bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA m.13514G>A heteroplasmy is associated with depressive symptoms in the elderly
Authors: Tranah Gregory J. , Maglione Jeanne E. , Yaffe Kristine , Katzman Shana M. , Manini Todd M. , Kritchevsky Stephen , Newman Anne B. , Harris Tamara B. , Cummings Steven R. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy is a mixture of normal and mutated mtDNA molecules in a cell. High levels of heteroplasmy at several mtDNA sites in complex I lead to inherited neurological neurologic diseases and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. Here, we test the hypothesis that mtDNA heteroplasmy at these complex I sites is associated with depressive symptoms in the elderly.

Methods

We examined platelet mtDNA heteroplasmy for associations with depressive symptoms among 137 participants over age 70 from the community‐based Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10‐point version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D 10). Complete mtDNA sequencing was performed and heteroplasmy derived for 5 mtDNA sites associated with neurologic mitochondrial diseases and tested for associations with depressive symptoms.

Results

Of 5 candidate complex I mtDNA mutations examined for effects on depressive symptoms, increased heteroplasmy at m.13514A>G, ND5, was significantly associated with higher CES‐D score (P = .01). A statistically significant interaction between m.13514A > G heteroplasmy and sex was detected (P = .04); in sex‐stratified analyses, the impact of m.13514A>G heteroplasmy was stronger in male (P = .003) than in female (P = .98) participants. Men in highest tertile of mtDNA heteroplasmy exhibited significantly higher (P = .0001) mean ± SE CES‐D 10 scores, 5.37 ± 0.58, when compared with those in the middle, 2.13 ± 0.52, and lowest tertiles, 2.47 ± 0.58. No associations between the 4 other candidate sites and depressive symptoms were observed.

Conclusions

Increased mtDNA heteroplasmy at m.13514A>G is associated with depressive symptoms in older men. Heteroplasmy may represent a novel biological risk factor for depression.
Effect of sociodemographic and physical activity on cognitive function in older adults: A nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Gu Yaohua , Zhang Yupeng , Liu Xiangxiang , Zhang Yanan , Wu Wenwen , Chen Xuyu , Wang Qiru , Tan Xiaodong
Published: July 2018

Objective

We aimed to assess the effect of socioeconomic status and physical activity on cognitive function using a large population‐based survey data in China.

Methods

We took advantage of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted in 2014 to examine the relationship between sociodemographic, physical activity, and cognitive function in older adults (OAs) for persons aged above 65 (N = 2848). Socioeconomic status was assessed by sex, age, co‐residence situation, category of residence, years of schooling, and marital status. Multiple linear regression for predictors was utilized. Physical activity was assessed using activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) measures. Cognitive function was assessed by the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination.

Results

The mean age of the OAs was 80.65 years (SD = 8.55). Their mean Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 21.55 (SD = 2.38), mean ADL Total score was 6.24 (SD = 0.95), and mean IADL Total score was 10.21 (SD = 3.84). OAs' age at testing, co‐residence and category of residence significantly predicted both ADL Total score and IADL Total score (P < 0.05), sex significantly predicted IADL Total score (R2 = 0.02, β = 0.13, P = 0.000) but not ADL Total score (R2 = 0.00, β = 0.02, P = 0.211). OAs' sex, age, co‐residence, and years of schooling significantly predicted cognitive function (P < 0.05), IADL total score significantly predicted cognitive function (P < 0.01), while the relationship between ADL total score and cognitive function was not significant (P = 0.94).

Conclusion

OAs' sex, age, co‐residence, years of schooling, and IADL were significantly associated with cognitive function. Improving OAs' IADL, especially in lower social classes, may help to improve the overall cognitive function of the OAs.
What characteristics of provider payment mechanisms influence health care providers' behaviour? A literature review
Authors: Kazungu Jacob S. , Barasa Edwine W. , Obadha Melvin , Chuma Jane
Published: July 2018

Background

Provider payment mechanisms (PPMs) create incentives or signals that influence the behaviour of health care providers. Understanding the characteristics of PPMs that influence health care providers' behaviour is essential for aligning PPM reforms for improving access, quality, and efficiency of health care services. We reviewed empirical literature that examined the characteristics of PPMs that influence the behaviour of health care providers.

Methods

We systematically searched for empirical literature in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and complemented these with physical searching of the references of selected papers for further relevant studies. A total of 16 studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. We analysed data using thematic review.

Results

We identified seven major characteristics of PPMs that influence health care providers' behaviour. Of these characteristics, payment rate, the sufficiency of payment rate to cover the cost of services, timeliness of payment, payment schedule, performance requirements, and accountability mechanisms were the most important.

