bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Pharmacokinetics in Women with Iron Deficiency Anaemia Following A Single Oral Dose of a Novel Formulation of Tardyferon (Prolonged Release Ferrous Sulphate)
Authors: Leary Andrew , Barthe Laurence , Clavel Thierry , Sanchez Claudie , Issiakhem Zahida , Paillard Bruno , Edmond Jean-Marc
Published: July 2017

Numerous iron-containing preparations are available on the market; these vary in dosage, salt, chemical state of iron (ferric or ferrous) and in the iron delivery process (immediate or prolonged-release). Tardyferon® is a prolonged-release tablet containing 80 mg ferrous sulphate. The formulation has recently been modified; changes to the excipients which constitute the inert formulation matrix have allowed a decrease in tablet size for easier swallowing. The aim of this multicenter open-label study was to characterize the serum pharmacokinetics of iron in non-pregnant women aged 23–45 years with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) following single oral administration of 160 mg Tardyferon® under fasting conditions. Blood samples were collected from the 29 participants before dosing and until 24 h post-dosing. Serum iron concentrations were determined using a routine colorimetric analytical method; pharmacokinetic parameters were derived using a non-compartmental approach. In these patients, median time to maximum serum concentrations (Tmax) was 4 h. Serum profiles were consistent with prolonged release; iron levels were elevated up to 12 h after dosing, with mean C12h still more than 7 times higher than baseline (CT0), and mean C2h and C8h representing 69.7% and 81.9% of the Cmax, respectively. In vitro dissolution testing performed on the clinical batch also demonstrated prolonged release of iron from this formulation. A single oral dose of 160 mg Tardyferon® administered under fasting conditions to this target population resulted in a long-lasting release of iron in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to optimal iron absorption. Moreover, Tardyferon® was well tolerated.
Psychotische Dekompensation, Substanzkonsum oder serotonerges Syndrom?
Authors: Speerforck Sven , Janowitz Deborah , Schomerus Georg , Grabe Hans
Published: July 2017

Ein junger Patient mit paranoider Schizophrenie, Abhängigkeitserkrankung und schwerer depressiver Episode entwickelt ein serotonerges Syndrom während einer Kombinationsbehandlung mit Sertralin und Ziprasidon. Die korrekte diagnostische Einordnung der klinischen Symptome ist, obwohl häufig schwierig, von größter Bedeutung.
Flow and coherent structures around circular cylinders in shallow water
Authors: Zeng Jie , Constantinescu George
Published: July 2017

Eddy-resolving numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the dynamics of the large-scale coherent structures around a circular cylinder in an open channel under very shallow flow conditions where the bed friction significantly affects the wake structure. Results are reported for three test cases, for which the ratio between the cylinder diameter, D, and the channel depth, H, is D/H = 10, 25, and 50, respectively. Simulation results show that a horseshoe vortex system forms in all test cases and the dynamics of the necklace vortices is similar to that during the breakaway sub-regime observed for cases when a laminar horseshoe vortex forms around the base of the cylinder. Given the shallow conditions and turbulence in the incoming channel flow, the necklace vortices occupy a large fraction of the flow depth (they penetrate until the free surface in the shallower cases with D/H = 25 and 50). The oscillations of the necklace vortices become less regular with increasing polar angle magnitude and can induce strong amplification of the bed shear stress beneath their cores. Strong interactions are observed between the legs of the necklace vortices and the eddies shed in the separated shear layers in the cases with D/H = 25 and 50. In these two cases, a vortex-street type wake is formed and strong three-dimensional effects are observed in the near-wake flow. A secondary instability in the form of arrays of co-rotating parallel horizontal vortices develops. Once the roller vortices get away from the cylinder, the horizontal vortices in the array orient themselves along the streamwise direction. This instability is not present for moderately shallow conditions (e.g., D/H ≈ 1) nor for very shallow cases when the wake changes to an unsteady bubble type (e.g., D/H = 50). For cases when this secondary instability is present, the horizontal vortices extend vertically over a large fraction of the flow depth and play an important role in the vertical mixing of fluid situated at the wake edges (e.g., by transporting the near-bed, lower-velocity fluid toward the free surface and vice versa). The largest amplification of the bed shear stress in the near-wake region is observed beneath these horizontal vortices, which means that they would play an important role in promoting bed erosion behind the cylinder in the case of a loose bed. Simulation results suggest that these co-rotating vortices form as a result of the interactions between the legs of the main necklace vortices and the vortical eddies contained into the newly forming roller at the back of the cylinder. The paper also analyzes how D/H affects the separation angle on the cylinder, the size of the recirculation bubble, the bed friction velocity distributions, and turbulence statistics.
Thermal conductivity of hexagonal Si and hexagonal Si nanowires from first-principles
Authors: Raya-Moreno Martí , Aramberri Hugo , Seijas-Bellido Juan Antonio , Cartoixà Xavier , Rurali Riccardo
Published: July 2017

