bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transnational Climate Litigation: The Contribution of the Global South
Authors: Peel Jacqueline , Lin Jolene
Published: June 2019

Since the conclusion of the Paris Agreement, climate litigation has become a global phenomenon, casting courts as important players in multilevel climate governance. However, most climate litigation scholarship focuses on court actions in the Global North. This Article is the first to shine a light on the Global South's contribution to transnational climate litigation. Analysis of this experience is essential if transnational climate jurisprudence is to contribute meaningfully to global climate governance, and to ensuring just outcomes for the most climate-vulnerable.
The Differend of Justice: Violence and Redemption in Dworkin'sJustice for Hedgehogs
Authors: OLNEY CHARLES
Published: June 2019

This article uses Ronald Dworkin's argument for the unity of value to explore the redemptive core of modern legal order. Dworkin establishes a formal unity: all legal claims reside within a linked framework of moral justification. However, Jean-Francois Lyotard's concept of the differend exposes a lingering gap. Arguments within a moral universe do inevitably converge, but such unity is only possible due to the formative violence enactedbysuch orders. Dworkin hopes to provide the definitive statement against moral subjectivity, but in its purest form, he proves precisely the opposite. The lesson to draw from Dworkin's work is that ‘justice’ is ultimately only the means by which political orders categorize and thereby sustain their own formative acts of exclusion under the guise of offering their redemption.
Improving Emotional Competence in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mild Intellectual Disability in Schools: A Preliminary Treatment Versus Waitlist Study
Authors: Ratcliffe Belinda , Wong Michelle , Dossetor David , Hayes Susan
Published: June 2019

This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of delivering a new cognitive behavioural intervention package ‘Emotion-Based Social Skills Training (EBSST) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mild Intellectual Disability (ASD + MID)’ in schools. Fourteen school counsellors nominated 75 children (aged 7–13 years) with ASD + MID to receive 16 sessions of EBSST in groups of 3–8 children in their schools. Parent and teacher pre-post ratings of emotional competence (Emotions Development Questionnaire), social skills (Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales) and mental health (Developmental Behaviour Checklist) were collected. Forty-three children received 16 sessions of EBSST and 32 children were allocated to the 9-month waitlist control group. Teachers and parents also received six EBSST training sessions in separate groups at school. Significant improvements in parent and teacher ratings of emotional competence were found at posttreatment among children in the EBSST group relative to controls; however, the results were not significant after the Bonferroni adjustment. Small to medium effect sizes were found. No difference in untrained social skills or mental health was observed. This study provides preliminary support for the utility of EBSST in teaching emotional competence skills for children with ASD + MID in schools and provides valuable pilot data for future research.
On self-similar measures with absolutely continuous projections and dimension conservation in each direction
Authors: RAPAPORT ARIEL
Published: June 2019

Relying on results due to Shmerkin and Solomyak, we show that outside a zero-dimensional set of parameters, for every planar homogeneous self-similar measure$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$, with strong separation, dense rotations and dimension greater than$1$, there exists$q>1$such that$\{P_{z}\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}\}_{z\in S}\subset L^{q}(\mathbb{R})$. Here$S$is the unit circle and$P_{z}w=\langle z,w\rangle$for$w\in \mathbb{R}^{2}$. We then study such measures. For instance, we show that$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$is dimension conserving in each direction and that the map$z\rightarrow P_{z}\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$is continuous with respect to the weak topology of$L^{q}(\mathbb{R})$.
Refined scales of weak-mixing dynamical systems: typical behaviour
Authors: CARVALHO SILAS L. , DE OLIVEIRA CÉSAR R.
Published: June 2019

We study sets of measure-preserving transformations on Lebesgue spaces with continuous measures taking into account extreme scales of variations of weak mixing. It is shown that the generic dynamical behaviour depends on subsequences of time going to infinity. We also present corresponding generic sets of (probability) invariant measures with respect to topological shifts over finite alphabets and Axiom A diffeomorphisms over topologically mixing basic sets.
Hidden gender dimensions of the brain drain: the case of Turkey
Authors: Elveren Adem Yavuz , Toksöz Gülay
Published: June 2019

This study examines the gender dimension of the brain drain in Turkey, drawing on the results of an online survey to argue that the gender inequality present in sending countries can serve as a push factor in women's decisions to migrate and return or not return. The results indicate that the gender gap in the labor market in Turkey is an important factor in shaping the return intentions of female Turkish professionals and students living abroad. The findings reveal a gender gap in return intentions independent of other main factors, such as age, field of study/occupation, or duration of stay.
A comparison of epiphytic nematode diversity and assemblages inCorallinaturves on British and South Korean coasts across hierarchical spatial scales
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Gi , Hawkins Lawrence E. , Godbold Jasmin A. , Maclean Moira , Oh Chul-Woong , Rho Hyun Soo , Hawkins Stephen J.
Published: June 2019

