support for the government’s whaling policy, participants in the conflicting-message condition produced more thoughts about whale-fishery competition, had a more moderate belief about the issue, and perceived the importance of the belief to be lower than participants in the competing- and unbalanced-message conditions. These results suggest that messages organized by conflicting frames have unique effects on the availability, accessibility, and applicability of frame-relevant or -congruent beliefs.
Curiosity Rover Reveals Oxygen Mystery in Martian Atmosphere
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: November 2019

An air-sampling study has captured long-term trends in the concentrations of five key atmospheric gases for the first time.
Shear Flow‐Interchange Instability in Nightside Magnetotail as Proposed Cause of Auroral Beads as a Signature of Substorm Onset
Authors: Derr Jason , Horton Wendell , Wolf Richard
Published: November 2019

A geometric wedge model of the near‐Earth nightside plasma sheet is used to derive a wave equation for low‐frequency shear flow‐interchange waves which transmit
sheared zonal flows along magnetic flux tubes toward the ionosphere. Discrepancies with the wave equation result used in Kalmoni et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JA021470) for shear flow‐ballooning instability are discussed. The shear flow‐interchange instability appears to be responsible for substorm onset. The wedge wave equation is used to compute rough expressions for dispersion relations and local growth rates in the midnight region of the nightside magnetotail where the instability develops, forming the auroral beads characteristic of geomagnetic substorm onset. Stability analysis for the shear flow‐interchange modes demonstrates that nonlinear analysis is necessary for quantitatively accurate results and determines the spatial scale on which the instability varies.
Modelling resilience in adolescence and adversity: a novel framework to inform research and practice
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Das Pritha , Bell Erica , Mattingly Greg , Mannie Zola
Published: November 2019

Recent conceptualisations of resilience have advanced the notion that it is a dynamic and multifaceted construct. However, its adaptive components, especially those forged by adversity, have not been fully realised, and its neurobiological and psychosocial underpinnings are yet to be meaningfully integrated. In part, this is because a developmental perspective is often neglected in the formulation of resilience. In this review, we consider the findings of resilience research, with a specific emphasis on the developmental period of adolescence. To bridge the gaps in our current understanding, we propose a model of resilience that is predicated on experiencing adversity. Specifically, our model provides a sophisticated insight into the components of resilience, which, together with intrinsic features, involves facilitation of, and skill acquisition via strengthening processes we term tempering and fortification. The model also points to the potential trajectories of adversity-driven resilience and forms the basis of a framework that allows for individual variance in resilience, and the identification of both neurobiological and psychosocial targets for prevention and therapeutic interventions.
Early exposure to antibiotic drugs and risk for psychiatric disorders: a population-based study
Authors: Lavebratt Catharina , Yang Liu L. , Giacobini MaiBritt , Forsell Yvonne , Schalling Martin , Partonen Timo , Gissler Mika
Published: November 2019

