bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barcoding in trypanosomes
Authors: HUTCHINSON RACHEL , STEVENS JAMIE R.
Published: November 2017

Trypanosomes (genus Trypanosoma) are parasites of humans, and wild and domestic mammals, in which they cause several economically and socially important diseases, including sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas disease in the Americas. Despite the development of numerous molecular diagnostics and increasing awareness of the importance of these neglected parasites, there is currently no universal genetic barcoding marker available for trypanosomes. In this review we provide an overview of the methods used for trypanosome detection and identification, discuss the potential application of different barcoding techniques and examine the requirements of the ‘ideal’ trypanosome genetic barcode. In addition, we explore potential alternative genetic markers for barcoding Trypanosoma species, including an analysis of phylogenetically informative nucleotide changes along the length of the 18S rRNA gene.
Environmental determinants of haemosporidian parasite prevalence in a declining population of Tree swallows
Authors: Turcotte Audrey , Bélisle Marc , Pelletier Fanie , Garant Dany
Published: November 2017

The prevalence of vector-borne parasites such as haemosporidian species is influenced by several environmental factors. While the negative effects of parasitism on hosts are well documented, these can also be amplified by interactions with environmental stressors, many of which are anthropogenic. Yet, we know little about the possible effects of anthropogenic perturbations on parasite prevalence. The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence and environmental determinants of haemosporidian parasites in a declining population of Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) living in an agricultural landscape in southern Québec, Canada. Overall, a low prevalence and a moderate lineage diversity were identified in both adults and nestlings, confirming that transmission can occur during the breeding period. Anthropic areas, extensive cultures (hayfields and pastures) and forest cover within 500 km of nest boxes, as well as daily temperature fluctuations, were all related to infection by haemosporidian parasites. These findings suggest that anthropogenic alterations of landscape composition can modulate the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Tree swallows. Our results represent a baseline for future comparative studies assessing haemosporidian parasite prevalence in human-modified landscapes.
HOW TO AVOID GIVING THE RIGHT ANSWERS TO THE WRONG QUESTIONS: THE NEED FOR INTEGRATED ASSESSMENTS OF COMPLEX HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Gerhardus Ansgar , Oortwijn Wija , van der Wilt Gert Jan
Published: November 2017

Health technologies are becoming increasingly complex and contemporary health technology assessment (HTA) is only partly equipped to address this complexity. The project “Integrated assessments of complex health technologies” (INTEGRATE-HTA), funded by the European Commission, was initiated with the overall objective to develop concepts and methods to enable patient-centered, integrated assessments of the effectiveness, and the economic, social, cultural, and ethical issues of complex technologies that take context and implementation issues into account. The project resulted in a series of guidances that should support the work of HTA scientists and decision makers alike.
Benefit of Sparse Reference Network in BDS Single Point Positioning with Single-Frequency Measurements
Authors: Luo Xiaomin , Lou Yidong , Gong Xiaopeng , Gu Shengfeng , Chen Biyan
Published: November 2017

The current positioning accuracy of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Single Point Positioning (SPP) with code measurement is in the order of several metres due to systematic errors. To further reduce the systematic errors in SPP, this contribution develops a new strategy to BDS SPP with a sparse reference network, named Augmented SPP (A-SPP). In this method, the Combined Residual Errors (CRE) products of BDS B1I measurement are integrated with three optional base stations that are close to the rover station. Based on the Satellite Elevation Angle Weighted (SEAW) average technique, the code residual errors of each BDS satellite observed by the rover station can be acquired epoch-by-epoch. Finally, the corrected code observations for the rover station can be utilised to achieve an A-SPP solution. The validation of this method is confirmed by both static and kinematic tests. Results clearly show that the accuracies of the A-SPP solution for horizontal and vertical directions are better than 0·5 m and 1·0 m. This study suggests that the proposed A-SPP solution is a good option for single-frequency GNSS users to improve their positioning performance.
In memoriam Professor Frits Kalshoven: Some personal words on the passing of one of the most respected International Humanitarian Law experts of the last century
Authors: HEINSCH ROBERT
Published: November 2017

