bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Cold Card” to Guide Responders in the Assessment and Care of Cold-Exposed Patients
Authors: Giesbrecht Gordon G.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

A concise, easy-to-use decision aid “Cold Card” that can be carried in the field by wilderness search and rescue teams or medical responders to advise on assessment and care of cold-exposed patients was created.

Methods

A 2-sided card was designed to summarize the important principles established by the Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for hypothermia. The card was continually updated through feedback from several content experts. The card was then distributed for further feedback from members of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada and enrollees of the Baby It's Cold Outside web-based educational program. This additional feedback was used to create the final iteration of the card.

Results

On the front “ASSESS COLD PATIENT” side, the level of cold exposure or hypothermia is accomplished by evaluating (as either normal or impaired function) consciousness, movement, shivering, and alertness on a series of concentric rings. The important treatment actions are provided for each cold-exposure level. The back “CARE FOR COLD PATIENT” side provides the required elements and principles of use for a hypothermia wrap. The Cold Card is available for free download and unlimited use for education or in-field instruction by any individual or group. The card should be printed on heavy, waterproof stock (13×18 cm) for use in all weather conditions.

Conclusions

Key elements of hypothermia evaluation and field care have been summarized on a small portable card for laypersons, trained rescuers, and first responders.
Improvement of gram-negative susceptibility to fluoroquinolones after implementation of a pre-authorization policy for fluoroquinolone use: A decade-long experience
Authors: Lee Rachael A. , Scully Morgan C. , Camins Bernard C. , Griffin Russell L. , Kunz Danielle F. , Moser Stephen A. , Hoesley Craig J. , McCarty Todd P. , Pappas Peter G.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Due to concerns over increasing fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance among gram-negative organisms, our stewardship program implemented a preauthorization use policy. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between hospital FQ use and antibiotic resistance.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Large academic medical center.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of FQ susceptibility of hospital isolates for 5 common gram-negative bacteria: Acinetobacter spp., Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Primary endpoint was the change of FQ susceptibility. A Poisson regression model was used to calculate the rate of change between the preintervention period (1998–2005) and the postimplementation period (2006–2016).

Results

Large rates of decline of FQ susceptibility began in 1998, particularly among P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and E. cloacae. Our FQ restriction policy improved FQ use from 173 days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 patient days to <60 DOT per 1,000 patient days. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility increased for Acinetobacter spp. (rate ratio [RR], 1.038; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005–1.072), E. cloacae (RR, 1.028; 95% CI, 1.013–1.044), and P. aeruginosa (RR, 1.013; 95% CI, 1.006–1.020). No significant change in susceptibility was detected for K. pneumoniae (RR, 1.002; 95% CI, 0.996–1.008), and the susceptibility for E. coli continued to decline, although the decline was not as steep (RR, 0.981; 95% CI, 0.975–0.987).

Conclusions

A stewardship-driven FQ restriction program stopped overall declining FQ susceptibility rates for all species except E. coli. For 3 species (ie, Acinetobacter spp, E. cloacae, and P. aeruginosa), susceptibility rates improved after implementation, and this improvement has been sustained over a 10-year period.
Transmission of resistant Gram-negative bacteria to healthcare personnel gowns and gloves during care of residents in community-based nursing facilities
Authors: Blanco Natalia , Johnson J. Kristie , Sorkin John D. , Lydecker Alison D. , Levy Lauren , Mody Lona , Roghmann Mary-Claire
Published: October 2018

Objective

To estimate the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (RGNB) to gowns and gloves worn by healthcare personnel (HCP) when providing care to residents of community-based nursing facilities to identify the types of care and resident characteristics associated with transmission.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Settings and participants

Residents and HCP from 13 community-based nursing facilities in Maryland and Michigan.

Methods

Perianal swabs were collected from residents and cultured to detect RGNB. HCP wore gowns and gloves during usual care activities, and at the end of each interaction, these were swabbed in a standardized manner. Transmission of RGNB from a colonized resident to gowns and gloves was estimated. Odds ratios (ORs) of transmission associated with type of care or resident characteristic were calculated.

Results

We enrolled 403 residents and their HCP in this study. Overall, 19% of enrolled residents with a perianal swab (n=399) were colonized with at least 1 RGNB. RGNB transmission to either gloves or gowns occurred during 11% of the 584 interactions. Showering the resident, hygiene or toilet assistance, and wound dressing changes were associated with a high risk of transmission. Glucose monitoring and assistance with feeding or medication were associated with a low risk of transmission. Residents with a pressure ulcer were 3 times more likely to transmit RGNB than residents without one (OR, 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–11.1).

Conclusions

Gown and glove use in community nursing facilities should be prioritized for certain residents and care interactions that are deemed a high risk for transmission.
Differential subsidence in the urbanised coastal-deltaic plain of the Netherlands
Authors: Koster Kay , Stafleu Jan , Stouthamer Esther
Published: October 2018

The urbanised peat-rich coastal-deltaic plain of the Netherlands is severely subsiding due to human-induced phreatic groundwater level lowering, as this causes peat layers to compress and oxidise. To determine the potential susceptibility of this area to future subsidence by peat compression and oxidation, the effects of lowering present-day phreatic groundwater levels were quantitatively evaluated using a subsidence model. Input were a 3D geological subsurface voxel-model, modelled phreatic groundwater levels, and functions for peat compression and oxidation. Phreatic groundwater levels were lowered by 0.25 and 0.5m, and the resulting peat compression and oxidation over periods of 15 and 30 years were determined. The model area comprised the major cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and their surrounding agricultural lands.