Early life exposure to infection, anti-infectives and altered immune activity have been associated with elevated risk of some psychiatric disorders. However, the risk from exposure in fetal life has been proposed to be confounded by familial factors. The hypothesis of this study is that antibiotic drug exposure during the fetal period and the first two postnatal years is associated with risk for later development of psychiatric disorders in children. All births in Finland between 1996 and 2012, 1 million births, were studied for antibiotic drug exposure: mothers during pregnancy and the children the first two postnatal years. The children were followed up for a wide spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic drug treatment until 2014. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate effects of antibiotic drug exposure on offspring psychiatric disorders. Modestly (10–50%) increased risks were found on later childhood development of sleep disorders, ADHD, conduct disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, and other behavioral and emotional disorders with childhood onset (ICD-10 F98), supported by increased risks also for childhood psychotropic medication. The prenatal exposure effects detected were not explained by explored familial confounding, nor by registered maternal infections. To conclude, this longitudinal nation-wide study shows that early life antibiotic drug exposure is associated with an increased risk for childhood development of psychopathology. Given the high occurrence of early-life antibiotic exposure, these findings are of public health relevance. Whether the associations reflect effects of the antibiotic drug use or of the targeted infections remains to be explored further.
DAPK1 loss triggers tumor invasion in colorectal tumor cells
Authors: Steinmann Sara , Kunze Philipp , Hampel Chuanpit , Eckstein Markus , Bertram Bramsen Jesper , Muenzner Julienne K. , Carlé Birgitta , Ndreshkjana Benardina , Kemenes Stephan , Gasparini Pierluigi , Friedrich Oliver , Andersen Claus , Geppert Carol , Wang Shengbao , Eyupoglu Ilker , Bäuerle Tobias , Hartmann Arndt , Schneider-Stock Regine
Published: November 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading cancer-related causes of death worldwide. Despite the improvement of surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments, as of yet, the disease has not been overcome due to metastasis to distant organs. Hence, it is of great relevance to understand the mechanisms responsible for metastasis initiation and progression and to identify novel metastatic markers for a higher chance of preventing the metastatic disease. The Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), recently, has been shown to be a potential candidate for regulating metastasis in CRC. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the impact of DAPK1 protein on CRC aggressiveness. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated DAPK1-deficient HCT116 monoclonal cell lines and characterized their knockout phenotype in vitro and in vivo. We show that loss of DAPK1 implemented changes in growth pattern and enhanced tumor budding in vivo in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Further, we observed more tumor cell dissemination into chicken embryo organs and increased invasion capacity using rat brain 3D in vitro model. The novel identified DAPK1-loss gene expression signature showed a stroma typical pattern and was associated with a gained ability for remodeling the extracellular matrix. Finally, we suggest the DAPK1-ERK1 signaling axis being involved in metastatic progression of CRC. Our results highlight DAPK1 as an anti-metastatic player in CRC and suggest DAPK1 as a potential predictive biomarker for this cancer type.
NF-κB2 signalling in enteroids modulates enterocyte responses to secreted factors from bone marrow-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Jones Lauren G. , Vaida Andra , Thompson Louise M. , Ikuomola Felix I. , Caamaño Jorge H. , Burkitt Michael D. , Miyajima Fabio , Williams Jonathan M. , Campbell Barry J. , Pritchard D. Mark , Duckworth Carrie A.
Published: November 2019

Alternative pathway NF-κB signalling regulates susceptibility towards developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis-associated cancer and sepsis-associated intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and shedding. However, the cell populations responsible for the perturbed alternative pathway NF-κB signalling in intestinal mucosal pathology remain unclear. In order to investigate the contribution of the epithelial compartment, we have tested whether NF-κB2 regulated transcription in intestinal epithelial cells controls the intestinal epithelial response to cytokines that are known to disrupt intestinal barrier permeability. Enteroids were generated from the proximal, middle and distal regions of small intestine (SI) from C57BL/6J wild-type mice and displayed region-specific morphology that was maintained during sub-culture. Enteroids treated with 100 ng/mL TNF were compared with corresponding regions of SI from C57BL/6J mice treated systemically with 0.33 mg/kg TNF for 1.5 h. TNF-induced apoptosis in all regions of the intestine in vitro and in vivo but resulted in Paneth cell degranulation only in proximal tissue-derived SI and enteroids. TNF also resulted in increased enteroid sphericity (quantified as circularity from two-dimensional bright field images). This response was dose and time-dependent and correlated with active caspase-3 immunopositivity. Proximal tissue-derived enteroids generated from Nfκb2−/− mice showed a significantly blunted circularity response following the addition of TNF, IFNγ, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated C57BL/6J-derived bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and secreted factors from LPS-activated BMDCs. However, Nfκb1−/− mouse-derived enteroids showed no significant changes in response to these stimuli. In conclusion, the selection of SI region is important when designing enteroid studies as region-specific identity and response to stimuli such as TNF are maintained in culture. Intestinal epithelial cells are at least partially responsible for regulating their own fate by modulating NF-κB2 signalling in response to stimuli known to be involved in multiple intestinal and systemic diseases. Future studies are warranted to investigate the therapeutic potential of intestinal epithelial NF-κB2 inhibition.
Learning dynamical information from static protein and sequencing data
Authors: Pearce Philip , Woodhouse Francis G. , Forrow Aden , Kelly Ashley , Kusumaatmaja Halim , Dunkel Jörn
Published: November 2019

