bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Reducing Falls and Improving Gait Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke
Authors: Gervasoni Elisa , Parelli Riccardo , Uszynski Marcin , Crippa Alessandro , Marzegan Alberto , Montesano Angelo , Cattaneo Davide
Published: November 2016

Background

Loss of neuromuscular control of the ankle joint is a common impairment in neurologic conditions, leading to abnormal gait and a greater risk of falling. Limited information, however, is available on the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on reducing falls, and no studies have investigated its usefulness in improving lower limbs kinematics related to foot clearance and energy recovery.

Setting

Clinical setting.

Study Design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Participants

Twenty‐four subjects, 14 people with multiple sclerosis (mean age ± standard deviation 50.93 ± 8.72 years) and 10 people with stroke (55.38 ± 14.55 years).

Methods

The number of falls was assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks, and a clinical assessment was performed at the baseline, 4‐week, and 8‐week time points. A subsample of the 24 subjects comprising 5 people with multiple sclerosis and 5 people with stroke performed a gait analysis assessment at baseline and after 4 weeks. After receiving the equipment and the training schedule, subjects performed daily home walking training using FES for 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measurements

The main outcomes were (1) the number of falls, (2) foot clearance, and (3) energy recovery.

Results

A reduction in the number of falls was observed from baseline (n = 10) to the 8‐week assessment (n = 2), P = .02. Foot clearance increased (+5.26 mm, P = .04) between the baseline without FES and at 4 weeks with FES (total effect). No statistically significant differences were found in energy recovery between baseline and 4 weeks.

Conclusions

The use of FES had an impact on gait, specifically reducing the number of falls and improving walking. A specific effect at the ankle joint was observed, increasing foot clearance during the swing phase of gait. This effect was not accompanied with a reduction in the energetic expenditure during walking in subjects with multiple sclerosis and stroke.
Comparison of geodetic and glaciological mass budgets for White Glacier, Axel Heiberg Island, Canada
Authors: THOMSON LAURA I. , ZEMP MICHAEL , COPLAND LUKE , COGLEY J. GRAHAM , ECCLESTONE MILES A.
Published: November 2016

This study presents the first reanalysis of a long-term glacier mass-balance record in the Canadian Arctic. The reanalysis is accomplished through comparison of the 1960–2014 glaciological mass-balance record of White Glacier, Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut, with a geodetically derived mass change over the same period. The corrections applied to homogenize the two datasets, including adjusting for changes in hypsometry over the period of record and the generic differences between methods, are discussed along with the associated systematic and random errors of the two forms of mass-balance measurement. Statistical comparison of the two datasets reveals that within the error margin there is no significant difference between the average annual glaciological balance (–213 ± 28 mm w.e. a−1) and geodetic balance (–178 ± 16 mm w.e. a−1) at White Glacier over the 54 year record. The validity of this result, and the assumptions made in implementing the glaciological method, are critically assessed.
A small-bodied species of Brontotheriidae from the middle Eocene Nut Beds of the Clarno Formation, John Day Basin, Oregon
Authors: Mihlbachler Matthew C. , Samuels Joshua X.
Published: November 2016

We diagnose a new species of Brontotheriidae from a middle Eocene locality, the Clarno Nut Beds, from the Clarno Formation, John Day Basin, Central Oregon. Though renowned for its richness in fossil flora, fossil vertebrates are rare in the Clarno Nut Beds and this new species is the most abundantly represented mammal. Radiometric dating constrains the age of the Nut Beds fauna to about 43.76 Ma within the Uintan North American Land Mammal Age. This new taxon, represented by numerous cranial, mandibular, and dental specimens, is comparatively small for a brontothere and notable for its cranio-caudally shorted nasal incision, a trait shared with three larger-bodied middle Eocene species,Metatelmatherium ultimum,Wickia brevirhinus, andSthenodectes incisivum. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the sister taxon of the Nut Beds brontothere could be one of two species—Wickia brevirhinusfrom the Sand Wash Basin of Colorado and Washakie Formation of Wyoming, orMetatelmatherium ultimum, a pan-Beringian species known from the Uintan Formation of Utah (and other Uintan age deposits) and the “Irdin Manha” Formation of Inner Mongolia, China. Phylogenetic results also indicate that the Nut Beds brontothere is a dwarf taxon. Though brontotheres are renowned for having evolved very large body sizes, this new brontothere is one of several discovered in recent decades that suggest evolutionary reductions in body size may have been relatively common in Brontotheriidae.
Omitted Variables, Countervailing Effects, and the Possibility of Overadjustment
Authors: Clarke Kevin A. , Kenkel Brenton , Rueda Miguel R.
Published: November 2016

The effect of conditioning on an additional covariate on confounding bias depends, in part, on covariates that are unobserved. We characterize the conditions under which the interaction between a covariate that is available for conditioning and one that is not can affect bias. When the confounding effects of two covariates, one of which is observed, are countervailing (in opposite directions), conditioning on the observed covariate can increase bias. We demonstrate this possibility analytically, and then show that these conditions are not rare in actual data. We also consider whether balance tests or sensitivity analysis can be used to justify the inclusion of an additional covariate. Our results indicate that neither provide protection against overadjustment.
Continuity in the Use of Shallow Sites of the Salado River Basin in the Pampean Region, Argentina
Authors: Frère María Magdalena , González María Isabel , Greco Catriel
Published: November 2016