The results revealed that for these scenarios agricultural areas may subside between 0.3 and 0.8m; potential subsidence in Amsterdam and Rotterdam is considerably lower, less than 0.4m. This is due to the presence of several metres thick anthropogenic brought-up soils overlying the peat below the urban areas, which has already compressed the peat to a depth below groundwater level, and thus minimises further compression and oxidation. In agricultural areas peat is often situated near the surface, and is therefore highly compressible and prone to oxidation. The averaged subsidence rates for the scenarios range between 7 and 13mma−1, which is corresponds to present-day rates of subsidence in the peat areas of the Netherlands. These results contrast with the trend of coastal-deltaic subsidence in other deltas, with cities subsiding faster than agricultural areas. This difference is explained by the driver of subsidence: in other deltas, subsidence of urban areas is mainly due to deep aquifer extraction, whereas in the Netherlands subsidence is due to phreatic groundwater level lowering.
Is political knowledge unique?
Authors: Burnett Craig M. , McCubbins Mathew D.
Published: October 2018

Survey research shows that voters know very little about politics. Left unexamined is whether political knowledge is a distinct type of knowledge when compared to other subjects. We seek to establish a baseline by putting political knowledge into a broader context. We show that our respondents’ knowledge about politics is similar in construction to their knowledge about other subjects, such as shopping, sports, popular culture, geography, economics, and the rules of the road. We conclude that knowledge of politics largely resides on the same dimension as other knowledge topics, implying that knowledge of politics is not a unique construct.
FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOOD: ANTHROPOMETRIC
TRAJECTORIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRONIC
DISEASES IN GUATEMALA
Authors: Ng Carmen D.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this paper was to study nutritional
status and growth, as measured by height and weight,
over the life course and their connection with
chronic diseases in Guatemala, a country with high
levels of child undernutrition and adult
overnutrition, using data from the Institute of
Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP)
Nutrition Trial Cohort study. The study sample
comprised a birth cohort of 1570 individuals who had
data in the original 1969–1977 survey as well as the
2002–2004 follow-up, allowing for an analysis of the
nutritional transition from childhood to adulthood.
The associations between childhood and adulthood
anthropometrics were analysed, and the links of
these with chronic disease indicators were assessed
using multiple regression analysis and structural
equation modelling. Moving upwards in nutritional
status from childhood to adulthood was observed
frequently in the study population. Unlike sex and
place of residence, early anthropometrics were not
generally found to be associated with adult body
mass index (BMI). However, direct relationships were
found between childhood nutritional status and
growth and adulthood high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood
glucose. Furthermore, these relationships were not
mediated by BMI. The findings were not sensitive to
the metric of childhood anthropometrics, as the use
of length-for-age, weight-for-age and
weight-for-length all resulted in similar
conclusions. These relationships demonstrate the
importance of early childhood conditions for
later-life outcomes. However, the lack of such
relationships for blood pressure suggests that the
biological links between childhood anthropometrics
and various chronic diseases might vary.
Semi-analytical inspection of the quasi-linear absorption of lower hybrid wave in presence of -particles in tokamak reactor
Authors: Cardinali A. , Castaldo C. , Ricci R.
Published: October 2018

In a reactor plasma like demonstration power station (DEMO), when using the radio frequency (RF) for heating or current drive in the lower hybrid (LH) frequency range (Frankeet al.,Fusion Engng Des., vol. 96–97, 2015, p. 46; Cardinaliet al.,Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion, vol. 59, 2017, 074002), a large fraction of the ion population (the continuously born$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$-particle, and/or the neutral beam injection (NBI) injected ions) is characterized by a non-thermal distribution function. The interaction (propagation and absorption) of the LH wave must be reformulated by considering the quasi-linear approach for each species separately. The collisional slowing down of such an ion population in a background of an electron and ion plasma is balanced by a quasi-linear diffusion in velocity space due to the propagating electromagnetic wave. In this paper, both propagations are considered by including the ion distribution function, solution of the Fokker–Planck equation, which describes the collisional dynamics of the$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$-particles including the effects of frictional slowing down, energy diffusion and pitch-angle scattering. Analytical solutions of the Fokker–Planck equation for the distribution function of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$-particles with a background of ions and electrons at steady state are included in the calculation of the dielectric tensor. In the LH frequency domain, ray tracing (including quasi-linear damping), can be analytically solved by iterating with the Fokker–Planck solution, and the interaction of the LH wave with$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$-particles, thermal ions and electrons can be accounted self-consistently and the current drive efficiency can be evaluated in this more general scenario.
Word superiority effect for native Chinese readers and low-proficiency Chinese learners
Authors: CHEN LIN , PERFETTI CHARLES , LENG YING , LI YOU
Published: October 2018