Conclusions

Our review found that health care providers' behaviour is influenced by the characteristics of PPMs. Provider payment mechanism reforms that optimally structure these characteristics can elicit required incentives for access, equity, quality, and efficiency in service delivery among health care providers towards achieving universal health coverage.
Irrigation Management Evaluation And Hydrosalinity Balance Within Kalaat El Andalous Irrigation District, North‐East Tunisia
Authors: Saidi Ahmed , Hammami Moncef , Daghari Hedi , Ben Ali Hedi , Boughdiri Amor
Published: July 2018

During 2005–2010 the annual water balance was calculated within Kalaat El Andalous irrigation district and recorded values ranged from −0.77 million m3 (−257 m3 ha−1) to +3.64 million m3 (+1210 m3 ha−1). Monthly analysis of the water balance revealed two distinct phases. Through the first phase (September–May), the water balance showed a highly variable tendency due to erratic rainfall and irrigation water inflows. However, during the second phase (June–August) the water balance remained positive, reflecting farmers’ tendency to over‐irrigate. Analysis of water productivity confirmed this result mainly during the full irrigation period (June–August). Therefore, the average annual drainage fraction was 26%. The assessment of salt balances during 2005–2010 indicated a general tendency for soil desalination (average annual salt balance: −25 600 t (−8.5 t ha−1)). Monthly analysis revealed the succession of three distinct phases. The first phase occurring during September–November is characterized mainly by salts leaching and secondly by salts accumulating. The second phase spanning December–April is characterized by salts leaching, while the third phase spanning May–August is characterized by salts accumulating. Thus, 95% of accumulated salts were recorded during May–August and 5% during September–November, while 91% of leached salts were recorded through December–April and 9% during September–November. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sources of moral injury among war veterans: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Schorr Yonit , Stein Nathan R. , Maguen Shira , Barnes J. Ben , Bosch Jeane , Litz Brett T.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Service members deployed to war are at risk for moral injury, but the potential sources of moral injury are poorly understood. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the types of events that veterans perceive as morally injurious and to use those events to develop a categorization scheme for combat‐related morally injurious events.

Method

Six focus groups with US war veterans were conducted.

Results

Analysis based on Grounded Theory yielded two categories (and eight subcategories) of events that putatively cause moral injury. The two categories were defined by the focal attribution of responsibility for the event: Personal Responsibility (veteran's reported distress is related to his own behavior) versus Responsibility of Others (veteran's distress is related to actions taken by others). Examples of each type of morally injurious event are provided.

Conclusions

Implications for the further development of the moral injury construct and treatment are discussed.
Gr1−/lowCD11b−/lowMHCII+ myeloid cells boost T cell anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Payne Kyle K , Aqbi Hussein F , Butler Savannah E , Graham Laura , Keim Rebecca C , Wan Wen , Idowu Michael O , Bear Harry D , Wang Xiang-Yang , Manjili Masoud H
Published: July 2018

Conventional APCs that express MHC class II (MHCII) and co-stimulatory molecules include dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Beyond these conventional APCs, immune stimulatory cells have been more recently shown to extend to a class of atypical APCs, composed of mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils. Here, we describe a unique type of APC, Gr1−/lowCD11b−/low cells with a granularity and size characteristic of myeloid cells and with the ability to present Ag for crosspresentation. These cells constitutively express MHCII and the costimulatory molecules, CD80, CD86, and CD40. They do not express pan markers of myeloid DCs (CD11c), plasmacytoid DCs (Ly6C), or macrophages (F4/80), and their frequency is inversely correlated with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor-bearing mice. Among splenocytes, they are more abundant than DCs and macrophages, and they exhibit antitumor immune stimulatory function at a steady state without further activation, ex vivo. They are also found within the tumor bed where they retain their immune stimulatory function. Our findings suggest the use of these novel APCs in additional preclinical studies to further investigate their utility in APC-based cancer immunotherapies.

A new class of antigen presenting cells that are able to boost anti-tumor immune responses is described.
Epidemiology of rubella infection and genotyping of rubella virus in Cote d’Ivoire, 2012‐2016
Authors: Kadjo Herve A. , Waku‐Kouomou Diane , Adagba Marius , Abernathy Emily S. , Abdoulaye Ouattara , Adjogoua Edgard , Coulibaly‐Traore Fanta , Aboubacar Sylla , Daniel Ekra , Icenogle Joseph , Dosso Mireille
Published: July 2018

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by the rubella virus (RuV) that can lead to serious birth defects when women are infected in early pregnancy. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and genetic diversity of rubella viruses in Cote d’Ivoire (CIV). Blood or oral fluid samples collected from suspected measles cases were first tested for the presence of measles specific IgM antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All measles IgM negative or indeterminate samples were tested for rubella IgM antibody using ELISA. Rubella‐IgM–positive samples were tested by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for the presence of rubella virus RNA. Real‐time RT‐PCR–positive RNA samples were used as template to amplify the 739 nt region used for rubella genotyping. PCR‐positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis performed. Between 2012 and 2016, 4121 serums and 126 oral fluids were collected through the measles surveillance system. Of these, 3823 and 108 respectively were measles IgM negative or indeterminate. Subsequent testing for rubella found that 690 of 3823 (18%) serum samples and 25 of 108 (23%) oral fluid samples were rubella IgM‐positive. The 739 nt segment of the E1 glycoprotein gene was amplified and sequenced for two serums and seven oral fluids samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the rubella viruses from CIV belonged to genotypes 1G (eight samples) and 2B (one sample). Rubella virus genotype 2B was found in CIV for the first time. These data contribute to baseline information on rubella virus strains found in CIV before the introduction of rubella vaccine.
Intercostal Neurolysis for The Treatment of Postsurgical Thoracic Pain: a Case Series
Authors: Cappellari Alberto M. , Tiberio Francesca , Alicandro Gianfranco , Spagnoli Diego , Grimoldi Nadia
Published: July 2018

