bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of laminar thermals
Authors: Atkinson J. W. , Davidson P. A.
Published: September 2019

We consider the life cycle of an axisymmetric laminar thermal starting from the initial condition of a Gaussian buoyant blob. We find that, as time progresses, the thermal transitions through a number of distinct stages, undergoing several morphological changes before ending up as a vortex ring. Whilst each stage is interesting in its own right, one objective of this study is to set out a consistent mathematical framework under which the entire life cycle can be studied. This allows examination of the transition between the different stages, as well as shedding light on some unsolved questions from previous works. We find that the early stages of formation are key in determining the properties of the final buoyant vortex ring and that, since they occur on a time scale where viscosity has little effect, the final properties of the ring display an independence above a critical Reynolds number. We also find that rings consistently contain the same proportion of the initial heat and have a consistent vorticity flux. By considering the effect of Prandtl number, we show that thermal diffusion can have a significant impact on development, smoothing out the temperature field and inhibiting the generation of vorticity. Finally, by considering the wake left behind as well as the vortex ring that is generated, we observe that the wake can itself roll up to form a second mushroom cap and subsequently a secondary vortex ring that follows the first.
The stromatoporoidHabrostromain the upper Silurian (uppermost Pridoli)–Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) of North America, and the paleobiogeographic significance ofH.centrotum(Girty, 1895)
Authors: Stock Carl W. , Burry-Stock Judith A.
Published: September 2019

Three species ofHabrostromadominate stromatoporoid faunas in the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) of five areas in North America: New York, Virginia, Maine, Bathurst Island, and Ellesmere Island. In addition, they occur in what could be the upper Silurian (uppermost Pridoli) of Virginia, and possibly New York. Measurements of nine morphologies from 127 specimens ofHabrostromawere subjected to an average linkage cluster analysis. Using average linkage between groups, three distinct clusters were revealed. Group assignments made from the cluster analysis were saved, and entered into a canonical discriminant analysis with the nine morphological variables. An overall Wilks’ lambda was calculated, and is statistically significant at alpha <0.001. The hit rate for classifying group 1 is 98%, that for group 2 is 100%, and that for group 3 is 97.9%; the total hit rate is 100%. The morphological variables contributing most to group membership are: (1) percent cystlike microlaminae, (2) microlaminae per mm, (3) gallery height, (4) laminae per mm, and (5) laminar thickness. The statistics confirm that there are three species:H.centrotum,H.microporum, andH.consimile.

Habrostroma centrotumoccurs in all five areas. This is unusual because Virginia, New York, and Maine are part of the Eastern Americas Realm, and the arctic islands are part of the Old World Realm. Separation of the realms is based on a high percentage of unique genera in each. A breach in the inter-realm barrier is proposed to have existed across the Canadian Shield during the Lochkovian. The nature of the breach is determined to be a shallow-water filter, allowing the passage of a limited number of taxa.
Pilot trial of nicotine replacement therapy sampling in a dental care clinic
Authors: Bloom Erika Litvin , Carpenter Matthew J. , Walaska Kristen , Hunt Laura , Keable Kathy , Rayani Maryam , Japuntich Sandra J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Nicotine replacement therapy sampling (NRTS) refers to providing all smokers, regardless of interest in quitting, with free samples of over-the-counter NRT. NRTS has been shown to increase quit attempts and abstinence.

Aims

We conducted a pilot trial with a goal to establish the feasibility and acceptability of NRTS in a dental clinic, where providing free samples is routine and universal.

Methods

Participants (N = 30) completed a baseline survey and were randomized to receive or not receive a 2-week supply of NRT samples (14 mg patches and 4 mg lozenges) in a 3:1 ratio.

Results

We enrolled 30 of 50 potentially eligible patients, of whom 26 completed a 4-week follow-up survey. At follow-up, 61% of the NRT group reported use of the samples and 26% said they used more NRT obtained on their own. In the No NRT group, only one patient reported using NRT. No patients reported past week abstinence, but 43% of the NRT group vs. 29% of the No NRT group reported making a quit attempt lasting longer than 24 h.

Conclusions

The pattern of results suggests that conducting a larger trial would be feasible and that the NRTS intervention was acceptable to dental patients.
On the Edge of Penal Colonies: Castiadas (Sardinia) and the “Redemption” of the Land
Authors: Di Pasquale Francesca
Published: September 2019

The article analyses the development of agricultural penal colonies in Italy, focusing on their margins and borders. The first section focuses on Italy's frontier with overseas territories that was assumed in discussion of the location of penal colonies following Italian unification. The article also highlights some of the factors behind the effective lack of deportation and transportation of Italians overseas. The second section explores Italy's largest agricultural penal colony, Castiadas, in Sardinia and, more generally, the borders between convicts and free citizens and between penal territory and free territory. My thesis is that penal colonies were partly designed to discipline populations in adjacent territories and that their economic and social organization served as a development model for rural Italy more widely.
The Right to Self-Determination under the Ethiopian Constitution: A Legal Tool for Indigenous Peoples’ Protection against Land Alienation?
Authors: Hindeya Tilahun Weldie
Published: September 2019