Written word recognition in Chinese links the perception of individual characters with whole words. With experience in reading, a high-quality word representation can provide top-down influence on the perception of its constituent characters, thus producing a word superiority effect (WSE). In experiments using the Reicher–Wheeler paradigm, we examined the WSE in two-character words for native Chinese readers (Experiment 1) and low-proficiency adult Chinese learners with Thai (Experiment 2a) and Indonesian (Experiment 2b) as native language backgrounds. For native Chinese readers, the WSE was smaller for high-frequency than low-frequency characters, reflecting rapid access to more frequently experienced characters and a consequent reduction of top-down word-level effects. Learners of Chinese, however, showed a strong WSE for both low-frequency and high-frequency characters, reflecting less well-established character representations combined with word-level knowledge sufficient to support character recognition. The results suggest that native Chinese readers develop strong representations at both the character and the word level, while low-proficiency Chinese learners are more dependent on the word level. We discuss the possibility that a word-level emphasis Chinese foreign language instruction is one reason for this pattern.
Optimal sliding mode control design based on the state-dependent Riccati equation for cooperative manipulators to increase dynamic load carrying capacity
Authors: Korayem A. H. , Nekoo S. R. , Korayem M. H.
Published: October 2018

Cooperative manipulators have uncertainties in their structure; therefore, an optimal sliding mode control method is derived from a combination of the sliding mode control (SMC) and the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique. This proposed combination is applied to a class of non-linear closed-loop systems. One of the distinguished features of this control method is its robustness toward uncertainty. Due to the lack of optimality in the SMC method, in this paper, a robust and optimal method is presented by considering the SDRE in design of the sliding surface. Due to the fact that cooperative manipulators have been used for carrying loads, the percentage of load distributions between each manipulator has been derived to increase the dynamic load carrying capacity (DLCC). The proposed control structure is implemented on a Scout robot with two manipulators in cooperative mode, theoretically and practically using LabVIEW software; and the results were compared by considering the uncertainty in its structure. In comparison with the SDRE, the proposed method increased the DLCC almost 10% in the Scout case.
Design, analysis and optimization of Hex4, a new 2R1T overconstrained parallel manipulator with actuation redundancy
Authors: Xu Lingmin , Chen Genliang , Ye Wei , Li Qinchuan
Published: October 2018

PMs with two rotations and one translation (2R1T) have been used as skeletons in various advanced manufacturing equipment where high accuracy and stiffness are basic requirements. Considering the advantages of redundant actuation and overconstrained structure, such as reduced singularities and improved stiffness, a new 2R1T overconstrained PM with actuation redundancy, called Hex4, is proposed in this paper. This is a 2-PUR/2-RPU PM (wherePdenotes an actuated prismatic joint, U a universal joint, and R a revolute joint) that is actuated by four prismatic joints. Compared with some existing 2R1T overconstrained PMs with actuation redundancy, the main advantage of the proposed PM is that the heavy motors of two limbs are mounted on the base to reduce the movable mass and improve dynamic response. First, mobility analysis, inverse kinematics, and velocity analysis are presented. Then, the local transmission index and good transmission workspace are used to evaluate the motion/force transmissibility of the Hex4 PM. The variation tendencies of the two indices with different link parameters are investigated. The singularity is then discussed by considering the motion/force transmissibility. Finally, link parameters are optimized to obtain an improved good transmission workspace. It is shown that the proposed PM has a good potential for high precision applications.
A High‐Resolution Belemnite Geochemical Analysis of Early Cretaceous (Valanginian‐Hauterivian) Environmental and Climatic Perturbations
Authors: Price Gregory D. , Janssen Nico M. M. , Martinez Mathieu , Company Miguel , Vandevelde Justin H. , Grimes Stephen T.
Published: October 2018

The Early Cretaceous Weissert event, characterized by a positive carbon isotope excursion and coincident with the Paraná‐Etendeka volcanism, saw a biogeochemical chain of events that ultimately led to an increase in carbon burial. A conclusive link between the Paraná‐Etendeka volcanism and its impact upon the environment remains, however, elusive. Here we reconstruct temperature through the Weissert event from Mg/Ca ratios of belemnites from the Vocontian Trough (France) and SE Spain and use carbon isotopes to link our temperature reconstruction to marine records of carbon cycling. We provide evidence that the Paraná‐Etendeka volcanism, unlike some large igneous provinces, did not cause a climate warming. The case can be made for cooling in the last stages of the Weissert event, which possibly reflects substantial CO2 drawdown. In the absence of warming and consequent accelerated hydrological cycling and the relatively long duration of the eruptive phase of the Paraná‐Etendeka, an alternate trigger for increased fertilization of the oceans is implicated.
Fasting enhances extinction retention and prevents the return of fear in humans
Authors: Shi Le , Deng Jiahui , Chen Sijing , Que Jianyu , Sun Yekun , Wang Zhong , Guo Xiaojie , Han Ying , Zhou Yuxin , Zhang Xiujun , Xie Wen , Lin Xiao , Shi Jie , Lu Lin
Published: October 2018

