bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomorphic diversity as a river management tool and its application to the Ganga River, India
Authors: Sinha R. , Mohanta H. , Jain V. , Tandon S. K.
Published: April 2017

Understanding of geomorphic processes and the determination of geomorphic diversity in catchments are prerequisites for the sustainable rehabilitation of river systems and for reach‐scale assessment of river health. The Ganga River system in India is a large, complex system consisting of several long tributaries, some >1,000 km, originating from 2 distinct hinterlands—the Himalaya to the north and the cratons to the south. Traversing through a diverse climatic regime across the Plain and through precipitation zones ranging from 600 mm/year near Delhi to 1,200 mm/year in the eastern plains, the Ganga River system has formed very diverse landform assemblages in 3 major geomorphic domains. We have recognized 10 different river classes for the trunk river from Gangotri (source) to Farakka (upstream of its confluence with the Brahmaputra) based on (a) landscape setting, (b) channel and active floodplain properties, and (c) channel planform parameters. The mountainous stretch is characterized by steep valleys and bedrock channels and is dominated by large‐scale sediment production and transport through hill slope processes. The alluvial part of the river is characterized by 8 different river classes of varying reach lengths (60–300 km) many of which show sharp transitions in landscape setting. We have highlighted the application of this approach for the assessment of habitat suitability, environmental flows, and flood risk all of which have been significantly modified during the last few decades due to large‐scale anthropogenic disturbances. We suggest that the diversity embedded in this geomorphic framework can be useful for developing a sustainable river management programme to “work with” the contemporary character and behaviour of rivers.
Self‐Sealed Bionic Long Microchannels with Thin Walls and Designable Nanoholes Prepared by Line‐Contact Capillary‐Force Assembly
Authors: Lao Zhao‐Xin , Hu Yan‐Lei , Pan Deng , Wang Ren‐Yan , Zhang Chen‐Chu , Ni Jin‐Cheng , Xu Bing , Li Jia‐Wen , Wu Dong , Chu Jia‐Ru
Published: April 2017

Long microchannels with thin walls, small width, and nanoholes or irregular shaped microgaps, which are similar to capillaries or cancerous vessels, are urgently needed to simulate the physiological activities in human body. However, the fabrication of such channels remains challenging. Here, microchannels with designable holes are manufactured by combining laser printing with line‐contact capillary‐force assembly. Two microwalls are first printed by femtosecond laser direct‐writing, and subsequently driven to collapse into a channel by the capillary force that arises in the evaporation of developer. The channel can remain stable in solvent due to the enhanced Van der Waals' force caused by the line‐contact of microwalls. Microchannels with controllable nanoholes and almost arbitrary patterns can be fabricated without any bonding or multistep processes. As‐prepared microchannels, with wall thicknesses less than 1 µm, widths less than 3 µm, lengths more than 1 mm, are comparable with human capillaries. In addition, the prepared channels also exhibit the ability to steer the flow of liquid without any external pump.
A Qualitative Look into Israeli Genetic Experts’ Insights Regarding Culturally Competent Genetic Counseling and Recommendations for Its Enhancement
Authors: Siani Merav , Ben‐Zvi Assaraf Orit
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to describe the perceptions and recommendations of Israeli genetic experts in regard to culturally competent genetic counseling. Qualitative data was collected from 15 semi‐structured interviews with Israeli genetics experts. Recurring themes were identified using “thematic analysis” and coded by means of “grounded theory”. Our analysis divides data from the genetic experts' interviews into four main themes: Why is culturally competent genetic counseling important? (Describing its contribution to individuals and to society); who is the recipient of culturally competent genetic counseling? (Differentiating the needs of counselees based on genetic education, cultural/religious characteristics and geographic location); what should we include in culturally competent genetic counseling? (Addressing the contents that counseling should convey);how should we perform culturally competent genetic counseling? (Addressing the methods that counseling should employ). In light of the study, we recommend lengthening the genetic counseling session so that counselors will be able to truly gauge all the prior knowledge of the counselees, their religious beliefs, norms, values and attitudes towards genetic testing. We further recommend that students continue to study genetics further into high school. Finally, we suggest adding a preparation session, similar to a prenatal course, to the genetic counseling of lay people so that their genetic knowledge, attitudes and perceptions will be enhanced, leading to more efficient genetic counseling and more informed decisions.
Fat tissue is not a reservoir for radiocesium in wild boars
Authors: Steinhauser Georg , Knecht Christian , Sipos Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

