bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do collective student behavior and other classroom contextual factors relate to teachers’ implementation of an evidence-based intervention? A multilevel structural equation model
Authors: Musci Rashelle J. , Pas Elise T. , Bettencourt Amie F. , Masyn Katherine E. , Ialongo Nicholas S. , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: August 2019

Building on prior work regarding the potential for peer contagion or deviance training in group delivered interventions (Dishion & Dodge, 2005, 2006; Dodge, Dishion, & Lansford, 2006), we leveraged data from a randomized trial, testing the integration of two preventive interventions (Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies and PAX Good Behavior Game), to explore the extent to which classroom contextual factors served as either a barrier to or a motivator for teachers to implement the evidence-based PAX Good Behavior Game with high frequency or dosage. We included students’ baseline levels of behavior, measured with regard to both positive (i.e., engagement and social emotional skills) and negative (i.e., hyperactive and aggressive-disruptive) behaviors. Data were collected from 204 teachers in 18 urban elementary schools. A series of multilevel structural equation models were fit to the data. The analyses indicated that classrooms with higher classroom levels of aggressive behavior, on average, at baseline had teachers with lower implementation dosage (i.e., played fewer games) across the school year. In addition, teachers who reported higher baseline levels of emotional exhaustion, regardless of student behavior, also reported lower implementation dosage. Taken together, the results indicated that negative, but not positive, contextual factors at baseline were related to lower implementation dosage; this, in turn, suggests that negative contextual factors may serve as a barrier, rather than a motivator, of teachers’ implementation dosage of classroom-based preventive interventions.
The Case for Non-Binary Gender Questions in Surveys
Authors: Medeiros Mike , Forest Benjamin , Öhberg Patrik
Published: August 2019

LGBTQ activists and academics advocate the use of non-binary gender categories to include individuals who identify as neither rigidly male nor rigidly female to reflect the increasing number of people who do not place themselves in these two conventional classes. Although some general-population surveys have begun using non-binary gender questions, research has not examined the consequences of using (or not) a question with non-binary gender categories in surveys and censuses. Our study addresses this gap using a survey experiment in which respondents in the United States, Canada, and Sweden randomly received a binary or a non-binary gender question. We find no evidence of negative reactions to the non-binary question. Moreover, when there is a statistical difference, the reactions are positive. We thus conclude that general-population surveys could use a non-binary question without facing significant adverse reactions from respondents.
Greater adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet is associated with later breast development and menarche in peripubertal girls
Authors: Szamreta Elizabeth A , Qin Bo , Rivera-Núñez Zorimar , Parekh Niyati , Barrett Emily S , Ferrante Jeanne , Lin Yong , Bandera Elisa V
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To examine adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet at age 9–10 years in relation to onset of breast development (thelarche) and first menstruation (menarche).

Design:

We evaluated the associations of adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet (measured by an adapted Mediterranean-like Diet Score, range 0–9) with thelarche at baseline, age at thelarche and time to menarche. Data were collected at baseline during a clinic visit, complemented with a mailed questionnaire and three 24 hour telephone dietary recalls, followed by annual follow-up questionnaires. Multivariable Poisson regression, linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate timing of pubertal development in relation to diet adherence.

Setting:

New Jersey, USA.

Participants:

Girls aged 9 or 10 years at baseline (2006–2014,n 202).

Results:

High Mediterranean-like diet adherence (score 6–9) was associated with a lower prevalence of thelarche at baseline compared with low adherence (score 0–3; prevalence ratio = 0·65, 95 % CI 0·48, 0·90). This may have been driven by consumption of fish and non-fat/low-fat dairy. Our models also suggested a later age at thelarche with higher Mediterranean-like diet adherence. Girls with higher Mediterranean-like diet adherence had significantly longer time to menarche (hazard ratio = 0·45, 95 % CI 0·28, 0·71 for highv. low adherence). Further analysis suggested this may have been driven by vegetable and non-fat/low-fat dairy consumption.

Conclusions:

Consuming a Mediterranean-like diet may be associated with older age at thelarche and menarche. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings in other US paediatric populations and elucidate the mechanism through which Mediterranean-like diet may influence puberty timing.
Use of hypnosis for the placement of a midline catheter in a patient at the end of life
Authors: Ibañez del Prado Celia , Cruzado Juan Antonio , González Ordi Héctor , Capilla Ramírez Pilar
Published: August 2019

Objective

The case of a non-oncological patient at the end of his life, admitted to a Palliative Care Unit (PCU), is presented. After a failed attempt to place a central venous catheter (CVC) and another placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), the patient exhibited high anxiety regarding a midline catheter (MC) and refused its placement, even though this was necessary for the administration of intravenous drugs to control dyspnea and other complex symptoms that he presented.

Method

An intervention through clinical hypnosis for successful MC placement and symptom control is described.

Result

Through clinical hypnosis and interdisciplinary teamwork, it was possible to place a MC, necessary for symptomatic control of a complex patient.

