bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A remarkably simple theory of 3d massive gravity
Authors: Geiller Marc , Noui Karim
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We propose and study a new action for three-dimensional massive gravity. This action takes a very simple form when written in terms of connection and triad variables, but the connection can also be integrated out to obtain a triad formulation. The quadratic action for the perturbations around a Minkowski background reproduces the action of self-dual massive gravity, in agreement with the expectation that the theory propagates a massive graviton. We confirm this result at the non-linear level with a Hamiltonian analysis, and show that this new theory does indeed possess a single massive degree of freedom. The action depends on four coupling constants, and we identify the various massive and topological (or massless) limits in the space of parameters. This richness, along with the simplicity of the action, opens a very interesting new window onto massive gravity.
The Meta VCI Map consortium for meta‐analyses on strategic lesion locations for vascular cognitive impairment using lesion‐symptom mapping: Design and multicenter pilot study
Authors: Weaver Nick A. , Zhao Lei , Biesbroek J. Matthijs , Kuijf Hugo J. , Aben Hugo P. , Bae Hee‐Joon , Caballero Miguel Á.A. , Chappell Francesca M. , Chen Christopher P.L.H. , Dichgans Martin , Duering Marco , Georgakis Marios K. , van der Giessen Ruben S. , Gyanwali Bibek , Hamilton Olivia K.L. , Hilal Saima , vom Hofe Elise M. , de Kort Paul L.M. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Lam Bonnie Y.K. , Lim Jae‐Sung , Makin Stephen D.J. , Mok Vincent C.T. , Shi Lin , Valdés Hernández Maria C. , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Wollenweber Frank A. , Wong Adrian , Xin Xu ,   Meta VCI Map consortium, DeCarli C. , Fletcher E.A. , Maillard P. , Barnes J. , Sudre C.H. , Schott J.M. , Ikram M.A. , Papma J.M. , Steketee R.M.E. , Vernooij M.W. , Bordet R. , Lopes R. , Huang C.‐W. , Frayne R. , McCreary C.R. , Smith E.E. ,   Calgary Normative Study group, Backes W. , Köhler S. , van Oostenbrugge R.J. , Staals J. , Verhey F. , Cheng C.Y. , Kalaria R.N. , Werring D. , Hsu J.L. , Huang K.‐L. , van der Grond J. , Jukema J.W. , van der Mast R.C. , Nijboer T.C.W. ,   Framingham Heart Study group, Yu K.‐H. ,   The Dutch Parelsnoer Institute – Neurodegenerative diseases group, Schmidt R. , Pirpamer L. , MacIntosh B.J. , Robertson A.D. , de Leeuw F.‐E. , Tuladhar A.M. , Chaturvedi N. , Tillin T. , Brodaty H. , Sachdev P. ,   TABASCO group, Barkhof F. , van der Flier W.M. , Kappelle L.J. , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The Meta VCI Map consortium performs meta‐analyses on strategic lesion locations for vascular cognitive impairment using lesion‐symptom mapping. Integration of data from different cohorts will increase sample sizes, to improve brain lesion coverage and support comprehensive lesion‐symptom mapping studies.

Methods

Cohorts with available imaging on white matter hyperintensities or infarcts and cognitive testing were invited. We performed a pilot study to test the feasibility of multicenter data processing and analysis and determine the benefits to lesion coverage.

Results

Forty‐seven groups have joined Meta VCI Map (stroke n = 7800 patients; memory clinic n = 4900; population‐based n = 14,400). The pilot study (six ischemic stroke cohorts, n = 878) demonstrated feasibility of multicenter data integration (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) and achieved marked improvement of lesion coverage.

Discussion

Meta VCI Map will provide new insights into the relevance of vascular lesion location for cognitive dysfunction. After the successful pilot study, further projects are being prepared. Other investigators are welcome to join.
The state of framework development for implementing reasoning mechanisms in smart cyber-physical systems: A literature review
Authors: Tepjit Sirasak , Horváth Imre , Rusák Zoltán
Published: April 2019

Smart CPSs (S-CPSs) have been evolving beyond what was identified by the traditional definitions of CPSs. The objective of our research is to investigate the concepts and implementations of reasoning processes for S-CPSs, and more specifically, the frameworks proposed for the fuzzy front end of their reasoning mechanisms. The objectives of the paper are: (i) to analyze the framework concepts and implementations of CPS, (ii) to review the literature concerning system-level reasoning and its enablers from the points of view of the processed knowledge, building awareness, reasoning mechanisms, decision making, and adaptation. Our findings are: (i) awareness and adaptation behaviors are considered as system-level smartness of S-CPSs that are not achieved by traditional design approaches; (ii) model-based and composability approaches insufficiently support the development of reasoning mechanisms for S-CPSs; (iii) frameworks for development of reasoning in S-CPS should support compositional design. Based on the conclusions above, we argue that coping with the challenges of compositionality requires both software-level integration and holistic fusion of knowledge by means of semantic transformations. This entails the need for a multi aspect framework that is able to capture at least conceptual, functional, architectural, informational, interoperation, and behavioral aspects. It needs further investigation if a compositionality enabling framework should appear in the form of a meta-framework (abstract) or in the form of a semantically integrated (concrete) framework.