We calculate the thermal conductivity, κ, of the recently synthesized hexagonal diamond (lonsdaleite) Si using first-principles calculations and solving the Boltzmann Transport Equation. We find values of κ which are around 40% lower than in the common cubic diamond polytype of Si. The trend is similar for [111] Si nanowires, with reductions of the thermal conductivity that are even larger than in the bulk in some diameter range. The Raman active modes are identified, and the role of mid-frequency optical phonons that arise as a consequence of the reduced symmetry of the hexagonal lattice is discussed. We also show briefly that popular classic potentials used in molecular dynamics might not be suited to describe hexagonal polytypes, discussing the case of the Tersoff potential.
A small spacecraft for multipoint measurement of ionospheric plasma
Authors: Roberts T. M. , Lynch K. A. , Clayton R. E. , Weiss J. , Hampton D. L.
Published: July 2017

Measurement of ionospheric plasma is often performed by a single in situ device or remotely using cameras and radar. This article describes a small, low-resource, deployed spacecraft used as part of a local, multipoint measurement network. A B-field aligned sounding rocket ejects four of these spin-stabilized spacecraft in a cross pattern. In this application, each spacecraft carries two retarding potential analyzers which are used to determine plasma density, flow, and ion temperature. An inertial measurement unit and a light-emitting diode array are used to determine the position and orientation of the devices after deployment. The design of this spacecraft is first described, and then results from a recent test flight are discussed. This flight demonstrated the successful operation of the deployment mechanism and telemetry systems, provided some preliminary plasma measurements in a simple mid-latitude environment, and revealed several design issues.
Novel analysis technique for measuring edge density fluctuation profiles with reflectometry in the Large Helical Device
Authors: Creely A. J. , Ida K. , Yoshinuma M. , Tokuzawa T. , Tsujimura T. , Akiyama T. , Sakamoto R. , Emoto M. , Tanaka K. , Michael C. A.
Published: July 2017

A new method for measuring density fluctuation profiles near the edge of plasmas in the Large Helical Device (LHD) has been developed utilizing reflectometry combined with pellet-induced fast density scans. Reflectometer cutoff location was calculated by proportionally scaling the cutoff location calculated with fast far infrared laser interferometer (FIR) density profiles to match the slower time resolution results of the ray-tracing code LHD-GAUSS. Plasma velocity profile peaks generated with this reflectometer mapping were checked against velocity measurements made with charge exchange spectroscopy (CXS) and were found to agree within experimental uncertainty once diagnostic differences were accounted for. Measured density fluctuation profiles were found to peak strongly near the edge of the plasma, as is the case in most tokamaks. These measurements can be used in the future to inform inversion methods of phase contrast imaging (PCI) measurements. This result was confirmed with both a fixed frequency reflectometer and calibrated data from a multi-frequency comb reflectometer, and this method was applied successfully to a series of discharges. The full width at half maximum of the turbulence layer near the edge of the plasma was found to be only 1.5–3 cm on a series of LHD discharges, less than 5% of the normalized minor radius.
Anomalous Hall effect and magnetic properties of FexPt100-x alloys with strong spin-orbit interaction
Authors: Hao Qiang , Chen Wenzhe , Wang Shutong , Xiao Gang
Published: July 2017

We systematically study the magnetic properties, electron transport, and the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in FexPt100-x solids over a wide composition range. These solids are characterized by strong spin-orbit interaction and enhanced magnetic moments from both elements. In our study, we vary the thickness and the composition of the thin films, the temperature of measurement, and the magnitude of the magnetic field in various directions. We have determined the Hall angle, the spin diffusion length, and the electron mean free path in this alloy system. The AHE is more than 3 orders of magnitude larger than the normal Hall effect, making FexPt100-x a good candidate for spintronic applications. The Hall angle determined in the FexPt100-x solids is comparable to that in pure Pt. From the analysis on the correlation between the AHE and electron transport, we find that the AHE is dominated by both the intrinsic Karplus-Luttinger (Berry phase) mechanism and the extrinsic side-jump mechanism.
Low-loss and energy efficient modulation in silicon photonic waveguides by adiabatic elimination scheme
Authors: Mrejen Michael , Suchowski Haim , Bachelard Nicolas , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: July 2017

High-speed Silicon Photonics calls for solutions providing a small footprint, high density, and minimum crosstalk, as exemplified by the recent development of integrated optical modulators. Yet, the performances of such modulators are hindered by intrinsic material losses, which results in low energy efficiency. Using the concept of Adiabatic Elimination, here, we introduce a scheme allowing for the low-loss modulation in densely packed waveguides. Our system is composed of two waveguides, whose coupling is mediated by an intermediate third waveguide. The signal is carried by the two outer modes, while the active control of their coupling is achieved via the intermediate dark mode. The modulation is performed by the manipulation of the central-waveguide mode index, leaving the signal-carrying waveguides unaffected by the loss. We discuss how Adiabatic Elimination provides a solution for mitigating signal losses and designing relatively compact, broadband, and energy-efficient integrated optical modulators.
Exploring the free energy gain of phase separation via Markov state modeling
Authors: Biedermann Myra , Heuer Andreas
Published: July 2017

The gain of free energy upon unmixing is determined via application of Markov state modeling (MSM), using an Ising model with a fixed number of up- and down-spins. MSM yields reasonable estimates of the free energies. However, a closer look reveals significant differences that point to residual non-Markovian effects. These non-Markovian effects are rather unexpected since the typical criteria to study the quality of Markovianity indicate complete Markovian behavior. We identify the sparse connectivity between different Markov states as a likely reason for the observed bias. By studying a simple five state model system, we can analytically elucidate different sources of the bias and thus explain the different deviations that were observed for the Ising model. Based on this insight, we can modify the determination of the count matrix in the MSM approach. In this way, the estimation of the free energy is significantly improved.
The effects of pre-ionization using a shunt resistor on reproducibility of the x-ray emission in a dense plasma focus device
Authors: Piriaei D. , Yousefi H. R. , Mahabadi T. D. , SalarElahi A. , Ghoranneviss M.
Published: July 2017