Since 2008 the Ethiopian government has allocated vast tracts of land, particularly in the Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, to agricultural commercial actors with little or no participation from indigenous communities. The marginalization of indigenous peoples in this process primarily emerges from the government's very wide legislative discretionary power regarding decision-making in the exploitation of land. The government has invoked constitutional clauses relating to land ownership and its power to deploy land resources for the “common benefit” of the people, to assert the consistency of this discretionary power with the Ethiopian Constitution. This article posits that the legislative and practical measures taken by the government that marginalize these indigenous peoples in decisions affecting the utilization of land resources are incompatible with their constitutional right to self-determination. Further, it posits that the government's use of the constitution to justify its wide discretionary power in the decision-making process relating to land exploitation is based on a misreading of the constitution.
The Explanatory Link Account of Normality
Authors: Lavin Andrew
Published: September 2019

Few have given an extended treatment of the non-statistical sense of normality: a sense captured in sentences like “dogs have four legs,” or “hammers normally have metal heads,” or “it is normal for badgers to take dust baths.” The most direct extant treatment is Bernhard Nickel's Between Logic and the World, where he claims that the normal or characteristic for a kind is what we can explain by appeal to the right sorts of explanations. Just which explanatory strategies can ground normalities, though, is difficult to determine without inviting circularity into the account. After raising this and other worries for Nickel's account, I develop my own account according to which normal features are those which are explained by the kind of thing involved.
Modality-general and modality-specific processes in hallucinations
Authors: Fernyhough Charles
Published: September 2019

There is a growing recognition in psychosis research of the importance of hallucinations in modalities other than the auditory. This has focused attention on cognitive and neural processes that might be shared by, and which might contribute distinctly to, hallucinations in different modalities. In this article, I address some issues around the modality-generality of cognitive and neural processes in hallucinations, including the role of perceptual and reality-monitoring systems, top-down and bottom-up processes in relation to the psychological and neural substrates of hallucinations, and the phenomenon of simultaneous multimodal hallucinations of the same entity. I suggest that a functional systems approach, inspired by some neglected aspects of the writings of A. R. Luria, can help us to understand patterns of hallucinatory experience across modalities and across clinical and non-clinical groups. Understanding the interplay between modality-general and modality-specific processes may bear fruit for improved diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to dealing with distressing hallucinations.
FACELESS HIERARCHY AT NIXTUN-CH'ICH’, PETEN, GUATEMALA
Authors: Pugh Timothy W. , Chan Nieto Evelyn M. , Zygadło Gabriela W.
Published: September 2019

Societies vary in how they approach the challenges of increased population, inequality, and occupational specialization. The city of Nixtun-Ch'ich’ and its satellite, T'up, in Peten, Guatemala exhibit orthogonal urban grids—a trait absent from all other known Maya cities. Such grids require extensive planning and the ability to mobilize the population. The present data suggests that Nixtun-Ch'ich’ was substantially larger than any of the surrounding settlements and was, therefore, a primate center during the Middle Preclassic period. The extensive urban planning of the site, as well as that of T'up suggests centralized planning. Yet, we have not encountered evidence of a central ruler propagated as a unifying symbol of the polity. The gridded public streets and lack of a rulership cult suggest that Nixtun-Ch'ich’ had a more collaborative social system.
Propositions First: Biting Geach's Bullet
Authors: Frápolli M. J.
Published: September 2019

To be a proposition is to possess propositional properties and to stand in inferential relations. This is the organic intuition, [OI], concerning propositional recognition. [OI] is not a circular characterization as long as those properties and relations that signal the presence of propositions are independently identified. My take on propositions does not depart from the standard approach widely accepted among philosophers of language. Propositions are truth-bearers, the arguments of truth-functions (‘not’, ‘or’, ‘and’, ‘if’), the arguments of propositional-attitude verbs (‘know’, ‘believe’, ‘doubt’, ‘assume’, ‘reject’) and the kind of entity capable of standing in inferential relations (which are basically implication and incompatibility). The aim of this paper is to argue for [OI]. In doing so, I will show that even what is probably the most repeated argument against non-descriptivism, the so-called Frege-Geach Argument (FGA), presupposes something like [OI], a presupposition that Geach shares with his critics. Despite the huge success of FGA, a thorough analysis of the actual scope of this argument has yet to be given. I will provide such an analysis in section 3 below. In this paper, I argue that [OI] is a meta-theoretical principle which is neutral with respect to specific metaphysical debates about the nature of propositions, as well as specific proposals about the semantics of declarative sentences.
Global Expressivism by the Method of Differences
Authors: Price Huw
Published: September 2019