Highlights Smartness in CPSs is a holistic and synergistic behavioral characteristic. Complex mental representations are compositional. Compositionality is necessary for smart CPSs. Without a rigorous unifying framework, designing synthesis reasoning remains ad hoc.
Estimating the Attributable Disease Burden and Effects of Interhospital Patient Sharing on Clostridium difficile Infections
Authors: Sewell Daniel K. , Simmering Jacob E. , Justice Samuel , Pemmaraju Sriram V. , Segre Alberto M. , Polgreen Philip M.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To estimate the burden of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) due to interfacility patient sharing at regional and hospital levels.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Methods:

We used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project California State Inpatient Database (2005–2011) to identify 26,878,498 admissions and 532,925 patient transfers. We constructed a weighted, directed network among the hospitals by defining an edge between 2 hospitals to be the monthly average number of patients discharged from one hospital and admitted to another on the same day. We then used a network autocorrelation model to study the effect of the patient sharing network on the monthly average number of CDI cases per hospital, and we estimated the proportion of CDI cases attributable to the network.

Results:

We found that 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6%–18%) of CDI cases were due to diffusion through the patient-sharing network. The network autocorrelation parameter was estimated at 5.0 (95% CI, 3.0–6.9). An increase in the number of patients transferred into and/or an increased CDI rate at the hospitals from which those patients originated led to an increase in the number of CDIs in the receiving hospital.

Conclusions:

A minority but substantial burden of CDI infections are attributable to hospital transfers. A hospital’s infection control may thus be nontrivially influenced by its neighboring hospitals. This work adds to the growing body of evidence that intervention strategies designed to minimize HAIs should be done at the regional rather than local level.
Forging successful partnerships in psychosis research: lessons from the Cavan–Monaghan First Episode Psychosis Study
Authors: Russell V. , Nkire N. , Kingston T. , Waddington J. L.
Published: April 2019

Embedding psychosis research within community mental services is highly desirable from several perspectives but can be difficult to establish and sustain, especially when the clinical service has a rural location at a distance from academic settings with established research expertise. In this article, we share the experience of a successful partnership in psychosis research between a rural Irish mental health service and the academic department of a Dublin medical school that has lasted over 30 years. We describe the origins and evolution of this relationship, the benefits that accrued and the challenges encountered, from the overlapping perspectives of the academic department, the mental health service and psychiatric training. We discuss the potential learning that arose from the initiative, particularly for national programme planning for early intervention in psychosis, and we explore the opportunities for enhanced training, career development and professional reward that can emerge from this type of partnership.
Subharmonic edge wave excitation by narrow-band, random incident waves
Authors: Vittori Giovanna , Blondeaux Paolo , Coco Giovanni , Guza R. T.
Published: April 2019

A monochromatic, small amplitude, normally incident standing wave on a sloping beach is unstable to perturbation by subharmonic (half the frequency) edge waves. At equilibrium, edge wave shoreline amplitudes can exceed incident wave amplitudes. Here, the effect of incident wave randomness on subharmonic edge wave excitation is explored following a weakly nonlinear stability analysis under the assumption of narrow-band incident random waves. Edge waves respond to variations in both incident wave phase and amplitude, and the edge wave amplitudes and incident wave groups vary on similar time scales. When bottom friction is included, intermittent subharmonic edge wave excitation is predicted due to the combination of bottom friction and wave phase. Edge wave amplitude can be near zero for long times, but for short periods reaches relatively large values, similar to amplitudes with monochromatic incident waves and no friction.
Postprandial incorporation of EPA and DHA from transgenic Camelina sativa oil into blood lipids is equivalent to that from fish oil in healthy humans
Authors: West Annette L. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Han Lihua , Sayanova Olga , Napier Johnathan A. , Calder Philip C. , Burdge Graham C.
Published: April 2019

EPA and DHA are important components of cell membranes. Since humans have limited ability for EPA and DHA synthesis, these must be obtained from the diet, primarily from oily fish. Dietary EPA and DHA intakes are constrained by the size of fish stocks and by food choice. Seed oil from transgenic plants that synthesise EPA and DHA represents a potential alternative source of these fatty acids, but this has not been tested in humans. We hypothesised that incorporation of EPA and DHA into blood lipids from transgenicCamelina sativaseed oil (CSO) is equivalent to that from fish oil. Healthy men and women (18–30 years or 50–65 years) consumed 450 mg EPA + DHA from either CSO or commercial blended fish oil (BFO) in test meals in a double-blind, postprandial cross-over trial. There were no significant differences between test oils or sexes in EPA and DHA incorporation into plasma TAG, phosphatidylcholine or NEFA over 8 h. There were no significant differences between test oils, age groups or sexes in postprandial VLDL, LDL or HDL sizes or concentrations. There were no significant differences between test oils in postprandial plasma TNFα, IL 6 or 10, or soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations in younger participants. These findings show that incorporation into blood lipids of EPA and DHA consumed as CSO was equivalent to BFO and that such transgenic plant oils are a suitable dietary source of EPA and DHA in humans.
Management of subglottic stenosis in pregnancy using advanced apnoeic ventilatory techniques
Authors: Damrose E J , Manson L , Nekhendzy V , Collins J , Campbell R
Published: April 2019

Objective

To describe the use of balloon dilation with non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of pregnant patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis.

