bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple combination of a protic salt and an iron halide: precursor for a Fe, N and S co-doped catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Hoque Mahfuzul , Zhang Shiguo , Thomas Morgan L. , Li Zhe , Suzuki Soma , Ando Ayumi , Yanagi Masato , Kobayashi Yoshio , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: December 2017

A simple and robust strategy for an Fe based oxygen reduction catalyst using a protic salt and an iron halide.
pH-Activated nanoparticles with targeting for the treatment of oral plaque biofilm
Authors: Zhou Zhongzheng , Hu Fang , Hu Shihao , Kong Ming , Feng Chao , Liu Ya , Cheng Xiaojie , Ji Qiuxia , Chen Xiguang
Published: December 2017

Oral plaque biofilms are highly resilient microbial assemblies that are challenging to eradicate. We described the pH-positive, doxycycline (DOX)-loaded nanocarriers to combat multidrug-resistant pathogenic biofilms.
Engineering optical defects in biopolymer photonic lattices
Authors: Colusso Elena , De Ferrari Fabio , Minzioni Paolo , Martucci Alessandro , Wang Yu , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: December 2017

We report the design, fabrication and characterization of a silk inverse opal with engineered photonic bandgap.
The contraction of PEDOT films formed on a macromolecular liquid-like surface
Authors: Ouyang Liangqi , Jafari Mohammad J. , Cai Wanzhu , Aguirre Luis Ever , Wang Chuanfei , Ederth Thomas , Inganäs Olle
Published: December 2017

Vapour phase polymerized PEDOT on the oxidizer layer adopts a neutral benzenoid structure. After solvent rinsing, the polymer chain is deprotonated and rearranged, giving rise to doped quinoid structure and partly contributing to the contraction of the film.
PEPSI deep spectra
Authors: Strassmeier K. G. , Ilyin I. , Steffen M.
Published: December 2017

Context. Full-disk solar flux spectra can be directly compared to stellar spectra and thereby serve as our most important reference source for, for example stellar chemical abundances, magnetic activity phenomena, radial-velocity signatures or global pulsations.

Aim. As part of the first Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument (PEPSI) key-science project, we aim to provide well-exposed and average-combined (viz. deep) high-resolution spectra of representative stellar targets. Such deep spectra contain an overwhelming amount of information, typically much more than what could be analyzed and discussed within a single publication. Therefore, these spectra will be made available in form of (electronic) atlases. The first star in this series of papers is our Sun. It also acts as a system-performance cornerstone.

Methods. The Sun was monitored with PEPSI at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). Instead of the LBT we used a small robotic solar disk integration (SDI) telescope. The deep spectra in this paper are the results of combining up to ≈100 consecutive exposures per wavelength setting and are compared with other solar flux atlases.

Results. Our software for the optimal data extraction and reduction of PEPSI spectra is described and verified with the solar data. Three deep solar flux spectra with a spectral resolution of up to 270 000, a continuous wavelength coverage from 383 nm to 914 nm, and a photon signal to noise ratio (S/N) of between 2000–8000:1 depending on wavelength are presented. Additionally, a time-series of 996 high-cadence spectra in one cross disperser is used to search for intrinsic solar modulations. The wavelength calibration based on Th-Ar exposures and simultaneous Fabry–Pérot combs enables an absolute wavelength solution within 10 m s−1 (rms) with respect to the HARPS laser-comb solar atlas and a relative rms of 1.2 m s−1 for one day. For science demonstration, we redetermined the disk-average solar Li abundance to 1.09 ± 0.04 dex on the basis of 3D NLTE model atmospheres. We detected disk-averaged p-mode RV oscillations with a full amplitude of 47 cm s−1 at 5.5 min.

Conclusions. Comparisons with two solar FTS atlases, as well as with the HARPS solar atlas, validate the PEPSI data product. Now, PEPSI/SDI solar-flux spectra are being taken with a sampling of one deep spectrum per day, and are supposed to continue a full magnetic cycle of the Sun.
Global hot-star wind models for stars from Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Krtička J. , Kubát J.
Published: December 2017

We provide mass-loss rate predictions for O stars from Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. We calculate global (unified, hydrodynamic) model atmospheres of main sequence, giant, and supergiant stars for chemical composition corresponding to Magellanic Clouds. The models solve radiative transfer equation in comoving frame, kinetic equilibrium equations (also known as NLTE equations), and hydrodynamical equations from (quasi-)hydrostatic atmosphere to expanding stellar wind. The models allow us to predict wind density, velocity, and temperature (consequently also the terminal wind velocity and the mass-loss rate) just from basic global stellar parameters. As a result of their lower metallicity, the line radiative driving is weaker leading to lower wind mass-loss rates with respect to the Galactic stars. We provide a formula that fits the mass-loss rate predicted by our models as a function of stellar luminosity and metallicity. On average, the mass-loss rate scales with metallicity as Ṁ ~ Z0.59. The predicted mass-loss rates are lower than mass-loss rates derived from Hα diagnostics and can be reconciled with observational results assuming clumping factor Cc = 9. On the other hand, the predicted mass-loss rates either agree or are slightly higher than the mass-loss rates derived from ultraviolet wind line profiles. The calculated P v ionization fractions also agree with values derived from observations for LMC stars with Teff ≤ 40 000 K. Taken together, our theoretical predictions provide reasonable models with consistent mass-loss rate determination, which can be used for quantitative study of stars from Magellanic Clouds.
Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed C–H Alkynylation of Heterocycles under Chelation Assistance
Authors: Liu Congjun , Liu Yanping , Chang Feng , Jiang Qiaojuan , Ma Zhiwei
Published: December 2017