Fear is prone to return following extinction that is the basis of exposure therapy for fear-related disorders. Manipulations that enhance the extinction process can be beneficial for treatment. Animal studies have shown that fasting or caloric restriction can enhance extinction and inhibit the return of fear. The present study examined the effects of fasting on fear acquisition, extinction, and the return of fear in humans. One hundred and twenty-five male participants were randomized into a fasting group and food group and exposed to a Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm. Changes in plasma cortisol and ghrelin levels were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. One-night fasting had no effect on fear acquisition but enhanced fear extinction retention and prevented the return of fear, and this effect persisted for at least 6 months. This procedure was also effective for remote fear memory. Plasma ghrelin levels were elevated after fasting and had a negative relationship with the fear response in spontaneous recovery test. However, overnight fasting did not affect cortisol levels. These findings indicate that fasting enhances extinction retention and prevents the return of fear, without influencing fear memory formation. We propose that this novel procedure may open new avenues for promoting extinction-based therapies for fear-related disorders.
Mitochondrial fusion and Bid-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis are perturbed by alcohol with distinct dependence on its metabolism
Authors: Naghdi Shamim , Slovinsky William S , Madesh Muniswamy , Rubin Emanuel , Hajnóczky György
Published: October 2018

Environmental stressors like ethanol (EtOH) commonly target mitochondria to influence the cell’s fate. Recent literature supports that chronic EtOH exposure suppresses mitochondrial dynamics, central to quality control, and sensitizes mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to promote cell death. EtOH-induced tissue injury is primarily attributed to its toxic metabolic products but alcoholism also impairs tissues that poorly metabolize EtOH. We embarked on studies to determine the respective roles of EtOH and its metabolites in mitochondrial fusion and tBid-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. We used HepG2 cells that do not metabolize EtOH and its engineered clone that expresses EtOH-metabolizing Cytochrome P450 E2 and alcohol dehydrogenase (VL-17A cells). We found that fusion impairment by prolonged EtOH exposure was prominent in VL-17A cells, probably owing to reactive oxygen species increase in the mitochondrial matrix. There was no change in fusion protein abundance, mitochondrial membrane potential or Ca2+ uptake. By contrast, prolonged EtOH exposure promoted tBid-induced outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and cell death only in HepG2 cells, owing to enhanced Bak oligomerization. Thus, mitochondrial fusion inhibition by EtOH is dependent on its metabolites, whereas sensitization to tBid-induced death is mediated by EtOH itself. This difference is of pathophysiological relevance because of the tissue-specific differences in EtOH metabolism.
Steering is an essential feature of non-locality in quantum theory
Authors: Ramanathan Ravishankar , Goyeneche Dardo , Muhammad Sadiq , Mironowicz Piotr , Grünfeld Marcus , Bourennane Mohamed , Horodecki Paweł
Published: October 2018

A physical theory is called non-local when observers can produce instantaneous effects over distant systems. Non-local theories rely on two fundamental effects: local uncertainty relations and steering of physical states at a distance. In quantum mechanics, the former one dominates the other in a well-known class of non-local games known as XOR games. In particular, optimal quantum strategies for XOR games are completely determined by the uncertainty principle alone. This breakthrough result has yielded the fundamental open question whether optimal quantum strategies are always restricted by local uncertainty principles, with entanglement-based steering playing no role. In this work, we provide a negative answer to the question, showing that both steering and uncertainty relations play a fundamental role in determining optimal quantum strategies for non-local games. Our theoretical findings are supported by an experimental implementation with entangled photons.
Mrp1 is involved in lipid presentation and iNKT cell activation by Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Chandra Shilpi , Gray James , Kiosses William B. , Khurana Archana , Hitomi Kaori , Crosby Catherine M. , Chawla Ashu , Fu Zheng , Zhao Meng , Veerapen Natacha , Richardson Stewart K. , Porcelli Steven A. , Besra Gurdyal , Howell Amy R. , Sharma Sonia , Peters Bjoern , Kronenberg Mitchell
Published: October 2018

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) are activated by lipid antigens presented by CD1d, but the pathway leading to lipid antigen presentation remains incompletely characterized. Here we show a whole-genome siRNA screen to elucidate the CD1d presentation pathway. A majority of gene knockdowns that diminish antigen presentation reduced formation of glycolipid-CD1d complexes on the cell surface, including members of the HOPS and ESCRT complexes, genes affecting cytoskeletal rearrangement, and ABC family transporters. We validated the role in vivo for the multidrug resistance protein 1 (Mrp1) in CD1d antigen presentation. Mrp1 deficiency reduces surface clustering of CD1d, which decreased iNKT cell activation. Infected Mrp1 knockout mice show decreased iNKT cell responses to antigens fromStreptococcus pneumoniaeand were associated with increased mortality. Our results highlight the unique cellular events involved in lipid antigen presentation and show how modification of this pathway can lead to lethal infection.
CRISPR knockout screening identifies combinatorial drug targets in pancreatic cancer and models cellular drug response
Authors: Szlachta Karol , Kuscu Cem , Tufan Turan , Adair Sara J. , Shang Stephen , Michaels Alex D. , Mullen Matthew G. , Fischer Natasha Lopes , Yang Jiekun , Liu Limin , Trivedi Prasad , Stelow Edward B. , Stukenberg P. Todd , Parsons J. Thomas , Bauer Todd W. , Adli Mazhar
Published: October 2018

