bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bringing the human pancreas into focus: new paradigms for the understanding of Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Morgan N. G.
Published: April 2017

Type 1 diabetes affects increasingly large numbers of people globally (including at least half a million children under the age of 14 years) and it remains an illness with life‐long and often devastating consequences. It is surprising, therefore, that the underlying aetiology of Type 1 diabetes remains poorly understood. This is largely because the cellular and molecular processes leading to the loss of β cells in the pancreas have rarely been studied at, or soon after, the onset of disease. Where such studies have been undertaken, a number of surprises have emerged which serve to challenge conventional wisdom. In particular, it is increasingly understood that the process of islet inflammation (insulitis) is much less florid in humans than in certain animal models. Moreover, the profile of immune cells involved in the inflammatory attack on β cells is variable and this variation occurs at the level of individual patients. As a result, two distinct profiles of insulitis have now been defined that are differentially aggressive and that might, therefore, require specifically tailored therapeutic approaches to slow the progression of disease. In addition, the outcomes are also different in that the more aggressive form (termed ‘CD20Hi’) is associated with extensive β‐cell loss and an early age of disease onset (<7 years), while the less aggressive profile (known as ‘CD20Lo’) is associated with later onset (>13 years) and the retention of a higher proportion of residual β cells. In the present review, these new findings are explained and their implications evaluated in terms of future therapies.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy at Derby Teaching Hospitals: sustained benefits in glucose control
Authors: Anyanwagu U. , Olaoye H. , Jennings P. , Ashton‐Cleary S. , Sugunendran S. , Hughes D. , Idris I. , Wilmot E. G.
Published: April 2017

Aim

In the short term, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has been associated with improved glycaemic control, reduced hypoglycaemia and improved quality of life (QOL). However, limited data are available on its long‐term benefits, particularly in the UK. We aimed to assess the impact of CSII on longer term outcomes.

Method

Patient‐level data were obtained for CSII users at Derby Teaching Hospitals, UK. Patient confidence and satisfaction questionnaires using the Likert scale were used to assess confidence in self‐management. Comparative statistics were conducted using Pearson's chi‐square and Student's t‐tests.

Results

Some 258 CSII users were identified (60.1% female, mean age 43.9 ± 13.4 years). Overall, there was significant decrease in HbA1c from 78 mmol/mol (9.3 ± 2.0%) at baseline, to 69 mmol/mol (8.5 ± 1.3%) at 6 months [mean difference (md): –0.64; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): –0.91 to –0.37; P < 0.0001]; which was sustained at 6 years of follow‐up (HbA1c: 66 mmol/mol, 8.2 ± 1.3%; md: –1.07%; 95% CI: –1.45 to –0.69; P < 0.0001). One hundred and twenty‐one patients (47%) responded to the survey, of whom 95 (78.5%) reported a reduction in the frequency of hypoglycaemia; 102 (84.3%) were satisfied with the quality of care received in the insulin pump service.

Conclusion

CSII therapy led to a sustained long‐term improvement in glycaemic control in addition to a reduction in self‐reported hypoglycaemia.
Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness is reduced in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zarei R. , Anvari P. , Eslami Y. , Fakhraie G. , Mohammadi M. , Jamali A. , Afarideh M. , Ghajar A. , Heydarzade S. , Esteghamati A. , Moghimi S.
Published: April 2017

Aims

To investigate retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in people with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and healthy controls.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed from March 2014 to January 2016. All participants underwent anthropometric and serological biochemical measurements, ophthalmological examination, and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). Individuals with elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other ocular disorders were excluded. T‐test, Chi square and general linear models were used to analyse the data.

Results

In total, 278 eyes from 139 participants were investigated [median (interquartile range) age: 37 (32−43) years]. RNFL thickness was lower in the nasal superior (107.8 ± 19.5μm) and temporal superior (135.7 ± 18.9μm) sectors in MetS group compared with the control group (114.6 ± 22.4 μm, P = 0.013 and 140.7 ± 18.2 μm, P = 0.027, respectively). After multiple adjustments for age, gender and the side of the examined [right (OD)/left (OS)] eye, MetS was independently associated with a lower RFNL thickness in the nasal superior (β = 0.20, P = 0.009) and temporal superior (β = 0.14, P = 0.048) sectors. RNFL thickness was significantly reduced in participants with higher numbers of metabolic abnormalities, independent of age, gender and the side of the examined eye (P = 0.043).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that MetS is independently associated with reduced RNFL thickness, suggesting that neurodegeneration is implicated in pathogenesis of MetS.
Coincidence of mandibular fractures with isolated posterior maxillary sinus fractures
Authors: Blatt Sebastian , Rahimi‐Nedjat Roman , Sagheb Keyvan , Piechowiak Lisa , Walter Christian , Brüllmann Dan
Published: April 2017

Background/Aim

There are no data available to show whether there is a relationship between mandibular fractures and isolated fractures of the posterior and/or lateral walls of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a coincidence between these fracture patterns.

Methods

Four hundred large volume cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) of patients with a fracture of the mandible between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with multiple midfacial fractures were excluded. The radiographic findings were correlated with epidemiological and clinical data of the patients such as gender, age, treatment methods, or complications.