Significance of result

This case exemplifies hypnosis as a simple procedure that is easy to apply, accepted by the patient, and effective in the implementation of invasive procedures and symptom control in PCUs.
The effect of omega-3 and vitamin E on oxidative stress and inflammation: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Moosavian Seyedeh Parisa , Arab Arman , Mehrabani Sanaz , Moradi Sajjad , Nasirian Maryam
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Background: Several studies have investigated the effect of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on oxidative stress and inflammation, but their findings are inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis is to elucidate the overall effects of co-supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods: We searched titles, abstracts, and keywords of relevant articles indexed in PubMed, ISI, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to December 2018 to identify eligible RCT studies. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect of co-supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on oxidative stress and inflammation. Results: Overall, 7 RCTs with 504 participants were included in this meta-analysis. We found that co-supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E decreased hs-CRP (weighed mean difference (WMD) = −2.15 mg/L; 95% CI: −3.40, −0.91 mg/L; P < 0.001) concentrations and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD = 92.87 mmol/L; 95% CI: 31.97, 153.77 mmol/L; P = 0.03), and nitric oxide levels (NO) (WMD: 6.95 μmol/L; 95% CI: 3.86, 10.04, P < 0.001) compared with control group. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E had no significant effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: 1.54 mmol/L; 95% CI: −1.29, 4.36; P = 0.196), and glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 20.87 mmol/L; 95% CI: −20.04, 61.6, P = 0.31) levels. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis found that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation significantly decreased hs-CRP and increased NO and TAC, although it had no significant effect on MDA and GSH.
Selbstmanagement bei Krebstherapien fördern: Das Symptom-Navi-Programm
Authors: Kropf-Staub Susanne , Eicher Manuela , Haslbeck Jörg , Metzenthin Petra
Published: August 2019

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Patientinnen und Patienten mit einer Krebstherapie sind mit krebs- und therapiebedingten Symptomen konfrontiert und fühlen sich im Umgang damit oft unsicher. Zur Förderung des Symptom-Selbstmanagements wurde das sogenannte Symptom-Navi-Programm (SNP) entwickelt. Es beinhaltet individualisierte Abgabe schriftlicher Kurzinformationen, genannt Symptom-Navi-Flyer (SNF), im Rahmen von halb-strukturierten pflegerischen Edukationsgesprächen. Ziel: Die Studie untersuchte, ob Betroffene das SNP (SNF und ihre individualisierte Abgabe im Rahmen strukturierter Gespräche) als unterstützend für ihr Symptom-Selbstmanagement erfahren. Methode: In einer qualitativen Studie wurden zehn halbstrukturierte Interviews im onkologisch ambulanten Setting durchgeführt. Die Interviews wurden anhand der thematischen Analyse nach 1-1Braun und Clarke (2006) ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt beschrieben die Befragten das SNP als sehr unterstützend für ihr Symptom-Selbstmanagement, dies in einer Situation, in der sie stark emotional herausgefordert waren. Die individualisierte Abgabe der SNF und Beratung schilderten sie als förderlich für ihr Symptom-Selbstmanagement. Sie beobachteten eine Erweiterung ihres Handlungsspielraums im Umgang mit den Symptomen. Die Befragten nutzten SNF auch um ihre Angehörigen zu informieren. Schlussfolgerungen: Das SNP ist aus der Patientinnen- und Patientenperspektive vielversprechend, um das Symptom-Selbstmanagement zu fördern. Es wird nun systematisch in die Versorgungspraxis implementiert und weiter evaluiert.
Direct Inversion for Three‐Dimensional Shear Wave Speed Azimuthal Anisotropy Based on Surface Wave Ray Tracing: Methodology and Application to Yunnan, Southwest China
Authors: Liu Chuanming , Yao Huajian , Yang Hsin‐Ying , Shen Weisen , Fang Hongjian , Hu Shaoqian , Qiao Lei
Published: August 2019

Azimuthal anisotropy retrieved from surface waves is important for constraining depth‐varying deformation patterns in the crust and upper mantle. We present a direct inversion technique for the three‐dimensional shear wave speed azimuthal anisotropy based on mixed‐path surface wave traveltime data. This new method includes two steps: (1) inversion for the 3‐D isotropic Vsv model directly from Rayleigh wave traveltimes and (2) joint inversion for both 3‐D Vsv azimuthal anisotropy and additional 3‐D isotropic Vsv perturbation. The joint inversion can significantly mitigate the trade‐off between strong heterogeneity and anisotropy. With frequency‐dependent ray tracing based on 2‐D isotropic phase speed maps, the new method takes into account the ray‐bending effect on surface wave propagation. We apply the new method to a regional array in Yunnan, southwestern China. Using Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersion data in the period band of 5–40 s extracted from ambient noise interferometry, we obtain a 3‐D model of shear wave speed and azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and uppermost mantle in Yunnan. This model reveals that two midcrust low‐velocity zones are possible weak channels, and the azimuthal anisotropy at a depth of 5 to 30 km is mainly controlled by nearby strike‐slip faults, some of which also approximately coincide with the lateral boundaries of the crustal low‐velocity zones. Approximately south of 26°N, the upper crustal azimuthal anisotropy from our model is significantly different from the upper mantle anisotropy inferred by shear wave splitting, indicating different deformation styles between the crust and upper mantle in southern Yunnan.
Comparison of Ground‐Based Ionospheric Scintillation Observations With In Situ Electron Density Variations as Measured by the Swarm Satellites
Authors: Olwendo J. , Cilliers P. J. , Ming Ou
Published: August 2019

