bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, content validity, and cross‐cultural adaptation of a patient‐reported outcome measure for real‐time symptom assessment in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Vork L. , Keszthelyi D. , Mujagic Z. , Kruimel J. W. , Leue C. , Pontén I. , Törnblom H. , Simrén M. , Albu‐Soda A. , Aziz Q. , Corsetti M. , Holvoet L. , Tack J. , Rao S. S. , van Os J. , Quetglas E. G. , Drossman D. A. , Masclee A. A. M.
Published: November 2017

Background

End‐of‐day questionnaires, which are considered the gold standard for assessing abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are influenced by recall and ecological bias. The experience sampling method (ESM) is characterized by random and repeated assessments in the natural state and environment of a subject, and herewith overcomes these limitations. This report describes the development of a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) based on the ESM principle, taking into account content validity and cross‐cultural adaptation.

Methods

Focus group interviews with IBS patients and expert meetings with international experts in the fields of neurogastroenterology & motility and pain were performed in order to select the items for the PROM. Forward‐and‐back translation and cognitive interviews were performed to adapt the instrument for the use in different countries and to assure on patients’ understanding with the final items.

Key results

Focus group interviews revealed 42 items, categorized into five domains: physical status, defecation, mood and psychological factors, context and environment, and nutrition and drug use. Experts reduced the number of items to 32 and cognitive interviewing after translation resulted in a few slight adjustments regarding linguistic issues, but not regarding content of the items.

Conclusions and Inferences

An ESM‐based PROM, suitable for momentary assessment of IBS symptom patterns was developed, taking into account content validity and cross‐cultural adaptation. This PROM will be implemented in a specifically designed smartphone application and further validation in a multicenter setting will follow.
Effects of meal palatability on postprandial sensations
Authors: Pribic T. , Hernandez L. , Nieto A. , Malagelada C. , Accarino A. , Azpiroz F.
Published: November 2017

Background

Food palatability has been shown to influence satiation and meal consumption; our aim was to determine its effects on postprandial satisfaction, ie digestive well‐being (primary outcome), and homeostatic sensations (satiety, fullness).

Methods

Randomized, cross‐over trial comparing the postprandial responses to conventional (potato‐cheese cream followed by vanilla cream) vs unconventional test meals (mixture of both creams) with identical composition and physical characteristics (color, texture, consistency, temperature) but distinctively different palatability. In 22 non‐obese healthy men sensations were measured on 10 cm scales before and during the 60‐min postprandial period (−5 to +5 score scales for palatability, satiety, well‐being, and mood, and 0‐10 score scales for fullness and discomfort). Comparisons between meals were performed with a 2‐way repeated measures ANCOVA with premeal data as co‐variate.

Key Results

As compared to the palatable conventional meal, the unconventional meal was rated unpalatable (−1.8 ± 0.4 score vs 2.8 ± 0.1 score potato cream and 2.9 ± 0.2 vanilla cream; P < .001 for both), induced significantly more fullness sensation [meal effect F (1, 19) = 7.389; P = .014] but had less effect on digestive well‐being [meal effect F (1, 19) = 47.016; P < .001] and mood [meal‐effect F (1, 19) = 6.609; P = .019]. The difference in satiety was not significantly different.

Conclusion & Inferences

Meal palatability influences the postprandial experience: it bears a direct relation to the hedonic response (well‐being/mood) but an inverse relation to homeostatic sensations (fullness). These relations could be applicable to influence eating behavior, because at equal conditions, more palatable meals induce less fullness but more satisfaction, and vice‐versa.
The cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) NAC transcription factor (FSN1) as a positive regulator participates in controlling secondary cell wall biosynthesis and modification of fibers
Authors: Zhang Jie , Huang Geng‐Qing , Zou Dan , Yan Jing‐Qiu , Li Yang , Hu Shan , Li Xue‐Bao
Published: November 2017

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers are the highly elongated and thickened single‐cell trichomes on the seed epidermis. However, little is known about the molecular base of fiber cell wall thickening in detail.

In this study, a cotton NAC transcription factor (GhFSN1) that is specifically expressed in secondary cell wall (SCW) thickening fibers was functionally characterized. The GhFSN1 transgenic cotton plants were generated to study how FSN1 regulates fiber SCW formation.

Up‐regulation of GhFSN1 expression in cotton resulted in an increase in SCW thickness of fibers but a decrease in fiber length. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that GhFSN1 activates or represses numerous downstream genes. GhFSN1 has the ability to form homodimers, binds to its promoter to activate itself, and might be degraded by the ubiquitin‐mediated proteasome pathway. The direct targets of GhFSN1 include the fiber SCW‐related GhDUF231L1, GhKNL1, GhMYBL1, GhGUT1 and GhIRX12 genes. GhFSN1 binds directly to a consensus sequence (GhNBS), (C/T)(C/G/T)TN(A/T)(G/T)(A/C/G)(A/G)(A/T/G)(A/T/G)AAG, which exists in the promoters of these SCW‐related genes.