This article presents 24 radiocarbon dates of different materials (animal and human bones, charcoal, and pottery) recovered from hunter-gatherer-fisher archaeological sites from the Salado River microregion, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. We used a microregional design strategy, and considered the 14C dates as a group to analyze them with Bayesian statistics. This was essential to the analysis of the chronology of these shallow sites, in which the soil dynamics add the archaeological materials into the A horizon sedimentary matrix. In these types of sites, the occupational events are difficult to identify, so archaeological indicators are needed to assess the temporal contexts.
Molecular identification of the rumen flukes Paramphistomum leydeni and Paramphistomum cervi in a concurrent infection of the red deer Cervus elaphus
Authors: Sindičić M. , Martinković F. , Strišković T. , Špehar M. , Štimac I. , Bujanić M. , Konjević D.
Published: November 2016

Paramphistomosis, caused by paramphistomid flukes, is a gastrointestinal parasitic disease of domestic and wild ruminants. Originally thought to be limited to the tropics and subtropics, the disease has recently been reported in temperate regions. Here we describe the concurrent infection of a red deer doe (Cervus elaphus) with Paramphistomum leydeni and Paramphistomum cervi. This is the first report of P. leydeni in Croatia. Flukes were identified on the basis of morphological keys (tegumental papillae) and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region 2 in ribosomal DNA. Our results confirm that the absence of tegumental papillae allows P. cervi to be differentiated morphologically from other paramphistomid species in Europe based on incident light stereomicroscopy. Nevertheless the limitations of morphological identification and taxonomic issues suggest that previous findings on paramphistomid infection should be interpreted carefully. The possible worldwide distribution of these pathogens means that paramphistomosis may be more common and its economic impact greater than previously thought.
Parasite communities and infection levels of the invasive Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii (Actinopterygii: Odontobutidae) from the Naab river basin, Germany
Authors: Kvach Y. , Janáč M. , Nehring S. , Ondračková M. , Jurajda P.
Published: November 2016

The Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), an invasive Asian fish, was first registered in Germany in 2009 (westernmost extent of its invasive range). We sampled Chinese sleepers from two localities on the Bücherlgraben creek (a tributary of the River Naab) in south-eastern Germany in November 2015 and examined them for parasite infection. Twelve taxa were registered, including ciliates (unidentified Trichodina), a monogenean, three cestode species, two digenean taxa, two acanthocephalan species, two nematode species and one mollusc glochidia. Infracommunities consisted of 1–5 species, with 10% of fish uninfected. Three parasite species (Acanthocephalus anguillae, Gyrodactylus luciopercae and Pseudocapillaria tomentosa) were recorded on Chinese sleepers for the first time. The results highlight the important role of the Chinese sleeper as a second intermediate host in the life cycle of heron and grebe parasites. The Chinese sleeper parasite community displayed low homogeneity at both localities sampled, with allogenic parasites (metacercariae and mesocercoids) mostly shared. Differences between localities were mainly caused by autogenic parasites. No invasive parasites associated with the Chinese sleeper were observed in the study area, all parasites being representatives of European fauna. This supports the hypothesis of introduction via the aquarium trade or through transport with commercial fish.
The construction of citizenship and the public provision of electricity during the 2014 World Cup in Ghana
Authors: MacLean Lauren M. , Bob-Milliar George M. , Baldwin Elizabeth , Dickey Elisa
Published: November 2016

Why did the Ghanaian state go to such extraordinary lengths to facilitate the reliable broadcast of the World Cup in 2014? During a period of frequent power outages, Ghana swapped power with regional neighbours and directed major domestic industries to reduce production in order to allow Ghanaians to watch their national soccer team compete in the World Cup. This paper investigates the politics of the public service provision of electricity in Ghana. We focus on the short-term crisis during the 2014 World Cup to reveal the citizens' and politicians' expectations about electricity as a public good. Drawing on an analysis of archival documents, Ghanaian newspapers, and interviews with government, business, and NGO officials in the energy sector, we argue that the Ghanaian state historically has created the expectation of electricity as a right of national citizenship and explore how this intersects with competitive party politics today.
Between the market and the state: the capacity of business associations for policy engagement in Uganda
Authors: Kuteesa Annette , Mawejje Joseph
Published: November 2016

This study assesses the capabilities of business associations for conducting meaningful policy engagements with government. Using information from 21 associations and five state institutions, this work investigates the level of autonomy and ability of business associations to coordinate and order their interests for policy decision-making. Findings reveal that the ability to organise an association's own interests is hindered by weak systems and internal structures, especially at sub-sector level. Most associations are financially weak, have limited professional expertise and experience a low level of commitment from members, which affects their capacity for autonomy. It is important that business associations create regulations to make membership ties binding, so as to strengthen their influence on policy. Associations should also be more aggressive in mobilising finances, and they should identify synergies and develop partnerships with the state to build their capacity for participating in policy-making.
Ukrainian
Authors: Pompino-Marschall Bernd , Steriopolo Elena , Żygis Marzena
Published: November 2016