Ionospheric scintillation is known to be associated with irregularities in electron density, which manifests as rapid fluctuations in the amplitude and phase of radio signals traversing the ionosphere. The scintillations caused by irregularity structures in the ionosphere can be directly measured using ground‐based GPS scintillation measurement receivers. In this work we have used in situ measurements of electron density by means of the Langmuir probe on the Swarm satellites to derive an index called the rate of density index (RODI). Using a ground‐based International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Service receivers and one dedicated scintillation measurement receiver, we have examined if we can identify ionospheric scintillation events that are correlated with space‐based electron density variations characterized by the RODI for cases when the Swarm satellites orbital tracks traverse coincidental locations to the ground‐based station. The selected Swarm B passes over Africa have been limited to the longitudes within ±7° of longitude relative to the position of a dedicated scintillation receiver located at Pwani, Kenya (Geo. Lon: 39.78°E, Geo. Lat: 3.24°S). Our results show that RODI could be a useful index for detecting irregularities associated with scintillation events that can also be observed from the ground. There is a similarity in RODI fluctuations and ground‐based irregularity measures based on rate of total electron content index with an asymmetry in irregularity activity across African region. There is stronger irregularity activity and high background nighttimes electron density on the western side of Africa than on the eastern side. This work shows the potential of using space‐based in situ measurement for scintillation detection and mitigation for operational purposes particularly for regions where terrestrial scintillation measurement are not possible like over oceans and deserts.
Surface and Sub‐surface Ocean Response to Tropical Cyclone Phailin: Role of Pre‐existing Oceanic Features
Authors: Jyothi Lingala , Joseph Sudheer , P Suneetha
Published: August 2019

The upper oceanic thermal response induced by Tropical Cyclone Phailin (9–14 October 2013) under the influence of East India Coastal Current (EICC) and a cyclonic eddy is investigated and contrasted with the response from open ocean region using a high‐resolution HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model simulation. There is significant cooling (7° C) inside the cold core eddy and negligible cooling (0.5° C) within the EICC region characterized by the shallow and deeper thermocline, respectively. Our analysis of mixed layer heat budget terms showed that the horizontal advection plays a significant role in determining the temperature tendency for the location within the EICC, in contrary to the general dominance of vertical processes as reported in previous studies during the cyclone period. The analysis for the locations inside eddy and open ocean concurs with the previous studies showing the dominance of vertical processes toward the temperature tendency. Further, near the coast, the surface cooling is minimal compared to the subsurface cooling, dominantly seen between 50‐ and 100‐m depth. This disparity indicates that the factors responsible for the surface temperature anomalies are different from those of subsurface. Our analysis of thermal signatures after the passage of cyclone showed that the EICC and cyclonic eddy contribute to the faster advection of cold wake and recovery of sea surface temperature to the prestorm state.
Regional Moisture Budget and Land‐Atmosphere Coupling Over the U.S. Southern Great Plains Inferred From the ARM Long‐Term Observations
Authors: Tao Cheng , Zhang Yunyan , Tang Shuaiqi , Tang Qi , Ma Hsi‐Yen , Xie Shaocheng , Zhang Minghua
Published: August 2019

Ten‐year warm‐season (May–August) observations at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site are used to examine the large‐scale atmospheric moisture budget and the strength of land‐atmosphere coupling. Atmospheric moisture budget components, computed from the ARM variational analysis data, are compared between different wet/dry scenarios and convection regimes. Consistent with previous studies, large‐scale moisture flux convergence dominates the SGP regional moisture budget on the daily time scale, but surface evaporation does play a more prominent role on late‐afternoon deep convection days. Moreover, the relationship between moisture flux convergence and precipitation increases significantly from dry year to wet years. The land‐atmosphere coupling strength is quantified for local convective events within the “Local L‐A Coupling Process Chain” (Santanello et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS‐D‐17‐0001.1). The impact of land surface on the evolution of planetary boundary layer is highly dependent on the vegetation leaf area index. A significantly larger surface sensible heat flux is found over the SGP forest region in midsummer, which is accompanied by a much higher planetary boundary layer development and a large increase in shallow cumulus cloud fraction. The significant relationship between afternoon precipitation and surface turbulent flux only exists in the northeast part of the ARM SGP site, which is mainly covered by grassland/pasture.
The Trend Reversal of Dust Aerosol Over East Asia and the North Pacific Ocean Attributed to Large‐Scale Meteorology, Deposition, and Soil Moisture
Authors: Guo Jianping , Xu Hui , Liu Lin , Chen Dandan , Peng Yiran , Yim Steve Hung‐Lam , Yang Yuanjian , Li Jian , Zhao Chun , Zhai Panmao
Published: August 2019