Many complex processes, from protein folding to neuronal network dynamics, can be described as stochastic exploration of a high-dimensional energy landscape. Although efficient algorithms for cluster detection in high-dimensional spaces have been developed over the last two decades, considerably less is known about the reliable inference of state transition dynamics in such settings. Here we introduce a flexible and robust numerical framework to infer Markovian transition networks directly from time-independent data sampled from stationary equilibrium distributions. We demonstrate the practical potential of the inference scheme by reconstructing the network dynamics for several protein-folding transitions, gene-regulatory network motifs, and HIV evolution pathways. The predicted network topologies and relative transition time scales agree well with direct estimates from time-dependent molecular dynamics data, stochastic simulations, and phylogenetic trees, respectively. Owing to its generic structure, the framework introduced here will be applicable to high-throughput RNA and protein-sequencing datasets, and future cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data.
Crystal structure and receptor-interacting residues of MYDGF — a protein mediating ischemic tissue repair
Authors: Ebenhoch Rebecca , Akhdar Abbas , Reboll Marc R. , Korf-Klingebiel Mortimer , Gupta Priyanka , Armstrong Julie , Huang Yining , Frego Lee , Rybina Irina , Miglietta John , Pekcec Anton , Wollert Kai C. , Nar Herbert
Published: November 2019

Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) is a paracrine-acting protein that is produced by bone marrow-derived monocytes and macrophages to protect and repair the heart after myocardial infarction (MI). This effect can be used for the development of protein-based therapies for ischemic tissue repair, also beyond the sole application in heart tissue. Here, we report the X-ray structure of MYDGF and identify its functionally relevant receptor binding epitope. MYDGF consists of a 10-stranded β-sandwich with a folding topology showing no similarities to other cytokines or growth factors. By characterizing the epitope of a neutralizing antibody and utilizing functional assays to study the activity of surface patch-mutations, we were able to localize the receptor interaction interface to a region around two surface tyrosine residues 71 and 73 and an adjacent prominent loop structure of residues 97–101. These findings enable structure-guided protein engineering to develop modified MYDGF variants with potentially improved properties for clinical use.
Decoupling of mechanical properties and ionic conductivity in supramolecular lithium ion conductors
Authors: Mackanic David G. , Yan Xuzhou , Zhang Qiuhong , Matsuhisa Naoji , Yu Zhiao , Jiang Yuanwen , Manika Tuheen , Lopez Jeffrey , Yan Hongping , Liu Kai , Chen Xiaodong , Cui Yi , Bao Zhenan
Published: November 2019

The emergence of wearable electronics puts batteries closer to the human skin, exacerbating the need for battery materials that are robust, highly ionically conductive, and stretchable. Herein, we introduce a supramolecular design as an effective strategy to overcome the canonical tradeoff between mechanical robustness and ionic conductivity in polymer electrolytes. The supramolecular lithium ion conductor utilizes orthogonally functional H-bonding domains and ion-conducting domains to create a polymer electrolyte with unprecedented toughness (29.3 MJ m−3) and high ionic conductivity (1.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C). Implementation of the supramolecular ion conductor as a binder material allows for the creation of stretchable lithium-ion battery electrodes with strain capability of over 900% via a conventional slurry process. The supramolecular nature of these battery components enables intimate bonding at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Combination of these stretchable components leads to a stretchable battery with a capacity of 1.1 mAh cm−2 that functions even when stretched to 70% strain. The method reported here of decoupling ionic conductivity from mechanical properties opens a promising route to create high-toughness ion transport materials for energy storage applications.
Author Correction: NFAT primes the human RORC locus for RORγt expression in CD4+T cells
Authors: Yahia-Cherbal Hanane , Rybczynska Magda , Lovecchio Domenica , Stephen Tharshana , Lescale Chloé , Placek Katarzyna , Larghero Jérome , Rogge Lars , Bianchi Elisabetta
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Magnetocaloric materials with ultra-small magnetic nanoparticles working at room temperature
Authors: Dudek M. R. , Dudek K. K. , Wolak W. , Wojciechowski K. W. , Grima J. N.
Published: November 2019