Cosmopolitan habitat-forming taxa of algae such as the genusCorallinaprovide an opportunity to compare patterns of biodiversity over wide geographic scales. Nematode assemblages inhabitingCorallinaturves were compared between the south coasts of the British Isles and South Korea. A fully nested design was used with three regions in each country, two shores in each region and replicate samples taken from three patches on each shore to compare differences in the taxonomic and biological trait composition of nematode assemblages across scales. A biological traits approach, based on functional diversity of nematodes, was used to make comparisons between countries, among regions, between shores and among patches. The taxonomic and biological trait compositions of nematode assemblages were significantly different across all spatial scales (patches, shores, regions and countries). There is greater variation amongst nematode assemblages at the scale of shore than at other spatial scales. Nematode assemblage structure and functional traits are influenced by the local environmental factors on each shore including sea-surface temperature, the amount of sediment trapped inCorallinaspp. and tidal range. The sea-surface temperature and the amount of sediment trapped inCorallinaspp. were the predominant factors determining nematode abundance and composition of assemblages and their functional diversity.
Bayesian modelling of a hepatitis A outbreak in men who have sex with men in Sydney, Australia, 1991/1992
Authors: Zhang X.-S. , Charlett A.
Published: June 2019

To control hepatitis A spread by vaccination, accurate estimation of transmissibility is vital. Reganet al. (2016) proposed a model of hepatitis A virus (HAV) transmission and used least squares to calibrate model to the 1991/1992 HAV outbreak in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sydney, Australia. Based on the estimate ofR0, they obtained the critical immunity of 70% and showed that when the proportion immune <70%, there is a definite chance for outbreaks to take place. The immunity level from previous surveys ranges from 32% to 64% after 1996 while no outbreaks in Australian MSMs have been reported since 1996. Further noticing the ill-distributed parameters, we argue that their estimate ofR0is not accurate. In this study, we revisited their model by Bayesian inference, which has privilege over least squares. We obtained the appropriate posterior distributions of parameters and the estimate ofR0ranges from 1.38 to 2.89, indicating a critical immunity of 65%. The reduction in critical immunity and outbreak probabilities predicts the absence of outbreaks in Australian MSMs since 1996. Our study shows the importance of using appropriate methods to provide reliable and accurate estimates of the model parameters especially the transmissibility.
La polarité de un tant soit peu
Authors: Voicu Roxana
Published: June 2019

RESUME

L’article soulève la question de la polarité de la constructionun tant soit peu, faisant suite à une analyse récente de Spector (2012) qui relève son statut d’item bipolaire. L’analyse menée dans le cadre de la pragmatique lexicale d’Israel (2011) récuse un tel diagnostic. Empruntant à Israel (2011) l’hypothèse selon laquelle les items à polarité se laissent prédire par la conventionnalisation de la valeur argumentative, emphase ou atténuation, l’analyse montre le statut argumentativement sous-spécifié du quantifieur et, conséquemment, son échec à devenir un item à polarité. La diachronie se trouve convoquée à travers un réseau de relations reliant le quantifieur soumis à l’analyse àsi peu que ce soitetun peu. Issue du paradigme depeuoù elle instancie à l’origine une concessive extensionnelle, la construction intègre par réanalyse le paradigme deun peuen raison, entre autres, du sémantisme existentiel que les deux partagent. Le statut argumentativement sous-spécifié deun tant soit peureflète ainsi le comportement deun peuauprès de laquelleun tant soit peusert à varier davantage le domaine de quantification.
Balancing patient priorities for technical and interactional aspects of care in a measure of primary care quality
Authors: Mulder Carol , Sunderji Nadiya
Published: June 2019

Aim:

This study attempts to strike a balance to measure primary care quality in a way that considers what is important to patients, providers and the healthcare system, all at the same time.

Background:

The interest in delivering patient-centered primary care implies a need for patient-centered performance measurement. However, the distinction between measures of patient experience and technical aspects of care raises an unanswerable question: if a provider has good performance on technical measures but not on patient experience measures (or vice versa), what can be said about the quality of care?

Methods:

We surveyed patients to determine the relative priorities of each of a series of primary care measures in the patients’ relationship with their primary care provider. The on-line survey was co-designed with patient co-investigators. The items consisted of 14 primary care quality measures used in pre-existing performance report, 41 additional indicators including a novel set of patient-generated Key Performance Indicators and 17 questions about patients’ demographics, health and socioeconomic status as well as open-ended questions.

Findings:

Despite challenges, the study suggests that this is feasible. We argue that it is necessary to get better at measuring and finding ever-better ways to put patients at the center of primary care
Viewpoint: Back to the future for fisheries, where will we choose to go?
Authors: Zeller Dirk , Pauly Daniel
Published: June 2019

We present a view on global marine fisheries that emphasizes mitigating the conflict between sustainability and the scale of industrial exploitation driven by the demand of continuous economic growth. We then summarize the current state of global fisheries. Finally, we advocate strongly for scaling back industrial fisheries, most of which are non-sustainable. This can be achieved through eliminating the harmful, capacity-enhancing subsidies that prop up industrial fisheries to continue operating despite declining fish stocks. Instead, we propose to support well-managed, locally owned and operated small-scale fisheries, which generally contribute more to local employment and food security. We stress that contrary to deep-seated opinion in the fishing industry and among politicians, reducing overfishing by eliminating overcapacity in fishing fleets will actually lead to greater, not reduced catches. This would address part of the increased global seafood demand over the coming decades, which is driven by population and wealth growth. This seems counterintuitive, but is supported by fisheries science, data and experiences. Thankfully, we are beginning to see that some of these changes are being pursued by a growing number of countries and international institutions.
Equifinality and Flux Mapping: A New Approach to Model Evaluation and Process Representation Under Uncertainty
Authors: Khatami Sina , Peel Murray C. , Peterson Tim J. , Western Andrew W.
Published: June 2019