The long‐term trend in dust loading over East Asia remains under debate and is dependent on the study period chosen. In this study, the long‐term trends in springtime dust over East Asia and the North Pacific Ocean (NPO) during 1980–2017 were examined based on the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 reanalysis. Results showed that there was a spatial gradient in dust aerosol loadings, with decreases from western China eastward toward the NPO. This pattern was corroborated by Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization observations. Furthermore, the empirical orthogonal function method was used to reveal the leading modes of springtime dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) over East Asia and the NPO. An abrupt shift occurred in the dust AOD trend in 2010 for the empirical orthogonal function 1 mode. The dust AOD increased at a rate of approximately 2 × 10‐4/year during 1999–2009 and then decreased more sharply (around 5 × 10‐4/year) afterward. This trend reversal of dust AOD was closely associated with a decrease in 10‐m wind velocity, which induces reduced dust emission. Compared with 10‐m wind, the soil moisture is less correlated with the trend reversal in dust AOD. Additionally, the trends of dry (wet) deposition were closely associated with the trends of the dust AOD, especially for the period 2010–2016. Overall, our findings add new insights to the long‐term nonlinear variability of dust.
Seasonal Changes in Carbonate Saturation State and Air‐Sea CO2 Fluxes During an Annual Cycle in a Stratified‐Temperate Fjord (Reloncaví Fjord, Chilean Patagonia)
Authors: Vergara‐Jara Maximiliano J. , DeGrandpre Michael D. , Torres Rodrigo , Beatty Cory M. , Cuevas L. Antonio , Alarcón Emilio , Iriarte José Luis
Published: August 2019

Changes may be occurring in the carbonate chemistry of fjords due to natural and anthropogenic disturbance of major freshwater sources. We present a high‐frequency time series study of seasonal pH and CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) in a north Patagonian fjord with a focus on changes in freshwater inflows and biological processes. To do this, we monitored pH and pCO2 in situ, along with river streamflow, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Reloncaví Fjord (41.5°S) for a full year (January to December 2015). Strong seasonal variability was observed in the pCO2, pH, and DO of the fjord's surface waters. During the summer, pCO2 reached its annual minimum (range: 187–571 μatm) and pH its maximum (range: 7.98–8.24), coinciding with lower freshwater inflows (204–307 m3/s) and high DO (280–378 μmol/kg), as well as aragonite saturation states (ΩArag) higher than 1. In contrast, in winter, pCO2 ranged from 461–1,008 μatm and pH from 7.57–8.03, coinciding with high freshwater inflows (1,049–1,402 m3/s), lower oxygen (216–348 μmol/kg), and constant undersaturation of ΩArag. Reloncaví Fjord had an annual air‐water CO2 flux of 0.716 ± 2.54 mol·m−2·year−1 during 2015 and thus acted as a low emission system. The annual cycle was mainly governed by seasonal changes in biological processes that enhanced the shift from a CO2 sink in late spring and summer, caused by high primary production rates, to a CO2 source during the rest of the year caused by high community respiration due to allochthonous organic carbon inputs.
A Study of SuperDARN Response to Co‐occurring Space Weather Phenomena
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Baker J. B. H. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Kunduri B. , Nishitani N. , Shepherd S. G.
Published: August 2019

The Sun was remarkably active during the first week of September 2017 producing numerous solar flares, solar radiation storms, and coronal mass ejections. This activity caused disruption to terrestrial high‐frequency (HF, 3–30 MHz) radio communication channels including observations with the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) HF radars. In this paper, we analyze the response of SuperDARN groundscatter observations and decreases in background sky noise level in response to multiple solar flares occurring in quick succession and co‐occurring with solar energetic protons and auroral activity. We estimate the attenuation in HF signal strength using an approach similar to riometry and find that the radars exhibit a nonlinear response to compound solar flare events. Additionally, we find that the three different space weather drivers have varying degrees of influence on the HF signal properties at different latitudes. Our study demonstrates that in addition to monitoring high‐latitude convection, SuperDARN observations can be used to study the spatiotemporal evolution of disruption to HF communication during extreme space weather conditions.
Integration of cortical population signals for visual perception
Authors: Andrei Ariana R. , Pojoga Sorin , Janz Roger , Dragoi Valentin
Published: August 2019

Visual stimuli evoke heterogeneous responses across nearby neural populations. These signals must be locally integrated to contribute to perception, but the principles underlying this process are unknown. Here, we exploit the systematic organization of orientation preference in macaque primary visual cortex (V1) and perform causal manipulations to examine the limits of signal integration. Optogenetic stimulation and visual stimuli are used to simultaneously drive two neural populations with overlapping receptive fields. We report that optogenetic stimulation raises firing rates uniformly across conditions, but improves the detection of visual stimuli only when activating cells that are preferentially-tuned to the visual stimulus. Further, we show that changes in correlated variability are exclusively present when the optogenetically and visually-activated populations are functionally-proximal, suggesting that correlation changes represent a hallmark of signal integration. Our results demonstrate that information from functionally-proximal neurons is pooled for perception, but functionally-distal signals remain independent.
Fluid dynamic induced break-up during volcanic eruptions
Authors: Jones T. J. , Reynolds C. D. , Boothroyd S. C.
Published: August 2019