Meat of wild boars is not only known for high 137Cs activity concentrations but also for the remarkable constancy of these levels. Even decades after the Chernobyl accident, the 137Cs levels in wild boar meat in Central Europe have not declined but even partly increased. In the present study, we investigated an unusual hypothesis for this very unusual phenomenon: may the boars’ fat tissue act as a reservoir for radiocesium? We investigated fat and muscle tissues of four wild boars in Western Germany and found that the 137Cs concentrations in fat were in the range of 10–30% of the respective activities in muscle tissue. Hence, the hypothesis was refuted.
Global quantitative biology can illuminate ontological connections between diseases
Authors: Wang Guanyu
Published: April 2017

Owing to its interdisciplinary nature, quantitative biology is playing ever‐increasing roles in biological researches. To make quantitative biology even more powerful, it is important to develop a holistic perspective by integrating information from multiple biological levels and by considering related biocomplexity simultaneously. Using complex diseases as an example, I show in this paper how their ontological connections can be revealed by considering the diseases on a common ground. The obtained insights may be useful to the prediction and treatment of the diseases. Although the example involves only with cancer and diabetes, the approaches are applicable to the study of other diseases, or even to other biological problems.
Current Concepts in Noninvasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)
Authors: Leonard Samantha
Published: April 2017

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) represents a significant advance in prenatal screening for trisomy 21 and other conditions. Like any new and rapidly developing technology, it is important for healthcare providers to keep up to date with current and developing issues to help ensure that users of tests such as NIPS are well informed. This review intends to outline and explain some of the main current issues with regards to NIPS and to look ahead to the future, in order to increase understanding and inform debate.
Low, fixed dose defibrotide in management of hepatic veno-occlusive disease post stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bagal Bhausaheb , Chandrasekharan Arun , Chougle Aliya , Khattry Navin
Published: April 2017

Objective/background:

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is well recognized potentially serious regimen-related toxicity seen after stem cell transplantation. Severe VOD is associated with poor long-term outcomes with very high mortality. Besides supportive care, only defi-brotide has been found to be effective in the management of VOD. The recommended dose of defibrotide is 25 mg/kg/d but there has been no classical dose finding study done for this drug. A higher dose of defibrotide is associated with increased risk of bleeding and this drug is prohibitively expensive. We report our experience of using fixed low dose of defibrotide in patients with VOD.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 511 patients who underwent stem cell transplant at our center from November 2007 and December 2015. All patients received ursodeoxycholic acid as VOD prophylaxis. Modified Seattle criterion was used for diagnosis and severity grading of VOD. Patients developing VOD were initially treated with furosemide and adequate analgesia. Defibrotide was started within 12 to 24 hours of diagnosis of VOD. All adult patients received defibrotide at a fixed dose of 200 mg twice daily while two children were given dose of 100 mg and 50 mg twice daily.

Results:

Nine (1.7%) of our patients developed VOD. Daily dose of defibrotide ranged from 5 mg/kg/d to 20 mg/kg/d till resolution of VOD. All patients had complete resolution of VOD. None of our patients required ventilator support or dialysis. No episodes of bleeding were observed. No dose response relationship was observed between defibrotide dose and time to resolution of VOD.