Predicting the response and identifying additional targets that will improve the efficacy of chemotherapy is a major goal in cancer research. Through large-scale in vivo and in vitro CRISPR knockout screens in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells, we identified genes whose genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition synergistically increase the cytotoxicity of MEK signaling inhibitors. Furthermore, we show that CRISPR viability scores combined with basal gene expression levels could model global cellular responses to the drug treatment. We develop drug response evaluation by in vivo CRISPR screening (DREBIC) method and validated its efficacy using large-scale experimental data from independent experiments. Comparative analyses demonstrate that DREBIC predicts drug response in cancer cells from a wide range of tissues with high accuracy and identifies therapeutic vulnerabilities of cancer-causing mutations to MEK inhibitors in various cancer types.
Lipopolysaccharide-affinity copolymer senses the rapid motility of swarmer bacteria to trigger antimicrobial drug release
Authors: Lu Shengtao , Bi Wuguo , Du Quanchao , Sinha Sheetal , Wu Xiangyang , Subrata Arnold , Bhattacharjya Surajit , Xing Bengang , Yeow Edwin K. L.
Published: October 2018

An intelligent drug release system that is triggered into action upon sensing the motion of swarmer P. mirabilis is introduced. The rational design of the drug release system focuses on a pNIPAAm-co-pAEMA copolymer that prevents drug leakage in a tobramycin-loaded mesoporous silica particle by covering its surface via electrostatic attraction. The copolymer chains are also conjugated to peptide ligands YVLWKRKRKFCFI-NH2 that display affinity to Gram-negative bacteria. When swarmer P. mirabilis cells approach and come in contact with the particle, the copolymer-YVLWKRKRKFCFI-NH2 binds to the lipopolysaccharides on the outer membrane of motile P. mirabilis and are stripped off the particle surface when the cells move away; hence releasing tobramycin into the swarmer colony and inhibiting its expansion. The release mechanism is termed Motion-Induced Mechanical Stripping (MIMS). For swarmer B. subtilis, the removal of copolymers from particle surfaces via MIMS is not apparent due to poor adherence between bacteria and copolymer-YVLWKRKRKFCFI-NH2 system.
Complex genetics of female fertility
Authors: Gajbhiye Rahul , Fung Jenny N. , Montgomery Grant W.
Published: October 2018

Variation in reproductive lifespan and female fertility have implications for health, population size and ageing. Fertility declines well before general signs of menopause and is also adversely affected by common reproductive diseases, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Understanding the factors that regulate the timing of puberty and menopause, and the relationships with fertility are important for individuals and for policy. Substantial genetic variation exists for common traits associated with reproductive lifespan and for common diseases influencing female fertility. Genetic studies have identified mutations in genes contributing to disorders of reproduction, and in the last ten years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have transformed our understanding of common genetic contributions to these complex traits and diseases. These studies have made great progress towards understanding the genetic factors contributing to variation in traits and diseases influencing female fertility. The data emerging from GWAS demonstrate the utility of genetics to explain epidemiological observations, revealing shared biological pathways linking puberty timing, fertility, reproductive ageing and health outcomes. Many variants implicate DNA damage/repair genes in variation in the age at menopause with implications for follicle health and ageing. In addition to the discovery of individual genes and pathways, the increasingly powerful studies on common genetic risk factors help interpret the underlying relationships and direction of causation in the regulation of reproductive lifespan, fertility and related traits.
Association between body mass index and fatty liver risk: A dose-response analysis
Authors: Fan Rui , Wang Jufang , Du Jinman
Published: October 2018

Body mass index (BMI) is associated with fatty liver risk, however, the dose-response relationship between continuous BMI changes and fatty liver risk has not been clearly defined. In this study, a cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 3202 individuals were included. Unconditional logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model were used to analyze the dose-response association of BMI with fatty liver risk. After adjusting for confounding factors (age, gender, hypertension, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, uric acid, homocysteine, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase), overweight (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.49–5.06,P = 2.79 × 10−12), obesity (OR = 7.59, 95% CI: 4.91–11.71,P = 6.56 × 10−20) were significantly related to fatty liver risk. Stratified by gender (male/female), age (<50 years/≥50 years), prevalence of hypertension (yes/no), the above association was still significant (P = 0.004 or lower). In dose-response analysis, BMI was statistically significantly associated with fatty liver risk in a nonlinear fashion (approximately J-shaped fashion,Pnonlinearity = 1.71 × 10−4or lower) in the total population and all subgroups mentioned above. Findings from this dose-response analysis suggest that higher BMI (overweight/obesity) is an independent, dose-dependent risk factor for fatty liver, and prevention of fatty liver focusing on continuous changes in BMI should be noted.
Strain-induced nonlinear spin Hall effect in topological Dirac semimetal
Authors: Araki Yasufumi
Published: October 2018

We show that an electric field applied to a strained topological Dirac semimetal, such as Na3Bi and Cd3As2, induces a spin Hall current that is quadratic in the electric field. By regarding the strain as an effective “axial magnetic field” for the Dirac electrons, we investigate the electron and spin transport semiclassically in terms of the chiral kinetic theory. The nonlinear spin Hall effect arises as the cross effect between the regular Hall effect driven by the axial magnetic field and the anomalous Hall effect coming from the momentum-space topology. It provides an efficient way to generate a fully spin-polarized and rectified spin current out of an alternating electric field, which is sufficiently large and can be directly tuned by the gate voltage and the strain.
An underwater observation dataset for fish classification and fishery assessment
Authors: McCann Erin , Li Liling , Pangle Kevin , Johnson Nicholas , Eickholt Jesse
Published: October 2018

