bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drowsiness associated with a generic fixed‐dose glibenclamide/metformin combination tablet
Authors: Lim Phei Ching , Lim Shueh Lin , Khaw Chong Hui , Lim Yen Li , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Chong Chee Ping
Published: April 2019

Background

Currently, there is limited documentation on adverse reactions associated with generic fixed‐dose combination antidiabetic drugs.

Aim

The aim of this study was to report the incidental finding of drowsiness associated with brand substitution of a fixed‐dose glibenclamide/metformin combination tablet.

Methods

A prospective cross‐over study was conducted among 84 patients previously treated with a stable dose of 320 mg gliclazide coadministered with 2000 mg metformin. Patients were switched to two tablets twice daily of originator or generic fixed‐dose glibenclamide 2.5 mg/metformin 500 mg for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, patients who received originator fixed‐dose glibenclamide/metformin were switched to generic tablets, whereas patients who had received generic tablets were switched to originator tablets. Both groups were subsequently followed‐up for another 12 weeks.

Results

Six patients (7.14%) experienced drowsiness with generic fixed‐dose glibenclamide/metformin but not with the originator tablets. The patients complained of being unable to perform normal activities unless they had a nap. Blood glucose levels during these symptoms in four of the patients were between 8.3 and 9.4 mmol/L. There were no significant changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or HbA1c levels in any of the affected patients. One patient had a 9.3‐mmol/L decrease in FPG, but the HbA1c was still within the normal range.

Conclusion

The cases of drowsiness with generic fixed‐dose glibenclamide/metformin were unlikely to be associated with hypoglycaemia.
Knowledge, attitude and perception of Malaysian pharmacy students towards doping in sports
Authors: Chan Siew Yuen , Lim Ming Chiang , Shamsuddin Ahmad Fuad , Tuan Mahmood Tuan Mazlelaa
Published: April 2019

Background

Doping in sports has become an increasingly prominent issue worldwide. The use of various performance‐enhancing substances or methods can be detrimental to health.

Aim

The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge, attitude and perception of pharmacy students in Malaysia towards doping in sports.

Methods

This study was a cross‐sectional study. Final‐year pharmacy students studying in seven universities in Malaysia completed a self‐administered survey. The questionnaire collected demographic data, as well as information regarding students’ knowledge, attitude and perception of drugs in sport. For the students' knowledge, it was scored over the range 0–8, with higher scores indicating better knowledge.

Results

Overall, 273 respondents were included in the study. Most respondents were female, had a Cumulative Grade Points Average of 3.00–4.00, watched sports programs, played sports regularly and attended courses related to drugs in sport. Respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (median score of 5 ± 2). There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge between respondents who did and did not attend courses on drugs in sport (p < 0.01). Generally, respondents had negative attitudes towards statements on doping in sports. Respondents also had a good perception of the need to implement doping prevention initiatives.

Conclusion

Pharmacy students in Malaysia had a moderate level of knowledge of and negative attitudes and perceptions towards doping in sports despite not all of them being enrolled in drugs in sport courses. The pharmacy curriculum in Malaysia should incorporate courses on drugs in sport throughout undergraduate studies to better promote the development of this domain.
Pharmacological management of common lactation problems
Authors: Lebedevs Tamara , Kendrick Claire
Published: April 2019

The importance of breastfeeding is well recognised with benefits for both the mother and infant. Despite these benefits, women often cease breastfeeding prematurely after experiencing common problems such as breast and nipple pain or low breast milk supply in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Some mothers stop breastfeeding while taking medications to treat these conditions because of unfounded concern or inappropriate advice from healthcare providers. Most of these conditions can be managed without the need to stop breastfeeding. This review provides pharmacists with an understanding of common breastfeeding problems and outlines evidence‐based pharmacological management strategies for women experiencing these complications. All health professionals need to support mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they desire, and pharmacists have a unique role and a clear responsibility to provide up‐to‐date, evidence‐based information to empower breastfeeding mothers in their decision making to ensure breastfeeding is not stopped without good reason.
Raman spectroscopy study of the La‐modified (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.92Ba0.08TiO3 lead‐free ceramic system
Authors: Mendez‐González Y. , Peláiz‐Barranco A. , Curcio A.L. , Rodrigues A.D. , Guerra J.D.S.
Published: April 2019

A Raman spectroscopy study has been performed, at room temperature, on the (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.92Ba0.08‐3x/2LaxTiO3 lead‐free ceramic system (with x = 0, 1, 2, and 3 at.% La). The signature of the Raman spectra showed that the structural properties were noticeably affected by the La3+‐ions concentration, revealing the coexistence of two phases for the studied compositions. The structural properties showed the presence of both ferroelectric (P4mm) and antiferroelectric (P4bm) tetragonal phases for the undoped composition (x = 0). For the La3+‐modified ceramics, both antiferroelectric tetragonal (P4bm) and ferroelectric rhombohedral (R3c) phases coexist. The behavior of the vibrational modes below 200 cm−1 suggests a predominant substitution of the Na+ ion by La3+ at the dodecahedral site of the perovskite structure. The results revealed a decrease of the tetragonal phase weight percent with the increase of the lanthanum concentration.
IgG4‐related disease: Association with a rare gene variant expressed in cytotoxic T cells
Authors: Newman John H. , Shaver Aaron , Sheehan Jonathan H. , Mallal Simon , Stone John H. , Pillai Shiv , Bastarache Lisa , Riebau Derek , Allard‐Chamard Hugues , Stone William M. , Perugino Cory , Pilkinton Mark , Smith Scott A. , McDonnell Wyatt J. , Capra John A. , Meiler Jens , Cogan Joy , Xing Kelly , Mahajan Vinay S. , Mattoo Hamid , Hamid Rizwan , Phillips John A. ,   Undiagnosed Disease Network
Published: April 2019

