bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Resilience as a Predictor of Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms in Children With Single and Multiple Concussion
Authors: Laliberté Durish Christianne , Yeates Keith Owen , Brooks Brian L.
Published: September 2018

Objectives:To evaluate the relationship of psychological resilience to persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) in children with a history of single or multiple concussions, as well as orthopedic injury (OI).Methods:Participants (N=75) were children, ages 8–18 years, who sustained a single concussion (n=24), multiple concussions (n=25), or an OI (n=26), recruited from a tertiary care children’s hospital. All participants sustained injuries at least 6 months before recruitment, with an average time since injury of 32.9 months. Self-reported psychological resilience was measured using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and both self- and parent-reported PCS were measured using the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory. Hierarchical regression analyses examined psychological resilience as a predictor of PCS, both as a main effect and as a moderator of group differences.Results:Multiple concussions and low psychological resilience were both significant predictors of persistent PCS. Resilience was not a significant moderator of group differences in PCS.Conclusions:Sustaining multiple concussions may increase a child’s risk of persistent PCS; however, high psychological resilience may serve as a protective factor, regardless of the number or type of injuries sustained. These findings provide support for developing and testing interventions aimed at increasing psychological resilience as a potential means of improving outcomes for children suffering from persistent PCS after concussion. (JINS, 2018,24, 759–768)
Constituent analysis of iodine intake in Armenia
Authors: Hutchings Nicholas , Aghajanova Elena , Baghdasaryan Sisak , Qefoyan Mushegh , Sullivan Catherine , He Xuemei , van der Haar Frits , Braverman Lewis , Bilezikian John P
Published: September 2018

Objective

We sought to assess the universal salt iodization (USI) strategy in Armenia by characterizing dietary iodine intake from naturally occurring iodine, salt-derived iodine in processed foods and salt-derived iodine in household-prepared foods.

Design

Using a cross-sectional cluster survey model, we collected urine samples which were analysed for iodine and sodium concentrations (UIC and UNaC) and household salt samples which were analysed for iodine concentration (SI). SI and UNaC data were used as explanatory variables in multiple linear regression analyses with UIC as dependent variable, and the regression parameters were used to estimate the iodine intake sources attributable to native iodine and iodine from salt in processed foods and household salt.

Setting

Armenia is naturally iodine deficient; in 2004, the government mandated a USI strategy.

Subjects

We recruited school-age children (SAC), pregnant women (PW) and non-pregnant women of reproductive age (WRA).

Results

From thirteen sites covering all provinces, sufficient urine and table salt samples were obtained from 312 SAC, 311 PW and 332 WRA. Findings revealed significant differences between groups: contribution of native iodine ranged from 81% in PW to 46% in SAC, while household salt-derived iodine contributed from 19% in SAC to 1% in PW.

Conclusions

Differences between groups may reflect differences in diet. In all groups, household and processed food salt constituted a significant part of total iodine intake, highlighting the success and importance of USI in ensuring iodine sufficiency. There appears to be leeway to reduce salt intake without adversely affecting the iodine status of the population in Armenia.
Spannende Felder zwischen Theorie und Praxis
Authors: Hahn Sabine
Published: September 2018

Zusammenfassung. Wir haben Menschen angesprochen, die als psychiatrisch Pflegende den Weg an die Hochschulen gesucht haben. Heute arbeiten sie in ganz verschiedenen Arbeitsfeldern. Sie deuten an, welche Bedeutung der akademische Weg für sie persönlich hat.
Das Personenzentrierte Aufnahmeassessment
Authors: Buelacher David
Published: September 2018

Zusammenfassung. Wie können Pflegefachpersonen Menschen in Krisen bestmöglich unterstützen, ihre eigenen Ziele zu verfolgen und wieder Zufriedenheit über ihr Leben zu erlangen? Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es, dies gezielt im Pflegeprozess zu berücksichtigen? Wie gelingt es personenzentriert und individuell, Fortschritte in der Genesung zu erkennen?
The Relationship Between Microfracture Damage and the Physical Properties of Fault‐Related Rocks: The Gole Larghe Fault Zone, Italian Southern Alps
Authors: Rempe Marieke , Mitchell Thomas M. , Renner Jörg , Smith Steven A. F. , Bistacchi Andrea , Di Toro Giulio
Published: September 2018