Results

The most frequent fracture sites of the mandible were the jaw angle, the parasymphysis region, and the condyle. Nineteen of the 400 patients (4.75%) had an isolated fracture of the lateral and/or posterior maxillary sinus. Odds‐ratio analysis revealed a high tendency for significant correlation of condylar process fractures with isolated maxillary sinus fractures. Chi‐square test demonstrated a P‐value near statistical significance (P=.054). No other fracture site of the mandible could be associated with an isolated fracture of the maxillary sinus.

Conclusion

A condylar process fracture of the mandible after trauma without any further injury of the midface may be associated with an isolated fracture of the lateral and/or posterior maxillary sinus.
Linking macroecology and community ecology: refining predictions of species distributions using biotic interaction networks
Authors: Staniczenko Phillip P.A. , Sivasubramaniam Prabu , Suttle K. Blake , Pearson Richard G.
Published: April 2017

Macroecological models for predicting species distributions usually only include abiotic environmental conditions as explanatory variables, despite knowledge from community ecology that all species are linked to other species through biotic interactions. This disconnect is largely due to the different spatial scales considered by the two sub‐disciplines: macroecologists study patterns at large extents and coarse resolutions, while community ecologists focus on small extents and fine resolutions. A general framework for including biotic interactions in macroecological models would help bridge this divide, as it would allow for rigorous testing of the role that biotic interactions play in determining species ranges. Here, we present an approach that combines species distribution models with Bayesian networks, which enables the direct and indirect effects of biotic interactions to be modelled as propagating conditional dependencies among species’ presences. We show that including biotic interactions in distribution models for species from a California grassland community results in better range predictions across the western USA. This new approach will be important for improving estimates of species distributions and their dynamics under environmental change.
Disenfranchisement and Ambiguity in the Face of Loss: The Suffocated Grief of Sexual Assault Survivors
Authors: Bordere Tashel
Published: April 2017

Grief, loss, and social injustice are vital elements in the distinct yet intersecting stories of sexual assault and post‐assault survivorship. Yet survivors must frequently cope in isolation or in programs and therapeutic settings informed by literature that does not consistently account for grief and loss as central to their experiences. Utilizing a feminist framework, I review and critique literature on sexual assault survivorship and loss with focus on factors related to disenfranchisement and suffocated grief among young adult females. I also explore how these factors further complicate grief and mourning processes. Implications for socially just and culturally appropriate research and practice with bereaved sexual assault survivors are provided.
Sugar enrichment provides evidence for a role of nitrogen fixation in coral bleaching
Authors: Pogoreutz Claudia , Rädecker Nils , Cárdenas Anny , Gärdes Astrid , Voolstra Christian R. , Wild Christian
Published: April 2017

The disruption of the coral–algae symbiosis (coral bleaching) due to rising sea surface temperatures has become an unprecedented global threat to coral reefs. Despite decades of research, our ability to manage mass bleaching events remains hampered by an incomplete mechanistic understanding of the processes involved. In this study, we induced a coral bleaching phenotype in the absence of heat and light stress by adding sugars. The sugar addition resulted in coral symbiotic breakdown accompanied by a fourfold increase of coral‐associated microbial nitrogen fixation. Concomitantly, increased N:P ratios by the coral host and algal symbionts suggest excess availability of nitrogen and a disruption of the nitrogen limitation within the coral holobiont. As nitrogen fixation is similarly stimulated in ocean warming scenarios, here we propose a refined coral bleaching model integrating the cascading effects of stimulated microbial nitrogen fixation. This model highlights the putative role of nitrogen‐fixing microbes in coral holobiont functioning and breakdown.
Predictors of the health‐related quality of life of Chinese people with major neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers: The roles of self‐esteem and caregiver's burden
Authors: Young Daniel Kim‐wan , Ng Petrus Yat‐nam , Kwok Timothy
Published: April 2017

Aim

The present research study aimed to identify and compare the clinical and non‐clinical factors that predict the self‐reported and proxy‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with major neurocognitive disorder (PwND) who are living at home in a Chinese society.

Methods

A total of 57 Chinese PwND‐family caregiver dyads that were using the services of local senior centers were recruited through a cross‐sectional survey with convenience sampling. Each PwND and caregiver rated the PwND's HRQoL independently by using the Quality of Life‐Alzheimer's disease measure. Additional measures included the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES), Index for Managing Memory Loss, Geriatric Depression Scale, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and Zarit Burden Inventory.

Results

The results of hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses showed that the PwND's self‐rated HRQoL and caregiver‐rated HRQoL were found to be predicted by different clinical and non‐clinical variables. In particular, the self‐esteem of PwND had the highest predictive power for the self‐rated HRQoL, whereas the caregiver burden is the only significant predictor for the caregiver‐rated HRQoL.

