bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a safe approach for management of lipid parameters: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hadi Amir , Mohammadi Hamed , Hadi Zohreh , Roshanravan Neda , Kafeshani Marzieh
Published: August 2018

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cumin supplementation on plasma lipid concentration in adult population.

The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library (up to January 2018) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of cumin supplementation on serum lipid parameters. Mean difference (MD) was pooled using a random‐effects model.

Meta‐analysis of data from six eligible RCTs with 376 participants showed a significant reduction in plasma concentration of total cholesterol (MD [95% CI] −10.90 [−21.39, −0.42] mg/dl, p = 0.042) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD [95% CI] −6.94 [−11.53, −2.35] mg/dl, p = 0.003) after supplementation with cumin compared with control treatment, and plasma concentration of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD [95% CI] 3.35 [1.58, 5.12] mg/dl, p˂0.001) were found to be increased. Although our analysis indicated that cumin supplementation cannot change triglyceride (TG) concentration (MD [95% CI] −20.48 [−41.23, −0.26] mg/dl, p = 0.053), but after stratified the RCTs based on the primary level of TG (hypertriglyceridemia versus nonhypertriglyceridemia subjects), there was a significant decrease in nonhypertriglyceridemia subset.

This systematic review and meta‐analysis suggested the efficacy of cumin supplementation on lipid parameters.
Effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, on oral wound healing process in rats: Clinical and histological evaluation
Authors: Klein Mariana , de Quadros De Bortolli Juliane , Guimarães Francisco Silveira , Salum Fernanda Gonçalves , Cherubini Karen , de Figueiredo Maria Antonia Zancanaro
Published: August 2018

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non‐psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, were assessed on oral wound healing in an in vivo model. Standardized ulcers were induced in 60 Wistar rats using a 5‐mm biopsy punch on the midline of the ventral tongue. Animals received intraperitoneal injections of CBD at doses of 0 (control), 5, and 10 mg/kg daily. Animals were weighed daily, and wound healing was clinically and histologically evaluated after 3 and 7 days of treatment. CBD treatment did not influence the wound area of ulcerative lesions at either observation time. Conversely, microscopic findings revealed that at Day 3 postwounding, CBD‐treated lesions exhibited significantly lower inflammatory scores than those in the control group. However, this difference was not observed at Day 7. Collectively, these findings indicate that CBD exert an antiinflammatory effect in early phase of wound healing process although it was not sufficient promote clinical improvement of oral traumatic ulcerative lesions.
The megaclass as a service production system and the challenge of facilitating its continuous quality improvement: Towards a research agenda in a complex domain
Authors: Ograjenšek Irena , Gal Iddo
Published: August 2018

This paper aims to fill a gap in the literature on continuous quality improvement in higher education, regarding factors that may contribute to the effectiveness of megaclasses. We argue for the need to view megaclasses as a complex service production system, using introductory statistics classes as an example. Given the multiple virtual and tangible factors and processes and diverse learning communities involved in the megaclass, we believe that there is a need to better understand both its academic learning outcomes (ie, formation of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs) and outcomes of service processes (ie, satisfaction levels of stakeholders and service metrics). We propose directions for a research agenda in this rapidly developing arena, using a model of 6 research areas influencing the above outcomes: (1) teaching methods; (2) cognition, learning, and assessment; (3) emotions, attitudes, and beliefs; (4) self‐management and metacognition; (5) social interaction and inquiry patterns; and (6) technology‐based interactions. We examine 7 traditional and emerging research methods that may jointly contribute to a better understanding of outcomes in megaclasses and Massive Open Online Classes and discuss their implications.
Design and estimation in clinical trials with subpopulation selection
Authors: Chiu Yi‐Da , Koenig Franz , Posch Martin , Jaki Thomas
Published: August 2018

Population heterogeneity is frequently observed among patients' treatment responses in clinical trials because of various factors such as clinical background, environmental, and genetic factors. Different subpopulations defined by those baseline factors can lead to differences in the benefit or safety profile of a therapeutic intervention. Ignoring heterogeneity between subpopulations can substantially impact on medical practice. One approach to address heterogeneity necessitates designs and analysis of clinical trials with subpopulation selection. Several types of designs have been proposed for different circumstances. In this work, we discuss a class of designs that allow selection of a predefined subgroup. Using the selection based on the maximum test statistics as the worst‐case scenario, we then investigate the precision and accuracy of the maximum likelihood estimator at the end of the study via simulations. We find that the required sample size is chiefly determined by the subgroup prevalence and show in simulations that the maximum likelihood estimator for these designs can be substantially biased.
Simple and Rapid One‐Step Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanogranular Cu2O Films
Authors: Oyarzún Diego P. , Broens Martín I. , Linarez Pérez Omar E. , López Teijelo Manuel , Islas Rafael , Arratia‐Perez Ramiro
Published: August 2018