An efficient ruthenium(II)-catalyzed, chelation-assisted C–H alkynylation of heterocycles is described using hypervalent iodine–alkyne as an alkynylating reagent. This reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions with high regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance, delivering the desired alkynylated indoles, thiophene, furan, and pyrrole in high yields.
A Comparative Assessment of Modern Cyclization Methods of Substituted Alkynyl Esters, Ethers, and Acids
Authors: Melen Rebecca , Soltani Yashar , Wilkins Lewis
Published: December 2017

Naturally occurring heterocycles such as pyrones, dihydropyrones, and isocoumarins have proven to be highly active biological agents with a vast plethora of applications. Therefore, their synthesis has attracted mentionable notice in recent decades. Of particular synthetic use is the cyclization of substituted alkynyl esters. More recently, main group compounds have been studied to affect this synthetic pathway giving access to a large family of heterocyclic derivatives.
Acute Kidney Injury in Neonatal Sepsis: Risk Factors, Clinical Profile, and Outcome
Authors: Kumar Sudeep , Kaur Charanjeet , Chellani Harish , Arya Sugandha
Published: December 2017

Objective This study aims to determine the proportion of cases of neonatal sepsis developing acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods This is a prospective observational study conducted in the nursery of a tertiary care center in Northern India during October 2012 to March 2014. Newborns with symptoms suggestive of sepsis were investigated. Those with congenital renal anomalies and negative for sepsis were excluded from the study. Newborns with sepsis were treated accordingly and observed for AKI until discharge or death. Acute Kidney Injury Network definition was used to define AKI in this study.

Results A total of 310 neonates with sepsis were enrolled out of which 3.87% neonates developed AKI. Factors such as maternal age, sex, birth weight, gestational age, asphyxia, the risk factor of sepsis in the mother, meconium-stained liquor, and mode of delivery were not found to be associated with AKI. Meningitis (p < 0.05) was found to be significantly associated with AKI. Duration of stay was longer for those with AKI (p < 0.01), but the mortality rate did not differ significantly among those with AKI and those without AKI. Around 25% of cases were found to be AKI stage 1, 25% of cases were AKI stage 2, and 50% of cases were AKI stage 3.

Conclusion It is difficult to predict AKI based on clinical features, so it is better to screen all the neonates with sepsis for AKI so that they can be managed accordingly, as AKI detected early has a better prognosis.
Radiographically Confirmed Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Pediatric Patients Prior to Pneumococcal Vaccination in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Dhruba , Raya Ganendra , Prajapati Amar , Dhaubhadel Suruchi , Puri Sushmita , Regmi Dybesh
Published: December 2017

Background The massive burden of pediatric pneumonia is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries where immunization programs are absent or recently been implemented. The objective of this study was to describe the number of hospitalizations and outcomes of children aged 1 month to 10 years with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, in semi-rural Nepal.

Methods This retrospective study was undertaken prior to the implementation of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV) program in Bhaktapur district of Nepal. Chart review of children with CAP, defined as the presence of symptoms, physical examination findings compatible with bacterial pneumonia together with lobar consolidation on chest X-ray (CXR), was performed. Data extracted included laboratory parameters and blood cultures on admission, antibiotic treatment, and length of hospital stay, as well as complications, such as death, intensive care unit admission, pleural effusion, and empyema. Outcomes assessed were clinical improvement accompanied by radiological improvement of consolidation.

Results During the study period, 367 patients were admitted with pneumonia, of which, 74 (20%) had definite CXR evidence of lobar pneumonia. A total of 86.5% of the cases were children < 5 years of age. Admission blood cultures from all patients were negative. More than 80% of patients had white blood cell (WBC) counts >11,000/mm3 and ≥ 75% neutrophils. The highest number of cases presented between February and July. Forty-three of 45 patients responded to crystalline penicillin (CP), and 25/27 patients treated with cefotaxime also responded; the mean duration of treatment was 10 ± 2.3 days. There were no deaths. None of the patients developed empyema, sepsis, or pleural effusion or required intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions CAP in pre-PCV semi-rural Nepal mostly affects male children < 5 years old and peaks between March and May. In-hospital treatment with CP or cefotaxime is effective.
Zellregulatoren gegen Krebs: Granatapfel, Curcuma, Brokkoli
Authors: Jacob Ludwig
Published: December 2017