In this piece I characterise global expressivism, as I understand it, by contrasting it with five other views: the so-called Canberra Plan; Moorean non-naturalism and platonism; ‘relaxed realism’ and quietism; local expressivism; and response-dependent realism. Some other familiar positions, including fictionalism, error theories, and idealism, are also mentioned, but as sub-cases to one of these five.
A MULTIPHASE MULTISCALE MODEL FOR NUTRIENT-LIMITED TISSUE GROWTH, PART II: A SIMPLIFIED DESCRIPTION
Authors: HOLDEN E. C. , CHAPMAN S. J. , BROOK B. S. , O’DEA R. D.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we revisit our previous work in which we derive an effective macroscale description suitable to describe the growth of biological tissue within a porous tissue-engineering scaffold. The underlying tissue dynamics is described as a multiphase mixture, thereby naturally accommodating features such as interstitial growth and active cell motion. Via a linearization of the underlying multiphase model (whose nonlinearity poses a significant challenge for such analyses), we obtain, by means of multiple-scale homogenization, a simplified macroscale model that nevertheless retains explicit dependence on both the microscale scaffold structure and the tissue dynamics, via so-called unit-cell problems that provide permeability tensors to parameterize the macroscale description. In our previous work, the cell problems retain macroscale dependence, posing significant challenges for computational implementation of the eventual macroscopic model; here, we obtain a decoupled system whereby the quasi-steady cell problems may be solved separately from the macroscale description. Moreover, we indicate how the formulation is influenced by a set of alternative microscale boundary conditions.
Wer strebt am Ende des Medizinstudiums eine Hausärztekarriere an? Umfrage unter Schweizer Studierenden
Authors: Diallo Beatrice , Rozsnyai Zsofia , Bachofner Marius , Maisonneuve Hubert , Moser-Bucher Cora , Mueller Yolanda Kathrin , Scherz Nathalie , Martin Sebastien , Streit Sven
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Gemäss einer früheren Prognose wird erwartet, dass bis 2025 in der Schweiz 5000 Hausärzte fehlen werden, da nur 10–20 % der Medizinstudierenden diesen Beruf wählten. Unsere Umfrage bei allen fortgeschrittenen Medizinstudierenden hatte zum Ziel, deren Karrierewunsch neu zu erheben. Neben der Wahrscheinlichkeit, Hausarzt zu werden und dem Zeitpunkt des Karriereentscheids wurden Faktoren rund um die Hausarztmedizin (Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung, Karrieremöglichkeiten, etc.) erhoben. Die Resultate zeigten, dass sich Massnahmen zur Stärkung der Hausarztmedizin gelohnt haben: 60 % der Befragten sind potenziell zukünftige Hausärzte (20 % entschlossen, 40 % interessiert), 15 % sind unsicher, 25 % entschlossen Nicht-Hausärzte. Für Hausarztmedizin sprachen: Arbeitsautonomie, Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung, Möglichkeit der Teilzeittätigkeit, ärztliche Tätigkeit. Dagegen sprachen: Einkommen, Reputation, politische Rahmenbedingungen. Hier muss angesetzt werden, um Hausarztkarrieren mit attraktiven Weiterbildungsprogrammen und Praxisbedingungen weiter zu fördern.
CME: Eosinophile Ösophagitis
Authors: Jutzi Rebecca , Zeller Andreas
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die eosinophile Ösophagitis ist eine chronische Erkrankung mit zunehmender Prävalenz und Inzidenz. Die klinische Symptomatik kann unspezifisch sein und variiert in Abhängigkeit vom Patientenalter. Am häufigsten leiden Betroffene (meist junge Männer) an Dysphagie und Bolusimpaktionen. In der Endoskopie können die Veränderungen unspezifisch sein, histologisch imponiert eine Infiltration mit eosinophilen Granulozyten. Zur Therapie stehen Diäten, Medikamente und die Ösophagus-Dilatationen zur Verfügung. Dieser Artikel soll einen kurzen Überblick über dieses stetig zunehmende Krankheitsbild geben sowie die Abklärungsstrategie und Therapiemöglichkeiten erläutern.
Müdigkeit – ein häufiges Symptom in der Hausarztpraxis
Authors: Bally Klaus , Zeller Andreas
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Wenn Patienten mit dem Symptom Müdigkeit eine hausärztliche Sprechstunde aufsuchen, soll primär erfasst werden, was der Patient unter Müdigkeit versteht, wie stark er im Alltag dadurch beeinträchtigt ist und wie er sich das Symptom erklärt. In einem nächsten Schritt müssen gefährliche abwendbare Erkrankungen wie eine Depression, eine Abhängigkeitserkrankung oder ein Schlafapnoesyndrom ausgeschlossen werden. Die wichtigsten somatischen und psychiatrischen Ursachen von Müdigkeit sollen gleichzeitig mit einer vertieften Anamnese exploriert werden. Eine einfache körperliche Untersuchung und wenige Laboruntersuchungen sind ausreichend, um die wichtigsten Erkrankungen zu erfassen, die sich isoliert mit dem Symptom Müdigkeit präsentieren. Für die weitere Betreuung ist ein primär biopsychosozialer Zugang mit einer tragfähigen Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung entscheidend. Voreilige Schlüsse basierend auf Laborbefunden sind zu vermeiden; Komorbiditäten müssen in Betracht gezogen werden.
Moving Beyond System 1 and System 2
Authors: De Houwer Jan
Published: September 2019

Abstract. It is generally assumed that relational knowledge is the foundation of higher cognition such as (analogical and conditional) reasoning, language, the use of relational categories, and planning. Dual-system models (e.g., Kahneman, 2011 ) that divide the realm of cognition into two systems with opposing properties (e.g., fast vs. slow, intentional vs. unintentional, conscious vs. unconscious, associative vs. propositional) foster the view that other psychological phenomena are not relational in nature. In this paper, I argue that the impact of relational knowledge is more widespread than dual-system models imply. More specifically, I review evidence suggesting that also Pavlovian conditioning, implicit evaluation, and habitual responding are mediated by relational knowledge. Considering the idea that relational knowledge underlies also fast, unintentional, unconscious, and seemingly associative psychological phenomena is not only theoretically important but also reveals new opportunities for influencing thinking and behavior.
The autism-mutated ADNP plays a key role in stress response
Authors: Sragovich Shlomo , Ziv Yarden , Vaisvaser Sharon , Shomron Noam , Hendler Talma , Gozes Illana
Published: September 2019