About 35 million people around the world speak Ukrainian (Lewis, Simons & Fenning 2016). The largest populations of Ukrainian speakers outside Ukraine (more than 32 million speakers) are in Russia (c. 4.5 million), followed by Moldova (c. 0.6 million), Canada (c. 0.5 million) and the USA (c. 0.5 million). Smaller Ukrainian communities have also settled in some other countries including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland, Romania, Argentina, Brazil and Slovakia (Mokienko 2002). Ukrainian, alongside Russian and Belarusian, belongs to the East Slavonic languages within the Indo-European language family.
But is it social? How to tell when groups are more than the sum of their members
Authors: Brennan Allison A. , Enns James T.
Published: November 2016

Failure to distinguish between statistical effects and genuine social interaction may lead to unwarranted conclusions about the role of self-differentiation in group function. We offer an introduction to these issues from the perspective of recent research on collaborative cognition.
JANE EYRE'S PURSE: WOMEN'S QUEER ECONOMIC DESIRE IN THE VICTORIAN NOVEL
Authors: Dobbins Meg
Published: November 2016

“Young ladies don't understandpolitical economy, you know,” asserts the casually misogynistic uncle of Dorothea Brooke in George Eliot'sMiddlemarch(1871) (17; bk. 1, ch 1). Although Eliot's heroine resents both her uncle's remark and “that never-explained science which was thrust as an extinguisher over all her lights,” her attempt to teach herself political economy in the novel only seems to confirm her uncle's assessment (18; bk. 1, ch. 1): Dorothea gathers a “little heap of books on political economy” and sets forth to learn “the best way of spending money so as not to injure one's neighbors, or – what comes to the same thing – so as to do them the most good” (805; bk. 5, ch. 48). Naively likening “spending money so as not to injure one's neighbors” to “do[ing] them the most good,” Dorothea fails to grasp the self-interest at the core of nineteenth-century political economic thought and so misunderstands the subject matter before her: “Unhappily her mind slipped off [the book] for a whole hour; and at the end she found herself reading sentences twice over with an intense consciousness of many things, but not of any one thing contained in the text. This was hopeless” (805; bk. 5, ch. 48).
THE RELIC AND THE RUIN: EQUIVOCAL OBJECTS AND THE PRESENCE OF THE PAST INDANIEL DERONDA
Authors: Jacob Priyanka Anne
Published: November 2016

Early in George Eliot'sDaniel Deronda, Daniel's life is set on a decisive new path by his fleeting attraction to an object in a shop window. He is turning into a side street off Holburn Road when:

his attention was caught by some fine old clasps in chased silver displayed in the window at his right hand. His first thought was that [his aunt] Lady Mallinger, who had a strictly Protestant taste for such Catholic spoils, might like to have these missal-clasps turned into a bracelet; then his eyes travelled over the other contents of the window, and he saw that the shop was that kind of pawnbroker's where the lead is given to jewellery, lace, and all equivocal objects introduced asbric-a-brac. A placard in one corner announced –Watches and Jewellery exchanged and repaired. (344; bk. 4, ch. 6)

Daniel then moves across the street to avoid the shopkeeper, and it is only from this new vantage point that he notices the name “Ezra Cohen” above the window – the name he's been seeking while wandering Jewish neighborhoods in London in the hopes of reuniting his protégée Mirah with her family. He will return to the pawnshop later and become acquainted with the Cohens, eventually finding through them his mentor and Mirah's actual brother, Mordecai. Although some discussion of the silver clasps ensues, they are neither purchased nor used in the space of the novel. Still, this seemingly inconsequential trinket proves to have a long history, one that raises questions about the lingering remains of the past, the equivocality of the object, and the dispossessions that hauntDaniel Deronda.
A POEM WITHOUT AN AUTHOR
Authors: Kistler Jordan
Published: November 2016

These lines begin an “Ode”which has permeated culture throughout the last hundred years. In 1912, Edward Elgar set it to music, as did Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály in 1964, to commemorate the 700thanniversary of Merton College, Oxford. In 1971, Gene Wilder spoke the opening lines as Willy Wonka in the filmWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.The words appear as epigraphs in an eclectic range of novels, including science fiction (Raymond E. Feist'sRage of a Demon King), fantasy (Elizabeth Haydon'sThe Assassin King), and historical fiction (E. V. Thompson'sThe Music Makers). They are quoted in an even more varied selection of books, including travelogues (Warren Rovetch'sThe Creaky Traveler in Ireland), textbooks (Arnold O. Allen'sProbability, Statistics and Queueing Theoryand R. S. Vassan and Sudha Seshadri'sTextbook of Medicine), New Age self-help books (Raven Kaldera'sMoon Phase Astrology: The Lunar Key to Your Destiny), autobiographies (Hilary Liftin'sCandy and Me, a Love Story) and pedagogical guides (Lindsay Peer and Gavin Reid'sDyslexia – Successful Inclusion in the Secondary School).
A PARASITE FOR SORE EYES: REREADING INFECTION METAPHORS IN BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA
Authors: Forman Ross G.
Published: November 2016

