bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The TeRiFiQ project: Combining technologies to achieve significant binary reductions in sodium, fat and sugar content in everyday foods whilst optimising their nutritional quality
Authors: Salles C. , Kerjean J. R. , Veiseth‐Kent E. , Stieger M. , Wilde P. , Cotillon C. ,   the TeRiFiQ consortium
Published: November 2017

Most developed countries are confronted with rising rates of diseases related to unhealthy eating habits, particularly the excessive consumption of salt, saturated fat and free sugars. However, fat, sugars and salt in food influence not only its nutritional qualities but also its sensory properties, safety (e.g. shelf life) and affordability. The main challenge is to formulate healthier foods that are acceptable to consumers. In this context, the overall objective of TeRiFiQ was to achieve significant binary reductions in the salt‐fat and sugar‐fat contents of frequently consumed food products around Europe, while, at the same time, ensuring the products’ nutritional and sensorial qualities, safety and affordability for both industry and consumers was not compromised. TeRiFiQ addressed four major food categories: cheeses, processed meat, bakery and sauce products. Different strategies adapted to each food category were used to reduce the target ingredients. Significant reductions in the salt‐fat and fat‐sugar contents of a number of cheese, processed meat, bakery and sauce products were achieved, and these changes were found to be acceptable to consumers. The most promising reformulated food products were developed at the industrial scale.
The SALAMANDER project: SALivAry bioMarkers of mediterraneAN Diet associated with long‐tERm protection against type 2 diabetes
Authors: Proctor G. B. , André P. , Lopez‐Garcia E. , Gomez Cabrero Lopez D. , Neyraud E. , Feart C. , Rodriguez Artalejo F. , García‐Esquinas E. , Morzel M.
Published: November 2017

Saliva offers the advantages of simple and non‐invasive sampling and a rich source of biomarkers due to the high diversity of its microbiome, proteome and metabolome. The main objective of the SALivAry bioMarkers of mediterraneAN Diet associated with long‐tERm protection against type 2 diabetes (SALAMANDER) project is to identify and validate salivary signatures indicative of healthy dietary choices (adoption of a Mediterranean diet) with a positive long‐term health outcome (protection against type 2 diabetes) throughout adult life. The project will utilise the UK Biobank, a bank of saliva samples with dietary, lifestyle and health‐associated data from 85 000 donors, collected during 2006–2010. UK Biobank data will enable SALAMANDER project researchers to relate past salivary composition and dietary patterns to health status several years later, in order to ascertain the validity of various biomarkers. All subjects will be healthy at baseline and categorised as either healthy (H+) or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (H−) at follow‐up. Compliance (or not) to the Mediterranean diet (D+, D−) will be evaluated with appropriate adjustment factors (e.g. physical activity, use of dietary supplements). Within each of the four D/H groups, 50 subjects will be randomly selected and their salivary microbiome, proteome and metabolome will be analysed by 16SrDNA analyses, nano‐LC‐MS/MS of tryptic digests and 1H NMR, respectively. Integration of analytical data will then be performed to define a multimarker signature of a healthy diet associated with protection against type 2 diabetes. The data obtained from UK Biobank samples will be validated using two other population‐based cohorts of older subjects in Spain (ENRICA) and France (3‐City Bordeaux), enabling verification of whether the identified signatures of biomarkers are conserved as ageing proceeds. The SALAMANDER project aims to advance current knowledge and methods in nutritional epidemiology by identifying objective and non‐invasive biomarkers of compliance to a diet associated with prevention of a diet‐related disease. It will also provide information on an ageing population, the salivary profiles of which are poorly documented, especially in relation to diet and health.
British Nutrition Foundation Healthy Eating Week 2017
Authors: Ballam R.
Published: November 2017

This article provides an overview of the British Nutrition Foundation's Healthy Eating Week in 2017. Included is a summary of resources developed, interaction with schools, universities and workplaces and the results of the pupil survey. Evaluation of the Week is also described, along with details for future plans.
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome: mouse passive‐transfer model illuminates disease pathology and facilitates testing therapeutic leads
Authors: Meriney Stephen D. , Tarr Tyler B. , Ojala Kristine S. , Wu Man , Li Yizhi , Lacomis David , Garcia‐Ocaña Adolfo , Liang Mary , Valdomir Guillermo , Wipf Peter
Published: November 2017

Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies directed against the voltage‐gated calcium channels that provide the calcium ion flux that triggers acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. To study the pathophysiology of LEMS and test candidate therapeutic strategies, a passive‐transfer animal model has been developed in mice, which can be created by daily intraperitoneal injections of LEMS patient serum or IgG into mice for 2–4 weeks. Results from studies of the mouse neuromuscular junction have revealed that each synapse has hundreds of transmitter release sites but that the probability for release at each one is likely to be low. LEMS further reduces this low probability such that transmission is no longer effective at triggering a muscle contraction. The LEMS‐mediated attack reduces the number of presynaptic calcium channels, disorganizes transmitter release sites, and results in the homeostatic upregulation of other calcium channel types. Symptomatic treatment is focused on increasing the probability of release from dysfunctional release sites. Current treatment uses the potassium channel blocker 3,4‐diaminopyridine (DAP) to broaden the presynaptic action potential, providing more time for calcium channels to open. Current research is focused on testing new calcium channel gating modifiers that work synergistically with DAP.
Oxidative stress‐triggered interactions between the succinyl‐ and acetyl‐proteomes of rice leaves
Authors: Zhou Heng , Finkemeier Iris , Guan Wenxue , Tossounian Maria‐Armineh , Wei Bo , Young David , Huang Jingjing , Messens Joris , Yang Xibin , Zhu Jun , Wilson Michael H. , Shen Wenbiao , Xie Yanjie , Foyer Christine H.
Published: November 2017