Although geological, seismological, and geophysical evidence indicates that fracture damage and physical properties of fault‐related rocks are intimately linked, their relationships remain poorly constrained. Here we correlate quantitative observations of microfracture damage within the exhumed Gole Larghe Fault Zone (Italian Southern Alps) with ultrasonic wave velocities and permeabilities measured on samples collected along a 1.5‐km‐long transect across the fault zone. Ultrasonic velocity and permeability correlate systematically with the measured microfracture intensity. In the center of the fault zone where microfractures were pervasively sealed, P wave velocities are the highest and permeability is relatively low. However, neither the crack porosity nor the permeability derived by modeling the velocity data using an effective‐medium approach correlates well with the microstructural and permeability measurements, respectively. The applied model does not account for sealing of microfractures but assumes that all variations in elastic properties are due to microfracturing. Yet we find that sealing of microfractures affects velocities significantly in the more extensively altered samples. Based on the derived relationships between microfracture damage, elastic and hydraulic properties, and mineralization history, we (i) assess to what extent wave velocities can serve as a proxy for damage structure and (ii) use results on the present‐day physical and microstructural properties to derive information about possible postseismic recovery processes. Our estimates of velocity changes associated with sealing of microfractures quantitatively agree with seismological observations of velocity recovery following earthquakes, which suggests that the recovery is at least in part due to the sealing of microfractures.
3‐D Crustal Shear‐Wave Velocity Structure of the Taiwan Strait and Fujian, SE China, Revealed by Ambient Noise Tomography
Authors: Zhang Yayun , Yao Huajian , Yang Hsin‐Ying , Cai Hui‐Teng , Fang Hongjian , Xu Jiajun , Jin Xing , Kuo‐Chen Hao , Liang Wen‐Tzong , Chen Kai‐Xun
Published: September 2018

The Taiwan Strait, along with the southeastern continental margin of the Eurasian plate, Fujian in SE China, is not far from the convergent boundary between the Eurasian plate and the Philippine Sea plate. Although this region is considered tectonically relatively inactive, many small earthquakes still occur, and normal faults are well developed in the strait. To better understand the geological processes in this region, we use 2 years of ambient noise data from more than 100 stations in Fujian and Taiwan to obtain a 3‐D crustal shear‐wave velocity model using a direct surface‐wave inversion method. Our results show that the low‐velocity zone beneath the Zhenghe‐Dapu suture zone plays an important role in the tectonic evolution of the Fujian area. The relatively high velocity in the eastern part of the suture zone and low velocity in the west correspond to the Mesozoic magmatic zone and the Wuyi‐Yunkai orogenic belt in Fujian, respectively. The coastline of Fujian presents a high‐velocity anomaly in the upper crust, which is related to the Mesozoic Pingtan‐Dongshan metamorphic belt. The long strip‐like high‐velocity zone through the rift basins in the strait is interpreted as igneous rocks due to extension of the lithosphere in the Cenozoic. Two‐stage extension with different extensive centers in the strait may be the reason for the high‐ and low‐velocity anomalies in the middle to lower crust and uppermost mantle of the strait.
Investigating Earth's Formation History Through Copper and Sulfur Metal‐Silicate Partitioning During Core‐Mantle Differentiation
Authors: Mahan B. , Siebert J. , Blanchard I. , Badro J. , Kubik E. , Sossi P. , Moynier F.
Published: September 2018

Identifying extant materials that act as compositional proxies for Earth is key to understanding its accretion. Copper and sulfur are both moderately volatile elements; however, they display different geochemical behavior (e.g., phase affinities). Thus, individually and together, these elements provide constraints on the source material and conditions of Earth's accretion, as well as on the timing and evolution of volatile delivery to Earth. Here we present laser‐heated diamond anvil cell experiments at pressures up to 81 GPa and temperatures up to 4,100 K aimed at characterizing Cu metal‐silicate partitioning at conditions relevant to core‐mantle differentiation in Earth. Partitioning results have been combined with literature results for S in Earth formation modeling to constrain accretion scenarios that can arrive at present‐day mantle Cu and S contents. These modeling results indicate that the distribution of Cu and S in Earth may be the result of accretion largely from material(s) with Cu contents at or above chondritic values and S contents that are strongly depleted, such as that in bulk CH chondrites, and that the majority of Earth's mass (~3/4) accreted incrementally via pebble and/or planetesimal accretion.
A Shear‐Limited Flocculation Model for Dynamically Predicting Average Floc Size
Authors: Kuprenas R. , Tran Duc , Strom Kyle
Published: September 2018

The accuracy of sediment transport models depends on the selection of an appropriate sediment settling velocity. In general, settling velocity is primarily dependent on the size and density of the particles in the water column. Determining this value for mud suspensions can be difficult because the small cohesive particles can aggregate to form flocs whose sizes and density are a function of hydrodynamic and physiochemical conditions of the suspension. Here we present a new model for predicting floc size as a function of hydrodynamic conditions and inherited floc sizes. The new approach is a simple modification to the existing Winterwerp (1998, https://doi.org/10.1080/00221689809498621) floc size model. The modification is significant in that it yields predictions that are more inline with observations and theory regarding the upper limit on floc size. The modification we propose is to make the ratio of the applied stress on a floc, over the strength of the floc, a function of the floc size relative to the Kolmogorov microscale. The outcome of the modification is that flocs are not allowed to surpass the Kolmogorov microscale in size and that calibrated aggregation and breakup coefficients obtained at one suspended sediment concentration can be used to predict floc size under other concentrations without recalibration. In this paper, we present the motivation for the modification, the functionality of the modification, and we make a comparison of the updated model with laboratory and field data. Overall, the modification shows promise as a tool for improved prediction of cohesive mud transport.
Broadband RF Interferometric Mapping and Polarization (BIMAP) Observations of Lightning Discharges: Revealing New Physics Insights Into Breakdown Processes
Authors: Shao Xuan‐Min , Ho Cheng , Caffrey Michael , Graham Paul , Haynes Brian , Bowers Gregory , Blaine William , Dingus Brenda , Smith David , Rassoul Hamid
Published: September 2018