Conclusion:

Low fixed dose defibrotide initiated early seems to be effective and safe in treatment of VOD. This is relevant in a resource limited setting and warrants prospective evaluation.
Plato on the Value of Philosophy
Authors: Irani Tushar
Published: April 2017

Plato was the first philosopher in the western tradition to reflect systematically (and often critically) on rhetoric. In this book, Tushar Irani presents a comprehensive and innovative reading of the Gorgias and the Phaedrus, the only two Platonic dialogues to focus on what an 'art of argument' should look like, treating each of the texts individually, yet ultimately demonstrating how each can best be understood in light of the other. For Plato, the way in which we approach argument typically reveals something about our deeper desires and motivations, particularly with respect to other people, and so the key to understanding his views on the proper practice of argument lies in his understanding of human psychology. According to this reading, rhetoric done well is simply the practice of philosophy, the pursuit of which has far-reaching implications for how we should relate to others and how we ought to live.
Much Ado About Nothing: RDD and the Incumbency Advantage
Authors: Erikson Robert S. , Rader Kelly
Published: April 2017

An influential paper by Caughey and Sekhon (2011a) suggests that the outcomes of very close US House elections in the postwar era may not be as-if random, thus calling into question this application of regression discontinuity for causal inference. We show that while incumbent party candidates are more likely to win close House elections, those who win are no different on observable characteristics from those who lose. Further, all differences in observable characteristics between barely winning Democrats and barely winning Republicans vanish conditional on which party is the incumbent. Any source of a special incumbent party advantage in close elections must be due to variables that cannot be observed. This finding supports the conclusion of Eggers et al. (2015) that Caughey and Sekhon’s discovery of lopsided wins by incumbents in close races is a mere statistical fluke.
Real-Life Impact of Executive Function Impairments in Adults Who Were Born Very Preterm
Authors: Kroll Jasmin , Karolis Vyacheslav , Brittain Philip J. , Tseng Chieh-En Jane , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Murray Robin M. , Nosarti Chiara
Published: April 2017

Objectives: Children and adolescents who were born very preterm (≤32 weeks’ gestation) are vulnerable to experiencing cognitive problems, including in executive function. However, it remains to be established whether cognitive deficits are evident in adulthood and whether these exert a significant effect on an individual’s real-lifeachievement. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we tested a range of neurocognitive abilities, with a focus on executive function, in a sample of 122 very preterm individuals and 89 term-born controls born between 1979 and 1984. Associations between executive function and a range of achievement measures, indicative of a successful transition to adulthood, were examined. Results: Very preterm adults performed worse compared to controls on measures of intellectual ability and executive function with moderate to large effect sizes. They also demonstrated significantly lower achievement levels in terms of years spent in education, employment status, and on a measure of functioning in work and social domains. Results of regression analysis indicated a stronger positive association between executive function and real-life achievement in the very preterm group compared to controls. Conclusions: Very preterm born adults demonstrate executive function impairments compared to full-term controls, and these are associated with lower achievement in several real-life domains. (JINS, 2017, 23, 381–389)
Energy drinks available in Ireland: a description of caffeine and sugar content
Authors: Keaver Laura , Gilpin Susannah , Fernandes da Silva Joana Caldeira , Buckley Claire , Foley-Nolan Cliodhna
Published: April 2017

Objective

To describe the caffeine and sugar content of all energy drinks available on the island of Ireland.

Design

Two retail outlets were selected from each of: multinational, convenience and discount stores in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and all available single-serve energy drinks were purchased. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2015 and brand name, price, volume, caffeine and sugar content were recorded for each product. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Seventy-eight products were identified on the island of Ireland (regular, n 59; diet/sugar-free/light, n 19). Caffeine and sugar content was in the range of 14–35 mg and 2·9–15·6 g per 100 ml, respectively. Mean caffeine content of 102·2 mg per serving represents 25·6 % of the maximum intake advised for adults by the European Food Safety Authority. Per serving, mean sugar content of regular energy drinks was 37 g. This exceeds WHO recommendations for maximum daily sugar intake of <5 % of total energy intake (25 g for adults consuming 8368 kJ (2000 kcal) diet). If displaying front-of-pack labelling, fifty-seven of the fifty-nine regular energy drinks would receive a Food Standards Agency ‘red’ colour-coded label for sugar.