Conclusions

In the present study, the self‐esteem of PwND and the caregiver's burden were found to be important factors predicting self‐rated HRQoL and caregiver‐rated HRQoL respectively, which is probably because of the influence of traditional Chinese cultural values. Thus, it is important for non‐pharmacological interventions to address these special needs to promote HRQoL for this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2319–2328.
Structure of massai grass pasture grazed on by sheep supplemented in the dry season
Authors: Fernandes Leonardo Santana , Difante Gelson dos Santos , Montagner Denise Baptaglin , Emerenciano Neto João Virgínio , de Araújo Itânia Maria Medeiros , Campos Nathália Rafaela Fidelis
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic and structural characteristics of massai grass under grazing by sheep supplemented in the dry season. The treatments were supplements offered to sheep in massai grass pastures: multiple mixture, leucaena hay, gliricidia hay and soybean meal. The pastures were evaluated regarding: canopy height; forage accumulation and mass; accumulation, mass and percentage of morphological constituents; leaf:stem and green mass:dead material ratio; and pre‐ and post‐grazing forage bulk density. Higher pre‐grazing heights were observed (27.4 cm) in pasture occupied by animals supplemented with multiple mixture. No effects of supplement types for forage mass (average of 4426.6 kg ha−1 of dry matter) or of morphological constituents in pre‐grazing were observed; however, a grazing cycle effect was observed for these variables, with decreased forage mass in the order of 20% between the first and fourth pasture cycle. Involvement of dead material in forage mass increased by 45 and 23% in the pre and post‐grazing, respectively, from the first to the third grazing cycle. Using protein supplements in sheep's diet was not able to modify massai grass structure in the dry season. Massai grass is alternative forage for supplemented sheep production systems in pastures during the dry season, supporting grazing in 150 mm rainfall conditions for 6 months.
Neu1 sialidase interacts with perilipin 1 on lipid droplets and inhibits lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Natori Yujin , Nasui Miwako , Kihara‐Negishi Fumiko
Published: April 2017

Fatty acids are stored within adipocytes in lipid droplets (LDs) as triacylglycerol (TG), which is converted to free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol via lipolysis. Increased plasma FFA levels in obesity are associated with several clinical conditions. We previously found that Neu1 activity is aberrant in the epididymal fat and liver of obese and diabetic mice. Here, we examined involvement of Neu1 in lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Small interfering RNA against Neu1 was introduced into adipocytes, and glycerol concentrations were measured in the culture medium. We then assessed the effects of Neu1 knockdown on lipolytic protein expression and phosphorylation, as well as interactions between perilipin 1 (Plin1) and hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) after isoproterenol (IS) stimulation. Interactions between Neu1 and Plin1 were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent imaging using adipocytes transfected with pCMV6‐mNeu1‐myc‐DYKDDDDK (mNeu1DDK). Neu1 knockdown increased glycerol concentrations in culture media and Plin1 phosphorylation in whole lysates of IS‐stimulated cells. Neu1 knockdown increased interaction between Plin1 and HSL after IS stimulation whereas that between Neu1 and Plin1 on LD observed under basal conditions was lost. These results suggest that Neu1 inhibits lipolysis induced by β‐adrenergic stimulation in adipocytes via interactions with Plin1 on LD.
Health‐related quality of life questionnaires in individuals with haemophilia: a systematic review of their measurement properties
Authors: Limperg P.F. , Terwee C.B. , Young N.L. , Price V.E. , Gouw S.C. , Peters M. , Grootenhuis M.A. , Blanchette V. , Haverman L.
Published: April 2017

Background

The evaluation of health related quality of life (HRQOL) is essential for a full assessment of the influence of an illness on patients’ lives. The aim of this paper is to critically appraise and compare the measurement properties of HRQOL questionnaires studied in haemophilia.

Methods

Bibliographic databases (Embase, Medline, Cinahl and PsycInfo) were searched for articles evaluating measurement properties of HRQOL questionnaires in haemophilia. Articles were excluded that did not report HRQOL measurement properties, or when <50% of the study population had haemophilia. The methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the COSMIN checklist. The measurement properties of the HRQL questionnaires were rated as ‘positive’, ‘indeterminate’ or ‘negative’, accompanied by levels of evidence.

Results

The search resulted in 1597 unique hits, of which 22 studies were included. These articles evaluated three questionnaires for children (CHO‐KLAT, Haemo‐QoL and one unnamed measure) and five for adults (Hemofilia‐QoL, Haemophilia Well‐Being Index, HAEMO‐QoL‐A, Haem‐A‐QoL, and SF‐36). The CHO‐KLAT was the paediatric measure that showed the strongest measurement properties in high‐quality studies. The Haemophilia Well‐Being Index and HAEMO‐QoL‐A performed best among the adult measures. None of the studies reported measurement error and responsiveness.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that there is no need for new disease‐specific HRQOL questionnaires for haemophilia, but rather that additional research is necessary to document the measurement properties of the currently available questionnaires, specifically focusing on the structural validity, measurement error and responsiveness of these questionnaires.
Recycling of yttria‐stabilized zirconia waste powders in glazes suitable for ceramic tiles
Authors: Siligardi Cristina , Barbi Silvia , Casini Roberto , Tagliaferri Luca , Remigio Vito
Published: April 2017

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of valorizing and recycling Yttria‐stabilized Zirconia thermal spray waste into high value products for industrial and residential use. Based on the powders chemistry and morphology, this work aims to realize products, like frits suitable for white glazes and ceramic tiles. The focus is on one class of powder: high‐temperature and abrasion‐resistant ceramics, like Yttria‐stabilized zirconia. This study has revealed that the substitution of pure zirconia with waste Yttria‐stabilized zirconia is possible in high percentages, up to 100% to prepare frits suitable for white glazes.
Protected engagement time on older adult mental health wards: A thematic analysis of the views of patients, carers, and staff
Authors: Dodd Emily , Cheston Richard , Procter Charlie , Heneker Sarah , Gray Richard , Fox Chris , Nolan Fiona
Published: April 2017

