bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Implementation of a Disaster Medicine Certificate Series (DMCS) for Medical Students
Authors: Kommor Madison B. , Hodge Bethany , Ciottone Gregory
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

The recent increase in natural disasters and mass shootings highlights the need for medical providers to be prepared to provide care in extreme environments. However, while physicians of all specialties may respond in emergencies, disaster medicine training is minimal or absent from most medical school curricula in the United States. A voluntary Disaster Medicine Certificate Series (DMCS) was piloted to fill this gap in undergraduate medical education.

Report:

Beginning in August of 2017, second- and third-year medical students voluntarily enrolled in DMCS. Students earned points toward the certificate through participation in activities and membership in community organizations in a flexible format that caters to variable schedules and interests. Topics covered included active shooter training, decontamination procedures, mass-casualty triage, Incident Command System (ICS) training, and more. At the conclusion of the pilot year, demographic information was collected and a survey was conducted to evaluate student opinions regarding the program.

Results:

Sixty-eight second- and third-year medical students participated in the pilot year, with five multi-hour skills trainings and five didactic lectures made available to students. Forty-eight of those 68 enrolled in DMCS completed the retrospective survey. Student responses indicated that community partners serve as effective means for providing lectures (overall mean rating 4.50/5.0) and skills sessions (rating 4.58/5.0), and that the program created avenues for real-world disaster response in their local communities (rating 4.40/5.0).

Conclusions:

The DMCS voluntary certificate series model served as an innovative method for providing disaster medicine education to medical students.

Kommor MB, Hodge B, Ciottone G. Development and implementation of a Disaster Medicine Certificate Series (DMCS) for medical students.Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(2):197–202
Consideration of Medical and Public Health Coordination - Experience from the 2016 Kumamoto, Japan Earthquake
Authors: Kondo Hisayoshi , Koido Yuichi , Kawashima Yuzuru , Kohayagawa Yoshitaka , Misaki Miho , Takahashi Ayako , Kondo Yuji , Chishima Kayako , Toyokuni Yoshiki
Published: April 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify disaster medical operation improvements from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake (Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan) and to extract further lessons learned to prepare for future expected major earthquakes.

Methods:

The records of communications logs, chronological transitions of chain of command, and team registration logs for the Disaster Medical Assistant Team (DMAT), as well as other disaster medical relief teams, were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 466 DMAT teams and 2,071 DMAT team members were deployed to the Kumamoto area, and 1,894 disaster medical relief teams and 8,471 disaster medical relief team member deployments followed. The DMAT established a medical coordination command post at several key disaster hospitals to designate medical coverage areas. The DMAT evacuated over 1,400 patients from damaged hospitals, transported medical supplies to affected hospitals, and coordinated 14 doctor helicopters used for severe patient transport. To keep constant medical and public health operations, DMAT provided medical coordination management until the local medical coordination was on-track. Several logistic teams, which are highly trained on operation and management of medical coordination command, were dispatched to assist management operation. The DMAT also helped to establish Disaster Coordination and Management Council at the prefectural- and municipal-level, and also coordinated command control for public health operations. The DMAT could provide not only medical assistance at the acute phase of the disaster, but also could provide medical coordination for public health and welfare.

Conclusion:

During the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, needs of public health and welfare increased enormously due to the sudden evacuation of a large number of residents. To provide constant medical assistance at the disaster area, DMAT, logistic teams, and other disaster medical relief teams must operate constant coordination at the medical headquarter command. For future expected major earthquakes in Japan, it will be required to educate and secure high enough numbers of disaster medical assistance and health care personnel to provide continuous medical and public health care for the affected area residents.

Kondo H, Koido Y, Kawashima Y, Kohayagawa Y, Misaki M, Takahashi A, Kondo Y, Chishima K, Toyokuni Y. Consideration of medical and public health coordination – experience from the 2016 Kumamoto, Japan Earthquake. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(2):149–154
Mediational role of rumination and reflection on irrational beliefs and distress
Authors: Artiran Murat , Şimşek Omer Faruk , Turner Martin
Published: April 2019

Background:

The cognitive restructuring of maladaptive beliefs within many cognitive behavioural psychotherapies typically encourages the client to undertake self-reflection. However, whilst self-consciousness can aid self-regulation, it is also implicated in a broad Grange of psychopathologies. The extent to which self-consciousness is associated with psychological distress is yet to be fully determined, but recent literature suggests that irrational beliefs, as proposed within rational emotive behaviour theory (REBT) may play an important role.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to test the mediational effects of self-consciousness, specifically reflection and rumination, on the relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. Based on past research, it was hypothesized that reflection and rumination would mediate the positive relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. We expected irrational beliefs to interact with rumination to positively predict psychological distress, and irrational beliefs to interact with reflection to negatively predict psychological distress.

Method:

The present research tested a structural equation model (SEM) in which rumination and reflection mediated the relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress.