On 6 September 2017, Professor Emeritus Frits Kalshoven passed away at the age of 93. I learned about his passing the day afterwards, and although in some ways it should not have come as a complete surprise given his age, it had a very deep emotional impact on me. This was not only from the perspective of an international humanitarian lawyer, since in this moment we lost one of the most respected scholars of the field, someone whose expertise as an academic as well as whose impact as a practitioner can only be described in the highest praise. The great Jean Pictet wrote in his foreword to the Liber Amicorum for Frits Kalshoven that he stands in the long tradition of Dutch legal scholars ‘who, since Grotius, have greatly added to the fame of their country throughout the world’. But an even more important reason for this great feeling of loss was that we had to say good-bye not only to a great scholar, but also to a wonderful human being, a role model, a true humanitarian, a man who despite his numerous achievements remained humble and kind until the end, someone who inspired generations of colleagues, experienced lawyers and young students, in their way to apply, research and disseminate International Humanitarian Law.
Clinical, laboratory and epidemiological aspects of HPV infection in a low-income population from South Bahia, Brazil
Authors: GADELHA S. R. , SOARES-BARRETO D. M. V. , COSTA G. B. , LEAL V. C. N. , GOMES L. G. S. , SANTOS U. R. , FERREIRA G. C. S. , CARVALHO L. D. , SORAES-ALMEIDA S. M. V. , MELLO M. A. G. , MARIANO A. P. M. , SOUSA S. M. B. , VAGO A. R. , MARIN L. J.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the Southern region of the State of Bahia, evaluating the performance of alternative complementary methods for cervical lesion detection. Cervical samples from women who attended healthcare units were collected and diagnosed by visual inspection, cervical cytology and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Moreover, hemi-nested PCR was performed to detect different HPV genotypes. The prevalence of HPV infection was 47·7%, with genotype 16 detected in most cases. Infection was associated with dyspareunia and bleeding (P < 0·001, odds ratio (OR) 5·6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·815–11·14) and hormonal contraceptive use (P = 0·007, OR 2·33, 95% CI 1·25–4·34). There was a positive correlation between positive PCR and positive visual inspection, cervical cytology and symptoms reported. Furthermore, visual inspection was twice as specific, and had a greater positive predictive value than cytology. We showed a high prevalence of HPV infection in Southern Bahia, with HPV 16 being the most common type, and visual inspection being most effective at detecting HPV lesions, corroborating the suggestion that it can be applied in routine gynecologic examinations for low-income populations.
Molecular detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses with M genes from human pandemic strains among Nigerian pigs, 2013–2015: implications and associated risk factors
Authors: ADEOLA O. A. , OLUGASA B. O. , EMIKPE B. O.
Published: November 2017

In the post-pandemic period, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has been detected in swine populations in different parts of the world. This study was conducted to determine the presence and spatial patterns of this human pandemic virus among Nigerian pigs and identify associated risk factors. Using a two-stage stratified random sampling method, nasal swab specimens were obtained from pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria during the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 influenza seasons, and the virus was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Purified RT-PCR products were sequenced in both directions, and sequences were aligned using MUSCLE. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted in MEGA6. Purely spatial scan statistics and a spatial lag regression model were used to identify spatial clusters and associated risk factors. The virus was detected in both seasons, with an overall prevalence of 8·7%. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the M genes were similar to those of pandemic strains which circulated in humans prior to and during the study. Cluster analysis revealed a significant primary spatial cluster (RR = 4·71, LLR = 5·66,P= 0·0046), while ‘hours spent with pigs (R2= 0·90,P= 0·0018)’ and ‘hours spent with pigs from different farms (R2= 0·91,P= 0·0001)’ were identified as significant risk factors (P< 0·05). These findings reveal that there is considerable risk of transmission of the pandemic virus, either directly from pig handlers or through fomites, to swine herds in Ibadan, Nigeria. Active circulation of the virus among Nigerian pigs could enhance its reassortment with endemic swine influenza viruses. Campaigns for adoption of biosecurity measures in West African piggeries and abattoirs should be introduced and sustained in order to prevent the emergence of a new influenza epicentre in the sub-region.
Strengthened Ebola surveillance in France during a major outbreak in West Africa: March 2014–January 2016
Authors: MAILLES A. , NOEL H. , PANNETIER D. , RAPP C. , YAZDANPANAH Y. , VANDENTORREN S. , CHAUD P. , PHILIPPE J. M. , WORMS B. , BRUYAND M. , TOURDJMAN M. , NAHON M. , BELCHIOR E. , LUCAS E. , DURAND J. , ZURBARAN M. , VAUX S. , COIGNARD B. , DE VALK H. , BAIZE S. , QUELET S. , BOURDILLON F.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

An unprecedented outbreak of Ebola virus diseases (EVD) occurred in West Africa from March 2014 to January 2016. The French Institute for Public Health implemented strengthened surveillance to early identify any imported case and avoid secondary cases.

Methods

Febrile travellers returning from an affected country had to report to the national emergency healthcare hotline. Patients reporting at-risk exposures and fever during the 21st following day from the last at-risk exposure were defined as possible cases, hospitalised in isolation and tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Asymptomatic travellers reporting at-risk exposures were considered as contact and included in a follow-up protocol until the 21st day after the last at-risk exposure.

Results

From March 2014 to January 2016, 1087 patients were notified: 1053 were immediately excluded because they did not match the notification criteria or did not have at-risk exposures; 34 possible cases were tested and excluded following a reliable negative result. Two confirmed cases diagnosed in West Africa were evacuated to France under stringent isolation conditions. Patients returning from Guinea (n = 531; 49%) and Mali (n = 113; 10%) accounted for the highest number of notifications.