In this research, the effects of pre-ionization using a shunt resistor on reproducibility of x-ray emission in a Mather type plasma focus device have been studied. This technique increased the intensities of the emitted x-rays from argon as the filling gas of the device and made the x-ray yields with similar intensities reproducible. A Mirnov coil was also used to record the variations of the plasma's magnetic field, and the wavelet spectrums of these recorded signals showed the reduced instabilities due to the application of the pre-ionization technique. Moreover, it was demonstrated that this technique was capable of reducing the number of initial runaway electrons that could increase the impurities and instabilities inside the plasma. In addition to the above-mentioned features, this technique could improve the uniform formation of the current sheath during the breakdown phase that might later lead to a high quality pinch and high intensity emitted x-rays.
Magnetoelectric properties of lead-free (80Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-20Bi0.5K0.5TiO3)-Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 particulate composites prepared by in situ sol-gel
Authors: Liu Sheng , Deng Lianwen , Yan Shuoqing , Luo Heng , Yao Lingling , He Longhui , Li Yuhan , Wu Mingzhong , Huang Shengxiang
Published: July 2017

Lead-free multiferroic ceramics consisting of (1-x) (80Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-20Bi0.5K0.5TiO3) (BNT-BKT)-xNi0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 (NZFO) (x = 0, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45) were synthesized by the in situ sol-gel method. The structural, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, ferromagnetic, and magnetoelectric (ME) properties were measured as a function of the NZFO content x. The results showed that the coexistence of BNT-BKT and NZFO phases and the presence of the morphotropic phase boundary in the BNT-BKT phase with a high piezoelectric coefficient d33 (∼131 pC/N) were confirmed. The composites exhibited a homogeneous microstructure and well-combined interfaces between the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases, as well as an improved ME response. The largest ME voltage coefficient (αME) of 42.41 mV/cm Oe was achieved for the 0.65(BNT-BKT)-0.35NZFO composite, which is in fact the highest one reported so far for lead-free particulate ME composites fabricated via in situ processing.
Effects of energetic electrons on ion acceleration in a quasi-static model
Authors: Bahache Abdelkadrer , Bennaceur-Doumaz Djamila , Djebli Mourad
Published: July 2017

Based on the Passoni-Lontano model [M. Lontano and M. Passoni, Phys. Plasmas 13(4), 042102 (2006)], the expansion of an intense laser produced plasma into vacuum is analyzed, assuming that hot and energetic electrons responsible for ion acceleration, in the framework of a TNSA mechanism, are nonthermal and modelled by the Cairns distribution function. Due to the presence of energetic nonthermal electron population, the electric potential, electrical field, ion maximum energy, and ion spectrum energy are enhanced during the ion acceleration process.
Detection of C-reactive protein on an integrated microfluidic system by utilizing field-effect transistors and aptamers
Authors: Kao Wei-Chieh , Chen Yen-Wen , Chu Chia-Ho , Chang Wen-Hsin , Shiesh Shu-Chu , Wang Yu-Lin , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: July 2017

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause more than 17 × 106 deaths worldwide on a yearly basis. Early diagnosis of CVDs is therefore of great need. The C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important biomarker for analyzing the risks of CVDs. In this work, CRP-specific aptamers with high sensitivity and specificity and field-effect-transistor (FET) devices were used to recognize and detect CRP by using an integrated microfluidic system automatically while consuming less volumes of reagents and samples (about 5 μm). In order to package the FET device into the microfluidic chip, a new method to prevent liquid leakage was proposed. Sensitive detection of CRP has been demonstrated on the developed microfluidic system. It is the first time that aptamer-FET assays could be realized on an integrated microfluidic system. Experimental results showed that the aptamer-FET assay was capable of detecting CRP with concentrations ranging from 0.625 mg/l to 10.000 mg/l, which may be promising for early diagnosis of CVDs.
Experimental and numerical investigation of nanoparticle releasing in AFM nanomanipulation using high voltage electrostatic forces
Authors: Ghattan Kashani H. , Shokrolahi S. , Akbari Moayyer H. , Shariat Panahi M. , Shahmoradi Zavareh A.
Published: July 2017

Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs) have been widely used as nanomanipulators due to their versatility to work with a broad range of materials and their controllable interaction force, among other features. While AFMs can effectively grasp, move, and position nanoscale objects in 2D environments through basic pull/push operations, they often lack the high precision required in many 3D pick and place applications, especially in non-vacuum environments. In this study, a novel method to resolve the adhesion problem between nanoscale objects and the AFM tip has been developed and tested. The method is based on the application of a high electrostatic voltage to the tip to produce the repulsive force required for the release of the nanoobject. The method is proposed for conductive nanoparticles and tips used in many nanomanipulation applications, and can be easily implemented on typical AFMs with minimal alterations. The applicability of the proposed method is investigated through a series of combined Molecular Dynamics/Finite Element simulations.
Signalling from the gut lumen
Authors: Furness John B. , Cottrell Jeremy J.
Published: July 2017