Uncertainty analysis is an integral part of any scientific modeling, particularly within the domain of hydrological sciences given the various types and sources of uncertainty. At the center of uncertainty rests the concept of equifinality, that is, reaching a given endpoint (finality) through different pathways. The operational definition of equifinality in hydrological modeling is that various model structures and/or parameter sets (i.e., equal pathways) are equally capable of reproducing a similar (not necessarily identical) hydrological outcome (i.e., finality). Here we argue that there is more to model equifinality than model structures/parameters, that is, other model components can give rise to model equifinality and/or could be used to explore equifinality within model space. We identified six facets of model equifinality, namely, model structure, parameters, performance metrics, initial and boundary conditions, inputs, and internal fluxes. Focusing on model internal fluxes, we developed a methodology called flux mapping that has fundamental implications in understanding and evaluating model process representation within the paradigm of multiple working hypotheses. To illustrate this, we examine the equifinality of runoff fluxes of a conceptual rainfall‐runoff model for a number of different Australian catchments. We demonstrate how flux maps can give new insights into the model behavior that cannot be captured by conventional model evaluation methods. We discuss the advantages of flux space, as a subspace of the model space not usually examined, over parameter space. We further discuss the utility of flux mapping in hypothesis generation and testing, extendable to any field of scientific modeling of open complex systems under uncertainty.
Grain Friction Controls Characteristics of Seismic Cycle in Faults With Granular Gouge
Authors: Dorostkar Omid , Carmeliet Jan
Published: June 2019

Mature faults at their core contain granular gouge, created due to communition of host rocks, which its frictional behavior controls earthquake nucleation and rupture patterns. In this work, we consider a fault system with granular gouge to study the effect of grain friction on the characteristics of seismic cycles. Our results show that particle friction controls the evolution of fault frictional strength as well as accumulation and release of elastic strain energy. Our discrete element simulations show that the stick‐slip frictional strength and dilation of the fault, as well as their variations, nonlinearly increase with the particle friction, but at high particle friction saturate. By statistical analyses on a large number of slip events, we find that the average recurrence time and its variations decrease with particle friction. A fault with higher grain friction shows more small slip events and also contains a limited number of extreme events. High particle friction introduces a more complex nucleation phase with higher stored energy and many recurrent small failures. We analyze the pseudo acoustic emission, which is based on monitoring the velocity signal of particles, and find higher temporal and more spatially distributed pseudo acoustic emissions for fault with higher grain friction. Our findings in this study show that, in faults with granular gouge, where the fault zone walls are totally engaged to the gouge layer, the friction at grain‐scale controls the characteristics of stick‐slip cycles including timing and amount of energy release.
On the Origin of Water Masses in the Beaufort Gyre
Authors: Kelly S. J. , Proshutinsky A. , Popova E. K. , Aksenov Y. K. , Yool A.
Published: June 2019

The Beaufort Gyre is a key feature of the Arctic Ocean, acting as a reservoir for freshwater in the region. Depending on whether the prevailing atmospheric circulation in the Arctic is anticyclonic or cyclonic, either a net accumulation or release of freshwater occurs. The sources of freshwater to the Arctic Ocean are well established and include contributions from the North American and Eurasian Rivers, the Bering Strait Pacific water inflow, sea ice meltwater, and precipitation, but their contribution to the Beaufort Gyre freshwater accumulation varies with changes in the atmospheric circulation. Here we use a Lagrangian backward tracking technique in conjunction with the 1/12‐degree resolution Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean model to investigate how sources of freshwater to the Beaufort Gyre have changed in recent decades, focusing on increase in the Pacific water content in the gyre between the late 1980s and early 2000s. Using empirical orthogonal functions we analyze the change in the Arctic oceanic circulation that occurred between the 1980s and 2000s. We highlight a “waiting room” advective pathway that was present in the 1980s and provide evidence that this pathway was caused by a shift in the center of Ekman transport convergence in the Arctic. We discuss the role of these changes as a contributing factor to changes in the stratification, and hence potentially the biology, of the Beaufort Gyre region.
MEMS-in-the-lens architecture for a miniature high-NA laser scanning microscope
Authors: Liu Tianbo , Rajadhyaksha Milind , Dickensheets David L.
Published: June 2019