Conclusion

No imported case of EVD was detected in France. We are confident that our surveillance system was able to classify patients properly during the outbreak period.
A brief summary of the epidemiology and genetic relatedness of avian influenza H9N2 virus in birds and mammals in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: NAGY A. , METTENLEITER T. C. , ABDELWHAB E. M.
Published: November 2017

H9N2 is the most widespread avian influenza virus subtype in poultry worldwide. It infects a broad spectrum of host species including birds and mammals. Infections in poultry and humans vary from silent to fatal. Importantly, all AIV, which are fatal in humans (e.g. H5N1, H7N9) acquired their ‘internal’ gene segments from H9N2 viruses. Although H9N2 is endemic in the Middle East (ME) and North Africa since the late 1990s, little is known about its epidemiology and genetics on a regional level. In this review, we summarised the epidemiological situation of H9N2 in poultry and mammals in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The virus has been isolated from humans in Egypt and serosurveys indicated widespread infection particularly among poultry workers and pigs in some countries. Some isolates replicated well in experimentally inoculated dogs, mice, hamsters and ferrets. Insufficient protection of immunised poultry was frequently reported most likely due to concurrent viral or bacterial infections and antigenic drift of the field viruses from outdated vaccine strains. Genetic analysis indicated several distinct phylogroups including a panzootic genotype in the Asian and African parts of the ME, which may be useful for the development of vaccines. The extensive circulation of H9N2 for about 20 years in this region where the H5N1 virus is also endemic in some countries, poses a serious public health threat. Regional surveillance and control strategy are highly recommended.
Intraindividual Cognitive Variability: An Examination of ANAM4 TBI-MIL Simple Reaction Time Data from Service Members with and without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Cole Wesley R. , Gregory Emma , Arrieux Jacques P. , Haran F. Jay
Published: November 2017

Objectives:The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics 4 TBI-MIL (ANAM4) is a computerized cognitive test often used in post-concussion assessments with U.S. service members (SMs). However, existing evidence remains mixed regarding ANAM4’s ability to identify cognitive issues following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Studies typically examine ANAM4 using standardized scores and/ or comparisons to a baseline. A more fine-grained approach involves examining inconsistency within an individual’s performance (i.e., intraindividual variability).Methods:Data from 237 healthy control SMs and 105 SMs within seven days of mTBI who took the ANAM4 were included in analyses. Using each individual’s raw scores on a simple reaction time (RT) subtest (SRT1) that is repeated at the end of the battery (SRT2), we calculated mean raw RT and the intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) of trial-by-trial RT. Analyses investigated differences between groups in mean RT, RT variability (i.e., ISD), and change in ISD from SRT1 and SRT2.Results:Using regression residuals to control for demographic variables, analysis of variance, and pairwise comparisons revealed the control group had faster mean RT and smaller ISD compared to the mTBI group. Furthermore, the mTBI group had a significant increase in ISD from SRT1 to SRT2, with effect sizes exceeding the minimum practical effect for comparisons of ISD in SRT2 and change in ISD from SRT1 to SRT2.Conclusions:While inconsistencies in performance are often viewed as test error, the results suggest intraindividual cognitive variability may be more sensitive than traditional metrics in detecting changes in cognitive function after mTBI. Additionally, the findings highlight the utility of the ANAM4’s repeating a RT subtest at two points in the same session for exploring within-subject differences in performance variability. (JINS, 2018,24, 156–162)
Infant feeding practices and dietary consumption of US infants and toddlers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2012
Authors: Davis Kathleen E , Li Xilong , Adams-Huet Beverley , Sandon Lona
Published: November 2017

Objective

To compare infant and toddler anthropometric measurements, feeding practices and mean nutrient intakes by race/ethnicity and income.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis using general linear modelling. Ten years of survey data (2003–2012) were combined to compare anthropometric measurements, feeding practices and mean nutrient intakes from a nationally representative US sample.

Setting

The 2003–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Subjects

Infants and toddlers (n3669) aged 0–24 months.

Results

Rates of overweight were higher among Mexican-American infants and toddlers (P=0·002). There were also several differences in feeding practices among groups based on race/ethnicity. Cessation of breast-feeding occurred earlier for non-Hispanic black and Mexican-Americanv. non-Hispanic white infants (3·6 and 4·2v. 5·3 months;P<0·0001;P=0·001). Age at first feeding of solids was earlier for white than Mexican-American infants (5·3v. 5·7 months;P=0·02). There were differences in almost all feeding practices based on income, including the lowest-income infants stopped breast-feeding earlier than the highest-income infants (3·2v. 5·8 months,P<0·0001). Several differences in mean nutrient intakes by both race/ethnicity and income were also identified.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that disparities in overweight, feeding practices and mean nutrient intakes exist among infants and toddlers according to race/ethnicity, which cannot be disentangled from income.
Practical lookup tables for ensuring target coverage in a clinical setup for skin cancer electron therapy
Authors: Lee Yongsook C. , Kim Yongbok
Published: November 2017

Aim

To create practical lookup tables containing percent depth dose (PDD) and profile parameters of electron beams and to demonstrate clinical application of the lookup tables to skin cancer treatment to ensure target coverage in a clinical setup.