Through the use of the Monte Carlo simulations utilising the mean-field approach, we show that a dense assembly of separated ultra-small magnetic nanoparticles embedded into a non-magnetic deformable matrix can be characterized by a large isothermal magnetic entropy change even upon applying a weak magnetic field with values much smaller than one Tesla. We also show that such entropy change may be very significant in the vicinity of the room temperature which effect normally requires an application of a strong external magnetic field. The deformable matrix chosen in this work as a host for magnetic nanoparticles adopts a thin film form with a large surface area to volume ratio. This in turn in combination with a strong magneto-volume coupling exhibited by this material allows us to show its suitability to be used in the case of a variety of applications utilising local cooling/heating such as future magnetic refrigerants.
Revealing universal quantum contextuality through communication games
Authors: Pan A. K.
Published: November 2019

An ontological model of an operational theory is considered to be universally noncontextual if both preparation and measurement noncontextuality assumptions are satisfied in that model. In this report, we first generalize the logical proofs of quantum preparation and measurement contextuality for qubit system for any odd number of preparations and measurements. Based on the logical proof, we derive testable universally non-contextual inequalities violated by quantum theory. We then propose a class of two-party communication games and show that the average success probability of winning such games is solely linked to suitable Bell expression whose local bound is greater than universal non-contextual bound. Thus, for a given state, even if quantum theory does not exhibit non-locality, it may still reveal non-classicality by violating the universal non-contextual bound. Further, we consider a different communication game to demonstrate that for a given choices of observables in quantum theory, even if there is no logical proof of preparation and measurement contextuality exist, the universal quantum contextuality can be revealed through that communication game. Such a game thus test a weaker form of universal non-contextuality with minimal assumption.
Comparing methods for comparing networks
Authors: Tantardini Mattia , Ieva Francesca , Tajoli Lucia , Piccardi Carlo
Published: November 2019

With the impressive growth of available data and the flexibility of network modelling, the problem of devising effective quantitative methods for the comparison of networks arises. Plenty of such methods have been designed to accomplish this task: most of them deal with undirected and unweighted networks only, but a few are capable of handling directed and/or weighted networks too, thus properly exploiting richer information. In this work, we contribute to the effort of comparing the different methods for comparing networks and providing a guide for the selection of an appropriate one. First, we review and classify a collection of network comparison methods, highlighting the criteria they are based on and their advantages and drawbacks. The set includes methods requiring known node-correspondence, such as DeltaCon and Cut Distance, as well as methods not requiring a priori known node-correspondence, such as alignment-based, graphlet-based, and spectral methods, and the recently proposed Portrait Divergence and NetLSD. We test the above methods on synthetic networks and we assess their usability and the meaningfulness of the results they provide. Finally, we apply the methods to two real-world datasets, the European Air Transportation Network and the FAO Trade Network, in order to discuss the results that can be drawn from this type of analysis.
Quantification of the morphological characteristics of hESC colonies
Authors: Orozco-Fuentes Sirio , Neganova Irina , Wadkin Laura E. , Baggaley Andrew W. , Barrio Rafael A. , Lako Majlinda , Shukurov Anvar , Parker Nicholas G.
Published: November 2019