Methods

The medical charts of four consecutive patients who underwent jet ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation with balloon dilation for the treatment of idiopathic subglottic stenosis during pregnancy were reviewed.

Results

Objective improvement of subglottic stenosis was seen in all four cases, with end-result Myer–Cotton grade 1 lesions down from pre-procedure grade 3 lesions. Patients also reported subjective improvements in symptomatology, with no further airway issues. All patients delivered normally, at term.

Conclusion

Laryngeal dilation with continuous radial expansion pulmonary balloons using non-invasive ventilation for the treatment of idiopathic subglottic stenosis in pregnant patients is safe and efficacious, and should be the first line treatment option for this patient population. The improvement in symptoms, and lack of labour and pregnancy complications, distinguish this method of treatment from others reported in the literature.
Activity of Thymus capitatus essential oil components against in vitro cultured Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes and germinal layer cells
Authors: Hizem Amani , Lundström-Stadelmann Britta , M'rad Selim , Souiai Sawssen , Ben Jannet Hichem , Flamini Guido , Ascrizzi Roberta , Ghedira Kamel , Babba Hamouda , Hemphill Andrew
Published: April 2019

The essential oil (EO) of Thymus capitatus, seven fractions (F1–F7) obtained from silica gel chromatography, and several pure EO components were evaluated with respect to in vitro activities against Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes and germinal layer (GL) cells. Attempts to evaluate physical damage in metacestodes by phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assay failed because EO and F1–F7 interfered with the PGI-activity measurements. A metacestode viability assay based on Alamar Blue, as well as transmission electron microscopy, demonstrated that exposure to EO, F2 and F4 impaired metacestode viability. F2 and F4 exhibited higher toxicity against metacestodes than against mammalian cells, whereas EO was as toxic to mammalian cells as to the parasite. However, none of these fractions exhibited notable activity against isolated E. multilocularis GL cells. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that carvacrol was the major component of the EO (82.4%), as well as of the fractions F3 (94.4%), F4 (98.1%) and F5 (90.7%). Other major components of EO were β-caryophyllene, limonene, thymol and eugenol. However, exposure of metacestodes to these components was ineffective. Thus, fractions F2 and F4 of T. capitatus EO contain potent anti-echinococcal compounds, but the activities of these two fractions are most likely based on synergistic effects between several major and minor constituents.
Technology-based parenting interventions for children's physical and psychological health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Flujas-Contreras Juan M. , García-Palacios Azucena , Gómez Inmaculada
Published: April 2019

Background

Parenting interventions have important consequences for the wellbeing and emotional competences of parents and their children. Technology provides an opportunity with advantages for psychological intervention. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the characteristics and effectiveness of technology-based interventions for parents to promote children's physical health or psychological issues.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for articles about parenting skills for prevention or treatment of children's physical or psychological concerns using technology. We explore the aim of the intervention with parents, kind of problem with children, intervention model, instruments, methodological quality, and risk of bias. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included in the systematic review and a meta-analysis of 22 studies was performed to find out the effects of intervention depending on the kind of problem, intervention model, follow-up, type of intervention, type of control condition, and type of outcome data. Results show the usefulness of technology-based therapy for parenting interventions with moderate effect sizes for intervention groups with statistically significant differences from control groups.

Conclusions

Technology-based parenting programs have positive effects on parenting and emotional wellbeing of parents and children. Attendance and participation level in technology-based treatment increase compared with traditional parenting intervention.
Dirac States of 2D Topological Insulators: Effect of Heterovalent Dopant-Content
Authors: Khatun Salma , Pal Amlan J.
Published: April 2019

We have studied Bi2Se3 at its 2D-limit using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Bulk Bi2Se3 is a well-known topological insulator having gapless surface states. In the 2D limit, the interior of the material exhibits a band gap, whereas the periphery shows a gapless metallic state having a Dirac point. We demonstrate a method to tune the Fermi energy and hence the Dirac point of Bi2Se3 nanoplates through doping at the anionic site. For this purpose, STS measurements were carried out on the Bi2Se3 system. We have used bromide as a dopant, which turns the material to n-type in nature. As a result, STS studies infer that the Fermi energy (EF) shifted toward the conduction band and consequently the Dirac point could be found to move away from Fermi energy. Through STS measurements, we have demonstrated a correlation between the shift of Dirac point position and the dopant content. The size, shape, and compositions of Bi2Se3 nanoflakes and concentration of bromine in the doped nanostructures were determined using transmission electron microscopy, associated energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and X-ray diffraction.
Self-assessment of residents in respect of attitudes to communication
Authors: Kaya Rustu , Benli Ali Ramazan , Cebecik Aybala , Sunay Didem
Published: April 2019

Aim

As communication skills are essential for medical practice, many medical schools have added communication skills training to their curricula in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the attitudes to communication skills of family medicine, internal medicine and general surgery residents.