Determining whether magma fragments during eruption remains a seminal challenge in volcanology. There is a robust paradigm for fragmentation of high viscosity, silicic magmas, however little is known about the fragmentation behaviour of lower viscosity systems—the most abundant form of volcanism on Earth and on other planetary bodies and satellites. Here we provide a quantitative model, based on experiments, for the non-brittle, fluid dynamic induced fragmentation of low viscosity melts. We define the conditions under which extensional thinning or liquid break-up can be expected. We show that break-up, both in our experiments and natural eruptions, occurs by both viscous and capillary instabilities operating on contrasting timescales. These timescales are used to produce a universal break-up criterion valid for low viscosity melts such as basalt, kimberlite and carbonatite. Lastly, we relate these break-up instabilities to changes in eruptive behaviour, the associated natural hazard and ultimately the deposits formed.
Diversity-triggered deterministic bacterial assembly constrains community functions
Authors: Xun Weibing , Li Wei , Xiong Wu , Ren Yi , Liu Yunpeng , Miao Youzhi , Xu Zhihui , Zhang Nan , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: August 2019

A growing body of evidence suggests that microbial α-diversity (local species richness) may have positive effects on ecosystem function. However, less attention has been paid to β-diversity (the variation among local microbial assemblages). Here we studied the impact of microbial α-diversity on stochastic/deterministic microbial community assembly processes, which are related to β-diversity, and the consequences for community function. Bacterial communities differing in α-diversity were generated and their structures and potential community functional traits were inferred from DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic null modeling analysis suggests that stochastic assembly processes are dominant in high-diversity communities. However, in low-diversity communities, deterministic assembly processes are dominant, associating with the reduction of specialized functions that are correlated with specific bacterial taxa. Overall, we suggest that the low-diversity-induced deterministic community assembly processes may constrain community functions, highlighting the potential roles of specialized functions in community assembly and in generating and sustaining the function of soil ecosystems.
Genetic manipulation of cell line derived reticulocytes enables dissection of host malaria invasion requirements
Authors: Satchwell Timothy J. , Wright Katherine E. , Haydn-Smith Katy L. , Sánchez-Román Terán Fernando , Moura Pedro L. , Hawksworth Joseph , Frayne Jan , Toye Ashley M. , Baum Jake
Published: August 2019

Investigating the role that host erythrocyte proteins play in malaria infection is hampered by the genetic intractability of this anucleate cell. Here we report that reticulocytes derived through in vitro differentiation of an enucleation-competent immortalized erythroblast cell line (BEL-A) support both successful invasion and intracellular development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Using CRISPR-mediated gene knockout and subsequent complementation, we validate an essential role for the erythrocyte receptor basigin in P. falciparum invasion and demonstrate rescue of invasive susceptibility by receptor re-expression. Successful invasion of reticulocytes complemented with a truncated mutant excludes a functional role for the basigin cytoplasmic domain during invasion. Contrastingly, knockout of cyclophilin B, reported to participate in invasion and interact with basigin, did not impact invasive susceptibility of reticulocytes. These data establish the use of reticulocytes derived from immortalized erythroblasts as a powerful model system to explore hypotheses regarding host receptor requirements for P. falciparum invasion.
Direct retrieval of isoprene from satellite-based infrared measurements
Authors: Fu Dejian , Millet Dylan B. , Wells Kelley C. , Payne Vivienne H. , Yu Shanshan , Guenther Alex , Eldering Annmarie
Published: August 2019

Isoprene is the atmosphere’s most important non-methane organic compound, with key impacts on atmospheric oxidation, ozone, and organic aerosols. In-situ isoprene measurements are sparse, and satellite-based constraints have employed an indirect approach using its oxidation product formaldehyde, which is affected by non-isoprene sources plus uncertainty and spatial smearing in the isoprene-formaldehyde relationship. Direct global isoprene measurements are therefore needed to better understand its sources, sinks, and atmospheric impacts. Here we show that the isoprene spectral signatures are detectable from space using the satellite-borne Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), develop a full-physics retrieval methodology for quantifying isoprene abundances from these spectral features, and apply the algorithm to CrIS measurements over Amazonia. The results are consistent with model output and in-situ data, and establish the feasibility of direct global space-based isoprene measurements. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for combining space-based measurements of isoprene and formaldehyde to constrain atmospheric oxidation over isoprene source regions.
Remarkable active-site dependent H2O promoting effect in CO oxidation
Authors: Zhao Shu , Chen Fang , Duan Sibin , Shao Bin , Li Tianbo , Tang Hailian , Lin Qingquan , Zhang Junying , Li Lin , Huang Jiahui , Bion Nicolas , Liu Wei , Sun Hui , Wang Ai-Qin , Haruta Masatake , Qiao Botao , Li Jun , Liu Jingyue , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2019

The interfacial sites of supported metal catalysts are often critical in determining their performance. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), with every atom contacted to the support, can maximize the number of interfacial sites. However, it is still an open question whether the single-atom sites possess similar catalytic properties to those of the interfacial sites of nanocatalysts. Herein, we report an active-site dependent catalytic performance on supported gold single atoms and nanoparticles (NPs), where CO oxidation on the single-atom sites is dramatically promoted by the presence of H2O whereas on NPs’ interfacial sites the promoting effect is much weaker. The remarkable H2O promoting effect makes the Au SAC two orders of magnitude more active than the commercial three-way catalyst. Theoretical studies reveal that the dramatic promoting effect of water on SACs originates from their unique local atomic structure and electronic properties that facilitate an efficient reaction channel of CO + OH.
The Effect of Critical Shoulder Angle on Clinical Scores and Retear Risk After Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair at Short-term Follow Up
Authors: Gürpınar Tahsin , Polat Barış , Çarkçı Engin , Eren Murat , Polat Ayşe Esin , Öztürkmen Yusuf
Published: August 2019