The maintenance of the undifferentiated state in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is critical for further application in regenerative medicine, drug testing and studies of fundamental biology. Currently, the selection of the best quality cells and colonies for propagation is typically performed by eye, in terms of the displayed morphological features, such as prominent/abundant nucleoli and a colony with a tightly packed appearance and a well-defined edge. Using image analysis and computational tools, we precisely quantify these properties using phase-contrast images of hESC colonies of different sizes (0.1–1.1 $${{\bf{\text{mm}}}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$mm2) during days 2, 3 and 4 after plating. Our analyses reveal noticeable differences in their structure influenced directly by the colony area $${\boldsymbol{A}}$$A. Large colonies (A > 0.6 mm2) have cells with smaller nuclei and a short intercellular distance when compared with small colonies (A < 0.2 mm2). The gaps between the cells, which are present in small and medium sized colonies with A ≤ 0.6 mm2, disappear in large colonies (A > 0.6 mm2) due to the proliferation of the cells in the bulk. This increases the colony density and the number of nearest neighbours. We also detect the self-organisation of cells in the colonies where newly divided (smallest) cells cluster together in patches, separated from larger cells at the final stages of the cell cycle. This might influence directly cell-to-cell interactions and the community effects within the colonies since the segregation induced by size differences allows the interchange of neighbours as the cells proliferate and the colony grows. Our findings are relevant to efforts to determine the quality of hESC colonies and establish colony characteristics database.
Combined organic biomarker and use-wear analyses of stone artefacts from Liang Bua, Flores, Indonesia
Authors: Luong Susan , Tocheri Matthew W. , Hayes Elspeth , Sutikna Thomas , Fullagar Richard , Saptomo E. Wahyu , Jatmiko  , Roberts Richard G.
Published: November 2019

Organic biomarker and lithic use-wear analyses of archaeological implements manufactured and/or used by hominins in the past offers a means of assessing how prehistoric peoples utilised natural resources. Currently, most studies focus on one of these techniques, rather than using both in sequence. This study aims to assess the potential of combining both methods to analyse stone artefacts, using a set of 69 stones excavated from the cave site of Liang Bua (Flores, Indonesia). Prior to chemical analysis, an initial inspection of the artefacts revealed potential use-wear traces but no visible residues. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, including the targeting of 86 lipids, terpenes, terpenoids, alkanes and their analogues, found compounds with plant or animal origin on 27 of the 69 stones. The artefacts were subsequently cleaned, and use-wear analysis identified traces of use on 43 artefacts. Use-wear analysis confirmed traces of use on 23 of the 27 artefacts with potential use-residues that were determined by GC-MS. The GC-MS results were broadly consistent with the functional classes identified in the later use-wear analysis. This inclusive approach for stone artefact analysis strengthens the identifications made through multiple lines of enquiry. There remain conflicts and uncertainties in specific cases, suggesting the need for further refinement and analyses of the relationships between use-wear and residues.
Influence of Vegetation Coverage and Climate Environment on Soil Organic Carbon in the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Wan Qiaozhuo , Zhu Guofeng , Guo Huiwen , Zhang Yu , Pan Hanxiong , Yong Leilei , Ma Huiying
Published: November 2019

Studying the spatial distribution pattern of soil organic carbon and its influencing factors is essential for understanding the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil samples from four active layers of typical vegetation types (Populus, subalpine shrubs, Picea crassifolia Kom, and alpine meadow) in the upper reaches of Shiyang River basin in the Qilian Mountains were collected to determine the soil organic carbon content and physicochemical properties. The results show the following: (1) There are significant differences in the vertical distribution of Soil organic carbon in the watershed, and the Soil organic carbon content decreases significantly with increasing soil depth. (2) Mainly affected by biomass, the organic carbon content of different vegetation types in different soil layers is as follows: Alpine meadow > Picea crassifolia Kom > Populus > Subalpine shrub, and the soil organic carbon content increases with increasing altitude. Under different vegetation types, the Soil organic content is the highest in the 0–30 cm soil profile, and the maximum value often appears in the 0–10 cm layer, then gradually decreases downward. (3) When soil organic carbon is determined in different vegetation types in the study area, the change of hydrothermal factors has little effect on soil organic carbon content in the short term.
Performance assessment of total RNA sequencing of human biofluids and extracellular vesicles
Authors: Everaert Celine , Helsmoortel Hetty , Decock Anneleen , Hulstaert Eva , Van Paemel Ruben , Verniers Kimberly , Nuytens Justine , Anckaert Jasper , Nijs Nele , Tulkens Joeri , Dhondt Bert , Hendrix An , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo
Published: November 2019