Our data demonstrate that GhFSN1 acts as a positive regulator in controlling SCW formation of cotton fibers by activating its downstream SCW‐related genes. Thus, these findings give us novel insights into comprehensive understanding of GhFSN1 function in fiber development.
Investigating metabolic regulation using targeted neuromodulation
Authors: Devarakonda Kavya , Stanley Sarah
Published: November 2017

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a vital role in regulating energy balance and metabolism. Over the last 50 years, studies in animal models have allowed us to identify critical CNS regions involved in these processes and even crucial cell populations. Now, techniques for genetically and anatomically targeted manipulation of specific neural populations using light (optogenetic), ligands (chemogenetic), or magnetic fields (radiogenetic/magnetogenetic) allow detailed investigation of circuits involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we provide a brief overview of recent studies using light‐ and magnetic field–regulated neural activity to investigate the neural circuits contributing to metabolic control.
How do leaf trait values change spatially and temporally with light availability in a grassland diversity experiment?
Authors: Bachmann Dörte , Roscher Christiane , Buchmann Nina
Published: November 2017

Complementarity in light use might increase light exploitation and could be an important mechanism explaining the coexistence of multiple species in plant communities of increasing diversity. We measured vertical light profiles and leaf traits related to light acquisition and light use in 40 mixtures of varying species richness (SR, 2, 4, 8 and 16) and functional group richness (FR, 1‐4) in a large grassland biodiversity experiment at five different times during the growing season. Light attenuation within the canopy differed significantly among mixtures of varying SR at peak biomass, with 40% in 2‐species mixtures and up to 80% in 16‐species mixtures. In contrast, increasing SR did not affect light attenuation at the beginning of the growing season or during regrowth after mowing, when large fractions of incoming radiation reached the ground level. These patterns suggested the presence of highly variable light niches over space and time. Trait expression differed among functional groups (except specific leaf area (SLA)) and varied within the growing season. However, we found no direct effect of increased SR or FR on the expression of leaf traits, except for positive species richness‐effects on SLA at peak biomass time. SLA and stomatal conductance increased and leaf dry matter content decreased at lower light at leaf height, while leaf greenness was independent of relative light availability. Dissimilarity of leaf traits (except SLA) at the community level increased with increasing SR. Thus, our results suggest that after accounting for light availability, which was driven by SR and time of year, variations in leaf trait expression within the grassland canopies did not depend on SR, but rather on functional group identity and time of year. Consequently, increased complementarity in light use at higher plant diversity is due to presence of more species with different leaf trait expression and trait variation in response to the actual light environment.
Pediatric severity of alopecia tool
Authors: Bernardis Elena , Nukpezah Jonathan , Li Ping , Christensen Theresa , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie
Published: November 2017

The Severity of Alopecia Tool serves as a tool for alopecia research and a clinical guideline for following progression of disease. The original Severity of Alopecia Tool score does not take into account pediatric age groups. As new clinical trials for alopecia areata include more children, a more accurate tool should be available for this population. By collecting images from patients 2‐21 years of age and aligning the hair‐bearing regions of the scalp, we created an adaptation of the Severity of Alopecia Tool for scoring hair loss percentage of the top, parietal, and occipital scalp in individuals 2‐5, 6‐11, and 12‐21 years of age.
Restraining Gulliver: Institutional reform and the strengthening of state capacity and compliance
Authors: Nolan García Kimberly A. , Aspinwall Mark
Published: November 2017

Governance in the developing world is fraught with problems of corruption, weak institutions, and inadequate expertise among bureaucrats. Failing to enforce laws and regulations is one way in which these problems manifest themselves. In this paper, we evaluate changes across three institutions charged with oversight or administration of labor justice in Mexico. We find that both autonomy from the executive and professionalization are necessary to improve compliance with labor law over time. Our study shows that professionalization can occur in several ways, including through training, merit hiring, and introducing experienced external administrators. The implications of the study are that reforms that increase the independence and legal authority of oversight institutions should be complemented by efforts to strengthen the professionalism of bureaucrats.
Hemodialysis in neonates and infants: A systematic review
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Vijayaraghavan Prashanth , Kapur Gaurav , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Krishnappa Vinod , Kumar Deepak , Bunchman Timothy E. , Bolen Shari D , Chand Deepa
Published: November 2017

Hemodialysis (HD) in neonates and infants poses unique challenges due to high risks of mortality attributable to obligatory small blood flow volumes. Although HD is often necessary in neonates, its effectiveness and feasibility are poorly understood. The aim of this review is to describe in detail the few studies reporting on HD in neonates and infants (<12 months old) and then dissertate more broadly on the subject with an emphasis on recent innovations with potential to overcome traditional barriers for effective HD in this population. We detail the clinical characteristics, outcomes, technical considerations, maintenance and complications associated with HD, and provide guidance for addressing challenges associated with HD in this population.
The mechanisms behind the formation of a strong Sense of Coherence (SOC): The role of migration and integration
Authors: Slootjes Jasmijn , Keuzenkamp Saskia , Saharso Sawitri
Published: November 2017