During protected engagement time (PET), ward routines are adjusted so that staff can spend time together with patients without interruption. The aim of PET is to increase staff and patient interaction on wards, and ultimately patient well‐being. Although PET has been implemented on inpatient wards within the UK, including older adult wards, there is no systematic evidence as to how PET is carried out or how it is experienced by staff, patients, and families. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 28 participants (8 patients, 10 family members, and 10 ward staff) from three different wards with PET, and transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (i) the patient is at the heart of care; (ii) PET depends on staff; and (iii) tensions in how PET operates. There was support in our sample for the principles of PET and its potential for a positive impact on patient well‐being. However, the implementation of PET was identified as challenging, highlighting an existing tension between an individual's needs and the wider needs of patients on the ward as a whole. The impact of PET was generally described as being dependent on how PET was organized and the level of staff commitment to PET. Participants emphasized that if PET is to be successful, then it should be a fluid process that fits in with the local context.
First‐principles investigations on elevated temperature elastic and thermodynamic properties of ZrB2 and HfB2
Authors: Xiang Huimin , Feng Zhihai , Li Zhongping , Zhou Yanchun
Published: April 2017

As promising candidates for ultrahigh temperature applications, high‐temperature properties, which are quite rare and fragmentary, have great significance to ZrB2 and HfB2. In this work, thermodynamic and mechanical properties of ZrB2 and HfB2 from 0 K to 2000 K were investigated by a combination of first principles calculations and quasi‐harmonic approximations. The ground‐state properties, including lattice parameters, elastic constants, phonon dispersion, and mode‐Grüneisen parameters are calculated. The theoretical thermal expansion, elastic and thermodynamic properties at elevated temperatures show good agreement with experiments. By discussing Grüneisen parameters anisotropy, the mechanism for the thermal expansion anisotropy of ZrB2 and HfB2 is uncovered. The influence of direction‐dependent sound velocities on the anisotropy of thermal conductivity is also discussed.
Structural features and thermoelectric properties of Al‐doped (ZnO)5In2O3 homologous phases
Authors: Košir Mateja , Čeh Miran , Ow‐Yang Cleva W. , Guilmeau Emmanuel , Bernik Slavko
Published: April 2017

In this work, we investigated the influence of Al doping on the structure of the (ZnO)5In2O3 homologous phase and the thermoelectric characteristics of (ZnO)5(In1−xAlx)2O3 ceramics for x=0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2, prepared using a classic ceramic procedure and sintering at 1500°C for 2 hours. The Al substituted for In on both the primary sites in the Zn5(In1−xAlx)2O8 homologous phase, the octahedral sites in the basal‐plane inversion boundaries and the trigonal bi‐pyramidal sites in the zig‐zag inversion boundaries, which resulted in a uniformly increased shrinkage of the unit cell with the additions of Al. The a and c parameters were reduced for x=0.2 by a maximum 0.8%. All the samples had similar microstructures, so the differences in the TE characteristics mainly resulted from the effects of the substitution of Al for In, decreasing the charge‐carrier concentration and affecting their mobility. Slightly improved TE characteristics were only observed for Al additions with x=0.01‐0.05, while larger additions of Al only resulted in a reduced electrical conductivity and decreased ZT values in comparison to the un‐doped composition.
High‐temperature piezoelectric properties of 0‐3 type CaBi4Ti4O15:x wt%BiFeO3 composites
Authors: Hussain Ahmad , Qaiser Muhammad Adnan , Zhang Ji , Zhang Shan‐Tao , Wang Yiping , Yang Ying , Liu Zhiguo , Yuan Guoliang
Published: April 2017

The 0‐3 type CaBi4Ti4O15:30 wt%BiFeO3 composite shows much better high‐temperature piezoelectric properties than the single‐phase CaBi4Ti4O15 or BiFeO3 ceramics. The composite with 0‐3 type connectivity exhibits a high density of 7.01 g/cm3, a saturated polarization of 21.5 μC/cm2 and an enhanced piezoelectric d33 of 25 pC/N. After the poled composite was annealed at 600°C, its d33 is 21 pC/N at room temperature. Resistance of the composite decreases slowly from 109 ohm at 20°C to ~105 ohm at 500°C. Furthermore, the poled composite shows strong radial and thickness dielectric resonances at 20°C‐500°C.
Investigation of MnO2‐doped (Ba, Ca)TiO3 lead‐free ceramics for high power piezoelectric applications
Authors: Chen Lei , Fan Huiqing , Zhang Shujun
Published: April 2017

x% mol MnO2‐doped Ba0.925Ca0.075TiO3 ceramics (abbreviated as BCT‐Mnx, x=0‐1.5) were synthesized by conventional solid‐state reaction method. The effects of MnO2 addition and (Ba+Ca)/Ti mole ratio (A/B ratio) on the microstructure and electrical properties of the ceramics were investigated. The internal bias filed Ei was determined from the asymmetrical polarization hysteresis loops and found to increase with the doping concentration of MnO2. High mechanical quality factors (Qm>1200) and low dielectric loss (tanδ<0.5%) were found in the BCT‐Mn0.75 and BCT‐Mn1.0 ceramics with Ei>3 kV/cm, meanwhile, the piezoelectric and electromechanical properties were found to decrease compared with the pure BCT, exhibiting a typical characteristic of “hard” behavior. Of particular interest is that the microstructure of BCT‐Mn0.75 ceramics could be controlled by changing the A/B ratio, where enhanced piezoelectric coefficient d33 on the order of 190 pC/N was obtained in the BCT‐Mn0.75 ceramics with A/B=1.01 due to its fine‐grained microstructure, with yet high Qm, being on the order of 1000. The high d33 and Qm in MnO2‐doped BCT ceramics make it a promising candidate for high power piezoelectric applications.
A comparative study of physical properties in Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared by coprecipitation and citrate methods
Authors: Gholizadeh Ahmad
Published: April 2017