Results:

Results indicated that rumination mediates the positive relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. However, in contrast to our hypotheses, significant mediation did not emerge for reflection.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to show how irrational beliefs and rumination interact to predict psychopathology using advanced statistical techniques. However, future research is needed to determine whether similar mediational effects are evident with rational beliefs as opposed to irrational beliefs.
Older adult hoarders’ experiences of being helped by volunteers and volunteers’ experiences of helping
Authors: Ryninks Kirsty , Wallace Vuokko , Gregory James D.
Published: April 2019

Background:

There is limited research into the experiences of receiving and providing help in the context of hoarding disorder.

Aims:

The present study aimed to explore the experiences of older people with hoarding difficulties receiving help and volunteers providing support to people with hoarding problems.

Method:

Qualitative methods were adopted to investigate the lived experience of participants. A total of seven volunteer helpers and four people with hoarding disorder were recruited and interviewed using a semi-structured interview, designed to explore experiences of providing and receiving help. Qualitative analysis of the interview data was performed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results:

Four superordinate themes were identified: relationship between client and volunteer; ‘live life again’; challenges; and supporting volunteers. The relationship was crucial in providing a trusting foundation from which clients felt able to move forward. Volunteers provided a space for clients to talk and appropriate self-disclosure helped to build a relationship. The informal and ‘non-professional’ status of volunteers enabled clients to take the lead and feel more in control of the therapeutic process. Volunteer flexibility and lack of time constraints contributed to clients ‘making space’ for themselves, both in their home and their lives. The support from volunteers enabled clients to ‘live life again’ and created a domino effect, bringing about improvements in other areas of their lives.

Conclusions:

The findings are discussed in relation to the training of health professionals to work with people with hoarding difficulties and the implications of the findings for treatment approaches and service provision.
PATENT PROTECTION, OPTIMAL LICENSING, AND INNOVATION WITH ENDOGENOUS ENTRY
Authors: Suzuki Keishun
Published: April 2019

How does patent policy affect innovation when patent licensing is crucial for firms? To address this question, the present study incorporates voluntary patent licensing between an innovator and followers, as discussed in the literature of industrial organization, into a dynamic general equilibrium model. Unlike previous studies, both the licensing fee and the number of licensees are endogenously determined by the innovator’s maximization and the free-entry condition. Using this model, we show that strong patent protection does not always enhance innovation, economic growth, and welfare. Furthermore, the extended analysis provides the policy implication that the effect of patent policy depends on how difficult further innovation is without patent licensing of the current leading technology.
The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and variants of Vitamin D Binding protein gene among Healthy Iranian Adults
Authors: Pooyan Sara , Rahimi Mohammad Hossein , Mollahosseini Mehdi , Khorrami-nezhad Leila , Maghbooli Zhila , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Background: The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may be due to both genetic and environment factors. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency may be due to variants of vitamin D binding protein ( DBP) among otherwise healthy Iranian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 265 healthy adults in Tehran. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. Dietary vitamin D intake was assessed with a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and participant DBP genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reactions – restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Significant associations were found between vitamin D status and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P < 0.001), and fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001), after adjustment for confounder factors. This study demonstrated that “rs7041” gene was associated with vitamin D deficiency (OR = 0.63, β ± SE = −0.46 ± 0.14, P < 0.0001). After considering the “GG” genotype of the “rs7041” polymorphism as a reference, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found to be higher in the individuals with “TT” genotype from the “rs7041” polymorphism. Conclusion: It was found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher in individuals with T allele carriers in the “rs7041” polymorphism.
Dietary acid load, kidney function and risk of chronic kidney	disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational	studies
Authors: Mofrad Manije Darooghegi , Daneshzad Elnaz , Azadbakht Leila
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Aim: Study findings examining the association between dietary acid load (DAL), kidney function and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are inconsistent and there has been no meta-analysis on the relationship between DAL, kidney function and risk of CKD, hence we investigated this association in this paper. Methods: PubMed, ISI web of science and Scopus were searched up to January 2018 to identify all relevant articles. Effect sizes of eligible studies were pooled in random- effect model using the Der Simonian-Laird method. The I2 index was used to assess the amount of heterogeneity. Result: Twenty three studies with 200092 subjects were included. Meta-analysis of 9 observational studies showed that DAL had a positive significant association with risk of CKD (1.31; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.62; P = 0.011). Furthermore, increased DAL can decrease urine pH (−0.47; 95% CI: −0.85, −0.08; P = 0.017) significantly. Subgroup analysis could not identify the sources of heterogeneity about the association of DAL and risk of CKD. However, it showed the method of measurement was the source of heterogeneity about the association of DAL and urine pH (24 h urine pH: −0.62; 95% CI: −0.70, −0.54; P < 0.0001; Fasting urine pH: −0.08; 95% CI: −0.18, 0.02; P = 0.111). Conclusion: Our study showed that DAL can increase the risk of CKD and have an inverse association with urine pH.
Peak Ground Displacement Saturates Exactly When Expected: Implications for Earthquake Early Warning
Authors: Trugman Daniel T. , Page Morgan T. , Minson Sarah E. , Cochran Elizabeth S.
Published: April 2019