Materials and methods

Family medicine, internal medicine and general surgery residents of three training and research hospitals and one university hospital in Ankara were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used for obtaining information about age, gender, marital status, graduation date and whether receiving any training for communication skills. The Turkish version of the Communication Skills Attitude Scale was used.

Results

In all, 58 (50%) family medicine, 30 (25.9%) internal medicine, and 28 (24.1%) general surgery residents were accepted to participate in the study. Of the 116 residents, 58 (50%) were female and 58 (50%) were male, with a mean age of 29.47±4.63 years, and 68 (58.6%) of them were married; 59.5% of the participants received training about communication skills and 56.5% of them received it at medical school. The mean positive attitude scale (PAS) score was 3.85±0.58, and the mean negative attitude scale (NAS) score was 2.42±0.52. The PAS scores of female residents were higher than those of males (P=0.01). The PAS scores of residents who received communication skills training were higher than the scores of those who had not (P=0.01). The PAS scores of family medicine residents were higher and the NAS scores were lower than those of internal medicine and general surgery residents.

Conclusion

The communication skill attitudes of family medicine residents were better than those of internal medicine and general surgery residents.
Paradigms in operation: explaining pharmaceutical benefit assessment outcomes in England and Germany
Authors: Kieslich Katharina
Published: April 2019

Health technology assessments (HTAs) are used as a policy tool to appraise the clinical value, or cost effectiveness, of new medicines to inform reimbursement decisions in health care. As HTA organisations have been established in different countries, it has become clear that the outcomes of medicine appraisals can vary from country to country, even though the same scientific evidence in the form of randomised controlled trials is available. The extant literature explains such variations with reference to institutional variables and administrative rules. However, little research has been conducted to advance the theoretical understanding of how variations in HTA outcomes might be explained. This paper compares cases of HTA in England and Germany using insights from Kuhn (1962,The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 2nd edn. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press) and Hall (1993, Policy paradigms, social learning, and the state: the case of economic policymaking in Britain.Comparative Politics25, 275–296) to demonstrate how policy paradigms can explain the outcomes of HTA processes. The paper finds that HTA outcomes are influenced by a combination of logical issues that require reasoning within a paradigm, and institutional and political issues that speak to the interaction between ideational and interest-based variables. It sets out an approach that advances the theoretical explanation of divergent HTA outcomes, and offers an analytical basis on which to assess current and future policy changes in HTA.
Modulation of Locally Generated Equatorial Noise by ULF Wave
Authors: Zhu Hui , Chen Lunjin , Liu Xu , Shprits Yuri Y.
Published: April 2019

In this paper we report a rare and fortunate event of fast magnetosonic (MS, also called equatorial noise) waves modulated by compressional ultralow frequency (ULF) waves measured by Van Allen Probes. The characteristics of MS waves, ULF waves, proton distribution, and their potential correlations are analyzed. The results show that ULF waves can modulate the energetic ring proton distribution and in turn modulate the MS generation. Furthermore, the variation of MS intensities is attributed to not only ULF wave activities but also the variation of background parameters, for example, number density. The results confirm the opinion that MS waves are generated by proton ring distribution and propose a new modulation phenomenon.
Morphodynamics of River Deltas in Response to Different Basin Water Depths: An Experimental Examination of the Grade Index Model
Authors: Wang Junhui , Muto Tetsuji , Urata Kento , Sato Toshihiko , Naruse Hajime
Published: April 2019

Basin water depth (h) governs the long‐term morphodynamics of river deltas, which are embodied in the grade index (Gindex). The Gindex, a volume‐in‐unit‐time ratio of subaerial sediment allocation to the entire supplied sediment, can be given as a function of the dimensionless basin water depth (h*). Tank experiments reported herein reveal that delta progradation and deltaplain aggradation are suppressed and distributary channel migration and avulsion take place less frequently when the Gindex value is lower (i.e., when the basin water is deeper; h* ≫ 1). If the Gindex~0 (i.e., extremely deep basin water; h*~+∞), the delta can neither prograde nor aggrade, and the distributary channels tend to stabilize. The grade index model helps explain the contrasting morphodynamics of the Liwu Delta (east Taiwan) and Yellow River Delta, as natural examples of deepwater and shallow‐water deltas, respectively.
Connectome analysis of functional and structural hemispheric brain networks in major depressive disorder
Authors: Jiang Xueyan , Shen Yuedi , Yao Jiashu , Zhang Lei , Xu Luoyi , Feng Rui , Cai Liqiang , Liu Jing , Chen Wei , Wang Jinhui
Published: April 2019