Broadband radio frequency (RF) interferometry was first introduced in 1996 for lightning studies. The technique has since been improved significantly and has been increasingly widely used in the lightning community. In addition to the interferometry, we now introduce a broadband polarization capability that simultaneously measures the full polarization state of the corresponding RF sources. Polarization observation provides another level of understanding of the discharge processes. In this paper, we describe the new system and present example observations with such a system. Initial observations of impulsive lightning RF pulses, a K‐event leader, and the initiating process for an intracloud flash are presented. The impulsive pulses were often linearly polarized and are consistent with conventional breakdown processes, whereas some occasional pulses were elliptically polarized and are likely related to relativistic breakdown processes. The K‐event was detected polarized along a section of its channel, and the orientation of the polarization was mostly orthogonal to the channel, apparently due to the preceding charge deposition along the channel. The intracloud flash in this paper was initiated with downward fast positive streamers, and the corresponding signals were linearly polarized, consistent with conventional breakdown processes. The orientations of the polarization were nearly uniformly aligned with the propagation direction of the streamers, indicating a near uniform electric field in the region of the initiating streamers. Finally, an observation of a cosmic‐ray shower is presented.
Consistent microbial dynamics and functional community patterns derived from first principles
Authors: Delattre Hadrien , Desmond-Le Quéméner Elie , Duquennoi Christian , Filali Ahlem , Bouchez Théodore
Published: September 2018

Microbial communities are key engines that drive earth’s biogeochemical cycles. However, existing ecosystem models have only limited ability to predict microbial dynamics and require the calibration of multiple population-specific empirical equations. In contrast, we build on a new kinetic “Microbial Transition State” (MTS) theory of growth derived from first principles. We show how the theory coupled to simple mass and energy balance calculations provides a framework with intrinsically important qualitative properties to model microbial community dynamics. We first show how the theory can simultaneously account for the influence of all the resources needed for growth (electron donor, acceptor, and nutrients) while still producing consistent dynamics that fulfill the Liebig rule of a single limiting substrate. We also show consistent patterns of energy-dependent microbial successions in mixed culture without the need for calibration of population-specific parameters. We then show how this approach can be used to model a simplified activated sludge community. To this end, we compare MTS-derived dynamics with those of a widely used activated sludge model and show that similar growth yields and overall dynamics can be obtained using two parameters instead of twelve. This new kinetic theory of growth grounded by a set of generic physical principles parsimoniously gives rise to consistent microbial population and community dynamics, thereby paving the way for the development of a new class of more predictive microbial ecosystem models.
Revealing the biexciton and trion-exciton complexes in BN encapsulated WSe2
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Wang Tianmeng , Lu Zhengguang , Jin Chenhao , Chen Yanwen , Meng Yuze , Lian Zhen , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Zhang Shengbai , Smirnov Dmitry , Shi Su-Fei
Published: September 2018

Strong Coulomb interactions in single-layer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) result in the emergence of strongly bound excitons, trions, and biexcitons. These excitonic complexes possess the valley degree of freedom, which can be exploited for quantum optoelectronics. However, in contrast to the good understanding of the exciton and trion properties, the binding energy of the biexciton remains elusive, with theoretical calculations and experimental studies reporting discrepant results. In this work, we resolve the conflict by employing low-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy to identify the biexciton state in BN-encapsulated single-layer WSe2. The biexciton state only exists in charge-neutral WSe2, which is realized through the control of efficient electrostatic gating. In the lightly electron-doped WSe2, one free electron binds to a biexciton and forms the trion–exciton complex. Improved understanding of the biexciton and trion–exciton complexes paves the way for exploiting the many-body physics in TMDs for novel optoelectronics applications.
Nonlocal electron correlations in an itinerant ferromagnet
Authors: Tusche Christian , Ellguth Martin , Feyer Vitaliy , Krasyuk Alexander , Wiemann Carsten , Henk Jürgen , Schneider Claus M. , Kirschner Jürgen
Published: September 2018

Our understanding of the properties of ferromagnetic materials, widely used in spintronic devices, is fundamentally based on their electronic band structure. However, even for the most simple elemental ferromagnets, electron correlations are prevalent, requiring descriptions of their electronic structure beyond the simple picture of independent quasi-particles. Here, we give evidence that in itinerant ferromagnets like cobalt these electron correlations are of nonlocal origin, manifested in a complex self-energy Σσ(E,k) that disperses as function of spin σ, energy E, and momentum vector k. Together with one-step photoemission calculations, our experiments allow us to quantify the dispersive behaviour of the complex self-energy over the whole Brillouin zone. At the same time we observe regions of anomalously large “waterfall”-like band renormalization, previously only attributed to strong electron correlations in high-TC superconductors, making itinerant ferromagnets a paradigmatic test case for the interplay between band structure, magnetism, and many-body correlations.
Spin dynamics of the block orbital-selective Mott phase
Authors: Herbrych J. , Kaushal N. , Nocera A. , Alvarez G. , Moreo A. , Dagotto E.
Published: September 2018