The lining of the gastrointestinal tract needs to be easily accessible to nutrients and, at the same time, defend against pathogens and chemical challenges. This lining is the largest and most vulnerable surface that faces the outside world. To manage the dual problems of effective nutrient conversion and defence, the gut lining has a sophisticated system for detection of individual chemical entities, pathogenic organisms and their products, and physico-chemical properties of its contents. Detection is through specific receptors that signal to the gut endocrine system, the nervous system, the immune system and local tissue defence systems. These effectors, in turn, modify digestive functions and contribute to tissue defence. Receptors for nutrients include taste receptors for sweet, bitter and savoury, free fatty acid receptors, peptide and phytochemical receptors, that are primarily located on enteroendocrine cells. Hormones released by enteroendocrine cells act locally, through the circulation and via the nervous system, to optimise digestion and mucosal health. Pathogen detection is both through antigen presentation to T-cells and through pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). Activation of PRRs triggers local tissue defence, for example, by causing release of antimicrobials from Paneth cells. Toxic chemicals, including plant toxins, are sensed and then avoided, expelled or metabolised. It continues to be a major challenge to develop a comprehensive understanding of the integrated responses of the gastrointestinal tract to its luminal contents.
Solid-Phase O-Glycosylation with a Glucosamine Derivative for the Synthesis of a Glycopeptide
Authors: Ryan Philip , Koh Andy Hsien Wei , Lohning Anna Elizabeth , Rudrawar Santosh
Published: July 2017

An efficient synthesis of the O-linked glycosylamino acid Fmoc–l-Ser((Ac)3–β-d-GlcNAc)-OH building block is described. The utility of the method was demonstrated with direct solid-phase O-glycosylation of the hydroxyl group on the amino acid (Ser) side chain of a human α-A crystallin-derived peptide (AIPVSREEK) in nearly quantitative glycosylation yield.
Hitchhiking and epistasis give rise to cohort dynamics in adapting populations
Authors: Buskirk Sean W. , Peace Ryan Emily , Lang Gregory I.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Mutations are the raw material for evolution. However, complex evolutionary dynamics make it challenging to identify which mutations drive adaptation. During adaptation in asexual populations, multiple mutations move synchronously through the population as mutational cohorts. Here we quantify the fitness effect of 116 mutations from 11 laboratory-evolved yeast populations. We show that only a fraction of genome evolution is strongly adaptive. We map driver and hitchhiker mutations to 31 mutational cohorts, and we identify 1 cohort in which mutations combine to provide a fitness benefit greater than the sum of their individual effects. Our analysis uncovers the roles of genetic hitchhiking and epistasis in determining which mutations ultimately succeed or fail in the context of a rapidly evolving microbial population.
Cytosolic interaction of type III human CD38 with CIB1 modulates cellular cyclic ADP-ribose levels
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhao Yong Juan , Li Wan Hua , Hou Yun Nan , Li Ting , Zhao Zhi Ying , Fang Cheng , Li Song Lu , Lee Hon Cheung
Published: July 2017

Significance

This study addresses a topological paradox in Ca2+signaling mediated by cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR). The messenger is synthesized by CD38, thought to be a type ll ectoenzyme. Instead, we show that it exists naturally in two opposite membrane orientations and that the type III, with its catalytic domain facing the cytosol, is active in producing cellular cADPR. Its topology was resolved by a technique simultaneously targeting dual epitopes for protein identification, which identifies the intracellular type III CD38 unambiguously. It is also shown that its cADPR-synthesizing activity is regulated by cytosolic interactions with Ca2+and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1). The results indicate that membrane proteins are not necessarily expressed with only one unique membrane orientation set by sequence motifs as generally believed.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Y alloy under a steady magnetic field
Authors: Zhang L. , Jin F. , Zhan W. , Hu P. H. , Zhou Q.
Published: July 2017

This study examined the effect of steady magnetic field on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Y alloy reinforced by icosahedral quasicrystal phase. Results show that the microstructure of Mg–Zn–Y alloy was further refined as the magnetic field intensity increased. However, the primary α-Mg gradually became coarse over a certain value. No significant effect on the refinement of icosahedral quasicrystal phase was observed. The [Formula: see text] plane of the alloy treated by steady magnetic field was substituted by the (0002) plane as the primary plane. The [Formula: see text] plane was intensified gradually as the intensity of the magnetic field increased. The mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Y alloy also improved with steady magnetic field treatment.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.
Evidence of Asian Carp Spawning Upstream of a Key Choke Point in the Mississippi River
Authors: Larson James H. , Knights Brent C. , McCalla S. Grace , Monroe Emy , Tuttle-Lau Maren , Chapman Duane C. , George Amy E. , Vallazza Jon M. , Amberg Jon
Published: July 2017

Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Silver Carp H. molitrix, and Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (collectively termed “Asian carp”) were introduced into North America during the 1960s and 1970s and have become established in the lower Mississippi River basin. Previously published evidence for spawning of these species in the upper Mississippi River has been limited to an area just downstream of Dam 22 (near Saverton, Missouri). In 2013 and 2014, we sampled ichthyoplankton at 18 locations in the upper Mississippi River main stem from Dam 9 through Dam 19 and in four tributaries of the Mississippi River (Des Moines, Skunk, Iowa, and Wisconsin rivers). We identified eggs and larvae by using morphological techniques and then used genetic tools to confirm species identity. The spawning events we observed often included more than one species of Asian carp and in a few cases included eggs that must have been derived from more than one upstream spawning event. The upstream extent of genetically confirmed Grass Carp ichthyoplankton was the Wisconsin River, while Bighead Carp and Silver Carp ichthyoplankton were observed in Pool 16. In all these cases, ichthyoplankton likely drifted downstream for several hours prior to collection. Higher water velocities (and, to a lesser extent, higher temperatures) were associated with an increased likelihood of observing eggs or larvae, although the temperature range we encountered was mostly above 17°C. Several major spawning events were detected in 2013, but no major spawning events were observed in 2014. The area between Dam 15 and Dam 19 appears to be the upstream edge of spawning activity for both Silver Carp and Bighead Carp, suggesting that this area could be a focal point for management efforts designed to limit further upstream movement of these species.

Received July 18, 2016; accepted May 4, 2017Published online July 19, 2017
Addiction Severity Index Profile of Persons who Reenter Treatment for Substance use Disorders
Authors: Simoneau Hélène , Brochu Serge
Published: July 2017

Background

Despite a growing interest in persons with multiple treatment reentries, few studies have defined their clinical profile. The aim of this study was to compare the severity profile of substance use disorder and related problems of persons who reenter treatment with the profile of those who come in for treatment for the first time.

Methods

A data bank containing 6651 Addiction Severity Index (ASI) interviews from 3 rehabilitation centers was used for the analyses.

Results

All the ASI composite scores were significantly higher among persons who reentered treatment than among those who came for the first time.

Conclusion

The results support the hypothesis of a more severe ASI profile and substance use–related problems among persons who reenter treatment compared with those who come for the first time. Consequently, they have greater needs, and the treatment offered should be adjusted accordingly.
The Absence of Public Libraries in Imperial China: An Alternative Interpretation of Chinese Writing
Authors: Diao Junli
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this article is to explore Chinese writing and its connection with libraries in Imperial China. From the perspective of analysing Chinese writing and its cultural, social, and political impact, this article attempts to deliver a tentative and speculative exploration concerning why public libraries did not automatically emerge from Chinese civilization. This article discusses how Chinese writing, characterized by the art form calligraphy, was intimately associated with Chinese classical texts, knowledge classification, bibliographers, and imperial libraries and eventually with an elite culture empowered by the sociopolitical repertoire of scholar-officials. It particularly focuses on the discussion of how ‘public’ is viewed differently in Chinese culture than in the West and how Chinese society, including libraries, was transformed by redefining the meaning of ‘public’ at the beginning of the twentieth century.
CCQM-K108.2014: determination of arsenic species and total arsenic in brown rice flour
Authors: Inagaki K , Narukawa T , Hioki A , Miyashita S , Long S E , Ellisor M B , Peng S L , Dewi F , Shin R , Kapp T , Wai-hong F , Hei-shing C , Chao W , Kaewkhomdee N , Taebunpakul S , Thiengmanee U , Yafa C
Published: July 2017

The key comparison CCQM-K108.2014 was organised by the Inorganic Analysis Working Group (IAWG) of CCQM to test the abilities of the national metrology institutes (NMIs) or the designated institutes (DIs) to measure the mass fractions of inorganic arsenic (i-As, sum of the amount of arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]), dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA), and total arsenic (total As) in brown rice flour. This was the follow-up comparison for the CCQM-K108 & CCQM-P147 (Cd, As, inorganic arsenic, and DMAA in brown rice flour).

For total As, no strong outliers among the reported values were observed, and the distribution of the results was narrow, within 3% around the median. For i-As and DMAA, the distributions of the results were slightly wider than that for total arsenic, but no strong outliers among the reported values of i-As and DMAA were observed. Two potentially bias sources, an extraction efficiency of As species (the ratio of the sum of i-As and DMAA to total As) and the quality of primary standard of DMAA, were discussed. The extraction efficiency was estimated as the ratio of the sum of i-As and DMAA to total As. In the previous comparison (CCQM-K108 & CCQM-P147), the extraction efficiency was one of the largest bias sources for i-As and DMAA. However, in this study, all the extraction efficiencies estimated from the reported values were close to 100 %. Regarding the quality of the primary standard solutions, no significant difference was observed among the primary standard solution used by the participants. These results suggest the two potential bias sources mentioned above would not have been majors in this study, and then the technical issues in the previous comparison had been overcome.