Conclusions

Energy drinks are freely available on the island of Ireland and all products surveyed can be defined as highly caffeinated products. This has potential health issues particularly for children and adolescents where safe limits of caffeine have not been determined. Energy drinks surveyed also contained high levels of sugar and could potentially contribute to weight gain and adverse dental health effects.
Courting peace: Judicial review and peace jurisprudence
Authors: SAPIANO JENNA
Published: April 2017

The current debate measuring the trade-offs between democracy and judicial review is unable to analyse the influence of courts in post-conflict states. However, a court with authority over constitutional review is commonplace in new constitutions, including those that have been drafted (or revised) as part of a political settlement. This article suggests that judicial institutions are as important as political institutions in sustaining a political settlement. As this article sets out, the parties to a peace process are required to make numerous compromises to negotiate new (or revised) institutional arrangements. Several cases are considered which illustrate how domestic constitutional courts were asked to mediate between tensions inside the political settlement. In all of the examples, the courts interpreted peace to be the most important constitutional value, or the primary purpose of the constitution. The judiciary played a role in maintaining the constitutional link to the elite pacts of the peace agreement, while acknowledging that the link should not preserve elite pacts permanently or without limit. The article argues, first, that these cases constitute evidence of an emergent global ‘peace jurisprudence’ based on purposive interpretation and a principle of proportionality that protects the foundations of the political settlement, and, second, questions the extent to which international courts are willing or able to adopt this jurisprudence.
Entwicklung von Normwerten zur Evaluation individueller psychologischer Forschungsleistungen in Abhängigkeit vom akademischem Alter und der Fachrichtung
Authors: Tost Caroline Maria , Rindermann Heiner
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Zur Darstellung der Quantität und Qualität von Forschungsleistungen haben sich bibliometrische Indikatoren als nützlich erwiesen. Da diese aber vom akademischen Alter und der Fachrichtung abhängig sind, wird die Entwicklung von Normwerten auf der Grundlage einer repräsentativen Vergleichsstichprobe empfohlen. Zur Berechnung einer Normtabelle für das Fach Psychologie wurden für 877 habilitierte und im Jahr 2013 im deutschsprachigen Raum an staatlich anerkannten Universitäten tätige Psychologinnen und Psychologen der h-Index und die Publikationsanzahl in der Datenbank Scopus erhoben. Neben Unterschieden hinsichtlich des Geschlechts, des Staates, der akademischen Stellung und der Fachrichtung der Wissenschaftler fand sich ein Anstieg der mittleren Publikationsanzahl und des h-Index über die Zeit. In einer Normtabelle werden Perzentile und z-Werte zur Einordnung individueller psychologischer Forschungsleistungen in Abhängigkeit vom akademischen Alter und der Fachrichtung präsentiert. Ihre Anwendung zu Evaluationszwecken und damit verbundene Einschränkungen werden diskutiert. Eine fortlaufende Aktualisierung wird empfohlen.
Die Beziehung zwischen sprachlicher und nicht-sprachlicher Kognition
Authors: Kaup Barbara , Ulrich Rolf
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Beziehung zwischen sprachlicher und nicht-sprachlicher Kognition ist wenig verstanden. In der Vergangenheit wurden einige Arbeiten veröffentlicht, deren Ergebnisse in der Regel so interpretiert wurden, dass die sprachliche Kognition kaum oder gar nicht die nicht-sprachliche Kognition beeinflusst. Dies hat unseres Erachtens in der Vergangenheit dazu geführt, dass sprachliche und nicht-sprachliche Kognition eher separat beforscht wurden und zu der Vorstellung beigetragen, dass Sprache ein eigenständiges Modul innerhalb des kognitiven Systems besitzt, das funktional unabhängig von nicht-sprachlichen Prozessen ist. In jüngerer Zeit werden diese beiden Bereiche der Kognition im Rahmen des Grounded-Cognition-Ansatzes zusammengeführt, wobei allerdings linguistische Gesichtspunkte unberücksichtigt bleiben (z. B. die kompositionale Struktur sprachlicher Bedeutung). Daher sind die theoretischen Grenzen dieses Ansatzes als umfassendes Modell des menschlichen Sprachverstehens schon jetzt erkennbar. Nicht ganz unabhängig davon, erlebt die Forschung über das Verhältnis von Sprache und Denken in den letzten Jahren eine Wiederbelebung, die im Gegensatz zum Grounded-Cognition-Ansatz eher für die Vorstellung einer funktionalen Trennung von sprachlicher und nicht-sprachlicher Kognition spricht. Wir vertreten hier die These, dass das Verhältnis von sprachlicher und nicht-sprachlicher Kognition stark davon abhängt, welche Repräsentationsformen die beiden Bereiche involvieren. Wir diskutieren dabei zwei Sichtweisen (eine Zwei-Format-Sichtweise und eine Ein-Format-Sichtweise) und analysieren deren Implikationen für das theoretische Verständnis über den Zusammenhang von und sprachlicher und nicht-sprachlicher Kognition. Wir verdeutlichen diese Konzepte anhand aktueller Forschungsergebnisse. Unserer Meinung nach generiert die Ein–Format-Hypothese derzeit mehr Fragen als sie beantwortet. Im Gegensatz dazu erscheint uns die Zwei-Format-Hypothese als Forschungsansatz für die Kognitionspsychologie vielversprechender.
Genetic hurdles limit the arms race betweenProchlorococcusand the T7-like podoviruses infecting them
Authors: Schwartz Daniel A , Lindell Debbie
Published: April 2017