Iron-based superconductors display a variety of magnetic phases originating in the competition between electronic, orbital, and spin degrees of freedom. Previous theoretical investigations of the multi-orbital Hubbard model in one-dimension revealed the existence of an orbital-selective Mott phase (OSMP) with block spin order. Recent inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments on the BaFe2Se3 ladder compound confirmed the relevance of the block-OSMP. Moreover, the powder INS spectrum revealed an unexpected structure, containing both low-energy acoustic and high-energy optical modes. Here we present the theoretical prediction for the dynamical spin structure factor within a block-OSMP regime using the density-matrix renormalization-group method. In agreement with experiments, we find two dominant features: low-energy dispersive and high-energy dispersionless modes. We argue that the former represents the spin-wave-like dynamics of the block ferromagnetic islands, while the latter is attributed to a novel type of local on-site spin excitations controlled by the Hund coupling.
Steel corrosion inhibition by calcium nitrate in halide-enriched completion fluid environments
Authors: Dong Shiqi , La Plante Erika Callagon , Chen Xin , Torabzadegan Mehrdad , Balonis Magdalena , Bauchy Mathieu , Sant Gaurav
Published: September 2018

Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) has been suggested to inhibit steel corrosion. However, the effectiveness of corrosion inhibition offered by calcium nitrate in highly halide-enriched environments, for example, completion fluids, is not well known. To better understand this, the inhibition of corrosion of API P110 steel by Ca(NO3)2 was studied using vertical scanning interferometry in solutions consisting of 10 mass % calcium chloride (CaCl2) or 10 mass % calcium bromide (CaBr2), for example, to simulate the contact of completion fluids with the steel sheath in downhole (oil and gas) applications. The evolution of the surface topography resulting from the initiation and growth of corrosion pits, and general corrosion was examined from the nano-scale to micron-scale using vertical scanning interferometry. Special focus was paid to quantify surface evolution in the presence of Ca(NO3)2. The results indicate that, at low concentrations (≈1 mass %), Ca(NO3)2 successfully inhibited steel corrosion in the presence of both CaCl2 and CaBr2. Statistical analysis of surface topography data reveals that such inhibition results from suppression of corrosion at fast corroding pitting sites. However, at higher concentrations, calcium nitrate’s effectiveness as a corrosion inhibitor is far less substantial. These results provide a means to rationalize surface topography evolution against the electrochemical origin of corrosion inhibition by NO3− species, and provide guidance regarding the kinetics, and susceptibility to degradation of the steel sheath during exposure to halide-enriched completion fluids.
Postoperative seizure outcome and timing interval to start antiepileptic drug withdrawal: A retrospective observational study of non-neoplastic drug resistant epilepsy
Authors: Zhang Le , Jiang Xin-Yue , Zhou Dong , Zhang Heng , Bao Shi-Min , Li Jin-Mei
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to investigate the impact of timing interval to start AED withdraw (TIW) after surgery on the seizure outcome in non-neoplastic drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). TIW were divided into three groups (respectively,<1 year, 1-<2 years, and ≥2 years). The seizure outcome at the different time points after starting AED withdrawal were compared among three groups. Other factors that related to seizure recurrence and TIW were included into the multiple analysis to investigate the predictors of seizure-free. Altogether, 205 patients were involved in the study. 102 individuals (50%) had seizure recurrence and 127 (62%) had seizure-free at the final follow up. 115 of them have attempted AED reduction and had not seizure recurrence before AED reduction. The rate of seizure-free had no significant difference among people with different TIW. Multiple analysis indicated that temporal surgery is a favorable predictor of seizure-free at the first year after starting AED withdrawal, and preoperative secondary generalized seizures is an unfavorable predictor of seizure-free at the final follow up. In patients with non-neoplastic DRE, TIW is not the mainly influence factor on seizure outcome, however, preoperative secondary generalized seizures and extra-temporal surgery are negatively associated with seizure-free.
Exploring the Ligand Efficacy of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Jung Sang Won , Cho Art E. , Yu Wookyung
Published: September 2018

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a promising therapeutic target for a variety of disorders. Distinct efficacy profiles showed different therapeutic effects on CB1 dependent on three classes of ligands: agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists. To discriminate the distinct efficacy profiles of the ligands, we carried out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify the dynamic behaviors of inactive and active conformations of CB1 structures with the ligands. In addition, the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method was applied to analyze the binding free energy decompositions of the CB1-ligand complexes. With these two methods, we found the possibility that the three classes of ligands can be discriminated. Our findings shed light on the understanding of different efficacy profiles of ligands by analyzing the structural behaviors of intact CB1 structures and the binding energies of ligands, thereby yielding insights that are useful for the design of new potent CB1 drugs.
DNA hypermethylation and differential gene expression associated with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Skakkebæk Anne , Nielsen Morten Muhlig , Trolle Christian , Vang Søren , Hornshøj Henrik , Hedegaard Jakob , Wallentin Mikkel , Bojesen Anders , Hertz Jens Michael , Fedder Jens , Østergaard John Rosendahl , Pedersen Jakob Skou , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg
Published: September 2018

