bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surjunctivity and topological rigidity of algebraic dynamical systems
Authors: BHATTACHARYA SIDDHARTHA , CECCHERINI-SILBERSTEIN TULLIO , COORNAERT MICHEL
Published: June 2017

Let$X$be a compact metrizable group and let$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$be a countable group acting on$X$by continuous group automorphisms. We give sufficient conditions under which the dynamical system$(X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4})$is surjunctive, i.e. every injective continuous map$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}:X\rightarrow X$commuting with the action of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$is surjective.
Scoping Review of Work Disability Policies and Programs
Authors: MacEachen Ellen , Du Bronson , Bartel Emma , Ekberg Kerstin , Tompa Emile , Kosny Agnieszka , Petricone Ivana , Stapleton Jackie
Published: June 2017

Purpose: This scoping review identifies the foci of research articles that address government laws, policies and programs designed to foster labour market integration of people who, due to illness or disability, face challenges entering or staying in the workforce. Method: A systematic search of English-language peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2014 yielded 14,474 articles. Title and abstract review identified 723 included articles that addressed government-led programs, policy or legislation on work integration and/or income support after injury, illness or impairment. These were sorted by theme, work disability program or policy, disability type, jurisdiction and year published. Results: The number of articles published that address work disability laws, policies and programs increased steadily. Most articles addressed disability in general. Among articles with a specific health focus, mental health was the most common. Research gaps are identified for mixed method study designs, chronic and episodic conditions, illness and cancer, and for work disability policy studies outside of North America, Northern Europe and Australia. Conclusions: We find a growing number of published articles about work disability and policy and identify specific areas where is a need for further research.
Evaporating pure, binary and ternary droplets: thermal effects and axial symmetry breaking
Authors: Diddens Christian , Tan Huanshu , Lv Pengyu , Versluis Michel , Kuerten J. G. M. , Zhang Xuehua , Lohse Detlef
Published: June 2017

The Greek aperitif Ouzo is not only famous for its specific anise-flavoured taste, but also for its ability to turn from a transparent miscible liquid to a milky-white coloured emulsion when water is added. Recently, it has been shown that this so-called Ouzo effect, i.e. the spontaneous emulsification of oil microdroplets, can also be triggered by the preferential evaporation of ethanol in an evaporating sessile Ouzo drop, leading to an amazingly rich drying process with multiple phase transitions (Tan et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 113 (31), 2016, pp. 8642–8647). Due to the enhanced evaporation near the contact line, the nucleation of oil droplets starts at the rim which results in an oil ring encircling the drop. Furthermore, the oil droplets are advected through the Ouzo drop by a fast solutal Marangoni flow. In this article, we investigate the evaporation of mixture droplets in more detail, by successively increasing the mixture complexity from pure water over a binary water–ethanol mixture to the ternary Ouzo mixture (water, ethanol and anise oil). In particular, axisymmetric and full three-dimensional finite element method simulations have been performed on these droplets to discuss thermal effects and the complicated flow in the droplet driven by an interplay of preferential evaporation, evaporative cooling and solutal and thermal Marangoni flow. By using image analysis techniques and micro-particle-image-velocimetry measurements, we are able to compare the numerically predicted volume evolutions and velocity fields with experimental data. The Ouzo droplet is furthermore investigated by confocal microscopy. It is shown that the oil ring predominantly emerges due to coalescence.
Marine life in a greenhouse world: cephalopod biodiversity and biogeography during the early Late Cretaceous
Authors: Yacobucci Margaret M.
Published: June 2017

Two end-member models are proposed to explain marine biotic responses to greenhouse conditions. Global warming and increasing sea level may: (1) promote dispersal of marine species, leading to larger geographic ranges and decreased speciation and biodiversity; or (2) result in formation of isolated epicontinental basins that host endemic radiations, leading to smaller geographic ranges and increased speciation and biodiversity. The Cenomanian–Turonian (C–T) interval, marked by greenhouse warming, sea-level rise, ocean anoxia, and biotic turnover, presents an opportunity to test these two end-member models. In particular, how cephalopods responded to these global changes has not been clear. A global database of 7262 cephalopod occurrences was used to evaluate biodiversity changes through the C–T interval. Both species- and genus-level diversity peaked in the late Cenomanian. The global diversity drop across the C/T boundary was modest; rather, diversity was low during the middle Cenomanian and middle Turonian, times of brief cooling. Regional variations in diversity responses may reflect the degree and timing of environmental perturbations within different oceanographic settings. Surprisingly, cephalopod faunas in the European Platform, Western Interior, and South Atlantic all shifted equatorward across the C/T boundary, whereas other regions saw no change in latitudinal distributions. Global generic geographic ranges did not change through the C–T interval, but the percentage of cosmopolitan genera did increase significantly across the C/T, both globally and within the Western Interior and Europe, whereas cosmopolitans dropped in the Pacific and South Atlantic. Neither end-member model for biodiversity change in a greenhouse world is supported for C–T cephalopods, as diversity increased without an associated increase in geographic range. It may be that sea-level rise and global warming led to both endemic radiations in epicontinental basins and an increase in cosmopolitan taxa in some regions, demonstrating the importance of combining global and regional-scale analyses.
Centralisation and long-term change in farming regimes: Comparing agricultural practices in Neolithic and Iron Age south-west Germany
Authors: Styring Amy , Rösch Manfred , Stephan Elisabeth , Stika Hans-Peter , Fischer Elske , Sillmann Marion , Bogaard Amy
Published: June 2017