Protein lysine acylations, such as succinylation and acetylation, are important post‐translational modification (PTM) mechanisms, with key roles in cellular regulation. Antibody‐based affinity enrichment, high‐resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis, and integrated bioinformatics analysis were used to characterize the lysine succinylome (Ksuc) and acetylome (Kace) of rice leaves. In total, 2,593 succinylated and 1,024 acetylated proteins were identified, of which 723 were simultaneously acetylated and succinylated. Proteins involved in photosynthetic carbon metabolism such as the large and small subunits of RuBisCO, ribosomal functions, and other key processes were subject to both PTMs. Preliminary insights into oxidant‐induced changes to the rice acetylome and succinylome were gained from treatments with hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to oxidative stress did not regulate global changes in the rice acetylome or succinylome but rather led to modifications on a specific subset of the identified sites. De‐succinylation of recombinant catalase (CATA) and glutathione S‐transferase (OsGSTU6) altered the activities of these enzymes showing that this PTM may have a regulatory function. These findings not only greatly extend the list of acetylated and/or succinylated proteins but they also demonstrate the close cooperation between these PTMs in leaf proteins with key metabolic functions.
Overexpression of SDH confers tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, but decreases ABA sensitivity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi X.‐P. , Ren J.‐J. , Yu Q. , Zhou S.‐M. , Ren Q.‐P. , Kong L.‐J. , Wang X.‐L.
Published: November 2017

Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) catalyses the reversible oxidation of sorbitol, xylitol and ribitol to their corresponding ketoses. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of Arabidopsis SDH in salt and osmotic stress tolerance, and abscisic acid (ABA) response.

The expression patterns of SDH were investigated using transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing beta‐glucuronidase (GUS) under control of the promoter with the first intron of SDH. qRT‐PCR and histochemical assay of GUS activity were used to study SDH expression regulation by ABA, salt and osmotic stress. SDH‐overexpression lines of Arabidopsis were used to investigate the role of SDH in salt and osmotic stress, and ABA response.

Arabidopsis SDH was predominantly expressed in source organs such as green cotyledons, fully expanded leaves and sepals, especially in vascular tissues of theses organs. SDH expression was inhibited by NaCl and mannitol treatments. Seed germination and post‐germination growth of SDH‐overexpressing lines exhibited decreased sensitivity to salt and osmotic stress compared to WT plants. The transcript of SDH was induced by ABA. Overexpression of SDH decreased sensitivity to ABA during seed germination and post‐germination growth. Expression of AAO3 increased but ABI5 and MYB2 decreased in SDH‐overexpressing lines after ABA treatment.

This study demonstrates that expression of SDH is regulated by ABA, salt and osmotic stress. SDH functions in plant tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, and ABA response via specific regulating gene expression of ABA synthesis and signalling in Arabidopsis.
Acclimation of photosynthesis to lightflecks in tomato leaves: interaction with progressive shading in a growing canopy
Authors: Kaiser Elias , Matsubara Shizue , Harbinson Jeremy , Heuvelink Ep , Marcelis Leo F.M.
Published: November 2017

Plants in natural environments are often exposed to fluctuations in light intensity, and leaf‐level acclimation to light may be affected by those fluctuations. Concurrently, leaves acclimated to a given light climate can become progressively shaded as new leaves emerge and grow above them. Acclimation to shade alters characteristics such as photosynthetic capacity. To investigate the interaction of fluctuating light and progressive shading, we exposed three‐week old tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants to either lightflecks or constant light intensities. Lightflecks of 20 s length and 1000 μmol m−2 s−1 peak intensity were applied every 5 min for 16 h per day, for 3 weeks. Lightfleck and constant light treatments received identical daily light sums (15.2 mol m−2 day−1). Photosynthesis was monitored in leaves 2 and 4 (counting from the bottom) during canopy development throughout the experiment. Several dynamic and steady‐state characteristics of photosynthesis became enhanced by fluctuating light when leaves were partially shaded by the upper canopy, but much less so when they were fully exposed to lightflecks. This was the case for CO2‐saturated photosynthesis rates in leaves 2 and 4 growing under lightflecks 14 days into the treatment period. Also, leaf 2 of plants in the lightfleck treatment showed significantly faster rates of photosynthetic induction when exposed to a stepwise change in light intensity on day 15. As the plants grew larger and these leaves became increasingly shaded, acclimation of leaf‐level photosynthesis to lightflecks disappeared. These results highlight continuous acclimation of leaf photosynthesis to changing light conditions inside developing canopies.
Outbreak of invasive aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients: The role of screening computed tomography scans in asymptomatic patients and universal antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Kabbani Dima , Goldraich Livia , Ross Heather , Rotstein Coleman , Husain Shahid
Published: November 2017

Background

Delays in diagnosing pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA), a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among heart transplant recipients (HTRs), may impact on successful treatment. The appropriate screening strategy for IA in these patients remains undefined, particularly in the setting of nosocomial outbreaks. We describe our experience employing chest computed tomography (CT) scans as a screening method for IA. In addition, we comment on antimicrobial prophylaxis in HTRs in the setting of an outbreak.