Magnetite exhibits unique structural, electronic, and magnetic properties in extreme conditions that are of great research interest. In this work, the effects of preparation technique on X‐ray peak broadening, magnetic and elastic moduli properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared by coprecipitation (FcP‐NPs) and citrate (FC‐NPs) methods have been investigated. The structural characterization of the samples is evidence for a cubic structure with Fd‐3m space group. The Williamson‐Hall analysis was used to study crystallite sizes and lattice strain of the samples and also stress and energy density. In addition, the crystallite sizes are compared with the particle sizes and the magnetic core sizes obtained from TEM and VSM methods, respectively. In addition, the cation distribution obtained from calculated inversion parameter indicate that in the smaller particles, more amount of Fe2+ on the tetrahedral sites can be related to higher stress induced in the FcP‐NPs compared to the FC‐NPs. The saturation magnetization of the FcP‐NPs is almost two times bigger than the saturation magnetization of the FC‐NPs. It could be attributed to the decrease in the negative interaction on the octahedral site and also the magnetic moment on the tetrahedral site of the FcP‐NPs. The increase in force constants of the FC‐NPs determined by infrared spectra analysis compared to FcP‐NPs suggests the strengthening of their interatomic bonding. The values of shear and longitudinal wave velocities obtained from force constants have been used to determine the values of Young's modulus, rigidity modulus, bulk modulus, and Debye temperature. By comparison of the elastic results of FC‐NPs with the FcP‐NPs, we can observe that the elastic properties of the F‐NPs have been improved by synthesis method, while Poisson's ratio almost remains constant. In addition, using the values of the compliance sij obtained from elastic stiffness constants, the values of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio along the oriented direction [hkl] have been calculated for the samples.
Effect of synthesis procedure on carbonation of calcium‐silicate‐hydrate
Authors: Hunnicutt William , Struble Leslie , Mondal Paramita
Published: April 2017

Carbonation of synthesized calcium‐silicate‐hydrate (C–S–H) is difficult to avoid and can have significant impact on the molecular structure. Considerable carbonation was observed in C–S–H synthesized from the double decomposition of sodium silicate and calcium nitrate solutions but not in C–S–H synthesized from the direct reaction of fumed silica and calcium hydroxide solution. In order to isolate the cause of the greater carbonation in C–S–H synthesized by double decomposition, carbonation was induced in phase‐pure C–S–H by reaction with four different water‐based solutions containing dissolvedCO2with varyingpHand alkali content. Powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and29Si nuclear magnetic resonance were used to probe the carbonation and the resulting changes in molecular structure. ThepHof the solution was seen to strongly influence the degree of carbonation, while the alkali content had much less effect.
Experimental investigation and thermodynamic evaluation of the C–Hf–O ternary system
Authors: Réjasse Florian , Rapaud Olivier , Trolliard Gilles , Masson Olivier , Maître Alexandre
Published: April 2017

The first part of this work is dedicated to an experimental investigation of the C–Hf–O system and in particular to the stability domain of the HfCxOy oxycarbide phase formed through the carbothermal reduction in HfO2 by carbon black at 1650 and 1750°C. This study which has been carried out by coupling chemical elemental analysis of powder with a structural approach by X‐ray powder diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) shows that the solid solution of the oxygen ranges from HfC0.98±0.01O0.02±0.03 to HfC0.90±0.01O0.10±0.03 at 1650°C and from HfC0.97±0.01O0.03±0.03 to HfC0.89±0.01O0.11±0.03 at 1750°C. It was then concluded that contrary with earlier previous results from the literature, the stability field of the solid solution is very limited and not very sensitive to temperature. This behavior is also in contrast with results obtained on the ZrCxOy oxycarbide which shows an isostructural form of HfCxOy. The second part of the paper reports on the first modeling of the ternary thermodynamic diagram of the C–Hf–O system by the CALPHAD method. The accurate data experimentally obtained on the solid solution were integrated as diagrammatic data for the calculation. The modeling was based on from already published binary assessments after a selection of compatible binary models and the description of the HfCxOy solid solution was then added and optimized using the data of this work. As a result, a set of coherent parameters has been obtained, allowing to calculate isothermal sections of this C–Hf–O ternary system.
Diffusion of water in silica glass in the absence of stresses
Authors: Wiederhorn Sheldon M. , Rizzi Gabriele , Wagner Susanne , Hoffmann Michael J. , Fett Theo
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we consider the diffusion of water vapor into silica glass at relatively low temperatures, 25°C to ≈500°C. Extensive studies of such diffusion by others have shown that water diffusion from inert gases behaves differently than diffusion from liquid water. In liquid water, the concentration of water at the surface quickly achieves saturation value. In gas, the concentration of water at the surface does not achieve a constant value, but builds up with time eventually reaching a steady state value. Here, we show that published data can be explained by assuming the existence of a surface barrier to the diffusion of water into the silica glass. We develop equations that quantify the diffusion rate through the barrier; the diffusion results are consistent with published data. We suggest that barrier formation is a consequence of the structure of the silica glass at the free surface and the way that water reacts at the surface in contrast to the way it reacts in the bulk glass. This description gives a quantitative explanation of the development of a diffusion barrier and provides a contrast between the way liquid water and water vapor behave at a free surface.
Temperature‐ and E‐field‐dependent domain configuration and electrical properties in (K, Na, Li)(Nb, Ta, Sb)O3 single crystal
Authors: Wang Junjun , Zheng Limei , Lü Weiming , Yang Liya , Yang Bin , Zhang Rui , Lv Tianquan , Cao Wenwu
Published: April 2017