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) has a prevalence ranging from 85 to 250 per 100.000 newborn boys making it the most frequent sex chromosome aneuploidy in the general population. The molecular basis for the phenotypic traits and morbidity in KS are not clarified. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of leucocytes from peripheral blood samples from 67 KS patients, 67 male controls and 33 female controls, in addition to genome-wide RNA-sequencing profiling in a subset of 9 KS patients, 9 control males and 13 female controls. Characterization of the methylome as well as the transcriptome of both coding and non-coding genes identified a unique epigenetic and genetic landscape of both autosomal chromosomes as well as the X chromosome in KS. A subset of genes show significant correlation between methylation values and expression values. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially methylated positions yielded terms associated with well-known comorbidities seen in KS. In addition, differentially expressed genes revealed enrichment for genes involved in the immune system, wnt-signaling pathway and neuron development. Based on our data we point towards new candidate genes, which may be implicated in the phenotype and further point towards non-coding genes, which may be involved in X chromosome inactivation in KS.
Sertraline, chlorprothixene, and chlorpromazine characteristically interact with the REST-binding site of the corepressor mSin3, showing medulloblastoma cell growth inhibitory activities
Authors: Kurita Jun-ichi , Hirao Yuuka , Nakano Hirofumi , Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Nishimura Yoshifumi
Published: September 2018

Dysregulation of repressor-element 1 silencing transcription factor REST/NRSF is related to several neuropathies, including medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, Huntington’s disease, and neuropathic pain. Inhibitors of the interaction between the N-terminal repressor domain of REST/NRSF and the PAH1 domain of its corepressor mSin3 may ameliorate such neuropathies. In-silico screening based on the complex structure of REST/NRSF and mSin3 PAH1 yielded 52 active compounds, including approved neuropathic drugs. We investigated their binding affinity to PAH1 by NMR, and their inhibitory activity toward medulloblastoma cell growth. Interestingly, three antidepressant and antipsychotic medicines, sertraline, chlorprothixene, and chlorpromazine, were found to strongly bind to PAH1. Multivariate analysis based on NMR chemical shift changes in PAH1 residues induced by ligand binding was used to identify compound characteristics associated with cell growth inhibition. Active compounds showed a new chemo-type for inhibitors of the REST/NRSF-mSin3 interaction, raising the possibility of new therapies for neuropathies caused by dysregulation of REST/NRSF.
Fluid absorption by skin tissue during intradermal injections through hollow microneedles
Authors: Shrestha Pranav , Stoeber Boris
Published: September 2018

Hollow microneedles are an emerging technology for delivering drugs and therapeutics, such as vaccines and insulin, into the skin. Although the benefits of intradermal drug delivery have been known for decades, our understanding of fluid absorption by skin tissue has been limited due to the difficulties in imaging a highly scattering biological material such as skin. Here, we report the first real-time imaging of skin tissue at the microscale during intradermal injections through hollow microneedles, using optical coherence tomography. We show that skin tissue behaves like a deformable porous medium and absorbs fluid by locally expanding rather than rupturing to form a single fluid filled cavity. We measure the strain distribution in a cross section of the tissue to quantify local tissue deformation, and find that the amount of volumetric expansion of the tissue corresponds closely to the volume of fluid injected. Mechanically restricting tissue expansion limits fluid absorption into the tissue. Our experimental findings can provide insights to optimize the delivery of drugs into skin for different therapeutic applications, and to better model fluid flow into biological tissue.
Fucosylated oligosaccharides in mother’s milk alleviate the effects of caesarean birth on infant gut microbiota
Authors: Korpela Katri , Salonen Anne , Hickman Brandon , Kunz Clemens , Sprenger Norbert , Kukkonen Kaarina , Savilahti Erkki , Kuitunen Mikael , de Vos Willem M.
Published: September 2018

One of the most abundant components in human milk is formed by oligosaccharides, which are poorly digested by the infant. The oligosaccharide composition of breast milk varies between mothers, and is dependent on maternal secretor (FUT2) genotype. Secretor mothers produce milk containing α1-2 fucosylated human milk oligosaccharides, which are absent in the milk of non-secretor mothers. Several strains of bacteria in the infant gut have the capacity to utilise human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Here we investigate the differences in infant gut microbiota composition between secretor (N = 76) and non-secretor (N = 15) mothers, taking into account birth mode. In the vaginally born infants, maternal secretor status was not associated with microbiota composition. In the caesarean-born, however, many of the caesarean-associated microbiota patterns were more pronounced among the infants of non-secretor mothers compared to those of secretor mothers. Particularly bifidobacteria were strongly depleted and enterococci increased among the caesarean-born infants of non-secretor mothers. Furthermore, Akkermansia was increased in the section-born infants of secretor mothers, supporting the suggestion that this organism may degrade HMOs. The results indicate that maternal secretor status may be particularly influential in infants with compromised microbiota development, and that these infants could benefit from corrective supplementation.
Nitrogen cycle microorganisms can be reactivated after Space exposure
Authors: Lindeboom Ralph E. F. , Ilgrande Chiara , Carvajal-Arroyo José M. , Coninx Ilse , Van Hoey Olivier , Roume Hugo , Morozova Julia , Udert Kai M. , Sas Benedikt , Paille Christel , Lasseur Christophe , Ilyin Vyacheslav , Clauwaert Peter , Leys Natalie , Vlaeminck Siegfried E.
Published: September 2018