RNA profiling has emerged as a powerful tool to investigate the biomarker potential of human biofluids. However, despite enormous interest in extracellular nucleic acids, RNA sequencing methods to quantify the total RNA content outside cells are rare. Here, we evaluate the performance of the SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-Seq method in human platelet-rich plasma, platelet-free plasma, urine, conditioned medium, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from these biofluids. We found the method to be accurate, precise, compatible with low-input volumes and able to quantify a few thousand genes. We picked up distinct classes of RNA molecules, including mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, miscRNA and pseudogenes. Notably, the read distribution and gene content drastically differ among biofluids. In conclusion, we are the first to show that the SMARTer method can be used for unbiased unraveling of the complete transcriptome of a wide range of biofluids and their extracellular vesicles.
Secondary formation damage of low-pressure layer during commingled production in multilayered tight gas reservoirs
Authors: Ding Jingchen , Yan Changhui , He Yongming , Wang Changcheng
Published: November 2019

This paper experimentally investigates fluid back-flow behavior and formation damage during commingled production in multilayered tight gas reservoirs. The development of fluid back-flow in commingled tight gas reservoirs was simulated using a newly designed experimental platform. The results indicate that when there is a pressure difference between different layers during commingled production from tight gas reservoir, water produced from the high-pressure layer will invade the low-pressure layer along with gas back-flow and will accumulate in the near-wellbore area. This will lead to an increase in water saturation and a decline in permeability in the low-pressure layer and result in a significant reduction in ultimate recovery. The outcomes of these experiments demonstrate that as well as the formation damage caused by the working fluid during drilling and fracturing, “Secondary Formation Damage” also occurs during commingled production in multilayered tight gas reservoirs. This secondary formation damage mainly occurs in the near-wellbore area of low-pressure layers and is more severe with greater proximity to the wellbore. Through further experimentation to assess the factors influencing secondary formation damage, it is shown that the degree of secondary formation damage increases with decreasing original formation pressure, original water saturation, and permeability in the lower-pressure layer.
Network Communities of Dynamical Influence
Authors: Clark Ruaridh , Punzo Giuliano , Macdonald Malcolm
Published: November 2019

Fuelled by a desire for greater connectivity, networked systems now pervade our society at an unprecedented level that will affect it in ways we do not yet understand. In contrast, nature has already developed efficient networks that can instigate rapid response and consensus when key elements are stimulated. We present a technique for identifying these key elements by investigating the relationships between a system’s most dominant eigenvectors. This approach reveals the most effective vertices for leading a network to rapid consensus when stimulated, as well as the communities that form under their dynamical influence. In applying this technique, the effectiveness of starling flocks was found to be due, in part, to the low outdegree of every bird, where increasing the number of outgoing connections can produce a less responsive flock. A larger outdegree also affects the location of the birds with the most influence, where these influentially connected birds become more centrally located and in a poorer position to observe a predator and, hence, instigate an evasion manoeuvre. Finally, the technique was found to be effective in large voxel-wise brain connectomes where subjects can be identified from their influential communities.
Eurotium Cristatum Fermented Okara as a Potential Food Ingredient to Combat Diabetes
Authors: Chan Li Yan , Takahashi Masaki , Lim Pei Jean , Aoyama Shinya , Makino Saneyuki , Ferdinandus Ferdinandus , Ng Shi Ya Clara , Arai Satoshi , Fujita Hideaki , Tan Hong Chang , Shibata Shigenobu , Lee Chi-Lik Ken
Published: November 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease, and dietary modification is a crucial part of disease management. Okara is a sustainable source of fibre-rich food. Most of the valorization research on okara focused more on the physical attributes instead of the possible health attributes. The fermentation of okara using microbes originated from food source, such as tea, sake, sufu and yoghurt, were explored here. The aim of this study is to investigate fermented okara as a functional food ingredient to reduce blood glucose levels. Fermented and non-fermented okara extracts were analyzed using the metabolomic approach with UHPLC-QTof-MSE. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the anthraquinones, emodin and physcion, served as potential markers and differentiated Eurotium cristatum fermented okara (ECO) over other choices of microbes. The in-vitro α-glucosidase activity assays and in-vivo mice studies showed that ECO can reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. A 20% ECO loading crispy snack prototype revealed a good nutrition composition and could serve as a fundamental formulation for future antidiabetes recipe development, strengthening the hypothesis that ECO can be used as a novel food ingredient for diabetic management.
Adverse effects of dasatinib on glucose-lipid metabolism in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia in the chronic phase
Authors: Yu Lu , Liu Jing , Huang Xiaojun , Jiang Qian
Published: November 2019