Laser scanning microscopes can be miniaturized for in vivo imaging by substituting optical microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices in place of larger components. The emergence of multifunctional active optical devices can support further miniaturization beyond direct component replacement because those active devices enable diffraction-limited performance using simpler optical system designs. In this paper, we propose a catadioptric microscope objective lens that features an integrated MEMS device for performing biaxial scanning, axial focus adjustment, and control of spherical aberration. The MEMS-in-the-lens architecture incorporates a reflective MEMS scanner between a low-numerical-aperture back lens group and an aplanatic hyperhemisphere front refractive element to support high-numerical-aperture imaging. We implemented this new optical system using a recently developed hybrid polymer/silicon MEMS three-dimensional scan mirror that features an annular aperture that allows it to be coaxially aligned within the objective lens without the need for a beam splitter. The optical performance of the active catadioptric system is simulated and imaging of hard targets and human cheek cells is demonstrated with a confocal microscope that is based on the new objective lens design.
Diverse hydrogen production and consumption pathways influence methane production in ruminants
Authors: Greening Chris , Geier Renae , Wang Cecilia , Woods Laura C , Morales Sergio E , McDonald Michael J , Rushton-Green Rowena , Morgan Xochitl C , Koike Satoshi , Leahy Sinead C , Kelly William J , Cann Isaac , Attwood Graeme T , Cook Gregory M , Mackie Roderick I
Published: June 2019

Farmed ruminants are the largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions globally. The methanogenic archaea responsible for these emissions use molecular hydrogen (H2), produced during bacterial and eukaryotic carbohydrate fermentation, as their primary energy source. In this work, we used comparative genomic, metatranscriptomic and co-culture-based approaches to gain a system-wide understanding of the organisms and pathways responsible for ruminal H2 metabolism. Two-thirds of sequenced rumen bacterial and archaeal genomes encode enzymes that catalyse H2 production or consumption, including 26 distinct hydrogenase subgroups. Metatranscriptomic analysis confirmed that these hydrogenases are differentially expressed in sheep rumen. Electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenases from carbohydrate-fermenting Clostridia (e.g., Ruminococcus) accounted for half of all hydrogenase transcripts. Various H2 uptake pathways were also expressed, including methanogenesis (Methanobrevibacter), fumarate and nitrite reduction (Selenomonas), and acetogenesis (Blautia). Whereas methanogenesis-related transcripts predominated in high methane yield sheep, alternative uptake pathways were significantly upregulated in low methane yield sheep. Complementing these findings, we observed significant differential expression and activity of the hydrogenases of the hydrogenogenic cellulose fermenter Ruminococcus albus and the hydrogenotrophic fumarate reducer Wolinella succinogenes in co-culture compared with pure culture. We conclude that H2 metabolism is a more complex and widespread trait among rumen microorganisms than previously recognised. There is evidence that alternative hydrogenotrophs, including acetogenic and respiratory bacteria, can prosper in the rumen and effectively compete with methanogens for H2. These findings may help to inform ongoing strategies to mitigate methane emissions by increasing flux through alternative H2 uptake pathways, including through animal selection, dietary supplementation and methanogenesis inhibitors.
Long noncoding RNA Neat1 modulates myogenesis by recruiting Ezh2
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zuo Hao , Jin Jianjun , Lv Wei , Xu Zaiyan , Fan Yonghui , Zhang Jiali , Zuo Bo
Published: June 2019

Neat1 is widely expressed in many tissues and cells and exerts pro-proliferation effects on many cancer cells. However, little is known about the function of Neat1 in myogenesis. Here we characterized the roles of Neat1 in muscle cell formation and muscle regeneration. Gain- or loss-of-function studies in C2C12 cells demonstrated that Neat1 accelerates myoblast proliferation but suppresses myoblast differentiation and fusion. Further, knockdown of Neat1 in vivo increased the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers but impaired muscle regeneration. Mechanically, Neat1 physically interacted with Ezh2 mainly through the core binding region (1001–1540 bp) and recruited Ezh2 to target gene promoters. Neat1 promoted myoblast proliferation mainly by decreasing the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21 gene but inhibited myoblast differentiation by suppressing the transcription of myogenic marker genes, such as Myog, Myh4, and Tnni2. Altogether, we uncover a previously unknown function of Neat1 in muscle development and the molecular mechanism by which Neat1 regulates myogenesis.
Photocalorespirometry (Photo-CR): A Novel Method for Access to Photosynthetic Energy Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Maskow Thomas , Rothe Anne , Jakob Torsten , Paufler Sven , Wilhelm Christian
Published: June 2019

One key parameter for assessing the CO2 fixation in aquatic ecosystems but also for the productivity of photobioreactors is the energy conversion efficiency (PE) by the photosynthetic apparatus. PE strictly depends on a range of different fluctuating environmental conditions and is therefore highly variable. PE is the result of complex metabolic control. At the moment PE can only be determined indirectly. Furthermore, the currently available techniques either capture only short time processes, thus reflecting only parts of the photosynthetic engine, or quantify the total process but only with limited time resolution. To close this gap, we suggest for the first time the direct measurement of the fixed energy combined with respirometry, called photocalorespirometry (Photo-CR). The proof of the principle of Photo-CR was established with the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The simultaneous measurement of oxygen production and energy fixation provides an calorespirometric ratio of −(437.9 ± 0.7) kJ mol−1 under low light conditions. The elevated calorespirometric ratio under high light conditions provides an indication of photo-protective mechanisms. The Photo-CR delivers the PE in real time, depending on the light intensity. Energetic differences less than 0.14% at radiation densities of up to 800 μE m−2 s−1 can be quantified. Other photosynthetic growth parameters (e.g. the specific growth rate of 0.071 h−1, the cell specific energy conservation of 30.9 ± 1.3 pW cell−1 at 150 µE m−2 s−1 and the number of photons (86.8) required to fix one molecule of CO2) can easily be derived from the Photo-CR data.
Modelling the dynamics of EBV transmission to inform a vaccine target product profile and future vaccination strategy
Authors: Goscé Lara , Winter Joanne R. , Taylor Graham S. , Lewis Joanna E. A. , Stagg Helen R.
Published: June 2019