Since the late 1980s and Elaine Showalter's influential Sexual Anarchy, it has become axiomatic to read Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula as a text that responds to anxieties of degeneration through metaphors of infection (184). Given the obvious sexual nature of the threat represented by the vampire, critics have focused on syphilis as the text's most immediate disease of reference. They have identified many important correspondences between Stoker's text and racialized fears of decline through blood and bloodlines, drawing connections between Stoker's own possible demise from syphilis, the history of contagious diseases legislation, and the scandal surrounding Ibsen's Ghosts (1882). But, as Martin Willis has noted, there continues to be “a need to reassess Dracula within the contexts of disease theories that allows for a more historically rigorous analysis of the novel” (302).
Selenium single-wavelength anomalous diffraction de novo phasing using an X-ray-free electron laser
Authors: Hunter Mark S. , Yoon Chun Hong , DeMirci Hasan , Sierra Raymond G. , Dao E. Han , Ahmadi Radman , Aksit Fulya , Aquila Andrew L. , Ciftci Halilibrahim , Guillet Serge , Hayes Matt J. , Lane Thomas J. , Liang Meng , Lundström Ulf , Koglin Jason E. , Mgbam Paul , Rao Yashas , Zhang Lindsey , Wakatsuki Soichi , Holton James M. , Boutet Sébastien
Published: November 2016

Structural information about biological macromolecules near the atomic scale provides important insight into the functions of these molecules. To date, X-ray crystallography has been the predominant method used for macromolecular structure determination. However, challenges exist when solving structures with X-rays, including the phase problem and radiation damage. X-ray-free electron lasers (X-ray FELs) have enabled collection of diffraction information before the onset of radiation damage, yet the majority of structures solved at X-ray FELs have been phased using external information via molecular replacement. De novo phasing at X-ray FELs has proven challenging due in part to per-pulse variations in intensity and wavelength. Here we report the solution of a selenobiotinyl-streptavidin structure using phases obtained by the anomalous diffraction of selenium measured at a single wavelength (Se-SAD) at the Linac Coherent Light Source. Our results demonstrate Se-SAD, routinely employed at synchrotrons for novel structure determination, is now possible at X-ray FELs.
Complete structure of the bacterial flagellar hook reveals extensive set of stabilizing interactions
Authors: Matsunami Hideyuki , Barker Clive S. , Yoon Young-Ho , Wolf Matthias , Samatey Fadel A.
Published: November 2016

The bacterial flagellar hook is a tubular helical structure made by the polymerization of multiple copies of a protein, FlgE. Here we report the structure of the hook fromCampylobacter jejuniby cryo-electron microscopy at a resolution of 3.5 Å. On the basis of this structure, we show that the hook is stabilized by intricate inter-molecular interactions between FlgE molecules. Extra domains in FlgE, found only inCampylobacterand in related bacteria, bring more stability and robustness to the hook. Functional experiments suggest thatCampylobacterrequires an unusually strong hook to swim without its flagella being torn off. This structure reveals details of the quaternary organization of the hook that consists of 11 protofilaments. Previous study of the flagellar filament ofCampylobacterby electron microscopy showed its quaternary structure made of seven protofilaments. Therefore, this study puts in evidence the difference between the quaternary structures of a bacterial filament and its hook.
Correction: Corrigendum: Ubiquitin ligase RNF20/40 facilitates spindle assembly and promotes breast carcinogenesis through stabilizing motor protein Eg5
Authors: Duan Yang , Huo Dawei , Gao Jie , Wu Heng , Ye Zheng , Liu Zhe , Zhang Kai , Shan Lin , Zhou Xing , Wang Yue , Su Dongxue , Ding Xiang , Shi Lei , Wang Yan , Shang Yongfeng , Xuan Chenghao
Published: November 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12648 (2014); Published: 25 August 2016; Updated: 4 November 2016 In Fig. 1a of this Article, the locations of labels for TPM3 and RPS3 protein bands are incorrect. The correct version of Fig. 1 appears below.
Hydrogen bonding: a mechanism for tuning electronic and optical properties of hybrid organic–inorganic frameworks
Authors: El-Mellouhi Fedwa , Bentria El Tayeb , Marzouk Asma , Rashkeev Sergey N , Kais Sabre , Alharbi Fahhad H
Published: November 2016

The field of hybrid inorganic–organic framework materials is one of the fastest growing fields in materials science because their enormous structural and chemical diversity presents great opportunities for creating many technologically relevant properties. One of the most important issues is controlling and tuning the structural, optical, thermal, mechanical and electronic properties of these complex materials by varying their chemistry, fabrication techniques and preparation conditions. Here we demonstrate that significant progress in this area may be achieved by introducing structural elements that form hydrogen bonds with the environment. Considering hybrid framework materials with different structural ordering containing protonated sulfonium cation H3S+and electronegative halogen anions (I−, Br−, Cl−and F−), we found that hydrogen bonding increases the structural stability of the material and may be used for tuning electronic states near the bandgap. We suggest that such a behaviour has a universal character and should be observed in hybrid inorganic–organic framework materials containing protonated cations. This effect may serve as a viable route for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.
USP21 deubiquitylates Nanog to regulate protein stability and stem cell pluripotency
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Yao Yuying , Ding Huiguo , Han Chuanchun , Chen Yuhan , Zhang Yuan , Wang Chanjuan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yiling , Zhai Yun , Wang Ping , Wei Wenyi , Zhang Jing , Zhang Lingqiang
Published: November 2016