This study uses two novel archaeobotanical techniques – crop carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis and functional weed ecology – to determine directly how the intensity of agricultural practice changed from the Neolithic to the Early Iron Age in south-west Germany, with the emergence of fortified hilltop settlements (Fürstensitze or chiefly seats) regarded as the first urban centres in central Europe. The crop isotope and functional weed ecological evidence suggest that surplus cereal production in the Early Iron Age was achieved through sustained use of manure combined with expansion in arable cultivation, both developments that are connected with more widespread use of animal traction. The increased scale of cultivation is broadly apparent across rural as well as fortified hilltop centres in the Early Iron Age, and considerable variability in manuring intensity is consistent with agricultural decision-making at a local level rather than centralised control. Additionally, the more intensive manuring of hulled six-row barley, used in beer production, demonstrates that the political importance of drinking and feasting in Early Iron Age society was reflected in crop husbandry practices. In terms of animal husbandry, faunal isotope data reveal a radical decrease in forest cover, potentially reflecting an expansion in the scale of herding accompanying that of arable cultivation. Site-specific patterning points to a range of herding strategies, from specialised herding of cattle at the Heuneburg to generalised patterns of livestock management at rural sites.
Old Menace in New China: Coastal smuggling, illicit markets, and symbiotic economies in the early People's Republic
Authors: THAI PHILIP
Published: June 2017

This article explores the ambiguous role of coastal smuggling during the first decade and a half of Communist rule (1949–65). Fearing that the illicit flow of commodities siphoned critical revenues and undermined foreign policy, Communist China repurposed and expanded Nationalist China's war on smuggling while employing novel tactics of mobilization. Yet smuggling was not just a threat; it was also a lifeline that alleviated widespread material shortages and supplied the everyday needs of individuals and firms during the tumultuous transition to central planning. Businesses from ‘underground factories’ to state-owned enterprises relied on black markets to meet ambitious production targets and circumvent bottlenecks in official supply channels. Smuggling was thus more than just ‘corruption’ practised by officials—it was also a ‘creative accommodation’ employed by broad swaths of social actors coping with the enormous changes. This article argues that the nascent command economy and the vibrant underground economy existed symbiotically rather than antagonistically. Exploration into this complex relationship reveals many cross-border connections between Communist China and the capitalist world that both complemented and undermined domestic state consolidation.
What Makes a Child a Good Language Learner? Interactional Competence, Identity, and Immersion in a Swedish Classroom
Authors: Cekaite Asta
Published: June 2017

The research presented here is an examination of how child language novices (zero beginners) develop interactional competences and repertoires in a Swedish as a second language classroom. Two 7-year-old girls’ learning trajectories are the focus in a yearlong study of their second language (L2) development. The girls’ transition from highly repetitious and formulaic production to formally and semantically more diverse discourse is documented, along with a broadening of the girls’ classroom interactional repertoires. They initiated and took part in interactions with teachers and peers and participated in a growing range of classroom discursive activities. The longitudinal analysis also documents the differences in their two learning trajectories, particularly in terms of their L2 resources and pragmatic skills, as well as their identities as successful or unsuccessful language learners (as ascribed to them by the teachers). The study illustrates an intricate and synergistic, rather than unidirectional, relationship between these two child novice learners’ competences, L2 features, and identities.
Spherical recurrence and locally isometric embeddings of trees into positive density subsets of ℤd
Authors: BULINSKI KAMIL
Published: June 2017

Magyar has shown that if B ⊂ ℤd has positive upper density (d ⩾ 5), then the set of squared distances {||b1 − b2||2 : b1, b2 ∈ B} contains an infinitely long arithmetic progression, whose period depends only on the upper density of B. We extend this result by showing that B contains locally isometrically embedded copies of every tree with edge lengths in some given arithmetic progression (whose period depends only on the upper density of B and the number of vertices of the sought tree). In particular, B contains all chains of elements with gaps in some given arithmetic progression (which depends on the length of the sought chain). This is a discrete analogue of a result obtained recently by Bennett, Iosevich and Taylor on chains with prescribed gaps in sets of large Haussdorf dimension. Our techniques are Ergodic theoretic and may be of independent interest to Ergodic theorists. In particular, we obtain Ergodic theoretic analogues of recent optimal spherical distribution results of Lyall and Magyar which, via Furstenberg's correspondence principle, recover their combinatorial results.
Powder XRD and TEM study on crystal structure and interstratification of Zn-chlorite (baileychlore)
Authors: Lee Seungyeol , Xu Huifang
Published: June 2017