E‐field‐ and temperature‐dependent domain evolution of lead‐free tetragonal (K, Na, Li)(Nb, Sb, Ta)O3 (KNLNTS) single crystals as well as its corresponding electrical properties have been investigated. When E field is applied along [011]C direction, (2T) engineered domain structure is formed. Spontaneous polarizations switch under a critical electric field (around 4‐5 kV/cm), resulting in significant changes in domain structure and great improvement in piezoelectric properties. Furthermore, it is found that piezoelectric constant d31 and electromechanical coupling factor k31 of [011]C poled KNLNTS single crystal decrease with temperature. The extrinsic and intrinsic piezoelectric responses are discussed from the viewpoint of domain structure and lattice distortion, respectively. Our results show that the nanodomain structure relaxes and the lattice distortion declines with temperature, resulting in reduction of extrinsic and intrinsic piezoelectric responses, respectively. Therefore, the piezoelectric instability is ascribed to the decrease of both extrinsic and intrinsic contributions. This work provides a better understanding of domain engineering technique, and the useful information on the improvement of both piezoelectricity and temperature stability of the lead‐free piezoelectric materials.
A randomised controlled trial to test the effect of promoting caregiver contingent talk on language development in infants from diverse socioeconomic status backgrounds
Authors: McGillion Michelle , Pine Julian M. , Herbert Jane S. , Matthews Danielle
Published: April 2017

Background

Early language skills are critical for later academic success. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) children tend to start school with limited language skills compared to advantaged peers. We test the hypothesis that this is due in part to differences in caregiver contingent talk during infancy (how often the caregiver talks about what is in the focus of the infant's attention).

Methods

In a randomised controlled trial with high and low SES families, 142 11‐month olds and their caregivers were randomly allocated to either a contingent talk intervention or a dental health control. Families in the language intervention watched a video about contingent talk and were asked to practise it for 15 min a day for a month. Caregiver communication was assessed at baseline and after 1 month. Infant communication was assessed at baseline, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months.

Results

At baseline, social gradients were observed in caregiver contingent talk to their 11‐month olds (but not in infant communication). At posttest, when infants were 12 months old, caregivers across the SES spectrum who had been allocated to the language intervention group engaged in significantly more contingent talk. Lower SES caregivers in this intervention group also reported that their children produced significantly more words at 15 and 18 months. Effects of the intervention did not persist at 24 months. Instead expressive vocabulary at this age was best predicted by baseline infant communication, baseline contingent talk and SES.

Conclusions

A social gradient in children's communication emerges during the second year of life. A low‐intensity intervention demonstrated that it is possible to increase caregiver contingent talk and that this is effective in promoting vocabulary growth for lower SES infants in the short term. However, these effects are not long‐lasting, suggesting that follow‐up interventions may be necessary to yield benefits lasting to school entry.
Molecular cloning of MDA5, phylogenetic analysis of RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs) and differential gene expression of RLRs, interferons and proinflammatory cytokines after in vitro challenge with IPNV, ISAV and SAV in the salmonid cell line TO
Authors: Nerbøvik I‐K G , Solheim M A , Eggestøl H Ø , Rønneseth A , Jakobsen R A , Wergeland H I , Haugland G T
Published: April 2017

The RIG‐I receptors RIG‐I, MDA5 and LGP2 are involved in viral recognition, and they have different ligand specificity and recognize different viruses. Activation of RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs) leads to production of cytokines essential for antiviral immunity. In fish, most research has focused on interferons, and less is known about the production of proinflammatory cytokines during viral infections. In this study, we have cloned the full‐length MDA5 sequence in Atlantic salmon, and compared it with RIG‐I and LGP2. Further, the salmonid cell line TO was infected with three fish pathogenic viruses, infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) and salmonid alphavirus (SAV), and differential gene expression (DEG) analyses of RLRs, interferons (IFNa‐d) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α1, TNF‐α2, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12 p40s) were performed. The DEG analyses showed that the responses of proinflammatory cytokines in TO cells infected with IPNV and ISAV were profoundly different from SAV‐infected cells. In the two aforementioned, TNF‐α1 and TNF‐α2 were highly upregulated, while in SAV‐infected cells these cytokines were downregulated. Knowledge of virus recognition by the host and the immune responses during infection may help elucidate why and how some viruses can escape the immune system. Such knowledge is useful for the development of immune prophylactic measures.
Changes in the gut microbiome of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in response to White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection
Authors: Ding Z F , Cao M J , Zhu X S , Xu G H , Wang R L
Published: April 2017

Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in maintaining host health, but their functions in aquatic animal hosts have yet to be fully elucidated. The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is one such example. We attempted to identify the shift of gut microbiota that occurred in response to infection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an emerging viral pathogen in the crab aquaculture industry. The microbiota may exert some control over aspects of the viral pathogenesis. We investigated the changes in composition and structure of the crab gut microbiome during various WSSV infection stages of 6 h post‐infection (hpi) and 48 hpi, using a 16S rRNA approach on the MiSeq Illumina sequencing platform. Four phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and Bacteroidetes) were most dominant in the gut of E. sinensis regardless of the WSSV infection stages. However, further analysis revealed that over 12 bacterial phyla, 44 orders and 68 families were significantly different in abundance at various states of WSSV infection. Several intriguing aspects of E. sinensis gut bacteria that had not been previously reported were also uncovered, such as class Mollicutes was dominant here, but absent in crabs from Yangtze River estuary and Chongming Islands. Overall, this study provided the first evidence that changes in gut microbiome were closely associated with the severity of WSSV infection and that indicator taxa could be used to evaluate the crab health status.
DA‐9701 improves colonic transit time and symptoms in patients with functional constipation: A prospective study
Authors: Kim Su Young , Woo Hyun Sun , Kim Kyoung Oh , Choi Sung Han , Kwon Kwang An , Chung Jun‐Won , Kim Yoon Jae , Kim Jung Ho , Kim Su Ji , Park Dong Kyun
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

DA‐9701, a newly developed prokinetic agent formulated with Pharbitis Semen and Corydalis Tuber, has been shown to effectively treat functional dyspepsia. Recently, it has also been suspected to improve gastrointestinal motor function. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of DA‐9701 on colonic transit time (CTT) and symptoms of functional constipation.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with functional constipation based on the Rome III criteria were prospectively enrolled. The patients received 30‐mg DA‐9701 three times a day for 24 days. CTT was estimated initially and at the end of treatment. Symptoms such as spontaneous bowel movements, straining, stool form, feeling of incomplete emptying and anorectal blockage, abdominal discomfort and pain, overall defecation satisfaction, and incidence of adverse events were also analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients completed the study. DA‐9701 was associated with a significantly reduced CTT from 34.9 ± 17.6 to 23.7 ± 19.1 h (P = 0.001). Segmental CTT also significantly decreased after treatment (right CTT: from 16.8 [0.0–28.8] to 6.0 [0.0–25.2] hours, P < 0.001; rectosigmoid transit time: from 13.2 [0.0–38.4] to 6.0 [0.0–33.6] hours, P = 0.021). In addition, all constipation‐related subjective symptoms, including spontaneous bowel movement frequency, significantly improved compared with those before treatment. Serious adverse events did not occur.

Conclusions

DA‐9701 accelerates colonic transit and safely improves symptoms in patients with functional constipation. Therefore, we suggest that this novel agent could help to treat patients with this condition.
ARALAR/AGC1 deficiency, a neurodevelopmental disorder with severe impairment of neuronal mitochondrial respiration, does not produce a primary increase in brain lactate
Authors: Juaristi Inés , García‐Martín María L. , Rodrigues Tiago B. , Satrústegui Jorgina , Llorente‐Folch Irene , Pardo Beatriz
Published: April 2017

ARALAR/AGC1 (aspartate‐glutamate mitochondrial carrier 1) is an important component of the NADH malate‐aspartate shuttle (MAS). AGC1‐deficiency is a rare disease causing global cerebral hypomyelination, developmental arrest, hypotonia, and epilepsy (OMIM ID #612949); the aralar‐KO mouse recapitulates the major findings in humans. This study was aimed at understanding the impact of ARALAR‐deficiency in brain lactate levels as a biomarker. We report that lactate was equally abundant in wild‐type and aralar‐KO mouse brain in vivo at postnatal day 17. We find that lactate production upon mitochondrial blockade depends on up‐regulation of lactate formation in astrocytes rather than in neurons. However, ARALAR‐deficiency decreased cell respiration in neurons, not astrocytes, which maintained unchanged respiration and lactate production. As the primary site of ARALAR‐deficiency is neuronal, this explains the lack of accumulation of brain lactate in ARALAR‐deficiency in humans and mice. On the other hand, we find that the cytosolic and mitochondrial components of the glycerol phosphate shuttle are present in astrocytes with similar activities. This suggests that glycerol phosphate shuttle is the main NADH shuttle in astrocytes and explains the absence of effects of ARALAR‐deficiency in these cells.