Materials and methods

For 6 and 9 MeV electron energies, PDDs and profiles at clinically relevant depths [i.e., R95 (distal depth of 95% maximum dose), R90, R85 and R80] were measured in water at 100 cm source-to-surface distance for an 10×10 cm2 open field and circular cutouts with diameters of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 cm. Then PDD parameters along with profile parameters such as width of isodose lines and penumbra at the clinically relevant depths were determined. Output factors for the cutouts were measured at dmax in water and solid water.

Results

With PDD and profile parameters, dosimetry lookup tables were generated. Based upon the lookup tables, target coverage at prescribed depths was retrospectively reviewed for three skin cancer cases. The lookup tables suggested larger cutouts for adequate target coverage.

Findings

Dosimetry lookup tables for electron beam therapy should include profile parameters at clinically relevant depths and be provided to clinicians to ensure target coverage in a clinical setup.
Dosimetric variations in calculation grid size in prostate VMAT: a dose-volume histogram analysis using the Gaussian error function
Authors: Chow James C. L. , Jiang Runqing , Markel Daniel
Published: November 2017

Background

Varying the calculation grid size can change the results of dose-volume and radiobiological parameters in a treatment plan, and therefore has an impact on the treatment planning quality assurance.

Purpose

This study investigated the dosimetric influence of the calculation grid size variation in the prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan.

Methods and materials

Dose distributions of 10 prostate VMAT plans were acquired using calculation grid sizes of 1–5 mm. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis was carried out to determine the dose-volume variation corresponding to the grid size change using the Gaussian error function (GEF). At the same time, dose-volume points, dose-volume parameters and radiobiological parameters were calculated based on DVHs of targets and organs at risk (OARs) for each grid size.

Results

Comparing percentage variations of GEF parameters between the planning target volume (PTV) and clinical target volume (CTV), GEF parameters of the PTV were found varied more significantly than the CTV. This resulted in larger variations of dose-volume (%ΔCI=40·02 versus 13·55%, %ΔHI=12·45 versus 2·93% and %ΔGI=0·22 versus 0·06%) and radiobiological parameters (%ΔTCP=0·61 versus 0·25% and %ΔEUD=2·11 versus 0·26%) of the PTV compared with CTV. For OARs, the rectal wall showed a larger dose-volume variation than the rectum. However, similar dose-volume variation due to grid size change was not found in the bladder, bladder wall and femur.

Conclusions

Knowing the dosimetric variation in this study is important to the radiotherapy staff in the quality assurance for the prostate VMAT planning.
Antibiotic resistance trends and mechanisms in the foodborne pathogen,Campylobacter
Authors: Tang Yizhi , Fang Liangxing , Xu Changyun , Zhang Qijing
Published: November 2017

Campylobacteris a major foodborne pathogen and is commonly present in food producing animals. This pathogenic organism is highly adaptable and has become increasingly resistant to various antibiotics. Recently, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have designated antibiotic-resistantCampylobacteras a serious threat to public health. For the past decade, multiple mechanisms conferring resistance to clinically important antibiotics have been described inCampylobacter, and new resistance mechanisms constantly emerge in the pathogen. Some of the recent examples include theerm(B)gene conferring macrolide resistance, thecfr(C)genes mediating resistance to florfenicol and other antimicrobials, and a functionally enhanced variant of the multidrug resistance efflux pump, CmeABC. The continued emergence of new resistance mechanisms illustrates the extraordinary adaptability ofCampylobacterto antibiotic selection pressure and demonstrate the need for innovative strategies to control antibiotic-resistantCampylobacter. In this review, we will briefly summarize the trends of antibiotic resistance inCampylobacterand discuss the mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics used for animal production and important for clinical therapy in humans. A special emphasis will be given to the newly discovered antibiotic resistance.
Periphrastic Progressive Constructions in Dutch and Afrikaans: A Contrastive Analysis
Authors: Breed Adri , Brisard Frank , Verhoeven Ben
Published: November 2017

Given the common ancestry of Dutch and Afrikaans, it is not surprising that they use similar periphrastic constructions to express progressive meaning:aan het(Dutch) andaan die/’t(Afrikaans) lit. ‘at the’;bezig met/(om)te(Dutch) lit. ‘busy with/to’ andbesig om telit. ‘busy to’ (Afrikaans); and so-called cardinal posture verb constructions (zitten/sit‘sit’,staan‘stand’,liggen/lê‘lie’ andlopen/loop‘walk’), CPVte(‘to’ Dutch) and CPVen(‘and’ Afrikaans). However, these cognate constructions have grammaticalized to different extents. To assess the exact nature of these differences, we analyzed the constructions with respect to overall frequency, collocational range, and transitivity (compatibility with transitive predicates and passivizability). We used two corpora that are equal in size (both about 57 million words) and contain roughly the same types of written text. It turns out that the use of periphrastic progressives is generally more widespread in Afrikaans than in Dutch. As far as grammaticalization is concerned, we found that the Afrikaansaan die- and CPV-constructions, as well as the Dutchbezig- and CPV-constructions, are semantically restricted. In addition, only the Afrikaansbesig- and CPVen-constructions allow passivization, which is remarkable for such periphrastic expressions.*
Manufacturing Responsibility: The Governmentality of Behavioural Power in Social Policies
Authors: Peeters Rik
Published: November 2017