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), discovered and first characterized in our laboratory (IG), is vital for mammalian brain formation and presents one of the leading genes mutated de novo causing an autistic syndrome, namely the ADNP syndrome. Furthermore, a unique mouse model of Adnp-haploinsufficiency was developed in the laboratory (IG), with mice exhibiting cognitive and social deficiencies. ADNP is regulated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP). In this respect, PACAP was independently identified as a sexual divergent master regulator of the stress response. Here, we sought to determine the impact of the Adnp genotype and the efficacy of PACAP pre-treatment when subjecting Adnp+/− mice to stressful conditions. Significant sex differences were observed with Adnp+/− males being more susceptible to stress in the object and social recognition tests, and the females more susceptible in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. Splenic Adnp expression and plasma cortisol levels in mice were correlated with cognition (male mice) and anxiety-related behavior. These findings were further translated to humans, with observed correlations between ADNP expression and stress/cortisol content in a young men cohort. Altogether, our current results may establish ADNP as a marker of stress response.
RNA-binding protein CELF6 is cell cycle regulated and controls cancer cell proliferation by stabilizing p21
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhang Qianwen , Xia Li , Shi Mengjuan , Cai Jin , Zhang Haowei , Li Jia , Lin Guanglan , Xie Weidong , Zhang Yaou , Xu Naihan
Published: September 2019

CELF6, a member of the CELF family of RNA-binding proteins, regulates muscle-specific alternative splicing and contributes to the pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy (DM), however the role of CELF6 in cancer cell proliferation is less appreciated. Here, we show that the expression of CELF6 is cell cycle regulated. The cell cycle-dependent expression of CELF6 is mediated through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, SCF-β-TrCP recognizes a nonphospho motif in CELF6 and regulates its proteasomal degradation. Overexpression or depletion of CELF6 modulates p21 gene expression. CELF6 binds to the 3′UTR of p21 transcript and increases its mRNA stability. Depletion of CELF6 promotes cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and colony formation whereas overexpression of CELF6 induces G1 phase arrest. The effect of CELF6 on cell proliferation is p53 and/or p21 dependent. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CELF6 might be a potential tumor suppressor, CELF6 regulates cell proliferation and cell cycle progression via modulating p21 stability.
MNS1 variant associated with situs inversus and male infertility
Authors: Leslie Joseph S. , Rawlins Lettie E. , Chioza Barry A. , Olubodun Oluwaseun R. , Salter Claire G. , Fasham James , Jones Hannah F. , Cross Harold E. , Lam Simon , Harlalka Gaurav V. , Muggenthaler Martina M. A. , Crosby Andrew H. , Baple Emma L.
Published: September 2019

Ciliopathy disorders due to abnormalities of motile cilia encompass a range of autosomal recessive conditions typified by chronic otosinopulmonary disease, infertility, situs abnormalities and hydrocephalus. Using a combination of genome-wide SNP mapping and whole exome sequencing (WES), we investigated the genetic cause of a form of situs inversus (SI) and male infertility present in multiple individuals in an extended Amish family, assuming that an autosomal recessive founder variant was responsible. This identified a single shared (2.34 Mb) region of autozygosity on chromosome 15q21.3 as the likely disease locus, in which we identified a single candidate biallelic frameshift variant in MNS1 [NM_018365.2: c.407_410del; p.(Glu136Glyfs*16)]. Genotyping of multiple family members identified randomisation of the laterality defects in other homozygous individuals, with all wild type or MNS1 c.407_410del heterozygous carriers being unaffected, consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. This study identifies an MNS1 variant as a cause of laterality defects and male infertility in humans, mirroring findings in Mns1-deficient mice which also display male infertility and randomisation of left–right asymmetry of internal organs, confirming a crucial role for MNS1 in nodal cilia and sperm flagella formation and function.
Dynamic regulation of interregional cortical communication by slow brain oscillations during working memory
Authors: Berger B. , Griesmayr B. , Minarik T. , Biel A. L. , Pinal D. , Sterr A. , Sauseng P.
Published: September 2019

Transiently storing information and mentally manipulating it is known as working memory. These operations are implemented by a distributed, fronto-parietal cognitive control network in the brain. The neural mechanisms controlling interactions within this network are yet to be determined. Here, we show that during a working memory task the brain uses an oscillatory mechanism for regulating access to prefrontal cognitive resources, dynamically controlling interactions between prefrontal cortex and remote neocortical areas. Combining EEG with non-invasive brain stimulation we show that fast rhythmical brain activity at posterior sites are nested into prefrontal slow brain waves. Depending on cognitive demand this high frequency activity is nested into different phases of the slow wave enabling dynamic coupling or de-coupling of the fronto-parietal control network adjusted to cognitive effort. This mechanism constitutes a basic principle of coordinating higher cognitive functions in the human brain.
A Bayesian psychophysics model of sense of agency
Authors: Legaspi Roberto , Toyoizumi Taro
Published: September 2019