Methods

Screening CT scans of the chest and serum galactomannan (GM) were performed in HTRs during an outbreak that followed the index case of IA. Abnormal CT findings prompted a diagnostic workup. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for new transplants recipients included intravenous micafungin while hospitalized, followed by outpatient inhaled amphotericin B for up to 3 months.

Results

During a 10‐month period, five cases of IA were identified among HTRs. Two additional asymptomatic patients were diagnosed with IA among 15 asymptomatic HTRs who underwent screening chest CT scans. Among the five cases of IA in HTRs, two of five (40%) had a partial response and the other three failed voriconazole therapy. Complete response to voriconazole therapy assessed at 12 weeks was achieved in these two asymptomatic HTRs diagnosed via screening CTs. Serum GM was positive only in one of the symptomatic cases. The negative predictive value of CT scans was 100% (95% confidence interval, 71.5%‐100%).

Conclusions

In an outbreak setting, screening CT scans of the chest may aid in early detection of asymptomatic HTRs with IA and improve outcome.
Comparing the behavioural impact of a nudge‐based handwashing intervention to high‐intensity hygiene education: a cluster‐randomised trial in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Grover Elise , Hossain Mohammed Kamal , Uddin Saker , Venkatesh Mohini , Ram Pavani K. , Dreibelbis Robert
Published: November 2017

Objective

To determine the impact of environmental nudges on handwashing behaviours among primary school children as compared to a high‐intensity hygiene education intervention.

Methods

In a cluster‐randomised trial (CRT), we compared the rates of handwashing with soap (HWWS) after a toileting event among primary school students in rural Bangladesh. Eligible schools (government run, on‐site sanitation and water, no hygiene interventions in last year, fewer than 450 students) were identified, and 20 schools were randomly selected and allocated without blinding to one of four interventions, five schools per group: simultaneous handwashing infrastructure and nudge construction, sequential infrastructure then nudge construction, simultaneous infrastructure and high‐intensity hygiene education (HE) and sequential handwashing infrastructure and HE. The primary outcome, incidence of HWWS after a toileting event, was compared between the intervention groups at different data collection points with robust‐Poisson regression analysis with generalised estimating equations, adjusting for school‐level clustering of outcomes.

Results

The nudge intervention and the HE intervention were found to be equally effective at sustained impact over 5 months post‐intervention (adjusted IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61–1.09). When comparing intervention delivery timing, the simultaneous delivery of the HE intervention significantly outperformed the sequential HE delivery (adjusted IRR 1.58 CI 1.20–2.08), whereas no significant difference was observed between sequential and simultaneous nudge intervention delivery (adjusted IRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48–1.17).

Conclusion

Our trial demonstrates sustained improved handwashing behaviour 5 months after the nudge intervention. The nudge intervention's comparable performance to a high‐intensity hygiene education intervention is encouraging.
Diluted seawater affects phytohormone receptors and maintains the protonema stage in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Zheng Zhenbing , Gao Shan , Huan Li , Wang Guang‐Ce
Published: November 2017

Due to its highly efficient homologous recombination ability and unusual evolutionary position, the moss Physcomitrella patens has begun to attract more attention in genetic and evolutionary studies. Protonema, the filament stage of the gametophyte, is of great significance in P. patens protoplast isolation. Moreover, protonema is widely used in genetic engineering. However, difficulties in the induction and state maintenance of protonema restrict its wider application. In this work, protonema was induced efficiently in a diluted seawater medium, and the filamentous state was maintained without further cell differentiation. The developmental process of the protonema resumed, progressing to bud assembly and gametophore formation after transfer to freshwater medium. In addition, a transcriptome analysis showed that plant hormone signal transduction pathways were downregulated when protonema was grown in diluted seawater medium. Consistent with the transcriptome results, the protonema failed to respond to the addition of indole‐3‐acetic acid and 6‐benzylaminopurine to the diluted seawater medium. Based on these results, we concluded that diluted seawater medium blocks the differentiation of protonema. This result could provide a novel insight to benefit future protonema production.
Torrefaction of Healthy and Beetle Kill Pine and Co-Combustion With Sub-Bituminous Coal
Authors: Howell Alexandra , Beagle Emily , Belmont Erica
Published: November 2017