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common human viruses and the cause of pathologies such as infectious mononucleosis (IM) and certain cancers. No vaccine against EBV infection currently exists, but such vaccines are in development. Knowledge of how EBV is transmitted at the population level is critical to the development of target product profiles (TPPs) for such vaccines and future vaccination strategies. We present the first mathematical model of EBV transmission, parameterised using data from England, and use it to compare hypothetical prophylactic vaccines with different characteristics and the impact of vaccinating different age groups. We found that vaccine duration had more impact than vaccine efficacy on modelled EBV and IM prevalence. The age group vaccinated also had an important effect: vaccinating at a younger age led to a greater reduction in seroprevalence but an increase in IM cases associated with delayed infection. Vaccination had impact on cancer incidence only in the long run, because in England most EBV-related cancers arise in later life. Durability of protection should be a key factor to prioritise in EBV vaccine development and included in vaccine TPPs. These findings are timely and important for vaccine developers and policy-makers alike.
Characterization of four functional biocompatible pressure-sensitive adhesives for rapid prototyping of cell-based lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip systems
Authors: Kratz S. R. A. , Eilenberger C. , Schuller P. , Bachmann B. , Spitz S. , Ertl P. , Rothbauer M.
Published: June 2019

In the advent of affordable photo- and soft-lithography using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), low cost multi-step microfabrication methods have become available to a broad scientific community today. Although these methods are frequently applied for microfluidic prototype production in academic and industrial settings, fast design iterations and rapid prototyping within a few minutes with a high degree of flexibility are nearly impossible. To reduce microfluidic concept-to-chip time and costs, a number of alternative rapid prototyping techniques have recently been introduced including CNC micromachining, 3D printing and plotting out of numeric CAD designs as well as micro-structuring of thin PDMS sheets and pressure sensitive adhesives. Although micro-structuring of pressure sensitive adhesives promises high design flexibility, rapid fabrication and simple biochip assembly, most adhesives are toxic for living biological systems. Since an appropriate bio-interface and proper biology-material interaction is key for any cell chip and organ-on-a-chip system, only a limited number of medical-grade materials are available for microfluidic prototyping. In this study, we have characterized four functional biomedical-grade pressure sensitive adhesives for rapid prototyping (e.g. less than 1 hour) applications including structuring precision, physical and optical properties as well as biocompatibilities. While similar biocompatibility was found for all four adhesives, significant differences in cutting behavior, bonding strength to glass and polymers as well as gas permeability was observed. Practical applications included stability testing of multilayered, membrane-integrated organ-on-a-chip devices under standard cell culture conditions (e.g. 2–3 weeks at 37 °C and 100% humidity) and a shear-impact up to 5 dynes/cm2. Additionally, time- and shear-dependent uptake of non-toxic fluorescently labelled nanoparticles on human endothelial cells are demonstrated using micro-structured adhesive-bonded devices. Our results show that (a) both simple and complex microdevices can be designed, fabricated and tested in less than 1 hour, (b) these microdevices are stable for weeks even under physiological shear force conditions and (c) can be used to maintain cell monolayers as well as 3D cell culture systems.
Pancreatic human islets and insulin-producing cells derived from embryonic stem cells are rapidly identified by a newly developed Dithizone
Authors: Khiatah Bashar , Qi Meirigeng , Wu Youjun , Chen Kuan-Tsen , Perez Rachel , Valiente Luis , Omori Keiko , Isenberg Jeffrey S. , Kandeel Fouad , Yee Jiing-Kuan , Al-Abdullah Ismail H.
Published: June 2019

We developed an optimized Dipheylthiocarbazone or Dithizone (DTZ) with improved physical and chemical properties to characterize human islets and insulin-producing cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells. Application of the newly formulated iDTZ (i stands for islet) over a range of temperatures, time intervals and cell and tissue types found it to be robust for identifying these cells. Through high transition zinc binding, the iDTZ compound concentrated in insulin-producing cells and proved effective at delineating zinc levels in vitro.
Neural networks versus Logistic regression for 30 days all-cause readmission prediction
Authors: Allam Ahmed , Nagy Mate , Thoma George , Krauthammer Michael
Published: June 2019