Responsibilisation is commonly associated with a neoliberal transfer of responsibilities from state to social actors. However, it also covers the construction of responsibility where it does not exist yet – where citizens need socialisation to manufacture responsibility so they become economically and socially active, healthy, and productive subjects. This article aims to bring more conceptual clarity in these practices. Based on an analysis of literature on contemporary welfare state policies, three different techniques are discerned: reciprocal governance in welfare state services; training and treatment of vulnerable citizens through support and structure; and choice engineering by working upon the unconscious and psychological triggers underlying decision making. These techniques of behavioural power seek responsibilisation by working upon people's understanding of responsibility as a moral imperative and upon the rational or psychological mechanisms that constitute the choices they make and the attitudes they have.
PRAGMATIC UTOPIANISM AND RACE: H. G. WELLS AS SOCIAL SCIENTIST
Authors: BELL DUNCAN
Published: November 2017

H. G. Wells was one of the most celebrated writers in the world during the first half of the twentieth century. Famed for his innovative fiction, he was also an influential advocate of socialism and the world-state. What is much less well known is that he was a significant contributor to debates about the nature of social science. This article argues that Wells's account of social science in general, and sociology in particular, was shaped by an idiosyncratic philosophical pragmatism. In order to demonstrate how his philosophical arguments inflected his social thought, it explores his attack on prevailing theories of race, while also highlighting the limits of his analysis. The article concludes by tracing the reception of Wells's ideas among social scientists and political thinkers on both sides of the Atlantic. Although his program for utopian sociology attracted few disciples, his arguments about the dynamics of modern societies found a large audience.
The economic impact of legislation and litigation on growth: a historical analysis of Italy from its unification to World War II
Authors: DI VITA GIUSEPPE , DI VITA FABIO , CAFISO GIANLUCA
Published: November 2017

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of Italy's unification on its economic growth from 1861 to the outbreak of World War II. This historical analysis attempts to prove that the process of legislative harmonization intrinsic to the unification had a positive effect on Italy's GDP because legislative uniformity facilitates economic transactions. Moreover a uniform and more effective legislation would have caused less litigation and therefore favoured economic growth, thanks to smoother relations between economic agents.
Tensorial metasurface antennas radiating polarized beams based on aperture field implementation
Authors: Teniou Mounir , Roussel Helene , Serhir Mohammed , Capet Nicolas , Piau Gerard-Pascal , Casaletti Massimiliano
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a procedure for the design of tensorial metasurface antennas radiating polarized beams through aperture field synthesis. The aperture field is generated using the surface wave to leaky wave conversion resulting from metasurface modulation. The design procedure of the feeder is presented with a description of the geometrical parameters affecting the antenna matching. Numerical solutions for single beam and multi-beam metasurface antennas working respectively, at 12.25 and 20 GHz are presented. In addition, a metasurface prototype working at 12.25 GHz is manufactured and measured.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Authors: Goyal Namrata , Wice Matthew , Kinsbourne Marcel , Castano Emanuele
Published: November 2017

Abstract. We examined the relationship between cognitive style, empathy, and willingness to help. In Study 1 (N = 186), we measured preference for visuospatial or verbal cognitive style using the ZenQ ( Zenhausern, 1978 ), and empathy using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index ( Davis, 1983 ). In Study 2 (N = 76), we experimentally elicited verbal or visual cognitive processing via priming and measured empathy in response to a vignette about a woman injured in a car accident. In both studies, we measured willingness to help by assessing participants’ willingness to assist the injured woman. Results showed that visuospatial cognitive processing increased empathy and willingness to help. Empathic concern mediated the relationship between cognitive style and willingness to help. Results highlight the importance of mental imagery in increasing empathy and helping.
Early-Career Researchers’ Perceptions of the Prevalence of	Questionable Research Practices, Potential Causes, and Open	Science
Authors: Stürmer Stefan , Oeberst Aileen , Trötschel Roman , Decker Oliver
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Young researchers of today will shape the field in the future. In light of current debates about social psychology’s research culture, this exploratory survey assessed early-career researchers’ beliefs (N = 88) about the prevalence of questionable research practices (QRPs), potential causes, and open science as a possible solution. While there was relative consensus that outright fraud is an exception, a majority of participants believed that some QRPs are moderately to highly prevalent what they attributed primarily to academic incentive structures. A majority of participants felt that open science is necessary to improve research practice. They indicated to consider some open science recommendations in the future, but they also indicated some reluctance. Limitation and implications of these findings are discussed.
Deep-Seabed Mining May Come Soon, Says Head of Governing Group
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2017

New regulations could open the door for sustainable mining, says the head of the International Seabed Authority. However, he and others pointed to environmental, financial, and technical challenges.
Scaling relationships and theory for vibrational frequencies of adsorbates on transition metal surfaces
Authors: Lansford Joshua L. , Mironenko Alexander V. , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: November 2017