Baileychlore is Zn-end member trioctahedral chlorite, named by Audrey C. Rule and Frank Radke in 1988 for the honor of Professor Sturges W. Bailey of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, USA. Baileychlore occurs as dark green chlorite on calcite veins from garnet-vesuvianite skarn clasts at Red Dome ore deposit, Chillagoe, Queensland, Australia. The baileychlore has been studied by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray energy-dispersive analytical electron microscopy analyses to determine crystal structure and interstratified layers. Baileychlore with stacking disorder displays streaking reflections of 0k0 (≠6n) hhl (h ≠ 3n). Unit-cell parameters for baileychlore (type I polytype) with a space group of C$ \bar 1$ are: a = 5.351(3), b = 9.266(5), c = 14.418(8) Å, α = 89.741(3)°, β = 96.741(4)°, and γ = 90.122(2)°. The strong lines of the measured XRD pattern [d(Å)(I)(hkl)] are: 14.331(7.151)(90.5)(002); 4.574(23.2)(1$ \bar 1$0, 11$ \bar 1$); 3.572(38.5)(004); 2.653(31.4)($ \bar 1$31, 200, 13$ \bar 1$); 2.406(49.4)(202, $ \bar 1$33, 13$ \bar 3$); 1.543(27.6)($ \bar 3$31, 060, 33$ \bar 1$), respectively. Reitveld refinement provides a composition (Zn2.49Al0.09Fe2+ 0.09□0.33)0.61− for the octahedral sheet and (Si3.53Al0.47)0.47− for the tetrahedral sheets within the 2:1 layer with (Al1.08Fe1.08Mg0.84)1.08+ for the interlayer sheet. The refinement results indicate that baileychlore is an intergrowth of type I and II polytypes. High-resolution TEM images show stacking disorder of baileychlore with small amount of isolated smectite layers.
Spawning performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) induced with ethanol preserved and fresh catfish pituitary extract
Authors: Okomoda V.T. , Tiamiyu L.O. , Kwaghger D.
Published: June 2017

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of preserved and fresh pituitary extract of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) to induced spawning in the same species. Growth performance of fry was also monitored for 15 days to determine the possible effect of natural hormone treatment on the fry. Pituitary glands (PG) were obtained from 12 male broodstocks, six extracted PG were preserved in 96% ethanol 24 h before injection, while the other were extracted and used in their fresh state. The PG solutions (1 g ml−1 of saline water) were injected at 1 ml kg−1 of the female broodstock. Ovaprim® (a synthetic hormone) was used as the control and administered at a rate of 0.5 ml kg −1 of fish. After a uniform latency period of 9 h 30 min, fish were striped, fertilized, incubated and the performance evaluated. Results obtained revealed better hatching performance using Ovaprim® synthetic hormone (64.52%), however, preserved PG gave better hatchability (59.74%) than fresh PG extract (51.39%). After 15 days of feeding ad libitum with shell-free Artemia cysts, the growth of fry spawn with preserved PG was comparable with that of the control, while least performance was observed using the fresh PG. It was concluded that preservation of PG in ethanol 24 h before injection had a positive effect on breeding performance and could be exploited in the commercial production of C. gariepinus fingerlings.
Mid-term results of percutaneous ventricular septal defect closure with Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II in children
Authors: Pamukcu Ozge , Narin Nazmi , Baykan Ali , Sunkak Suleyman , Tasci Onur , Uzum Kazim
Published: June 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to share the mid-term results of percutaneous ventricular septal defect closure using Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II in children.

Background

Nowadays, percutaneous ventricular septal defect closure is accepted as an alternative to surgery, but so far no ideal device has been developed for this procedure.

Methods

In the study centre, between April, 2011 and October, 2016, the ventricular septal defect of 49 patients was closed percutaneously using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II device, and seven of them were <1 year old.

Results

The mean age of patients was 86.8±52.6 months. The mean weight of the patients was 24.3±16 kg. The mean diameter of the defect was 3.7±1.4 mm. Mean fluoroscopy time and total procedure time were 37±19.3 and 74.1±27 minutes, respectively. The types of ventricular septal defects were muscular in six patients, and were perimembranous in the rest of them. We did not face any major complications during the procedure, but one patient was admitted with a complete atrioventricular block in the 6th month of follow-up. The total follow-up period was 66 months.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, our study includes the largest series of paediatric patients whose ventricular septal defect was closed using Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II percutaneously. When the complications during the 66-month follow-up period are taken into consideration, we can state that Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II is a safe and effective device, even in infants aged <1 year.
Characterisation of vitamin and mineral supplement users differentiated according to their motives for using supplements: results of the German National Nutrition Monitoring (NEMONIT)
Authors: Frey Anne , Hoffmann Ingrid , Heuer Thorsten
Published: June 2017

Objective

To characterise German vitamin and mineral supplement users differentiated by their motives for supplement use.

Design

Data were obtained from the German National Nutrition Monitoring (2010/11) via two 24 h dietary recalls and a telephone interview. Motive-based subgroups of supplement users were identified by factor and cluster analysis. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, health and dietary characteristics and supplement use were examined. Differences were analysed using χ2 tests, logistic and linear regression models.

Setting

Germany, nationwide.

Subjects

Individuals (n 1589) aged 18–80 years.

Results

Three motive-based subgroups were identified: a ‘Prevention’ subgroup (n 324), characterised by the motive to prevent nutrient deficiencies; a ‘Prevention and additional benefits’ subgroup (n 166), characterised by motives to prevent health problems and improve well-being and performance; and a ‘Treatment’ subgroup (n 136), characterised by motives to treat nutrient deficiencies or diseases. Members of the two prevention subgroups had a higher Healthy Eating Index score and tended to be more physically active than non-users. Those in the ‘Prevention and additional benefits’ subgroup supplemented with a greater number of micronutrients. Members of the ‘Treatment’ subgroup tended to be older and have a lower self-reported health status than non-users, and supplemented with a smaller number of micronutrients.