Combustion of biomass and co-combustion with fossil fuels are viable means of reducing emissions in electricity generation, and local biomass resources are appealing to minimize life cycle emissions. In the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S., a bark beetle epidemic is causing widespread forest death and associated safety hazards. This biomass has potential to be a feedstock resource, thereby achieving dual goals of improving forest health while supplying biomass for uses such as co-firing with coal in power plants. In this study, combustion and co-combustion of healthy pine (HP) and beetle kill pine (BK) with coal were conducted to assess the interchangeability of these feedstocks in raw and torrefied forms. HP and BK pine were torrefied at 200, 250, and 300 °C to increase energy density and improve grindability, both of which aid in seamless integration into power plants. Grindability was assessed for both feedstocks at each torrefaction condition. The raw feedstocks were pyrolyzed to assess their relative compositions. Raw and torrefied feedstocks were then combusted alone and co-combusted with sub-bituminous Powder River Basin coal using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Modulated TGA was used to derive kinetic parameters of coal, raw and torrefied biomass, and coal-biomass blends. Results show increased grindability and pyrolysis mass loss of BK as compared to HP, which are attributed to the degraded state of the wood. Combustion and co-combustion show favorable interchangeability of the HP and BK, and additive behavior when co-combusted with coal.
Quantification of Left Ventricular Shape Differentiates Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Subjects From Matched Controls
Authors: Wagner Jennifer L. , Landeck Bruce F. , Hunter Kendall
Published: November 2017

Changes in left ventricle (LV) shape are observed in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Quantification of ventricular shape could serve as a tool to noninvasively monitor pediatric patients with PH. Decomposing the shape of a ventricle into a series of components and magnitudes will facilitate differentiation of healthy and PH subjects. Parasternal short-axis echo images acquired from 53 pediatric subjects with PH and 53 age and sex-matched normal control subjects underwent speckle tracking using Velocity Vector Imaging (Siemens) to produce a series of x,y coordinates tracing the LV endocardium in each frame. Coordinates were converted to polar format after which the Fourier transform was used to derive shape component magnitudes in each frame. Magnitudes of the first 11 components were normalized to heart size (magnitude/LV length as measured on apical view) and analyzed across a single cardiac cycle. Logistic regression was used to test predictive power of the method. Fourier decomposition produced a series of shape components from short-axis echo views of the LV. Mean values for all 11 components analyzed were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). The accuracy index of the receiver operator curve was 0.85. Quantification of LV shape can differentiate normal pediatric subjects from those with PH. Shape analysis is a promising method to precisely describe shape changes observed in PH. Differences between groups speak to intraventricular coupling that occurs in right ventricular (RV) overload. Further analysis investigating the correlation of shape to clinical parameters is underway.
Study of the Wetting Characteristics of Patterned Silicon Micro Conical Structure
Authors: Park Il Woong , Fernandino Maria , Dorao Carlos Albert
Published: November 2017

Controlling the wetting property of the surface present a major challenge but at the same time, it open the possibility of designing surfaces customized for particular applications. For example, allowing self-cleaning surfaces when the surface presents a hydrophobic state with high static contact angle and low contact angle hysteresis. In this work, the effect on the wetting property of patterned surfaces with Si microcones has been studied. It was observed that the height of the structure and center-to-center distance are controlling the wetting property of the surface. Three different wetting states (Cassie-Baxter state, the Wenzel state, and the sunny-side-up state) and the corresponding transition between the states were observed. A sharp Cassie-Wenzel transition was triggered with decreasing the area fraction of the surface.
Experimental Investigation of Effect of Pore Diameter on Nucleate Boiling Heat Transfer in Reentrant Tunnel Structured Surfaces
Authors: Ispir Ali Can , Karatas Tugce , Dikec Eren , Onbasioglu Seyhan
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on experimental studies of boiling heat transfer on surfaces with reentrant tunnels and pores. Three structured surface which have same tunnel width and height but different pore diameter, have been developed for enhancement boiling heat transfer. The experimental studies were carried out for the structured surfaces using distilled water at atmospheric pressure. The narrow reentrant tunnels are parallel to each other and have 3 mm width, 4 mm height. A number of pores whose diameter 1.5 and 2.0 mm were machined on lateral surfaces of tunnels. The surfaces were termed according to their geometric specifications as 3.0W-30-30, 1.5D-3.0W-30-30, 2.0D-3.0W-30-30. D and W capitals represent pore diameter and tunnel width, respectively. 30-30 part of name shows the dimension of square surface. The tunnels were used to increase area of heat transfer and active nucleation sites of vapor bubbles. In addition, sufficient amount of liquid must be supplied and vapor bubbles should be released fast from the boiling surface before they merge on the surfaces under conditions especially with high heat fluxes. Therefore, it was considered that pore structures would help for fluid transition hence the bubble frequency will increase. Pool boiling experiments were held to determine the performance of surfaces in different range of heat fluxes. Besides, high-speed visualization studies were conducted with high speed camera to observe behavior of nucleation of vapor bubbles. Amongst different geometry sizes the surface which has 1.5 mm of pore diameter (1.5D-3.0W-30-30) demonstrated the best nucleate boiling performance at high heat fluxes. However, the pored ones without pores has higher augmentation than pored structures at low heat fluxes. Thus, it is concluded that pored structures caused active nucleation sites to decrease under low heat fluxes.
Method to Visualize Local Mass Transfer and Chemical Selectivity of Gas-Liquid Reaction in Coiled Capillaries
Authors: Krieger Waldemar , Lamsfuß Jan , Kockmann Norbert
Published: November 2017