Using Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON), fishery acoustic observation data was collected from the Ocqueoc River, a tributary of Lake Huron in northern Michigan, USA. Data were collected March through July 2013 and 2016 and included the identification, via technology or expert analysis, of eight fish species as they passed through the DIDSON’s field of view. A set of short DIDSON clips containing identified fish was curated. Additionally, two other datasets were created that include visualizations of the acoustic data and longer DIDSON clips. These datasets could complement future research characterizing the abundance and behavior of valued fishes such as walleye (Sander vitreus) or white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) or invasive fishes such as sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) or European carp (Cyprinus carpio). Given the abundance of DIDSON data and the fact that a portion of it is labeled, these data could aid in the creation of machine learning tools from DIDSON data, particularly for invasive sea lamprey which are amply represented and a destructive invader of the Laurentian Great Lakes.
Fluorescence signal amplification of gold nanoclusters with silver ions
Authors: Jiang Wan , Rao Bo , Li Qinzhen , Chai Jinsong , Yang Sha , Du Yuanxin , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: October 2018

The introduction of Ag+ results in significant amplification of the fluorescence signal of water-soluble gold nanoclusters (NCs) capped by BSA (short for bull serum albumin) associated with a blueshift of the emission maximum by about 35 nm.
Redox active ligand and metal cooperation for C(sp2)–H oxidation: extension of the galactose oxidase mechanism in water-mediated amide formation
Authors: Alaji Zahra , Safaei Elham , Yi Hong , Cong Hengjiang , Wojtczak Andrzej , Lei Aiwen
Published: October 2018

Metal and ligand cooperation provides a driving force for the water-mediated oxidative transformation of imine to amide in copper and nickel complexesversusa zinc analogue.
A coordination polymer-derived Co3O4/Co–N@NMC composite material as a Zn–air battery cathode electrocatalyst and microwave absorber
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Xu Xinxin , Liu Luyao , Chen Jin , Shi Guimei
Published: October 2018

With a one-dimensional coordination polymer as a precursor, a Co–N active center-rich Co3O4-based bi-functional electrocatalyst was synthesized as a cathode for Zn–air batteries.
Enhanced photothermal reduction of gaseous CO2 over silicon photonic crystal supported ruthenium at ambient temperature
Authors: O’Brien Paul G. , Ghuman Kulbir K. , Ali Feysal M. , Sandhel Amit , Wood Thomas E. , Loh Joel Y. Y. , Jia Jia , Perovic Doug , Singh Chandra Veer , Kherani Nazir P. , Mims Charles A. , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: October 2018

Gaseous CO2 is transformed to CH4 at ambient temperature at high rates under intense solar-simulated radiation over sputtered Ru supported on Si-based photonic crystals.
Nutritional characterization and shelf-life of packaged microgreens
Authors: Paradiso Vito Michele , Castellino Maria , Renna Massimiliano , Gattullo Concetta Eliana , Calasso Maria , Terzano Roberto , Allegretta Ignazio , Leoni Beniamino , Caponio Francesco , Santamaria Pietro
Published: October 2018

Comprehensive nutritional profile of six microgreens, including proximate composition and bioactive compounds.
Unique features of the generation–recombination noise in quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals nanoribbons
Authors: Geremew Adane K. , Rumyantsev Sergey , Bloodgood Matthew A. , Salguero Tina T. , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: October 2018

We describe the low-frequency current fluctuations, i.e. electronic noise, in quasi-one-dimensional ZrTe3 van der Waals nanoribbons, which have recently attracted attention owing to their extraordinary high current carrying capacity.
In situ synthesis of Cu2O–CuO–C supported on copper foam as a superior binder-free anode for long-cycle lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lin Xiaoming , Lin Jia , Niu Jiliang , Lan Jinji , Reddy R. Chenna Krishna , Cai Yuepeng , Liu Jincheng , Zhang Gang
Published: October 2018

A multicomponent active Cu2O–CuO–C composite supported on copper foam is fabricated and exhibits greatly enhanced performance for lithium storage.
Site-selective protein conjugation at histidine
Authors: Peciak Karolina , Laurine Emmanuelle , Tommasi Rita , Choi Ji-won , Brocchini Steve
Published: October 2018

Site-selective conjugation generally requires both (i) molecular engineering of the protein of interest to introduce a conjugation site at a defined location and (ii) a site-specific conjugation technology.
Robustness assessment of the expansion of coupled electric power and natural gas networks under cascading failures
Authors: Beyza Jesus , Yusta Jose M.
Published: October 2018