Accounting for relative expanded uncertainty, a comparability of measurement was successfully demonstrated by the participating NMIs and DIs for the measurement of total As at the level of less than 0.7 mg/kg, i-As at the level of less than 0.6 mg/kg, and DMAA at the level of less than 0.1 mg/kg. These are expected that total arsenic and i-As at mass fractions greater than 0.1 mg/kg and DMAA at mass fractions greater than 0.005 mg/kg in rice flour can be determined by each participant using the same technique(s) employed for this key comparison to achieve similar uncertainties mentioned in the present report. Furthermore, the results of this key comparison can be utilised along with the IAWG core capability approach.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Monodromy of rank 2 twisted Hitchin systems and real character varieties
Authors: Baraglia David , Schaposnik Laura
Published: July 2017

We introduce a new approach for computing the monodromy of the Hitchin map and use this to completely determine the monodromy for the moduli spaces of

L
L

-twisted

G
G

-Higgs bundles for the groups

G
=
G
L
(
2
,

C

)

G = GL(2,\mathbb {C})

,

S
L
(
2
,

C

)

SL(2,\mathbb {C})

, and

P
S
L
(
2
,

C

)

PSL(2,\mathbb {C})

. We also determine the Tate-Shafarevich class of the abelian torsor defined by the regular locus, which obstructs the existence of a section of the moduli space of

L
L

-twisted Higgs bundles of rank

2
2

and degree

deg
⁡
(
L
)
+
1

\deg (L)+1

. By counting orbits of the monodromy action with

Z

2

\mathbb {Z}_2

-coefficients, we obtain in a unified manner the number of components of the character varieties for the real groups

G
=
G
L
(
2
,

R

)

G = GL(2,\mathbb {R})

,

S
L
(
2
,

R

)

SL(2,\mathbb {R})

,

P
G
L
(
2
,

R

)

PGL(2,\mathbb {R})

,

P
S
L
(
2
,

R

)

PSL(2,\mathbb {R})

, as well as the number of components of the

S
p
(
4
,

R

)

Sp(4,\mathbb {R})

and

S

O
0

(
2
,
3
)

SO_0(2,3)

-character varieties with maximal Toledo invariant. We also use our results for

G
L
(
2
,

R

)

GL(2,\mathbb {R})

to compute the monodromy of the

S
O
(
2
,
2
)

SO(2,2)

Hitchin map and determine the components of the

S
O
(
2
,
2
)

SO(2,2)

character variety.
Dynein efficiently navigates the dendritic cytoskeleton to drive the retrograde trafficking of BDNF/TrkB signaling endosomes
Authors: Ayloo Swathi , Guedes-Dias Pedro , Ghiretti Amy E. , Holzbaur Erika L. F.
Published: July 2017

The efficient transport of cargoes within axons and dendrites is critical for neuronal function. Although we have a basic understanding of axonal transport, much less is known about transport in dendrites. We used an optogenetic approach to recruit motor proteins to cargo in real time within axons or dendrites in hippocampal neurons. Kinesin-1, a robust axonal motor, moves cargo less efficiently in dendrites. In contrast, cytoplasmic dynein efficiently navigates both axons and dendrites; in both compartments, dynamic microtubule plus ends enhance dynein-dependent transport. To test the predictions of the optogenetic assay, we examined the contribution of dynein to the motility of an endogenous dendritic cargo and found that dynein inhibition eliminates the retrograde bias of BDNF/TrkB trafficking. However, inhibition of microtubule dynamics has no effect on BDNF/TrkB motility, suggesting that dendritic kinesin motors may cooperate with dynein to drive the transport of signaling endosomes into the soma. Collectively our data highlight compartment-specific differences in kinesin activity that likely reflect specialized tuning for localized cytoskeletal determinants, whereas dynein activity is less compartment specific but is more responsive to changes in microtubule dynamics.
Pathogenicity of Nectriaceous Fungi on Avocado in Australia
Authors: Parkinson Louisamarie E. , Shivas Roger G. , Dann Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2017

Black root rot is a severe disease of young avocado trees in Australia causing black necrotic roots, tree stunting, and leaf drop prior to tree death. Nectriaceous fungi (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales), are commonly isolated from symptomatic roots. This research tested the pathogenicity of 19 isolates from Calonectria, Cylindrocladiella, Dactylonectria, Gliocladiopsis, and Ilyonectria, spp. collected from young avocado trees and other hosts. Glasshouse pathogenicity tests with ‘Reed’ avocado (Persea americana) seedlings confirmed that Calonectria ilicicola is a severe pathogen of avocado, causing stunting, wilting, and seedling death within 5 weeks of inoculation. Isolates of C. ilicicola from peanut, papaya, and custard apple were also shown to be aggressive pathogens of avocado, demonstrating a broad host range. An isolate of a Calonectria sp. from blueberry and avocado isolates of Dactylonectria macrodidyma, D. novozelandica, D. pauciseptata, and D. anthuriicola caused significant root rot but not stunting within 5 to 9 weeks of inoculation. An isolate of an Ilyonectria sp. from grapevine closely related to Ilyonectria liriodendri, and avocado isolates of Cylindrocladiella pseudoinfestans, Gliocladiopsis peggii, and an Ilyonectria sp. were not pathogenic to avocado.
Chronic Disseminated Salmonellosis in a Patient With Interleukin-12p40 Deficiency
Authors: Alaki Emadia Mohammad , Aljobair Fahad , Alaklobi Faisal , Al Shamrani Mobarak , Al-Zahim Fahad , Dongues Aziza , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: July 2017

Interleukin (IL)-12 is composed of p35 and p40 subunits; in this case, IL-12p40 deficiency is a rare genetic etiology of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease. Salmonellosis has been reported in almost half of these patients and mostly present in recurrent extraintestinal form. In this report, we described an 18-month-old boy with absence of IL-12p40 production suffering from chronic disseminated nontyphoidal salmonellosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-reported case.
One year of baclofen in 100 patients with or without cirrhosis: a French real-life experience
Authors: Barrault Camille , Lison Hortensia , Roudot-Thoraval Françoise , Garioud Armand , Costentin Charlotte , Béhar Véronique , Medmoun Mourad , Pulwermacher Georges , Hagège Hervé , Cadranel Jean-François
Published: July 2017

Background

Several studies have suggested the efficacy of baclofen in reducing alcohol consumption, leading to a temporary recommendation for use in France.