The homeobox transcription factor Nanog has a vital role in maintaining pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Stabilization of Nanog proteins is essential for ESCs. The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitylases is one of the key ways to regulate protein levels and functions. Although ubiquitylation of Nanog catalyzed by the ligase FBXW8 has been demonstrated, the deubiquitylase that maintains the protein levels of Nanog in ESCs yet to be defined. In this study, we identify the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 21 (USP21) as a deubiquitylase for Nanog, but not for Oct4 or Sox2. USP21 interacts with Nanog protein in ESCs in vivo and in vitro. The C-terminal USP domain of USP21 and the C-domain of Nanog are responsible for this interaction. USP21 deubiquitylates the K48-type linkage of the ubiquitin chain of Nanog, stabilizing Nanog. USP21-mediated Nanog stabilization is enhanced in mouse ESCs and this stabilization is required to maintain the pluripotential state of the ESCs. Depletion of USP21 in mouse ESCs leads to Nanog degradation and ESC differentiation. Overall, our results demonstrate that USP21 maintains the stemness of mouse ESCs through deubiquitylating and stabilizing Nanog.
High-quality AlN epitaxy on nano-patterned sapphire substrates prepared by nano-imprint lithography
Authors: Zhang Lisheng , Xu Fujun , Wang Jiaming , He Chenguang , Guo Weiwei , Wang Mingxing , Sheng Bowen , Lu Lin , Qin Zhixin , Wang Xinqiang , Shen Bo
Published: November 2016

We report epitaxial growth of AlN films with atomically flat surface on nano-patterned sapphire substrates (NPSS) prepared by nano-imprint lithography. The crystalline quality can be greatly improved by using the optimized 1-μm-period NPSS. The X-ray diffraction ω-scan full width at half maximum values for (0002) and (10"Equation missing"2) reflections are 171 and 205 arcsec, respectively. The optimized NPSS contribute to eliminating almost entirely the threading dislocations (TDs) originating from the AlN/sapphire interface via bending the dislocations by image force from the void sidewalls before coalescence. In addition, reducing the misorientations of the adjacent regions during coalescence adopting the low lateral growth rate is also essential for decreasing TDs in the upper AlN epilayer.
In vivo online magnetic resonance quantification of absolute metabolite concentrations in microdialysate
Authors: Glöggler Stefan , Rizzitelli Silvia , Pinaud Noël , Raffard Gérard , Zhendre Vanessa , Bouchaud Véronique , Sanchez Stéphane , Radecki Guillaume , Ciobanu Luisa , Wong Alan , Crémillieux Yannick
Published: November 2016

In order to study metabolic processes in animal models of diseases and in patients, microdialysis probes have evolved as powerful tools that are minimally invasive. However, analyses of microdialysate, performed remotely, do not provide real-time monitoring of microdialysate composition. Microdialysate solutions can theoretically be analyzed online inside a preclicinal or clinical MRI scanner using MRS techniques. Due to low NMR sensitivity, acquisitions of real-time NMR spectra on very small solution volumes (μL) with low metabolite concentrations (mM range) represent a major issue. To address this challenge we introduce the approach of combining a microdialysis probe with a custom-built magnetic resonance microprobe that allows for online metabolic analysis (1H and 13C) with high sensitivity under continuous flow conditions. This system is mounted inside an MRI scanner and allows performing simultaneously MRI experiments and rapid MRS metabolic analysis of the microdialysate. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by analyzing extracellular brain cancer cells (glioma) in vitro and brain metabolites in an animal model in vivo. We expect that our approach is readily translatable into clinical settings and can be used for a better and precise understanding of diseases linked to metabolic dysfunction.
A compact time reversal emitter-receiver based on a leaky random cavity
Authors: Luong Trung-Dung , Hies Thomas , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: November 2016

Time reversal acoustics (TRA) has gained widespread applications for communication and measurements. In general, a scattering medium in combination with multiple transducers is needed to achieve a sufficiently large acoustical aperture. In this paper, we report an implementation for a cost-effective and compact time reversal emitter-receiver driven by a single piezoelectric element. It is based on a leaky cavity with random 3-dimensional printed surfaces. The random surfaces greatly increase the spatio-temporal focusing quality as compared to flat surfaces and allow the focus of an acoustic beam to be steered over an angle of 41°. We also demonstrate its potential use as a scanner by embedding a receiver to detect an object from its backscatter without moving the TRA emitter.
Long-term exposure to Myozyme results in a decrease of anti-drug antibodies in late-onset Pompe disease patients
Authors: Masat Elisa , Laforêt Pascal , De Antonio Marie , Corre Guillaume , Perniconi Barbara , Taouagh Nadjib , Mariampillai Kuberaka , Amelin Damien , Mauhin Wladimir , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Caillaud Catherine , Ronzitti Giuseppe , Puzzo Francesco , Kuranda Klaudia , Colella Pasqualina , Mallone Roberto , Benveniste Olivier , Mingozzi Federico ,   French Pompe Registry Study Group, Bassez G. , Bedat-Millet A. L. , Behin A. , Eymard B. , Leonard-Louis S. , Stojkovic T. , Canal A. , Decostre V. , Bouhour F. , Boyer F. , Castaing Y. , Chapon F. , Cintas P. , Durieu I. , Echaniz-Laguna A. , Feasson L. , Furby A. , Hamroun D. , Ferrer X. , Solé G. , Froissart R. , Piraud M. , Germain D. , Benistan K. , Guffon-Fouilhoux N. , Journel H. , Labauge P. , Lacour A. , Levy A. , Magot A. , Péréon Y. , Minot-Myhié M. -C. , Nadaj-Pakleza A. , Nathier C. , Orlikowski D. , Pellegrini N. , Petiot P. , Praline J. , Lofaso F. , Prigent H. , Dutry A. , Renard D. , Sacconi S. , Desnuelle C. , Salort-Campana E. , Pouget J. , Tiffreau V. , Vincent D. , Zagnoli F.
Published: November 2016