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions in the US. Readmission within 30 days after a HF hospitalization is both a recognized indicator for disease progression and a source of considerable financial burden to the healthcare system. Consequently, the identification of patients at risk for readmission is a key step in improving disease management and patient outcome. In this work, we used a large administrative claims dataset to (1) explore the systematic application of neural network-based models versus logistic regression for predicting 30 days all-cause readmission after discharge from a HF admission, and (2) to examine the additive value of patients’ hospitalization timelines on prediction performance. Based on data from 272,778 (49% female) patients with a mean (SD) age of 73 years (14) and 343,328 HF admissions (67% of total admissions), we trained and tested our predictive readmission models following a stratified 5-fold cross-validation scheme. Among the deep learning approaches, a recurrent neural network (RNN) combined with conditional random fields (CRF) model (RNNCRF) achieved the best performance in readmission prediction with 0.642 AUC (95% CI, 0.640–0.645). Other models, such as those based on RNN, convolutional neural networks and CRF alone had lower performance, with a non-timeline based model (MLP) performing worst. A competitive model based on logistic regression with LASSO achieved a performance of 0.643 AUC (95% CI, 0.640–0.646). We conclude that data from patient timelines improve 30 day readmission prediction, that a logistic regression with LASSO has equal performance to the best neural network model and that the use of administrative data result in competitive performance compared to published approaches based on richer clinical datasets.
Simulated microgravity modulates the mesenchymal stromal cell response to inflammatory stimulation
Authors: Ratushnyy Andrey , Yakubets Danila , Andreeva Elena , Buravkova Ludmila
Published: June 2019

The duration and distance of manned space flights emphasizes the importance of advanced elucidation of space flight factors and their effects on human beings. The exposure to inflammatory mediators under microgravity may contribute to the activity of different cells, perivascular stromal cells (MSCs) in particular. Inflammatory activation is now considered as a principal cue of MSC engagement in reparative remodeling. In the present paper, the effect of simulated microgravity (sµg) on TNFα-mediated priming of adipose tissue-derived MSC (ASCs) was examined. Sµg per se did not induce inflammatory-related changes, such as elevation of ICAM-1 and HLA-ABC expression, soluble mediator production, or shifting of the transcription profile in ASCs. Moreover, the attenuated ASC response to TNFα priming under sµg was manifested in decreased production of TNFα-dependent pleiotropic cytokines (IL-8 and MCP-1), matrix remodeling proteases, and downregulation of some genes encoding growth factors and cytokines. Time-dependent analysis detected the first signs of priming attenuation after 48 hours of 3D-clinorotation. A reduced response of MSCs to priming under sµg can be a negative factor in terms of MSC involvement in tissue remodeling processes.
Identification of the fructose transporter GLUT5 (SLC2A5) as a novel target of nuclear receptor LXR
Authors: Zwarts Irene , van Zutphen Tim , Kruit Janine K. , Liu Weilin , Oosterveer Maaike H. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette , Jonker Johan W.
Published: June 2019

Fructose has become a major constituent of our modern diet and is implicated as an underlying cause in the development of metabolic diseases. The fructose transporter GLUT5 (SLC2A5) is required for intestinal fructose absorption. GLUT5 expression is induced in the intestine and skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients and in certain cancers that are dependent on fructose metabolism, indicating that modulation of GLUT5 levels could have potential in the treatment of these diseases. Using an unbiased screen for transcriptional control of the human GLUT5 promoter we identified a strong and specific regulation by liver X receptor α (LXRα, NR1H3). Using promoter truncations and site-directed mutagenesis we identified a functional LXR response element (LXRE) in the human GLUT5 promoter, located at −385 bp relative to the transcriptional start site (TSS). Finally, mice treated with LXR agonist T0901317 showed an increase in Glut5 mRNA and protein levels in duodenum and adipose tissue, underscoring the in vivo relevance of its regulation by LXR. Together, our findings show that LXRα regulates GLUT5 in mice and humans. As a ligand-activated transcription factor, LXRα might provide novel pharmacologic strategies for the selective modulation of GLUT5 activity in the treatment of metabolic disease as well as cancer.
Proactive and retroactive interference with associative memory consolidation in the snail Lymnaea is time and circuit dependent
Authors: Crossley Michael , Lorenzetti Frederick D. , Naskar Souvik , O’Shea Michael , Kemenes György , Benjamin Paul R. , Kemenes Ildikó
Published: June 2019

Interference-based forgetting occurs when new information acquired either before or after a learning event attenuates memory expression (proactive and retroactive interference, respectively). Multiple learning events often occur in rapid succession, leading to competition between consolidating memories. However, it is unknown what factors determine which memory is remembered or forgotten. Here, we challenge the snail, Lymnaea, to acquire two consecutive similar or different memories and identify learning-induced changes in neurons of its well-characterized motor circuits. We show that when new learning takes place during a stable period of the original memory, proactive interference only occurs if the two consolidating memories engage the same circuit mechanisms. If different circuits are used, both memories survive. However, any new learning during a labile period of consolidation promotes retroactive interference and the acquisition of the new memory. Therefore, the effect of interference depends both on the timing of new learning and the underlying neuronal mechanisms.
In situ growth and optical gas adsorption performance of Zn(ii) metal–organic framework membranes at room temperature
Authors: Tuergong Mariyemu , Nizamidin Patima , Yimit Abliz , Simayi Rena
Published: June 2019