Nicht nur körpereigene Substanzen, auch die in unseren Lebensmitteln enthaltenen sekundären Pflanzenstoffe üben regulierende Funktionen auf unsere Zellen, deren Stoffwechsel und Zellsignalwege aus. Als besonders wirkungsvoll und gut erforscht haben sich dabei Curcumin aus der Gelbwurz, Granatapfel-Polyphenole und Sulforaphan aus Brokkoli erwiesen. Granatapfel-Polyphenole wirken vor allem gegen hormonabhängige Krebserkrankungen wie Prostata- und Brustkrebs besonders günstig. Sie wirken anti-östrogen und mildern über die Hemmung des Transkriptionsfaktors NF-kappaB Entzündungen und oxidativen Stress, die z. B. bei Prostatakrebs eine entscheidende Rolle spielen. Neben einer Hemmung von Tumorzellwachstum und Metastasierung wirken sie der Tumorgefäßneubildung entgegen und fördern eine Redifferenzierung oder die Apoptose von Krebszellen. Die Wirkungen sind dabei für eine Tagesdosis von etwa 600 mg Granatapfel-Polyphenolen nachgewiesen. Curcumin wirkt auf eine Vielzahl von Zellsignalwegen und Transkriptionsfaktoren ein und bremst auf diese Art u. a. das Wachstum von Krebszellen. Besonders gut klinisch belegt ist Curcumin als Phospholipidkomplex. Hier haben sich je nach Indikation Curcumin-Dosen ab 200 mg (1000 mg Curcumin-Phospholipid) pro Tag in 30 klinischen Studien an 2000 Teilnehmern als wirksam erwiesen. Brokkoli-Sulforaphan beeinflusst Zellzyklus, Apoptose, Entzündungsgeschehen, antioxidative Abwehr und allgemein Zellsignalwege über epigenetische Mechanismen und wirkt so gegen Krebs. Um das Sulforaphan für den Körper verfügbar zu machen, ist das Enzym Myrosinase erforderlich. Dieses ist z. B. in Meerrettich, Wasabi, rohen Brokkolisprossen und den Samen bestimmter alter Brokkolisorten enthalten.
Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog „Rehabilitation, Physikalische Medizin, Naturheilverfahren“ (RPMN) – revidierte Fassung
Authors: Mau Wilfried , Liebl Max , Deck Ruth , Lange Uwe , Smolenski Ulrich , Walter Susanne , Gutenbrunner Christoph
Published: December 2017

Seit der ersten Publikation der Lernziele für den Querschnittsbereich „Rehabilitation, Physikalische Medizin, Naturheilverfahren (RPMN)“ im Medizinstudium im Jahr 2004 ist auf Grund heterogener Lehrangebote an den Fakultäten sowie neuer Impulse v. a. aus dem „Nationalen Kompetenzbasierten Lernzielkatalog Medizin (NKLM)“ und dem „Masterplan Medizinstudium 2020“ eine Revision sinnvoll. Deshalb haben die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rehabilitationswissenschaften e. V. und die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation e. V. in einem strukturierten Konsensprozess nach der DELPHI-Methodik die Lernziele reduziert und übersichtlicher gegliedert. Besonders relevante Lernziele werden hervorgehoben. Alle Lernziele werden der kognitiven und Methodenkompetenz (Level 1 „Kennen und Können“) bzw. der Handlungskompetenz (Level 2 „Beherrschen“) zugeordnet. Auf die Lernziele im weniger detaillierten NKLM wird konkret verwiesen. Mit diesem revidierten Lernzielkatalog wird ein Beitrag zur Weiterentwicklung der kompetenzbasierten und in Kernbereichen homogeneren humanmedizinischen Lehre zu RPMN an den Fakultäten geleistet.
Influence of neutral pressure on instability enhanced friction and ion velocities at the sheath edge of two-ion-species plasmas
Authors: Adrian P. J. , Baalrud S. D. , Lafleur T.
Published: December 2017

The Instability Enhanced Friction theory [Baalrud et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 205002 (2009)] is extended to account for the influence of neutral pressure in predicting the flow speed of each ion species at the sheath edge of plasmas containing two ion species. Particle-in-cell simulations show that the theory accurately predicts both the neutral pressure cutoff of ion-ion two-stream instabilities and the ion flow speeds at the sheath edge as pressure is varied over several orders of magnitude. The simulations are used to directly calculate the instability-enhanced ion-ion friction force. At sufficiently high neutral pressure, the simulations also provide evidence for collisional modifications to the Bohm criterion.
Direct numerical simulation of supersonic turbulent boundary layer subjected to a curved compression ramp
Authors: Tong Fulin , Li Xinliang , Duan Yanhui , Yu Changping
Published: December 2017