Adsorbate vibrational excitations are an important fingerprint of molecule/surface interactions, affecting temperature contributions to the free energy and impacting reaction rate and equilibrium constants. Furthermore, vibrational spectra aid in identifying species and adsorption sites present in experimental studies. Despite their importance, knowledge of how adsorbate frequencies scale across materials is lacking. Here, by combining previously reported experimental data and our own density-functional theory calculations, we reveal linear correlations between vibrational frequencies of adsorbates on transition metal surfaces. Through effective-medium theory, linear muffin-tin orbital theory, and thed-band model, we rationalize the squares of the frequencies to be fundamentally linear in their scaling across transition metal surfaces. We identify the adsorbate-binding energy as a descriptor for certain molecular vibrations and rigorously relate errors in frequencies to errors in adsorption energies. We also discuss the impact of scaling on surface thermochemistry and adsorbate coverage.
Reactive molecular dynamic simulations on the gas separation performance of porous graphene membrane
Authors: Esfandiarpoor Somaye , Fazli Mostafa , Ganji Masoud Darvish
Published: November 2017

The separation of gases molecules with similar diameter and shape is an important area of research. For example, the major challenge to set up sweeping carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) in power plants is the energy requisite to separate the CO2 from flue gas. Porous graphene has been proposed as superior material for highly selective membranes for gas separation. Here we design some models of porous graphene with different sizes and shape as well as employ double layers porous graphene for efficient CO2/H2 separation. The selectivity and permeability of gas molecules through various nanopores were investigated by using the reactive molecular dynamics simulation which considers the bond forming/breaking mechanism for all atoms. Furthermore, it uses a geometry-dependent charge calculation scheme that accounts appropriately for polarization effect which can play an important role in interacting systems. It was found that H-modified porous graphene membrane with pore diameter (short side) of about 3.75 Å has excellent selectivity for CO2/H2 separation. The mechanism of gas penetration through the sub-nanometer pore was presented for the first time. The accuracy of MD simulation results validated by valuable DFT method. The present findings show that reactive MD simulation can propose an economical means of separating gases mixture.
A Feline HFpEF Model with Pulmonary Hypertension and Compromised Pulmonary Function
Authors: Wallner Markus , Eaton Deborah M. , Berretta Remus M. , Borghetti Giulia , Wu Jichuan , Baker Sandy T. , Feldsott Eric A. , Sharp Thomas E. , Mohsin Sadia , Oyama Mark A. , von Lewinski Dirk , Post Heiner , Wolfson Marla R. , Houser Steven R.
Published: November 2017

Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) represents a major public health problem. The causative mechanisms are multifactorial and there are no effective treatments for HFpEF, partially attributable to the lack of well-established HFpEF animal models. We established a feline HFpEF model induced by slow-progressive pressure overload. Male domestic short hair cats (n = 20), underwent either sham procedures (n = 8) or aortic constriction (n = 12) with a customized pre-shaped band. Pulmonary function, gas exchange, and invasive hemodynamics were measured at 4-months post-banding. In banded cats, echocardiography at 4-months revealed concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, left atrial (LA) enlargement and dysfunction, and LV diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function, which subsequently led to elevated LV end-diastolic pressures and pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, LV diastolic dysfunction was associated with increased LV fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, elevated NT-proBNP plasma levels, fluid and protein loss in pulmonary interstitium, impaired lung expansion, and alveolar-capillary membrane thickening. We report for the first time in HFpEF perivascular fluid cuff formation around extra-alveolar vessels with decreased respiratory compliance. Ultimately, these cardiopulmonary abnormalities resulted in impaired oxygenation. Our findings support the idea that this model can be used for testing novel therapeutic strategies to treat the ever growing HFpEF population.
Interaction profiling of RNA-binding ubiquitin ligases reveals a link between posttranscriptional regulation and the ubiquitin system
Authors: Hildebrandt Andrea , Alanis-Lobato Gregorio , Voigt Andrea , Zarnack Kathi , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Beli Petra , König Julian
Published: November 2017

RNA-binding ubiquitin ligases (RBULs) have the potential to link RNA-mediated mechanisms to protein ubiquitylation. Despite this, the cellular functions, substrates and interaction partners of most RBULs remain poorly characterized. Affinity purification (AP) combined with quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is a powerful approach for analyzing protein functions. Mapping the physiological interaction partners of RNA-binding proteins has been hampered by their intrinsic properties, in particular the existence of low-complexity regions, which are prone to engage in non-physiological interactions. Here, we used an adapted AP approach to identify the interaction partners of human RBULs harboring different RNA-binding domains. To increase the likelihood of recovering physiological interactions, we combined control and bait-expressing cells prior to lysis. In this setup, only stable interactions that were originally present in the cell will be identified. We exploit gene function similarity between the bait proteins and their interactors to benchmark our approach in its ability to recover physiological interactions. We reveal that RBULs engage in stable interactions with RNA-binding proteins involved in different steps of RNA metabolism as well as with components of the ubiquitin conjugation machinery and ubiquitin-binding proteins. Our results thus demonstrate their capacity to link posttranscriptional regulation with the ubiquitin system.
Non-staining visualization of embryogenesis and energy metabolism in medaka fish eggs using near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging
Authors: Puangchit Paralee , Ishigaki Mika , Yasui Yui , Kajita Misato , Ritthiruangdej Pitiporn , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: November 2017