The scaling of rupture properties with magnitude is of critical importance to earthquake early warning systems that rely on source characterization using limited snapshots of waveform data. ShakeAlert, a prototype earthquake early warning system that is being developed for the western United States, provides real‐time estimates of earthquake magnitude based on P wave peak ground displacements measured at stations triggered by the event. The algorithms used in ShakeAlert assume that the displacement measurements at each station are statistically independent and that there exists a linear and time‐independent relation between log peak ground displacement and earthquake magnitude. Here we challenge this basic assumption using the largest data set assembled for this purpose to date: a comprehensive database of more than 140,000 vertical‐component waveforms from M4.5 to M9 earthquakes occurring near Japan from 1997 through 2018 and recorded by the K‐NET and KiK‐net strong‐motion networks. By analyzing the time evolution of P wave peak ground displacements for these earthquakes, we show that there is a break, or saturation, in the magnitude‐displacement scaling that depends on the length of the measurement time window. We demonstrate that the magnitude at which this saturation occurs is well‐explained by a simple and nondeterministic model of earthquake rupture growth. We then use the predictions of this saturation model to develop a Bayesian framework for estimating posterior uncertainties in real‐time magnitude estimates.
The Middle to Late Miocene “Carbonate Crash” in the Equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: Lübbers Julia , Kuhnt Wolfgang , Holbourn Ann E. , Bolton Clara T. , Gray Emmeline , Usui Yoichi , Kochhann Karlos G. D. , Beil Sebastian , Andersen Nils
Published: April 2019

We integrate benthic foraminiferal stable isotopes, X‐ray fluorescence elemental ratios, and carbonate accumulation estimates in a continuous sedimentary archive recovered at International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1443 (Ninetyeast Ridge, Indian Ocean) to reconstruct changes in carbonate deposition and climate evolution over the interval 13.5 to 8.2 million years ago. Declining carbonate percentages together with a marked decrease in carbonate accumulation rates after ~13.2 Ma signal the onset of a prolonged episode of reduced carbonate deposition. This extended phase, which lasted until ~8.7 Ma, coincides with the middle to late Miocene carbonate crash, originally identified in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Interocean comparison reveals that intense carbonate impoverishment at Site U1443 (~11.5 to ~10 Ma) coincides with prolonged episodes of reduced carbonate deposition in all major tropical ocean basins. This implies that global changes in the intensity of chemical weathering and riverine input of calcium and carbonate ions into the ocean reservoir were instrumental in driving the carbonate crash. An increase in U1443 Log (Ba/Ti) together with a change in sediment color from red to green indicate a rise in organic export flux to the sea floor after ~11.2 Ma, which predates the global onset of the biogenic bloom. This early rise in export flux from biological production may have been linked to increased advection of nutrients and intensification of upper ocean mixing, associated with changes in the seasonality and intensity of the Indian Monsoon.
Cyclic Permeability Evolution During Repose Then Reactivation of Fractures and Faults
Authors: Im Kyungjae , Elsworth Derek , Wang Chaoyi
Published: April 2019

Cyclic growth and decay of permeability in fractures is explored during repeated reactivation and repose of saw‐cut fractures of Green River shale. These slide‐hold‐slide experiments are supported by measurements of fracture normal deformation and optical surface profilometry. Overall, we observe continuous permeability decay during repose (holds) and significant permeability enhancement during slow reactivation (slide). The permeability decay is accompanied by fault compaction. Both hydraulic aperture change (Δbh) and measured compaction (Δbs) are consistent with time‐dependent power law closure with a power exponent of ~0.2–0.4. These dual compaction magnitudes are positively correlated but Δbh > Δbs in late stage holds. Permeability enhancement during reactivation is typically also accompanied by fault dilation. However, we also observe some cases where hydraulic aperture change decouples from the measured deformation, conceivably driven by mobilization of wear products and influenced by the development of flow bottlenecks. Pretest and posttest surface profiles show that the surface topography of the fractures is planed down by shear removal. The shear removal is significant with initial laboratory prepared surface (~10 μm of aperture height) but less significant following consecutive reactivations (~2 μm). The flattened surfaces retain small‐scale, ~10–20 μm wavelength, roughness. Flow simulations, constrained by the surface topography and measured deformation, indicate that small‐scale roughness may control permeability at flow bottlenecks within a dominant flow channel. These results suggest cycles of permeability creation and destruction are an intrinsic component of the natural hydraulic system present in faults and fractures and provide an improved mechanistic understanding of the evolution of permeability during fault repose and reactivation.
A Forecast Evaluation of Planetary Boundary Layer Height Over the Ocean
Authors: Lavers David A. , Beljaars Anton , Richardson David S. , Rodwell Mark J. , Pappenberger Florian
Published: April 2019