Aim

Our aim was to report our experience in using baclofen in alcohol-dependant patients with or without liver cirrhosis.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients from two liver and alcohol units were recruited over a 3-year period and received increasing doses of baclofen associated with social, psychological, and medical care.

Results

One hundred patients were treated, of whom 65 were cirrhotic. After 1 year, 86 patients were still being followed up. At a mean dosage of 40 mg/day (extremes: 30–210), the median daily alcohol consumption reduced from 80 to 0 g/day (P<0.001). Twenty patients drank a small amount of alcohol of up to 30 g/day and 44 patients were completely abstinent. These declarative results were associated with a significant improvement in alcohol-related biological markers in this ‘low-consumption’ group of 64 patients: the median γ-glutamyl transferase decreased from 3.9 to 2.0 UNL (P<0.001), the mean aspartate transaminase decreased from 2.6 to 1.2 UNL (P<0.001), and the mean corpuscular volume decreased from 101 to 93 µm3 (P<0.001). In cirrhotic patients, bilirubinemia decreased significantly from 22 to 11 µmol/l (P=0.026), prothrombin time increased from 68 to 77% (P<0.001), and albuminemia increased from 34.1 to 37.4 g/l (P<0.001). Twenty patients reported grades 1–2 adverse events. No liver or renal function deterioration occurred in cirrhotic patients.

Conclusion

In our cohort, baclofen associated with a global care was very well tolerated even in cirrhotic patients. The marked reduction in alcohol consumption in 64 patients translated into a significant improvement in biological markers and in liver function tests. Baclofen could be very useful, especially in cases of severe alcoholic liver disease.
Potential Association of IL1B Polymorphism With Iron Deficiency Risk in Childhood Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Chen Szu‐Ta , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Liu Shing‐Hwa
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Helicobacter pylori infection occurs predominantly in childhood. Host immune response gene polymorphism is reported to affect the susceptibility to H pylori infection and the outcome of H pylori‐related gastric cancer. Not all H pylori‐infected patients, however, exhibit iron deficiency (ID). The relationship between host genetic polymorphisms and ID mediated by H pylori infection is not well understood.

Methods:

Subjects (n = 644) from the general population of age 10 to 18 years were divided into 2 groups based on serology testing for anti‐H pylori IgG: seropositive study group; and seronegative control group. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL1B (rs1143627 and rs16944), IL8 (rs4073), IL10 (rs1800896), and ABO (rs505922), were genotyped and the iron status of the 2 groups was compared.

Results:

The seroprevalence rate for H pylori was 10.7% in this study. Infected subjects were significantly older and had lower serum iron levels than uninfected subjects (P = 0.0195 and 0.0059, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly higher frequency of the T allele of rs505922 (odds ratio [OR] = 6.128; P < 0.001) and lower frequency of the T allele of rs1143627 (OR = 0.846; P = 0.014) in seropositive subjects. Among 59 seropositive subjects, the T allele frequency of rs1143627 was significantly higher in those with ID (OR = 3.156; P = 0.043), compared with those without ID.

Conclusions:

ABO (rs505922) and IL1B (rs1143627) may affect H pylori infection susceptibility, and IL1B (rs1143627) may also influence ID risk in infected children.
Coping Strategies Used by Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lashbrook Mari P. , Valery Patricia C. , Knott Vikki , Kirshbaum Marilynne N. , Bernardes Christina M.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Individual coping strategies are a fundamental element underpinning psychosocial distress.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe coping strategies and their measurement used by survivors of breast, prostate, and/or colorectal cancer after treatment.

Methods:

A search of electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) was conducted from January 1980 to March 2015. Data were extracted using standardized forms and included studies that explored the coping mechanisms of survivorship of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.

Results:

Two thousand one hundred forty-seven studies were retrieved for potential inclusion; 19 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

Conclusions:

Breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors seem to use different coping strategies that varied throughout the survivorship trajectory. Breast cancer survivors highlighted the importance of accepting their diagnosis and engaging in physical activities that provided social and emotional support. Personality seemed to have a significant effect on coping for prostate cancer survivors. Colorectal cancer survivors emphasized the importance of seeking information to master self-management and return to social activities.

Implications for Practice:

Understanding coping strategies, during the survivorship trajectories, is essential to planning contemporary care after cancer treatment. Nurses and other healthcare professionals may use this knowledge to improve quality of life and decrease distress after diagnosis.
Correlation Between Pao 2/Fio 2 and Peripheral Capillary Oxygenation/Fio 2 in Burned Children With Smoke Inhalation Injury
Authors: Cambiaso-Daniel Janos , Voigt Charles D. , Rivas Eric , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Nunez-Lopez Omar , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Sljivich Michaela , Sousse Linda E. , Herndon David N. , Suman Oscar E. , Kinsky Michael P. , Mlcak Ronald P.
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Determine whether the peripheral capillary oxygenation/Fio
2 ratio correlates with the Pao
2/Fio
2 ratio in burned children with smoke inhalation injury, with the goal of understanding if the peripheral capillary oxygenation/Fio
2 ratio can serve as a surrogate for the Pao
2/Fio
2 ratio for the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Shriners Hospitals for Children—Galveston.