Considering how much we know about the impact of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) on different health‐related outcomes, we know surprisingly little about how a strong SOC actually develops. In this study we examine the mechanisms behind the formation of a strong SOC and study the role of migration, integration and general resistance resources (GRRs) in this process. We held 46 life‐story interviews with women of Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese descent. We divided the respondents in a relatively strong and weak SOC group in order to discern patterns of life experiences associated with SOC development. We find that, as Antonovsky predicted, experiencing consistency and load balance are associated with a strong SOC. In opposition to Antonovsky's claims, decision making power is not a necessary condition to develop meaningfulness. Moreover, the women's life narratives show that migration and integration are related to the mechanisms shaping SOC, yet, the impact is subjective and depends on the availability and use of GRRs. Our findings provide improvements to Antonovsky's salutogenic theory and provide suggestions for interventions aimed at strengthening SOC.
Spatial pattern of ground water level changes in the irrigated agricultural region of Bist Doab, Punjab, India
Authors: Kang Ranbir , Kaur Dhian
Published: November 2017

Intensive irrigation causes major consumption of ground water resources especially in India. Due to a large population base, the extraction of ground water for mechanized agriculture has significantly increased during the last few decades in the Bist Doab region of Punjab, India. This study analyses the spatial pattern of changes in ground water levels in the Bist Doab region during the 1998–2011 period. Using spatial interpolation, the ground water levels were interpolated for the whole region for each year. Spatial data on the intensity of irrigation and tubewell density were also mapped to analyse their trends. The results reveal the emergence of a zone of deepening water table in the south west portion of the Bist Doab. The ground water levels have dropped more than 20 meters from the surface in this area. Using these results, we classified the Bist Doab region into three zones (Zone 1, 2, and 3) for prioritizing ground water management initiatives. While agricultural water consumption provides one possible explanation for falling ground water levels in the area, other non‐anthropogenic factors may also play a role in such trends. Further research at the same scale is recommended in other parts of the Punjab State.
A systematic review of incentives in blood donation
Authors: Chell Kathleen , Davison Tanya E. , Masser Barbara , Jensen Kyle
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Incentives are often used to enhance the effectiveness of recruitment and retention campaigns targeting blood donors. However, the degree to which incentives succeed in attracting and facilitating repeat donation is unclear. A systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines, investigated the existing empirical evidence regarding the use of monetary and nonmonetary incentives within blood donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of relevant databases identified a total of 71 papers for inclusion in the review for defining and operationalizing incentives (Objective 1), of which nine papers empirically investigated attitudes toward incentives (Objective 2), 31 papers investigated the impact on blood donation behavior (Objective 3), and eight papers investigated the impact on blood safety (Objective 4).

RESULTS

Overall, research into the use of incentives in blood donation is limited, characterized by comparatively few studies, predominantly focused on whole blood donors, that are confounded by current operating context (paid or voluntary). No incentive has been identified that all segments of the nondonor and donor panel report positive attitudes toward, that has a positive impact on behavior, and that has no negative impact on blood safety. Certain incentives (i.e., discounts, tickets, gifts, and paid time off work) have the strongest evidence base for potential inclusion within voluntary nonremunerated (VNR) donation systems.

CONCLUSION

Due to the limited nature of the existing literature (particularly for apheresis donors) and inconsistencies observed within the results, additional research investigating the likely impact of introducing (or removing) monetary or nonmonetary incentives in VNR donor recruitment or retention is essential.
Presumptive keratoglobus in a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
Authors: Lau Rachael K. , Moresco Anneke , Woods Sarah J. , Reilly Christopher M. , Hawkins Michelle G. , Murphy Christopher J. , Hollingsworth Steven R. , Hacker Dennis , Freeman Kate S.
Published: November 2017

A juvenile to young adult, male, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus,GHOW) was presented to the wildlife rehabilitation hospital at Lindsay Wildlife Museum (WRHLWM) due to trauma to the right patagium from barbed wire entanglement. On presentation, both corneas were irregular, dry, and no movement of the third eyelid was noted. A severe corneal enlargement/globoid appearance was the predominant ophthalmic feature. The fundus was normal in both eyes (OU). Over the course of several days, both corneas developed edema combined with further dessication at the ocular surface associated with diffuse dorsal fluorescein stain uptake. Repeated ophthalmic examinations found normal intraocular pressures and an inability to move the third eyelid over the enlarged corneas. The bird was deemed nonreleasable due to severe wing damage and poor prognosis associated with eye abnormalities and was humanely euthanized. Postmortem CT, enucleation, and histopathology were performed to evaluate the ocular anatomical abnormality and confirm the suspected diagnosis of keratoglobus. This GHOW represents the first reported case of presumptive keratoglobus in a raptor.
Use of direct near‐infrared fluorescent lymphography for thoracoscopic thoracic duct identification in 15 dogs with chylothorax
Authors: Steffey Michele A. , Mayhew Philipp D.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To describe and assess techniques of intraoperative near‐infrared fluorescence lymphography (NIRFL) using indocyanine green (ICG) for lymphatic duct identification during thoracoscopic thoracic duct (TD) ligation in dogs.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 15) with naturally occurring chylothorax that underwent TD ligation.