Electricity and natural gas networks are critical infrastructure for society, but the robustness of coupled networks has not been evaluated, even though both systems have strong interactions. This article proposes a novel graph theory‐based methodology to assess the structural robustness of the coupled natural gas and electricity transmission networks in Spain while considering their interdependencies. Cascading failures were simulated in 22 case studies with different topologies, and the performance against random failures was evaluated. The results show that the investment programme proposed by both network operators ultimately improves the robustness of the interdependent electricity and natural gas infrastructure in Spain compared to the current system.
Modelling and simulation of photosynthetic activities in C3 plants as affected by CO2
Authors: Wang Sheng , Tang Hao , Xia Qian , Jiang Yongnian , Tan Jinglu , Guo Ya
Published: October 2018

CO2 concentration ([CO2]) in a greenhouse may be a limiting factor for plant growth. Current greenhouse CO2 control strategy usually depends on expert experience, which may control [CO2] in a moderate range but cannot make it optimal due to lack of considering plant photochemistry reactions. A state‐space kinetic model structure covering major photosynthetic reactions as affected by CO2 is useful for [CO2] control strategy development in a greenhouse because modern control theories are usually based on state‐space models. In this work, a state‐space kinetic model structure for photosynthesis was built, which describes the major reaction cascades of photophosphorylation, Calvin cycle, and biophysical processes such as CO2 transport through the stomata under moderate [CO2] range without considering photorespiration. Simulations were performed with a large range of model parameters to demonstrate the effect of [CO2] on stable sugar production and the flexibilities of the developed model structure. The results clearly show whether increasing of CO2 will lead to more production of sugar or not in different scenarios. The model structure may be extended to cover other photosynthetic influence factors such as temperature by using the well‐known Arrhenius equation.
One pod synthesis of single‐crystal silver nanowires for selective detection of Pb(II)
Authors: Dong Lihong
Published: October 2018

With tannin as both reducing and stabilising agents, high yield single‐crystalline silver (Ag) nanowires were synthesised in a simple solution system at 45–55°C. No additional capping or co‐reduction agent was required. The length of the Ag nanowires could be up to several tens of micrometres and the average diameter was 50 nm. By adjusting the temperature and pH values of the reaction system, nanoparticles were obtained as the main product. The tannin protected Ag nanowires could be used for the detection of Pb(II) ions with high sensitivity and selectivity and the detection limit could be as low as 10−8 M. This detection assay is more practical in application because of its green and low cost preparation and longer storage time at ambient conditions.
Fraction of bolometric luminosity absorbed by dust in DustPedia galaxies
Authors: Bianchi S. , De Vis P. , Viaene S. , Nersesian A. , Mosenkov A. V. , Xilouris E. M. , Baes M. , Casasola V. , Cassarà L. P. , Clark C. J. R. , Davies J. I. , De Looze I. , Dobbels W. , Galametz M. , Galliano F. , Jones A. P. , Lianou S. , Madden S. C. , Trčka A.
Published: October 2018

Aims. We aim to study the fraction of stellar radiation absorbed by dust, fabs, in 814 galaxies of different morphological types. The targets constitute the vast majority (93%) of the DustPedia sample, including almost all large (optical diameter larger than 1′), nearby (v ≤ 3000 km s−1) galaxies observed with the Herschel Space Observatory.

Methods. For each object, we modelled the spectral energy distribution from the ultraviolet to the sub-millimetre using the dedicated, aperture-matched DustPedia photometry and the Code Investigating GALaxy Evolution (CIGALE). The value of fabs was obtained from the total luminosity emitted by dust and from the bolometric luminosity, which are estimated by the fit.

Results. On average, 19% of the stellar radiation is absorbed by dust in DustPedia galaxies. The fraction rises to 25% if only late-type galaxies are considered. The dependence of fabs on morphology, showing a peak for Sb-Sc galaxies, is weak; it reflects a stronger, yet broad, positive correlation with the bolometric luminosity, which is identified for late-type, disk-dominated, high-specific-star-formation rate, gas-rich objects. We find no variation of fabs with inclination, at odds with radiative transfer models of edge-on galaxies. These results call for a self-consistent modelling of the evolution of the dust mass and geometry along the build-up of the stellar content. We also provide template spectral energy distributions in bins of morphology and luminosity and study the variation of fabs with stellar mass and specific star-formation rate. We confirm that the local Universe is missing the high fabs, luminous and actively star-forming objects necessary to explain the energy budget in observations of the extragalactic background light.
Flows and magnetic field structures in reconnection regions of simulations of the solar atmosphere: Do flux pile-up models work?
Authors: Shelyag S. , Litvinenko Y. E. , Fedun V. , Verth G. , González-Avilés J. J. , Guzmán F. S.
Published: October 2018

Aims. We study the process of magnetic field annihilation and reconnection in simulations of magnetised solar photosphere and chromosphere with magnetic fields of opposite polarities and constant numerical resistivity.

Methods. Exact analytical solutions for reconnective annihilations were used to interpret the features of magnetic reconnection in simulations of flux cancellation in the solar atmosphere. We used MURaM high-resolution photospheric radiative magneto-convection simulations to demonstrate the presence of magnetic field reconnection consistent with the magnetic flux pile-up models. Also, a simulated data-driven chromospheric magneto-hydrodynamic simulation is used to demonstrate magnetic field and flow structures, which are similar to the theoretically predicted ones.