Immunogenicity of recombinant human acid-alpha glucosidase (rhGAA) in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a safety and efficacy concern in the management of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). However, long-term effects of ERT on humoral and cellular responses to rhGAA are still poorly understood. To better understand the impact of immunogenicity of rhGAA on the efficacy of ERT, clinical data and blood samples from LOPD patients undergoing ERT for >4 years (n = 28) or untreated (n = 10) were collected and analyzed. In treated LOPD patients, anti-rhGAA antibodies peaked within the first 1000 days of ERT, while long-term exposure to rhGAA resulted in clearance of antibodies with residual production of non-neutralizing IgG. Analysis of  T cell responses to rhGAA showed detectable T cell reactivity only after in vitro restimulation. Upregulation of several cytokines and chemokines was detectable in both treated and untreated LOPD subjects, while IL2 secretion was detectable only in subjects who received ERT. These results indicate that long-term ERT in LOPD patients results in a decrease in antibody titers and residual production of non-inhibitory IgGs. Immune responses to GAA following long-term ERT do not seem to affect efficacy of ERT and are consistent with an immunomodulatory effect possibly mediated by regulatory T cells.
Photoelectron Holographic Atomic Arrangement Imaging of Cleaved Bimetal-intercalated Graphite Superconductor Surface
Authors: Matsui Fumihiko , Eguchi Ritsuko , Nishiyama Saki , Izumi Masanari , Uesugi Eri , Goto Hidenori , Matsushita Tomohiro , Sugita Kenji , Daimon Hiroshi , Hamamoto Yuji , Hamada Ikutaro , Morikawa Yoshitada , Kubozono Yoshihiro
Published: November 2016

From the C 1s and K 2p photoelectron holograms, we directly reconstructed atomic images of the cleaved surface of a bimetal-intercalated graphite superconductor, (Ca, K)C8, which differed substantially from the expected bulk crystal structure based on x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Graphene atomic images were collected in the in-plane cross sections of the layers 3.3 Å and 5.7 Å above the photoelectron emitter C atom and the stacking structures were determined as AB- and AA-type, respectively. The intercalant metal atom layer was found between two AA-stacked graphenes. The K atomic image revealing 2 × 2 periodicity, occupying every second centre site of C hexagonal columns, was reconstructed, and the Ca 2p peak intensity in the photoelectron spectra of (Ca, K)C8 from the cleaved surface was less than a few hundredths of the K 2p peak intensity. These observations indicated that cleavage preferentially occurs at the KC8 layers containing no Ca atoms.
Large enhancement of superconducting transition temperature in single-element superconducting rhenium by shear strain
Authors: Mito Masaki , Matsui Hideaki , Tsuruta Kazuki , Yamaguchi Tomiko , Nakamura Kazuma , Deguchi Hiroyuki , Shirakawa Naoki , Adachi Hiroki , Yamasaki Tohru , Iwaoka Hideaki , Ikoma Yoshifumi , Horita Zenji
Published: November 2016

Finding a physical approach for increasing the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is a challenge in the field of material science. Shear strain effects on the superconductivity of rhenium were investigated using magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and first-principles calculations. A large shear strain reduces the grain size and simultaneously expands the unit cells, resulting in an increase inTc. Here we show that this shear strain approach is a new method for enhancingTcand differs from that using hydrostatic strain. The enhancement ofTcis explained by an increase in net electron–electron coupling rather than a change in the density of states near the Fermi level. The shear strain effect in rhenium could be a successful example of manipulating Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer-type Cooper pairing, in which the unit cell volumes are indeed a key parameter.
Graded Mirror Self-Recognition by Clark’s Nutcrackers
Authors: Clary Dawson , Kelly Debbie M.
Published: November 2016

The traditional ‘mark test’ has shown some large-brained species are capable of mirror self-recognition. During this test a mark is inconspicuously placed on an animal’s body where it can only be seen with the aid of a mirror. If the animal increases the number of actions directed to the mark region when presented with a mirror, the animal is presumed to have recognized the mirror image as its reflection. However, the pass/fail nature of the mark test presupposes self-recognition exists in entirety or not at all. We developed a novel mirror-recognition task, to supplement the mark test, which revealed gradation in the self-recognition of Clark’s nutcrackers, a large-brained corvid. To do so, nutcrackers cached food alone, observed by another nutcracker, or with a regular or blurry mirror. The nutcrackers suppressed caching with a regular mirror, a behavioural response to prevent cache theft by conspecifics, but did not suppress caching with a blurry mirror. Likewise, during the mark test, most nutcrackers made more self-directed actions to the mark with a blurry mirror than a regular mirror. Both results suggest self-recognition was more readily achieved with the blurry mirror and that self-recognition may be more broadly present among animals than currently thought.
Association of Mannose-binding Lectin Polymorphisms with Tuberculosis Susceptibility among Chinese
Authors: Liu Cheng , He Tao , Rong Yanxiao , Du Fengjiao , Ma Dongxing , Wei Yujie , Mei Zhiqin , Wang Yuling , Wang Haibin , Zhu Yuehua , Zhang Zongde , Zheng Li , Wu Xueqiong , Liu Huiliang , Ding Wenjun
Published: November 2016