Background

Family screening of a 48‐year‐old male with recently diagnosed IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) revealed unanticipated elevations in plasma IgG4 in his two healthy teenaged sons.

Methods

We performed gene sequencing, immune cell studies, HLA typing, and analyses of circulating cytotoxic CD4+ T lymphocytes and plasmablasts to seek clues to pathogenesis. DNA from a separate cohort of 99 patients with known IgG4‐RD was also sequenced for the presence of genetic variants in a specific gene, FGFBP2.

Results

The three share a previously unreported heterozygous single base deletion in fibroblast growth factor binding protein type 2 (FGFBP2), which causes a frameshift in the coding sequence. The FGFBP2 protein is secreted by cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes and binds fibroblast growth factor. The variant sequence in the FGFBP2 protein is predicted to form a disordered random coil rather than a helical‐turn‐helix structure, unable to adopt a stable conformation. The proband and the two sons had 5–10‐fold higher numbers of circulating cytotoxic CD4 + T cells and plasmablasts compared to matched controls. The three members also share a homozygous missense common variant in FGFBP2 found in heterozygous form in ~40% of the population. This common variant was found in 73% of an independent, well characterized IgG4‐RD cohort, showing enrichment in idiopathic IgG4‐RD.

Conclusions

The presence of a shared deleterious variant and homozygous common variant in FGFBP2 in the proband and sons strongly implicates this cytotoxic T cell product in the pathophysiology of IgG4‐RD. The high prevalence of a common FGFBP2 variant in sporadic IgG4‐RD supports the likelihood of participation in disease.
Dynamical study of fractional order differential equations of predator‐pest models
Authors: Mandal Dibyendu Sekhar , Sha Amar , Chattopadhyay Joydev
Published: April 2019

To explore the impact of pest‐control strategy through a fractional derivative, we consider three predator‐prey systems by simple modification of Rosenzweig‐MacArthur model. First, we consider fractional‐order Rosenzweig‐MacArthur model. Allee threshold phenomena into pest population is considered for the second case. Finally, we consider additional food to the predator and harvesting in prey population. The main objective of the present investigation is to observe which model is most suitable for the pest control. To achieve this goal, we perform the local stability analysis of the equilibrium points and observe the basic dynamical properties of all the systems. We observe fractional‐order system has the ability to stabilize Rosenzweig‐MacArthur model with low pest density from oscillatory state. In the numerical simulations, we focus on the bistable regions of the second and third model, and we also observe the effect of the fractional order α throughout the stability region of the system. For the third model, we observe a saddle‐node bifurcation due to the additional food and Allee effect to the pest densities. Also, we numerically plot two parameter bifurcation diagram with respect to the harvesting parameter and fractional order of the system. We finally conclude that fractional‐order Rosenzweig‐MacArthur model and the modified Rosenzweig‐MacArthur model with additional food for the predator and harvested pest population are more suitable models for the pest management.
Solving Challenges and Improving the Performance of Automotive Displays
Authors: Akhavan Tara , Yoo Hyunjin , Chubarau Andrei
Published: April 2019

As the number, size, and role of in‐vehicle screens expand, more dynamic content rendering is needed to ensure that drivers accurately perceive display information, regardless of lighting conditions or individual vision issues, according to IRYStec, a Canadian‐based start‐up that specializes in perceptual display processing technology. Here, Tara Akhavan, the company’s founder and chief technology officer, and her team present a software solution that they say can improve user experience exponentially.
A Review of Color Breakup Assessment for Field Sequential Color Display
Authors: Qin Zong , Zhang Yuning , Lin Fang‐Cheng , Huang Yi‐Pai , Shieh Han‐Ping D.
Published: April 2019

Assessing color breakup is a prevalent and intrinsic issue in field sequential color displays. Here, the authors review selected works on the topic, including studies on threshold display configurations for perceptible color breakup, metrics for special patterns, and metrics for natural images with varying contents.
ID Conversations
Authors: Donelan Jenny
Published: April 2019

A product of Jerusalem’s fast‐growing start‐up scene, Sixdof Space is poised to take its optical sensor technology commercial. Here, its CEO Mark Goldfarb reflects on the bumps the company encountered along the way and its strategy for the future.
Facile Preparation and Properties of Crosslinked Copolyether Elastomers with 1,2,3‐Triazole and Urethane Subunit via Click Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Ning , Mo Hongchang , Lu Xianming , Wang Yao , Xu Minghui , Shu Yuanjie
Published: April 2019