Numerical investigations on a supersonic turbulent boundary layer over a longitudinal curved compression ramp are conducted using direct numerical simulation for a free stream Mach number M∞ = 2.9 and Reynolds number Reθ = 2300. The total turning angle is 24°, and the concave curvature radius is 15 times the thickness of the incoming turbulent boundary layer. Under the selected conditions, the shock foot is transferred to a fan of the compression wave because of the weaker adverse pressure gradient. The time-averaged flow-field in the curved ramp is statistically attached where the instantaneous flow-field is close to the intermittent transitory detachment state. Studies on coherent vortex structures have shown that large-scale vortex packets are enhanced significantly when the concave curvature is aligned in the spanwise direction. Consistent with findings of previous experiments, the effect of the concave curvature on the logarithmic region of the mean velocity profiles is found to be small. The intensity of the turbulent fluctuations is amplified across the curved ramp. Based on the analysis of the Reynolds stress anisotropy tensor, the evolutions of the turbulence state in the inner and outer layers of the boundary layer are considerably different. The curvature effect on the transport mechanism of the turbulent kinetic energy is studied using the balance analysis of the contributing terms in the transport equation. Furthermore, the Görtler instability in the curved ramp is quantitatively analyzed using a stability criterion. The instantaneous streamwise vorticity confirms the existence of the Görtler-like structures. These structures are characterized by an unsteady motion. In addition, the dynamic mode decomposition analysis of the instantaneous flow field at the spanwise/wall-normal plane reveals that four dynamical relevant modes with performance loss of 16% provide an optimal low-order representation of the essential characteristics of the numerical data. The spatial structures of the dominated low-frequency dynamic modes are found to be similar to that of the Görtler-like vortices.
Analysing magnetism using scanning SQUID microscopy
Authors: Reith P. , Renshaw Wang X. , Hilgenkamp H.
Published: December 2017

Scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy (SSM) is a scanning probe technique that images local magnetic flux, which allows for mapping of magnetic fields with high field and spatial accuracy. Many studies involving SSM have been published in the last few decades, using SSM to make qualitative statements about magnetism. However, quantitative analysis using SSM has received less attention. In this work, we discuss several aspects of interpreting SSM images and methods to improve quantitative analysis. First, we analyse the spatial resolution and how it depends on several factors. Second, we discuss the analysis of SSM scans and the information obtained from the SSM data. Using simulations, we show how signals evolve as a function of changing scan height, SQUID loop size, magnetization strength, and orientation. We also investigated 2-dimensional autocorrelation analysis to extract information about the size, shape, and symmetry of magnetic features. Finally, we provide an outlook on possible future applications and improvements.
Defect-related temperature dependence of THz emission from GaAs/AlGaAs MQWs grown on off- and on-axis substrates
Authors: Afalla Jessica P. C. , de los Reyes Alexander , Mag-usara Valynn Katrine , Lopez Lorenzo P. , Yamamoto Kohji , Tani Masahiko , Somintac Armando S. , Salvador Arnel A. , Estacio Elmer S.
Published: December 2017

Simultaneous molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells on two different substrates (one on GaAs (100) and another on a GaAs substrate misoriented by 4° in the (111) direction) resulted in samples of similar structure, but having different defect profiles. The on-axis sample had a higher defect density and more types of electron traps than the off-axis counterpart. Temperature-dependent terahertz (THz) emission and temperature-dependent photoluminescence were measured; in both cases, an intensity quenching was observed between 75 K – 250 K for the on-axis sample, but not in the off-axis sample. We attribute the THz emission quenching to the electron traps present in the sample, which decreases the photocarriers participating in setting up the surface field.
Broadband acoustic logic gates in a circular waveguide with multiple ports
Authors: Zuo Cheng-yi , Xia Jian-ping , Sun Hong-xiang , Ge Yong , Yuan Shou-qi , Liu Xiao-jun
Published: December 2017

We report both experimentally and numerically that a broadband acoustic logic gate is realized by multi-port circular waveguides immersed in air. The logic functions OR, NOT, AND, XOR, and XNOR are realized by the three-port and four-port circular waveguides with a uniform threshold in the range of 3640 Hz–8920 Hz, which arises from the linear interference mechanism by adjusting the phase difference and propagation path between two input signals. Besides, the complex logic NOR and NAND functions are obtained by the cascading of two basic logic gates, and interesting applications of the logic calculus C + A × B by the four-port circular waveguide are discussed in detail. Compared with other acoustic logic gates, the device has the advantages of broad bandwidth, uniform threshold, simple structure, and easy connection, which provides diverse routes to construct devices for acoustic communication and computation.
Analysis of 3D vortex motion in a dusty plasma
Authors: Mulsow M. , Himpel M. , Melzer A.
Published: December 2017

Dust clusters of about 50–1000 particles have been confined near the sheath region of a gaseous radio-frequency plasma discharge. These compact clusters exhibit a vortex motion which has been reconstructed in full three dimensions from stereoscopy. Smaller clusters are found to show a competition between solid-like cluster structure and vortex motion, whereas larger clusters feature very pronounced vortices. From the three-dimensional analysis, the dust flow field has been found to be nearly incompressible. The vortices in all observed clusters are essentially poloidal. The dependence of the vorticity on the cluster size is discussed. Finally, the vortex motion has been quantitatively attributed to radial gradients of the ion drag force.
Positron radiography of ignition-relevant ICF capsules
Authors: Williams G. J. , Chen Hui , Field J. E. , Landen O. L. , Strozzi D. J.
Published: December 2017