Neuroimaging studies have shown topological disruptions of both functional and structural whole-brain networks in major depressive disorder (MDD). This study examined common and specific alterations between these two types of networks and whether the alterations were differentially involved in the two hemispheres. Multimodal MRI data were collected from 35 MDD patients and 35 healthy controls, whose functional and structural hemispheric networks were constructed, characterized, and compared. We found that functional brain networks were profoundly altered at multiple levels, while structural brain networks were largely intact in patients with MDD. Specifically, the functional alterations included decreases in intra-hemispheric (left and right) and inter-hemispheric (heterotopic) functional connectivity; decreases in local, global and normalized global efficiency for both hemispheric networks; increases in normalized local efficiency for the left hemispheric networks; and decreases in intra-hemispheric integration and inter-hemispheric communication in the dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate gyrus and hippocampus. Regarding hemispheric asymmetry, largely similar patterns were observed between the functional and structural networks: the right hemisphere was over-connected and more efficient than the left hemisphere globally; the occipital and partial regions exhibited leftward asymmetry, and the frontal and temporal sites showed rightward lateralization with regard to regional connectivity profiles locally. Finally, the functional–structural coupling of intra-hemispheric connections was significantly decreased and correlated with the disease severity in the patients. Overall, this study demonstrates modality- and hemisphere-dependent and invariant network alterations in MDD, which are helpful for understanding elaborate and characteristic patterns of integrative dysfunction in this disease.
Structure elucidation and proposed de novo synthesis of an unusual mono-rhamnolipid by Pseudomonas guguanensis from Chennai Port area
Authors: Ramya Devi K. C. , Sundaram R. Lakshmi , Vajiravelu Sivamurugan , Vasudevan Vidya , Mary Elizabeth Gnanambal K.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we describe the isolation of an unusual type of high molecular weight monorhamnolipid attached to esters of palmitic, stearic, hexa and octadecanoic acids as against the routinely reported di-rhamnolipids linked to hydroxydecanoic acids. The bioemulsifier was column-purified and the chemical nature of the compound was elucidated using FT-IR, GC-MS and 1D [1H and13C] and 2D NMR. This monorhamnolipid is extracted from a bacterium, Pseudomonas guganensis and is not reported to have biological activities, let alone emulsification abilities. The bacterium continually produced rhamnolipids when nourished with n-hexadecane as its lone carbon source. The extracellularly secreted monorhamnolipids are capable of degrading hydrocarbons, with most preference to n-hexadecane [EI24 of 56 ± 1.42% by 2 mL of the spent medium]. Whilst the crude ethyl acetate partitioned extract had an EI24 of 65 ± 1.43%; the purified rhamnolipid product showed 78 ± 1.75% both at 12.5 mg/mL concentration. The used-up n-hexadecane is biotransformed to prepare its own rhamnolipids which in return is utilized to degrade n-alkanes thus creating a circular pathway which is proposed herein. This bacterium can be seen as a new source of bioemulsifier to reduce hydrocarbon in polluted waters.
Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Cytotoxin A Causes Anorexia and Anxiety via Hypothalamic Urocortin 1 in Mice
Authors: Suzuki Hajime , Ataka Koji , Asakawa Akihiro , Cheng Kai-Chun , Ushikai Miharu , Iwai Haruki , Yagi Takakazu , Arai Takeshi , Yahiro Kinnosuke , Yamamoto Katsuhiro , Yokoyama Yoshito , Kojima Masayasu , Yada Toshihiko , Hirayama Toshiya , Nakamura Norifumi , Inui Akio
Published: April 2019

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is related to the pathogenesis of chronic gastric disorders and extragastric diseases. Here, we examined the anorexigenic and anxiogenic effects of Hp vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) through activation of hypothalamic urocortin1 (Ucn1). VacA was detected in the hypothalamus after peripheral administration and increased Ucn1 mRNA expression and c-Fos-positive cells in the hypothalamus but not in the nucleus tractus solitarius. c-Fos and Ucn1-double positive cells were detected. CRF1 and CRF2 receptor antagonists suppressed VacA-induced anxiety and anorexia, respectively. VacA activated single paraventricular nucleus neurons and A7r5 cells; this activation was inhibited by phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. VacA causes anorexia and anxiety through the intracellular PLC-PKC pathway, migrates across the blood-brain barrier, and activates the Ucn1-CRF receptor axis.
Changes in the Canine Plasma Lipidome after Short- and Long-Term Excess Glucocorticoid Exposure
Authors: Sieber-Ruckstuhl Nadja S. , Burla Bo , Spoerel Susanne , Schmid Florence , Venzin Claudio , Cazenave-Gassiot Amaury , Bendt Anne K. , Torta Federico , Wenk Markus R. , Boretti Felicitas S.
Published: April 2019

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are critical regulators of metabolic control in mammals and their aberrant function has been linked to several pathologies. GCs are widely used in human and veterinary clinical practice as potent anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive agents. Dyslipidaemia is a frequently observed consequence of GC treatment, typified by increased lipolysis, lipid mobilization, liponeogenesis, and adipogenesis. Dogs with excess GC show hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the risk of developing atherosclerotic lesions is low as compared to humans. This study aimed to examine alterations in the canine plasma lipidome in a model of experimentally induced short-term and long-term GC excess. Both treatments led to significant plasma lipidome alterations, which were more pronounced after long-term excess steroid exposure. In particular, monohexosylceramides, phosphatidylinositols, ether phosphatidylcholines, acyl phosphatidylcholines, triacylglycerols and sphingosine 1-phosphates showed significant changes. The present study highlights the hitherto unknown effects of GCs on lipid metabolism, which will be important in the further elucidation of the role and function of GCs as drugs and in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Eco-friendly nanocomposites derived from geranium oil and zinc oxide in one step approach
Authors: Al-Jumaili Ahmed , Mulvey Peter , Kumar Avishek , Prasad Karthika , Bazaka Kateryna , Warner Jeffrey , Jacob Mohan V.
Published: April 2019