The authors aimed to investigate whether standard acromioplasty can reduce critical shoulder angle (CSA) effectively and to investigate the effects of postoperative CSA on the clinical outcomes and retear rates. Patients are divided in to three groups: group 1 (24 patients): CSA under 35° before surgery, group 2 (25 patients): CSA over 35° before surgery and under 35° after surgery and group 3 (17 patients): CSA over 35° before and after surgery. Standard acromioplasty was performed if CSA is over 35 and no acromioplasty was performed if the CSA is already under 35. Preoperative and postoperative CSAs, UCLA, Constant-Murley clinical score and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were measured. The size of the rotator cuff tear was classified by the Patte classification in preoperative MRI and the quality of the repair was evaluated as retear if discontinuity detected in the postoperative first year MRI. There were 31 female and 35 male patients with a mean age of 59.3 ± 4.5 years (range, 48–68) at the time of surgery. The mean CSA is reduced from 37.8° ± 1.4 to 34.9° ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) significantly for patients who underwent acromioplasty. In 25 (59.5%) of the 42 patients, the CSA was reduced to under 35°, whereas in the other 17 (40.5%) patients, it remained over 35°. The mean Constant and UCLA score was 46.4 ± 6.6; 18.5 ± 1.6 preoperatively and 82.4 ± 6.2; 31.1 ± 1.9 postoperatively respectively (p < 0,001). The mean VAS decreased from 4.94 ± 1.09 to 0.79 ± 0.71 (p < 0.001). No Clinical difference was seen between patients in which CSA could be reduced under 35° or not in terms of Constant-Murley score, UCLA and VAS score. Retear was observed in 2 (8.3%) patients in group 1, in 4 (16%) patients in group 2 and in 3 patients (17.6%) in group 3. There was not any significant difference between the patients who had retear or not in terms of neither the CSA values nor the change of CSA after the surgery. Standard acromioplasty, which consists of an anterolateral acromial resection, can reduce CSA by approximately 3°. This is not always sufficient to decrease the CSAs to the favorable range of 30°–35°. In addition, its effect on clinical outcomes does not seem to be noteworthy.
Alkali fusion using sodium carbonate for extraction of vanadium and tungsten for the preparation of synthetic sodium titanate from spent SCR catalyst
Authors: Choi In-Hyeok , Moon Gyeonghye , Lee Jin-Young , Jyothi Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2019

Alkali fusion method to extract vanadium and tungsten from spent SCR catalyst and to simultaneously prepare synthetic sodium titanate for the purpose of preparation of feedstock for TiO2 manufacturing by hydrometallurgical processing was investigated. Based on the Na2O-TiO2 phase diagram and experimentally obtained results, appropriate alkali-fusion temperature and molar ratio (MOx/Na2O + MOx) were determined to prepare soluble vanadium, tungsten salts, and sodium titanate. As results, the extraction efficiency of vanadium and tungsten was >99% and sodium titanate as feedstock for making TiO2 was obtained under the following alkali fusion conditions: Temperature, 950 °C; reaction time, 20 min; molar ratio, 0.5. When the molar ratio (MOx/Na2O + MOx) was less than 0.5, complete liquidized product (eutectic melt of the feedstock and Na2CO3) was obtained at the given conditions. This method, compared to conventional alkali roasting, is advantageous for rapid synthesis of water-soluble compounds for leaching of vanadium and tungsten, and for use as feedstock for the preparation of TiO2 by hydrometallurgical route.
Impairment of bone microstructure and upregulation of osteoclastogenic markers in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Tiyasatkulkovit Wacharaporn , Promruk Worachet , Rojviriya Catleya , Pakawanit Phakkhananan , Chaimongkolnukul Khuanjit , Kengkoom Kanchana , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Panupinthu Nattapon , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: August 2019

Hypertension and osteoporosis are the major non-communicable diseases in the elderly worldwide. Although clinical studies reported that hypertensive patients experienced significant bone loss and likelihood of fracture, the causal relationship between hypertension and osteoporosis has been elusive due to other confounding factors associated with these diseases. In this study, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used to address this relationship and further explored the biophysical properties and the underlying mechanisms. Long bones of the hind limbs from 18-week-old female SHR were subjected to determination of bone mineral density (BMD) and their mechanical properties. Using synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM), femoral heads of SHR displayed marked increase in porosity within trabecular area together with decrease in cortical thickness. The volumetric micro-computed tomography also demonstrated significant decreases in trabecular BMD, cortical thickness and total cross-sectional area of the long bones. These changes also led to susceptibility of the long bones to fracture indicated by marked decreases in yield load, stiffness and maximum load using three-point bending tests. At the cellular mechanism, an increase in the expression of osteoclastogenic markers with decrease in the expression of alkaline phosphatase was found in primary osteoblast-enriched cultures isolated from long bones of these SHR suggesting an imbalance in bone remodeling. Taken together, defective bone mass and strength in hypertensive rats were likely due to excessive bone resorption. Development of novel therapeutic interventions that concomitantly target hypertension and osteoporosis should be helpful in reduction of unwanted outcomes, such as bone fractures, in elderly patients.
Application of corneal injury models in dual fluorescent reporter transgenic mice to understand the roles of the cornea and limbus in angiogenic and lymphangiogenic privilege
Authors: Gao Xinbo , Guo Kai , Santosa Samuel M. , Montana Mario , Yamakawa Michael , Hallak Joelle A. , Han Kyu-Yeon , Doh Susan J. , Rosenblatt Mark I. , Chang Jin-Hong , Azar Dimitri T.
Published: August 2019