Conclusions

The majority of supplement users take supplements for preventive purposes and they are more health conscious than non-users of supplements due to their concerns about developing health problems. Those supplementing for treatment purposes may have underlying health indications and may be more likely to benefit from supplementation than those supplementing for preventive purposes.
Postoperative single versus multiple fractions high-dose rate iridium-192 surface mould brachytherapy for keloid treatment: a comparative study
Authors: Ahmad Misbah , Ahmad Habib , Khattak Muhammad Rauf , Shah Kamran Ali , Javed Nabila , Shah Syed Jawad Ali , Shaheen Wajeeha , Mansoor Kehkashan
Published: June 2017

Background and purpose

In developing countries like Pakistan the cost effectiveness and patient convenience in any treatment modality is a question of major concern. The purpose of this study was two-fold; first to report our experience with a high-dose rate Iridium-192 surface mould brachytherapy of keloid scars after surgical excision, using different radiation treatment regimen and second to establish the most convenient and cost effective treatment protocol having no compromise on the treatment outcomes.

Materials and methods

From January 2012 to April 2015 a total 51 patients with 65 keloid lesions underwent postoperative Iridium-192 high-dose rate surface mould brachytherapy. The dose regimen used was: 8 Gy in a single fraction, 10 Gy in a single fraction, 15 Gy in three fractions and 18 Gy in three fractions. The median follow-up period was 33 months (range 15–53 months).

Results

The success rates were 57·2, 89·5, 85 and 89·5% for the treatment regimen of 8 Gy/F×1, 10 Gy/F×1, 5 Gy/F×3 and 6 Gy/F×3, respectively. Grade 2 or above radiation induced toxicity was not observed.

Findings

The results of this study show that a dose regimen of 10 Gy (biological effective dose=20 Gy) in a single fraction have comparable results with a dose regimen of 15 Gy in three fractions or 18 Gy in three fractions. 10 Gy in a single fraction is therefore the most convenient and cost effective dose regimen for the management of keloid scars in developing countries like Pakistan, while 8 Gy in a single fraction is considered suboptimal and discouraged in practice.
Effect of Drip-Applied Metam-Sodium andS-Metolachlor on Yellow Nutsedge and Common Purslane in Polyethylene-Mulched Bell Pepper and Tomato
Authors: Dayton Daniel M. , Chaudhari Sushila , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Hoyt Greg W.
Published: June 2017

Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of metam sodium andS-metolachlor applied through drip irrigation on yellow nutsedge, common purslane, bell pepper, and tomato (injury and yield) in plasticulture. Treatments consisted of weed-free, weedy,S-metolachlor alone at 0.85 kg ha-1, methyl bromide, metam sodium (43, 86, 176, and 358 kg ai ha–1) alone, and metam sodium (43, 86, 176, and 358 kg ai ha–1) followed byS-metolachlor at 0.85 kg ha–1. Metam sodium andS-metolachlor was applied preplant 2 wk before and 2 wk after transplanting (WAT) through drip irrigation, respectively. No injury was observed to bell pepper and tomato from metam sodium alone, or metam sodium fbS-metolachlor treatments. With the exception of yellow nutsedge density 15 WAT in bell pepper, herbicide program did not influence yellow nutsedge and common purslane density at 4 and 6 WAT and bell pepper and tomato yield. At 15 WAT, yellow nutsedge density was lower in treatments that received metam sodium fbS-metolachlor compared to those treatments that only received metam sodium. Drip-applied metam sodium at 176 and 358 kg ha–1in both bell pepper and tomato provided similar control of common purslane, and yellow nutsedge, produced comparable yields, and failed to elicit any negative crop growth responses when compared to MeBr. In conclusion, metam sodium at 176 and 358 kg ha–1fbS-metolachlor 0.85 kg ha–1is an effective MeBr alternative for season long weed control in plasticulture bell pepper and tomato.
Absorption, Translocation, and Metabolism of Halosulfuron in Cucumber, Summer Squash, and Selected Weeds
Authors: Besançon Thierry. E. , Jennings Katherine M. , Everman Wesley J.
Published: June 2017

Greenhouse studies were conducted to investigate the absorption, translocation, and metabolism of foliar-applied [14C]halosulfuron-methyl in cucumber, summer squash, pitted morningglory, and velvetleaf. Cucumber and summer squash were treated at the 4-leaf stage, whereas velvetleaf and pitted morningglory were treated at 10 cm. All plants were collected at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment (HAT) for absorption and translocation studies and an additional 96-HAT interval was included in the metabolism study. Absorption did not exceed 45% in summer squash, whereas it plateaued around 60% in velvetleaf and cucumber and reached 80% in pitted morningglory 72 HAT. None of the four species translocated more than 23% of absorbed halosulfuron out of the treated leaf. Translocation in cucumber and summer squash was predominantly basipetal, while acropetal movement prevailed in velvetleaf. No significant direction of movement was observed for pitted morningglory. Negligible translocation occurred toward the roots, regardless of plant species. Of the total amount of [14C]halosulfuron-methyl absorbed into the plants at 96 HAT, more than 80% remained in the form of the parent compound in velvetleaf, summer squash, and pitted morningglory, whereas less than 20% was detected in cucumber. Rapid and high herbicide metabolism may explain cucumber tolerance to halosulfuron-methyl, while lack of metabolism contributes to summer squash and velvetleaf susceptibility. Pitted morningglory tolerance may be due to limited translocation associated with some level of metabolism, but further research would be needed to investigate other potential causes.
Honoring Earth and Space Scientists
Authors:   AGU
Published: June 2017