Gas-liquid reactions in microstructured devices have recently gained much attention in scientific research and industry. Enhanced heat and mass transfer can be employed to overcome mass transfer limitations in gas-liquid reactions. Helically coiled capillaries can further increase mass transfer due to Dean vortices, which narrow the residence time distribution, too. In this work, a colorimetric technique is implemented in order to visualize local mass transfer phenomena and concentration gradients of gas-liquid reactions in straight and helically coiled capillaries. The method enables on-line and non-invasive investigation of mass transfer and chemical selectivity in microchannels with high spatial resolution. Straight and helically coiled capillaries are fabricated from FEP tubes with inner diameter of 1.6 mm. Bubbles are generated by a hypodermic needle, which is placed in the center of the FEP tube generating a stable slug flow. Total volumetric flow rate is varied from 1.6 to 6.5 mL/min and volume ratios of gas/liquid flow from 0.17 to 6.0. Selectivity experiments are performed with the consecutive oxidation of leuco-indigo carmine.
Heat Transfer Characteristics of a 3-D Printed Pulsating Heat Pipe: Fundamental Experiments Using Water As a Working Fluid
Authors: Koito Yasushi , Kawaji Masahiro
Published: November 2017

This paper describes extended experiments on a pulsating heat pipe (PHP) fabricated by using a 3-D printer and a graphene-laden PLA (PolyLactic Acid) filament. Water was used as a working fluid. To maintain airtightness, the 3-D printed PHP was electroplated by copper since the graphene in the filament allows electric currents to pass through. The PHP had ten square channels. A cross section and a length of the square channel were 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm and 80 mm, respectively. Ends of each channel were connected to form a single serpentine channel. A filling ratio of the working fluid was 50%. In experiments, an evaporator section of the PHP was heated by a heater and a condenser section was cooled using a water-cooling jacket. The heater power was increased stepwise from 2.0 W to 7.0 W while the cooling water temperature and its flow rate were maintained at 4.0 °C and 0.25 LPM, respectively. Transient temperature distributions of the PHP were measured by K-type thermocouples. From the experimental results, steady-state two-phase heat transport operation of the PHP was confirmed for the heater power between 3.0 W and 6.0 W. Moreover, the present experimental results were compared with the previous ones, where ethanol was used as the working fluid. It was also confirmed that the thermal resistance of the PHP with ethanol was slightly smaller than that with water.
An Ultra-High-Throughput Flow-Focusing Microfluidic Device for Creation of Liquid Droplets in Air
Authors: Tirandazi Pooyan , Tomic Gabriel , Hidrovo Carlos H.
Published: November 2017

In this paper a new microfluidic technique is proposed for ultra-high-throughput generation of micron-sized water droplets using a high-speed air. We use a 3D flow-focusing microchannel fabricated in PDMS by multilayer lithography process. The interaction of liquid and gas created three main flow conditions which are: Flooded, Dripping, and Jetting. We characterize the Jetting regime where a capillary jet surrounded by the air breaks up into uniform array of droplets. Frequency of generation and droplet size are reported for the jetting regime under different liquid and gas flows. It was possible to obtain 25μm diameter droplets and much higher frequencies (f≈120 kHz) compared to the state-of-the-art microfluidic systems. We believe the advantages of this platform enables many novel applications such as high-throughput screening of airborne targets and large-scale production of oil-free particles. The 3D structure of this device also eliminates the limitation of the conventional droplet-based microfluidic systems, namely clogging issues due to particle aggregation.
Synchrotron X-Ray Investigation of Membrane Water Distribution in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Banerjee Rupak , Han Chuzhang , Ge Nan , Bazylak Aimy
Published: November 2017

Water management is a critical component of extracting optimum performance and efficiency from polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. During fuel cell operation, a balance needs to be maintained between excess water blocking the reactant pathways through the gas diffusion layer, and the requirement for membrane hydration. The ionic conductivity through the membrane depends strongly on the hydration of the membrane.

The reactant gases in a PEM fuel cell are supplied through a humidification system to maintain appropriate levels of hydration in the membrane. The removal of the anode humidifier would significantly reduce the balance of plant costs and reduce the volume required for the fuel cell in an automotive setting. However, removing the anode humidification system could have adverse effects on membrane hydration and on fuel cell performance.

In this study, the anode humidification was varied and the cell performance and the membrane resistance were monitored. Synchrotron X-ray radiography was conducted simultaneously to visualize the water distribution in the membrane, the gas diffusion layer, and the associated interfaces. It was observed that the anode humidification had a strong impact on the performance of the fuel cell, with the dry condition leading to voltage instability at a current density below 1.0 A/cm2. The membrane water content was observed to decrease with increases in operating current density.
Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Water Flow in Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Hamed , Su Junwei , Su Chefu , Ji Siqi , Charmchi Majid , Sun Hongwei
Published: November 2017