An azide terminated ethylene oxide‐tetrahydrofuran copolymer with urethane segments (ATUPET) as a novel binder pre‐polymer, has been prepared through ethylene oxide‐tetrahydrofuran random copolymer (PET) end‐capping modification via one‐pot method. The structure characterization of the modifier has been analyzed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GPC. In comparison with PET, ATUPET has a slightly higher viscosity because it has additional hydrogen bonding interaction generated by the urethane in ATUPET. Triazole cross‐linked elastomers based on ATUPET with various functional molar ratios were prepared using tripropargylamine as a curing agent and cross‐linker. Mechanical properties indicate that the modulus E and tensile strength σb exhibit a parabolic dependence with the increase in R. At around the stoichiometric ratio, the modulus E and tensile strength σb reach a maximum and the elongation at break exhibit an acceptable value at the same time. Swelling tests demonstrate that the apparent cross‐linking densities (N0) have a maximum value at the stoichiometric ratio. Thermal analysis shows that the ATUPET prepolymer and its polytriazoles elastomers exhibit a satisfactory stability. The results demonstrated that ATUPET might be a promising polymeric binder for future propellant formulations especially in the field of isocyanate‐free curing technology.
Digital vs face‐to‐face information provision in patient counselling for prenatal screening: A noninferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Leeuw Robert Adrianus , van der Horst Sabine Fiona Bianca , de Soet Anneloes Maaike , van Hensbergen Jeroen Patrick , Bakker Petra Cornelia Afra Maria , Westerman Michiel , de Groot Christianne Johanna Maria , Scheele Fedde
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate face‐to‐face information provision in patient counselling for prenatal screening compared with two forms of digital information provision, namely, noninteractive instructional video or interactive video.

Method

We performed a prospective, noninferiority, cluster‐randomized controlled trial comparing face‐to‐face (usual care) with two forms of digital information provision (intervention) in counselling for prenatal screening. This study was performed in the Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands, in 2017, and included women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Main outcomes were knowledge gained by the patient and counselling duration. We performed a noninferiority analysis.

Results

One hundred forty‐one women were included, randomized, and analysed. The baseline characteristics were comparable. The intervention group was noninferior compared with the control group regarding the level of satisfaction. The knowledge grade difference was higher after using intervention, and the duration was significantly longer in the face‐to‐face group at 23 minutes versus 16 minutes. The addition of interaction with the video made no difference in any of the outcomes.

Conclusion

Adding an instructional video to patient counselling is of added value to improve patient's knowledge and shorten time consumption of the counsellor, therefore possibly saving costs. But this form of counselling maintains the same level of satisfaction.
Classification and characteristics of on‐label and off‐label apixaban use in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Vinter Nicklas , Linder Marie , Andersen Morten , Pedersen Alma B. , Madsen Morten , Schachterle Stephen E. , Ataher Quazi , Mo Jingping , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Ehrenstein Vera
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To estimate the proportion of apixaban users who received the drug for on‐label indications and characterise the patients using apixaban for on‐label and off‐label indications.

Methods

We report results from two independently conducted studies in Denmark and Sweden, with 19,709 Danish and 17,592 Swedish patients, who received at least one outpatient dispensing of apixaban as identified through nationwide prescription registries. Indications, inferred from inpatient and hospital diagnoses recorded at the initial apixaban dispensing, were classified as on‐label, off‐label, or unclassified according to the Summary of Product Characteristics. All diagnoses were retrieved using inpatient or outpatient hospital diagnoses at the first outpatient dispensing during the study period.

Results

Men comprised 52% of the users in both Denmark and Sweden. The median age was 76 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 68‐83 years) among Danish patients and 74 years (IQR: 67‐82 years) among Swedish patients. An on‐label indication could be assigned to 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.1%‐83.1%) of the Danish patients and 86.4% (95% CI: 85.9%‐86.9%) of the Swedish patients. The main on‐label indication for apixaban was non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), which accounted for 76.1% of the indications in Denmark and 69.1% of the indications in Sweden. Off‐label indications were assigned to 10.8% (95% CI: 10.3‐11.2) of the Danish patients (main indication possible mechanical heart valve) and 7.7% (95% CI: 7.3‐8.1) of the Swedish patients (main indication off‐label atrial fibrillation).

Conclusion

The majority of apixaban initiators in Denmark and Sweden received apixaban for an on‐label indication, primarily for NVAF.
Multifunctional Gelatin Nanoparticle Integrated Microchip for Enhanced Capture, Release, and Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Wei Xiaoyun , Chen Keke , Wang Zixiang , Huang Ben , Wang Yuan , Yu Mingxia , Liu Wei , Guo Shi‐shang , Zhao Xing‐Zhong
Published: April 2019