Introduction: We investigated the possible role of intercostal surgical neurolysis in relieving chronic neuropathic pain refractory to other nonsurgical treatments in patients with postsurgical thoracic pain. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data on patients referred to the Neurosurgery Unit of Policlinic Hospital of Milan. Ten patients (age range, 20–68 years) suffering from neuropathic pain for at least 2 months after thoracic surgery underwent intercostal neurolysis. Results: Compared with preneurolysis, pain intensity decreased 1 month postneurolysis and remained stable 2 months postneurolysis (median score [interquartile range]: 8 [6–9] preneurolysis, 4 [3–5] 1 month after, and 3 [2–5] 2 months after, P < 0.001). Antiepileptic drugs for pain control decreased after neurolysis. Discussion: Surgical intercostal neurolysis may be a promising therapeutic option in patients with chronic neuropathic pain associated with neurological deficits. Muscle Nerve 58: 671–675, 2018
Development of an adaptive multi‐method algorithm for automatic picking of first arrival times: application to near surface seismic data
Authors: Khalaf Amin , Camerlynck Christian , Florsch Nicolas , Schneider Ana
Published: July 2018

Accurate picking of first‐arrival times is important in many seismic studies, particularly in seismic tomography and reservoirs or aquifers monitoring. Many techniques have been developed, mainly for seismological purposes, in order to pick first arrivals automatically or semi‐automatically. However, these techniques do not reach the accuracy required in shallow seismics due to the complexity of near‐surface structures and low signal‐to‐noise ratio. We propose here a new adaptive algorithm to automatically pick first arrival in near‐surface seismic data by combining three picking methods: multi‐nested windows, higher order statistics, and Akaike information criterion. They benefit from combining different properties of the signal in order to highlight first arrivals and finally to provide an efficient and robust automatic picking. This strategy mimics the human first‐break picking, where a global trend is first defined at the beginning of the picking procedure. The exact first breaks are then sought in the vicinity of each point suggested by this trend. Three successive phases are combined in a multistage algorithm, each of them characterizing a specific signal property. Within each phase, the potential picks and their error range are automatically assessed and sequentially used as prior constraints in the following phase picking. Since having realistic estimates of the error in picked traveltimes is crucial for seismic tomography, our adaptive algorithm automatically provides picked arrival times with their associated uncertainties. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the implemented algorithm using synthetic, pseudo‐synthetic and real datasets that pose challenges to classical automatic pickers. A comparison of both manual and adaptive picking procedures demonstrates that our new scheme provides more reliable results even under different noisy conditions. All parameters of our multi‐method algorithm are self‐adaptive, thanks to the sequential integration of each sub‐algorithm results in the workflow. Hence, it is nearly a parameter‐free algorithm, which is straightforward to implement and demands low computational resources.
CCL20 blockade increases the severity of nephrotoxic folic acid‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: González‐Guerrero Cristian , Morgado‐Pascual José Luis , Cannata‐Ortiz Pablo , Ramos‐Barron María Angeles , Gómez‐Alamillo Carlos , Arias Manuel , Mezzano Sergio , Egido Jesús , Ruiz‐Ortega Marta , Ortiz Alberto , Ramos Adrián M
Published: July 2018

The chemokine CCL20 activates the CCR6 receptor and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of glomerular injury. However, it is unknown whether it contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI). We identified CCL20 as upregulated in a systems biology strategy combining transcriptomics of kidney tissue from experimental toxic folic acid‐induced AKI and from stressed cultured tubular cells and have explored the expression and function of CCL20 in experimental and clinical AKI. CCL20 upregulation was confirmed in three models of kidney injury induced by a folic acid overdose, cisplatin or unilateral ureteral obstruction. In injured kidneys, CCL20 was expressed by tubular, endothelial, and interstitial cells, and was also upregulated in human kidneys with AKI. Urinary CCL20 was increased in human AKI and was associated with severity. The function of CCL20 in nephrotoxic folic acid‐induced AKI was assessed by using neutralising anti‐CCL20 antibodies or CCR6‐deficient mice. CCL20/CCR6 targeting increased the severity of kidney failure and mortality. This was associated with more severe histological injury, nephrocalcinosis, capillary rarefaction, and fibrosis, as well as higher expression of tubular injury‐associated genes. Surprisingly, mice with CCL20 blockade had a lower tubular proliferative response and a higher number of cells in the G2/M phase, suggesting impaired repair mechanisms. This may be related to a lower influx of Tregs, despite a milder inflammatory response in terms of chemokine expression and infiltration by IL‐17+ cells and neutrophils. In conclusion, CCL20 has a nephroprotective role during AKI, both by decreasing tissue injury and by facilitating repair. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and thermomechanical characterization of metallocene linear low‐density polyethylene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Charitos Ilias , Georgousis George , Kontou Evagelia
Published: July 2018