In the present work, we report a simple experimental strategy for the one‐step electrochemical synthesis of nanogranular Cu2O films by copper anodization in fluoride‐containing ethylene glycol media. Microscopic exploration using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), shows the formation of spherical shape grains with sizes ranging from 20 to 40 nm. Raman and X‐Ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate that only CuI oxide is obtained. A band gap energy Eg=2.01 eV is estimated from UV–vis reflectance spectroscopy indicating that an indirect transition mechanism between semiconductor bands takes place. These evidences indicate that the present synthesis of nanogranular Cu2O films is a promising method for obtaining improved properties of materials for the design of photoelectronic devices.
Experimental and analytical study on behavior of pull‐out failure of reinforcing bar embedded in concrete blocks
Authors: Al‐Fouadi Wesam K. A. , Mohammed Abbas H. , Abdullah Kamaran
Published: August 2018

The bond between concrete and steel reinforcing bars is a very important functional requirement of reinforced concrete as a composite building material. This paper focuses on the comparison between the outcomes of the investigation dealing with bond strength at different levels of depth of concrete. The levels of concrete can be found in reinforced concrete columns, walls, and slabs. This paper presents an experimental and analytical analysis of the pull‐out test on 32 concrete specimens. In the experimental part, eight concrete specimens grouped into normal self‐compaction concrete (SCC) and lightweight SCC, as well as mixtures between them, were tested. In each sample, four steel bars were embedded in concrete at different locations: at the top, two samples in the middle, and at the bottom of the sample. Moreover, the slip and bond strength of each steel bar was measured using the pull‐out test. It was found that, in all the studied mixes, the average bond strength is greater in normal SCC than in lightweight SCC. This study recorded about 27.86% difference for mix CM compared with mix MCF100. An analytical analysis of nonlinear finite element (FE) was conducted for 12 reinforced concrete specimens; three different mixes are considered. A nonlinear FE analysis has been carried out to analyze the specimens that were tested experimentally. The results obtained from the experimental analyses and FE are compared with each other. The results revealed that the FE failure behavior indicates a good agreement with the test behavior.
Development of Surface Fluorescence X‐Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy Using a Laue‐Type Monochromator
Authors: Wakisaka Yuki , Kido Daiki , Uehara Hiromitsu , Yuan Qiuyi , Feiten Felix E. , Mukai Shingo , Takakusagi Satoru , Uemura Yohei , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Wada Takahiro , Uo Motohiro , Sekizawa Oki , Uruga Tomoya , Iwasawa Yasuhiro , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: August 2018

Surface fluorescence X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy using a Laue‐type monochromator has been developed to acquire structural information about metals with a very low concentrate on a flat highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface in the presence of electrolytes. Generally, surface fluorescence XAFS spectroscopy is hindered by strong scattering from the bulk, which often chokes the pulse counting detector. In this work, we show that a bent crystal Laue analyzer (BCLA) can efficiently remove the scattered X‐rays from the bulk even in the presence of solution. We applied the technique to submonolayer (∼1014 atoms cm−2) Pt on HOPG and successfully obtained high signal/noise in situ XAFS data in combination with back‐illuminated fluorescence XAFS (BI‐FXAFS) spectroscopy. This technique allows in situ XAFS measurements of flat electrode surfaces to be performed in the presence of electrolytes.
Screening and application of microsatellite markers for genetic diversity analysis of captive eastern sarus craneGrus antigone sharpiiBlanford, 1895 in Thailand
Authors: Sankhom Rangsinee , Warrit Natapot , Wiwegweaw Amporn
Published: August 2018

The eastern sarus crane,Grus antigone sharpii, is distributed in the Indochina area, though it has become extinct in Thailand. The Thai government has tried to repopulate the cranes using wild individuals from Cambodia as initial breeding stock. Although captive breeding can reintroduce species back into the wild, the genetic diversity of the population is also important. This study aimed to screen microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic diversity ofG. a. sharpiifrom two breeding facilities in Thailand and to assess its potential for future conservation programs. Eighteen microsatellite loci isolated from whooping crane (G. americana) and blue crane (Anthropoides paradisea) were screened in all captive reared cranes from Khao Kheow Open Zoo (n = 11) and Bangpra Water Bird Breeding Station (n = 17), Chonburi Province. Of 18 loci analyzed, 14 were found to be polymorphic, and 3 loci were in linkage disequilibrium. Apparent deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed only at locus Gram8, resulting from the presence of a null allele. The average expected and observed heterozygosities from 10 loci analyzed are 0.61 and 0.64, respectively. The overall fixation index suggested that cranes from both facilities shared many common alleles (FST = 0.023,p < 0.05); in addition, Bayesian clustering analysis implied that cranes from two breeding facilities are homogeneous (K = 1). Our findings reveal high level of genetic diversity of the captive crane population in Thailand and suggest that the breeding stocks may be suitable for ensuring a sustainable breeding program in the future.
Twisted Hilbert spaces of 3d supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Bullimore Mathew , Ferrari Andrea
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We study aspects of 3d