Methods

Medical records of dogs treated with thoracoscopic TD ligation in which NIRFL was utilized for intraoperative TD identification were reviewed. Data retrieved included CT lymphography (CTL) and surgical data, fluorophore dose and injection site, and timing and quality of operative TD identification.

Results

Preoperative CTL was successful in 13/15 dogs and operative NIRFL was successful in 15/15 dogs. Popliteal lymph node injection achieved successful NIRFL within ≤10 minutes in 7/11 in which it was attempted. TDs identified by NIRFL imaging correlated with TDs identified by preoperative CTL in 12/13 cases in which CTL was achieved. In 1/13 cases, NIRFL identified small lymphatics not visible on CTL. In 5/9 cases in which methylene blue (MB) and ICG were combined for operative lymphography, no ducts or fewer ducts were recorded as identifiable by visible MB than by NIRFL or CTL. The median dose of ICG to achieve NIRFL imaging was 0.05 mg/kg. Thoracoscopic TD ligation was successfully achieved in all patients.

Conclusion

NIRFL is a viable technique to aid in TD identification during thoracoscopy. High contrast NIRF illumination of the TD can be achieved with successful intraparenchymal injection of ICG into the popliteal lymph node.
Local–global principle for reduced norms over function fields of -adic curves
Authors: Parimala R. , Preeti R. , Suresh V.
Published: November 2017

Let $K$ be a (non-archimedean) local field and let $F$ be the function field of a curve over $K$. Let $D$ be a central simple algebra over $F$ of period $n$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\in F^{\ast }$. We show that if $n$ is coprime to the characteristic of the residue field of $K$ and $D\cdot (\unicode[STIX]{x1D706})=0$ in $H^{3}(F,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{n}^{\otimes 2})$, then $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ is a reduced norm from $D$. This leads to a Hasse principle for the group $\operatorname{SL}_{1}(D)$, namely, an element $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\in F^{\ast }$ is a reduced norm from $D$ if and only if it is a reduced norm locally at all discrete valuations of $F$.
Analytical solutions of Phi-four equation
Authors: Tuluce Demiray Seyma , Bulut Hasan
Published: November 2017

This study bases attention on new analytical solutions of Phi-four equation. The modified exp -expansion function method (MEFM) has been used to obtain analytical solutions of the Phi-four equation. By using this method, dark soliton solutions and trigonometric function solution of the Phi-four equation have been found.
Adhesion forces of the sea-water bacterium Paracoccus seriniphilus on titanium: Influence of microstructures and environmental conditions
Authors: Davoudi Neda , Huttenlochner Katharina , Chodorski Jonas , Schlegel Christin , Bohley Martin , Müller-Renno Christine , Aurich Jan. C. , Ulber Roland , Ziegler Christiane
Published: November 2017

The bacterial attachment to surfaces is the first step of biofilm formation. This attachment is governed by adhesion forces which act between the bacterium and the substrate. Such forces can be measured by single cell force spectroscopy, where a single bacterium is attached to a cantilever of a scanning force microscope, and force-distance curves are measured. For the productive sea-water bacterium Paracoccus seriniphilus, pH dependent measurements reveal the highest adhesion forces at pH 4. Adhesion forces measured at salinities between 0% and 4.5% NaCl are in general higher for higher salinity. However, there is an exception for 0.9% where a higher adhesion force was measured than expected. These results are in line with zeta potential measurements of the bacterium, which also show an exceptionally low zeta potential at 0.9% NaCl. In the absence of macromolecular interactions, the adhesion forces are thus governed by (unspecific) electrostatic interactions, which can be adjusted by pH and ionic strength. It is further shown that microstructures on the titanium surface increase the adhesion force. Growth medium reduces the interaction forces dramatically, most probably through macromolecular bridging.
Untangling Flavobacterium johnsoniae Gliding Motility and Protein Secretion
Authors: Johnston Joseph J. , Shrivastava Abhishek , McBride Mark J.
Published: November 2017

Flavobacterium johnsoniae
exhibits rapid gliding motility over surfaces. At least 20 genes are involved in this process. Seven of these,
gldK
,
gldL
,
gldM
,
gldN
,
sprA
,
sprE
, and
sprT
, encode proteins of the type IX protein secretion system (T9SS). The T9SS is required for surface localization of the motility adhesins SprB and RemA, and for secretion of the soluble chitinase ChiA. Here, we demonstrate that the gliding motility proteins GldA, GldB, GldD, GldF, GldH, GldI, and GldJ are also essential for secretion. Cells with mutations in the genes encoding any of these seven proteins had normal levels of
gldK
mRNA but dramatically reduced levels of the GldK protein, which may explain the secretion defects of the motility mutants. GldJ is necessary for stable accumulation of GldK, and each mutant lacked the GldJ protein.
F. johnsoniae
cells that produced truncated GldJ, lacking eight to 13 amino acids from the C terminus, accumulated GldK but were deficient in gliding motility. SprB was secreted by these cells but was not propelled along their surfaces. This C-terminal region of GldJ is thus required for gliding motility but not for secretion. The identification of mutants that are defective for motility but competent for secretion begins to untangle the
F. johnsoniae
gliding motility machinery from the T9SS.