Results. Both simulations demonstrate flow and magnetic field structures roughly consistent with accelerated reconnection with magnetic flux pile-up. The presence of standard Sweet–Parker type reconnection is also demonstrated in stronger photospheric magnetic fields.
(16) Psyche: A mesosiderite-like asteroid?
Authors: Viikinkoski M. , Vernazza P. , Hanuš J. , Le Coroller H. , Tazhenova K. , Carry B. , Marsset M. , Drouard A. , Marchis F. , Fetick R. , Fusco T. , Ďurech J. , Birlan M. , Berthier J. , Bartczak P. , Dumas C. , Castillo-Rogez J. , Cipriani F. , Colas F. , Ferrais M. , Grice J. , Jehin E. , Jorda L. , Kaasalainen M. , Kryszczynska A. , Lamy P. , Marciniak A. , Michalowski T. , Michel P. , Pajuelo M. , Podlewska-Gaca E. , Santana-Ros T. , Tanga P. , Vachier F. , Vigan A. , Warner B. , Witasse O. , Yang B.
Published: October 2018

Context. Asteroid (16) Psyche is the target of the NASA Psyche mission. It is considered one of the few main-belt bodies that could be an exposed proto-planetary metallic core and that would thus be related to iron meteorites. Such an association is however challenged by both its near- and mid-infrared spectral properties and the reported estimates of its density.

Aims. Here, we aim to refine the density of (16) Psyche to set further constraints on its bulk composition and determine its potential meteoritic analog.

Methods. We observed (16) Psyche with ESO VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL as part of our large program (ID 199.C-0074). We used the high angular resolution of these observations to refine Psyche’s three-dimensional (3D) shape model and subsequently its density when combined with the most recent mass estimates. In addition, we searched for potential companions around the asteroid.

Results. We derived a bulk density of 3.99 ± 0.26 g cm−3 for Psyche. While such density is incompatible at the 3-sigma level with any iron meteorites (∼7.8 g cm−3), it appears fully consistent with that of stony-iron meteorites such as mesosiderites (density ∼4.25 g cm−3). In addition, we found no satellite in our images and set an upper limit on the diameter of any non-detected satellite of 1460 ± 200 m at 150 km from Psyche (0.2% × RHill, the Hill radius) and 800 ± 200 m at 2000 km (3% × RHill).

Conclusions. Considering that the visible and near-infrared spectral properties of mesosiderites are similar to those of Psyche, there is merit to a long-published initial hypothesis that Psyche could be a plausible candidate parent body for mesosiderites.
The AMBRE project: searching for the closest solar siblings
Authors: Adibekyan V. , de Laverny P. , Recio-Blanco A. , Sousa S. G. , Delgado-Mena E. , Kordopatis G. , Ferreira A. C. S. , Santos N. C. , Hakobyan A. A. , Tsantaki M.
Published: October 2018

Context. Finding solar siblings, that is, stars that formed in the same cluster as the Sun, will yield information about the conditions at the Sun’s birthplace. Finding possible solar siblings is difficult since they are spread widely throughout the Galaxy.

Aims. We search for solar sibling candidates in AMBRE, the very large spectra database of solar vicinity stars.

Methods. Since the ages and chemical abundances of solar siblings are very similar to those of the Sun, we carried out a chemistry- and age-based search for solar sibling candidates. We used high-resolution spectra to derive precise stellar parameters and chemical abundances of the stars. We used these spectroscopic parameters together with Gaia DR2 astrometric data to derive stellar isochronal ages. Gaia data were also used to study the kinematics of the sibling candidates.

Results. From about 17 000 stars that are characterized within the AMBRE project, we first selected 55 stars whose metallicities are closest to the solar value (−0.1 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0.1 dex). For these stars we derived precise chemical abundances of several iron-peak, α- and neutron-capture elements, based on which we selected 12 solar sibling candidates with average abundances and metallicities between −0.03 and 0.03 dex. Our further selection left us with four candidates with stellar ages that are compatible with the solar age within observational uncertainties. For the two of the hottest candidates, we derived the carbon isotopic ratios, which are compatible with the solar value. HD 186302 is the most precisely characterized and probably the most probable candidate of our four best candidates.

Conclusions. Very precise chemical characterization and age estimation is necessary to identify solar siblings. We propose that in addition to typical chemical tagging, the study of isotopic ratios can give further important information about the relation of sibling candidates with the Sun. Ideally, asteroseismic age determinations of the candidates could solve the problem of imprecise isochronal ages.
Spare Ordering Policy Model Based on Complex System Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Wang Cheng , Xu Jianxin , Wang Hongjun , Zhang Zhenming
Published: October 2018

Security service and effective perception of equipment becomes more and more important, especially for some high-end equipment complex system module degradation condition prediction and efficient spare ordering is the key to guarantee safe operation, improve service quality and reduce maintenance costs. In this paper, therefore, we analyze the characteristics of the complex system and propose an order policy model based on complex system degradation mechanism. The system degradation model is established based on the condition space feature matrix. The system ordering policy model is constructed using the system degradation model and spare random lead-time, whose decision variable is the placing an order time. Based on the proposed system ordering policy model there exists a finite and unique optimum placing an order time that minimizes the expected cost rate. Finally, a case study is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system ordering policy model.