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

supersymmetric gauge theories on the product of a line and a Riemann surface. Performing a topological twist along the Riemann surface leads to an effective supersymmetric quantum mechanics on the line. We propose a construction of the space of supersymmetric ground states as a graded vector space in terms of a certain cohomology of generalized vortex moduli spaces on the Riemann surface. This exhibits a rich dependence on deformation parameters compatible with the topological twist, including superpotentials, real mass parameters, and background vector bundles associated to flavour symmetries. By matching spaces of supersymmetric ground states, we perform new checks of 3d abelian mirror symmetry.
Active-sterile neutrino oscillations at INO-ICAL over a wide mass-squared range
Authors: Thakore Tarak , Devi Moon Moon , Agarwalla Sanjib Kumar , Dighe Amol
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We perform a detailed analysis for the prospects of detecting active-sterile oscillations involving a light sterile neutrino, over a large Δm
41
2
range of 10−5 eV2 to 102 eV2, using 10 years of atmospheric neutrino data expected from the proposed 50 kt magnetized ICAL detector at the INO. This detector can observe the atmospheric ν

μ
and

$$ {\overline{\nu}}_{\mu } $$

ν
¯

μ

separately over a wide range of energies and baselines, making it sensitive to the magnitude and sign of Δm
41
2
over a large range. If there is no light sterile neutrino, ICAL can place competitive upper limit on |U

μ4|2 ≲ 0.02 at 90% C.L. for Δm
41
2
in the range (0.5−5)×10−3 eV2. For the same |Δm
41
2
| range, ICAL would be able to determine its sign, exploiting the Earth’s matter effect in μ
− and μ
+ events separately if there is indeed a light sterile neutrino in Nature. This would help identify the neutrino mass ordering in the four-neutrino mixing scenario.
Renormalization group properties in the conformal sector: towards perturbatively renormalizable quantum gravity
Authors: Morris Tim R.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The Wilsonian renormalization group (RG) requires Euclidean signature. The conformal factor of the metric then has a wrong-sign kinetic term, which has a profound effect on its RG properties. Generically for the conformal sector, complete flows exist only in the reverse direction (i.e. from the infrared to the ultraviolet). The Gaussian fixed point supports infinite sequences of composite eigenoperators of increasing infrared relevancy (increasingly negative mass dimension), which are orthonormal and complete for bare interactions that are square integrable under the appropriate measure. These eigenoperators are non-perturbative in ℏ and evanescent. For ℝ4 spacetime, each renormalized physical operator exists but only has support at vanishing field amplitude. In the generic case of infinitely many non-vanishing couplings, if a complete RG flow exists, it is characterised in the infrared by a scale Λp > 0, beyond which the field amplitude is exponentially suppressed. On other spacetimes, of length scale L, the flow ceases to exist once a certain universal measure of inhomogeneity exceeds O(1) + 2πL
2
Λ
p
2
. Importantly for cosmology, the minimum size of the universe is thus tied to the degree of inhomogeneity, with space-times of vanishing size being required to be almost homogeneous. We initiate a study of this exotic quantum field theory at the interacting level, and discuss what the full theory of quantum gravity should look like, one which must thus be perturbatively renormalizable in Newton’s constant but non-perturbative in ℏ.
Bullying victimization and depressive symptoms in adolescence: The moderating role of parent‐child conflicts among boys and girls
Authors: Lahav‐Kadmiel Zohar , Brunstein‐Klomek Anat
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms has been studied extensively over the years. Among the variables studied as having an impact on this association were different characteristics of the parent‐child relationship. The current study was the first to specifically examine parent‐child conflicts as a moderator in the association between victimization and depressive symptoms among adolescents. In addition, it was the first to examine the roles of the child and parent's gender in this moderation.

Methods

505 7th‐9th graders from two schools in two different cities across Israel (mean age = 12.736, SD = 0.8154) participated in this study. 223 (44.2%) of the participants were male. The participants filled out a battery of self‐report questionnaires assessing the different study's variables.

Results

Significant gender differences were found: among girls, the association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms was stronger when the level of parent‐child conflicts was high, while among boys, it was stronger when the level of conflicts was low.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the psychological outcomes for victims depend on their relationship with their parents. Bullying intervention programs should include the victims' parents. Furthermore, intervention programs should be designed to fit the different needs of girls and boys.
Adolescent sleep insufficiency one year after high school☆
Authors: Perlus Jessamyn G. , O'Brien Fearghal , Haynie Denise L. , Simons‐Morton Bruce G.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Sleep difficulties affect approximately 45% of adolescents and are associated with health consequences such as depression and obesity. Sleep duration immediately following high school is not well understood, especially for those not pursuing post‐secondary education. We examined adolescent sleep insufficiency and its association with school and work status.

Methods

Data were collected in 2012 and 2013 as part of the NEXT Generation Health Study (NEXT), a nationally representative, longitudinal study of U.S. adolescents. Self‐reported sleep was compared with guidelines for healthy sleep.