Detection of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients has an important effect on clinical cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Here, an integrated microfluidic chip for efficient isolation and downstream analysis of CTCs is developed. This new designed platform, gelatin nanoparticle (GNP) integrated microchip, combines a series of curved herringbone structures, which generate enhanced interactions between CTCs and the immunomodified channel surface, with multifunctional GNP based nanostructured surface, which not only provide more binding sites for antibodies and targets and avoid nonspecific absorption of blood cells due to its electronegative surface charge, but also enable viable cell release under a mild enzymatic treatment. The chip allows cell isolation with ≈85% capture yield and ≈90% release efficiency using spiked cell samples. Results demonstrate that the released cancer cells maintain good viability and proliferation ability. Furthermore, the microchip is successfully applied to capture noninvasive release and genetically analyze CTCs from clinical cancer patients. The proposed platform may provide a potential in clinics.
“The more you did, the more it made sense”: Problem‐based learning to improve early evidence‐based practice in an undergraduate physiotherapy professional programme
Authors: Lennon Olive , Phelan Deirdre , Wallace Deborah , King Justin , Barrett Terry
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose

Evidence‐based practice (EBP), which integrates clinical reasoning skills, research evidence, and patient preference, has become standard in curricula for health care professional programs. Students however perceive EBP as difficult and often irrelevant to clinical practice.

Methods

A problem‐based learning (PBL) approach is trialled in an early stage module where EBP knowledge and skills are stated learning outcomes. Prior to this, the content‐based approach to EBP teaching and learning received negative student feedback. The impact of delivering EBP through PBL is evaluated by comparing 5 standard Likert feedback scales and open‐ended question responses relating to the EBP instruction in the module before and after a PBL approach was implemented. The impact of a PBL approach on EBP profiles is further examined under domains (relevance, sympathy, terminology, practice, and confidence) of the validated Evidence‐based Practice Profile Questionnaire.

Results

All mean Likert scores relating to subject understanding, relevance of assessments, achievement of learning outcomes, teaching, and overall module satisfaction improved when the PBL approach was compared with the lecture‐based format (p < 0.05). Student comment post‐PBL continued to identify EBP as a difficult concept, but now comments on the teaching and assessment approach were mainly positive, addressing the collaborative nature of PBL, identifying EBP, communication and team‐working skills acquired, praising the real life, practical application of EBP taken, and commenting on improvement in EBP self‐efficacy. Within group change in the Evidence‐based Practice Profile Questionnaire following a PBL approach identified significant improvement in EBP domains of terminology (mean change 3.38; p < 0.001); practice (mean change 16.5; p < 0.001), and confidence (mean change 10.1; p = 0.008). Conceptual links, based on constructivist underpinnings of PBL and EBP, are developed in the paper.

Conclusions

Using mixed methods evaluation, PBL is effective at promoting early EBP. Students identified with the interactive, collaborative, and experiential nature of PBL to EBP instruction.
Atg2: A novel phospholipid transfer protein that mediates de novo autophagosome biogenesis
Authors: Osawa Takuo , Noda Nobuo N.
Published: April 2019

The degradation of cytoplasmic components via autophagy is crucial for intracellular homeostasis. In the process of autophagy, a newly synthesized isolation membrane (IM) is developed to sequester degradation targets and eventually the IM seals, forming an autophagosome. One of the most poorly understood autophagy‐related proteins is Atg2, which is known to localize to a contact site between the edge of the expanding IM and the exit site of the endoplasmic reticulum (ERES). Recent advances in structural and biochemical analyses have been applied to Atg2 and have revealed it to be a novel multifunctional protein that tethers membranes and transfers phospholipids between them. Considering that Atg2 is essential for the expansion of the IM that requires phospholipids as building blocks, it is suggested that Atg2 transfers phospholipids from the ERES to the IM during the process of autophagosome formation, suggesting that lipid transfer proteins can mediate de novo organelle biogenesis.
The structural and biochemical impacts of monomerizing human acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Bester Stephanie M. , Adipietro Kaylin A. , Funk Vanessa L. , Myslinski James M. , Keul Nicholas D. , Cheung Jonah , Wilder Paul T. , Wood Zachary A. , Weber David J. , Height Jude J. , Pegan Scott D.
Published: April 2019

Serving a critical role in neurotransmission, human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) is the target of organophosphate nerve agents. Hence, there is an active interest in studying the mechanism of inhibition and recovery of enzymatic activity, which could lead to better countermeasures against nerve agents. As hAChE is found in different oligomeric assemblies, certain approaches to studying it have been problematic. Herein, we examine the biochemical and structural impact of monomerizing hAChE by using two mutations: L380R/F535K. The activities of monomeric hAChE L380R/F535K and dimeric hAChE were determined to be comparable utilizing a modified Ellman's assay. To investigate the influence of subunit–subunit interactions on the structure of hAChE, a 2.1 Å X‐ray crystallographic structure was determined. Apart from minor shifts along the dimer interface, the overall structure of the hAChE L380R/F535K mutant is similar to that of dimeric hAChE. To probe whether the plasticity of the active site was overtly impacted by monomerizing hAChE, the kinetic constants of (PR/S) − VX (ethyl({2‐[bis(propan‐2‐yl)amino]ethyl}sulfanyl)(methyl)phosphinate) inhibition and subsequent rescue of hAChE L380R/F535K activity with HI‐6 (1‐(2′‐hydroxyiminomethyl‐1′‐pyridinium)‐3‐(4′‐carbamoyl‐1‐pyridinium)) were determined and found to be comparable to those of dimeric hAChE. Thus, hAChE L380R/F535K could be used as a substitute for dimeric hAChE when experimentally probing the ability of the hAChE active site to accommodate future nerve agent threats or judge the ability of new therapeutics to access the active site.
Sequential measurement of δ15N, δ13C and δ34S values in archaeological bone collagen at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC): A new analytical frontier
Authors: Sayle Kerry L. , Brodie Christopher R. , Cook Gordon T. , Hamilton W. Derek
Published: April 2019