IMPORTANCE
Many members of the phylum
Bacteroidetes
secrete proteins using T9SSs. T9SSs appear to be confined to members of this phylum. Many of these bacteria also glide rapidly over surfaces using a motility machine that is also confined to the
Bacteroidetes
and appears to be intertwined with the T9SS. This study identifies
F. johnsoniae
proteins that are required for both T9SS function and gliding motility. It also provides an explanation for the link between secretion and gliding and identifies mutants with defects in motility but not secretion.
Zinc Acquisition Mechanisms Differ between Environmental and Virulent Francisella Species
Authors: Moreau G. Brett , Qin Aiping , Mann Barbara J.
Published: November 2017

Zinc is an essential nutrient for bacterial growth. Because host cells can restrict pathogen access to zinc as an antimicrobial defense mechanism, intracellular pathogens such as
Francisella
must sense their environment and acquire zinc in response. In many bacteria, the conserved transcription factor Zur is a key regulator of zinc acquisition. To identify mechanisms of zinc uptake in
Francisella novicida
U112, transcriptome sequencing of wild-type and putative
zur
mutant bacteria was performed. Only three genes were confirmed as directly regulated by Zur and zinc limitation by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. One of these genes, FTN_0879, is predicted to encode a protein with similarity to the
zupT
family of zinc transporters, which are not typically regulated by Zur. While a putative
znuACB
operon encoding a high-affinity zinc transporter was identified in U112, expression of this operon was not controlled by Zur or zinc concentration. Disruption of
zupT
but not
znuA
in U112 impaired growth under zinc limitation, suggesting that ZupT is the primary mechanism of zinc acquisition under these conditions. In the virulent
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
tularensis
Schu S4 strain,
zupT
is a pseudogene, and attempts to delete
znuA
were unsuccessful, suggesting that it is essential in this strain. A reverse TetR repression system was used to knock down the expression of
znuA
in Schu S4, revealing that
znuA
is required for growth under zinc limitation and contributes to intracellular growth within macrophages. Overall, this work identifies genes necessary for adaptation to zinc limitation and highlights nutritional differences between environmental and virulent
Francisella
strains.

IMPORTANCE
Francisella tularensis
is a tier 1 select agent with a high potential for lethality and no approved vaccine. A better understanding of
Francisella
virulence factors is required for the development of therapeutics. While acquisition of zinc has been shown to be required for the virulence of numerous intracellular pathogens, zinc uptake has not been characterized in
Francisella
. This work characterizes the Zur regulon in
F. novicida
and identifies two transporters that contribute to bacterial growth under zinc limitation. In addition, these data identify differences in mechanisms of zinc uptake and tolerance to zinc limitation between
F. tularensis
and
F. novicida
, highlighting the role of
znuA
in the growth of Schu S4 under zinc limitation.
Whey protein hydrolysate supplementation accelerates recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in females
Authors: Brown Meghan A. , Stevenson Emma J. , Howatson Glyn
Published: November 2017

A number of different forms of protein and their analogues have been investigated for their efficacy in ameliorating exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and recovery. Preliminary data regarding whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) supplementation are promising. However, its efficacy beyond acute eccentric/resistance exercise bouts or longer term training programmes are limited and all investigations have been conducted in male or mixed-sex groups. This study sought to elucidate whether the benefits of WPH previously reported can be demonstrated in females following repeated-sprint exercise. Twenty physically active females were assigned to consume 2 doses of 70 mL WPH or isoenergetic carbohydrate (CHO) for 4 days post-EIMD. Measures of muscle soreness, limb girth, flexibility, muscle function, and creatine kinase were collected before, immediately after, and 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise. Time effects were observed for all variables (p < 0.05) except limb girth, which is indicative of EIMD. Flexibility improved beyond baseline measures following WPH by 72 h, but had failed to recover in the CHO group (p = 0.011). Reactive strength index was higher throughout recovery in the WPH group compared with CHO (p = 0.016). Reductions in creatine kinase were greater following WPH compared with CHO at 48 h post-EIMD (p = 0.031). The findings suggest that 4-day supplementation of WPH is beneficial for reducing symptoms of EIMD and improving recovery of muscle function in physically active females.
Wetting-induced collapse behavior of kaolinite: influence of fabric and inundation pressure
Authors: Choudhury Chinumani , Bharat Tadikonda Venkata
Published: November 2017