Laser-generated positrons are evaluated as a probe source to radiograph in-flight ignition-relevant inertial confinement fusion capsules. Current ultraintense laser facilities are capable of producing 2 × 1012 relativistic positrons in a narrow energy bandwidth and short time duration. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the unique characteristics of such positrons allow for the reconstruction of both capsule shell radius and areal density between 0.002 and 2 g/cm2. The energy-downshifted positron spectrum and angular scattering of the source particles are sufficient to constrain the conditions of the capsule between preshot and stagnation. We evaluate the effects of magnetic fields near the capsule surface using analytic estimates where it is shown that this diagnostic can tolerate line integrated field strengths of 100 T mm.
High detectivity visible-blind SiF4 grown epitaxial graphene/SiC Schottky contact bipolar phototransistor
Authors: Chava Venkata S. N. , Barker Bobby G. , Balachandran Anusha , Khan Asif , Simin G. , Greytak Andrew B. , Chandrashekhar M. V. S.
Published: December 2017

We report the performance of a bipolar epitaxial graphene (EG)/p-SiC/n+-SiC UV phototransistor fabricated with a Schottky (EG)/SiC junction grown using a SiF4 precursor. The phototransistor showed responsivity as high as 25 A/W at 250 nm in the Schottky emitter (SE) mode. The Schottky collector (SC) mode showed a responsivity of 17 A/W at 270 nm with a visible rejection (270 nm:400 nm)>103. The fastest response was seen in the SC-mode, with 10 ms turn-on and 47 ms turn-off, with a noise equivalent power of 2.3 fW at 20 Hz and a specific detectivity of 4.4 × 1013 Jones. The high responsivity is due to internal gain from bipolar action. We observe additional avalanche gain from the device periphery in the SC-mode by scanning photocurrent microscopy but not in the SE-mode. This high-performance visible-blind photodetector is attractive for advanced applications such as flame detection.
A high-resolution combined scanning laser and widefield polarizing microscope for imaging at temperatures from 4 K to 300 K
Authors: Lange M. , Guénon S. , Lever F. , Kleiner R. , Koelle D.
Published: December 2017

Polarized light microscopy, as a contrast-enhancing technique for optically anisotropic materials, is a method well suited for the investigation of a wide variety of effects in solid-state physics, as, for example, birefringence in crystals or the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). We present a microscopy setup that combines a widefield microscope and a confocal scanning laser microscope with polarization-sensitive detectors. By using a high numerical aperture objective, a spatial resolution of about 240 nm at a wavelength of 405 nm is achieved. The sample is mounted on a 4He continuous flow cryostat providing a temperature range between 4 K and 300 K, and electromagnets are used to apply magnetic fields of up to 800 mT with variable in-plane orientation and 20 mT with out-of-plane orientation. Typical applications of the polarizing microscope are the imaging of the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization via the longitudinal and polar MOKE, imaging of magnetic flux structures in superconductors covered with a magneto-optical indicator film via the Faraday effect, or imaging of structural features, such as twin-walls in tetragonal SrTiO3. The scanning laser microscope furthermore offers the possibility to gain local information on electric transport properties of a sample by detecting the beam-induced voltage change across a current-biased sample. This combination of magnetic, structural, and electric imaging capabilities makes the microscope a viable tool for research in the fields of oxide electronics, spintronics, magnetism, and superconductivity.
Comparative emergency department resource utilisation across age groups
Authors: Burkett Ellen , Martin-Khan Melinda G. , Gray Leonard C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess comparative emergency department (ED) resource utilisation across age groups. Methods A retrospective analysis of data collected in the National Non-admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database was undertaken to assess comparative ED resource utilisation across six age groups (0–14, 15–35, 36–64, 65–74, 75–84 and ≥85 years) with previously used surrogate markers of ED resource utilisation. Results Older people had significantly higher resource utilisation for their individual ED episodes of care than younger people, with the effect increasing with advancing age. Conclusion With ED care of older people demonstrated to be more resource intensive than care for younger people, the projected increase in older person presentations anticipated with population aging will have a magnified effect on ED services. These predicted changes in demand for ED care will only be able to be optimally managed if Australian health policy, ED funding instruments and ED models of care are adjusted to take into account the specific care and resource needs of older people. What is known about the topic? Current Australian ED funding models do not adjust for patient age. Several regional studies have suggested higher resource utilisation of ED patients aged ≥65 years. Anticipated rapid population aging mandates that contribution of age to ED visit resource utilisation be further explored. What does this paper add? The present study of national Australian ED presentations compared ED resource utilisation across age groups using surrogate markers of ED cost. Older people were found to have significantly higher resource utilisation in the ED, with the effect increasing further with advancing age. What are the implications for practitioners? The higher resource utilisation of older people in the ED warrants a review of current ED funding models to ensure that they will continue to meet the needs of an aging population.
The impact of extreme climatic events on pasture-based dairy systems: a review
Authors: Chang-Fung-Martel J. , Harrison M. T. , Rawnsley R. , Smith A. P. , Meinke H.
Published: December 2017