Long-term human Space missions depend on regenerative life support systems (RLSS) to produce food, water and oxygen from waste and metabolic products. Microbial biotechnology is efficient for nitrogen conversion, with nitrate or nitrogen gas as desirable products. A prerequisite to bioreactor operation in Space is the feasibility to reactivate cells exposed to microgravity and radiation. In this study, microorganisms capable of essential nitrogen cycle conversions were sent on a 44-days FOTON-M4 flight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and exposed to 10−3–10−4 g (gravitational constant) and 687 ± 170 µGy (Gray) d−1 (20 ± 4 °C), about the double of the radiation prevailing in the International Space Station (ISS). After return to Earth, axenic cultures, defined and reactor communities of ureolytic bacteria, ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria, nitrite oxidizing bacteria, denitrifiers and anammox bacteria could all be reactivated. Space exposure generally yielded similar or even higher nitrogen conversion rates as terrestrial preservation at a similar temperature, while terrestrial storage at 4 °C mostly resulted in the highest rates. Refrigerated Space exposure is proposed as a strategy to maximize the reactivation potential. For the first time, the combined potential of ureolysis, nitritation, nitratation, denitrification (nitrate reducing activity) and anammox is demonstrated as key enabler for resource recovery in human Space exploration.
Non-thermal plasma treated solution with potential as a novel therapeutic agent for nasal mucosa regeneration
Authors: Won Ho-Ryun , Kang Sung Un , Kim Haeng Jun , Jang Jeon Yeob , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: September 2018

Adequate and rapid mucosal regeneration is one of the most important factors in the healing process of nasal mucosa after surgery or trauma. In particular, delayed mucosal regeneration after surgery is an important cause of surgical failure. However, no effective treatment is available yet. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has several medical effects, but the existing probe type is limited to local direct treatment. Therefore, we investigated the various effects using liquid type plasma to overcome this limitation. In addition, the therapeutic effects of non-thermal plasma treated solution (NTS) on nasal mucosa have yet to be determined. Experiments were carried out using BEAS-2B, a human bronchial epithelial cell line similar to nasal mucosa epithelium. NTS had no cytotoxicity to the BEAS-2B cells and enhanced cell proliferation. NTS also promoted migration of BEAS-2B cells. NTS increased cell proliferation and migration via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activities and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling. Furthermore, NTS enhanced wound healing of nasal mucosa in an animal model. Accordingly, NTS promotes nasal mucosa wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and migration. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NTS in nasal mucosa wound healing.
Defining animal welfare standards in hunting: body mass determines thresholds for incapacitation time and flight distance
Authors: Stokke Sigbjørn , Arnemo Jon M. , Brainerd Scott , Söderberg Arne , Kraabøl Morten , Ytrehus Bjørnar
Published: September 2018

Shooting is an important tool for managing terrestrial wildlife populations worldwide. To date, however, there has been few quantitative methods available enabling assessment of the animal welfare outcomes of rifle hunting. We apply a variety of factors to model flight distance (distance travelled by an animal after bullet impact) and incapacitation from the moment of bullet impact. These factors include body mass, allometric and isometric scaling, comparative physiology, wound ballistics and linear kinematics. This approach provides for the first time a method for quantifying and grading the quality of shooting processes by examining only body mass and flight distance. Our model is a universally applicable tool for measuring animal welfare outcomes of shooting regimes both within and among species. For management agencies the model should be a practical tool for monitoring and evaluating animal welfare outcomes regarding shooting of mammalian populations.
Microwave treatment of the cornea leads to localised disruption of the extracellular matrix
Authors: Morgan Siân R. , Hieda Osamu , Nakai Yoshinori , Boote Craig , Hayes Sally , Kinoshita Shigeru , Meek Keith M. , Quantock Andrew J.
Published: September 2018

Microwave keratoplasty is a thermo-refractive surgical procedure that can correct myopia (short-sightedness) and pathologic corneal steepening by using microwave energy to cause localised shrinkage around an annulus of the cornea leading to its flattening and vision correction. The effects on the corneal extracellular matrix, however, have not yet been evaluated, thus the current study to assess post-procedure ultrastructural changes in an in-vivo rabbit model. To achieve this a series of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments were carried out across whole transects of treated and untreated rabbit corneas at 0.25 mm intervals, which indicated no significant change in collagen intra-fibrillar parameters (i.e. collagen fibril diameter or axial D-period), whereas inter-fibrillar measures (i.e. fibril spacing and the degree of spatial order) were markedly altered in microwave-treated regions of the cornea. These structural matrix alterations in microwave-treated corneas have predicted implications for corneal biomechanical strength and tissue transparency, and, we contend, potentially render microwave-treated corneas resistant to surgical stabilization using corneal cross-linking procedures currently employed to combat refractive error caused by corneal steepening.
Somatosensory Response to Trigeminal Stimulation: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Study
Authors: Hucke Christine I. , Pacharra Marlene , Reinders Jörg , van Thriel Christoph
Published: September 2018