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Haplodeficiency of Cathepsin D does not affect cerebral amyloidosis and autophagy in APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Cheng Shaowu , Wani Willayat Y. , Hottman David A. , Jeong Angela , Cao Dongfeng , LeBlanc Kyle J. , Saftig Paul , Zhang Jianhua , Li Ling
Published: April 2017

Autophagy and lysosomal function are important for protein homeostasis and their dysfunction have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased immunoreactivities of an important lysosomal protease, cathepsin D (Cat D), are evident in amyloid plaques and neurons in patients with AD. This study tests the hypothesis that deleting one allele of the cathepsin D gene (Ctsd) impacts cerebral β‐amyloidosis in amyloid‐β precursor protein (APP)sw/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) double transgenic mice. Despite a significant 38% decrease in Cat D level in APP/PS1/Ctsd+/− compared with APP/PS1/Ctsd+/+ mice, no changes in steady state levels and deposition of Aβ were found in the brain. There were also no differences in APP processing, the levels of two other Aβ‐degrading proteases, the levels of autophagy related protein, such as LAMP2, P62, LC3‐I, LC3‐II, and Beclin‐1, or the markers of neuroinflammation, observed between the APP/PS1/Ctsd+/+ and APP/PS1/Ctsd+/− mice. Our findings demonstrate that in wild‐type mice, Cat D protein levels are either in excess or redundant with other factors in the brain, and at least one allele of Ctsd is dispensable for cerebral β‐amyloidosis and autophagy in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

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The role of charged residues in independent glycine receptor folding domains for intermolecular interactions and ion channel function
Authors: Langlhofer Georg , Villmann Carmen
Published: April 2017

Glycine receptor (GlyR) truncations in the intracellular TM3‐4 loop, documented in patients suffering from hyperekplexia and in the mouse mutant oscillator, lead to non‐functionality of GlyRs. The missing part that contains the TM3‐4 loop, TM4 and C‐terminal sequences is essential for pentameric receptor arrangements. In vitro co‐expressions of GlyRα1‐truncated N‐domains and C‐domains were able to restore ion channel function. An ionic interaction between both domains was hypothesized as the underlying mechanism. Here, we analysed the proposed ionic interaction between GlyR N‐ and C‐domains using C‐terminal constructs with either positively or negatively charged N‐termini. Charged residues at the N‐terminus of the C‐domain did interfere with receptor surface expression and ion channel function. In particular, presence of negatively charged residues at the N‐terminus led to significantly decreased ion channel function. Presence of positive charges resulted in reduced maximal currents possibly as a result of repulsion of both domains. If the C‐domain was tagged by a myc‐epitope, low maximal current amplitudes were detected. Intrinsic charges of the myc‐epitope and charged N‐terminal ends of the C‐domain most probably induce intramolecular interactions. These interactions might hinder the close proximity of C‐domains and N‐domains, which is a prerequisite for functional ion channel configurations. The remaining basic subdomains close to TM3 and 4 were sufficient for domain complementation and functional ion channel formation. Thus, these basic subdomains forming α‐helical elements or an intracellular portal represent attractants for incoming negatively charged chloride ions and interact with the phospholipids thereby stabilizing the GlyR in a conformation that allows ion channel opening.

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A device to measure secretion of individual sweat glands for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Loavenbruck Adam J. , Hodges James S. , Provitera Vincenzo , Nolano Maria , Wendelshafer‐Crabb Gwen , Kennedy William R.
Published: April 2017

There is a need for quantitative, precise assessment of small fiber peripheral nerve function. We tested a customized camera device and protocol designed to quantify secretions of individual sweat glands (SGs). Testing was performed on 178 healthy controls and 20 neuropathy subjects. Sweating was stimulated on a 2.25 cm2 skin area by iontophoresis of pilocarpine. The camera imaged sweat from 50 to 400 sweat ducts. We calculated secretion rate of individual SGs, total sweat volume, and number of secreting SGs at four body sites. Neuropathy subjects were tested at the two distal sites to demonstrate the device's capability to detect abnormal sudomotor function. Normal ranges were calculated for each body site. Neuropathy subjects had lower sweat rates per SG, lower total sweat, and lower SG density. The normal values decreased with advancing age, were lower in females, and differed between body sites. There was good agreement with repeat testing. The device provides reliable, precise quantitative measures of sweat secretion from single SGs for characterization of sudomotor nerve function in healthy control subjects and in subjects with known peripheral neuropathy. The test combines the capabilities of existing tests of sudomotor function while providing additional capabilities.
Variation in brain anatomy in frogs and its possible bearing on their locomotor ecology
Authors: Manzano Adriana S. , Herrel Anthony , Fabre Anne‐Claire , Abdala Virginia
Published: April 2017

Despite the long‐standing interest in the evolution of the brain, relatively little is known about variation in brain anatomy in frogs. Yet, frogs are ecologically diverse and, as such, variation in brain anatomy linked to differences in lifestyle or locomotor behavior can be expected. Here we present a comparative morphological study focusing on the macro‐ and micro‐anatomy of the six regions of the brain and its choroid plexus: the olfactory bulbs, the telencephalon, the diencephalon, the mesencephalon, the rhombencephalon, and the cerebellum. We also report on the comparative anatomy of the plexus brachialis responsible for the innervation of the forelimbs. It is commonly thought that amphibians have a simplified brain organization, associated with their supposedly limited behavioral complexity and reduced motor skills. We compare frogs with different ecologies that also use their limbs in different contexts and for other functions. Our results show that brain morphology is more complex and more variable than typically assumed. Moreover, variation in brain morphology among species appears related to locomotor behavior as suggested by our quantitative analyses. Thus we propose that brain morphology may be related to the locomotor mode, at least in the frogs included in our analysis.