Extreme climatic events such as heat waves, extreme rainfall and prolonged dry periods are a significant challenge to the productivity and profitability of dairy systems. Despite projections of more frequent extreme events, increasing temperatures and reduced precipitation, studies on the impact of these extreme climatic events on pasture-based dairy systems remain uncommon. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has estimated Australia to be one of the most negatively impacted regions with additional studies estimating Australian production losses of around 16% in the agricultural sector and 9–19% between the present and 2050 in the south-eastern dairy regions of Australia due to climate change. Here we review the literature on the impact of climate change on pasture-based dairy systems with particular focus on extreme climatic events. We provide an insight into current methods for assessing and quantifying heat stress highlighting the impacts on pastures and animals including the associated potential productivity losses and conclude by outlining potential adaptation strategies for improving the resilience of the whole-farm systems to climate change. Adapting milking routines, calving systems and the introduction of heat stress tolerant dairy cow breeds are some proposed strategies. Changes in pasture production would also include alternative pasture species better adapted to climate extremes such as heat waves and prolonged periods of water deficit. In order to develop effective adaptation strategies we also need to focus on issues such as water availability, animal health and associated energy costs.
Biochemical and transcriptomic analysis of maize diversity to elucidate drivers of leaf carbon isotope composition
Authors: Kolbe Allison R. , Studer Anthony J. , Cousins Asaph B.
Published: December 2017

Carbon isotope discrimination is used to study CO2 diffusion, substrate availability for photosynthesis, and leaf biochemistry, but the intraspecific drivers of leaf carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in C4 species are not well understood. In this study, the role of photosynthetic enzymes and post-photosynthetic fractionation on δ13C (‰) was explored across diverse maize inbred lines. A significant 1.3‰ difference in δ13C was observed between lines but δ13C did not correlate with in vitro leaf carbonic anhydrase (CA), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), or ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity. RNA-sequencing was used to identify potential differences in post-photosynthetic metabolism that would influence δ13C; however, no correlations were identified that would indicate significant differences in post-photosynthetic fractionation between lines. Variation in δ13C has been observed between C4 subtypes, but differential expression of NADP-ME and PEP-CK pathways within these lines did not correlate with δ13C. However, co-expression network analysis provided novel evidence for isoforms of C4 enzymes and putative transporters. Together, these data indicate that diversity in maize δ13C cannot be fully explained by variation in CA, PEPC, or Rubisco activity or gene expression. The findings further emphasise the need for future work exploring the influence of stomatal sensitivity and mesophyll conductance on δ13C in maize.
Structure-based prediction of ligand–protein interactions on a genome-wide scale
Authors: Hwang Howook , Dey Fabian , Petrey Donald , Honig Barry
Published: December 2017

Significance

The ability to identify protein targets for different ligands would have enormous impact on drug discovery, both in the repurposing of known drugs and in the identification of off-targets. Moreover, identifying small-molecule binding sites and associating potential ligands with those sites is important in protein function annotation. The methods described in this paper are designed to accomplish these goals. They rely heavily on the use of protein structural alignment to detect relationships not available from sequence alone and use a measure of protein–ligand interaction similarity to determine whether proteins with similar shapes are likely to bind similar ligands. We present results that compare favorably with existing methods using an approach that can be applied on a genome-wide scale.
Network analysis identifies chromosome intermingling regions as regulatory hotspots for transcription
Authors: Belyaeva Anastasiya , Venkatachalapathy Saradha , Nagarajan Mallika , Shivashankar G. V. , Uhler Caroline
Published: December 2017

Significance

We develop a network analysis approach for identifying clusters of interactions between chromosomes, which we validate experimentally. Our method integrates 1D features of the genome, such as epigenetic marks, with 3D interactions, allowing us to study spatially colocalized regions between chromosomes that are functionally relevant. We observe that clusters of interchromosomal regions fall into active and inactive categories. We find that active clusters share transcription factors and are enriched for transcriptional machinery, suggesting that chromosome intermingling regions play a key role in genome regulation. Our method provides a unique quantitative framework that can be broadly applied to study the principles of genome organization and regulation during processes such as cell differentiation and reprogramming.
Perception and misperception of surface opacity
Authors: Marlow Phillip J. , Kim Juno , Anderson Barton L.
Published: December 2017

Significance

One of the most perplexing problems in vision science is to understand how the visual system computes the reflectance and transmittance properties of different materials despite variability in 3D shape and illumination. We show that 3D shape can play a decisive role in the perception of surface opacity and that gross misperceptions of surface opacity can arise for specific surface geometries and light fields. We argue that the perception of surface opacity depends on the relationship between intensity and 3D surface orientation and show that this relationship can play a decisive role in modulating the perception of surface opacity, independently of the true physical characteristics of materials.
FKBP12 contributes to α-synuclein toxicity by regulating the calcineurin-dependent phosphoproteome
Authors: Caraveo Gabriela , Soste Martin , Cappelletti Valentina , Fanning Saranna , van Rossum Damian B. , Whitesell Luke , Huang Yanmei , Chung Chee Yeun , Baru Valeriya , Zaichick Sofia , Picotti Paola , Lindquist Susan
Published: December 2017