The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is the layer closest to the Earth's surface in which heat, moisture, and momentum fluxes occur between the surface and free atmosphere. As these fluxes affect the atmospheric flow, it is important for weather forecast systems to accurately characterize them to provide skillful forecasts. A key PBL property is its height, and this study assesses the PBL height forecast skill over the oceans in the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). Using the ECMWF IFS and 1,959 dropsonde profiles from multiple flight missions, the average observed PBL height was 744.2 m and the short‐range (3–15 hr) forecast root‐mean‐square error was 242.5 m; the data assimilation step reduced the analysis root‐mean‐square error to 180.4 m. These data were also analyzed based on their location, the observed 925‐hPa wind speed, and the PBL stability, and results showed that the IFS had larger errors in the midlatitudes, under weaker winds on forecast days 1–4, and in unstable PBL conditions. The medium‐range forecasts are also underdispersive, which is considered to be largely due to representativeness errors, whereby the forecast model attempts to represent the grid box average rather than subgrid atmospheric variability. These results highlight an area of forecast uncertainty in current forecasting systems.
Patterns of satellite tagged hen harrier disappearances suggest widespread illegal killing on British grouse moors
Authors: Murgatroyd Megan , Redpath Stephen M. , Murphy Stephen G. , Douglas David J. T. , Saunders Richard , Amar Arjun
Published: April 2019

Identifying patterns of wildlife crime is a major conservation challenge. Here, we test whether deaths or disappearances of a protected species, the hen harrier, are associated with grouse moors, which are areas managed for the production of red grouse for recreational shooting. Using data from 58 satellite tracked hen harriers, we show high rates of unexpected tag failure and low first year survival compared to other harrier populations. The likelihood of harriers dying or disappearing increased as their use of grouse moors increased. Similarly, at the landscape scale, satellite fixes from the last week of life were distributed disproportionately on grouse moors in comparison to the overall use of such areas. This pattern was also apparent in protected areas in northern England. We conclude that hen harriers in Britain suffer elevated levels of mortality on grouse moors, which is most likely the result of illegal killing.
Room-temperature ferroelectricity in MoTe2 down to the atomic monolayer limit
Authors: Yuan Shuoguo , Luo Xin , Chan Hung Lit , Xiao Chengcheng , Dai Yawei , Xie Maohai , Hao Jianhua
Published: April 2019

Ferroelectrics allow for a wide range of intriguing applications. However, maintaining ferroelectricity has been hampered by intrinsic depolarization effects. Here, by combining first-principles calculations and experimental studies, we report on the discovery of robust room-temperature out-of-plane ferroelectricity which is realized in the thinnest monolayer MoTe2 with unexploited distorted 1T (d1T) phase. The origin of the ferroelectricity in d1T-MoTe2 results from the spontaneous symmetry breaking due to the relative atomic displacements of Mo atoms and Te atoms. Furthermore, a large ON/OFF resistance ratio is achieved in ferroelectric devices composed of MoTe2-based van der Waals heterostructure. Our work demonstrates that ferroelectricity can exist in two-dimensional layered material down to the atomic monolayer limit, which can result in new functionalities and achieve unexpected applications in atomic-scale electronic devices.
A PRPH splice-donor variant associates with reduced sural nerve amplitude and risk of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Bjornsdottir Gyda , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Bjarnadottir Kristbjorg , Benonisdottir Stefania , Gylfadottir Sandra Sif , Arnadottir Gudny A. , Benediktsson Rafn , Halldorsson Gisli Hreinn , Helgadottir Anna , Jonasdottir Adalbjorg , Jonasdottir Aslaug , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Kristinsdottir Anna Margret , Magnusson Olafur Th. , Masson Gisli , Melsted Pall , Rafnar Thorunn , Sigurdsson Asgeir , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Skuladottir Astros , Steinthorsdottir Valgerdur , Styrkarsdottir Unnur , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Vikingsson Arnor , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Holm Hilma , Stefansson Hreinn , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Sulem Patrick , Thorgeirsson Thorgeir E. , Stefansson Kari
Published: April 2019

Nerve conduction (NC) studies generate measures of peripheral nerve function that can reveal underlying pathology due to axonal loss, demyelination or both. We perform a genome-wide association study of sural NC amplitude and velocity in 7045 Icelanders and find a low-frequency splice-donor variant in PRPH (c.996+1G>A; MAF = 1.32%) associating with decreased NC amplitude but not velocity. PRPH encodes peripherin, an intermediate filament (IF) protein involved in cytoskeletal development and maintenance of neurons. Through RNA and protein studies, we show that the variant leads to loss-of-function (LoF), as when over-expressed in a cell line devoid of other IFs, it does not allow formation of the normal filamentous structure of peripherin, yielding instead punctate protein inclusions. Recall of carriers for neurological assessment confirms that from an early age, homozygotes have significantly lower sural NC amplitude than non-carriers and are at risk of a mild, early-onset, sensory-negative, axonal polyneuropathy.
All-optical control of lead halide perovskite microlasers
Authors: Zhang Nan , Fan Yubin , Wang Kaiyang , Gu Zhiyuan , Wang Yuhan , Ge Li , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai
Published: April 2019