AGU members and others in the news.
Avoiding Predators in Publishing
Authors: Hanson Brooks , Lunn Jenny
Published: June 2017

As the number of publishers that choose profit over ethics grows, find out how to avoid their scams and support organizations promoting best practices in scholarly communication.
Long-term consumption of caffeine-free high sucrose cola beverages aggravates the pathogenesis of EAE in mice
Authors: Cao Guangchao , Wang Qian , Huang Wanjun , Tong Jiyu , Ye Dewei , He Yan , Liu Zonghua , Tang Xin , Cheng Hao , Wen Qiong , Li Dehai , Chau Hau-Tak , Wen Yiming , Zhong Hui , Meng Ziyu , Liu Hui , Wu Zhenzhou , Zhao Liqing , Flavell Richard A , Zhou Hongwei , Xu Aimin , Yang Hengwen , Yin Zhinan
Published: June 2017

Epidemiological data provide strong evidence of dramatically increasing incidences of many autoimmune diseases in the past few decades, mainly in western and westernized countries. Recent studies clearly revealed that ‘Western diet’ increases the risk of autoimmune diseases at least partially via disrupting intestinal tight junctions and altering the construction and metabolites of microbiota. However, the role of high sucrose cola beverages (HSCBs), which are one of the main sources of added sugar in the western diet, is barely known. Recently, a population study showed that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with increased risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in women, which provokes interest in the genuine effects of these beverages on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the underlying mechanisms. Here we showed that long-term consumption of caffeine-free HSCBs aggravated the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice in a microbiota-dependent manner. Further investigation revealed that HSCBs altered community structure of microbiota and increased Th17 cells. High sucrose consumption had similar detrimental effects while caffeine contamination limited the infiltrated pathogenic immune cells and counteracted these effects. These results uncovered a deleterious role of decaffeinated HSCBs in aggravating the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.
Bioengineered constructs combined with exercise enhance stem cell-mediated treatment of volumetric muscle loss
Authors: Quarta Marco , Cromie Melinda , Chacon Robert , Blonigan Justin , Garcia Victor , Akimenko Igor , Hamer Mark , Paine Patrick , Stok Merel , Shrager Joseph B. , Rando Thomas A.
Published: June 2017

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is associated with loss of skeletal muscle function, and current treatments show limited efficacy. Here we show that bioconstructs suffused with genetically-labelled muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and other muscle resident cells (MRCs) are effective to treat VML injuries in mice. Imaging of bioconstructs implanted in damaged muscles indicates MuSCs survival and growth, and ex vivo analyses show force restoration of treated muscles. Histological analysis highlights myofibre formation, neovascularisation, but insufficient innervation. Both innervation and in vivo force production are enhanced when implantation of bioconstructs is followed by an exercise regimen. Significant improvements are also observed when bioconstructs are used to treat chronic VML injury models. Finally, we demonstrate that bioconstructs made with human MuSCs and MRCs can generate functional muscle tissue in our VML model. These data suggest that stem cell-based therapies aimed to engineer tissue in vivo may be effective to treat acute and chronic VML.
Construction of a synthetic metabolic pathway for biosynthesis of the non-natural methionine precursor 2,4-dihydroxybutyric acid
Authors: Walther Thomas , Topham Christopher M. , Irague Romain , Auriol Clément , Baylac Audrey , Cordier Hélène , Dressaire Clémentine , Lozano-Huguet Luce , Tarrat Nathalie , Martineau Nelly , Stodel Marion , Malbert Yannick , Maestracci Marc , Huet Robert , André Isabelle , Remaud-Siméon Magali , François Jean Marie
Published: June 2017

2,4-Dihydroxybutyric acid (DHB) is a molecule with considerable potential as a versatile chemical synthon. Notably, it may serve as a precursor for chemical synthesis of the methionine analogue 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyrate, thus, targeting a considerable market in animal nutrition. However, no natural metabolic pathway exists for the biosynthesis of DHB. Here we have therefore conceived a three-step metabolic pathway for the synthesis of DHB starting from the natural metabolite malate. The pathway employs previously unreported malate kinase, malate semialdehyde dehydrogenase and malate semialdehyde reductase activities. The kinase and semialdehyde dehydrogenase activities were obtained by rational design based on structural and mechanistic knowledge of candidate enzymes acting on sterically cognate substrates. Malate semialdehyde reductase activity was identified from an initial screening of several natural enzymes, and was further improved by rational design. The pathway was expressed in a minimally engineered Escherichia coli strain and produces 1.8 g l−1 DHB with a molar yield of 0.15.
Imaging tau pathology in Parkinsonisms
Authors: Coakeley Sarah , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: June 2017