The role of the corneal epithelium and limbus in corneal avascularity and pathological neovascularization (NV) is not well understood. To investigate the contributions of the corneal and limbal epithelia in angiogenic and lymphangiogenic privilege, we designed five injury models involving debridement of different portions of the cornea and limbus and applied them to the dual-fluorescence reporter Prox1-GFP/Flt1-DsRed mouse, which permits in vivo imaging of blood and lymphatic vessels via fluorescence microscopy. Debridement of the whole cornea resulted in significant hemangiogenesis (HA) and lymphangiogenesis (LA), while that of the whole limbus yielded minimal corneal HA or LA. Following hemilimbal plus whole corneal debridement, corneal NV occurred only through the non-injured aspect of the limbus. Overall, these results suggest that the integrity of the corneal epithelium is important for (lymph)angiogenic privilege, whereas the limbus does not act as a physical or physiologic barrier to invading vessels. In CDh5-CreERT2VEGFR2lox/PGFD mice, conditional deletion of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in vascular endothelial cells abolished injury-induced HA and LA, demonstrating the utility of this transgenic mouse line for identifying important factors in the process of neovascularization.
Residues W215, E217 and E192 control the allosteric E*-E equilibrium of thrombin
Authors: Pelc Leslie A. , Koester Sarah K. , Chen Zhiwei , Gistover Noah E. , Di Cera Enrico
Published: August 2019

A pre-existing, allosteric equilibrium between closed (E*) and open (E) conformations of the active site influences the level of activity in the trypsin fold and defines ligand binding according to the mechanism of conformational selection. Using the clotting protease thrombin as a model system, we investigate the molecular determinants of the E*-E equilibrium through rapid kinetics and X-ray structural biology. The equilibrium is controlled by three residues positioned around the active site. W215 on the 215–217 segment defining the west wall of the active site controls the rate of transition from E to E* through hydrophobic interaction with F227. E192 on the opposite 190–193 segment defining the east wall of the active site controls the rate of transition from E* to E through electrostatic repulsion of E217. The side chain of E217 acts as a lever that moves the entire 215–217 segment in the E*-E equilibrium. Removal of this side chain converts binding to the active site to a simple lock-and-key mechanism and freezes the conformation in a state intermediate between E* and E. These findings reveal a simple framework to understand the molecular basis of a key allosteric property of the trypsin fold.
Multi-bit quantum random number generation from a single qubit quantum walk
Authors: Sarkar Anupam , Chandrashekar C. M.
Published: August 2019

We present a scheme for multi-bit quantum random number generation using a single qubit discrete-time quantum walk in one-dimensional space. Irrespective of the initial state of the qubit, quantum interference and entanglement of particle with the position space in the walk dynamics certifies high randomness in the system. Quantum walk in a position space of dimension 2l + 1 ensures string of (l + 2)-bits of random numbers from a single measurement. Bit commitment with the position space and control over the spread of the probability distribution in position space enable us with options to extract multi-bit random numbers. This highlights the power of one qubit, its practical importance in generating multi-bit string in single measurement and the role it can play in quantum communication and cryptographic protocols. This can be further extended with quantum walks in higher dimensions.
Mass fabrication and superior microwave absorption property of multilayer graphene/hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticle hybrids
Authors: Bai Yongqing , Zhong Bo , Yu Yuanlie , Wang Meng , Zhang Jing , Zhang Bin , Gao Kaixiong , Liang Aimin , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Junyan
Published: August 2019

Graphene has been regarded as a promising candidate in microwave absorption field but still faces some major challenges, including the limitation of mass production and poor impedance matching. Here, we demonstrate a simple approach to fabricate multilayer graphene in a kilo-mass/hour (≥2.5 kg/h) scale through an oxidation-thermal expansion-air convection shearing process. The subsequent incorporation of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles (h-BNNPs) can effectively tailor the dielectric and magnetic properties of the as-obtained multilayer graphene, which can significantly boost its microwave absorption performance. The as-obtained multilayer graphene/h-BNNP hybrid with 40 wt.% of h-BNNPs, exhibits extremely low reflection loss value of −67.35 dB at 8.04 GHz when the absorber thickness is 3.29 mm, ranking it as one of the most attractive absorbers reported to date. Moreover, the multilayer graphene/h-BNNP hybrids possess low densities less than 0.45 g/cm3, making them very attractive for practical microwave absorption application.
Dynamical modeling of multi-scale variability in neuronal competition
Authors: Cohen Benjamin P. , Chow Carson C. , Vattikuti Shashaank
Published: August 2019