Nanocomposites offer attractive and cost-effective thin layers with superior properties for antimicrobial, drug delivery and microelectronic applications. This work reports single-step plasma-enabled synthesis of polymer/zinc nanocomposite thin films via co-deposition of renewable geranium essential oil-derived polymer and zinc nanoparticles produced by thermal decomposition of zinc acetylacetonate. The chemical composition, surfaces characteristics and antimicrobial performance of the designed nanocomposite were systematically investigated. XPS survey proved the presence of ZnO in the matrix of formed polymers at 10 W and 50 W. SEM images verified that the average size of a ZnO nanoparticle slightly increased with an increase in the power of deposition, from approximately 60 nm at 10 W to approximately 80 nm at 50 W. Confocal scanning laser microscopy images showed that viability of S. aureus and E.coli cells significantly reduced on surfaces of ZnO/polymer composites compared to pristine polymers. SEM observations further demonstrated that bacterial cells incubated on Zn/Ge 10 W and Zn/Ge 50 W had deteriorated cell walls, compared to pristine polymers and glass control. The release of ZnO nanoparticles from the composite thin films was confirmed using ICP measurements, and can be further controlled by coating the film with a thin polymeric layer. These eco-friendly nanocomposite films could be employed as encapsulation coatings to protect relevant surfaces of medical devices from microbial adhesion and colonization.
Designing a highly efficient graphene quantum spin heat engine
Authors: Mani Arjun , Pal Subhajit , Benjamin Colin
Published: April 2019

We design a quantum spin heat engine using spin polarized ballistic modes generated in a strained graphene monolayer doped with a magnetic impurity. We observe remarkably large efficiency and large thermoelectric figure of merit both for the charge as well as spin variants of the quantum heat engine. This suggests the use of this device as a highly efficient quantum heat engine for charge as well as spin based transport. Further, a comparison is drawn between the device characteristics of a graphene spin heat engine against a quantum spin Hall heat engine. The reason being edge modes because of their origin should give much better performance. In this respect we observe our graphene based spin heat engine can almost match the performance characteristics of a quantum spin Hall heat engine. Finally, we show that a pure spin current can be transported in our device in absence of any charge current.
Effect of attention on chewing and swallowing behaviors in healthy humans
Authors: Ashiga Hirokazu , Takei Eri , Magara Jin , Takeishi Ryosuke , Tsujimura Takanori , Nagoya Kouta , Inoue Makoto
Published: April 2019

We examined how attention alters chewing and swallowing behaviors. Twenty-one healthy volunteers were asked to freely eat 8 g of steamed rice in three separate trials, and we obtained the average number of chewing cycles (N) and chewing duration (T) prior to the first swallow in each trial. We also conducted an N-limited test, in which participants chewed the food while independently counting the number of chewing cycles and swallowed the food when they reached N, and a T-limited test, in which they chewed the food for T sec and then swallowed. We recorded electromyograms (EMGs) from masseter and suprahyoid muscles and collected videoendoscopic images. In the N-limited test, chewing speed decreased, masseter muscle activity (area under the curve of the rectified EMG burst) per cycle increased, and suprahyoid muscle activity per cycle decreased. In the T-limited test, the chewing speed increased, muscle activities per cycle decreased, and the number of cycles increased. The occurrence frequency of bolus propulsion into the pharynx before swallowing was smaller in the N- and T-limited tests than in the free chewing test. Further, the whiteout time was longer in the T-limited test than in the free chewing test. Attentional chewing changes not only chewing but also swallowing behavior.
The development of a high-density genetic map significantly improves the quality of reference genome assemblies for rose
Authors: Li Shubin , Yang Guoqian , Yang Shuhua , Just Jeremy , Yan Huijun , Zhou Ningning , Jian Hongying , Wang Qigang , Chen Min , Qiu Xianqin , Zhang Hao , Dong Xue , Jiang Xiaodong , Sun Yibo , Zhong Micai , Bendahmane Mohammed , Ning Guogui , Ge Hong , Hu Jin-Yong , Tang Kaixue
Published: April 2019

Roses are important woody plants featuring a set of important traits that cannot be investigated in traditional model plants. Here, we used the restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) technology to develop a high-density linkage map of the backcross progeny (BC1F1) between Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’ (OB) and R. wichuraiana ‘Basyes’ Thornless’ (BT). We obtained 643.63 million pair-end reads and identified 139,834 polymorphic tags that were distributed uniformly in the rose genome. 2,213 reliable markers were assigned to seven linkage groups (LGs). The length of the genetic map was 1,027.425 cM in total with a mean distance of 0.96 cM per marker locus. This new linkage map allowed anchoring an extra of 1.21/23.14 Mb (12.18/44.52%) of the unassembled OB scaffolds to the seven reference pseudo-chromosomes, thus significantly improved the quality of assembly of OB reference genome. We demonstrate that, while this new linkage map shares high collinearity level with strawberry genome, it also features two chromosomal rearrangements, indicating its usefulness as a resource for understanding the evolutionary scenario among Rosaceae genomes. Together with the newly released genome sequences for OB, this linkage map will facilitate the identification of genetic components underpinning key agricultural and biological traits, hence should greatly advance the studies and breeding efforts of rose.
Biomarkers of post-discharge mortality among children with complicated severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Njunge James M. , Gwela Agnes , Kibinge Nelson K. , Ngari Moses , Nyamako Lydia , Nyatichi Emily , Thitiri Johnstone , Gonzales Gerard Bryan , Bandsma Robert H. J. , Walson Judd L. , Gitau Evelyn N. , Berkley James A.
Published: April 2019