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical imaging technique measuring relative hemodynamic changes in superficial cortical structures. It has successfully been applied to detect a hemodynamic response in the somatosensory cortex evoked by irritating mechanical, electrical, and heat stimulations of limbs or the face. The aim of the current study was to explore the feasibility of fNIRS to detect respective responses evoked by irritating chemical stimulations of the nasal divisions of the trigeminal nerve. In two experiments, healthy subjects were exposed to acetic acid and ethyl acetate presented using a respiration-synchronized olfactometer. Results demonstrated that fNIRS can detect a signal in both hemispheres after birhinal (experiment 1: n = 14) and monorhinal (experiment 2: n = 12) stimulations using acetic acid but not ethyl acetate. This is a first evidence that fNIRS might be a suitable imaging technique to assess chemosensory neuronal correlates in the somatosensory cortex thereby offering a new, portable method to evaluate the irritating properties of certain volatiles in an objective, nonverbal, easy, and comparably inexpensive manner.
Soil resources and element stocks in drylands to face global issues
Authors: Plaza César , Zaccone Claudio , Sawicka Kasia , Méndez Ana M. , Tarquis Ana , Gascó Gabriel , Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Schuur Edward A. G. , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: September 2018

Drylands (hyperarid, arid, semiarid, and dry subhumid ecosystems) cover almost half of Earth’s land surface and are highly vulnerable to environmental pressures. Here we provide an inventory of soil properties including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stocks within the current boundaries of drylands, aimed at serving as a benchmark in the face of future challenges including increased population, food security, desertification, and climate change. Aridity limits plant production and results in poorly developed soils, with coarse texture, low C:N and C:P, scarce organic matter, and high vulnerability to erosion. Dryland soils store 646 Pg of organic C to 2 m, the equivalent of 32% of the global soil organic C pool. The magnitude of the historic loss of C from dryland soils due to human land use and cover change and their typically low C:N and C:P suggest high potential to build up soil organic matter, but coarse soil textures may limit protection and stabilization processes. Restoring, preserving, and increasing soil organic matter in drylands may help slow down rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide by sequestering C, and is strongly needed to enhance food security and reduce the risk of land degradation and desertification.
Carbon Nanomaterials for Advanced Analytical Micro- and Nanotechnologies
Authors: Martin Aida , Vilela Diana , Escarpa Alberto
Published: September 2018

The most recent advances in analytical chemistry have focused on developing new devices in the micro- and nano-scale capable of sensing on a similar scale to analyzed molecules and biomarkers. Thus, microfluidic chips and micro- and nanomotors have emerged as advanced nanotechnologies that provide low volume, rapid and simple analysis. Lately, the incorporation of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene to these analytical platforms, has opened up new opportunities towards improving the figures of merit in the final analysis. From microfluidic analytical tools to the cutting edge micro- and nanomotors, we will explore the advantages and challenges of these two vanguard technologies, and the incorporation of carbon nanomaterials for advanced analyte detection.
Supramolecular self-assembly for designing non-centrosymmetric crystals based on Keggin polyoxometallates and crown ether
Authors: Xiong Jun , Kubo Kazuya , Lü Shao-Fang , Li Ming , Nakamura Takayoshi
Published: September 2018

POM based non-centrosymmetric inorganic–organic hybrids are designed by gradually introducing asymmetry into the building units.
Synthesis and molecular structure of pentadienyl complexes of the rare-earth metals
Authors: Raeder Jan , Reiners Matthias , Baumgarten Robert , Münster Katharina , Baabe Dirk , Freytag Matthias , Jones Peter G. , Walter Marc D.
Published: September 2018

In combination with small and difficult to reduce rare-earth metals pdl′ undergoes CH-bond activations instead of sterically induced reductions to form dimeric complexes with a unique bridging six-membered metallacycle as the central structural motif.
Reduction of PCE and TCE by magnetite revisited
Authors: Culpepper Johnathan D. , Scherer Michelle M. , Robinson Thomas C. , Neumann Anke , Cwiertny David , Latta Drew E.
Published: September 2018

Magnetite is unlikely to be as important as previously thought for abiotic reduction of PCE and TCE in groundwater plumes.
Recyclable mechanoluminescent luminogen: different polymorphs, different self-assembly effects of the thiophene moiety and recovered molecular packing via simple thermal-treatment
Authors: Wang Can , Yu Yun , Chai Zhaofei , He Fangdi , Wu Chaozheng , Gong Yanbin , Han Mengmeng , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: September 2018