The optical gas adsorption behaviors of [Zn2(bdc)2(dpNDI)]n membranes were studied for the first time. Under UV light irradiation, they exhibited a greater adsorption response to xylene gas with adsorption capacity of 6.46 μg cm−2 per unit surface.
Stabilization of microtubules by encapsulation of the GFP using a Tau-derived peptide
Authors: Inaba Hiroshi , Yamamoto Takahisa , Iwasaki Takashi , Kabir Arif Md. Rashedul , Kakugo Akira , Sada Kazuki , Matsuura Kazunori
Published: June 2019

Encapsulation of the GFP inside microtubules by using a Tau-derived peptide increased the stability, rigidity, and velocity of microtubules.
Femtosecond predissociation dynamics of ethyl iodide in the B-band
Authors: Murillo-Sánchez Marta L. , Marggi Poullain Sonia , Loriot Vincent , Corrales Maria E. , Bañares Luis
Published: June 2019

Femtosecond velocity map imaging to disentangle the electronic predissociation of ethyl iodide in the B-band.
Preparation of zinc oxide with a three-dimensionally interconnected macroporous structure via a sol–gel method accompanied by phase separation
Authors: Lu Xuanming , Kanamori Kazuyoshi , Nakanishi Kazuki
Published: June 2019

ZnO with a three-dimensionally interconnected macroporous structure was obtained via a sol–gel method accompanied by phase separation.
Palladium immobilized on functionalized hypercrosslinked polymers: a highly active and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions in water
Authors: Liu Xi , Xu Wei , Xiang Dexuan , Zhang Zaixing , Chen Dizhao , Hu Yangjian , Li Yuanxiang , Ouyang Yuejun , Lin Hongwei
Published: June 2019

Three palladium complexes were synthesized via an external cross-linking reaction and found to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction.
3D hierarchical porous CuS flower-dispersed CNT arrays on nickel foam as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Quan Yiling , Zhang Mingyuan , Wang Guoxiang , Lu Lu , Wang Zhixin , Xu Hongfeng , Liu Sa , Min Qingwang
Published: June 2019

To fabricate excellent electrochemical supercapacitors, 3D porous copper sulfide flower dispersed carbon nanotube on nickel foam (CuS–CNTs@NF) with high energy density and stability were synthesized via a simple one-step solvothermal method.
A novel family of AIE-active meso-2-ketopyrrolyl BODIPYs: bright solid-state red fluorescence, morphological properties and application as viscosimeters in live cells
Authors: Yu Changjiang , Huang Zhenlong , Gu Wei , Wu Qinghua , Hao Erhong , Xiao Yi , Jiao Lijuan , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: June 2019

AIE-active and bright solid-state red-emissive meso-2-ketopyrrolyl BODIPYs have been developed as viscosimeters in live cells for real-time quantification of intracellular viscosities.
Advanced chemical stability diagrams to predict the formation of complex zinc compounds in a chloride environment
Authors: McMahon M. E. , Santucci R. J. , Scully J. R.
Published: June 2019

Zinc corrosion product formation is thermodynamically predicted from the macro- to nanoscale through quantification of complexation, curvature, and chemical trajectory.
Methyl divanillate: redox properties and binding affinity with albumin of an antioxidant and potential NADPH oxidase inhibitor
Authors: de Vasconcelos Debora Naliati , Lima Angélica Nakagawa , Philot Eric Allison , Scott Ana Lígia , Ferreira Boza Izabelle Amorim , de Souza Aguinaldo Robinson , Morgon Nelson Henrique , Ximenes Valdecir Farias
Published: June 2019

Methyl divanillate, a derivative of the vanillic acid (flavouring agent, JECFA number: 959) with promising beneficial biological effects.
Three hierarchical porous magnesium borate microspheres: a serial preparation strategy, growth mechanism and excellent adsorption behavior for Congo red
Authors: Guo Rui-Feng , Ma Yan-Qing , Liu Zhi-Hong
Published: June 2019

Three 3D hierarchical porous 7MgO·2B2O3·7H2O and 3MgO·B2O3 microspheres assembled by nanosheets have been prepared by a serial preparation strategy. They exhibited excellent selective adsorption performance for Congo red with high adsorption capacities.
Orientational relaxation of ring polymers in dilute solutions
Authors: Handa Manisha , Biswas Parbati
Published: June 2019

The segmental relaxation dynamics of ring polymers in dilute solutions ranges from the fast local motions at short times, decelerated due to HI to the global motions at long times, enhanced due to HI, irrespective of the size.
Effect of external shear flow on sperm motility
Authors: Kumar Manish , Ardekani Arezoo M.
Published: June 2019

The trajectory of sperm in the presence of background flow is of utmost importance for the success of fertilization, as the sperm encounter background flow of different magnitude and direction on their way to the egg.
Halosilane triggers anodic silanization and cathodic redox for stable and efficient lithium–O2 batteries
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Sun Zhuang , Yao Zhenguo , Cui Zhonghui , Wang Jiacheng , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2019

Iodotrimethylsilane triggers anodic silanization and releases soluble triiodide, which stabilizes the Li anode and decreases the overpotential of lithium–O2 batteries.
Rational construction of macroporous CoFeP triangular plate arrays from bimetal–organic frameworks as high-performance overall water-splitting catalysts
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wang Xingyue , Li Ang , Zheng Xingqun , Peng Lishan , Huang Jiawei , Deng Zihua , Chen Hongmei , Wei Zidong
Published: June 2019