Results

On weekdays, 31% reported less than 7 h of sleep; which reduced to 6% on weekends. Average weekday sleep was 7.4 h and weekend sleep was 9.2 h. Few results emerged from interaction analyses comparing different work and school statuses.

Conclusions

This study captures sleep habits of adolescents one year after high school regardless of school and/or working status. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Bone Marrow–Derived and Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jayaram Prathap , Ikpeama Uzoh , Rothenberg Joshua B. , Malanga Gerard A.
Published: August 2018

Regenerative medicine in the context of musculoskeletal injury is a broad term that offers potential therapeutic solutions to restore or repair damaged tissue. The current focus in recent literature and clinical practice has been on cell based therapy. In particular, much attention has been centered on autologous bone marrow concentrate and adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage and tendon disorders. This article provides an overview of MSC‐derived therapy and offers a comprehensive review of adipose‐ and bone marrow–derived MSC therapy in primary knee osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence

IV
Forward osmosis – the technology behind De.mem's entry into the food and beverage market
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: August 2018

De.mem is engaging in new initiatives involving novel hollow-fibre forward osmosis (FO) membrane technology – developed at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University for concentration or dewatering applications. Membrane Technology is planning to publish a detailed account of the work that De.mem is doing in this area in a forthcoming issue of the newsletter. Meanwhile, this brief article highlights the partnership it has formed to help it commercialise the technology and enter the lucrative food and beverage market.
A Community Engagement Advisory Board as a strategy to improve research engagement and build institutional capacity for community-engaged research
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Anderson Emily E. , Willis Marilyn , Castillo Amparo , Choure Wendy
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Community engagement is deemed as critical to the success of the CTSA program. In 2009, to improve research engagement and build capacity for community-engaged research across the translational spectrum, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago created a Community Engagement Advisory Board (CEAB). Here, we report results of our ongoing evaluation efforts.

Methods

CEAB activities are evaluated using mixed methods. Annual CEAB evaluation surveys were completed from 2010 to 2016 (n=106 respondents). In 2014, two 90-minute focus groups were conducted with a subset of recent CEAB members (n=19).

Results

Survey data suggest respondents perceive their consultations to be helpful in improving the capacity of researchers (90%) and the quality of research projects (80%). Further, CEAB members perceive themselves to have personally benefitted from their involvement including obtaining new knowledge (84%), expansion of their networks (76%), and forming new community linkages (51%). Results of the qualitative data were consistent with survey data.

Conclusions

Our CEAB has improved research engagement and developed institutional capacity to conduct community-engaged research in several ways. Our findings can inform the establishment or enhancement of community engagement services for CTSA-affiliated researchers and community partners.
Centrifugally forced Rayleigh–Taylor instability
Authors: Scase M. M. , Hill R. J. A.
Published: August 2018

We consider the effect of high rotation rates on two liquid layers that initially form concentric cylinders, centred on the axis of rotation. The configuration may be thought of as a fluid–fluid centrifuge. There are two types of perturbation to the interface that may be considered, an azimuthal perturbation around the circumference of the interface and a varicose perturbation in the axial direction along the length of the interface. It is the first of these types of perturbation that we consider here, and so the flow may be considered essentially two-dimensional, taking place in a circular domain. A linear stability analysis is carried out on a perturbation to the hydrostatic background state and a fourth-order Orr–Sommerfeld-like equation that governs the system is derived. We consider the dynamics of systems of stable and unstable configurations, inviscid and viscous fluids, immiscible fluid layers with surface tension and miscible fluid layers that may have some initial diffusion of density. In the most simple case of two layers of inviscid fluid separated by a sharp interface with no surface tension acting, we show that the effects of the curvature of the interface and the confinement of the system may be characterised by a modified Atwood number. The classical Atwood number is recovered in the limit of high azimuthal wavenumber, or the outer fluid layer being unconfined. Theoretical predictions are compared with numerical experiments and the agreement is shown to be good. We do not restrict our analysis to equal volume fluid layers and so our results also have applications in coating and lubrication problems in rapidly rotating systems and machinery.
Mechanics for the Adhesion and Aggregation of Red Blood Cells on Chitosan
Authors: Chen K. Y. , Lin T. H. , Yang C. Y. , Kuo Y. W. , Lei U.
Published: August 2018

Hemostasis, a process which causes bleeding to stop, can be enhanced using chitosan; but the detailed mechanism is unclear. Red blood cells (RBCs) adhere to chitosan because of their opposite charges, but the adhesion force is small, 3.83 pN as measured here using an optical tweezer, such that the direct adhesion cannot be the sole cause for hemostasis. However, it was observed in this study that layer structures of aggregated RBCs were formed next to chitosan objects in both static and flowing environments, but not formed next to cotton and rayon yarns. The layer structure is the clue for the initiation of hemostatsis. Through the supporting measurements of zeta potentials of RBCs and pH's using blood-chitosan mixtures, it is proposed here that the formation of the RBC layer structure next to chitosan objects is due to the reduction of repulsive electric double layer force between RBCs, because of the association of H+deprotonated from chitosan with COO−on RBC membrane, under the DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory. The results are beneficial for designing effective chitosan-based wound dressings, and also for general biomedical applications.
Comparison of functional and oncological treatment outcomes after transoral robotic surgery and open surgery for supraglottic laryngeal cancer
Authors: Karabulut B , Deveci İ , Sürmeli M , Şahin-Yilmaz A , Oysu Ç
Published: August 2018

Objective

To compare functional and oncological treatment outcomes among patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancers who underwent transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and open supraglottic laryngectomy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 17 patients treated by transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and 20 patients treated by open supraglottic laryngectomy.

Results

No tracheostomy or prolonged intubation was needed in the transoral robotic surgery group. Furthermore, that group had a shorter oral feeding time, hospitalisation and recovery period. There was no difference between groups in terms of complications. There were no differences in overall survival time and disease-specific survival time between groups.

Conclusion

Transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy for supraglottic laryngeal cancer is an oncologically safe and functional procedure with better results when compared to conventional open surgery.
Dissociation between caloric and head impulse testing in patients with congenital abnormalities of the semicircular canals
Authors: Shaw B , Raghavan R S
Published: August 2018

Background

Dissociation between caloric and head impulse test results in patients with vestibular disorders has been well documented since the introduction of video head impulse testing. Prior to the introduction of video head impulse testing, vestibular diagnostic services relied mainly on caloric testing, and it is now known that the caloric testing shows more positive results than video head impulse testing. A dissipation model was proposed to explain this dissociation.

Case reports

This paper presents two cases in which caloric testing indicated an absent or significantly reduced response on the horizontal semicircular canal plane but video head impulse testing showed near-normal or normal vestibulo-ocular reflex gain on the same plane.

Conclusion

This report supports the dissipation theory and questions the functional relevance of canal paresis values calculated from caloric test results.
Biodiversity of planktonic hydrozoans from a subtropical estuary: evidence of assemblage structure change
Authors: Nascimento Lorena Silva , Nogueira Júnior Miodeli , Viana Emanuelle Macêdo , Bersano José Guilherme F.
Published: August 2018

The present study provides a comprehensive survey of the planktonic hydrozoan fauna from the Paranaguá Estuarine System (PES; southern Brazil, 25°S 48°W), a subtropical estuary considered a Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO. Extensive collections were performed throughout the estuary in five sampling campaigns during the summer and winter periods of 2012 and 2013 and summer of 2014, totalling 185 samples. About 49,000 organisms were analysed which together with the few previous records resulted in a total of 36 hydromedusae and three siphonophore species. We highlight the presence ofCnidostoma fallaxin high abundance (>19,000 individuals captured; ~40% of all planktonic hydrozoans). The high abundance of this species throughout three consecutive summers suggests a change in the local assemblage structure, since previous reports in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s had shownLiriope tetraphyllarecurrently as the dominant species which now ranks fourth. It is difficult to ascertain the causes of such changes due to the paucity of previous studies on Brazilian estuaries, but one possibility is thatC. fallaxhas been recently introduced. In any case, the high dominance of this hydromedusa was not expected and this scenario would potentially cause changes in the local food web sinceC. fallaxandL. tetraphyllaare quite different morphologically and ecologically and thus probably play different trophic roles. Future studies are necessary to check the long-term permanency ofC. fallaxand to assess its biology and ecology and the impact of this assemblage change on the ecosystem.
Parasites and their (endo)symbiotic microbes
Authors: Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Lukeš Julius
Published: August 2018

Thanks to modern molecular biology methods, our understanding of the impact of (endo)symbiotic bacteria on parasitic protists and helminths is growing fast. In this issue, 9 papers have been brought together that describe various facets of the relationships between these microorganisms, reveal their range and high frequency, as well as their capacity to create novel biological complexity. Comparative analyses of these host–endosymbiont interactions indicate that there may be no discrete types of relationships but rather a continuum ranging from a dispensable endosymbiont minimally integrated within the host cell to organelles, such as mitochondria and plastids that evolved into an indispensable, deeply integrated components of the cell. We hope that this series of studies on parasites and (endo)symbiotic bacteria will increase awareness about these relationships and their representation in microbial ecology models.
Off-host longevity of the winged dispersal stage ofCarnus hemapterus(Insecta: Diptera) modulated by gender, body size and food provisioning
Authors: Veiga Jesús , Moreno Eulalia , Benzal Jesús , Valera Francisco
Published: August 2018

Highlighting the dispersal ecology of parasites is important for understanding epidemiological, demographic and coevolutionary aspects of host–parasite interactions. Yet, critical aspects of the dispersal stage of parasites, such as longevity and the factors influencing it, are poorly known. Here we study the lifespan of the dispersal stage of an ectoparasitic dipteran,Carnus hemapterus, and the impact of gender, body size and food provisioning on longevity. We found that freshly emerged imagoes survive at most less than 4 days. Longevity increased with body size and, since this parasite exhibits sexual size dimorphism, the bigger females lived longer than males. However, controlling for body size suggests that males lived relatively longer than females. Furthermore, a humid environment and food provisioning (flowers) significantly increased individual life spans. We discuss the relative importance of spatial and temporal dispersal in relation to the infectious potential of this parasite.
Sampling considerations for a potential Zika virus urosurvey in New York City
Authors: Thompson C. N. , Lee C. T. , Immerwahr S. , Resnick S. , Culp G. , Greene S. K.
Published: August 2018

In 2016, imported Zika virus (ZIKV) infections and the presence of a potentially competent mosquito vector (Aedes albopictus) implied that ZIKV transmission in New York City (NYC) was possible. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene developed contingency plans for a urosurvey to rule out ongoing local transmission as quickly as possible if a locally acquired case of confirmed ZIKV infection was suspected. We identified tools to (1) rapidly estimate the population living in any given 150-m radius (i.e. within the typical flight distance of anAedesmosquito) and (2) calculate the sample size needed to test and rule out the further local transmission. As we expected near-zero ZIKV prevalence, methods relying on the normal approximation to the binomial distribution were inappropriate. Instead, we assumed a hypergeometric distribution, 10 missed cases at maximum, a urine assay sensitivity of 92.6% and 100% specificity. Three suspected example risk areas were evaluated with estimated population sizes of 479–4,453, corresponding to a minimum of 133–1244 urine samples. This planning exercise improved our capacity for ruling out local transmission of an emerging infection in a dense, urban environment where all residents in a suspected risk area cannot be feasibly sampled.
Dietary inflammatory index and academic performance in children
Authors: Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Mota Jorge , Abreu Sandra , Pizarro Andreia N , Santos Maria Paula
Published: August 2018

Objective

The main aim of the present study was to examine the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and academic performance in children.

Design

School-based cross-sectional study. The DII was calculated based on dietary information obtained from a single 24h dietary recall. Academic performance was assessed by school records provided by the administrative services (i.e. Maths and Language).

Setting

Porto area (Portugal).

Subjects

A total of 524 children (277 girls) aged 11·56 (sd 0·86) years.

Results

The DII was associated with academic indicators (standardized β values ranging from −0·121 to −0·087; all P<0·05). Significant differences were found between quartiles of the DII (P<0·05); children in the fourth quartile had significantly lower scores in all academic indicators compared with children in the first quartile (score differences ranging from −0·377 to −0·292) after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions

The inflammatory potential of diet may negatively influence academic performance. Children should avoid the consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet and adhere to a more anti-inflammatory diet to achieve academic benefits.
INTEGRAL EQUATION FORMULATION FOR SHOUT OPTIONS
Authors: MALLIER R. , GOARD J.
Published: August 2018

We use an integral equation formulation approach to value shout options, which are exotic options giving an investor the ability to “shout” and lock in profits while retaining the right to benefit from potentially favourable movements in the underlying asset price. Mathematically, the valuation is a free boundary problem involving an optimal exercise boundary which marks the region between shouting and not shouting. We also find the behaviour of the optimal exercise boundary for one- and two-shout options close to expiry.
Replacement Times of a Spectrum of Elements in the North Atlantic Based on Thorium Supply
Authors: Hayes Christopher T. , Anderson Robert F. , Cheng Hai , Conway Tim M. , Edwards R. Lawrence , Fleisher Martin Q. , Ho Peng , Huang Kuo‐Fang , John Seth G. , Landing William M. , Little Susan H. , Lu Yanbin , Morton Peter L. , Moran S. Bradley , Robinson Laura F. , Shelley Rachel U. , Shiller Alan M. , Zheng Xin‐Yuan
Published: August 2018

The measurable supply of 232Th to the ocean can be used to derive the supply of other elements, which is more difficult to quantify directly. The measured inventory of an element divided by the derived supply yields a replacement time estimate, which in special circumstances is related to a residence time. As a proof of concept, Th‐based supply rates imply a range in the replacement times of the rare earth elements in the North Atlantic that is consistent with the chemical reactivity of rare earth elements related to their ionic charge density. Similar estimates of replacement times for the bioactive trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Co), ranging from <5 years to >50,000 years, demonstrate the broad range of elemental reactivity in the ocean. Here we discuss how variations in source composition, fractional solubility ratios, or noncontinental sources, such as hydrothermal vents, lead to uncertainties in Th‐based replacement time estimates. We show that the constraints on oceanic replacement time provided by the Th‐based calculations are broadly applicable in predicting how elements are distributed in the ocean and for some elements, such as Fe, may inform us on how the carbon cycle may be impacted by trace element supply and removal.
Modeling the Effects of Geoengineering
Authors: Kravitz Ben , Robock Alan , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: August 2018

Report on the Eighth Annual GeoMIP Meeting; Z�rich, Switzerland, 16–17 April 2018
Has Submerged Vegetation Loss Altered Sediment Denitrification, N2O Production, and Denitrifying Microbial Communities in Subtropical Lakes?
Authors: Liu Wenzhi , Jiang Xiaoliang , Zhang Quanfa , Li Feng , Liu Guihua
Published: August 2018

Loss of submerged vegetation has become one of the most serious ecological issues in shallow lakes worldwide. However, there is limited understanding of the effect of vegetation loss on sediment nitrogen (N) cycling processes and microbial communities, which are closely linked to the N removal function of aquatic ecosystems. Here we investigated the sediment denitrification and N2O production rates of 10 macrophyte‐rich and 12 macrophyte‐free lakes in subtropical China. We determined the abundance of diversity of nirS‐ and nirK‐encoding denitrifiers in sediments using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and clone libraries. The results showed that denitrification and N2O production rates in vegetated lakes were slightly but not significantly lower than those in nonvegetated lakes. Sediment denitrification rates in vegetated lakes were positively correlated with water NO3− concentration but not significantly related to submerged vegetation and denitrifier communities. Similarly, the presence of submerged macrophytes had no significant effect on denitrifier diversity and abundance. Water N content and sediment moisture were the main factors affecting the composition of denitrifying communities. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between community similarity and geographical distance among lakes. Overall, our findings suggest that submerged vegetation degradation in Yangtze lakes has no significant effect on sediment denitrification rates and denitrifying community structure. Abiotic factors, especially water N level and sediment moisture, play a critical role in controlling N removal capacity of lake sediments.
On the Relative Roles of the Atmosphere and Ocean in the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability
Authors: Garuba Oluwayemi A. , Lu Jian , Singh Hansi A. , Liu Fukai , Rasch Phil
Published: August 2018

The relative roles of the ocean and atmosphere in driving the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) are investigated by isolating anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) components forced by anomalous surface heat fluxes and ocean dynamics in fully and partially coupled simulations. The impact of the ocean dynamics‐forced SST on air‐sea interaction is disabled in the partially coupled simulation in order to isolate the atmosphere‐forced variability. The atmosphere‐forced AMV component shows weak but significant variability on interdecadal timescales (10‐ to 30‐year periods), while the ocean‐forced component exhibits a strong multidecadal variability (25‐ to 50‐year periods). When coupled to the atmosphere, this ocean‐forced variability weakens and is imprinted on the coupled surface heat fluxes that further act to damp the ocean‐forced SST variability, causing a much weaker fully coupled AMV. Our results suggest that the AMV is largely driven by ocean circulation variability, but its power is also affected by the strength of air‐sea coupling.
First Observations of Narrowband Stimulated Electromagnetic Emissions at the Pump Frequency Second Harmonic During Ionosphere Interaction Experiments
Authors: Yellu A. D. , Scales W. A. , Mahmoudian A. , Bernhardt P. A. , Siefring C. L. , McCarrick M. J.
Published: August 2018

Reported herein are first observations of narrowband stimulated electromagnetic emissions (NSEEs) within ±30 Hz of the second harmonic of the pump wave frequency during ionospheric heating experiments at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program facility. The observations are juxtaposed with contemporaneous NSEEs observed within ±30 Hz of the pump wave frequency. The transmit power of the pump wave is linearly increased, and the pump wave frequency is stepped through frequencies near the third electron gyroharmonic frequency during the experiment. The first observation is that there is a transmit power threshold for the occurrence of NSEEs downshifted from the second harmonic of the pump wave frequency. Secondly, when downshifted NSEEs are present at both the pump frequency and its second harmonic, the transmit power threshold for the onset of both are comparable. Third, the frequency offset of the downshifted NSEEs spectral line from the second harmonic frequency is approximately twice the frequency offset of the downshifted NSEEs spectral line from the pump wave frequency when the downshifted NSEEs are present near both the pump and second harmonic frequency. Finally, the NSEEs at the second harmonic of the pump wave frequency are suppressed at pump frequencies very close to the third electron gyroharmonic frequency.
First Steps Toward the Verification of Models for the Assessment of the Radiation Exposure at Aviation Altitudes During Quiet Space Weather Conditions
Authors: Meier Matthias M. , Copeland Kyle , Matthiä Daniel , Mertens Christopher J. , Schennetten Kai
Published: August 2018

Space weather is an important driver of the exposure of aircrew and passengers to cosmic rays at flight altitudes, which has been a matter of concern for several decades. The assessment of the corresponding radiation doses can be realized by measurements or model calculations that cover the whole range of the radiation field in terms of geomagnetic shielding, atmospheric shielding, and the effects of space weather. Since the radiation field at aviation altitudes is very complex in terms of particle composition and energy distribution, the accurate experimental determination of doses at aviation altitudes is still a challenging task. Accordingly, the amount of data with comparatively small uncertainties is scarce. The Community Coordinated Modeling Center invited the Federal Aviation Administration, the German Aerospace Center, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to make their radiation models for aviation CARI‐7A, PANDOCA, and NAIRAS available for interested users via the Community Coordinated Modeling Center web site. A concomitant comparison of model calculations with measuring data provided information on the predicting capabilities and the uncertainties of the current versions of these models under quiet space weather conditions.
On the Characteristics of Velocities Fields in the Vicinity of Manhole Inlet Grates During Flood Events
Authors: Martins R. , Rubinato M. , Kesserwani G. , Leandro J. , Djordjević S. , Shucksmith J. D.
Published: August 2018

The accurate characterization of flow from urban surfaces to sewer/stormwater systems is important for urban drainage design and flood modeling/risk identification. However, the geometrical complexity and large variety of drainage structures (linking elements) available makes model calibration and verification difficult. In this study an extensive comparison between experimentally measured and numerically modeled flow characteristics in the vicinity of ten different designs of manhole grate was performed under drainage flow in subcritical conditions. Using a 2‐D surface PIV (sPIV) system the work presents the first detailed characterization of velocity fields around these linking elements. In addition, it provides the first detailed verification of the ability of a 2‐D numerical model to describe both velocity fields and drainage flows. The overall comparison shows a close relationship between numerical and the experimental results with some higher inflows in the experimental results as a consequence of a localized transition from weir to orifice condition near the void areas of the grates. It was also noted that velocity differences decreased further from the manhole, due mainly to the more directional flow. Overall the work demonstrates the potential for further use of 2‐D numerical models to describe flow conditions at linking elements, either directly within modeling simulations or indirectly via the characterization of energy loss coefficients.
Lipidome alterations in human prefrontal cortex during development, aging, and cognitive disorders
Authors: Yu Qianhui , He Zhisong , Zubkov Dmitry , Huang Shuyun , Kurochkin Ilia , Yang Xiaode , Halene Tobias , Willmitzer Lothar , Giavalisco Patrick , Akbarian Schahram , Khaitovich Philipp
Published: August 2018

Lipids are essential to brain functions, yet they remain largely unexplored. Here we investigated the lipidome composition of prefrontal cortex gray matter in 396 cognitively healthy individuals with ages spanning 100 years, as well as 67 adult individuals diagnosed with autism (ASD), schizophrenia (SZ), and Down syndrome (DS). Of the 5024 detected lipids, 95% showed significant age-dependent concentration differences clustering into four temporal stages, and resulting in a gradual increase in membrane fluidity in individuals ranging from newborn to nonagenarian. Aging affects 14% of the brain lipidome with late-life changes starting predominantly at 50–55 years of age—a period of general metabolic transition. All three diseases alter the brain lipidome composition, leading—among other things—to a concentration decrease in glycerophospholipid metabolism and endocannabinoid signaling pathways. Lipid concentration decreases in SZ were further linked to genetic variants associated with disease, indicating the relevance of the lipidome changes to disease progression.
Augmented CD4+ T-cell and humoral responses after repeated annual influenza vaccination with the same vaccine component A/H1N1pdm09 over 5 years
Authors: Trieu Mai-Chi , Zhou Fan , Lartey Sarah Larteley , Sridhar Saranya , Mjaaland Siri , Cox Rebecca Jane
Published: August 2018

Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for high-risk populations and often occupational groups such as healthcare workers (HCWs). Repeated annual vaccination has been reported to either have no impact or reduce antibody responses or protection. However, whether repeated vaccination influences T-cell responses has not been sufficiently studied, despite the increasing evidence of the protective roles of T-cell immunity. Here, we explored the impact of repeated annual vaccination with the same vaccine strain (H1N1pdm09) over multiple seasons in the post-2009 pandemic era and showed that repeated vaccination increased both T-cell and humoral responses. Using the T-cell FluroSpot and intracellular cytokine-staining, the hemagglutination inhibition (HI), and the memory B-cell (MBC) ELISpot assays, we investigated pre- and postvaccination T cells, antibodies, and MBCs in a cohort of HCWs repeatedly vaccinated with H1N1pdm09 for 5 years (pandemic vaccination in 2009 and subsequently annual seasonal vaccination containing H1N1pdm09 during 2010–2013). We found that the prevaccination H1N1pdm09-specific T cells, antibodies, and MBCs were significantly increased after 3–4 repeated vaccinations and maintained at high levels throughout seasons 2012 and 2013. The cross-reactive IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ cells recognizing conserved viral external or internal epitopes were also maintained throughout 2012 and 2013. Repeated vaccination improved the multifunctional memory CD4+ responses. Particularly, the IFN-γ+TNF-α+CD4+ T cells were boosted following each vaccination. HI antibodies were significantly induced after each vaccination over 5 years. Our findings indicate a broad impact of repeated annual vaccination, even with the same vaccine component, on the influenza-specific T-cell and humoral immunity and support the continuing recommendation of annual influenza vaccination.