Calcineurin is an essential Ca
2+
-dependent phosphatase. Increased calcineurin activity is associated with α-synuclein (α-syn) toxicity, a protein implicated in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Calcineurin can be inhibited with Tacrolimus through the recruitment and inhibition of the 12-kDa
cis-trans
proline isomerase FK506-binding protein (FKBP12). Whether calcineurin/FKBP12 represents a native physiologically relevant assembly that occurs in the absence of pharmacological perturbation has remained elusive. We leveraged α-syn as a model to interrogate whether FKBP12 plays a role in regulating calcineurin activity in the absence of Tacrolimus. We show that FKBP12 profoundly affects the calcineurin-dependent phosphoproteome, promoting the dephosphorylation of a subset of proteins that contributes to α-syn toxicity. Using a rat model of PD, partial elimination of the functional interaction between FKBP12 and calcineurin, with low doses of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compound Tacrolimus, blocks calcineurin’s activity toward those proteins and protects against the toxic hallmarks of α-syn pathology. Thus, FKBP12 can endogenously regulate calcineurin activity with therapeutic implications for the treatment of PD.
Impact of insecticide resistance in
Anopheles arabiensis
on malaria incidence and prevalence in Sudan and the costs of mitigation
Authors: Kafy Hmooda Toto , Ismail Bashir Adam , Mnzava Abraham Peter , Lines Jonathan , Abdin Mogahid Shiekh Eldin , Eltaher Jihad Sulieman , Banaga Anuar Osman , West Philippa , Bradley John , Cook Jackie , Thomas Brent , Subramaniam Krishanthi , Hemingway Janet , Knox Tessa Bellamy , Malik Elfatih M. , Yukich Joshua O. , Donnelly Martin James , Kleinschmidt Immo
Published: December 2017

Significance

Emerging insecticide resistance in malaria vectors could presage a catastrophic rebound in malaria morbidity and mortality. In areas of moderate levels of resistance to pyrethroids, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) with a carbamate insecticide were significantly more effective than IRS with pyrethroid insecticide. The impact on the effectiveness of LLINs could not be quantified. The incremental cost of using a carbamate insecticide to which vectors are susceptible was US $0.65 per person protected per year, which is considered acceptable by international standards. While the WHO recommends that different interventions, where possible, should use different insecticide classes, these data alone should not be used as the basis for a policy change in vector control interventions.
Early endosome as a pathogenic target for antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies
Authors: Hou Songwang , Fölsch Heike , Ke Ke , Cook Mills Joan , Ramsey-Goldman Rosalind , Zhao Ming
Published: December 2017

Significance

Autoimmunity against phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was first reported more than three decades ago. Since then, a growing body of literature has documented the prevalence of aPE in a number of clinical conditions including thrombosis and repeated pregnancy loss, but the cellular target of anti-PE antibodies has remained elusive. The study presented here shows that the cellular vulnerability to PE binding is mediated by interactions that occur in the endosomal compartment, which lead to the activation of inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, our results provide knowledge about the pathogenic mechanism of aPE and have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this autoimmune condition.
Molecular mechanism for the subversion of the retromer coat by the
Legionella
effector RidL
Authors: Romano-Moreno Miguel , Rojas Adriana L. , Williamson Chad D. , Gershlick David C. , Lucas María , Isupov Michail N. , Bonifacino Juan S. , Machner Matthias P. , Hierro Aitor
Published: December 2017

Significance

Deciphering microbial virulence mechanisms is of fundamental importance for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Legionella pneumophila
, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ pneumonia, hijacks a variety of host cell factors during intracellular growth. Herein, we uncovered the molecular mechanism by which the
L. pneumophila
effector RidL targets the host VPS29, a scaffolding protein of endosome-associated sorting machineries. Using X-ray crystallography, we determined the structure of RidL, both alone and in complex with retromer. We found that RidL uses a hairpin loop similar to that present in cellular ligands to interact with retromer. This sophisticated molecular mimicry allows RidL to outcompete cellular ligands for retromer binding, explaining how
L. pneumophila
utilizes the endosomal sorting machinery to facilitate targeting of effector proteins.
Proteasomes tether to two distinct sites at the nuclear pore complex
Authors: Albert Sahradha , Schaffer Miroslava , Beck Florian , Mosalaganti Shyamal , Asano Shoh , Thomas Henry F. , Plitzko Jürgen M. , Beck Martin , Baumeister Wolfgang , Engel Benjamin D.
Published: December 2017

Significance

This study compares the native structures of cytosolic and nuclear proteasomes, visualized directly within cells. The assembly states and functional states of proteasomes in each compartment were similar, indicating comparable levels of proteolytic activity per proteasome. Nuclear proteasomes were tethered to two different sites at the nuclear pore complex (NPC): the inner nuclear membrane and the NPC basket. Structural analysis revealed mechanistic details of the two tethering interactions. These results present direct evidence that proteasomes bind at NPCs, establishing a cellular hub for protein degradation at the gateway between the nucleus and cytoplasm. This work demonstrates how cryo-electron tomography can reveal biological mechanisms by directly observing the interactions between molecular complexes within the native cellular environment.
Status and function of the English language in Qatar: a social semiotic perspective
Authors: Alkhatib Hadeel
Published: December 2017