Nanocomposites, based on a metallocene linear low‐density polyethylene matrix (mLLDPE), reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), at various CNT loadings, have been prepared and studied by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile‐electrical testing, and Raman spectroscopy. The melt‐mixing procedure has been applied to prepare the nanocomposites, whereas the polyethylene matrix type (mLLDPE) employed was proved to be decisive in producing nanocomposites with improved thermomechanical/electrical properties, due to a good quality dispersion of the CNTs into the specific bulk matrix. Moreover, the electrical conductivity obtained at a specific CNT loading was analyzed by a model relating the electrical resistance of the CNT/nanocomposites with the effective length of CNTs, and the thickness of the interphase between matrix and CNTs. These quantities are parameters which participate in the tunnel effect. The simulated parameter values were in accordance with the results of the micromechanics modeling. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1263–E1273, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Aerodigestive dysbiosis in children with chronic cough
Authors: Kazachkov Mikhail , Kapoor Bianca C. , Malecha Patrick W. , Wu Benjamin G. , Li Yonghua , Levine Jeremiah , Erkman Jessica , Fitzgerald Kathryn , Moy Libia , Segal Leopoldo N.
Published: July 2018

In pediatric patients with chronic cough, respiratory culture techniques commonly yield negative results. Studies using culture‐independent methods have found a high relative abundance of oral microbes in the lower airways, suggesting that the topographical continuity, and dynamics of the intraluminal contents of the aerodigestive system likely influence the lower airway microbiota. We hypothesize that in subjects with chronic cough, clinical diagnosis will correlate with distinct microbial signatures detected using culture‐independent methods.

Study Design and Methods

We enrolled 36 pediatric subjects with chronic cough in a cross‐sectional study. Subjects were categorized into four clinical groups: asthma, bacterial bronchitis, neurologically impaired‐orally fed, and neurologically impaired enterally fed. Samples from the aerodigestive tract were obtained through bronchoscopy and upper endoscopy. 16S rRNA gene sequencing compared the microbiota from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tracheal, supraglottic, esophageal, gastric, and duodenal samples.

Results

We observed that the lower airway microbiota of asthma subjects had higher α diversity as compared with the other groups. β diversity analysis of BAL samples revealed significant differences between the groups. Among the taxonomic differences found, most differentially enriched taxa were upper airway organisms such as Rothia, Gemellaceae (u.g. or uncharacterized genus), and Granulicatella in asthma, Prevotella in bacterial bronchitis, and Veillonella in neurologically impaired orally fed subjects. Greater dissimilarity between the upper airway and lower airway microbiota was associated with increased neutrophilic airway inflammation.

Conclusions

Distinct dysbiotic signatures can be identified in the lower airway microbiota of pediatric subjects with chronic cough that relates to the degree and type of inflammation.
Spin Relaxation of the Neutral Germanium‐Vacancy Center in Diamond
Authors: Komarovskikh Andrey , Uvarov Mikhail , Nadolinny Vladimir , Palyanov Yuri
Published: July 2018

The germanium‐vacancy center in diamond is actively studied because it is promising in various quantum‐optical and quantum‐informational applications. There is not much information about the paramagnetic neutral germanium‐vacancy center (GeV0) in triplet spin state. In this work, the spin relaxation of the GeV0is studied by pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique at low temperatures. It is shown that spin‐lattice and spin‐spin relaxation times for the GeV0are shorter than corresponding times for the neutral silicon‐vacancy center. The Orbach mechanism of spin‐lattice relaxation dominates for the GeV0center in the temperature range 80–110 K (activation energyEa = 39(6) meV).
Matrix‐Free Locally Adaptive Finite Element Solution of Density‐Functional Theory With Nonorthogonal Orbitals and Multigrid Preconditioning
Authors: Davydov Denis , Heister Timo , Kronbichler Martin , Steinmann Paul
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we propose a new numerical method to find the ground state energy of a given physical system within the Kohn–Sham density functional theory. The h‐adaptive finite element method is adopted for spatial discretization and implemented with matrix‐free operator evaluation. The ground state energy is found by performing unconstrained minimization with non‐orthogonal orbitals using the limited memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method. A geometric multigrid preconditioner is applied to improve the convergence. The clear advantage of the proposed approach is demonstrated on selected examples by comparing the performance to other methods such as preconditioned steepest descent minimization. The proposed method provides a solid framework toward (N) complexity for the locally adaptive real‐space solution of density functional theory with finite elements.
Nonlinear data assimilation for clouds and precipitation using a gamma inverse‐gamma ensemble filter
Authors: Posselt Derek J. , Bishop Craig H.
Published: July 2018