Phages and hosts coexist in nature with a high degree of population diversity. This is often explained through coevolutionary models, such as the arms race or density-dependent fluctuating selection, which differ in assumptions regarding the emergence of phage mutants that overcome host resistance. Previously, resistance in the abundant marine cyanobacterium, Prochlorococcus, was found to occur frequently. However, little is known about the ability of phages to overcome this resistance. Here we report that, in some cases, T7-like cyanophage mutants emerge to infect resistant Prochlorococcus strains. These resistance-breaking phages retained the ability to infect the wild-type host. However, fitness of the mutant phages differed on the two hosts. Furthermore, in one case, resistance-breaking was accompanied by costs of decreased fitness on the wild-type host and decreased adsorption specificity, relative to the wild-type phage. In two other cases, fitness on the wild-type host increased. Whole-genome sequencing revealed mutations in probable tail-related genes. These were highly diverse in isolates and natural populations of T7-like cyanophages, suggesting that antagonistic coevolution enhances phage genome diversity. Intriguingly, most interactions did not yield resistance-breaking phages. Thus, resistance mutations raise genetic barriers to continuous arms race cycles and are indicative of an inherent asymmetry in coevolutionary capacity, with hosts having the advantage. Nevertheless, phages coexist with hosts, which we propose relies on combined, parallel action of a limited arms race, fluctuating selection and passive host-switching within diverse communities. Together, these processes generate a constantly changing network of interactions, enabling stable coexistence between hosts and phages in nature.
Gold nanoclusters-assisted delivery of NGF siRNA for effective treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lei Yifeng , Tang Lixue , Xie Yangzhouyun , Xianyu Yunlei , Zhang Lingmin , Wang Peng , Hamada Yoh , Jiang Kai , Zheng Wenfu , Jiang Xingyu
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers, whose progression is highly dependent on the nervous microenvironment. The suppression of gene expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) may have great potential in pancreatic cancer treatment. Here we show that gold nanocluster-assisted delivery of siRNA of NGF (GNC–siRNA) allows efficient NGF gene silencing and pancreatic cancer treatment. The GNC–siRNA complex increases the stability of siRNA in serum, prolongs the circulation lifetime of siRNA in blood and enhances the cellular uptake and tumour accumulation of siRNA. The GNC–siRNA complex potently downregulates the NGF expression in Panc-1 cells and in pancreatic tumours, and effectively inhibits the tumour progression in three pancreatic tumour models (subcutaneous model, orthotopic model and patient-derived xenograft model) without adverse effects. Our study constitutes a straightforward but effective approach to inhibit pancreatic cancer via NGF knockdown, suggesting a promising therapeutic direction for pancreatic cancer.
KDM3 epigenetically controls tumorigenic potentials of human colorectal cancer stem cells through Wnt/β-catenin signalling
Authors: Li Jiong , Yu Bo , Deng Peng , Cheng Yingduan , Yu Yongxin , Kevork Kareena , Ramadoss Sivakumar , Ding Xiangming , Li Xinmin , Wang Cun-Yu
Published: April 2017