Rationale

The use of multi‐isotopic analysis (δ15N, δ13C and δ34S values) of archaeological bone collagen to assist in the interpretation of diet, movement and mobility of prehistoric populations is gradually increasing, yet many researchers have traditionally avoided investigating sulphur due to its very low concentrations (<0.3%) in mammalian collagen. For this reason, and as a consequence of analytical detection limits, sulphur is usually measured separately from carbon and nitrogen, which leads to longer analytical times and higher costs.

Methods

A Thermo Scientific™ EA IsoLink™ isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) system, with the ability to rapidly heat a gas chromatography (GC) column and concentrate the sample gas online without cryo‐trapping, was used at the Radiocarbon Laboratory at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC). Optimisation of the GC temperature and carrier gas flow rate in the elemental analyser resulted in improved signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio and sensitivity for SO2. This allowed for routine sequential N2, CO2 and SO2 measurements on small samples of bone collagen.

Results

Improvements in sample gas transfer to the mass spectrometer allows for sequential δ15N, δ13C and δ34S values to be measured in 1–1.5 mg samples of bone collagen. Moreover, the sensitivity and S/N ratio of the sample gas, especially SO2, is improved, resulting in precisions of ±0.15‰ for δ15N values, ±0.1‰ for δ13C values and ±0.3‰ for δ34S values. Previous instrumentation allowed for the analysis of ~30 unknown samples before undertaking maintenance; however, ~150 unknown samples can now be measured, meaning a 5‐fold increase in sample throughput.

Conclusions

The ability to sequentially measure δ15N, δ13C and δ34S values rapidly in archaeological bone collagen is an attractive option to researchers who want to build larger, more succinct datasets for their sites of interest, at a much‐reduced analytical cost and without destroying larger quantities of archaeological material.
Calibrating temperature reconstructions from fish otolith oxygen isotope analysis for California's critically endangered Delta Smelt
Authors: Willmes Malte , Lewis Levi S. , Davis Brittany E. , Loiselle Liane , James Hannah F. , Denny Christian , Baxter Randall , Conrad J. Louise , Fangue Nann A. , Hung Tien‐Chieh , Armstrong Richard A. , Williams Ian S. , Holden Peter , Hobbs James A.
Published: April 2019

Rationale

Oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O values) of fish otoliths (ear bones) are valuable geochemical tracers of water conditions and thermal life history. Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) are osmerid forage fish endemic to the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA, that are on the verge of extinction. These fish exhibit a complex life history that allows them to survive in a dynamic estuarine environment; however, a rapidly warming climate threatens this thermally sensitive species. Here we quantify the accuracy and precision of using δ18O values in otoliths to reconstruct the thermal life histories of Delta Smelt.

Methods

Delta Smelt were reared for 360 days using three different water sources with different ambient δ18Owatervalues (−8.75‰, −5.28‰, and −4.06‰) and different water temperatures (16.4°C, 16.7°C, 18.7°C, and 20.5°C). Samples were collected after 170 days (n = 28) and 360 days (n = 14) post‐hatch.In situδ18O values were measured from the core of the otolith to the dorsal edge using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to reconstruct temporally resolved thermal life histories.

Results

The δ18Ootolithvalues for Delta Smelt varied as a linear inverse function of water temperature:1000 ln α = 18.39 (±0.43, 1SE)(103TK−1) − 34.56 (±1.49, 1SE)andδ18Ootolith(VPDB) − δ18Owater (VPDB) = 31.34(±0.09, 1SE) − 0.19(±0.01, 1SE) × T ° C. When the ambient δ18Owatervalue is known, this species‐specific temperature‐dependent oxygen isotope fractionation model facilitated the accurate (0.25°C) and precise (±0.37°C, 2σ) reconstruction of the water temperature experienced by the fish. In contrast, the use of existing general fractionation equations resulted in inaccurate temperature reconstructions.

Conclusions

The species‐specific δ18Ootolithfractionation equation allowed for accurate and precise reconstructions of water temperatures experienced by Delta Smelt. Characterization of ambient δ18Owatervalues remains a critical next step for reconstructing thermal life histories of wild Delta Smelt. This tool will provide new insights into habitat utilization, potential thermal refugia, and resilience to future warming for this critically endangered fish.
Reproductive neuroendocrinology of mammalian gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone
Authors: Ubuka Takayoshi , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2019

Background

Gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was discovered in the Japanese quail brain in 2000 as a hypothalamic neuropeptide that suppresses luteinizing hormone release from cultured quail anterior pituitary.

Methods

The authors investigated the existence of mammalian orthologous peptides to GnIH and their physiological functions in the following 19 years of research.