Where clouds occur, their water content is always positive definite, and may be near zero. In addition, it is common for errors in remote‐sensing observations of clouds and rainfall to be represented as a fraction of the measurement. Furthermore, there is nonlinearity in the relationships among cloud environment, cloud microphysical processes, and the amount and distribution of cloud and precipitation. For these reasons, data assimilation algorithms that rely on linearity and assumptions of Gaussian probability distributions may have difficulty in assimilating observations in cloudy regions, as well as producing an analysis that realistically represents the actual distribution of clouds and precipitation. A recently developed ensemble filter algorithm, the Gamma, Inverse‐Gamma, and Gaussian Ensemble Kalman Filter (GIGG‐EnKF), allows for fractional observation errors and positive‐definite quantities. As such, it has promise for producing more effective and accurate data assimilation and retrievals of clouds and precipitation.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the GIGG‐EnKF by using it to estimate the values of warm rain cloud microphysical parameters in a cloud model using observations of precipitation. GIGG‐EnKF estimates of cloud parameters and rainfall are compared with a Bayesian reference solution returned by a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, and with a perturbed‐observations Ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF). The ETKF produces an ensemble with a substantial number of negative (non‐physical) precipitation rates and parameter values. In contrast, the GIGG‐EnKF precipitation analysis is positive definite, and is able to adapt to changes in the observation value (and observation uncertainty). Nonlinearity in the parameter–precipitation relationship is handled by implementing an iterative outer loop regression from the observation space to state space. The positive‐definite constraint and natural accommodation of fractional error, along with the iterative outer loop, produces an accurate reproduction of the Bayesian analysis of the precipitation rate and cloud microphysical parameter values.
Confidence intervals of the Mann‐Whitney parameter that are compatible with the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney test
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Malinovsky Yaakov
Published: July 2018

For the two‐sample problem, the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney (WMW) test is used frequently: it is simple to explain (a permutation test on the difference in mean ranks), it handles continuous or ordinal responses, it can be implemented for large or small samples, it is robust to outliers, it requires few assumptions, and it is efficient in many cases. Unfortunately, the WMW test is rarely presented with an effect estimate and confidence interval. A natural effect parameter associated with this test is the Mann‐Whitney parameter,φ = Pr[ X<Y ] + 0.5 Pr[X = Y ]. Ideally, we desire confidence intervals onφthat are compatible with the WMW test, meaning the test rejects at levelαif and only if the 100(1 − α)% confidence interval on the Mann‐Whitney parameter excludes 1/2. Existing confidence interval procedures onφare not compatible with the usual asymptotic implementation of the WMW test that uses a continuity correction nor are they compatible with exact WMW tests. We develop compatible confidence interval procedures for the asymptotic WMW tests and confidence interval procedures for some exact WMW tests that appear to be compatible. We discuss assumptions and interpretation of the resulting tests and confidence intervals. We provide thewmwTestfunction of theashtR package to calculate all of the developed confidence intervals.
A Multifunctional Biomimicking Oxidovanadium(V) Complex: Synthesis, DFT Calculations, Bromo‐peroxidation and DNA Nuclease Activities
Authors: Palmajumder Eshita , Dash Soumya Ranjan , Mitra Joyee , Mukherjea Kalyan K.
Published: July 2018

An oxidovanadium(V) complex [VO(SGly)(bpy)]ClO4 (H2SGly=N‐(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐L‐glycine; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic studies (IR, UV‐vis, ESI‐MS). The theoretical structure of the complex was optimized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The multifunctionality of this oxidovanadium complex was demonstrated by the application of it as a catalyst in peroxidative bromination of single‐pot conversion of phenol red to bromophenol blue, whereas its nuclease activity was established by DNA cleavage. The interaction of this oxidovanadium complex with DNA was studied by various physicochemical tools like UV‐vis, fluorescence, and viscosity measurement studies. The intrinsic binding constant of the complex with DNA was determined spectrophotometrically and calculated to be (2.3 ± 0.02) x 104 M−1. The spectroscopic studies and the viscosity measurements indicate that the complex binds to the groove of CT‐DNA, but whether to the major or minor groove that was not established. The extent of vanadium complex induced DNA cleavage was studied by gel electrophoresis techniques. The complex was found to promote cleavage of pUC19 plasmid DNA from the super coiled (SC DNA) form I to nicked coiled (NC DNA) relaxed form II.
Sustenance of Inclusion Complexes of Ionic Liquid with Cyclic Oligosaccharide Molecules in Liquid and Solid Phases by Diverse Approaches
Authors: Barman Biraj K , Dutta Ashutosh , Roy Mahendra Nath
Published: July 2018

The water soluble inclusion complexes of pyridinium based hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) were prepared and characterised successfully. The inclusion complexes of sparingly soluble IL prepared with α‐ and β‐cyclodextrin in the mixed solvent medium and in solid state were studied by different physicochemical methodologies. Comparison of the chemical shift of the pure CDs, guest and complexes formed in 1‐H NMR spectra, appearance of the cross peaks in 2D‐ROESY spectra and shift in the band positions in FT‐IR spectra confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes. Surface tension and conductance studies in the mixed solvent system indicated the 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of inclusion complex. Job's plot obtained from UV‐Vis study and the spectra obtained from mass spectrometric study supported the formation as well as the stoichiometry of inclusion complexes. The high binding constant values and calculated values of thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb's free energy, enthalpy and entropy supported the high stability and feasibility of formation of the inclusion complex.
Metal‐Organic Framework Nanocrystals
Authors: Barros Bráulio Silva , de Lima Neto Otávio José , de Oliveira Frós Allana Christina , Kulesza Joanna
Published: July 2018