High mortality after discharge from hospital following acute illness has been observed among children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). However, mechanisms that may be amenable to intervention to reduce risk are unknown. We performed a nested case-control study among HIV-uninfected children aged 2–59 months treated for complicated SAM according to WHO recommendations at four Kenyan hospitals. Blood was drawn from 1778 children when clinically judged stable before discharge from hospital. Cases were children who died within 60 days. Controls were randomly selected children who survived for one year without readmission to hospital. Untargeted proteomics, total protein, cytokines and chemokines, and leptin were assayed in plasma and corresponding biological processes determined. Among 121 cases and 120 controls, increased levels of calprotectin, von Willebrand factor, angiotensinogen, IL8, IL15, IP10, TNFα, and decreased levels of leptin, heparin cofactor 2, and serum paraoxonase were associated with mortality after adjusting for possible confounders. Acute phase responses, cellular responses to lipopolysaccharide, neutrophil responses to bacteria, and endothelial responses were enriched among cases. Among apparently clinically stable children with SAM, a sepsis-like profile is associated with subsequent death. This may be due to ongoing bacterial infection, translocated bacterial products or deranged immune response during nutritional recovery.
Predicting scheduled hospital attendance with artificial intelligence
Authors: Nelson Amy , Herron Daniel , Rees Geraint , Nachev Parashkev
Published: April 2019

Failure to attend scheduled hospital appointments disrupts clinical management and consumes resource estimated at £1 billion annually in the United Kingdom National Health Service alone. Accurate stratification of absence risk can maximize the yield of preventative interventions. The wide multiplicity of potential causes, and the poor performance of systems based on simple, linear, low-dimensional models, suggests complex predictive models of attendance are needed. Here, we quantify the effect of using complex, non-linear, high-dimensional models enabled by machine learning. Models systematically varying in complexity based on logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests, AdaBoost, or gradient boosting machines were trained and evaluated on an unselected set of 22,318 consecutive scheduled magnetic resonance imaging appointments at two UCL hospitals. High-dimensional Gradient Boosting Machine-based models achieved the best performance reported in the literature, exhibiting an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.852 and average precision of 0.511. Optimal predictive performance required 81 variables. Simulations showed net potential benefit across a wide range of attendance characteristics, peaking at £3.15 per appointment at current prevalence and call efficiency. Optimal attendance prediction requires more complex models than have hitherto been applied in the field, reflecting the complex interplay of patient, environmental, and operational causal factors. Far from an exotic luxury, high-dimensional models based on machine learning are likely essential to optimal scheduling amongst other operational aspects of hospital care. High predictive performance is achievable with data from a single institution, obviating the need for aggregating large-scale sensitive data across governance boundaries.
Fabrication of magnetic BaFe12O19/Ag3PO4 composites with an in situ photo-Fenton-like reaction for enhancing reactive oxygen species under visible light irradiation
Authors: Xu Yuanguo , Ge Feiyue , Xie Meng , Huang Shuquan , Qian Junchao , Wang Hefei , He Minqiang , Xu Hui , Li Huaming
Published: April 2019

An in situ photo-Fenton-like and magnetic recycle system, BaFe12O19/Ag3PO4 has been constructed. BaFe12O19 can catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to generate ROSs (˙O2− and ˙OH radicals) on the surface of Ag3PO4.
Identification of ion pairs in solution by IR spectroscopy: crucial contributions of gas phase data and simulations
Authors: Habka Sana , Very Thibaut , Donon Jeremy , Vaquero-Vara Vanesa , Tardivel Benjamin , Charnay-Pouget Florence , Mons Michel , Aitken David J. , Brenner Valérie , Gloaguen Eric
Published: April 2019

Ion pairs between sodium and acetate are evidenced by IR spectroscopy in solution with the help of gas phase data and simulations.
Improved NO–CO reactivity of highly dispersed Pt particles on CeO2 nanorod catalysts prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Hu Quan , Cao Kun , Lang Yun , Chen Rong , Chu Shengqi , Jia Liwei , Yue Jun , Shan Bin
Published: April 2019

Highly dispersed platinum (Pt) nanoparticles are deposited on CeO2 nanorods via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to improve the catalytic activity towards the NO–CO reaction.
Isostructural iron(iii) spin crossover complexes with a tridentate Schiff base-like ligand: X-ray structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Dankhoff Katja , Weber Birgit
Published: April 2019