Main findings

Mammals have orthologous peptide to GnIH, often described RFamide‐related peptide, expressed in the hypothalamus and gonads. Mammalian GnIH may also suppress gonadotropin synthesis and release by suppressing gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis and release in addition to directly suppressing gonadotropin synthesis and release from the pituitary. Mammalian GnIH may also suppress kisspeptin, a stimulator of GnRH, release. Mammalian GnIH is also expressed in the testis and ovary and suppresses gametogenesis and sex steroid production acting in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Thus, mammalian GnIH may act at all levels of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis to suppress reproduction. GnIH may be involved in the regulation of puberty, estrous or menstrual cycle, seasonal reproduction, and stress responses.

Conclusion

Studies suggest that mammalian GnIH is an important neuroendocrine suppressor of reproduction in mammals.
Sensor cascading fault estimation and control for hypersonic flight vehicles based on a multidimensional generalized observer
Authors: Chen Fuyang , Jiang Gengqian , Wen Changyun
Published: April 2019

This study presents a sensor cascading fault estimation and fault‐tolerant control (FTC) for a nonlinear Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model of hypersonic flight vehicles. Sensor cascading faults indicate the occurrence of source fault will cause another fault and the interval between them is really short, which makes it difficult to handle them in succession. A novel multidimensional generalized observer is used to estimate faults by integrating constant offset and time‐varying gain faults. Then, a fault‐tolerant controller is used to solve system nonlinearity and sensor fault problems. The observer and controller satisfy the performance index and are robust to external disturbances. A sufficient condition for the existence of observer and controller is derived on the basis of Lyapunov theory. Simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed fault estimation and FTC scheme.
Nonlinear bilateral teleoperators under event‐driven communication with constant time delays
Authors: Liu Yen‐Chen , Hu Shin‐Chen
Published: April 2019

Bilateral teleoperation systems provide a platform for human operators to remotely manipulate slave robots in engaging various tasks in remote environments. Most of the previous studies in bilateral teleoperation were developed under continuous transmission or periodic communication with fixed data exchanging rates. This paper presents control schemes for bilateral teleoperation systems using nonperiodic event‐driven communication. By using P‐like and PD‐like controllers, this study proposes triggering conditions for teleoperators to reduce network access frequency so that robots only transmit output signals when necessary. Stability and position tracking of the control system are studied, and nonzero minimum interevent time is guaranteed. The proposed event‐driven teleoperation is studied with a velocity estimator to avoid the requirement of velocity information in the controller and triggering condition. Without velocity measurements, the boundedness of tracking errors and stability are ensured for teleoperation systems under event‐driven communication. Simulations and experiments are illustrated to validate the performance of the proposed event‐driven teleoperation systems.
Take steps to manage conduct, risks connected to tailgating on game days
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2019

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — University of Mississippi football games have always gone hand‐in‐hand with large tailgating parties.
Alternatives to Cryogenic Distillation: Advanced Porous Materials in Adsorptive Light Olefin/Paraffin Separations
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Peh Shing Bo , Zhao Dan
Published: April 2019

As primary feedstocks in the petrochemical industry, light olefins such as ethylene and propylene are mainly obtained from steam cracking of naphtha and short chain alkanes (ethane and propane). Due to their similar physical properties, the separations of olefins and paraffins—pivotal processes to meet the olefin purity requirement of downstream processing—are typically performed by highly energy‐intensive cryogenic distillation at low temperatures and high pressures. To reduce the energy input and save costs, adsorptive olefin/paraffin separations have been proposed as promising techniques to complement or even replace cryogenic distillation, and growing efforts have been devoted to developing advanced adsorbents to fulfill this challenging task. In this Review, a holistic view of olefin/paraffin separations is first provided by summarizing how different processes have been established to leverage the differences between olefins and paraffins for effective separations. Subsequently, recent advances in the development of porous materials for adsorptive olefin/paraffin separations are highlighted with an emphasis on different separation mechanisms. Last, a perspective on possible directions to push the limit of the research in this field is presented.
Monitoring Nanocrystal Self‐Assembly in Real Time Using In Situ Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Lokteva Irina , Koof Michael , Walther Michael , Grübel Gerhard , Lehmkühler Felix
Published: April 2019

Self‐assembled nanocrystal superlattices have attracted large scientific attention due to their potential technological applications. However, the nucleation and growth mechanisms of superlattice assemblies remain largely unresolved due to experimental difficulties to monitor intermediate states. Here, the self‐assembly of colloidal PbS nanocrystals is studied in real time by a combination of controlled solvent evaporation from the bulk solution and in situ small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) in transmission geometry. For the first time for the investigated system a hexagonal closed‐packed (hcp) superlattice formed in a solvent vapor saturated atmosphere is observed during slow solvent evaporation from a colloidal suspension. The highly ordered hcp superlattice is followed by a transition into the final body‐centered cubic superlattice upon complete drying. Additionally, X‐ray cross‐correlation analysis of Bragg reflections is applied to access information on precursor structures in the assembly process, which is not evident from conventional SAXS analysis. The detailed evolution of the crystal structure with time provides key results for understanding the assembly mechanism and the role of ligand–solvent interactions, which is important both for fundamental research and for fabrication of superlattices with desired properties.
Value co‐creation between foreign firms and indigenous small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kazakhstan's oil and gas industry: The role of information technology spillovers
Authors: Heim Irina , Kalyuzhnova Yelena , Li Weizi , Liu Kecheng
Published: April 2019