Naonofluidics is increasingly attracting more attention for their wide range of potential applications such as water desalination and purification, biosensing, osmotic energy conversion, drug delivery and DNA analysis. It is critical to understand the behavior of the water fluid in nanochannels in order to better design nanofluidic-based systems for these applications. Most applications use Carbon Nanotubes (CNT), boron nitride nanotubes, graphene and graphene oxide. CNTs are good pore models for studying the transport of gases and liquids through nanoporous materials to design ultrafiltration devices and energy efficient water filters. It should be mentioned that fluids confined in nanoscale tubes exhibit significantly different behaviors compare to fluids in the macroscale and microscale. As experimental study in nanoscales is still a challenging task facing scientific society, different numerical technologies such as Molecular Dynamics (MD) method are becoming powerful tools for understanding the fluid behaviors at molecular level in nanofluidics. In the present study, MD simulation method, which is based on Newton’s second law, is employed to study the water flow through smooth CNT. The effect of CNT diameter on density and velocity profiles are investigated. Our results show that by increasing the diameter of CNT, the results are approaching to the continuum condition.
What do you mean, I’m “resilient”?
Authors: Adamson Carole , Arevalo Luis
Published: November 2017

This viewpoint explores the concept of “resilience” and the divergent uses of this term by those experiencing adversity, and by those observing and responding to the adversity of others.
The effects of varying tympanic-membrane material properties on human middle-ear sound transmission in a three-dimensional finite-element model
Authors: O'Connor Kevin N. , Cai Hongxue , Puria Sunil
Published: November 2017

An anatomically based three-dimensional finite-element human middle-ear (ME) model is used to test the sensitivity of ME sound transmission to tympanic-membrane (TM) material properties. The baseline properties produce responses comparable to published measurements of ear-canal input impedance and power reflectance, stapes velocity normalized by ear-canal pressure (PEC), and middle-ear pressure gain (MEG), i.e., cochlear-vestibule pressure (PV) normalized by PEC. The mass, Young's modulus (ETM), and shear modulus (GTM) of the TM are varied, independently and in combination, over a wide range of values, with soft and bony TM-annulus boundary conditions. MEG is recomputed and plotted for each case, along with summaries of the magnitude and group-delay deviations from the baseline over low (below 0.75 kHz), mid (0.75–5 kHz), and high (above 5 kHz) frequencies. The MEG magnitude varies inversely with increasing TM mass at high frequencies. Increasing ETM boosts high frequencies and attenuates low and mid frequencies, especially with a bony TM annulus and when GTM varies in proportion to ETM, as for an isotropic material. Increasing GTM on its own attenuates low and mid frequencies and boosts high frequencies. The sensitivity of MEG to TM material properties has implications for model development and the interpretation of experimental observations.
Toward clinical application of landmark-based speech analysis: Landmark expression in normal adult speech
Authors: Ishikawa Keiko , MacAuslan Joel , Boyce Suzanne
Published: November 2017

The goal of clinical speech analysis is to describe abnormalities in speech production that affect a speaker's intelligibility. Landmark analysis identifies abrupt changes in a speech signal and classifies them according to their acoustic profiles. These acoustic markers, called landmarks, may help describe intelligibility deficits in disordered speech. As a first step toward clinical application of landmark analysis, the present study describes expression of landmarks in normal speech. Results of the study revealed that syllabic, glottal, and burst landmarks consist of 94% of all landmarks, and suggest the effect of gender needs to be considered for the analysis.
First Draft Genome Sequences of Three Strains of Francisella tularensis subsp.
holarctica
, Isolated from Hares and a Tick in France
Authors: Madani Nora , Giraud Philippe , Mendy Christiane , Colaneri Cécile , Cherchame Emeline , Cherfa Moulay-Ali , Richomme Céline , Decors Anouk , Girault Guillaume
Published: November 2017

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of three strains of
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
(11-789-5S, 11-935-13S, and 11-930-9S), isolated from brown hares and a tick during a tularemia outbreak in France, where tularemia is endemic.
Genome Sequences of 12 Cluster AN
Arthrobacter
Phages
Authors: Lee-Soety Julia Y. , Bhatt Shantanu , Adair Tamarah L. , Bonilla J. Alfred , Klyczek Karen K. , Harrison Melinda ,   Saint Joseph’s University SEA-PHAGES,   Baylor University SEA-PHAGES,   University of Wisconsin-River Falls SEA-PHAGES,   Cabrini University SEA-PHAGES, Garlena Rebecca A. , Bowman Charles A. , Russell Daniel A. , Pope Welkin H. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Cresawn Steven G. , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: November 2017

Twelve siphoviral phages isolated using
Arthrobacter
sp. strain ATCC 21022 were sequenced. The phages all have relatively small genomes, ranging from 15,319 to 15,556 bp. All 12 phages are closely related to previously described cluster AN
Arthrobacter
phages.
Genome Sequences of Three Cluster AU
Arthrobacter
Phages, Caterpillar, Nightmare, and Teacup
Authors: Adair Tamarah L. , Stowe Emily , Pizzorno Marie C. , Krukonis Gregory , Harrison Melinda ,   Baylor University SEA-PHAGES,   Bucknell University SEA-PHAGES,   Cabrini University SEA-PHAGES, Cresawn Steven G. , Garlena Rebecca A. , Russell Daniel A. , Pope Welkin H. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: November 2017

Caterpillar, Nightmare, and Teacup are cluster AU siphoviral phages isolated from enriched soil on
Arthrobacter
sp. strain ATCC 21022. These genomes are 58 kbp long with an average G+C content of 50%. Sequence analysis predicts 86 to 92 protein-coding genes, including a large number of small proteins with predicted transmembrane domains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus thermophilus Strain B59671, Which Naturally Produces the Broad-Spectrum Bacteriocin Thermophilin 110
Authors: Renye John A. , Needleman David S. , Somkuti George A. , Steinberg Dennis H.
Published: November 2017