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) comprise a broad class of crystalline materials defined as porous networks consisting of metal ions or clusters interconnected through polytopic organic linkers. Due to their intriguing structural and topological characteristics which usually offer high surface areas and tunable pore size, MOFs are excellent candidates for a great variety of applications, such as gas adsorption and separation, catalysis, magnetism, photoluminescence and many others. Although attractive, traditional bulk crystalline MOF materials do not always fulfill the specific needs for some applications, such as smart membranes, thin films devices, and drug delivery. Moreover, nanocrystals display properties that differ from the bulk material due to the high surface‐to‐volume ratio and quantum size effects. Thus, MOF nanocrystals will possibly present new and exciting properties or at least enhance the already known ones. With this view, it is necessary to develop efficient strategies towards the synthesis of MOF nanocrystals. This review provides general concepts of MOF nanocrystals and a critical summary of synthetic approaches with the focus on recent progress in the fabrication of MOF nanocrystals.
Local bond slip behavior of steel reinforcing bars embedded in ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete
Authors: Sturm Alexander B. , Visintin Phillip
Published: July 2018

The local bond stress slip behavior is a fundamental property required for the analysis and design of concrete structures at both serviceability and at ultimate limit. The addition of fibers has been shown to significantly improve the bond between normal strength concrete and steel reinforcement but little work has investigated the bond between reinforcing and ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). In this paper a series of 69 pull tests are carried out on UHPFRC with either short straight or long hooked steel fibers including mixes where the two fiber types have been blended. The results of this study were combined with the results from existing literature to regress a material model for the bond slip behavior between UHPFRC and ribbed steel reinforcing bars. Importantly, it is shown that models for normal strength fiber reinforced concrete cannot be extrapolated to UHPFRC.
What is peripersonal space? An examination of unresolved empirical issues and emerging findings
Authors: Hunley Samuel B. , Lourenco Stella F.
Published: July 2018

Findings from diverse fields of study, including neuroscience, psychology, zoology, and sociology, demonstrate that human and non‐human primates maintain a representation of the space immediately surrounding the body, known as peripersonal space (PPS). However, progress in this field has been hampered by the lack of an agreed upon definition of PPS. Since the beginning of its formal study, scientists have argued that PPS plays a crucial role in both defensive and non‐defensive actions. Yet consensus is lacking about the cognitive and neural instantiation of these functions. In particular, researchers have begun to ask whether a single, unified system of spatial‐attentional resources supports both the defensive and non‐defensive functions of PPS or, rather, whether there are multiple, independent systems. Moreover, there are open questions about the specificity of PPS. For example: Does PPS dissociate from other well‐known phenomena such as personal space and the body schema? Finally, emerging research has brought attention to important questions about individual differences in the flexibility of PPS and the distribution of PPS in front compared to behind the body. In this advanced review, we shed light on questions about the nature of PPS, offering answers when the research permits or providing recommendations for achieving answers in future research. In so doing, we lay the groundwork for a comprehensive definition of PPS.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Attention

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics

Neuroscience > Plasticity
A Doubly Latent Space Joint Model for Local Item and Person Dependence in the Analysis of Item Response Data
Authors: Jin Ick Hoon , Jeon Minjeong
Published: July 2018

Item response theory (IRT) is one of the most widely utilized tools for item response analysis; however, local item and person independence, which is a critical assumption for IRT, is often violated in real testing situations. In this article, we propose a new type of analytical approach for item response data that does not require standard local independence assumptions. By adapting a latent space joint modeling approach, our proposed model can estimate pairwise distances to represent the item and person dependence structures, from which item and person clusters in latent spaces can be identified. We provide an empirical data analysis to illustrate an application of the proposed method. A simulation study is provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in comparison with existing methods.
Prosecuting high-level corruption in Eastern Europe
Authors: Popova Maria , Post Vincent
Published: July 2018

Do Eastern European courts effectively constrain politicians and uphold the rule of law? Criminal prosecution of grand (high-level) corruption can further the central principle of equal responsibility under the law by demonstrating that even powerful political actors have to submit to the laws of the land. This article introduces the Eastern European Corruption Prosecution Database, which contains entries for all cabinet ministers (927 in total) who served in a government that held office in one of seven post-Communist Eastern European countries since the late 1990s. The systematic data collection reveals that Bulgaria, Romania and Macedonia consistently indict more ministers than Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Poland; Slovakia has barely indicted anyone. We aim to start a research agenda by formulating hypotheses about which countries will see more corruption prosecutions and which ministers’ characteristics would make them more likely to face the court. We use the database to begin testing these hypotheses and find some evidence for several associations. We find no strong evidence that EU conditionality or membership raises the profile of the grand corruption issue or leads to more indictments. Party politics seems to affect the frequency of corruption indictments more than the structure and behavior of legal institutions. Indictment rates are lower when a former Communist party controls the government and individual ministers from junior coalition partners are more vulnerable to indictment than other ministers. The existence of a specialized anti-corruption prosecution or a more independent judiciary do not seem to lead to the indictment of more ministers on corruption charges. Finally, we discuss avenues of future research that our database opens, both for the analysis of country-level and individual-level variation.
The influence of the spatial distribution of leads and ice floes on the atmospheric boundary layer over fragmented sea ice
Authors: Wenta Marta , Herman Agnieszka
Published: July 2018