Macroporous CoFeP triangular plate arrays constructed from MOFs as high-performance overall water-splitting catalysts.
Interpreting and integrating big data in the life sciences
Authors: Mangul Serghei
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in omics technologies have led to the broad applicability of computational techniques across various domains of life science and medical research. These technologies provide an unprecedented opportunity to collect the omics data from hundreds of thousands of individuals and to study the gene–disease association without the aid of prior assumptions about the trait biology. Despite the many advantages of modern omics technologies, interpretations of big data produced by such technologies require advanced computational algorithms. I outline key challenges that biomedical researches are facing when interpreting and integrating big omics data. I discuss the reproducibility aspect of big data analysis in the life sciences and review current practices in reproducible research. Finally, I explain the skills that biomedical researchers need to acquire to independently analyze big omics data.
The high-energy radiation environment of the habitable-zone super-Earth LHS 1140b
Authors: Spinelli R. , Borsa F. , Ghirlanda G. , Ghisellini G. , Campana S. , Haardt F. , Poretti E.
Published: June 2019

Context.In the last few years many exoplanets in the habitable zone (HZ) of M-dwarfs have been discovered, but the X-ray/UV activity of cool stars is very different from that of our Sun. The high-energy radiation environment influences the habitability, plays a crucial role for abiogenesis, and impacts the chemistry and evolution of planetary atmospheres. LHS 1140b is one of the most interesting exoplanets discovered. It is a super-Earth-size planet orbiting in the HZ of LHS 1140, an M4.5 dwarf at ~15 parsecs.

Aims.In this work, we present the results of the analysis of aSwiftX-ray/UV observing campaign. We characterize for the first time the X-ray/UV radiation environment of LHS 1140b.

Methods.We measure the variability of the near ultraviolet (NUV) flux and estimate the far ultraviolet (FUV) flux with a correlation between FUV1344−1786Åand NUV1771−2831Åflux obtained using the sample of low-mass stars in the GALEX archive. We highlight the presence of a dominating X-ray source close to the J2000 coordinates of LHS 1140, characterize its spectrum, and derive an X-ray flux upper limit for LHS 1140. We find that this contaminant source could have influenced the previously estimated spectral energy distribution.

Results.No significant variation of the NUV1771−2831Åflux of LHS 1140 is found over 3 months, and we do not observe any flare during the 38 ks on the target. LHS 1140 is in the 25th percentile of least variable M4-M5 dwarfs of the GALEX sample. Analyzing the UV flux experienced by the HZ planet LHS 1140b, we find that outside the atmosphere it receives a NUV1771−2831Åflux <2% with respect to that of the present-day Earth, while the FUV1344−1786Å/NUV1771−2831Åratio is ~100–200 times higher. This represents a lower limit to the true FUV/NUV ratio since the FUV1344−1786Åband does not include Lyman-alpha, which dominates the FUV output of low-mass stars. This is a warning for future searches for biomarkers, which must take into account this high ratio.

Conclusions.The relatively low level and stability of UV flux experienced by LHS 1140b should be favorable for its present-day habitability.
Défauts primaires d’éruption : état des lieux auprès des spécialistes en orthopédie dento-faciale des régions Grand Est et Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Authors: Strub Marion , Kramer Elie , Manière Marie-Cécile , Wagner Delphine
Published: June 2019

Introduction : Les défauts primaires d’éruption (DPE) correspondent à l’échec partiel ou total d’éruption d’une ou de plusieurs dents, sans obstacle mécanique; des formes isolées et syndromiques de cette pathologie existent. Ils résultent d’une anomalie des processus d’éruption qui peut toucher les dents temporaires et/ou les dents permanentes. Les molaires sont les principales dents atteintes, provoquant des infraclusions postérieures. Pathologie rare, les DPE sont essentiellement pris en charge par les spécialistes en orthopédie dento-faciale (ODF). Les tentatives de traction chirurgico-orthodontiques se soldent généralement par un échec. Matériels et méthodes : Le but de ce travail était d’évaluer, par une enquête prospective basée sur un questionnaire anonyme, les connaissances des orthodontistes et la complexité de la prise en charge de cette anomalie de l’éruption. Les praticiens des régions Grand Est et Bourgogne-Franche-Comté ont été sollicités. Résultats : Le taux de participation était de 33,5 %. Les participants ont principalement obtenu leur qualification entre 1980 et 2009 (80 %), via le Certificat d’Études Cliniques Spécialisées Mention Orthodontie (CECSMO) (87 %). Quatre-vingt-six pour cent d’entre eux connaissaient les DPE mais 20 % seulement l’implication possible du gène PTHR1 (Parathyroid Hormone Receptor 1). Le vaste panel de thérapeutiques envisagées et les faibles taux de satisfaction soulignent les difficultés rencontrées par les praticiens. Discussion : La variabilité phénotypique complique le diagnostic et rend difficile toute systématisation de la prise en charge. Conclusion : De nouveaux projets de recherche clinique, notamment en matière de diagnostic moléculaire, amélioreront les connaissances sur les corrélations génotype-phénotype, et conditionneront éventuellement la prise en charge thérapeutique.