To explore the differences in glucose-lipid metabolism profiles among the 3 TKIs, we designed a retrospective study to compare the onset of hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyper-low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterolemia in the patients with normal baseline glucose-lipid profiles and had no medical record of cardio- or cerebro-vascular diseases and/or metabolic syndrome diseases, and identify variables associated with them. 370 chronic myeloid leukaemia patients receiving dasatinib, nilotinib or imatinib therapy ≥3 months were retrospectively reviewed. During TKI-therapy, the mean fasting glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels increased significantly in both dasatinib and nilotinib cohorts compared with the imatinib cohort. In multivariate analyses, dasatinib was the factor significantly associated with both poor hyperglycaemia- and hypertriglyceridemia-free survival. In addition, nilotinib was significantly associated with more occurrences of hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolemia; increasing age was significantly associated with more occurrences of hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridemia. We concluded that dasatinib, similar to nilotinib, has the adverse impact on glucose-lipid metabolism compared with imatinib.
Frontal theta-gamma ratio is a sensitive index of concussion history in athletes on tasks of visuo-motor control
Authors: Poltavski Dmitri , Bernhardt Kyle , Mark Christopher , Biberdorf David
Published: November 2019

Patients with mTBI often show deficits in executive function and changes in neural activity. Similar changes in those with a history of mTBI (i.e. concussion), however, have not been consistently reported. Frontal theta-to-gamma frequency ratio has shown promise in EEG research in predicting performance on working memory tasks. In the present study we explored the sensitivity of the frontal theta-to-gamma relative power spectral density (PSD) ratio to the history of concussion in 81 youth athletes (18 with a history of concussion, ages 13–18) during the tests of the Nike Sensory Training Station that vary in working memory and processing speed demands and motor output requirements. The results showed that the theta-to-gamma relative PSD ratio was significantly lower in the concussion history group on the tests of target capture, perception span and hand reaction time. A principle component analysis further indicated that this metric reflects an underlying dimension shared by several visuo-motor control tests of the Nike battery. The results suggested persistent deficits in psychomotor ability in the athletes with a history of concussion that may have implications for diagnosis, rehabilitation and athletic training.
Effects of SiO2 content on the nanomechanical properties of CoCrPt-SiO2 granular films
Authors: Zhang Youfeng , Shakil Ahmad , Wang Hongbo , Li Xinwei , Tang Huan , Polycarpou Andreas A.
Published: November 2019

CoCrPt material is used for perpendicular magnetic recording media due to its high magneto-crystalline anisotropy that brings good thermal stability on the media. The addition of SiO2between the CoCrPt grains offers benefits including lower noise and better thermal stability. It has been reported that the SiO2content has strong effects on the media’s recording performance such as coercivity, anisotropy and noise. In this work, we focus on studying the effects of the SiO2content on the nanomechanical properties of the media which are critical for the head-disk interface reliability. Variations of these properties with SiO2content provide guidelines for optimum designs considering both recording and mechanical interface performance.
Kinetics of alkoxysilanes hydrolysis: An empirical approach
Authors: Issa Ahmed A. , El-Azazy Marwa , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: November 2019