The response of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) to subgrid-scale variations of sea ice properties and fracturing is poorly understood and not taken into account in mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model parametrizations. In this paper we analyze three-dimensional air circulation within the ABL over fragmented sea ice. A series of idealized high-resolution simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is performed for several spatial distributions of ice floes and leads for two values of sea ice concentration (0.5 and 0.9) and several ambient wind speed profiles. The results show that the convective circulation within the ABL is sensitive to the subgrid-scale spatial distribution of sea ice. Considerable variability of several domain-averaged quantities – cloud liquid water content, surface turbulent heat flux (THF) – is found for different arrangements of floes. Moreover, the organized structure of air circulation leads to spatial covariance of variables characterizing the ABL. Based on the example of THF, it is demonstrated that this covariance may lead to substantial errors when THF values are estimated from area-averaged quantities, as it is done in mesoscale NWP models. This suggests the need for developing suitable parametrizations of ABL effects related to subgrid-scale sea ice features for these models.
A review of micronutrients in sepsis: the role of thiamine,l-carnitine, vitamin C, selenium and vitamin D
Authors: Belsky Justin B. , Wira Charles R. , Jacob Vinitha , Sather John E. , Lee Patty J.
Published: July 2018

Sepsis is defined as the dysregulated host response to an infection resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction. The metabolic demand from inefficiencies in anaerobic metabolism, mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction, increased cellular turnover, and free-radical damage result in the increased focus of micronutrients in sepsis as they play a pivotal role in these processes. In the present review, we will evaluate the potential role of micronutrients in sepsis, specifically, thiamine,l-carnitine, vitamin C, Se and vitamin D. Each micronutrient will be reviewed in a similar fashion, discussing its major role in normal physiology, suspected role in sepsis, use as a biomarker, discussion of the major basic science and human studies, and conclusion statement. Based on the current available data, we conclude that thiamine may be considered in all septic patients at risk for thiamine deficiency andl-carnitine and vitamin C to those in septic shock. Clinical trials are currently underway which may provide greater insight into the role of micronutrients in sepsis and validate standard utilisation.
Are Labour Market Reforms the Answer to Post-Euro-Crisis Management? Reflections on Germany’s Hartz Reforms
Authors: Chih-Mei Luo
Published: July 2018

This article is an attempt to clarify the effects of the German labour market reforms, commonly known as the Hartz reforms. Competing arguments were used to identify the welfare implications for German society and the German economy in order to explore whether or not such labour market reforms might provide another German answer, following fiscal discipline, to the EU’s post-euro-crisis management. This paper confirms that the Hartz reforms effectively reduced German unemployment, but they did not fundamentally solve the problem. Moreover, such effects appeared to propagate an increase in size of the low-paid sector, declining wages and increasing income inequality. The reforms were not welfare-enhancing for individuals because of increased poverty levels in employment and unemployment, which further implied a counter-productive risk for the German economy because of the contraction of domestic consumption, and potential social instability for German society because of rising inequality and deteriorating living standards. Therefore, Hartz-style reforms are neither a desirable model for other EU countries, nor the answer to Europe’s post-euro-crisis management in a time of fiscal austerity and negative interest rates. The real danger to European integration, as argued in this article, is not the challenge from high unemployment, but from Germany’s complacency of a one-size-fits-all thinking and, being the EU’s leading country, its double standards towards and ignorance of the differential nature and contexts of the European unemployment issue compared with the German one. This article warns that the mishandling of labour market reforms could result in the collapse of the already fragile public confidence in European integration.
Imagery-Focused Cognitive Therapy (ImCT) for Mood Instability and Anxiety in a Small Sample of Patients with Bipolar Disorder: a Pilot Clinical Audit
Authors: Hales Susie A. , Di Simplicio Martina , Iyadurai Lalitha , Blackwell Simon E. , Young Kerry , Fairburn Christopher G. , Geddes John R. , Goodwin Guy M. , Holmes Emily A.
Published: July 2018