Streptococcus thermophilus
strain B59671 is a Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium that naturally produces a broad-spectrum bacteriocin, thermophilin 110, and is capable of producing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The complete genome sequence for this strain contains 1,821,173 nucleotides, 1,936 predicted genes, and an average G+C content of 39.1%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus altitudinis Type Strain SGAir0031 Isolated from Tropical Air Collected in Singapore
Authors: Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Houghton James N. I. , Chénard Caroline , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Wong Anthony , Kolundžija Sandra , Clare Megan E. , Lau Kenny J. X. , Gaultier Nicolas E. , Heinle Cassie E. , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Gusareva Elena S. , Acerbi Enzo , Yang Liang , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: November 2017

Bacillus altitudinis
strain SGAir0031 (
Firmicutes
) was isolated from tropical air samples collected in Singapore. Its genome was assembled using short reads and single-molecule real-time sequencing, comprising one chromosome with 3.81 Mb and one plasmid with 32 kb. The genome consists of 3,820 protein-coding genes, 81 tRNAs, and 24 rRNAs.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Human Clinical Isolate of emm28 Streptococcus pyogenes Causing Necrotizing Fasciitis Acquired Contemporaneously with Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Long S. Wesley , Kachroo Priyanka , Musser James M. , Olsen Randall J.
Published: November 2017

We discovered an emm28
Streptococcus pyogenes
isolate causing necrotizing fasciitis in a patient exposed to the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston, TX, metropolitan area in August 2017. The Oxford Nanopore MinION instrument provided sufficient genome sequence data within 1 h of beginning sequencing to close the genome.
Clinical prediction rule for neurological sequelae due to acute encephalopathy: a medical community-based validation study in Harima, Japan
Authors: Sasaki Kaori , Nagase Hiroaki , Maruyama Azusa , Fujita Kyoko , Nishiyama Masahiro , Tanaka Tsukasa , Nukina Sadayuki , Takumi Toru , Takenaka Kanae , Oyazato Yoshinobu , Nishiyama Atsushi , Kawata Tomoko , Saeki Keisuke , Takami Yuichi , Satake-Inoue Eriko , Iijima Kazumoto , Morioka Ichiro , Uetani Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to verify the screening performance of our clinical prediction rule for neurological sequelae due to acute encephalopathy (NSAE-CPR), which previously identified the following three variables as predictive of poor outcomes: (1) refractory status epilepticus; (2) consciousness disturbance and/or hemiplegia at 6 hours from onset and (3) aspartate aminotransferase >90 IU/L within 6 hours of onset.

Design

Medical community-based multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Six regional hospitals in Harima and one tertiary centre in Kobe, Japan, from 2008 to 2012.

Participants

We enrolled a total of 1612 patients aged <16 years who met the diagnostic criteria for an initial diagnosis of complex febrile seizure. Patients with a history of neurological disease and those included in the derivation cohort were excluded.

Primary outcome measures

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between each of the three predictor variables and poor AE outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score ≥2). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was also performed to assess the screening performance of the NSAE-CPR.

Results

The ROC analysis identified at least one of the three predictive variables as an optimal cut-off point, with an area under the curve of 0.915 (95% CI 0.825 to 1.000). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios and Matthews correlation coefficient were 0.867, 0.954, 0.149, 0.999, 18.704, 0.140 and 0.349, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the NSAE-CPR can be used for the screening and identification of patients with poor outcomes due to acute encephalopathy within 6 hours of onset.
Risk of sudden cardiac death in relation to season-specific cold spells: a case–crossover study in Finland
Authors: Ryti Niilo R I , Mäkikyrö Elina M S , Antikainen Harri , Hookana Eeva , Junttila M Juhani , Ikäheimo Tiina M , Kortelainen Marja-Leena , Huikuri Heikki V , Jaakkola Jouni J K
Published: November 2017

Objective

To testa priorihypothesis of an association between season-specific cold spells and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methods

We conducted a case–crossover study of 3614 autopsy-verified cases of SCD in the Province of Oulu, Finland (1998–2011). Cold spell was statistically defined by applying an individual frequency distribution of daily temperatures at the home address during the hazard period (7 days preceding death) and 50 reference periods (same calendar days of other years) for each case using the home coordinates. Conditional logistic regression was applied to estimate ORs for the association between the occurrence of cold spells and the risk of SCD after controlling for temporal trends.

Results

The risk of SCD was associated with a preceding cold spell (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.00, 1.78). A greater number of cold days preceding death increased the risk of SCD approximately 19% per day (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32). The association was strongest during autumn (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.96) and winter (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.55) and lowest during summer (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.15 to 1.18) and spring (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.79). The association was stronger for ischaemic (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.13) than for non-ischaemic SCD (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.45) verified by medicolegal autopsy.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that there is an association between cold spells and SCD, that this association is strongest during autumn, when the weather event is prolonged, and with cases suffering ischaemic SCD. These findings are subsumed with potential prevention via weather forecasting, medical advice and protective behaviour.
Epidemiology of hypertension in Northern Tanzania: a community-based mixed-methods study
Authors: Galson Sophie W , Staton Catherine A , Karia Francis , Kilonzo Kajiru , Lunyera Joseph , Patel Uptal D , Hertz Julian T , Stanifer John W
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly vulnerable to the growing global burden of hypertension, but epidemiological studies are limited and barriers to optimal management are poorly understood. Therefore, we undertook a community-based mixed-methods study in Tanzania to investigate the epidemiology of hypertension and barriers to care.