Collapsible soils are known to withstand high normal stresses without undergoing a significant volume change in an air-dry state. The soil is, however, susceptible to a large volume change upon wetting. The volumetric collapse behavior of these soils is of great engineering interest to address the problem of ground subsidence. Kaolinite was found to be a collapsible soil similar to the loess soil. The collapse mechanism in kaolinite was due to changes in particle association (fabric) with the interaction with different pore fluids. Several physicochemical parameters strongly influenced the particle association by altering the charges on the particle surfaces and edges. The collapse nature of the kaolinite was investigated with great detail in this work. Wetting-induced collapse behavior of kaolinite was studied under the influence of pore-fluid chemistry using a multi-scale approach. The influence of pH, salt concentration, and dielectric pore-fluid environment on the clay behavior was analyzed using sedimentation and collapse tests. The collapse test results were well corroborated with the sedimentation test data, scanning electron microscopy images of lyophilized specimens, and edge isoelectric point (IEPedge). The influence of inundation fluid and inundation pressure on the fabric changes and collapse potential was elucidated. The collapse potential was found to depend on the inundation pressure and pore-fluid characteristics. Maximum collapse potential was observed to be due to water inundation and minimum due to inundation with kerosene. The mechanical pressure at higher inundation pressures helped to bring the clay platelets into better face–face association during the inundation.
A new occurrence of the Early Jurassic brachiopod Anarhynchia from the Canadian Cordillera confirms its membership in chemosynthesis-based ecosystems
Authors: Pálfy József , Kovács Zsófia , Price Gregory D. , Vörös Attila , Johannson Gary G.
Published: November 2017

Cold seeps, where seepage of hydrocarbon-rich fluids occurs in the sea floor, are sites that harbor highly specialized ecosystems associated with distinctive carbonate sediments. Although their Mesozoic record is scarce and patchy, it commonly includes dimerelloid rhynchonellide brachiopods. Here we report a monospecific assemblage of Anarhynchia from a limestone boulder of early Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic) age in the Inklin Formation of the Whitehorse Trough in the Stikine terrane, from a locality at Atlin Lake in northern British Columbia. Specimens are among the largest known Mesozoic brachiopods, up to 9 cm in length, and described here as Anarhynchia smithi n. sp. Early precipitated carbonate cement phases of the limestone have carbon isotopic composition highly depleted in 13C, indicative of the influence of microbial oxidation of methane derived from a cold seep. Carbonate petrography of the banded-fibrous cement and other characteristic components supports this paleoenvironmental inference. Volcanogenic detrital grains in the matrix are indistinguishable from those in the sandstone layers in the siliciclastic sequence, suggesting that the seep carbonate is broadly coeval with the enclosing conglomerate. The new record extends the geographic range and species-level diversity of the genus, but supports its endemism to the East Pacific and membership in chemosynthesis-based ecosystems. The distribution of three distinct but congeneric species suggests that allopatric speciation occurred at separate sites along the active margin of western North America and Anarhynchia was restricted to seep and vent habitats in the Early Jurassic.
The 17 MeV anomaly in beryllium decays and U(1) portal to dark matter
Authors: Chen Chian-Shu , Lin Guey-Lin , Lin Yen-Hsun , Xu Fanrong
Published: November 2017

The experiment of Krasznahorkay et al. observed the transition of a 8Be excited state to its ground state and accompanied by an emission of an [Formula: see text] pair with 17 MeV invariant mass. This 6.8[Formula: see text] anomaly can be fitted by a new light gauge boson. We consider the new particle as a U(1) gauge boson, [Formula: see text], which plays as a portal linking dark sector and visible sector. In particular, we study the new U(1) gauge symmetry as a hidden or nonhidden group separately. The generic hidden U(1) model, referred to as dark [Formula: see text] model, is excluded by imposing various experimental constraints. On the other hand, a nonhidden [Formula: see text] is allowed due to the additional interactions between [Formula: see text] and Standard Model fermions. We also study the implication of the dark matter direct search on such a scenario. We found that the search for the DM-nucleon scattering cannot probe the parameter space that is allowed by 8Be-anomaly for the range of DM mass above 500 MeV. However, the DM-electron scattering for DM between 20 MeV and 50 MeV can test the underlying U(1) portal model using the future Si and Ge detectors with the [Formula: see text] threshold charges.
Six indications of radical new physics in supernovae Ia
Authors: Clavelli L.
Published: November 2017

After more than 40 years since the basic standard model for supernovae Ia (SN Ia) was proposed, many astronomers are still hopeful that this phenomenon will ultimately be understood in terms of Newtonian gravity plus nuclear and particle physics as they existed in the 1930s. In spite of this fact, there are at least six nagging puzzles in supernovae physics that suggest some radical new physics input may be necessary. “Radical” in this context means a physics idea that did not exist in the 1930s and that is still not experimentally confirmed in 2017.
Multiscale Analysis of Structures Composed of Metal Matrix Composites Considering Phase Debonding
Authors: Fernandes G. R. , Furtado A. S. , Pituba J. J. C. , De Souza Neto E. A.
Published: November 2017

Multiscale analyses considering the stretching problem in plates composed of metal matrix composites (MMC) have been performed using a coupled BEM/FEM model, where the boundary element method (BEM) and the finite element method (FEM) models, respectively, the macrocontinuum and the material microstructure, denoted as representative volume element (RVE). The RVE matrix zone behavior is governed by the von Mises elasto-plastic model while elastic inclusions have been incorporated to the matrix to improve the material mechanical properties. To simulate the microcracks evolution at the interface zone surrounding the inclusions, a modified cohesive fracture model has been adopted, where the interface zone is modeled by means of cohesive contact finite elements to capture the effects of phase debonding. Thus, this paper investigates how this phase debonding affects the microstructure mechanical behavior and consequently affects the macrostructure response in a multiscale analysis. For that, initially, only RVEs subjected to a generic strain are analyzed. Then, multiscale analyses of plates have been performed being each macro point represented by a RVE where the macro-strain must be imposed to solve its equilibrium problem and obtain the macroscopic constitutive response given by the homogenized values of stress and constitutive tensor fields over the RVE.
Targeting RAGE Signaling in Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Hudson Barry I. , Lippman Marc E.
Published: November 2017