Variability is observed at multiple-scales in the brain and ubiquitous in perception. However, the nature of perceptual variability is an open question. We focus on variability during perceptual rivalry, a form of neuronal competition. Rivalry provides a window into neural processing since activity in many brain areas is correlated to the alternating perception rather than a constant ambiguous stimulus. It exhibits robust properties at multiple scales including conscious awareness and neuron dynamics. The prevalent theory for spiking variability is called the balanced state; whereas, the source of perceptual variability is unknown. Here we show that a single biophysical circuit model, satisfying certain mutual inhibition architectures, can explain spiking and perceptual variability during rivalry. These models adhere to a broad set of strict experimental constraints at multiple scales. As we show, the models predict how spiking and perceptual variability changes with stimulus conditions.
ForSDAT: an automated platform for analyzing force spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Duanis-Assaf Tal , Razvag Yair , Reches Meital
Published: August 2019

Single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) using an atomic force microscope is a common method in the study of ligand–receptor interactions, adhesion events and protein folding. ForSDAT is a platform for automated data analysis of SMFS data.
Polymer design and component selection contribute to uptake, distribution & trafficking behaviours of polyethylene glycol hyperbranched polymers in live MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells
Authors: Simpson Joshua D. , Ediriweera Gayathri R. , Howard Christopher B. , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Bell Craig A. , Thurecht Kristofer J.
Published: August 2019

Properties of hyperbranched polymer surface chemistry control cellular distribution.
Slow magnetic relaxation in Ni–Ln (Ln = Ce, Gd, Dy) dinuclear complexes
Authors: Vráblová Anna , Tomás Milagros , Falvello Larry R. , Dlháň Ľubor , Titiš Ján , Černák Juraj , Boča Roman
Published: August 2019

Unusual magnetic behaviour is observed in compounds with three Cl ligands in fac-mode coordination to dysprosium, cerium and even gadolinium.
Transformation and degradation of recalcitrant organic matter in membrane bioreactor leachate effluent by the O3/H2O2process
Authors: Gu Zhepei , Chen Weiming , Wang Fan , Li Qibin
Published: August 2019

Humic- and fulvic-like substances were identified in MBR leachate. A rapid determination of leachate quality can be achieved by determining fluorescent compounds by using spectral analysis.
Supplementation of okra seed oil ameliorates ethanol-induced liver injury and modulates gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice
Authors: Zhang Jin , Lu Yalong , Yang Xingbin , Zhao Yan
Published: August 2019

This study assesses the possible effects of dietary okra seed oil (OSO) consumption on attenuation of alcohol-induced liver damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis, and associated mechanisms in mice.
The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitory effect of flavonoids is hindered in protein rich environments
Authors: Proença Carina , Freitas Marisa , Ribeiro Daniela , Tomé Sara M. , Araújo Alberto N. , Silva Artur M. S. , Fernandes Pedro A. , Fernandes Eduarda
Published: August 2019

The DPP-4 inhibition by flavonoids is hindered in human blood and plasma.
Uniform copper–cobalt phosphides embedded in N-doped carbon frameworks as efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhang Hang , Yang Zhao , Wang Xuemin , Yan Sihao , Zhou Tianyou , Zhang Cui , Telfer Shane G. , Liu Shuangxi
Published: August 2019

Uniform CuCoP embedded in N-doped carbon frameworks with efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic performance are derived from ZIF-67viaa polymer-coating method.
Simultaneous monitoring of temperature, pressure, and strain through Brillouin sensors and a hybrid BOTDA/FBG for disasters detection systems
Authors: Zrelli Amira
Published: August 2019

In this study, the authors deal with the problem of simultaneous measurement of temperature, pressure, and strain using novel technologies of optical fibre (OF) sensors. Indeed, they address the problem of early surveillance systems to detect disasters in real‐time. Through these sensors, they try to predict prospective and possible disasters (landslides, fire, earthquake etc.). Temperature, pressure, and strain should be simultaneously monitored to prevent betimes any damages. They propose a novel design of disaster system, which is able to measure the variation of temperature, pressure, and strain using optical sensors based on Brillouin scattering, two types of these sensors are discussed Brillouin optical time division reflectometers and Brillouin optical time division analysis (BOTDA). Thus, they indicate the performance of BOTDA sensors on disaster detection systems. However, these sensors cannot measure pressure variation, so they introduce the application of hybrid BOTDA/fibre Bragg grating (FBG) system in order to predict disasters caused by pressure.
Backup fibre deployment algorithm based on daily traffic demand in fibre‐wireless (FiWi) access networks
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wang Ruyan , Wang Honggang , Wang Qingqing
Published: August 2019

In fibre‐wireless (FiWi) access networks, the achievement of survivability becomes critical because any failure of FiWi components may result in severe traffic interruptions. In this study, the authors proposed a new backup fibre deployment mechanism with the consideration of time‐varying daily traffic demand. Firstly, a new remote node structure for the protection of switching is established to help the backup fibre deployment. Secondly, they formed a minimum deployment cost problem in terms of the daily traffic demand and interrupted traffic protection. Furthermore, a two‐stage algorithm is proposed to solve this problem and obtain an optimal deployment pattern. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed mechanism can reduce the cost of the backup fibre deployment and the delay of the interrupted traffic recovery significantly.