Sense of agency (SoA) refers to the experience or belief that one’s own actions caused an external event. Here we present a model of SoA in the framework of optimal Bayesian cue integration with mutually involved principles, namely reliability of action and outcome sensory signals, their consistency with the causation of the outcome by the action, and the prior belief in causation. We used our Bayesian model to explain the intentional binding effect, which is regarded as a reliable indicator of SoA. Our model explains temporal binding in both self-intended and unintentional actions, suggesting that intentionality is not strictly necessary given high confidence in the action causing the outcome. Our Bayesian model also explains that if the sensory cues are reliable, SoA can emerge even for unintended actions. Our formal model therefore posits a precision-dependent causal agency.
Modular enzyme assembly for enhanced cascade biocatalysis and metabolic flux
Authors: Kang Wei , Ma Tian , Liu Min , Qu Jiale , Liu Zhenjun , Zhang Huawei , Shi Bin , Fu Shuai , Ma Juncai , Lai Louis Tung Faat , He Sicong , Qu Jianan , Wing-Ngor Au Shannon , Ho Kang Byung , Yu Lau Wilson Chun , Deng Zixin , Xia Jiang , Liu Tiangang
Published: September 2019

Enzymatic reactions in living cells are highly dynamic but simultaneously tightly regulated. Enzyme engineers seek to construct multienzyme complexes to prevent intermediate diffusion, to improve product yield, and to control the flux of metabolites. Here we choose a pair of short peptide tags (RIAD and RIDD) to create scaffold-free enzyme assemblies to achieve these goals. In vitro, assembling enzymes in the menaquinone biosynthetic pathway through RIAD–RIDD interaction yields protein nanoparticles with varying stoichiometries, sizes, geometries, and catalytic efficiency. In Escherichia coli, assembling the last enzyme of the upstream mevalonate pathway with the first enzyme of the downstream carotenoid pathway leads to the formation of a pathway node, which increases carotenoid production by 5.7 folds. The same strategy results in a 58% increase in lycopene production in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This work presents a simple strategy to impose metabolic control in biosynthetic microbe factories.
High correlation between Zika virus NS1 antibodies and neutralizing antibodies in selected serum samples from normal healthy Thais
Authors: Sornjai Wannapa , Ramphan Suwipa , Wikan Nitwara , Auewarakul Prasert , Smith Duncan R.
Published: September 2019

Despite the widespread presence of the mosquito transmitted Zika virus (ZIKV) over much of Southeast Asia, the number of reported cases remains low. One possibility is that residents in Southeast Asia are immunologically protected, although the nature of any such protection remains unclear. This study sought to investigate the presence of antibodies directed to ZIKV NS1 protein in a selected sub-set of samples from a well characterized cohort of serum samples from normal, healthy Thais that had been previously characterized for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to ZIKV, DENV 1-4, and JEV. Because of similarities in molecular weight between the flavivirus E and NS1 proteins, an immunoblot system was established in which the NS1 antigen was not denatured, allowing detection of the dimer form of NS1, distinctly clear from the migration position of the E and NS1 monomer proteins. The results showed that antibodies to ZIKV NS1 protein were only detected in samples with ZIKV neutralizing antibodies (27/30 samples), and no sample (0/30) with a ZIKV plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT)90 < 20 showed evidence of anti-ZIKV NS1 antibodies. The high correlation between the presence of ZIKV NS1 antibodies and ZIKV PRNT suggests that immunological protection against ZIKV infection in Thailand arises from prior exposure to ZIKV, and not through cross neutralization.
Non-thermal plasma inhibits mast cell activation and ameliorates allergic skin inflammatory diseases in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Lee Myung-Hoon , Lee Yun Sang , Kim Haeng Jun , Han Chang Hak , Kang Sung Un , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: September 2019

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has many functional activities such as, sterilization, wound healing and anti-cancer activity. Despite of its wide spread biomedical application, the effect of NTP on immune cells and allergic response has not been well studied. In this study, we determined whether NTP suppresses mast cell activation, which is important for allergic response, and ameliorates an atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin inflammatory disease in mice. Exposure to NTP-treated medium during mast cell activation inhibited the expression and production of IL-6, TNF-α and suppressed NF-κB activation. We also investigated whether NTP treatment ameliorates house dust mite (HDM)-induced AD-like skin inflammation in mice. NTP treatment inhibited increases in epidermal thickness and recruitment of mast cells and eosinophils, which are important cell types in AD pathogenesis. In addition, Th2 cell differentiation was induced by application of HDM and the differentiation was also inhibited in the draining lymph node of NTP-treated mice. Finally, the expression of AD-related cytokines and chemokines was also decreased in NTP-treated mice. Taken together, these results suggest that NTP might be useful in the treatment of allergic skin diseases, such as AD.
MR g-ratio-weighted connectome analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kamagata Koji , Zalesky Andrew , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Andica Christina , Hagiwara Akifumi , Shimoji Keigo , Kumamaru Kanako K. , Takemura Mariko Y. , Hoshino Yasunobu , Kamiya Kouhei , Hori Masaaki , Pantelis Christos , Hattori Nobutaka , Aoki Shigeki
Published: September 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a brain network disconnection syndrome. Although the brain network topology in MS has been evaluated using diffusion MRI tractography, the mechanism underlying disconnection in the disorder remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the brain network topology in MS using connectomes with connectivity strengths based on the ratio of the inner to outer myelinated axon diameter (i.e., g-ratio), thereby providing enhanced sensitivity to demyelination compared with the conventional measures of connectivity. We mapped g-ratio-based connectomes in 14 patients with MS and compared them with those of 14 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. For comparison, probabilistic tractography was also used to map connectomes based on the number of streamlines (NOS). We found that g-ratio- and NOS-based connectomes comprised significant connectivity reductions in patients with MS, predominantly in the motor, somatosensory, visual, and limbic regions. However, only the g-ratio-based connectome enabled detection of significant increases in nodal strength in patients with MS. Finally, we found that the g-ratio-weighted nodal strength in motor, visual, and limbic regions significantly correlated with inter-individual variation in measures of disease severity. The g-ratio-based connectome can serve as a sensitive biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression.
Oxidative stress-responsive apoptosis inducing protein (ORAIP) plays a critical role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Kishimoto Masao , Suenaga Jun , Takase Hajime , Araki Kota , Yao Takako , Fujimura Tsutomu , Murayama Kimie , Okumura Ko , Ueno Ryu , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Kawahara Nobutaka , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Seko Yoshinori
Published: September 2019