Human colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumour initiating cells that can self-renew and are highly tumorigenic and chemoresistant. While genetic mutations associated with human colorectal cancer development are well-known, little is known about how and whether epigenetic factors specifically contribute to the functional properties of human colorectal CSCs. Here we report that the KDM3 family of histone demethylases plays an important role in tumorigenic potential and survival of human colorectal CSCs by epigenetically activating Wnt target gene transcription. The depletion of KDM3 inhibits tumorigenic growth and chemoresistance of human colorectal CSCs. Mechanistically, KDM3 not only directly erases repressive H3K9me2 marks, but also helps to recruit histone methyltransferase MLL1 to promote H3K4 methylation, thereby promoting Wnt target gene transcription. Our results suggest that KDM3 is a critical epigenetic factor in Wnt signalling that orchestrates chromatin changes and transcription in human colorectal CSCs, identifying potential therapeutic targets for effective elimination of CSCs.
Active matter logic for autonomous microfluidics
Authors: Woodhouse Francis G. , Dunkel Jörn
Published: April 2017

Chemically or optically powered active matter plays an increasingly important role in materials design, but its computational potential has yet to be explored systematically. The competition between energy consumption and dissipation imposes stringent physical constraints on the information transport in active flow networks, facilitating global optimization strategies that are not well understood. Here, we combine insights from recent microbial experiments with concepts from lattice-field theory and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics to introduce a generic theoretical framework for active matter logic. Highlighting conceptual differences with classical and quantum computation, we demonstrate how the inherent non-locality of incompressible active flow networks can be utilized to construct universal logical operations, Fredkin gates and memory storage in set–reset latches through the synchronized self-organization of many individual network components. Our work lays the conceptual foundation for developing autonomous microfluidic transport devices driven by bacterial fluids, active liquid crystals or chemically engineered motile colloids.
Serum MicroRNAs Reflect Injury Severity in a Large Animal Model of Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Tigchelaar Seth , Streijger Femke , Sinha Sunita , Flibotte Stephane , Manouchehri Neda , So Kitty , Shortt Katelyn , Okon Elena , Rizzuto Michael A. , Malenica Ivana , Courtright-Lim Amanda , Eisen Andrew , Keuren-Jensen Kendall Van , Nislow Corey , Kwon Brian K.
Published: April 2017

Therapeutic development for spinal cord injury is hindered by the difficulty in conducting clinical trials, which to date have relied solely on functional outcome measures for patient enrollment, stratification, and evaluation. Biological biomarkers that accurately classify injury severity and predict neurologic outcome would represent a paradigm shift in the way spinal cord injury clinical trials could be conducted. MicroRNAs have emerged as attractive biomarker candidates due to their stability in biological fluids, their phylogenetic similarities, and their tissue specificity. Here we characterized a porcine model of spinal cord injury using a combined behavioural, histological, and molecular approach. We performed next-generation sequencing on microRNAs in serum samples collected before injury and then at 1, 3, and 5 days post injury. We identified 58, 21, 9, and 7 altered miRNA after severe, moderate, and mild spinal cord injury, and SHAM surgery, respectively. These data were combined with behavioural and histological analysis. Overall miRNA expression at 1 and 3 days post injury strongly correlates with outcome measures at 12 weeks post injury. The data presented here indicate that serum miRNAs are promising candidates as biomarkers for the evaluation of injury severity for spinal cord injury or other forms of traumatic, acute, neurologic injury.
Composition and temperature dependence of self-diffusion in Si1−x Ge x alloys
Authors: Saltas Vassilis , Chroneos Alexander , Vallianatos Filippos
Published: April 2017