This paper gives an overview of the role(s) that the English language plays in the Qatari community. Firstly, it reviews the areas displaying the decisive role of the English language in Qatari society through a social semiotic analysis of a set of political cartoons published in the two best-selling Qatari newspapers, Al Sharq (The East) and Al Raya (The Banner), during the period of 2011–2014 in which a flurry of activity, in terms of both economic and linguistic changes, took place in Qatar. Secondly, it discusses the implications that the unequivocal priority given to the English language may have for Arab native speakers in the country by utilizing Foucault's concept of heterotopia. This paper concludes that English has occupied an influential role in Qatari society and has created a sense of estrangement among Arabic native residents of the country.
Oscillation and nonoscillation criteria for second-order nonlinear difference equations of Euler type
Authors: Yamaoka Naoto
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with the oscillatory behavior of solutions of difference equations corresponding to second-order nonlinear differential equations of Euler type. The obtained results are represented as a pair of oscillation and nonoscillation criteria, and are best possible in a certain sense. Linear difference equations corresponding to the Riemann–Weber version of the Euler differential equation and its extended equations play an important role in proving our results. The proofs of our results are based on the Riccati technique and the phase plane analysis of a system.
Quantifying carbon fluxes from primary production to mesopelagic fish using a simple food web model
Authors: Anderson Thomas R , Martin Adrian P , Lampitt Richard S , Trueman Clive N , Henson Stephanie A , Mayor Daniel J
Published: December 2017

An ecosystem-based flow analysis model was used to study carbon transfer from primary production (PP) to mesopelagic fish via three groups of copepods: detritivores that access sinking particles, vertical migrators, and species that reside in the surface ocean. The model was parameterized for 40°S to 40°N in the world ocean such that results can be compared with recent estimates of mesopelagic fish biomass in this latitudinal range, based on field studies using acoustic technologies, of ∼13 Gt (wet weight). Mesopelagic fish production was predicted to be 0.32% of PP which, assuming fish longevity of 1.5 years, gives rise to predicted mesopelagic fish biomass of 2.4 Gt. Model ensembles were run to analyse the uncertainty of this estimate, with results showing predicted biomass >10 Gt in only 8% of the simulations. The work emphasizes the importance of migrating animals in transferring carbon from the surface ocean to the mesopelagic zone. It also highlights how little is known about the physiological ecology of mesopelagic fish, trophic pathways within the mesopelagic food web, and how these link to PP in the surface ocean. A deeper understanding of these interacting factors is required before the potential for utilizing mesopelagic fish as a harvestable resource can be robustly assessed.
Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Affect Metabolic Changes Seen With ART Initiation
Authors: Muhammad Josh , Chan Ellen S , Brown Todd T , Tebas Pablo , McComsey Grace A , Melbourne Kathleen , Hardin Royce , Willig Amanda L , Yin Michael T , Ribaudo Heather , Overton Edgar Turner
Published: December 2017

Background

Insulin resistance and lipid changes are common after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Observational studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of developing diabetes and improves lipid profiles.

Methods

This 48-week prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated high-dose vitamin D3 (4000 IU daily) plus calcium supplementation (1000 mg calcium carbonate daily) in HIV-infected participants initiating ART with efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir (EFV/FTC/TDF). Changes in insulin resistance (as estimated by homeostatic model assessment), fasting lipid profile, and components of the metabolic syndrome were assessed at baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks. Stratified Wilcoxon rank sum tests and stratified normal score tests were used to evaluate differences between treatment arms, stratified by screening 25-OH vitamin D stratum (≤/>20 ng/mL).

Results

A total of 165 participants enrolled: 79 in the vitamin D/calcium (Vit D/Cal) arm and 86 in the placebo arm. Only the placebo arm experienced a modest increase in insulin resistance at week 24 (P < .001). While increases in total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significant in both arms at weeks 24 and 48, increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at week 24 were only identified in the placebo arm (P = .011). Body mass index remained stable, whereas modest increases in waist circumference were observed in the placebo arm. Metabolic syndrome was present in 19 participants (12%) at baseline and 20 participants (14%) at week 48, without differences between arms.

Conclusions

Vit D/Cal supplementation over 48 weeks did not alter the lipid profile or glucose metabolism experienced with initiation of EFV/FTC/TDF in ART-naïve persons. Vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to be an effective strategy to attenuate metabolic dysregulations with ART initiation.
Characterizing the Liquid-liquid Phase Co-existence in Biomembrane: Insights from Local Non-affine Deformation and Topological Rearrangements
Authors: Iyer Sahithya S. , Tripathy Madhusmita , Srivastava Anand
Published: December 2017

Lateral heterogeneities in bio-membranes play a crucial role in various physiological functions of the cell. Such heterogeneities lead to demixing of lipid constituents and formation of distinct liquid domains in the membrane. We study lateral heterogeneities in terms of the topological rearrangements of lipids, to identify liquid-liquid phase co-existence in model membranes. By quantifying the degree of non-affineness associated with individual lipid, we are able to characterize the liquid ordered (Lo) and liquid disordered (Ld) phases in model lipid bilayers, without any prior knowledge on chemical identity of the lipids. We explore the usage of this method on all atom and coarse-grained lipid bilayer trajectories. This method is helpful in defining the instantaneous Lo-Ld domain boundaries in complex multi-component bilayer systems. The characterization can also highlight the effect of line-active molecules on the phase boundaries and domain mixing. Overall, we propose a framework to explore the molecular origin of spatial and dynamical heterogeneity in bio-membranes systems, which can not only be exploited in computer simulation, but also in experiments.