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a multiligand pattern recognition receptor implicated in diverse chronic inflammatory states. RAGE binds and mediates the cellular response to a range of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) including AGEs, HMGB1, S100s, and DNA. RAGE can also act as an innate immune sensor of microbial pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules (PAMPs) including bacterial endotoxin, respiratory viruses, and microbial DNA. RAGE is expressed at low levels under normal physiology, but it is highly upregulated under chronic inflammation because of the accumulation of various RAGE ligands. Blocking RAGE signaling in cell and animal models has revealed that targeting RAGE impairs inflammation and progression of diabetic vascular complications, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer progression and metastasis. The clinical relevance of RAGE in inflammatory disease is being demonstrated in emerging clinical trials of novel small-molecule RAGE inhibitors.
An Active Approach to Colloidal Self-Assembly
Authors: Mallory Stewart A. , Valeriani Chantal , Cacciuto Angelo
Published: November 2017

In this review, we discuss recent advances in the self-assembly of self-propelled colloidal particles and highlight some of the most exciting results in this field, with a specific focus on dry active matter. We explore this phenomenology through the lens of the complexity of the colloidal building blocks. We begin by considering the behavior of isotropic spherical particles. We then discuss the case of amphiphilic and dipolar Janus particles. Finally, we show how the geometry of the colloids and/or the directionality of their interactions can be used to control the physical properties of the assembled active aggregates, and we suggest possible strategies for how to exploit activity as a tunable driving force for self-assembly. The unique properties of active colloids lend promise to the design of the next generation of functional, environment-sensing microstructures able to perform specific tasks in an autonomous and targeted manner.
Cation-Specific Effects on the Self-Assembly of Collagen Molecules Mediated by Acetate on Mica Surface Observed with Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Xiao Qi , Song Xuan , Wan Yunfei , Zhu Jie
Published: November 2017

The well-organized collagen layers on mica surface have drawn extensive attention for its essential applications and studies on the process of self-assembly as a model system. In this work, collagen extracted from fish scales by acid-base method was used to explore the self-assembly characters, and atomic force microscopy was applied to observe the collagen assembled on mica surface mediated by acetate with four different cations, including K+, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. It showed that cations might influence the interaction between collagen fibrils and mica surface at high ionic concentration. And a similar network structure was acquired with uniform pore size for four kinds of acetates; nearly ranged collagen fibrils in the same direction were collected in Mg2+ solutions, while flat films with some fibrils were achieved in K+ solutions. The Hofmeister series and Collins’ model were adapted to explain the effects of cations and acetate on the self-assembly of collagen. These results and analysis would be helpful for directing the pattern of collagen assembly on a solid surface with a potential application in food science and engineering.
Effects of Test Conditions on APA Rutting and Prediction Modeling for Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Wang Hui , Tan Haoqi , Qu Tian , Zhang Jiupeng
Published: November 2017

APA rutting tests were conducted for six kinds of asphalt mixtures under air-dry and immersing conditions. The influences of test conditions, including load, temperature, air voids, and moisture, on APA rutting depth were analyzed by using grey correlation method, and the APA rutting depth prediction model was established. Results show that the modified asphalt mixtures have bigger rutting depth ratios of air-dry to immersing conditions, indicating that the modified asphalt mixtures have better antirutting properties and water stability than the matrix asphalt mixtures. The grey correlation degrees of temperature, load, air void, and immersing conditions on APA rutting depth decrease successively, which means that temperature is the most significant influencing factor. The proposed indoor APA rutting prediction model has good prediction accuracy, and the correlation coefficient between the predicted and the measured rutting depths is 96.3%.
Metasurfaces-Based Absorption and Reflection Control: Perfect Absorbers and Reflectors
Authors: Badloe Trevon , Mun Jungho , Rho Junsuk
Published: November 2017

In the past decade, the realisation of negative index materials has initiated extensive research into metamaterials. Perfect absorbers and reflectors are of particular interest as their usefulness is endless in a range of different fields and devices. Since it was originally shown that a device can achieve unity absorption of electromagnetic waves, it has become a hot area of research to develop perfect absorbers based on polarisation independence and incident angle independence, at a range of frequencies from microwave to optical ones. The amazing performance, flexibility, and tunability of these metamaterials will be discussed here, by presenting the different designs and working mechanisms that have been realised up to now. Their limitations and shortcomings will be addressed and future plans for perfect absorbers and reflectors will be suggested.
Metabolic Alterations of Thyroid Cancer as Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Ciavardelli Domenico , Bellomo Maria , Consalvo Ada , Crescimanno Caterina , Vella Veronica
Published: November 2017