Oxidative stress is known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of various disorders, especially in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We identified an apoptosis-inducing humoral factor and named this novel post translationally modified secreted form of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) “oxidative stress-responsive apoptosis inducing protein” (ORAIP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ORAIP in the mechanisms of cerebral I/R injury. Hypoxia/reoxygenation induced expression of ORAIP in cultured rat cerebral neurons, resulting in extensive apoptosis of these cells, which was largely suppressed by neutralizing anti-ORAIP monoclonal antibody (mAb) in vitro. Recombinant-ORAIP induced extensive apoptosis of cerebral neurons. Cerebral I/R induced expression of ORAIP in many neurons in a rat tandem occlusion model in vivo. In addition, we analyzed the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of neutralizing anti-ORAIP mAb on the development of cerebral infarction. Cerebral I/R significantly increased ORAIP levels in cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with intracerebroventricular administration of neutralizing anti-ORAIP mAb reduced infarct volume by 72%, and by 55% even when started after reperfusion. These data strongly suggest that ORAIP plays a pivotal role and will offer a critical therapeutic target for cerebral I/R injury induced by thrombolysis and thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.
Revisiting the use of web search data for stock market movements
Authors: Zhong Xu , Raghib Michael
Published: September 2019

Advances in Big Data make it possible to make short-term forecasts for market trends from previously unexplored sources. Trading strategies were recently developed by exploiting a link between the online search activity of certain terms semantically related to finance and market movements. Here we build on these earlier results by exploring a data-driven strategy which adaptively leverages the Google Correlate service and automatically chooses a new set of search terms for every trading decision. In a backtesting experiment run from 2008 to 2017 we obtained a 499% cumulative return which compares favourably with benchmark strategies. A crowdsourcing exercise reveals that the term selection process preferentially selects highly specific terms semantically related to finance (e.g. Wells Fargo Bank), which may capture the transient interests of investors, but at the cost of a shorter span of validity. The adaptive strategy quickly updates the set of search terms when a better combination is found, leading to more consistent predictability. We anticipate that this adaptive decision framework can be of value not only for financial applications, but also in other areas of computational social science, where linkages between facets of collective human behavior and online searches can be inferred from digital footprint data.
Perspectives on the Use of Flow Systems to Carry Out Organic Photochemical Reactions
Authors: Mizuno K. , Kakiuchi K.
Published: September 2019

Organic photochemical reactions have been conducted using classic batch conditions for over a half century. Beginning in the 21st century, several efforts were conducted to develop reactions of this type, performed in a convenient, controllable and safe manner using flow micro reactors. This chapter describes the general methods used for flow micro photochemical reactions and some typical organic transformations that have been performed using this approach, including inter- and intra-molecular photocycloadditions, photocyclizations, photoadditions, photoisomerizations, photosubstitutions, photooxygenations, photorearrangements, heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions and photoinduced organometallic reactions.
Sustainable Approaches to C–H Functionalizations Through Flow Techniques
Authors: Santoro S. , Ferlin F. , Vaccaro L.
Published: September 2019

C–H functionalization reactions have attracted great attention in recent years due to their promise of simplifying organic synthetic pathways. However, many reported protocols suffer from common limitations, such as the usually harsh reaction conditions, with the related safety issues, and the requirement of high catalyst loadings. Recent research efforts have demonstrated that the application of flow technologies to C–H functionalization reactions can significantly mitigate these issues, also resulting in more sustainable protocols. In this chapter we present selected examples of C–H functionalizations realized in flow conditions, highlighting the sustainability aspects effected by the application of flow techniques.
Integrated Microreaction Systems of Microdevices with Conventional Equipment
Authors: Luo G. S. , Deng J. , Wang K.
Published: September 2019

The microreaction technology for a continuous flow process has been evolving from a pure research tool in chemical engineering to a ubiquitously applicable technique in the field of chemical synthesis. For chemists, it is difficult to set up a laboratory-scale microreaction system because their focus is on chemistry rather than chemical engineering. The configuration of a laboratory-scale microreaction system as an initial mode connects chemistry and industrial design, therefore, it is vital to decide the final feasibility, complexity and cost of industrial microreaction system engineering. This chapter will describe four categories of microreaction systems according to physicochemical properties of chemical processes, elaborate in detail how to analyze the characteristics of chemical processes, and build integrated microreaction systems based on microreactors and conventional chemical equipment through four typical examples. Finally, a brief summary and perspectives on microreaction systems is also presented in this chapter. The content may provide some general references for the applications of microreaction technologies.
Simultaneous quantification of tau and α-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid by high-resolution mass spectrometry for differentiation of Lewy Body Dementia from Alzheimer's Disease and controls
Authors: Viodé Arthur , Epelbaum Stéphane , Benyounes Imen , Verny Marc , Dubois Bruno , Junot Christophe , Fenaille François , Lamari Foudil , Becher François
Published: September 2019