Alkoxysilanes and organoalkoxysilanes are primary materials in several industries, e.g. coating, anti-corrosion treatment, fabrication of stationary phase for chromatography, and coupling agents. The hydrolytic polycondensation reactions and final product can be controlled by adjusting the hydrolysis reaction, which was investigated under a variety of conditions, such as different alkoxysilanes, solvents, and catalysts by using gas chromatography. The hydrolysis rate of alkoxysilanes shows a dependence on the alkoxysilane structure (especially the organic attachments), solvent properties, and the catalyst dissociation constant and solubility. Some of the alkoxysilanes exhibit intramolecular catalysis. Hydrogen bonding plays an important role in the enhancement of the hydrolysis reaction, as well as the dipole moment of the alkoxysilanes, especially in acetonitrile. There is a relationship between the experimentally calculated polarity by the Taft equation and the reactivity, but it shows different responses depending on the solvent. It was found that negative and positive charges are respectively accumulated in the transition state in alkaline and acidic media. The reaction mechanisms are somewhat different from those previously suggested. Finally, it was found that enthalpy–entropy compensation (EEC) effect and isokinetic relationships (IKR) are exhibited during the hydrolysis of CTES in different solvents and catalysts; therefore, the reaction has a linear free energy relationship (LFER).
Titanium production by magnesium thermal reduction in the electroslag process
Authors: Platacis Ernests , Kaldre Imants , Blumbergs Ervīns , Goldšteins Linards , Serga Vera
Published: November 2019

Titanium is widely used in specific applications due to its high strength, low density and good chemical stability. Despite it is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust, it is very expensive, because production of pure metallic titanium is very complex. Kroll process is the way how most of the titanium is produced nowadays. Shortages of this process are that it is batch process and it is very energy exhaustive, because titanium sponge material after reduction reaction needs complex post processing to isolate pure titanium. In this work we describe and experimentally investigate technology for Ti production from titanium tetrachloride using combined Kroll and electroslag process. Such process allows to achieve better reaction product separation by molten slag and process can potentially be continuous, thus technological process to produce metallic titanium can be significantly shortened.
A new perspective on fungal metabolites: identification of bioactive compounds from fungi using zebrafish embryogenesis as read-out
Authors: Hoeksma Jelmer , Misset Tim , Wever Christie , Kemmink Johan , Kruijtzer John , Versluis Kees , Liskamp Rob M. J. , Boons Geert Jan , Heck Albert J. R. , Boekhout Teun , den Hertog Jeroen
Published: November 2019

There is a constant need for new therapeutic compounds. Fungi have proven to be an excellent, but underexplored source for biologically active compounds with therapeutic potential. Here, we combine mycology, embryology and chemistry by testing secondary metabolites from more than 10,000 species of fungi for biological activity using developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Zebrafish development is an excellent model for high-throughput screening. Development is rapid, multiple cell types are assessed simultaneously and embryos are available in high numbers. We found that 1,526 fungal strains produced secondary metabolites with biological activity in the zebrafish bioassay. The active compounds from 39 selected fungi were purified by liquid-liquid extraction and preparative HPLC. 34 compounds were identified by a combination of chemical analyses, including LCMS, UV-Vis spectroscopy/ spectrophotometry, high resolution mass spectrometry and NMR. Our results demonstrate that fungi express a wide variety of biologically active compounds, consisting of both known therapeutic compounds as well as relatively unexplored compounds. Understanding their biological activity in zebrafish may provide insight into underlying biological processes as well as mode of action. Together, this information may provide the first step towards lead compound development for therapeutic drug development.
Photocatalytic degradation kinetics of Orange G dye over ZnO and Ag/ZnO thin film catalysts
Authors: Tekin Derya , Tekin Taner , Kiziltas Hakan
Published: November 2019

The degradation of water pollutants with photocatalysts is one of the most studied subjects in the past 20 years. Although considerable studies have been completed in this field, kinetic model studies are still a major inadequacy. In this study, ZnO and Ag/ZnO thin film photocatalysts were synthesized and SEM-EDS, XRD and chronoamperometric measurements were used the characterization of photocatalysts. The network kinetic model was applied the photocatalytic degradation of Orange G using ZnO and Ag/ZnO thin film photocatalysts. The photocatalytic degradation of Orange G was investigated under the different reaction medium (initial dye concentrations, temperature, light intensity). It was found that the network kinetic model is the most appropriate model for the degradation of Orange G dye on the ZnO and Ag/ZnO thin film photocatalysts. The calculated adsorption equilibrium (KB) constant and activation energy of ZnO thin film photocatalyst are 0.0191 and 21.76 kj/mol, respectively. Additionally, the calculated values for Ag/ZnO thin film photocatalyst are 0.035 and 18.32 kj/mol. The general rate equations were determined for each photocatalysts.