Patients:

All burned children with smoke inhalation injury who were admitted from 1996 to 2014 and had simultaneously obtained peripheral capillary oxygenation, Fio
2 and Pao
2 measurements.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Two hundred seventy-three patients (63% male, 8 ± 5 yr, 53% ± 24% total body surface area burns) were analyzed. Peripheral capillary oxygenation/Fio
2 ratios were divided into four subgroups based on peripheral capillary oxygenation values (≤ 100%, ≤ 98%, ≤ 95%, and ≤ 92%). Significance was accepted at r
2 greater than 0.81. The r
2 (number of matches) was 0.66 (23,072) for less than or equal to 100%, 0.87 (18,932) for less than or equal to 98%, 0.89 (7,056) for less than or equal to 95%, and 0.93 (4,229) for less than or equal to 92%. In the subgroup of patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, r
2 was 0.65 (8,357) for less than or equal to 100%, 0.89 (7,578) for less than or equal to 98%, 0.89 (4,115) for less than or equal to 95%, and 0.91 (2,288) less than or equal to 92%.

Conclusions:

Pao
2/Fio
2 and peripheral capillary oxygenation/Fio
2 strongly correlate in burned children with smoke inhalation injury, with a peripheral capillary oxygenation of less than 92% providing the strongest correlation. Thus, peripheral capillary oxygenation/Fio
2 ratio may be able to serve as surrogate for Pao
2/Fio
2, especially when titrating Fio
2 to achieve a peripheral capillary oxygenation of 90–95% (i.e., in the acute respiratory distress syndrome range).
Using step width to compare locomotor biomechanics between extinct, non-avian theropod dinosaurs and modern obligate bipeds
Authors: Bishop P. J. , Clemente C. J. , Weems R. E. , Graham D. F. , Lamas L. P. , Hutchinson J. R. , Rubenson J. , Wilson R. S. , Hocknull S. A. , Barrett R. S. , Lloyd D. G.
Published: July 2017

How extinct, non-avian theropod dinosaurs locomoted is a subject of considerable interest, as is the manner in which it evolved on the line leading to birds. Fossil footprints provide the most direct evidence for answering these questions. In this study, step width—the mediolateral (transverse) distance between successive footfalls—was investigated with respect to speed (stride length) in non-avian theropod trackways of Late Triassic age. Comparable kinematic data were also collected for humans and 11 species of ground-dwelling birds. Permutation tests of the slope on a plot of step width against stride length showed that step width decreased continuously with increasing speed in the extinct theropods (p< 0.001), as well as the five tallest bird species studied (p< 0.01). Humans, by contrast, showed an abrupt decrease in step width at the walk–run transition. In the modern bipeds, these patterns reflect the use of either a discontinuous locomotor repertoire, characterized by distinct gaits (humans), or a continuous locomotor repertoire, where walking smoothly transitions into running (birds). The non-avian theropods are consequently inferred to have had a continuous locomotor repertoire, possibly including grounded running. Thus, features that characterize avian terrestrial locomotion had begun to evolve early in theropod history.
Role of long-chain acyl-CoAs in the regulation of mycolic acid biosynthesis in mycobacteria
Authors: Tsai Yi Ting , Salzman Valentina , Cabruja Matías , Gago Gabriela , Gramajo Hugo
Published: July 2017

One of the dominant features of the biology ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, and other mycobacteria, is the mycobacterial cell envelope with its exceptional complex composition. Mycolic acids are major and very specific components of the cell envelope and play a key role in its architecture and impermeability. Biosynthesis of mycolic acid (MA) precursors requires two types of fatty acid synthases, FAS I and FAS II, which should work in concert in order to keep lipid homeostasis tightly regulated. Both FAS systems are regulated at their transcriptional level by specific regulatory proteins. FasR regulates components of the FAS I system, whereas MabR and FadR regulate components of the FAS II system. In this article, by constructing a tightmabRconditional mutant inMycobacterium smegmatismc2155, we demonstrated that sub-physiological levels of MabR lead to a downregulation of thefasIIgenes, inferring that this protein is a transcriptional activator of the FAS II system.In vivolabelling experiments and lipidomic studies carried out in the wild-type and themabRconditional mutant demonstrated that under conditions of reduced levels of MabR, there is a clear inhibition of biosynthesis of MAs, with a concomitant change in their relative composition, and of other MA-containing molecules. These studies also demonstrated a change in the phospholipid composition of the membrane of the mutant strain, with a significant increase of phosphatidylinositol. Gel shift assays carried out with MabR and PfasIIas a probe in the presence of different chain-length acyl-CoAs strongly suggest that molecules longer than C18can be sensed by MabR to modulate its affinity for the operator sequences that it recognizes, and in that way switch on or off the MabR-dependent promoter. Finally, we demonstrated the direct role of MabR in the upregulation of thefasIIoperon genes after isoniazid treatment.