The energy metabolism and embryogenesis of fertilized Japanese medaka eggs were investigatedin vivoat the molecular level using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and imaging.
Optically controlled reversible protein hydrogels based on photoswitchable fluorescent protein Dronpa
Authors: Lyu Shanshan , Fang Jing , Duan Tianyu , Fu Linglan , Liu Junqiu , Li Hongbin
Published: November 2017

Exploiting the optically controlled association and dissociation behavior of a photoswitchable fluorescent protein, Dronpa145N, here we demonstrate the engineering of an optically switchable reversible protein hydrogel using Dronpa145N-based protein building blocks.
Two-color vibrational imaging of glucose metabolism using stimulated Raman scattering
Authors: Long Rong , Zhang Luyuan , Shi Lingyan , Shen Yihui , Hu Fanghao , Zeng Chen , Min Wei
Published: November 2017

A two-color vibrational imaging technique for simultaneously mapping glucose uptake and incorporation activity inside living cells is reported.
Electrospun CuAl2O4 hollow nanofibers as visible light photocatalyst with enhanced activity and excellent stability under acid and alkali conditions
Authors: Zhang Jian , Shao Changlu , Li Xinghua , Xin Jiayu , Yang Shu , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2017

Electrospun CuAl2O4 hollow nanofibers are reported with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity and excellent stability under acid and alkali conditions.
Alkaline electrolyte: toward high-quality CdTe films with the assistance of strong complexing agent and organic base
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Wu Weibing , Liu Yueyi , Yang Weijie , Chen Wenwen , Zhao Jizuo
Published: November 2017

CdTe films were electrochemically deposited from an alkaline solution with the assistance of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH).
High-pressure glass formation of a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide homologues
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Takekiyo Takahiro , Koyama Yoshihiro , Takaku Mayumi , Yamamura Misaho , Kikuchi Natsumi , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Funamori Nobumasa , Matsuishi Kiyoto , Abe Hiroshi , Hamaya Nozomu
Published: November 2017

[Cnmim][TFSI] resists external pressure and retains the local liquid structure, as if a sponge absorbs a stimulus.
Platinum for hydrogen sensing: surface and grain boundary scattering antagonistic effects in Pt@Au core–shell nanoparticle assemblies prepared using a Langmuir–Blodgett method
Authors: Rajouâ K. , Baklouti L. , Favier F.
Published: November 2017

Resistive hydrogen sensing performances and mechanism strongly depend on the Pt shell thickness in Pt@Au nanoparticle assemblies.
Theoretical interpretation of Warburg's impedance in unsupported electrolytic cells
Authors: Barbero G.
Published: November 2017

We discuss the origin of Warburg's impedance in unsupported electrolytic cells containing only one group of positive and one group of negative ions.
Crossed beam polyatomic reaction dynamics: recent advances and new insights
Authors: Pan Huilin , Liu Kopin , Caracciolo Adriana , Casavecchia Piergiorgio
Published: November 2017

This review summarizes the developments in polyatomic reaction dynamics, focusing on reactions of unsaturated hydrocarbons with O-atoms and methane with atoms/radicals.
Syntheses, crystal structures, DFT calculations, protein interaction and anticancer activities of water soluble dipicolinic acid-imidazole based oxidovanadium(iv) complexes
Authors: Biswal Debanjana , Pramanik Nikhil Ranjan , Chakrabarti Syamal , Drew Michael G. B. , Acharya Krishnendu , Chandra Swarnendu
Published: November 2017

The supramolecular architectures, protein binding studies and anticancer activities of water soluble oxidovanadium(iv) complexes are reported.
Accessing multimetallic complexes with a phosphorus(i) zwitterion
Authors: Kosnik Stephanie C. , Nascimento Maxemilian C. , Binder Justin F. , Macdonald Charles L. B.
Published: November 2017

The synthesis of a zwitterionic triphosphenium molecule which acts as a multidentate donor with various zero-velent transition metal complexes is presented. These mono- and bimetallic complexes can either be bound through the P(i) center or through the cyclopentadienyl moiety on the backbone of the molecule.
Passivation of the surface imperfection of TiO2 by using ZIF-8 for efficient carrier separation/transfer
Authors: Pi Haotian , Zhang Dantong , Zhang Xinmeng , Jin Zhao , Zhang Lei , Cui Xiaoqiang , Zheng Weitao
Published: November 2017

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a promising chance for energy generation on a global scale.
Green synthesis of a new layered aluminium citraconate: crystal structures, intercalation behaviour towards H2O and in situ PXRD studies of its crystallisation
Authors: Heidenreich Niclas , Lieb Alexandra , Stock Norbert , Reinsch Helge
Published: November 2017