We report a purely organic recyclable mechanoluminescent luminogen (tPE-5-MeTh) with a thiophene group as the self-assembly unit. The recoverability could be achieved through simple thermal-treatment.
Thiosulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under non-metallic conditions
Authors: He Fu-Sheng , Wu Youqian , Zhang Jun , Xia Hongguang , Wu Jie
Published: September 2018

A three-component reaction of 1-(2-allylaryl)thioureas, sulfur dioxide, and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates under mild conditions is realized, leading to sulfonated [3,1]-benzothiazepines in good yields. High efficiency is observed for this non-metallic transformation.
Alpinumisoflavone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating the effects of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Pei-Ying , Liang Yu-Chia , Sheu Ming-Jyh , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Chao Che-Yi , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: September 2018

The present study demonstrated that alpinumisoflavone exerts the significant effects of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative in both LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and a mouse model of acute lung injury.
On the direct use of CO2in multicomponent reactions: introducing the Passerini four component reaction
Authors: Onwukamike Kelechukwu Nnabuike , Grelier Stéphane , Grau Etienne , Cramail Henri , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: September 2018

We introduce a novel isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction, the Passerini four component reaction (P-4CR), by replacing the carboxylic acid component of a conventional Passerini three component reaction (P-3CR) with an alcohol and CO2.
Morphology of soft and rough contact via fluid drainage
Authors: Wang Yumo , Frechette Joelle
Published: September 2018

The dynamic of contact formation between soft materials immersed in a fluid is accompanied by fluid drainage and elastic deformation.
Self-assembly of Gd3+-bound keplerate polyanions into nanoparticles as a route for the synthesis of positive MRI contrast agents. Impact of the structure on the magnetic relaxivity
Authors: Elistratova Julia , Akhmadeev Bulat , Korenev Vladimir , Sokolov Maxim , Nizameev Irek , Gubaidullin Aidar , Voloshina Alexandra , Mustafina Asiya
Published: September 2018

Correlation between the structure of keplerate polyanions and the magnetic relaxivity, stability and cytotoxicity of their complexes with Gd3+ ions.
Self-assembly optimization of cadmium/molybdenum sulfide hybrids by cation coordination competition toward extraordinarily efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Luo Fengting , Zhou Gang , Hu Jingguo , Zeng Haibo , Zhou Yong
Published: September 2018

An assembly strategy via ion coordination competition is developed to synthesize CdS/MoS2 hybrids in which CdS bonds with MoS2 edges to achieve the solar HER.
Detecting live bacteria instantly utilizing AIE strategies
Authors: Kong Ting Ting , Zhao Zheng , Li Ying , Wu Fei , Jin Tuo , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2018

A new class of biosensor molecules evoking fluorescent emission by rotation-restricted binding with bacteria was examined for its applicability in detecting live bacteria instantly.
Image ordinal classification with deep multi‐view learning
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xu Xun , Zhu Ce
Published: September 2018

Image ordinal classification has drawn substantial attention from the research community due to the ordering relation between image categories. Recent advancements towards image ordinal classification lie in applying deep neural networks [convolutional neural network (CNN)]. Nevertheless, the lack of ordinal training data prevents deep models from generalising to testing data. In this work, two multi‐view learning approaches are proposed to tackle the insufficient data issue. On one hand, a multi‐view ordinal classification with multi‐view max pooling (MVMP) approach is proposed, in which each image is randomly blocked with some grids thus creating multiple views of the original data. All views are then used to train multi‐view CNN for classification. On the other hand, in order to account for the ordinal relation, the authors propose a double‐task learning on MVMP for classification and average pooling for regression. The task of regression benefits that of classification, mainly focusing on improving classification's recognition accuracy. The two proposed approaches are validated on Adience dataset, and show very compelling results. The code and models will be available online.
Efficient early termination and bypass scheme for CU size decision in spatially scalable SHVC intra coding
Authors: Lu Xin , Yu Chang , Martin Graham R.
Published: September 2018

As an extension of the High Efficiency Video Coding standard, Scalable High‐efficiency Video Coding (SHVC) has been developed to satisfy the challenges posed by heterogeneous environments. A layer‐based scheme is employed to support various forms of scalability, but this results in significantly increased computational complexity. A fast Coding Unit (CU) size decision algorithm is proposed to alleviate the additional computational requirement of the Enhancement Layers (ELs). The inter‐layer dependency and the spatial correlation are jointly used to skip and early terminate the CU size decision process. In addition, the quantitive relationship between the texture homogeneity and the AC coefficient energy is investigated to further narrow the depth range to be evaluated. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme saves encoding time by up to 72% compared with the SHM 12.0 implementation, with negligible degradation in Rate‐Distortion performance.
Super class AB RFC OTA with adaptive local common‐mode feedback
Authors: Garde M.P. , Lopez‐Martin A.J. , Carvajal R.G. , Ramirez‐Angulo J.
Published: September 2018

A super class AB recycling folded cascode operational transconductance amplifier is presented. It employs local common‐mode feedback using two matched tuneable active resistors, allowing to adapt the amplifier to different process variations and loads. Measurement results from a test chip prototype fabricated in a 0.5 μm CMOS process validate the proposal.