Two isostructural iron(iii) spin crossover complexes show anion-size dependent spin crossover.
Polypropylene–MWCNT composite degradation, and release, detection and toxicity of MWCNTs during accelerated environmental aging
Authors: Han Changseok , Sahle-Demessie E. , Varughese Eunice , Shi Honglan
Published: April 2019

Accelerated weathering of MWCNT–polypropylene composites with different thicknesses, characterization of aging and toxicity screening of released fragments on human epithelial cells.
Pt nanozyme for O2 self-sufficient, tumor-specific oxidative damage and drug resistance reversal
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Wu Long , Han Kai , Han Heyou
Published: April 2019

A catalase and oxidase-mimetic Pt nanozyme was developed and demonstrated good drug resistance reversal ability.
Synthetic strategies for fluorination of carbohydrates
Authors: Uhrig María Laura , Lantaño Beatriz , Postigo Al
Published: April 2019

Different synthetic strategies for accomplishing regio- and stereoselective fluorinations of carbohydrate scaffolds are discussed in light of the biological implications arising from such substitutions.
Palladium catalyzed chemo- and site-selective C–H acetoxylation and hydroxylation of oxobenzoxazine derivatives
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Vijay Kumar Polu , Kumar Ravan , Agarwal Vishal
Published: April 2019

A new protocol for the acetoxylation and hydroxylation of oxobenzoxazine derivativesviaanortho-C–H functionalization strategy using a palladium catalyst has been developed with chemo- and site-selectivity.
Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of a series of luminescent lanthanide complexes containing neutral tetradentate phenanthroline-amide ligands
Authors: Su Qian-Qian , Fan Kun , Jin Xin-Xin , Huang Xin-Da , Cheng Shun-Cheung , Luo Li-Juan , Li Yao-Jie , Xiang Jing , Ko Chi-Chiu , Zheng Li-Min , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: April 2019

Six lanthanide compounds have been prepared from a neutral tetra-dentate ligand. Their luminescent and magnetic properties were investigated in detail.
Asymmetric synthesis of multifunctional aryl allyl ethers by nucleophilic catalysis
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Jin Lei , Chen Zhi-Li , Rui Xue , He Jia-Yi , Xia Ran , Chen Ke , Chen Xiang-Xiang , Yin Zi-Jian , Chen Xin
Published: April 2019

Asymmetric allylic substitution of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) carbonates with less-nucleophilic phenols mediated by nucleophilic amine catalysis was successfully developed.
Modified SiO hierarchical structure materials with improved initial coulombic efficiency for advanced lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Xie Lizhao , Liu Hui , Lin Shaoxiong , Yang Xulai , Qi Meizhou , Zhu Lili , Guo Yujing , Guo Guilue
Published: April 2019

A simple method of prelithiation of SiO along with carbon coating to achieve high performance SiO-based materials.
Carbon nitride supported Ni0.5Co0.5O nanoparticles with strong interfacial interaction to enhance the hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Authors: Shang Yunpeng , Feng Kun , Wang Yu , Sun Xuhui , Zhong Jun
Published: April 2019

Ni0.5Co0.5O on carbon nitride shows a high TOF value for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane due to the interfacial interaction.
In vivo targeting of breast cancer with a vasculature-specific GQDs/hMSN nanoplatform
Authors: Dong Jingjing , Yao Xinyue , Sun Shian , Zhong Yuanyuan , Qian Chuntong , Yang Dongzhi
Published: April 2019

According to our previous experiment, graphene quantum dots capped in hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles, denoted as GQDs@hMSN, and its conjugates exhibited great potential for medical applications due to their commendable biocompatibility.
Key parameters for enhancing the thermoelectric power factor of PEDOT:PSS/PANI-CSA multilayer thin films
Authors: Lee Hyung Myung , Anoop Gopinathan , Lee Hye Jeong , Kim Wan Sik , Jo Ji Young
Published: April 2019

The key factors that control the thermoelectric (TE) properties of PEDOT:PSS/PANI-CSA multilayer thin films to enhance the TE power factor.
Continuous nitration of alcohols in a Freon flow
Authors: Zharkov Mikhail N. , Arabadzhi Svetlana S. , Kuchurov Ilya V. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: April 2019

The first ever installation for continuous nitration in a liquefied gas mobile phase was developed.
Enhanced HOR catalytic activity of PGM-free catalysts in alkaline media: the electronic effect induced by different heteroatom doped carbon supports
Authors: Yang Fulin , Bao Xi , Zhao Yuanmeng , Wang Xuewei , Cheng Gongzhen , Luo Wei
Published: April 2019

A series of heteroatom (S, N, and B) doped carbon supported Ni nanoparticles have been synthesized systematically and have shown remarkable performance toward the HOR in alkaline media.
In situ exsolved FeNi3 nanoparticles on nickel doped Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ perovskite for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Lv Houfu , Lin Le , Zhang Xiaomin , Gao Dunfeng , Song Yuefeng , Zhou Yingjie , Liu Qingxue , Wang Guoxiong , Bao Xinhe
Published: April 2019

In situ exsolved FeNi3 nanoparticles on nickel doped Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ perovskite greatly enhance the performance of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction.