bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dark matter and flavor changing in the flipped 3-3-1 model
Authors: Huong D.T. , Dinh D.N. , Thien L.D. , Van Dong Phung
Published: August 2019

Abstract

The flipped 3-3-1 model discriminates lepton families instead of the quark ones in normal sense, where the left-handed leptons are in two triplets plus one sextet while the left-handed quarks are in antitriplets, under SU(3)
L
. We investigate a minimal setup of this model and determine novel consequences of dark matter stability, neutrino mass generation, and lepton flavor violation. Indeed, the model conserves a noncommutative B−L symmetry, which prevents the unwanted vacua and interactions and provides the matter parity and dark matter candidates that along with normal matter form gauge multiplets. The neutrinos obtain suitable masses via a type I and II seesaw mechanism. The nonuniversal couplings of Z′ with leptons govern lepton flavor violating processes such as μ → 3e, μ → e

$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

μ

ν

e

, μ-e conversion in nuclei, semileptonic τ → μ(e) decays, as well as the nonstandard interactions of neutrinos with matter. This Z′ may also set the dark matter observables and give rise to the LHC dilepton and dijet signals.
Holographic CFT states for localized perturbations to AdS black holes
Authors: Chen Hong Zhe , Van Raamsdonk Mark
Published: August 2019

Abstract

In this note, we describe a holographic CFT construction of states dual to scalar perturbations of the maximally extended three-dimensional AdS-Schwarzschild black hole. The states are constructed by adding sources for a scalar operator to the path integral that constructs the thermofield double state. For a scalar field of arbitrary mass, we provide the general map between sources and scalar field perturbations at linear order. With this, we investigate to what extent it is possible using this construction to produce perturbations localized to one side of the black hole horizon. Our results suggest that it is possible to produce arbitrarily localized perturbations (and thus, plausibly, general linear perturbations to the black hole initial data slice), but that the amplitude of the perturbation must be taken small as the perturbation becomes more localized in order that the sources do not diverge, as found for the pure AdS case considered in arXiv:1709.10101.
Low-energy lepton physics in the MRSSM: (g − 2)μ, μ→eγ and μ→e conversion
Authors: Kotlarski Wojciech , Stöckinger Dominik , Stöckinger-Kim Hyejung
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Low-energy lepton observables are discussed in the Minimal R-symmetric Supersymmetric Standard Model. We present comprehensive numerical analyses and the analytic one-loop results for (g − 2)
μ
, μ → eγ, and μ → e conversion. The interplay between the three observables is investigated as well as the parameter regions with large g − 2. A striking difference to the MSSM is the absence of tanβ enhancements; however we find smaller enhancements governed by MRSSM-specific R-Higgsino couplings λ
d
and Λ
d
. As a result we find significant contributions to g − 2 only in a small parameter space with several SUSY masses below 200 GeV, compressed spectra and large λ
d
, Λ
d
. In this parameter space there is a correlation between all three considered observables. In the parameter region with small (g − 2)
μ
the SUSY masses can be larger and the correlation between μ → eγ and μ → e conversion is weak. Therefore already COMET Phase 1 has a promising sensitivity to the MRSSM.
Do Ice Packs Reduce Postoperative Midline Incision Pain, NSAID or Narcotic Use?
Authors: Ravindhran Bharadhwaj , Rajan Sendhil , Balachandran Gayatri , Mohan L. N.
Published: August 2019

Background

Adequate postoperative analgesia, especially after major abdominal surgery is important for recovery, early mobility, and patient satisfaction. We aimed to study the effects of cryotherapy via an ice pack in the immediate postoperative period, for patients undergoing major abdominal operations.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at our tertiary care referral center in a low–middle‐income country setting. The preoperative patient characteristics, intra‐operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared between two sets of patients. Cryotherapy was delivered via frozen gel packs for 24 h immediately following laparotomy. Pain relief was assessed with visual analog pain scores (VAS). Comparisons between groups were measured by Chi‐square test, Fischer's exact test, or Mann–Whitney U test as appropriate.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients were included in the study: 33 in the cryotherapy group and 35 in the non‐cryotherapy group. Mean postoperative pain scores (VAS) were significantly lower in the cryotherapy group versus the control group (3.97 ± 0.6 vs. 4.9 ± 0.7 on postoperative day (POD) 1; p <  0.001, and 3 ± 0.5 vs. 09 ± 0.8 on POD2; p < 0.001). The median narcotic use in morphine equivalents was lesser in the cryotherapy group from POD 1–3 (66 (IQR‐16) vs. 89 (IQR‐17); p = 0.001). No significant difference was seen in the NSAID use between the groups. The cryotherapy group was also found to have a lesser incidence of surgical site infection (p = 0.03) and better lung function based on incentive spirometry (p = 0.01) and demonstrated earlier functional recovery based on their ability to perform the sit‐to‐stand test (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Ice packs are a simple, cost‐effective adjuvant to standard postoperative pain management which reduce pain and narcotic use and promote early rehabilitation.
Democratization through education? Theory and practice of the Czech post-revolution education system and its reforms
Authors: Hornat Jan
Published: August 2019

The transformation process from an authoritarian/totalitarian system entails many institutional changes, however, the individual citizen is often being overlooked in this chaotic, fast-paced process and his or her “transformation” into a democrat is taken for granted. The changing socio-political system and its exigencies may lead to nostalgia and social frustrations, which in turn cause democratic backsliding. In order to cultivate a democratic society and avoid future backsliding, the post-communist states quickly set out to reform their educational systems, both in form and substance. By reviewing the reform process of the Czech educational system and discussing the prevailing legacies left by the communist regime, the article will show that through the “destruction” of the former system and its de-monopolization, decentralization and de-ideologization, the state deliberately lost significant means and power to transform Czechs from “homo sovieticus” to “homo democraticus” and is now left with a dependence on the highly autonomous schools and their propensity to foster democratic generations that will uphold the democratic state in the future. This paradox is reminiscent of the so-called Böockenföorde dilemma, claiming that the liberal democratic state “lives by prerequisites which it cannot guarantee itself”.
Commuting rational functions revisited
Authors: PAKOVICH FEDOR
Published: August 2019

Let $B$ be a rational function of degree at least two that is neither a Lattès map nor conjugate to $z^{\pm n}$ or $\pm T_{n}$. We provide a method for describing the set $C_{B}$ consisting of all rational functions commuting with $B$. Specifically, we define an equivalence relation $\underset{B}{{\sim}}$ on $C_{B}$ such that the quotient $C_{B}/\underset{B}{{\sim}}$ possesses the structure of a finite group $G_{B}$, and describe generators of $G_{B}$ in terms of the fundamental group of a special graph associated with $B$.
Integrating conventional management methods with biological control for enhanced Tamarix management
Authors: Murray Leeland , Schutte Brian J. , Sutherland Carol , Beck Leslie , Ganguli Amy , Lehnhoff Erik
Published: August 2019

Invasive shrubs like Tamarix spp. are ecological and economic threats in the U.S. Southwest and West, as they displace native vegetation and require innovative management approaches. Tamarix control typically consists of chemical and mechanical removal, but these methods may have negative ecological and economic impacts. Tamarisk leaf beetles (Diorhabda spp.) released for biocontrol are becoming increasingly established within Western river systems and can provide additional control. Previous Diorhabda research studied integration of beetle herbivory with fire and with mechanical management methods and herbicide application (e.g., cut stump), but little research has been conducted on integration with mowing and foliar herbicide application, which cause minimal soil disturbance. At Caballo Reservoir in southern New Mexico, we addressed the question: “How does Tamarix respond to chemical and mechanical control when Diorhabda is well established at a site?” A field experiment was conducted by integrating mowing and foliar imazapyr herbicide at standard (3.6 g ae L−1 [0.75% v/v] and low (1.2 g ae L−1 [0.25% v/v]) rates with herbivory. Treatments were replicated five times at two sites—a dry site and a seasonally flooded site. Beetles and larvae were counted and green foliage was measured over 2 yr. Mowing and full herbicide rates reduced green foliage and limited regrowth compared with low herbicide rate and beetles alone. Integrating conventional management such as mowing and herbicide with biocontrol could improve Tamarix management by providing stresses in addition to herbivory alone.
Characterizing e-cigarette use in veteran smokers with mental health conditions
Authors: Wang John , Rogers Erin , Fu Steven , Gravely Amy , Noorbaloochi Siamak , Sherman Scott
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in smokers with mental health conditions (MHC) is not well understood.

Aims

This study aims to compare e-cigarette users and non-users among veteran smokers with MHC to characterize differences in smoking behavior, motivation to quit, psychological distress, primary psychiatric diagnosis, and other factors.

Methods

Baseline survey data were used from a randomized smoking cessation trial enrolling smokers with MHC from four Veterans Health Administration hospitals. Participants were categorized as current, former (having ever tried an e-cigarette), or never e-cigarette users. Pearson's χ2 and ANOVA Type-3 F-tests were used to test the bivariate associations between e-cigarette use and variables measured.

Results

Among 1,836 participants, mean age was 58 years (STD ± 12.5), 87% were male, 15% were current e-cigarette users (n = 275), and 27% were former users (n = 503). Sixty-five percent of e-cigarette users reported ‘wanting to quit smoking’ as a primary reason. Mean readiness to quit smoking (1–10) was 7.2, 6.8, and 6.4 for current, former, and never e-cigarette users, respectively (P = 0.0002). Sixty-three percent of current and former users and 55% of never-users reported some mental distress on Kessler-6 scale (P = 0.0003, OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). A primary psychiatric diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder was recorded for 50% of current or former users and 60% of never-users (P = 0.0003, OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.84).

Conclusions

E-cigarette users were more ready to quit and most often reported using e-cigarettes to assist with quitting. E-cigarette users had more psychological distress and were less likely to have substance use disorders as their primary psychiatric diagnosis.
Enhanced linguistic prosodic skills in musically trained individuals with Williams syndrome
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-CASTILLA PASTORA , CAMPOS RUTH , SOTILLO MARÍA
Published: August 2019

abstract

Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) present prosodic impairments. They are also interested in musical activities. In typical development, a body of research has shown that the linguistic prosodic skills of musically trained individuals are enhanced. However, it is not known whether, in WS, musical training is also associated with enhanced prosodic performance, a question this study sought to answer. We compared the performance on linguistic prosodic tasks among seven musically trained and fourteen musically untrained individuals with WS, and typically developing peers. Among those with WS, musically trained participants outperformed their musically untrained counterparts on the perception of acoustic parameters involved in prosody, the understanding of questioning and declarative intonation, and the comprehension of prefinal contrastive stress. The results suggest that musical training facilitates prosodic performance in WS. Our findings also suggest common processing mechanisms for acoustic parameters involved in both prosody and music, and that positive music-to-language transfer effects could take place in WS. We discuss the implications of these results for intervention purposes.
ON LITTLEWOOD’S PROOF OF THE PRIME NUMBER THEOREM
Authors: SIMONIČ ALEKSANDER
Published: August 2019

In this note we examine Littlewood’s proof of the prime number theorem. We show that this can be extended to provide an equivalence between the prime number theorem and the nonvanishing of Riemann’s zeta-function on the one-line. Our approach goes through the theory of almost periodic functions and is self-contained.
Modern China and Global Futures in C. A. Bayly's Vision of Twentieth-Century History
Authors: Wong R. Bin
Published: August 2019

Commenting on Christopher Bayly's Remaking the Modern World, 1900–2015 is a bittersweet exercise. My assignment for this forum is to consider Remaking the Modern World, 1900–2015 from the vantage point of China studies. I will do so by framing my remarks with respect to some of the ways this major South Asia historian took his expertise into larger projects, the last of which is the volume under discussion.
‘Useful’ and ‘Earning’ Citizens? Gender, state, and the market in post-colonial Delhi
Authors: DATTA ANJALI BHARDWAJ
Published: August 2019

The Indian state treated the partition of Punjab as a ‘national disaster’ and training for refugee women was deemed essential to restore the social landscape; yet the kind of help it offered to refugee women rested on its clear assumptions and biases about the kind of work that was appropriate for them: women were offered training in embroidery, stitching, tailoring, and weaving, as these are associated with feminine and household-based skills. This article will reveal that the state rehabilitation enterprise was primarily masculine in focus. The state treated women refugees as secondary earners and as guardians of hearth, kith, and kin; it did not see them playing a definitive role in nation-building in post-colonial India. In the absence of state supportive policies, refugee women were compelled to take up informal jobs like petty trading, domestic service, and labouring work. This article suggests that refugee women were handicapped in the labour market at their very point of entry. It traces the history of women's informalities in Delhi. In doing so, it investigates the feminization and commercialization of urban space in twentieth-century Delhi. It urges that women made space in more than one way: identifying fragmentary livelihoods, producing small-scale capitalism, and creating informal markets.
Is English on mobile linguistic landscape resources no longer viewed as a linguistic threat to Arabic in Jordan?
Authors: Alomoush Omar I. S.
Published: August 2019

Linguistic landscape (LL) research has been subject to a great deal of attention since the publication of the well-known research paper by Landry and Bourhis (1997), whose most quoted definition of LL covers diverse linguistic tokens, including but not restricted to government-related inscriptions, street-name signs, commercial signs, and noticeboards. There is an increasing number of contributions on the use of English in many LLs worldwide. However, there are relatively few LL publications on the use of English in the LL in Arabic-speaking countries (but see Al–Naimat & Alomoush, 2018; Alomoush, 2019). The vast majority of previous LL studies in non-Arabic contexts (e.g. Backhaus, 2007; Griffin, 2004; Hasanova, 2010; Jaworksi & Thurlow, 2010; Lanza & Woldemariam, 2014; Ross, 1997; Schlick, 2003) focus on analysing language on fixed or relatively stable signs, such as shop names.
Cryopreservation of incomplete compacted morulae and preliminary biopsy of excluded fragments
Authors: Petrushko Maryna , Yurchuk Taisiia , Piniaiev Volodymyr , Buderatska Natalia
Published: August 2019

The complexity of predicting embryo development potential at the cleavage stages and the emergence of epigenetic risks during prolonged in vitro culture of pre-implantation embryos made it more advantageous to transfer embryos at the morula stage to the uterine cavity. The criteria for estimating embryos at this stage that allow prediction of cryopreservation outcomes have been poorly described. All day 4 embryos (n = 224) were graded 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 according to blastomere compaction degree (BCD = 100, 75, 50, 25 or 0%, respectively) and the survival and blastocyst formation rate of these morulae were studied after cryopreservation. An inverse dependence was found between survival rate and BCD. Excluded fragments were characterized by low osmotic reaction during exposure to cryoprotective medium and, after freeze-thawing, they were destroyed. As damaged necrotic areas of the embryo can affect their further development rate we proposed blastomeres and biopsy fragments of incomplete compacted morula be removed before embryo cryopreservation. This step led to significant increase in the post-thawing survival rate up to 93.1 ± 4.1%, 75 ± 8.8% and blastocyst formation rate up to 85.2 ± 10.4%, 59.4 ± 5.2% in grade 2 and grade 3 embryos, respectively. There was no significant difference in grade 4 embryos. Therefore the removal of blastomeres and biopsy fragments in incomplete compacted morulae can improve cryopreservation outcomes of grade 2 and grade 3 embryos with BCD.
An international survey of the nutrition management of chylothorax: a time for change
Authors: Marino L. V. , Bell K. L. , Woodgate J. ,   British Dietetic Association Paediatric Cardiology Interest Group, Doolan A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Although chylothorax is an uncommon complication following paediatric cardiothoracic surgery, it has significant associated morbidities and increased in-hospital mortality, as well as results in higher costs. A lack of prospective evidence or consensus guidelines for management of chylothorax further hinders optimal management. The aim of this survey was to characterise variations in practice in the management of chylothorax and to identify areas for future research.

Materials and methods:

A descriptive, observational survey investigating conservative management practices of chylothorax was distributed internationally to health-care professionals in paediatric intensive care and cardiology units. The survey investigated five domains: the first providing general information about health-care professionals and four domains focusing on clinical practice including diet composition and duration.

Results:

In total, sixty-four health-care professionals completed the survey, representing 38 organisations from 16 countries. The respondents were dietitians (80%), physicians (19%), and nurses (1%). In Australia and New Zealand, management was most commonly directed by physicians’ preference (67%) as compared to unit protocols in Europe (67%), United States of America (67%), and Other regions (55%). Dietitians in Australia/New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Ireland followed the most restrictive diet therapy recommending <5 g long chain triglyceride fat per day (p < 0.00001). The duration of diet therapy significantly varied between regions: Australia/New Zealand: 4 weeks (36%) and 6 weeks (43%); Europe: 4 weeks (25%) and 6 weeks (57%); and North America: 4 weeks (18%) and 6 weeks (75%) (p < 0.00001).

Conclusions:

This survey highlights international variations in practice in the management of chylothorax, particularly with respect to treatment duration and dietary fat restriction. Future research should include a multi-centre randomised controlled trial to inform evidence-based practice and reduce morbidity, particularly poor growth.
Domain bias in distinguishing Flemish and Dutch subtitles
Authors: van Halteren Hans
Published: August 2019

This paper describes experiments in which I tried to distinguish between Flemish and Netherlandic Dutch subtitles, as originally proposed in the VarDial 2018 Dutch–Flemish Subtitle task. However, rather than using all data as a monolithic block, I divided them into two non-overlapping domains and then investigated how the relation between training and test domains influences the recognition quality. I show that the best estimate of the level of recognizability of the language varieties is derived when training on one domain and testing on another. Apart from the quantitative results, I also present a qualitative analysis, by investigating in detail the most distinguishing features in the various scenarios. Here too, it is with the out-of-domain recognition that some genuine differences between Flemish and Netherlandic Dutch can be found.
Teaching Americans to be International Citizens: World Music and Dance on Television's Omnibus
Authors: NEKOLA ANNA E.
Published: August 2019

In the 1950s,Omnibus,a US television variety show sponsored by the Ford Foundation, provided US viewers with their first encounters with classical music and dance from Japan and India and folk traditions from Yugoslavia.Omnibuswas an important part of a popularization of world music and dance as part of a greater arts and cultural literacy campaign in the 1950s, aimed at educatingandentertaining the average American. As the US government sought to “promote world peace” through the multifaceted economic interventions of endeavors like the Marshall Plan, private organizations such as the Ford Foundation also spent massive sums in the US and abroad. This article contributes to a broader understanding of US postwar cultural diplomacy by examining how international musical guests onOmnibushelped develop an American self-concept that was culturally and politically internationalist.
Brian Wilson Reimagined: The Reparative Portrait in Love & Mercy
Authors: MCQUISTON KATE
Published: August 2019

The 50-year anniversary of the Beach Boys’ seminal album Pet Sounds and Brian Wilson's corresponding world concert tour have once again brought attention to Wilson and his creative work with the Beach Boys. These events have brought about new recording releases and publications about the band and Wilson, including the first feature-length biopic on Wilson, Love & Mercy. The following essay investigates Atticus Ross's reimaginative approach to Brian Wilson's music for the soundtrack of this film, directed by Bill Pohlad and released in 2014. The film expands recent trends in music biopics of the last couple of decades regarding the mobilization and activation of music to afford new interpretations of their subjects and new ways to hear their work. Ross's approach is distinct for its extensive recomposition of Brian Wilson's music in the film's original score, which allows director Bill Pohlad to show Wilson in a new light.

Ross incorporates Beach Boys recordings (studio sessions and released tracks) into new pieces that highlight processes of manipulation, layering, and repetition, which point to the studio as a major site of Wilson's creativity. These processes furthermore portray the psychic life of the film's characters. Ross's compositions dramatize the subjectivity of hearing and rogue behaviors of auditory recollection and hallucination that characterize both Wilson's creativity and mental illness. In the context of the story of Brian Wilson and Melinda Ledbetter, Ross's compositions take on palliative associations that have direct implications for the reception of the film's original soundtrack.
Wildfire Impact on Environmental Thermodynamics and Severe Convective Storms
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Fan Jiwen , Logan Timothy , Li Zhanqing , Homeyer Cameron R.
Published: August 2019

Wildfires are extreme events associated with weather, climate, and environment and have been increasing globally in frequency, burn season length, and burned area. It is of great interest to understand the impacts of wildfires on severe convective storms through releasing heat and aerosols into the atmosphere. We have developed a model capability that can account for the impact of sensible heat fluxes from wildfires on thermodynamics and is computationally efficient. The pyrocumulonimbus clouds associated with the Texas Mallard Fire on 11–12 May 2018 are well simulated by accounting for both heat and aerosols emitted from the wildfire. Both heat and aerosol effects increase low‐level temperatures and midlevel buoyancy and enhance convective intensity. Intensified convection along with more supercooled liquid condensate due to stronger vertical transport results in larger hailstones and enhanced lightning. The effects of heat flux on the convective extremes are more significant than those of aerosol emissions.
Long‐Term Trends in the Low‐Latitude Middle Atmosphere Temperature and Winds: Observations and WACCM‐X Model Simulations
Authors: Venkat Ratnam M. , Akhil Raj S.T. , Qian Liying
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the middle atmosphere has evoked great scientific interest as long‐term changes can be clearly captured owing to the large perturbation amplitudes at these altitudes. In the present study, more than 25 years of the data are used to investigate the long‐term trends in the middle atmosphere by suitably combining the observations from different techniques (Rocketsonde, High‐Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI)/Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE)/UARS, Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER)/Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetic Dynamics (TIMED), and Mesosphere‐stratosphere‐troposphere (MST) radar) from Indian region. As different instruments/techniques are used and the time periods are not the same, extreme care has been taken while merging various data sets to obtain meaningful long‐term trends. To understand the observed long‐term trends, Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model–eXtended model simulations for the Indian low‐latitude regions are also used. A significant cooling trend of ~−1.7 ± 0.5 K/decade between 30 and 80 km is noticed. Large decreasing trend (~5 m/s/decade) in the eastward winds is noticed which is significant between 70 and 80 km only changing from strong eastward wind in 1970s to weak westward wind in recent decade. No significant trends are observed in the meridional wind. These observations are well captured by the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model–eXtended model simulations while considering changes in concentrations of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), and chlorofluorocarbon species that cause depletion of stratospheric ozone (O3). Thus, it is prudent to conclude that long‐term decreasing trends in the zonal winds and cooling trends in the temperature in the middle atmosphere are caused to a large extent by greenhouse gases suggesting the role of anthropogenic changes in the dynamics of the middle atmosphere.
Branched hybridization chain reaction—using highly dimensional DNA nanostructures for label-free, reagent-less, multiplexed molecular diagnostics
Authors: Xu Gaolian , Lai Mingliang , Wilson Rab , Glidle Andrew , Reboud Julien , Cooper Jonathan M.
Published: August 2019

The specific and multiplexed detection of DNA underpins many analytical methods, including the detection of microorganisms that are important in the medical, veterinary, and environmental sciences. To achieve such measurements generally requires enzyme-mediated amplification of the low concentrations of the target nucleic acid sequences present, together with the precise control of temperature, as well as the use of enzyme-compatible reagents. This inevitably leads to compromises between analytical performance and the complexity of the assay. The hybridization chain reaction (HCR) provides an attractive alternative, as a route to enzyme-free DNA amplification. To date, the linear nucleic acid products, produced during amplification, have not enabled the development of efficient multiplexing strategies, nor the use of label-free analysis. Here, we show that by designing new DNA nanoconstructs, we are able, for the first time, to increase the molecular dimensionality of HCR products, creating highly branched amplification products, which can be readily detected on label-free sensors. To show that this new, branching HCR system offers a route for enzyme-free, label-free DNA detection, we demonstrate the multiplexed detection of a target sequence (as the initiator) in whole blood. In the future, this technology will enable rapid point-of-care multiplexed clinical analysis or in-the-field environmental monitoring.
miR-124/VAMP3 is a novel therapeutic target for mitigation of surgical trauma-induced microglial activation
Authors: Chen Yan , Sun Jing-xian , Chen Wan-kun , Wu Gen-cheng , Wang Yan-qing , Zhu Ke-ying , Wang Jun
Published: August 2019

Activation of microglia and the subsequently elevated inflammatory cytokine release in the brain during surgery predispose individuals to cognitive dysfunction, also known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). miR-124 is one of the most abundant microRNAs in the brain that regulates microglial function. Elucidating the role of miR-124 in microglial activation in the context of surgery may therefore promote understanding of as well as therapeutic development for post-surgical disorders involving microglial activation. The downstream targets of miR-124 were investigated using bioinformatic screening and dual-luciferase reporter assay validation, and vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3) was identified as a potential target. The kinetics of miR-124/VAMP3 expression was first examined in vitro in microglial cells (primary microglia and BV2 microglial cells) following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. LPS induced a time-dependent decrease of miR-124 and upregulated the expression of VAMP3. Manipulating miR-124/VAMP3 expression by using miR-124 mimics or VAMP3-specific siRNA in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells inhibited BV2 microglial activation-associated inflammatory cytokine release. To further examine the role of miR-124/VAMP3 in a surgical setting, we employed a rat surgical trauma model. Significant microglial activation and altered miR-124/VAMP3 expression were observed following surgical trauma. We also altered miR-124/VAMP3 expression in the rat surgical trauma model by administration of exogenous miR-124 and by using electroacupuncture, which is a clinically applicable treatment that modulates microglial function and minimizes postoperative disorders. We determined that electroacupuncture treatment specifically increases the expression of miR-124 in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Increased miR-124 expression with a concomitant decrease in VAMP3 expression resulted in decreased inflammatory cytokine release related to microglial activation post-surgery. Our study indicates that miR-124/VAMP3 is involved in surgery-induced microglial activation and that targeting miR-124/VAMP3 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for postoperative disorders involving microglial activation.
A descriptive follow-up interview study assessing patient-centred outcomes: Salford Lung Study in Asthma (SLS Asthma)
Authors: Doward Lynda , Svedsater Henrik , Whalley Diane , Crawford Rebecca , Leather David , Lay-Flurrie James , Bosanquet Nick
Published: August 2019

The Salford Lung Study in Asthma (SLS Asthma) was a multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label trial that assessed initiating once-daily, single-inhaler fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) 100 μg/25 μg or 200 μg/25 μg versus continuing usual care. A subgroup (n = 400) from SLS Asthma was enrolled in this exploratory, interview-based follow-up study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via questionnaires. The primary objective was to capture patient-centred outcomes (symptom experience, quality of life [QoL], disease management behaviours) and patient experience. Secondary objectives were to assess the correlation of patient-reported outcomes with pre-defined variables from SLS Asthma (Asthma Control Test [ACT] score). The follow-up sample was representative of the SLS Asthma population; half reported asthma improvement during the study. Breathlessness was the most likely symptom to improve (47.8% of patients reported improvement). Most patients reported ‘no change’ in overall QoL (57.5%) and daily life domains (functioning 66.3%, activities 68.3%, relationships 86.8%, psychological 68.5%). Functioning was reported as the most frequently improved domain (29.8% of patients). Perceived improvement in asthma control (42.5%) and confidence (37.3%) was frequent. ACT responders (defined as patients achieving an ACT score ≥20 and/or an increase of ≥3 in ACT score from baseline at Week 52) were more likely to report asthma improvement (88.7% of patients reporting ‘a lot’ of improvement) than non-responders. Patients’ asthma experiences generally improved during SLS Asthma. Clinical improvements were often associated with perceived improvement by patients, particularly among ACT responders.
Numerical Modeling of the Dynamics of Malaria Transmission in a Highly Endemic Region of India
Authors: Singh Parihar Ruchi , Bal Prasanta Kumar , Kumar Vaibhav , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Sahany Sandeep , Salunke Popat , Dash Sushil Kumar , Dhiman Ramesh Chand
Published: August 2019

Using a dynamical model (VECTRI) for malaria transmission that accounts for the influence of population and climatic conditions, malaria transmission dynamics is investigated for a highly endemic region (state of Odisha) in India. The model is first calibrated over the region, and subsequently numerical simulations are carried out for the period 2000–2013. Using both model and observations we find that temperature, adult mosquito population, and infective biting rates have increased over this period, and the malaria vector abundance is higher during the summer monsoon season. Regionally, the intensity of malaria transmission is found to be higher in the north, central and southern districts of Odisha where the mosquito populations and the number of infective bites are more and mainly in the forest or mountainous ecotypes. We also find that the peak of the malaria transmission occurs when the monthly mean temperature is in the range of ~28–29 °C, and monthly rainfall accumulation in the range of ~200–360 mm.
Influence of AgVO3 incorporation on antimicrobial properties, hardness, roughness and adhesion of a soft denture liner
Authors: Kreve Simone , Oliveira Viviane C. , Bachmann Luciano , Alves Oswaldo L. , Reis Andréa C. Dos
Published: August 2019

The objective of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgVO3) on antimicrobial activity, hardness, roughness, and adhesion of a soft denture liner. The antimicrobial efficacy of the Trusoft (Boswoth) liner incorporated with different concentrations of AgVO3 against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Staphyloccocus aureus (n = 5) was evaluated by the agar diffusion method. Roughness, hardness, and adhesion properties were also evaluated. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparison test with significance at the p < 0.05 level. At concentrations of 1 and 2.5%, AgVO3 incorporation was effective only against E. faecalis, and at 5 and 10%, against E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. None of the concentrations was effective against S. aureus. A decrease in hardness was found for the 1, 2.5, and 10% AgVO3 concentrations (p < 0.001) and at 5%, hardness was not affected. None of the concentrations affected the roughness of the material. A significant increase in tensile values was observed between the liner and heat-curing acrylic resin for 2.5% (p < 0.001) and 10% (p = 0.042) concentrations. AgVO3 incorporation to a soft denture liner promoted antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans without affecting roughness, maintaining the hardness properties recommended for soft and extra soft liners, and improving the adhesion between the liner and the acrylic resin used for dentures.
Peptide translocation by the lysosomal ABC transporter TAPL is regulated by coupling efficiency and activation energy
Authors: Bock Christoph , Zollmann Tina , Lindt Katharina-Astrid , Tampé Robert , Abele Rupert
Published: August 2019

The lysosomal polypeptide transporter TAPL belongs to the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette transporters. TAPL forms a homodimeric transport complex, which translocates oligo- and polypeptides into the lumen of lysosomes driven by ATP hydrolysis. Although the structure and the function of ABC transporters were intensively studied in the past, details about the single steps of the transport cycle are still elusive. Therefore, we analyzed the coupling of peptide binding, transport and ATP hydrolysis for different substrate sizes. Although longer and shorter peptides bind with the same affinity and are transported with identical Km values, they differ significantly in their transport rates. This difference can be attributed to a higher activation energy for the longer peptide. TAPL shows a basal ATPase activity, which is inhibited in the presence of longer peptides. Uncoupling between ATP hydrolysis and peptide transport increases with peptide length. Remarkably, also the type of nucleotide determines the uncoupling. While GTP is hydrolyzed as good as ATP, peptide transport is significantly reduced. In conclusion, TAPL does not differentiate between transport substrates in the binding process but during the following steps in the transport cycle, whereas, on the other hand, not only the coupling efficiency but also the activation energy varies depending on the size of peptide substrate.
Tolerance to stress conditions associated with food safety in Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from retail raw chicken
Authors: Oh Euna , Andrews Katelyn J. , McMullen Lynn M. , Jeon Byeonghwa
Published: August 2019

Campylobacter jejuni is a microaerophilic foodborne pathogen that is sensitive to stress conditions. However, it is not yet understood how this stress-sensitive pathogen may cause a significant number of cases of human gastroenteritis worldwide. In this study, we examined stress tolerance in 70 C. jejuni strains isolated from retail chicken under several stress conditions related to food safety. Compared to oxygen-sensitive (OS) strains of C. jejuni, C. jejuni strains with increased aerotolerance, such as hyper-aerotolerant (HAT) and aerotolerant (AT) strains, were more tolerant to peracetic acid, refrigeration and freeze-thaw stresses. However, the levels of thermotolerance and hyper-osmotolerance were not associated with the aerotolerance level of C. jejuni. The HAT and AT strains of C. jejuni exhibited significantly increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), compared to the OS strains. Consistently, the HAT and AT strains were highly tolerant to oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide and menadione, compared to the OS strains. The AT and HAT strains that were tolerant to stresses, particularly peracetic acid and refrigeration, predominantly belonged to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) clonal complex (CC)-21. This study shows that oxidative stress resistance plays a role in determining the differential level of aerotolerance in C. jejuni and that AT and HAT strains of C. jejuni are more tolerant to oxidants and low temperatures than OS strains.
Developing well-calibrated illness severity scores for decision support in the critically ill
Authors: Cosgriff Christopher V. , Celi Leo Anthony , Ko Stephanie , Sundaresan Tejas , Armengol de la Hoz Miguel Ángel , Kaufman Aaron Russell , Stone David J. , Badawi Omar , Deliberato Rodrigo Octavio
Published: August 2019

Illness severity scores are regularly employed for quality improvement and benchmarking in the intensive care unit, but poor generalization performance, particularly with respect to probability calibration, has limited their use for decision support. These models tend to perform worse in patients at a high risk for mortality. We hypothesized that a sequential modeling approach wherein an initial regression model assigns risk and all patients deemed high risk then have their risk quantified by a second, high-risk-specific, regression model would result in a model with superior calibration across the risk spectrum. We compared this approach to a logistic regression model and a sophisticated machine learning approach, the gradient boosting machine. The sequential approach did not have an effect on the receiver operating characteristic curve or the precision-recall curve but resulted in improved reliability curves. The gradient boosting machine achieved a small improvement in discrimination performance and was similarly calibrated to the sequential models.
Electrochemical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (e-ELISA) for parasitic nematode Ostertagia ostertagi (brown stomach worm) infections in dairy cattle
Authors: Singh Baljit , Flampouri Evangelia , Dempsey Eithne
Published: August 2019

A rapid and sensitive electrochemical immunoassay (e-ELISA) for the detection of the gastrointestinal parasitic nematode Ostertagia ostertagi (brown stomach worm) in serum samples is presented.
An ultrasensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the ICT-PET-FRET mechanism for the quantitative measurement of pH values in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Authors: Dong Baoli , Song Wenhui , Lu Yaru , Kong Xiuqi , Mehmood Abdul Hadi , Lin Weiying
Published: August 2019

A dual-site ratiometric probe based on the ICT-PET-FRET mechanism for quantitatively measuring the pH values of the ER was developed.
Design of cost-efficient and photocatalytically active Zn-based MOFs decorated with Cu2O nanoparticles for CO2methanation
Authors: Cabrero-Antonino María , Remiro-Buenamañana Sonia , Souto Manuel , García-Valdivia Antonio A. , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Navalón Sergio , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo , García Hermenegildo
Published: August 2019

Here we show for the first time a MOF that is photocatalytically active for light-assisted CO2methanation under mild conditions (215 °C), which can be further improved with the inclusion of metallic nanoparticles.
Superlattices based on van der Waals 2D materials
Authors: Ryu Yu Kyoung , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: August 2019

We explain in detail the state-of-the-art of 2D material-based superlattices and describe the different methods to fabricate them.
CO2-switchable Pickering emulsions: efficient and tunable interfacial catalysis for alcohol oxidation in biphasic systems
Authors: Tang Jun , Cao Shixiong , Wang Jianli
Published: August 2019

CO2-responsive Pickering emulsion systems were used as an efficient platform forin situseparation and reuse of catalysts in biphasic reactions.
Carbon-incorporated porous honeycomb NiCoFe phosphide nanospheres derived from a MOF precursor for overall water splitting
Authors: Wei Xijun , Zhang Yunhuai , He Huichao , Peng Li , Xiao Shenghuan , Yao Shuangrui , Xiao Peng
Published: August 2019

Carbon-incorporated porous honeycomb NiCoFe phosphide nanospheres were successfully prepared, exhibiting excellent performance for overall water splitting.
In situimaging of electrocatalysis in a K–O2battery with a hollandite α-MnO2nanowire air cathode
Authors: Tang Yushu , Zhang Liqiang , Tang Yongfu , Wang Xin , Zhang Teng , Yang Rui , Ma Chi , Li Na , Liu Yuening , Zhao Xinxin , Zhang Xionghu , Wang Zaifa , Guo Baiyu , Li Yongfeng , Huang Jianyu
Published: August 2019

In situobservation of the growth of KO2on the MnO2nanowires during the ORR process of a K–O2nanobattery.
Synthesis and morphology evolution of indium nitride (InN) nanotubes and nanobelts by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Song Wenqing , Si Jiawei , Wu Shaoteng , Hu Zelin , Long Linyun , Li Tao , Gao Xiang , Zhang Lei , Zhu Wenhui , Wang Liancheng
Published: August 2019

InN can form ternary alloys with Ga or Al, which increases the versatility of group-III nitride optoelectronic devices.
Competitive double-switched self-assembled cyclic peptide nanotubes: a dual internal and external control
Authors: Calvelo Martín , Granja Juan R. , Garcia-Fandino Rebeca
Published: August 2019

Doubly modulable self-assembled cyclic peptide nanotubes: pH sensitive inside and environmental/lipid sensitive outside: a proof of concept through MD simulations.
Accelerated computation of free energy profile at ab initio quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical accuracy via a semi-empirical reference potential. II. Recalibrating semi-empirical parameters with force matching
Authors: Pan Xiaoliang , Li Pengfei , Ho Junming , Pu Jingzhi , Mei Ye , Shao Yihan
Published: August 2019

An efficient and accurate reference potential simulation protocol is proposed for producing ab initio quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (AI-QM/MM) quality free energy profiles for chemical reactions in a solvent or macromolecular environment.
Design of a liquid cell toward three-dimensional imaging of unidirectionally-aligned particles in solution using X-ray free-electron lasers
Authors: Suzuki Akihiro , Kimura Takashi , Yang Ying , Niida Yoshiya , Nishioka Akiko , Tachibana Tatsuro , Takei Masashi , Tono Kensuke , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Oshima Tairo , Bessho Yoshitaka , Joti Yasumasa , Nishino Yoshinori
Published: August 2019

A liquid cell was designed for coherent diffractive imaging measurements at high tilt angles and tested at SACLA.
Effects of the deep-sea osmolyte TMAO on the temperature and pressure dependent structure and phase behavior of lipid membranes
Authors: Manisegaran Magiliny , Bornemann Steffen , Kiesel Irena , Winter Roland
Published: August 2019

The deep-sea osmolyte TMAO does not only stabilize proteins against high pressure, it affects also the fluidity and lateral organization of membranes.
Molecule-level graphdiyne coordinated transition metals as a new class of bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Feng Zhen , Li Renyi , Ma Yaqiang , Li Yi , Wei Dong , Tang Yanan , Dai Xianqi
Published: August 2019

Graphdiyne (GDY) could provide a unique platform for synthesizing uniform single-atom catalysts (SACs) with high catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions.
Efficient transformative HCHO capture by defective NH2-UiO-66(Zr) at room temperature
Authors: Ezugwu Chizoba I. , Zhang Shuping , Li Shuping , Shi Shuangru , Li Chuanhao , Verpoort Francis , Yu Jiaguo , Liu Shengwei
Published: August 2019

Efficient HCHO capture and transformation over defective NH2-UiO-66(Zr) with adjacent bifunctional base/acid catalytic centers.
Novel deep eutectic solvents with different functional groups towards highly efficient dissolution of lignin
Authors: Liu Qiaoling , Zhao Xinhui , Yu Dongkun , Yu Haitao , Zhang Yibin , Xue Zhimin , Mu Tiancheng
Published: August 2019

Two types of novel deep eutectic solvents with different functional groups were designed for highly efficient dissolution of different types of lignin.
Exploring the hidden potential of a methoxy substituted HBT derivative as an efficient example of coupling of AIE and ESIPT processes and as an energy harvesting platform
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arghyadeep , Makhal Subhash Chandra , Kumar Mandal Sujoy , Guchhait Nikhil
Published: August 2019

A methoxy substituted HBT derivative 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-methoxyphenol (TMP) showed coupling of AIE and ESIPT, underwent FRET with Rhodamine B and detected Sulfide in pure water by ratiometry.
Olefin/paraffin separation through membranes: from mechanisms to critical materials
Authors: Hou Junjun , Liu Pengchao , Jiang Meihuizi , Yu Lian , Li Lianshan , Tang Zhiyong
Published: August 2019

The separation of olefin and paraffin is one of the most challenging and energy-intensive processes. In this review, we summarize the separation mechanisms and materials developed for membrane separation of olefin and paraffin.