Background:Despite the global impact of bipolar disorder (BD), treatment success is limited. Challenges include syndromal and subsyndromal mood instability, comorbid anxiety, and uncertainty around mechanisms to target. The Oxford Mood Action Psychology Programme (OxMAPP) offered a novel approach within a cognitive behavioural framework, via mental imagery-focused cognitive therapy (ImCT).Aims:This clinical audit evaluated referral rates, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction with the OxMAPP service.Method:Eleven outpatients with BD received ImCT in addition to standard psychiatric care. Mood data were collected weekly from 6 months pre-treatment to 6 months post-treatment via routine mood monitoring. Anxiety was measured weekly from start of treatment until 1 month post-treatment. Patient feedback was provided via questionnaire.Results:Referral and treatment uptake rates indicated acceptability to referrers and patients. From pre- to post-treatment, there was (i) a significant reduction in the duration of depressive episode relapses, and (ii) a non-significant trend towards a reduction in the number of episodes, with small to medium effect size. There was a large effect size for the reduction in weekly anxiety symptoms from assessment to 1 month follow-up. Patient feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction with ImCT, and underscored the importance of the mental imagery focus.Conclusions:This clinical audit provides preliminary evidence that ImCT can help improve depressive and anxiety symptoms in BD as part of integrated clinical care, with high patient satisfaction and acceptability. Formal assessment designs are needed to further test the feasibility and efficacy of the new ImCT treatment on anxiety and mood instability.
Verstehen kontroverser wissenschaftlicher Themen
Authors: Richter Tobias , Maier Johanna
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Wenn Rezipient_innen sich z. B. im Internet zu einem öffentlich diskutierten wissenschaftlichen Thema informieren, lesen sie meist mehrere Texte, die widersprüchliche empirische Evidenz oder konkurrierende Annahmen enthalten können. Zugleich verfügen sie in der Regel über inhaltliche (Vor–)‌Überzeugungen, die die Verarbeitung der gelesenen Informationen beeinflussen können. Diese Bedingungen können (1) zu verzerrten Bewertungen wissenschaftlicher Argumente führen, erschweren (2) den Aufbau einer ausgewogenen und angemessenen Repräsentation wissenschaftlicher Sachverhalte und begünstigen (3) die Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung fehlerhafter und einseitiger Vorstellungen. In unserem Beitrag illustrieren wir diese Probleme mit empirischen Beispielen und beschreiben die selektive Aktivierung von Gedächtnisinhalten und die automatische Validierung von Textinhalten als kognitive Mechanismen, die allen drei Problemen zugrunde liegen. Abschließend diskutieren wir, wie Trainings und eine entsprechende Gestaltung der Wissenschaftskommunikation Rezipient_innen dabei unterstützen können, ein adäquates und ausgewogenes Verständnis wissenschaftlicher Informationen zu erzielen.
Reactive astrocytic S1P3 signaling modulates the blood–tumor barrier in brain metastases
Authors: Gril Brunilde , Paranjape Anurag N. , Woditschka Stephan , Hua Emily , Dolan Emma L. , Hanson Jeffrey , Wu Xiaolin , Kloc Wojciech , Izycka-Swieszewska Ewa , Duchnowska Renata , Pęksa Rafał , Biernat Wojciech , Jassem Jacek , Nayyar Naema , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Hall O. Morgan , Peer Cody J. , Figg William D. , Pauly Gary T. , Robinson Christina , Difilippantonio Simone , Bialecki Emilie , Metellus Philippe , Schneider Joel P. , Steeg Patricia S.
Published: July 2018

Brain metastases are devastating complications of cancer. The blood–brain barrier (BBB), which protects the normal brain, morphs into an inadequately characterized blood–tumor barrier (BTB) when brain metastases form, and is surrounded by a neuroinflammatory response. These structures contribute to poor therapeutic efficacy by limiting drug uptake. Here, we report that experimental breast cancer brain metastases of low- and high permeability to a dextran dye exhibit distinct microenvironmental gene expression patterns. Astrocytic sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 3 (S1P3) is upregulated in the neuroinflammatory response of the highly permeable lesions, and is expressed in patients’ brain metastases. S1P3 inhibition functionally tightens the BTB in vitro and in vivo. S1P3 mediates its effects on BTB permeability through astrocytic secretion of IL-6 and CCL2, which relaxes endothelial cell adhesion. Tumor cell overexpression of S1P3 mimics this pathway, enhancing IL-6 and CCL-2 production and elevating BTB permeability. In conclusion, neuroinflammatory astrocytic S1P3 modulates BTB permeability.
UTX is an escape from X-inactivation tumor-suppressor in B cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Xiaoxi , Zhang Yanli , Zheng Liting , Liu Mingxian , Chen Charlie Degui , Jiang Hai
Published: July 2018

To explain the excess cancer rate in males, several candidates for “escape from X-inactivation tumor-suppressor” (EXITS) were recently identified. In this report we provide direct experimental evidence supporting UTX’s role as an EXITS gene. Using a mouse lymphoma model, we show clear dosage effect of UTX copy number during tumorigenesis, which strongly supports the EXITS theory. Importantly, UTX deletion not only accelerates lymphomagenesis, it also strongly promotes tumor progression. UTX-knockout tumors are more aggressive, showing enhanced brain dissemination and formation of blood vessels. Efnb1 is overexpressed in UTX KO tumors and can lead to such phenotypes. In human patients, lymphomas with low UTX expression also express high levels of Efnb1, and cause significantly poor survival. Lastly, we show that UTX deficiency renders lymphoma sensitive to cytarabine treatment. Taken together, these data highlight UTX loss’s profound impacts on tumor initiation and drug response.