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most frequent endocrine tumor with a growing incidence worldwide. Besides the improvement of diagnosis, TC increasing incidence is probably due to environmental factors and lifestyle modifications. The actual diagnostic criteria for TC classification are based on fine needle biopsy (FNAB) and histological examination following thyroidectomy. Since in some cases it is not possible to make a proper diagnosis, classical approach needs to be supported by additional biomarkers. Recently, new emphasis has been given to the altered cellular metabolism of proliferating cancer cells which require high amount of glucose for energy production and macromolecules biosynthesis. Also TC displays alteration of energy metabolism orchestrated by oncogenes activation and tumor suppressors inactivation leading to abnormal proliferation. Furthermore, TC shows significant metabolic heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment and metabolic coupling between cancer and stromal cells. In this review we focus on the current knowledge of metabolic alterations of TC and speculate that targeting TC metabolism may improve current therapeutic protocols for poorly differentiated TC. Future studies will further deepen the actual understandings of the metabolic phenotype of TC cells and will give the chance to provide novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in tumors with a more aggressive behavior.
Determinant of Implanon Discontinuation among Women Who Ever Used Implanon in Diguna Fango District, Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Community Based Case Control Study
Authors: Tadesse Amanuel , Kondale Mekides , Agedew Eskzyiaw , Gebremeskel Feleke , Boti Negussie , Oumer Bilcha
Published: November 2017

Background. A significant number of women make Implanon their first choice of contraception. However, they discontinue their Implanon before its expiry date was high, but factors that contribute to discontinuing their Implanon were poorly described in Ethiopia. Methods. A community based unmatched case control study was conducted. Then simple random sampling technique was used to select 340 women. Data was collected by nurses using face to face interview. Epi-Info version 7 and SPSS 20 software were used. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed with COR and AOR with 95% CI. Findings. Having preinsertion counseling (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.20–0.64), having follow-up appointment (AOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.2–0.62), age at insertion <20 years (AOR: 3, 95% CI: 1.16–7.8), women who had no formal education (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.31–6.11), women who had ≤4 children (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.01–3.21), and women who had previous abortion history (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.10–4.63) were determinants of Implanon discontinuation. Conclusions. Policy makers and concerned bodies should take into account future intervention and also great emphasis should be given to follow-up appointment and counseling services, especially counseling on side effects, and informed choice for clients after Implanon insertion.
Effects of Freezing and Thawing Cycle on Mechanical Properties and Stability of Soft Rock Slope
Authors: Chen Yanlong , Wu Peng , Yu Qing , Xu Guang
Published: November 2017

To explore the variation laws of mechanical parameters of soft rock and the formed slope stability, an experiment was carried out with collected soft rock material specimens and freezing and thawing cycle was designed. Meanwhile, a computational simulation analysis of the freezing-thawing slope stability was implemented. Key factors that influence the strength of frozen rock specimens were analyzed. Results showed that moisture content and the number of freezing-thawing cycles influenced mechanical parameters of soft rock significantly. With the increase of moisture content, cohesion of frozen soft rock specimens presents a quadratic function decrease and the internal friction angle shows a negative exponential decrease. The stability coefficient of soft rock material slope in seasonal freeze soil area declines continuously. With the increase of freezing and thawing cycle, both cohesion and internal friction angle of soft rock decrease exponentially. The higher the moisture content, the quicker the reduction. Such stability coefficient presents a negative exponential reduction. After three freezing and thawing cycles, the slope stability coefficient only changes slightly. Findings were finally verified by the filed database.
Local and Systemic CD4+ T Cell Exhaustion Reverses with Clinical Resolution of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Hawkins Charlene , Shaginurova Guzel , Shelton D. Auriel , Herazo-Maya Jose D. , Oswald-Richter Kyra A. , Rotsinger Joseph E. , Young Anjuli , Celada Lindsay J. , Kaminski Naftali , Sevin Carla , Drake Wonder P.
Published: November 2017

Investigation of the Th1 immune response in sarcoidosis CD4+ T cells has revealed reduced proliferative capacity and cytokine expression upon TCR stimulation. In other disease models, such cellular dysfunction has been associated with a step-wise, progressive loss of T cell function that results from chronic antigenic stimulation. T cell exhaustion is defined by decreased cytokine production upon TCR activation, decreased proliferation, increased expression of inhibitory cell surface receptors, and increased susceptibility to apoptosis. We characterized sarcoidosis CD4+ T cell immune function in systemic and local environments among subjects undergoing disease progression compared to those experiencing disease resolution. Spontaneous and TCR-stimulated Th1 cytokine expression and proliferation assays were performed in 53 sarcoidosis subjects and 30 healthy controls. PD-1 expression and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Compared to healthy controls, sarcoidosis CD4+ T cells demonstrated reductions in Th1 cytokine expression, proliferative capacity (p<0.05), enhanced apoptosis (p<0.01), and increased PD-1 expression (p<0.001). BAL-derived CD4+ T cells also demonstrated multiple facets of T cell exhaustion (p<0.05). Reversal of CD4+ T cell exhaustion was observed in subjects undergoing spontaneous resolution (p<0.05). Sarcoidosis CD4+ T cells exhibit loss of cellular function during progressive disease that follows the archetype of T cell exhaustion.