Lead halide perovskites based microlasers have recently shown their potential in nanophotonics. However, up to now, all of the perovskite microlasers are static and cannot be dynamically tuned in use. Herein, we demonstrate a robust mechanism to realize the all-optical control of perovskite microlasers. In lead halide perovskite microrods, deterministic mode switching takes place as the external excitation is increased: the onset of a new lasing mode switches off the initial one via a negative power slope, while the main laser characteristics are well kept. This mode switching is reversible with the excitation and has been explained via cross-gain saturation. The modal interaction induced mode switching does not rely on sophisticated cavity designs and is generic in a series of microlasers. The switching time is faster than 70 ps, extending perovskite microlasers to previously inaccessible areas, e.g., optical memory, flip-flop, and ultrafast switches etc.
Publisher Correction: NRG1 type I dependent autoparacrine stimulation of Schwann cells in onion bulbs of peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Fledrich Robert , Akkermann Dagmar , Schütza Vlad , Abdelaal Tamer A. , Hermes Doris , Schäffner Erik , Soto-Bernardini M. Clara , Götze Tilmann , Klink Axel , Kusch Kathrin , Krueger Martin , Kungl Theresa , Frydrychowicz Clara , Möbius Wiebke , Brück Wolfgang , Mueller Wolf C. , Bechmann Ingo , Sereda Michael W. , Schwab Markus H. , Nave Klaus-Armin , Stassart Ruth M.
Published: April 2019

Michael W. Sereda was incorrectly associated with the Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hanover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hanover, Germany. The correct affiliations for Michael W. Sereda are Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany and Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
Signal transmission through elements of the cytoskeleton form an optimized information network in eukaryotic cells
Authors: Frieden B. R. , Gatenby R. A.
Published: April 2019

Multiple prior empirical and theoretical studies have demonstrated wire-like flow of electrons and ions along elements of the cytoskeleton but this has never been linked to a biological function. Here we propose that eukaryotes use this mode of signal transmission to convey spatial and temporal environmental information from the cell membrane to the nucleus. The cell membrane, as the interface between intra- and extra-cellular environments, is the site at which much external information is received. Prior studies have demonstrated that transmembrane ion gradients permit information acquisition when an environmental signal interacts with specialized protein gates in membrane ion channels and producing specific ions to flow into or out of the cell along concentration gradients. The resulting localized change in cytoplasmic ion concentrations and charge density can alter location and enzymatic function of peripheral membrane proteins. This allows the cell to process the information and rapidly deploy a local response. Here we investigate transmission of information received and processed in and around the cell membrane by elements of the cytoskeleton to the nucleus to alter gene expression. We demonstrate signal transmission by ion flow along the cytoskeleton is highly optimized. In particular, microtubules, with diameters of about 30 nm, carry coarse-grained Shannon information to the centrosome adjacent to the nucleus with minimum loss of input source information. And, microfilaments, with diameters of about 4 nm, transmit maximum Fisher (fine-grained) information to protein complexes in the nuclear membrane. These previously unrecognized information dynamics allow continuous integration of spatial and temporal environmental signals with inherited information in the genome.
Transcriptional activation by MafR, a global regulator of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Ruiz-Cruz Sofía , Moreno-Blanco Ana , Espinosa Manuel , Bravo Alicia
Published: April 2019

Proteins that act as global transcriptional regulators play key roles in bacterial adaptation to new niches. These proteins recognize multiple DNA sites across the bacterial genome by different mechanisms. Enterococcus faecalis is able to survive in various niches of the human host, either as a commensal or as a leading cause of serious infections. Nonetheless, the regulatory pathways involved in its adaptive responses remain poorly understood. We reported previously that the MafR protein of E. faecalis causes genome-wide changes in the transcriptome. Here we demonstrate that MafR functions as a transcription activator. In vivo, MafR increased the activity of the P12294 and P11486 promoters and also the transcription levels of the two genes controlled by those promoters. These genes are predicted to encode a calcium-transporting P-type ATPase and a QueT transporter family protein, respectively. Thus, MafR could have a regulatory role in calcium homeostasis and queuosine synthesis. Furthermore, MafR recognized in vitro specific DNA sites that overlap the −35 element of each target promoter. The MafR binding sites exhibit a low sequence identity, suggesting that MafR uses a shape readout mechanism to achieve DNA-binding specificity.
Nutrient removal and microalgal biomass production from different anaerobic digestion effluents with Chlorella species
Authors: Yu Hyeonjung , Kim Jaai , Lee Changsoo
Published: April 2019