Methods

In Northern Tanzania, between December 2013 and June 2015, we conducted a mixed-methods study, including a cross-sectional household epidemiological survey and qualitative sessions of focus groups and in-depth interviews. For the survey, we assessed for hypertension, defined as a single blood pressure ≥160/100 mm Hg, a two-time average of ≥140/90 mm Hg or current use of antihypertensive medications. To investigate relationships with potential risk factors, we used adjusted generalised linear models. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as a two-time average measurement of ≥160/100 mm Hg irrespective of treatment status. Hypertension awareness was defined as a self-reported disease history in a participant with confirmed hypertension. To explore barriers to care, we identified emerging themes using an inductive approach within the framework method.

Results

We enrolled 481 adults (median age 45 years) from 346 households, including 123 men (25.6%) and 358 women (74.4%). Overall, the prevalence of hypertension was 28.0% (95% CI 19.4% to 38.7%), which was independently associated with age >60 years (prevalence risk ratio (PRR) 4.68; 95% CI 2.25 to 9.74) and alcohol use (PRR 1.72; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.58). Traditional medicine use was inversely associated with hypertension (PRR 0.37; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.54). Nearly half (48.3%) of the participants were aware of their disease, but almost all (95.3%) had uncontrolled hypertension. In the qualitative sessions, we identified barriers to optimal care, including poor point-of-care communication, poor understanding of hypertension and structural barriers such as long wait times and undertrained providers.

Conclusions

In Northern Tanzania, the burden of hypertensive disease is substantial, and optimal hypertension control is rare. Transdisciplinary strategies sensitive to local practices should be explored to facilitate early diagnosis and sustained care delivery.
Effect of anti-podoplanin antibody administration during lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury in mice
Authors: Lax Sian , Rayes Julie , Thickett David R , Watson Steve P
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating pulmonary condition in the critically ill patient. A therapeutic intervention is yet to be found that can prevent progression to ARDS. We recently demonstrated that the interaction between podoplanin expressed on inflammatory alveolar macrophages (iAMs) and its endogenous ligand, platelet C-type lectin-like 2 (CLEC-2), protects against exaggerated lung inflammation during a mouse model of ARDS. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic use of a crosslinking/activating anti-podoplanin antibody (α-PDPN, clone 8.1.1) during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung inflammation in mice.

Methods

Intravenous administration of α-PDPN was performed 6 hours after intratracheal LPS in wildtype, C57Bl/6 mice. Lung function decline was measured by pulse oximetry as well as markers of local inflammation including bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophilia and cytokine/chemokine expression. In parallel, alveolar macrophages were isolated and cultured in vitro from haematopoietic-specific podoplanin-deficient mice (Pdpnfl/flVAV1cre+) and floxed-only controls treated with or without LPS in the presence or absence of α-PDPN.

Results

Lung function decline as well as alveolar neutrophil recruitment was significantly decreased in mice treated with the crosslinking/activating α-PDPN in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, in vitro, activation of podoplanin on iAMs regulates their secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Conclusions

These data confirm the importance of the CLEC-2–podoplanin pathway during intratracheal (IT)-LPS and demonstrate the beneficial effect of targeting podoplanin during IT-LPS in mice possibly via modulation of local cytokine/chemokine expression. Moreover, these data suggest that podoplanin-targeted therapies may have a beneficial effect in patients at risk of developing ARDS.
Copper deposition in focal nodular hyperplasia and inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma
Authors: Chandan Vishal S , Shah Sejal S , Mounajjed Taofic , Torbenson Michael S , Wu Tsung-Teh
Published: November 2017

Aims

To examine copper deposition in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma (IHA) and to determine if it can play a role in their differentiation.

Methods

28 FNHs and 19 IHAs from surgical resections showing typical morphological and immunohistochemical features were stained with rhodanine to evaluate for copper deposition. Histological features such as nodularity, fibrous bands, ductular proliferation, steatosis, ballooned hepatocytes and lymphocytic inflammation were also scored.

Results

Copper deposition was detected in 96% (27/28) of FNHs and 37% (7/19) of IHAs, P<0.001. In all cases, copper was seen within the hepatocytes only around the pseudo-portal tracts or areas of fibrosis. Copper deposition in IHA was significantly associated with presence of lymphocytic inflammation (P=0.04) but not associated with features like nodularity, fibrous bands, ductular proliferation, ballooned hepatocytes and steatosis (P>0.05, for all). In FNH, the presence and degree of copper deposition was not significantly associated with any histological features (P>0.05, for all).

Conclusions

Copper deposition occurs more frequently in FNH (96%) than IHA (37%), P<0.001. However, the presence of copper alone cannot be used as a feature to differentiate between FNH and IHA.