The recent development of positron emission tomography radiotracers targeting pathological tau in vivo has led to numerous human trials. While investigations have primarily focused on the most common tauopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, it is imperative that testing also be performed in parkinsonian tauopathies, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17. Tau aggregates differ in isoforms and conformations across disorders, and as a result one radiotracer may not be appropriate for all tauopathies. In this review, we evaluate the preclinical and clinical reports of current tau radiotracers in parkinsonian disorders. These radiotracers include [18F]FDDNP, [11C]PBB3, [18F]THK-5317, [18F]THK-5351, and [18F]AV-1451 ([18F]T807). There are concerns of off-target binding with [18F]FDDNP and [11C]PBB3, which may increase the signal to noise ratio and thereby decrease the efficacy of these radiotracers. Testing in [18F]THK-5317, [18F]THK-5351, and [18F]AV-1451 has been performed in progressive supranuclear palsy, while [18F]THK-5317 and [18F]AV-1451 have also been tested in corticobasal degeneration patients. [18F]THK-5317 and [18F]THK-5351 have demonstrated binding in brain regions known to be afflicted with pathological tau; however, due to small sample sizes these studies should be replicated before concluding their appropriateness in parkinsonian tauopathies. [18F]AV-1451 has demonstrated mixed results in progressive supranuclear palsy patients and post-mortem analysis shows minimal to no binding to non-Alzheimer’s disease tauopathies brain slices.
Testing hypotheses of developmental constraints on mammalian brain partition evolution, using marsupials
Authors: Carlisle Alison , Selwood Lynne , Hinds Lyn A. , Saunders Norman , Habgood Mark , Mardon Karine , Weisbecker Vera
Published: June 2017

There is considerable debate about whether the partition volumes of the mammalian brain (e.g. cerebrum, cerebellum) evolve according to functional selection, or whether developmental constraints of conserved neurogenetic scheduling cause predictable partition scaling with brain size. Here we provide the first investigation of developmental constraints on partition volume growth, derived from contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography of hydrogel-stabilized brains from three marsupial species. ANCOVAs of partition vs. brain volume scaling, as well as growth curve comparisons, do not support several hypotheses consistent with developmental constraints: brain partition growth significantly differs between species, or between developing vs. adult marsupials. Partition growth appears independent of adult brain volume, with no discernable growth spurts/lags relatable to internal structural change. Rather, adult proportion differences appear to arise through growth rate/duration heterochrony. Substantial phylogenetic signal in adult brain partitions scaling with brain volume also counters expectations of development-mediated partition scaling conservatism. However, the scaling of olfactory bulb growth is markedly irregular, consistent with suggestions that it is less constrained. The very regular partition growth curves suggest intraspecific developmental rigidity. We speculate that a rigid, possibly neuromer-model-like early molecular program might be responsible both for regular growth curves within species and impressions of a link between neurogenesis and partition evolution.
The prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in patients with glioma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Song , Song Ge , Yu Jinming
Published: June 2017

A large number of studies have shown that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is abnormally expressed in gliomas. However, the prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in glioma patients remains unresolved. Accordingly, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the prognostic role of high PD-L1 in patients with glioma. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies evaluating PD-L1 expression and overall survival (OS) in these patients. A total of 6 studies (published in 4 articles) that involved 1052 patients were included. Pooled results showed that high PD-L1 expression was associated with worse OS in glioma patients (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.65, P = 0.032). Further subgroup analysis indicated that high PD-L1 expression in glioblastoma (GBM) was also associated with worse OS (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03–1.90, P = 0.030). Conversely, in index subgroup analysis, neither PD-L1 protein (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.97–2.10, P = 0.068) nor gene (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.83–1.74, P = 0.322) expression was significantly associated with OS. PD-L1 may represent a promising biomarker that predicts disease progression in patients with glioma or GBM. However, because of our limited sample size, further prospective or retrospective multi-centre, well-designed studies should be performed to verify this result.
Human in vitro-induced regulatory T cells display Dlgh1 dependent and PKC-θ restrained suppressive activity
Authors: Zanin-Zhorov Alexandra , Kumari Sudha , Hippen Keli L. , Merkel Sarah C. , MacMillan Margaret L. , Blazar Bruce R. , Dustin Michael L.
Published: June 2017

In vitro induced human regulatory T cells (iTregs) have demonstrated in vivo therapeutic utility, but pathways regulating their function have not been elucidated. Here, we report that human iTregs generated in vitro from naïve cord blood cells preferentially recruit Disc large homolog 1 (Dlgh1) and exclude protein kinase C (PKC)-θ from immunological synapses formed on supported lipid bilayers with laterally mobile ICAM-1 and anti-CD3 mAb. Also, iTregs display elevated Dlgh1 overall and Dlgh1-dependent p38 phosphorylation, higher levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and diminished Akt phosphorylation. Pharmacological interruption of PKC-θ increases and Dlgh1 silencing decreases the ability of iTregs to suppress interferon-γ production by CD4+CD25− effector T cells (Teff). Comparison with expanded cord blood-derived CD4+CD25hi tTreg and expanded Teffs from the same donors indicate that iTreg are intermediate between expanded CD4+CD25hi tTregs and Teffs, whereas modulation of suppressive activities by PKC-θ and Dlgh1 signaling pathways are shared.
Congenital deafness is associated with specific somatosensory deficits in adolescents
Authors: Moshourab Rabih , Bégay Valérie , Wetzel Christiane , Walcher Jan , Middleton Steven , Gross Manfred , Lewin Gary R.
Published: June 2017