Potential of microalgal cultivation as an alternative approach to the treatment of anaerobic digestion (AD) effluents was examined using two representative Chlorella species, Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and Chlorella protothecoides (CP). Both species effectively removed NH4+-N from the AD effluents from four digesters treating different wastes under different operating conditions. In all experimental cultures on the AD effluents, NH4+-N (initial concentration, 40 mg/L) was completely removed within 10 days without residual NO3−-N or NO2−-N in batch mode. Compared to CP, CV showed greater biomass and lipid yields (advantageous for biodiesel production), regardless of the media used. Prolonged nitrogen starvation significantly increased the lipid accumulation in all cultures on the AD effluents, and the effect was more pronounced in the CV than in the CP cultures. On the other hand, compared to CV, CP showed significantly faster settling (advantageous for biomass harvesting) in all media. Our results suggest that the Chlorella cultivation on AD effluents under non-sterile, mixed-culture conditions may provide a viable way to manage and valorize the problematic effluents. Diverse bacteria derived from the AD effluents co-existed and presumably interacted with the Chlorella species in the cultures.
Metformin acutely lowers blood glucose levels by inhibition of intestinal glucose transport
Authors: Horakova Olga , Kroupova Petra , Bardova Kristina , Buresova Jana , Janovska Petra , Kopecky Jan , Rossmeisl Martin
Published: April 2019

Metformin is currently the most prescribed drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. It has been well established that long-term treatment with metformin improves glucose tolerance in mice by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis. Interestingly, a single dose of orally administered metformin acutely lowers blood glucose levels, however, little is known about the mechanism involved in this effect. Glucose tolerance, as assessed by the glucose tolerance test, was improved in response to prior oral metformin administration when compared to vehicle-treated mice, irrespective of whether the animals were fed either the standard or high-fat diet. Blood glucose-lowering effects of acutely administered metformin were also observed in mice lacking functional AMP-activated protein kinase, and were independent of glucagon-like-peptide-1 or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors signaling. [18F]-FDG/PET revealed a slower intestinal transit of labeled glucose after metformin as compared to vehicle administration. Finally, metformin in a dose-dependent but indirect manner decreased glucose transport from the intestinal lumen into the blood, which was observed ex vivo as well as in vivo. Our results support the view that the inhibition of transepithelial glucose transport in the intestine is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels during an early response to oral administration of metformin.
Characterizing Preferential Adsorption of Phosphate on Binary Sorbents of Goethite and Maghaemite using in situ ATR-FTIR and 2D Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Han Junho , Ro Hee-Myong
Published: April 2019

Recent developments in analytics using infrared spectroscopy have enabled us to identify the adsorption mechanism at interfaces, but such methods are applicable only for simple systems. In this study, the preferential adsorption of phosphate on binary goethite and maghaemite was investigated. As a result, monodentate and bidentate complexes were the major complexes on goethite and maghaemite, respectively. A shrinking effect in goethite and a swelling effect in maghaemite were identified, and environmental perturbations caused a significant decrease in the integrated absorbance of phosphate complexes on maghaemite, while no effect was observed on goethite, which implies that different adsorption mechanisms were involved. Based on the results, a bridging complex was proposed, and the swelling effect is explained by the negatively charged maghaemite surface resulting from the bidentate complex. The isolation of phosphate by the shrinking effect explains the low phosphate bioavailability in the soil environment, while the colloidal properties of the bidentate complex on maghaemite are the reason for colloidal mobilization. To the best of our knowledge, this study not only addresses the shrinking and swelling properties of iron (hydr)oxide nanoparticles but also demonstrates preferential adsorption on binary sorbents using in situ ATR-FTIR for the first time.
Dietary xylo-oligosaccharide improves intestinal functions in weaned piglets
Authors: Yin Jie , Li Fengna , Kong Xiangfeng , Wen Chaoyue , Guo Qiuping , Zhang Lingyu , Wang Wenlong , Duan Yehui , Li Tiejun , Tan Zhiliang , Yin Yulong
Published: April 2019

This study aimed at investigating the effects of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) on intestinal functions (i.e., intestinal morphology, tight junctions, gut microbiota and metabolism) and growth performance in weaned piglets.
Colorimetric, turn-on fluorescence detection of fluoride ions using simple indole-based receptors in living cells
Authors: Juanjuan Shao , Linlin Wang , Yangfeng Hu
Published: April 2019

Herein, an indole-attached fluorescein dye (FI-1) was designed and synthesized as an excellent sensor for fluoride ions.
A fluorescent signal-on sensor based on photoinduced electron transfer between copper nanoparticles and G-quadruplex/hemin
Authors: Ou Li Juan , Qin Si Wen , Bo Heng , Luo Jian Xin , Yuan Ni Cui , Sun Ai Ming , Wang Ling Yun , Liu Wei Hong
Published: April 2019

A novel fluorescence signal-on biosensing platform was developed by using photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) and G-quadruplex/hemin.
Charge-transfer heptamethine dyes for NIR singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Jarman John B. , Dougherty Dennis A.
Published: April 2019