Study related to the extractive sector still plays a limited role in the mainstream international business (IB) and management literature, with even less focus on ongoing liberalization and digitalization in the industry. This article was motivated by the question of how collaboration between foreign and indigenous oil and gas (O&G) companies can support small‐sized and medium‐sized indigenous technological development. The main contribution of this article is the development of a model that explains how different actors can cocreate value in the ecosystem of the O&G industry through digital technologies. A three‐stage qualitative–interpretive method based on interviews with industry experts was adopted to build three vignette case studies. This article proposes what companies and the government could do to increase the competitiveness of the local economy, diversify from O&G into high technological industries, and support industrial development through information and communication technologies (ICT).
Methods for the study of innate immunity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Troha Katia , Buchon Nicolas
Published: April 2019

From flies to humans, many components of the innate immune system have been conserved during metazoan evolution. This foundational observation has allowed us to develop Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, into a powerful model to study innate immunity in animals. Thanks to an ever‐growing arsenal of genetic tools, an easily manipulated genome, and its winning disposition, Drosophila is now employed to study not only basic molecular mechanisms of pathogen recognition and immune signaling, but also the nature of physiological responses activated in the host by microbial challenge and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to disease. Here, we present a collection of methods and protocols to challenge the fly with an assortment of microbes, both systemically and orally, and assess its humoral, cellular, and epithelial response to infection. Our review covers techniques for measuring the reaction to microbial infection both qualitatively and quantitatively. Specifically, we describe survival, bacterial load, BLUD (a measure of disease tolerance), phagocytosis, melanization, clotting, and ROS production assays, as well as efficient protocols to collect hemolymph and measure immune gene expression. We also offer an updated catalog of online resources and a collection of popular reporter lines and mutants to facilitate research efforts.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes
National Performance-Based Research Funding Systems: Constructing Local Perceptions of Research?
Authors: Söderlind Johan , Berg Laila Nordstrand , Lind Jonas Krog , Pulkkinen Kirsi
Published: April 2019

In recent years, performance-based research funding systems (PRFSs) have been introduced in all of the Nordic countries. In this chapter, we compare these systems and explore how their introduction is reflected within universities. Through interviews with academics, managers and administrators, we study how the performance measures of these systems are used at the university level and how that affects research activities. The results indicate that the introduction of PRFSs at the national level have had significant effects at the institutional level. The PRFSs contribute to the institutionalisation and consolidation of research metrics as the main way to describe research performances, and thus as the organising principles of research. Differences are also noted between the countries in the reactions of the university actors, which are believed to be a consequence of the variations of the PRFSs.
External Research Funding and Authority Relations
Authors: Lind Jonas Krog , Hernes Helge , Pulkkinen Kirsi , Söderlind Johan
Published: April 2019

This chapter analyses how the increasing external research project funding has affected the authority over research for managers and researchers in Nordic universities. Drawing on both the qualitative and quantitative data from the FINNUT project, the chapter uses institutional theory to investigate how authority relations between managers and researcher unfold by focusing on the themescontent,time, andpeople. For researchers, the increasing external funding has resulted in some reduction of the authority over research. However, researchers do employ a range of defence mechanisms in order to protect their research freedom. For managers, the results are ambiguous since, on the one hand, their authority over the content and direction of research in their units are limited due to external funding, while, on the other hand, the pressure in general to secure external funding has spurred abudget-maximisationlogic which has helped legitimise a range of managerial control techniques intended to pressure researchers to obtain more external funding.
T-branes and defects
Authors: Marchesano Fernando , Savelli Raffaele , Schwieger Sebastian
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We study T-branes on compact Kähler surfaces, in the presence of fields localised at curves. If such fields are treated as defects, their vevs induce delta-function sources for the 7-brane background, possibly leading to profiles with poles. We find that the presence of defect sources relaxes the constraints on globally well-defined T-brane configurations, avoiding the obstruction to building them on surfaces of positive curvature. Profiles with poles can be understood, from a 4d viewpoint, as non-trivial vevs for massive modes induced by the defects, and come with their own set of constraints. In the special case of fields localised on a self-intersection curve, we show how to retrieve the Hitchin system with defects from an ordinary global one with enhanced symmetry.
Natives’ Attitudes and Immigrants’ Unemployment Durations
Authors: Keita Sekou , Valette Jérôme
Published: April 2019