A novel mass spectrometry assay offers simultaneous quantification of CSF α-synuclein and tau and has potential diagnostic value.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay utilizing thin-layered microfluidics
Authors: Nakao Tatsuro , Mawatari Kazuma , Kazoe Yutaka , Mori Emi , Shimizu Hisashi , Kitamori Takehiko
Published: September 2019

An antibody-immobilized thin-layered glass microfluidic channel with a high surface-to-volume ratio was developed for rapid and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Yttrium dialkyl supported by a silaamidinate ligand: synthesis, structure and catalysis on cyclotrimerization of isocyanates
Authors: Liu Deshuai , Zhou Dahai , Yang Hao , Li Jianfeng , Cui Chunming
Published: September 2019

A four-coordinate yttrium dialkyl complex with a sterically demanding silaamidinate ligand exhibited high activity and excellent functional group tolerance for the catalysis of isocyanate cyclotrimerization.
Visible light promoted fluoroalkylation of alkenes and alkynes using 2-bromophenol as a catalyst
Authors: Zhu Erlin , Liu Xiao-Xiao , Wang An-Jun , Mao Ting , Zhao Liang , Zhang Xingang , He Chun-Yang
Published: September 2019

A simple, mild and efficient approach for the fluoroalkylation of alkenes and alkynes using 2-bromophenol as a catalyst is presented.
A three dimensional hydrogen bonded organic framework assembled through antielectrostatic hydrogen bonds
Authors: Cullen Duncan A. , Gardiner Michael G. , White Nicholas G.
Published: September 2019

A 3D hydrogen bonded organic framework was assembled in water from tetraamidinium cations and antielectrostatically hydrogen bonded bicarbonate dimers.
Intermetallic PdIn catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol: mechanistic studies with a combined DFT and microkinetic modeling method
Authors: Wu Panpan , Yang Bo
Published: September 2019

Reaction pathways of methanol and carbon monoxide formation from CO2 hydrogenation over PdIn(110) and (211) with a combined density functional theory and microkinetic modeling approach.
An improved method for recovering and preconcentrating mercury in natural water samples for stable isotope analysis
Authors: Li Kai , Lin Che-Jen , Yuan Wei , Sun Guangyi , Fu Xuewu , Feng Xinbin
Published: September 2019

A new method is developed to meet the criteria for precise and efficient measurements of mercury isotopic composition in various water samples.
Two mixed-ligand Cd(ii)–organic frameworks with unique topologies: selective luminescence sensing of TNP and Cu2+ ions with recyclable performances
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Jia Wen , Wu Junjie , Tang Guodong , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2019

Two luminescent Cd(ii)–organic frameworks exhibit unprecedented (4,4,5,5)-c and (4,4,4,6,7)-c topologies, and highly sensitive and selective sensing of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol and Cu2+.
A facile one-step hydrothermal approach for the synthesis of a CuMoO4/MoS2 composite as a high performance pseudocapacitive material for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Kim Hee-Je , Kim Dong-Jin , Anitha Tarugu , Yedluri Anil kumar , Bak Jin-Soo , Cho Inho , Jagadeesh M. , Reddy Araveeti Eswar
Published: September 2019

CuMoO4/MoS2-nanoparticle forest-like structures exhibit a very good specific capacitance and cyclic stability compared to the CuMoO4 and MoS2 electrodes.
Ultrathin lead bromide perovskite platelets spotted with europium(ii) bromide dots
Authors: Rosa-Pardo Ignacio , Pocoví-Martínez Salvador , Arenal Raul , Galian Raquel E. , Pérez-Prieto Julia
Published: September 2019

A novel nanohybrid comprising a two-layer [CsPbBr3]PbBr4 nanoplatelet spotted with EuBr2 dots was prepared by ultrasound treatment of CsPbBr3 in the presence of Eu(ii)-dots; excitonic and Eu2+-sensitized emission at 436 nm is observed.
Regio- and chemo-selective cyclization of allenic-Ugi products for the synthesis of 3-pyrroline skeletons
Authors: Amiri Kamran , Khosravi Hormoz , Balalaie Saeed , Golmohammadi Farhad , Anwar Muhammad U. , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: September 2019

A variety of functionalized 3-pyrroline derivatives were prepared by Ugi post-transformation reaction through cyclization of stable allenic-Ugi products in the presence of base at room temperature.
Real time monitoring of peptide deliveryin vitrousing high payload pH responsive nanogels
Authors: Farazi Shegufta , Chen Fan , Foster Henry , Boquiren Raelene , McAlpine Shelli R. , Chapman Robert
Published: September 2019

A pH responsive pMAA nanogel that demonstrates high loading capacity and rapid intracellular delivery of hydrophilic peptides.
Enantioselective carbene insertion into the N–H bond of benzophenone imine
Authors: Yang Jian , Ruan Peiran , Yang Wei , Feng Xiaoming , Liu Xiaohua
Published: September 2019