A heptamethine-based charge-transfer dye was designed based on previous evidence of triplet state formation in orthogonal charge-transfer partners and calculations suggesting the formation of a charge-transfer state in heptamethine dye derivatives.
Biocompatibility and biodegradability of 2D materials: graphene and beyond
Authors: Martín Cristina , Kostarelos Kostas , Prato Maurizio , Bianco Alberto
Published: April 2019

The potential risks associated with two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials may cause serious concerns about their real applications and impact in biological systems.
Dual dynamic chirality generated in the assembly of three achiral rods through the three-fold twisting of a macrocycle
Authors: Katoono Ryo , Sakamoto Kazuki , Suzuki Takanori
Published: April 2019

We demonstrated dynamic chirality based on assemblies of three achiral rods with a twisted macrocycle.
Redox-controlled hybridization of helical foldamers
Authors: Faour Lara , Adam Catherine , Gautier Christelle , Goeb Sébastien , Allain Magali , Levillain Eric , Canevet David , Sallé Marc
Published: April 2019

Redox stimulations allow controlling the hybridization equilibrium of foldamers.
Structural determinants of coiled coil mechanics
Authors: López-García Patricia , Goktas Melis , Bergues-Pupo Ana E. , Koksch Beate , Varón Silva Daniel , Blank Kerstin G.
Published: April 2019

In shear geometry, the sequence–structure–mechanics relationship of rationally designed coiled coil heterodimers is determined by the helix propensity of the individual helices and the packing density at the hydrophobic core.
Impact of fluorination on the photophysics of the flavin chromophore: a quantum chemical perspective
Authors: Bracker Mario , Dinkelbach Fabian , Weingart Oliver , Kleinschmidt Martin
Published: April 2019

10-Methylisoalloxazine (MIA) and its fluorinated derivatives (6-9F-MIA) were investigated by means of quantum chemistry, looking into the influence of fluorination on fluorescence, absorption and inter-system crossing (ISC) in vacuum and in aqueous solution.
Rate-determining process in MISIM photocells for optoelectronic conversion using photo-induced pure polarization current without carrier transfer across interfaces
Authors: Tomimatsu Akihiro , Yokokura Seiya , Reissig Louisa , Dalgleish Simon , Matsushita Michio M. , Awaga Kunio
Published: April 2019

We report the fundamental aspects of a MISIM photocell, with a novel architecture for high-speed organic photodetectors.
Selenium and tellurium-based nanoparticles as interfering factors in quorum sensing-regulated processes: violacein production and bacterial biofilm formation
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Beatriz , Arregui Lucia , Serrano Susana , Santos Antonio , Pérez-Corona Teresa , Madrid Yolanda
Published: April 2019

A cell-to-cell communication system called quorum sensing (QS) promotes the transcription of certain target genes in bacterial cells leading to the activation of different cellular processes, some of them related to bacterial biofilm formation. The formation of bacterial biofilms favours antibiotic resistance, which is nowadays a significant public-health problem. In this study, the effect of selenium (SeNPs) and tellurium (TeNPs) nanoparticles was examined in two bacterial processes mediated by QS: violacein production by Chromobacterium violaceum and biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For this purpose, quantification of the pigment production in the presence of these nanoparticles was monitored using the C. violaceum strain. Additionally, a combination of different microscopical imaging techniques was applied to examine the changes in the 3D biofilm structure of P. aeruginosa, which were quantified through performing architectural metric calculations (substratum area, cell area coverage and biovolume). SeNPs produce an 80% inhibition in the violacein production by C. violaceum and a significant effect on the P. aeruginosa biofilm architecture (a reduction of 80% in the biovolume of the bacterial biofilm was obtained). TeNPs similarly affect violacein production and the P. aeruginosa biofilm structure but at lower concentration levels. The results obtained suggest an important disruption of the QS signalling system by SeNPs and TeNPs, supporting nanotechnology as a promising tool to fight against the emerging problem of bacterial resistance related to bacterial biofilm formation.
ProbingN-glycoprotein microheterogeneity by lectin affinity purification-mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Wu Di , Li Jingwen , Struwe Weston B. , Robinson Carol V.
Published: April 2019

A lectin affinity purification-mass spectrometry approach to characterize lectin-reactive glycoproteoforms and elucidate lectin specificities at the intact protein level.
Association between neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and arterial stiffness in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Li Yanyan , Chen Xiaofang , Huang Lingzhi , Lu Jinyang
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present study was to assess the association between neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and arterial stiffness and provide a predictive index for diagnosing atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We enrolled patients with ACST who were confirmed by coronary angiography. Data were collected by questionnaire and blood indexes. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using BP-203RPE III network arteriosclerosis detection equipment. Correlation analysis of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and baPWV was performed, and multivariate line regression analysis was conducted to explore the relevant factors for baPWV. A total of 210 patients were included in the final analyses according to the inclusion criteria. Patients with a high baPWV had a lower lymphocyte count than those with a low baPWV (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4, P = 0.004). The NLRs of the low and high bvPWV groups were 3.1 ± 1.5 and 4.0 ± 2.1, respectively; no significant difference was observed. The results suggest that there is a positive relationship between baPWV and NLR (r = 0.403, P = 0.005) and neutrophils (r = 0.319, P = 0.016). Multivariate line regression suggested that NLR was positively associated with baPWV (B = 0.372, P = 0.000). The present results indicate that NLR is independently associated with arterial stiffness in patients with ACS. NLR, an inexpensive, easily measurable, widely available biomarker, could be an additional tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in clinical practice.
NT5E is associated with unfavorable prognosis and regulates cell proliferation and motility in gastric cancer
Authors: Hu Sifeng , Meng Fanmei , Yin Xiankun , Cao Changling , Zhang Guangyong
Published: April 2019