Hearing and touch represent two distinct sensory systems that both rely on the transformation of mechanical force into electrical signals. Here we used a battery of quantitative sensory tests to probe touch, thermal and pain sensitivity in a young control population (14–20 years old) compared to age-matched individuals with congenital hearing loss. Sensory testing was performed on the dominant hand of 111 individuals with normal hearing and 36 with congenital hearing loss. Subjects with congenital deafness were characterized by significantly higher vibration detection thresholds at 10 Hz (2-fold increase, P < 0.001) and 125 Hz (P < 0.05) compared to controls. These sensory changes were not accompanied by any major change in measures of pain perception. We also observed a highly significant reduction (30% compared to controls p < 0.001) in the ability of hearing impaired individual’s ability to detect cooling which was not accompanied by changes in warm detection. At least 60% of children with non-syndromic hearing loss showed very significant loss of vibration detection ability (at 10 Hz) compared to age-matched controls. We thus propose that many pathogenic mutations that cause childhood onset deafness may also play a role in the development or functional maintenance of somatic mechanoreceptors.
Altered brain metabolic connectivity at multiscale level in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sala Arianna , Caminiti Silvia Paola , Presotto Luca , Premi Enrico , Pilotto Andrea , Turrone Rosanna , Cosseddu Maura , Alberici Antonella , Paghera Barbara , Borroni Barbara , Padovani Alessandro , Perani Daniela
Published: June 2017

To explore the effects of PD pathology on brain connectivity, we characterized with an emergent computational approach the brain metabolic connectome using [18F]FDG-PET in early idiopathic PD patients. We applied whole-brain and pathology-based connectivity analyses, using sparse-inverse covariance estimation in thirty-four cognitively normal PD cases and thirty-four age-matched healthy subjects for comparisons. Further, we assessed high-order resting state networks by interregional correlation analysis. Whole-brain analysis revealed altered metabolic connectivity in PD, with local decreases in frontolateral cortex and cerebellum and increases in the basal ganglia. Widespread long-distance decreases were present within the frontolateral cortex as opposed to connectivity increases in posterior cortical regions, all suggestive of a global-scale connectivity reconfiguration. The pathology-based analyses revealed significant connectivity impairment in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway and in the regions early affected by α-synuclein pathology. Notably, significant connectivity changes were present in several resting state networks especially in frontal regions. These findings expand previous imaging evidence of altered connectivity in cognitively stable PD patients by showing pathology-based connectivity changes and disease-specific metabolic architecture reconfiguration at multiple scale levels, from the earliest PD phases. These alterations go well beyond the known striato-cortical connectivity derangement supporting in vivo an extended neural vulnerability in the PD synucleinopathy.
Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the bond strength of fiber posts to Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treated intraradicular dentin
Authors: Yu Hao-han , Zhang Ling , Xu Shuai , Li Fang , Yu Fan , Liu Zheng-ya , Huang Li , Chen Ji-hua
Published: June 2017

This study was to evaluate the effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the bond strength of two adhesive systems to the Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treated intraradicular dentin. The roots were accepted regular root canal treatments and post space preparations, and further divided into eight groups according to the four post space pretreatments and two dentin adhesives [Single Bond 2 (SB2) and Clearfil SE Bond (CSB)] used. The push-out strength before and after thermocycling in different root region (coronal and apical), DC of the adhesive and morphologic patterns of treated post space were evaluated. NaOCl + EGCG groups showed the highest push-out strength regardless of the adhesive type, root region and time (P < 0.05). NaOCl pretreatment significantly decreased the push-out strengths and DC of CSB (P < 0.05). EGCG could improve the bonding properties of both SB2 and CSB to NaOCl treated intraradicular dentin. The effect of NaOCl on bonding of a fiber post depended on the type of the adhesive.
Serum hepcidin may be a novel uremic toxin, which might be related to erythropoietin resistance
Authors: Lee Sung Woo , Kim Jeong Min , Lim Hye Jin , Hwang Young-Hwan , Kim Soo Wan , Chung Wookyung , Oh Kook-Hwan , Ahn Curie , Lee Kyu-Beck , Sung Su Ah
Published: June 2017

The clinical importance of serum hepcidin in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is unclear. The database of a large-scale multicentre prospective study in Korea of 2238 patients enrolled from 2011–2016 was analysed. After excluding patients with missing serum hepcidin (n = 125) and haemoglobin (n = 23) levels, the study included 2090 non-dialysis CKD patients. Markers of inflammation and iron status were positively associated with serum hepcidin level, regardless of CKD stage. However, estimated glomerular filtration rate was inversely associated with serum hepcidin level, particularly in patients with CKD stages 3b–5 but not in those with CKD stages 1–3a. Use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents was associated with increased serum hepcidin levels, particularly in patients with CKD stages 3b–5 but not in those with CKD stages 1–3a, and serum hepcidin levels positively correlated with the dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. These findings suggest that serum hepcidin may be a uremic toxin and play an important role in erythropoietin resistance. However, future prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
Advantageous developmental outcomes of advancing paternal age
Authors: Janecka M , Rijsdijk F , Rai D , Modabbernia A , Reichenberg A
Published: June 2017