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Host genetic variability is an important determinant of the risk of developing TB in humans. Although the association between MBL2 polymorphisms and TB has been studied in various populations, the results are controversial. In this study four functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, H/L, X/Y, P/Q and A/B) across the MBL2 gene were genotyped by direct DNA sequencing of PCR products in a case-control population of Chinese Han origin, consisting of 1,020 patients with pulmonary TB and 1,020 controls. We found that individuals carrying variant allele at A/B (namely BB or AB genotypes) was associated with increased susceptibility to TB (odds ratios [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.91, P = 1.3 × 10−6). Additionally, LYPB haplotype showed a significant association with increased risk of TB (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.27–1.87, P = 4.2 × 10−6; global haplotype association P = 3.5 × 10−5). Furthermore, individuals bearing low- or medium- MBL expression haplotype pairs had an increased risk of TB (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.29–1.90, P = 1.4 × 10−6). Thus, the reduced expression of functional MBL secondary to having MBL2 variants may partially mediate the increased susceptibility to TB risk.
The endotracheal tube microbiome associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Hotterbeekx An , Xavier Basil B. , Bielen Kenny , Lammens Christine , Moons Pieter , Schepens Tom , Ieven Margareta , Jorens Philippe G , Goossens Herman , Kumar-Singh Samir , Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi
Published: November 2016

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the commonest hospital-acquired infections associated with high mortality. VAP pathogenesis is closely linked to organisms colonizing the endotracheal tube (ETT) such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the former a common commensal with pathogenic potential and the latter a known VAP pathogen. However, recent gut microbiome studies show that pathogens rarely function alone. Hence, we determined the ETT microbial consortium co-colonizing with S. epidermidis or P. aeruginosa to understand its importance in the development of VAP and for patient prognosis. Using bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS-II sequencing on ETT biomass showing presence of P. aeruginosa and/or S. epidermidis on culture, we found that presence of P. aeruginosa correlated inversely with patient survival and with bacterial species diversity. A decision tree, using 16S rRNA and patient parameters, to predict patient survival was generated. Patients with a relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae <4.6% and of Staphylococcaceae <70.8% had the highest chance of survival. When Pseudomonadaceae were >4.6%, age of patient <66.5 years was the most important predictor of patient survival. These data indicate that the composition of the ETT microbiome correlates with patient prognosis, and presence of P. aeruginosa is an important predictor of patient outcome.
An Investigation of the Differences and Similarities between Generated Small-World Networks for Right- and Left-Hand Motor Imageries
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Li Yuyao , Chen Huafu , Ding Jurong , Yuan Zhen
Published: November 2016

In this study, small-world network analysis was performed to identify the similarities and differences between functional brain networks for right- and left-hand motor imageries (MIs). First, Pearson correlation coefficients among the nodes within the functional brain networks from healthy subjects were calculated. Then, small-world network indicators, including the clustering coefficient, the average path length, the global efficiency, the local efficiency, the average node degree, and the small-world index, were generated for the functional brain networks during both right- and left-hand MIs. We identified large differences in the small-world network indicators between the functional networks during MI and in the random networks. More importantly, the functional brain networks underlying the right- and left-hand MIs exhibited similar small-world properties in terms of the clustering coefficient, the average path length, the global efficiency, and the local efficiency. By contrast, the right- and left-hand MI brain networks showed differences in small-world characteristics, including indicators such as the average node degree and the small-world index. Interestingly, our findings also suggested that the differences in the activity intensity and range, the average node degree, and the small-world index of brain networks between the right- and left-hand MIs were associated with the asymmetry of brain functions.
Thermoelectric properties of in-situ plasma spray synthesized sub-stoichiometry TiO2−x
Authors: Lee Hwasoo , Han Su Jung , Chidambaram Seshadri Ramachandran , Sampath Sanjay
Published: November 2016

The thermoelectric properties of sub-stoichiometric TiO2−xdeposits produced by cascaded-plasma spray process are investigated from room-temperature to 750 K. Sub-stoichiometric TiO2−xdeposits are formed throughin-situreaction of the TiO1.9within the high temperature plasma flame and manipulated through introduction of varying amounts of hydrogen in the plasma. Although the TiO2−xparticles experience reduction within plasma, it can also re-oxidize through interaction with the surrounding ambient atmosphere, resulting in a complex interplay between process conditions and stoichiometry. The deposits predominantly contain rutile phase with presence of Magneli phases especially under significantly reducing plasma conditions. The resultant deposits show sensitivity to thermoelectric properties and under certain optimal conditions repeatedly show Seebeck coefficients reaching values of −230 μV K−1at temperatures of 750 K while providing an electrical conductivity of 5.48 × 103 S m−1, relatively low thermal conductivity in the range of 1.5 to 2 W m−1K−1resulting in power factor of 2.9 μW cm−1K−2. The resultant maximum thermoelectric figure of merit value reached 0.132 under these optimal conditions. The results point to a potential pathway for a large-scale fabrication of low-cost oxide based thermoelectric with potential applicability at moderate to high temperatures.
A simplified Bcl-2 network model reveals quantitative determinants of cell-to-cell variation in sensitivity to anti-mitotic chemotherapeutics
Authors: Kueh Hao Yuan , Zhu Yanting , Shi Jue
Published: November 2016