Asymmetric insertion of α-diazoesters into the N–H bond of N-sp2-hybridized benzophenone imine was realized by using Rh2(esp)2 and chiral guanidine cooperative catalysis.
An MOF-derived C@NiO@Ni electrocatalyst for N2conversion to NH3in alkaline electrolytes
Authors: Luo Shijian , Li Xiaoman , Gao Wanguo , Zhang Haiqiang , Luo Min
Published: September 2019

MOF-derived C@NiO@Ni are proposed as an efficient electrocatalyst for N2reduction reaction in alkaline media. Abundant oxygen vacancies and NiO/Ni interfaces can act as active sites for adsorbing nitrogen and proton, respectively.
Le placebo à l’hôpital
Authors: Héron Anne , Leroux Christophe , Dubayle David
Published: September 2019

Un placebo est défini comme un traitement sans efficacité pharmacologique propre qui agit, lorsque le patient pense recevoir un traitement actif, par des mécanismes psychologiques et physiologiques. Notre étude avait pour but d’évaluer l’utilisation du placebo dans les unités de médecine polyvalente des hôpitaux français. Pour cela, un questionnaire comprenant 15 items a été transmis à plusieurs unités. L’analyse des réponses reçues confirme que l’utilisation de placebos à l’hôpital est fréquente, près des deux tiers des professionnels ayant répondu déclarent en faire usage. L’administration du placebo en gélule par voie orale est la forme la plus couramment utilisée. À l’hôpital, il est administré principalement la nuit, le plus souvent sans prescription médicale, en cas de douleur, d’insomnie ou d’anxiété, à des patients dits « difficiles » (solliciteurs d’attention et de soin). Dans la plupart des cas, les patients ne sont pas informés qu’il s’agit d’un placebo. La majorité des professionnels « croit » en l’effet placebo, mais se considèrent cependant insuffisamment informés et formés à son utilisation. Fréquemment utilisé à l’hôpital, son efficacité thérapeutique étant largement admise, des considérations éthiques et juridiques imposent de recommander que sa nature soit précisée au patient lors de sa prescription (au même titre que les autres préparations hospitalières). On parlera alors de « placebo ouvert », c’est-à-dire que des explications sur les effets et les mécanismes d’action du placebo seront données au patient. Des études récentes montrent que dire au patient qu’il reçoit un placebo ouvert n’affecte en rien son effet.
Syndrome néphrotique idiopathique et facteurs circulants
Authors: Lorenzo Hans-Kristian , Candelier Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2019

La fonction d’excrétion du rein fait intervenir des glomérules chargés de filtrer sélectivement le sang. L’acteur principal du filtre glomérulaire est le podocyte dont les pédicelles entrelacés portent des complexes moléculaires (néphrine, podocine, etc.) qui sont responsables du fonctionnement de la barrière de filtration (diaphragme de fente). Des altérations de ces podocytes entraînent une protéinurie massive qui caractérise le syndrome néphrotique. Parmi les formes les plus malignes de cette pathologie, se trouve le syndrome néphrotique idiopathique dont la physiopathologie reste inconnue. Ce syndrome regroupe essentiellement deux entités : les lésions glomérulaires minimes et la hyalinose segmentaire et focale. Ces pathologies impliqueraient les cellules du système immunitaire et plusieurs facteurs de perméabilité circulants qui agiraient sur la morphologie et le fonctionnement des podocytes.
Les fonctions de l’innervation sympathique artérielle
Authors: Simonnet Émilie , Brunet Isabelle
Published: September 2019

L’innervation sympathique artérielle (ISA) est un processus biologique complexe nécessitant un guidage fin des axones des neurones sympathiques par les artères. L’ISA est un élément clé de l’adaptation du système cardiovasculaire aux différentes contraintes (exposition au froid, exercice, etc.) : elle contrôle le diamètre des artères de résistance, donc le flux sanguin parvenant aux organes et la pression artérielle systémiqueviala modulation du tonus artériel. Son importance lors du vieillissement et dans de nombreux contextes pathologiques est de mieux en mieux reconnue et comprise. Son intégration à la prise en charge de nombreuses maladies (hypertension, cancer, etc.) permettrait d’en améliorer traitements et pronostic.
L’imagerie élémentaire par spectroscopie LIBS
Authors: Leprince Marine , Sancey Lucie , Coll Jean-Luc , Motto-Ros Vincent , Busser Benoît
Published: September 2019

L’imagerie multi-élémentaire des tissus biologiques grâce à la spectroscopie LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) permet la visualisation directe de la distribution des éléments endogènes ou exogènes. Cette technologie est notamment utilisée pour mettre en image la cinétique des nanoparticules métalliques dans les organes d’élimination, mais également pour analyser la distribution physiologique des éléments biologiques in situ, et pour révéler la topographie des éléments chimiques, comme les métaux, dans des tissus humains qui ont été exposés à des agents extérieurs potentiellement toxiques. Fondée sur notre expérience et les travaux les plus récents dans le domaine de l’imagerie du contenu élémentaire des tissus animaux et humains, cette revue décrit les principes et les caractéristiques de l’instrumentation LIBS, présente certains aspects techniques pour mettre en place des expériences avec cet outil, montre les avantages et les limites de cette technologie, et s’intéresse aux différentes possibilités qu’offre l’imagerie LIBS pour des applications précliniques et médicales.