Advanced paternal age (APA) at conception has been associated with negative outcomes in offspring, raising concerns about increasing age at fatherhood. Evidence from evolutionary and psychological research, however, suggests possible link between APA and a phenotypic advantage. We defined such advantage as educational success, which is positively associated with future socioeconomic status. We hypothesised that high IQ, strong focus on the subject of interest and little concern about ‘fitting in’ will be associated with such success. Although these traits are continuously distributed in the population, they cluster together in so-called ‘geeks’. We used these measures to compute a ‘geek index’ (GI), and showed it to be strongly predictive of future academic attainment, beyond the independent contribution of the individual traits. GI was associated with paternal age in male offspring only, and mediated the positive effects of APA on education outcomes, in a similar sexually dimorphic manner. The association between paternal age and GI was partly mediated by genetic factors not correlated with age at fatherhood, suggesting contribution of de novo factors to the ‘geeky’ phenotype. Our study sheds new light on the multifaceted nature of the APA effects and explores the intricate links between APA, autism and talent.
Fibroblast fate regulation by time dependent TGF-β1 and IL-10 stimulation in biomimetic 3D matrices
Authors: Sapudom Jiranuwat , Wu Xiancheng , Chkolnikov Marina , Ansorge Michael , Anderegg Ulf , Pompe Tilo
Published: June 2017

Myofibroblast differentiation and de-differentiation at early and late stages of wound healing is modelled in 3D biomimetic matrices based on collagen and fibronectinin vitro.
Amyloid scaffolds as alternative chlorosomes
Authors: Rengifo Rolando F. , Li Noel X. , Sementilli Anthony , Lynn David G.
Published: June 2017

Living systems contain remarkable functional capability built within sophisticated self-organizing frameworks.
A chromogenic and ratiometric fluorogenic probe for rapid detection of a nerve agent simulant DCP based on a hybrid hydroxynaphthalene–hemicyanine dye
Authors: Ali Syed Samim , Gangopadhyay Ankita , Maiti Kalipada , Mondal Sanchita , Pramanik Ajoy Kumar , Guria Uday Narayan , Uddin Md. Raihan , Mandal Sukhendu , Mandal Debasish , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar
Published: June 2017

A new cyanine dye (CYD) has been synthesized for DCP sensing.
Fabrication of ascorbyl palmitate loaded poly(caprolactone)/silver nanoparticle embedded poly(vinyl alcohol) hybrid nanofibre mats as active wound dressings via dual-spinneret electrospinning
Authors: Du L. , Xu H. Z. , Li T. , Zhang Y. , Zou F. Y.
Published: June 2017

AP loaded PCL/AgNP embedded PVA hybrid nanofibre mats were prepared through dual-spinneret electrospinning, which altogether contributed to wound healing.
Synthesis of new polyether titanate coupling agents with different polyethyleneglycol segment lengths and their compatibilization in calcium sulfate whisker/poly(vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Lu Yunhua , Zhang Weipeng , Li Xingwei , Xu Shiai
Published: June 2017

CSW modified by coupling agent and the interfacial interaction between mCSW and PVC matrix.
Synthesis and application of polyzwitterionic and polyampholytic maleic acid-alt-(diallylamino)propylphosphonates
Authors: Yaagoob Ibrahim Y. , Al-Muallem Hasan A. , Ali Shaikh A.
Published: June 2017

Ammonium persulfate-initiated alternate copolymerization of maleic acid with phosphonate ester monomer [(CH2CH–CH2)2NH+(CH2)3PO3Et2Cl−] gave polyzwitterion A which upon ester hydrolysis afforded antiscalant polyampholyte B.
Development of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as a solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent for the determination of ibuprofen in water
Authors: Olcer Y. A. , Demirkurt M. , Demir M. M. , Eroglu A. E.
Published: June 2017

Ibuprofen-templated molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) demonstrated high selectivity to ibuprofen in the presence of closely related compounds, naproxen and ketoprofen.
Hollow mesoporous silica supported PtIr bimetal catalysts for selective hydrogenation of phenol: significant promotion effect of iridium
Authors: Zheng Yuying , He Peishan , Fang Yanxiong , Yang Xu , Liang Huagen
Published: June 2017

Ir promoted Pt catalyst is prepared using hollow mesoporous silica as support. It shows high hydrogenation rate of 4255 mmol h−1 gPt−1 at mild conditions (50 °C and 0.5 MPa of pH2). The promotion effect of Ir contributes to the enhanced activity.
A low-cost wearable yarn supercapacitor constructed by a highly bended polyester fiber electrode and flexible film
Authors: Zhang Si-Wen , Yin Bo-Si , Liu Chang , Wang Zhen-Bo , Gu Da-Ming
Published: June 2017

For the next-generation energy-storage devices, high power density supercapacitors can be used as complementary power supplies.
Facile synthesis of red-emitting carbon dots from pulp-free lemon juice for bioimaging
Authors: Ding Hui , Ji Yuan , Wei Ji-Shi , Gao Qing-Yu , Zhou Zi-Yuan , Xiong Huan-Ming
Published: June 2017

A facile method was developed to produce efficient red-emitting carbon dots from pulp-free lemon juice for bioimaging both in vitro and in vivo.
Enhanced NO2 sensing performance of reduced graphene oxide by in situ anchoring carbon dots
Authors: Hu Jing , Zou Cheng , Su Yanjie , Li Ming , Hu Nantao , Ni Hui , Yang Zhi , Zhang Yafei
Published: June 2017

A room-temperature NO2 gas sensor of high sensitivity, selectivity and stability based on a low-cost, all-carbon nanoscale heterostructure and eco-friendly 2D rGO–CD hybrids.