Anti-mitotic drugs constitute a major class of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics used in the clinic, killing cancer cells by inducing prolonged mitotic arrest that activates intrinsic apoptosis. Anti-mitotics-induced apoptosis is known to involve degradation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins during mitotic arrest; however, it remains unclear how this mechanism accounts for significant heterogeneity observed in the cell death responses both within and between cancer cell types. To unravel quantitative determinants underlying variability in anti-mitotic drug response, we constructed a single-cell dynamical Bcl-2 network model describing cell death control during mitotic arrest, and constrained the model using experimental data from four representative cancer cell lines. The modeling analysis revealed that, given a variable, slowly accumulating pro-apoptotic signal arising from anti-apoptotic protein degradation, generation of a switch-like apoptotic response requires formation of pro-apoptotic Bak complexes with hundreds of subunits, suggesting a crucial role for high-order cooperativity. Moreover, we found that cell-type variation in susceptibility to drug-induced mitotic death arises primarily from differential expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 relative to Bak. The dependence of anti-mitotic drug response on Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 that we derived from the modeling analysis provides a quantitative measure to predict sensitivity of distinct cancer cells to anti-mitotic drug treatment.
Alterations in soil microbial community composition and biomass following agricultural land use change
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wu Junjun , Yang Fan , Lei Yao , Zhang Quanfa , Cheng Xiaoli
Published: November 2016

The effect of agricultural land use change on soil microbial community composition and biomass remains a widely debated topic. Here, we investigated soil microbial community composition and biomass [e.g., bacteria (B), fungi (F), Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Actinomycete (ACT)] using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) analysis, and basal microbial respiration in afforested, cropland and adjacent uncultivated soils in central China. We also investigated soil organic carbon and nitrogen (SOC and SON), labile carbon and nitrogen (LC and LN), recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen (RC and RN), pH, moisture, and temperature. Afforestation averaged higher microbial PLFA biomass compared with cropland and uncultivated soils with higher values in top soils than deep soils. The microbial PLFA biomass was strongly correlated with SON and LC. Higher SOC, SON, LC, LN, moisture and lower pH in afforested soils could be explained approximately 87.3% of total variation of higher total PLFAs. Afforestation also enhanced the F: B ratios compared with cropland. The basal microbial respiration was higher while the basal microbial respiration on a per-unit-PLFA basis was lower in afforested land than adjacent cropland and uncultivated land, suggesting afforestation may increase soil C utilization efficiency and decrease respiration loss in afforested soils.
Diagnosis trajectories of prior multi-morbidity predict sepsis mortality
Authors: Beck Mette K. , Jensen Anders Boeck , Nielsen Annelaura Bach , Perner Anders , Moseley Pope L. , Brunak Søren
Published: November 2016

Sepsis affects millions of people every year, many of whom will die. In contrast to current survival prediction models for sepsis patients that primarily are based on data from within-admission clinical measurements (e.g. vital parameters and blood values), we aim for using the full disease history to predict sepsis mortality. We benefit from data in electronic medical records covering all hospital encounters in Denmark from 1996 to 2014. This data set included 6.6 million patients of whom almost 120,000 were diagnosed with the ICD-10 code: A41 ‘Other sepsis’. Interestingly, patients following recurrent trajectories of time-ordered co-morbidities had significantly increased sepsis mortality compared to those who did not follow a trajectory. We identified trajectories which significantly altered sepsis mortality, and found three major starting points in a combined temporal sepsis network: Alcohol abuse, Diabetes and Cardio-vascular diagnoses. Many cancers also increased sepsis mortality. Using the trajectory based stratification model we explain contradictory reports in relation to diabetes that recently have appeared in the literature. Finally, we compared the predictive power using 18.5 years of disease history to scoring based on within-admission clinical measurements emphasizing the value of long term data in novel patient scores that combine the two types of data.
Biodegradable Polycaprolactone as Ion Solvating Polymer for Solution-Processed Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Jürgensen Nils , Zimmermann Johannes , Morfa Anthony John , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo
Published: November 2016

In this work, we demonstrate the use of the biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone (PCL) as the ion solvating polymer in solution-processed light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEC). We show that the inclusion of PCL in the active layer yields higher ionic conductivities and thus contributes to a rapid formation of the dynamic p-i-n junction and reduction of operating voltages. PCL shows no phase separation with the emitter polymer and reduces film roughness. The devices show light-emission at voltages as low as 3.2 V and lifetimes on the order of 30 h operating above 150 cd m−2 with turn-on times <20 s and current and luminous efficacies of 3.2 Cd A−1 and 1.5 lm W−1 respectively.