In this study, we investigate how the attitude of natives—defined as the perceived trustworthiness of citizens from different countries—affects immigrants’ labor market outcomes in Germany. Evidence in the literature suggests that barriers to economic assimilation might be higher for some groups of immigrants, but the role of natives’ heterogeneous attitudes toward immigrants from different countries of origin has received little attention. Using individual-level panel data from the German Socio-Economic Panel covering the years 1984 to 2014, we apply survival analysis methods to model immigrants’ unemployment durations. We find that lower levels of trust expressed by natives toward the citizens of a given country, measured using Eurobarometer surveys, are associated with increased unemployment durations for immigrants from this country. We show that this result is not driven by origin-specific unobserved heterogeneity and that it is robust to different specifications and alternative explanations.
Application of advanced brain positron emission tomography–based molecular imaging for a biological framework in neurodegenerative proteinopathies
Authors: Perani Daniela , Iaccarino Leonardo , Jacobs Andreas H. ,   IMBI Brain Imaging Working Group, Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Nordberg Agneta , Windhorst Albert D. , Gerhard Alexander , Winkeler Alexandra , Jacobs Andreas H. , Gee Anthony , Kuhnast Bertrand , Halldin Christer , Perani Daniela , Brooks David , Rodriguez‐Vieitez Elena , Turkheimer Federico E. , López‐Picón Francisco , Knudsen Gitte M. , Vercouillie Johnny , Rinne Juha O. , Herholz Karl , Van Laere Koen , Varrone Andrea , Santiago‐Ribeiro Marie Joao , Herth Matthias M. , Carroll Michael A. , Chalon Sylvie , Bottlaender Michel , Hansson Oskar , Edison Paul , Hinz Rainer , Boellaard Ronald , Moresco Rosa Maria , Pappata Sabina
Published: April 2019

Introduction

A rapid transition from a clinical‐based classification to a pathology‐based classification of neurodegenerative conditions, largely promoted by the increasing availability of imaging biomarkers, is emerging. The Framework for Innovative Multi‐tracer molecular Brain Imaging, funded by the EU Joint Program ‐ Neurodegenerative Disease Research 2016 “Working Groups for Harmonisation and Alignment in Brain Imaging Methods for Neurodegeneration,” aimed at providing a roadmap for the applications of established and new molecular imaging techniques in dementia.

Methods

We consider current and future implications of adopting a pathology‐based framework for the use and development of positron emission tomography techniques.

Results

This approach will enhance efforts to understand the multifactorial etiology of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Discussion

The availability of pathology biomarkers will soon transform clinical and research practice. Crucially, a comprehensive understanding of strengths and caveats of these techniques will promote an informed use to take full advantage of these tools.
Ricoeur on Truth in Religious Discourse: A Reclamation
Authors: Casey Patrick J.
Published: April 2019

The fields of comparative theology and interreligious dialogue have largely presupposed the possibility of interreligious learning, but there have been few attempts to provide a philosophical framework for such learning. Utilizing the philosophical hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur, I argue that evaluations of religious truth should be understood holistically and contextually. In interreligious engagements, tensions are created in and questions are raised for one's own worldview. If one proceeds to imaginatively enter into another's worldview and finds resources there that enable one to alleviate those tensions and answer those questions, as well as make sense of one's reality in a broad way, then one may properly deem such beliefs to be true. Interreligious learning is thus construed as the recognition of truth that enables one to productively orient oneself to reality. The result is a provisional philosophical framework for understanding religious truth and interreligious learning.
Beryllium-10 dating of the Foothills Erratics Train in Alberta, Canada, indicates detachment of the Laurentide Ice Sheet from the Rocky Mountains at ~15 ka
Authors: Margold Martin , Gosse John C. , Hidy Alan J. , Woywitka Robin J. , Young Joseph M. , Froese Duane
Published: April 2019

The Foothills Erratics Train consists of large quartzite blocks of Rocky Mountains origin deposited on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Foothills in Alberta between ~53.5°N and 49°N. The blocks were deposited in their present locations when the western margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) detached from the local ice masses of the Rocky Mountains, which initiated the opening of the southern end of the ice-free corridor between the Cordilleran Ice Sheet and the LIS. We use10Be exposure dating to constrain the beginning of this decoupling. Based on a group of 12 samples well-clustered in time, we date the detachment of the western LIS margin from the Rocky Mountain front to ~14.9 ± 0.9 ka. This is ~1000 years later than previously assumed, but a lack of a latitudinal trend in the ages over a distance of ~500 km is consistent with the rapid opening of a long wedge of unglaciated terrain portrayed in existing ice-retreat reconstructions. A later separation of the western LIS margin from the mountain front implies higher ice margin–retreat rates in order to meet the Younger Dryas ice margin position near the boundary of the Canadian Shield ~2000 years later.
Neural networks: from image recognition to tokamak plasma tomography
Authors: Jardin Axel , Bielecki Jakub , Mazon Didier , Dankowski Jan , Król Krzysztof , Peysson Yves , Scholz Marek
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the possibility of using neural networks for fast tomographic reconstructions of tokamak plasma soft X-ray (SXR) emissivity is investigated. Indeed, the radiative cooling of heavy impurities like tungsten could be detrimental for the plasma core performances of ITER, thus developing robust and fast SXR diagnostic tools is a crucial issue to monitor the impurities and to mitigate in real-time their central accumulation. As preliminary work, a database of emissivity phantoms with associated synthetic measurements is used to train the neural network to solve the inversion problem. The inversion method, training process, and first tomographic reconstructions are presented with the perspectives about our future work.