A new aluminium citraconate CAU-15-Cit shows reversible de-/rehydration and its synthesis was followed by in situ PXRD using synchrotron radiation.
A covalently conjugated MoS2/Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite as an efficient & reusable catalyst for H2 production
Authors: Jaiswal Manish K. , Gupta Uttam , Vishnoi Pratap
Published: November 2017

Quick and easy recovery without the loss of the photocatalytic activity of the catalysing agent is an effective way to meet the challenges associated with the high cost of hazard-free hydrogen production.
Correction: Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1−xRexO2 solid solution
Authors: Mikhailova D. , Kuratieva N. V. , Utsumi Y. , Tsirlin A. A. , Abakumov A. M. , Schmidt M. , Oswald S. , Fuess H. , Ehrenberg H.
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1−xRexO2 solid solution’ by D. Mikhailova, et al., Dalton Trans., 2017, 46, 1606–1617.
Embedding liquid lasers within or around aqueous microfluidic droplets
Authors: Zheng Lu , Zhi Min , Chan Yinthai , Khan Saif A.
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate the incorporation of dye-based liquid lasers within or around flowing aqueous microfluidic droplets, which make them capable of on drop optofluidic sensing.
Adsorption of diclofenac on a magnetic adsorbent based on maghemite: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Leone V. O. , Pereira M. C. , Aquino S. F. , Oliveira L. C. A. , Correa S. , Ramalho T. C. , Gurgel L. V. A. , Silva A. C.
Published: November 2017

Maghemite nanoparticles synthesized by one-pot synthesis adsorb diclofenac efficiently.
A designed synthesis of multifunctional carbon nanoframes for simultaneous imaging and synergistic chemo-photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Wei Xuan , Zhang Lingyu , Li Shengnan , Chen Xiangjun , Zhang Manjie , Wang Chungang , Wang Tingting , Li Lu
Published: November 2017

A simple synthetic route was developed to fabricate mesoporous carbon nanoframes for simultaneous photoacoustic imaging and synergistic chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.
Correction: Biodistribution of upconversion/magnetic silica-coated NaGdF4:Yb3+/Er3+ nanoparticles in mouse models
Authors: Kostiv Uliana , Rajsiglová Lenka , Luptáková Dominika , Pluháček Tomáš , Vannucci Luca , Havlíček Vladimír , Engstová Hana , Jirák Daniel , Šlouf Miroslav , Makovicky Peter , Sedláček Radislav , Horák Daniel
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Biodistribution of upconversion/magnetic silica-coated NaGdF4:Yb3+/Er3+ nanoparticles in mouse models’ by Uliana Kostiv et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 45997–46006.
Rodent vertical sleeve gastrectomy alters maternal immune health and fetoplacental development
Authors: Spann Redin A. , Lawson William J. , Bidwell Gene L. , Zamarripa C. Austin , Maranon Rodrigo O. , Bandyopadhyay Sibali , Taylor Erin R. , Reckelhoff Jane F. , Garrett Michael R. , Grayson Bernadette E.
Published: November 2017

Bariatric surgery is increasingly employed to improve fertility and reduce obesity-related co-morbidities in obese women. Surgical weight loss not only improves the chance of conception but reduces the risk of pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and macrosomia. However, bariatric procedures increase the incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), fetal demise, thromboembolism, and other gestational disorders. Using our rodent model of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), we tested the hypothesis that VSG in diet-induced, obese dams would cause immune and placental structural abnormalities that may be responsible for fetal demise during pregnancy. VSG dams studied on gestational day (G) 19 had reduced circulating T-cell (CD3+ and CD8+) populations compared with lean or obese controls. Further, local interleukin (IL) 1β and IL 1 receptor antagonist (il1rn) cmRNA were increased in placenta of VSG dams. Placental barrier function was also affected, with increased transplacental permeability to small molecules, increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression, and increased apoptosis in VSG. Furthermore, we identified increased placental mTOR signaling that may contribute to preserving the body weight of the fetuses during gestation. These changes occurred in the absence of a macronutrient deficit or gestational hypertension in the VSG dams. In summary, previous VSG in dams may contribute to fetal demise by affecting maternal immune system activity and compromise placental integrity.
Fast and robust homography estimation method with algebraic outlier rejection
Authors: Qi Naixin , Zhang Shengxiu , Cao Lijia , Yang Xiaogang , Li Chuanxiang , He Chuan
Published: November 2017

To solve the homography estimation problem containing outliers and noise, a fast, robust, and accurate method is proposed. In this method, the outliers are rejected based on the differing characteristics of algebraic errors between outliers and inliers, and the homography is estimated by minimising the residual vector. The advantage of this method is in integrating the outlier rejection into the estimation pipeline. The computational complexity of the proposed method is not increased, and the random sample consensus algorithm is not needed to extract the inliers, as was previously necessary. Since the outlier rejection process is based on an algebraic criterion without computing the re‐projection error at each step, the speed of the proposed method is improved. Several simulations based on synthetic and real images illustrate the performance of the proposed method in terms of subjective visual quality, objective quality measurement, and computational time. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves accurate, efficient and robust homography estimation under different image transformation degrees and different outlier ratios.