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored cell surface protein, and has been suggested to be dysregulated in most types of human cancer including gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to present more evidence about the clinical and prognostic value of Ecto-5′-nucleotidase in gastric cancer patients, and preliminarily explore the biological function of Ecto-5′-nucleotidase in gastric cancer cells. In our study, high Ecto-5′-nucleotidase expression was observed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, respectively, compared with normal gastric mucosa tissues cells. Meanwhile, TCGA database also indicated that Ecto-5′-nucleotidase expression levels were notably elevated in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal gastric mucosa tissues. Furthermore, high-expression of Ecto-5′-nucleotidase was obviously associated with advanced clinical stage, deep tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in gastric cancer patients. The survival analyses of TCGA database and our study consistent suggested high Ecto-5′-nucleotidase expression was negatively correlated with overall survival time in gastric cancer patients. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed high Ecto-5′-nucleotidase expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients. Moreover, silencing of Ecto-5′-nucleotidase expression suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro in gastric cancer. In conclusion, Ecto-5′-nucleotidase is a credible prognostic biomarker, and serves as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
SOX21-AS1 is associated with clinical stage and regulates cell proliferation in nephroblastoma
Authors: Zhang Jingxiu , Hou Tianzhao , Qi Xueliang , Wang Jihong , Sun Xiangguo
Published: April 2019

LncRNA SOX21 antisense RNA 1 (SOX21-AS1) dysregulated in many types of human cancer, and functioned as tumor suppressor or promoter depending on tumor types. However, there was no report about the role of SOX21-AS1 in nephroblastoma. In the present study, we first found that SOX21-AS1 expression was elevated in nephroblastoma tissues and cell lines compared with adjacent normal tissues and normal human embryonic kidney cell line, respectively. Moreover, we observed nephroblastoma patients with large tumor size, advanced National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) stage or unfavorable histopathological type, and patients that had higher SOX21-AS1 expression levels than nephroblastoma patients with small tumor size, early NWTS stage or favorable histopathological type. The in vitro studies suggested that knockdown of SOX21-AS1 suppressed nephroblastoma cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced cell-cycle arrest through up-regulating p57 expression. In conclusion, our study suggests that SOX21-AS1 functions as oncogenic lncRNA in nephroblastoma, which may provide a novel insight for nephroblastoma carcinogenesis.
Analytical method to calculate transient responses of induction motor load
Authors: Liao Wei‐Ping , Zhang Yan , Zhou Rui
Published: April 2019

An analytical method to calculate the transient responses of induction motors (IMs) following power system symmetrical and asymmetrical voltage sags is developed based on circuit and machine analysis theory. The derived calculation models and algorithm are composed of a series of algebraic formulae. The slip, transient voltage, stator current, and electrical power of the perturbed IM can be computed. Compared with electromagnetic transient simulation results using the PSCAD/EMTDC software package, the accuracy of the proposed method is proved. Applying the proposed method to calculate the transient responses of power system IM composite load shows that the approach not only has the advantage in computing speed but also improve the accuracy of power system electromechanical transient time domain simulations under unbalanced faults caused voltage sag.
Multi‐objective linearised optimal reactive power dispatch of wind‐integrated transmission networks
Authors: Mahzouni‐Sani Mahdi , Hamidi Amir , Nazarpour Daryoush , Golshannavaz Sajjad
Published: April 2019

This study develops a multi‐objective approach to pursue an optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) of power systems equipped with wind farm (WF) integrations. The preliminary control variables include shunt compensators, synchronous condensers, and under‐load tap changers (ULTCs). Innovatively, reactive power provision capability of WFs, beyond their active power contributions, is scheduled besides the variables above. Seemingly, a double operating area is adopted for WF within which it injects active power towards the main grid. Concurrently, it could inject or absorb reactive power, which impacts technical metrics of the power system operation. The main purpose is then establishing a compromise between the power loss and voltage deviation minimisation and also reducing the number of ULTC tap variations and operations. To handle the multi‐objective feature of the proposed model, the global criterion method is deployed. The established ORPD model represents a multi‐objective non‐linear mathematical problem, which is converted to a mixed‐integer linear programming format. By this way, the computational burden of the problem is reduced to maintain an acceptable accuracy of the obtained results. Detailed discussions are provided to assess the performance of the proposed model.