The knowledge of diffusion processes in semiconducting alloys is very important both technologically and from a theoretical point of view. Here we show that, self-diffusion in Si1−xGexalloys as a function of temperature and Ge concentration can be described by thecBΩthermodynamic model. This model connects the activation Gibbs free energy of point defects formation and migration with the elastic and expansion properties of the bulk material. The approach allows the systematic investigation of point defect thermodynamic parameters such as activation enthalpy, activation entropy and activation volume, based on the thermo-elastic properties (bulk modulus and its derivatives, mean atomic volume and thermal expansion coefficient) of the two end-members of the Si1−xGexalloy. Considerable deviations from Vegard’s law are observed, due to the diversification of the bulk properties of Si and Ge, in complete agreement with the available experimental data.
In-Vivo Efficacy of Chloroquine to Clear Asymptomatic Infections in Mozambican Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial with Implications for Elimination Strategies
Authors: Galatas Beatriz , Nhamussua Lidia , Candrinho Baltazar , Mabote Lurdes , Cisteró Pau , Gupta Himanshu , Rabinovich Regina , Menéndez Clara , Macete Eusebio , Saute Francisco , Mayor Alfredo , Alonso Pedro , Bassat Quique , Aide Pedro
Published: April 2017

Recent reports regarding the re-emergence of parasite sensitivity to chloroquine call for a new consideration of this drug as an interesting complementary tool in malaria elimination efforts, given its good safety profile and long half-life. A randomized (2:1), single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Manhiça, Mozambique, to assess the in-vivo efficacy of chloroquine to clear plasmodium falciparum (Pf) asymptomatic infections. Primary study endpoint was the rate of adequate and parasitological response (ACPR) to therapy on day 28 (PCR-corrected). Day 0 isolates were analyzed to assess the presence of the PfCRT-76T CQ resistance marker. A total of 52 and 27 male adults were included in the CQ and Placebo group respectively. PCR-corrected ACPR was significantly higher in the CQ arm 89.4% (95%CI 80–98%) compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). CQ cleared 49/50 infections within the first 72 h while placebo cleared 12/26 (LRT p < 0.001). The PfCRT-76T mutation was present only in one out of 108 (0.9%) samples at baseline, well below the 84% prevalence found in 1999 in the same area. This study presents preliminary evidence of a return of chloroquine sensitivity in Mozambican Pf isolates, and calls for its further evaluation in community-based malaria elimination efforts, in combination with other effective anti-malarials. Trial registration: www.clinicalTrials.gov NCT02698748.
Non-invasive measurement of a metabolic marker of infant brain function
Authors: Siddiqui Maheen F. , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Kaynezhad Pardis , Tachtsidis Ilias , Johnson Mark H. , Elwell Clare E.
Published: April 2017

While near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) haemodynamic measures have proven to be vastly useful in investigating human brain development, the haemodynamic response function (HRF) in infants is not yet fully understood. NIRS measurements of the oxidation state of mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome-c-oxidase (oxCCO) have the potential to yield key information about cellular oxygen utilisation and therefore energy metabolism. We used a broadband NIRS system to measure changes in oxCCO, in addition to haemodynamic changes, during functional activation in a group of 33 typically developing infants aged between 4 and 6 months. The responses were recorded over the right temporal lobe while the infants were presented with engaging videos containing social content. A significant increase in oxCCO was found in response to the social stimuli, with maximum increase of 0.238 ± 0.13 μM. These results are the first reported significant change in oxCCO in response to stimulus-evoked activation in human infants and open new vistas for investigating human infant brain function and its energy metabolism.
Neural connectivity in Internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder: A resting-state EEG coherence study
Authors: Park Su Mi , Lee Ji Yoon , Kim Yeon Jin , Lee Jun-Young , Jung Hee Yeon , Sohn Bo Kyung , Kim Dai Jin , Choi Jung-Seok
Published: April 2017

The present study compared neural connectivity and the level of phasic synchronization between neural populations in patients with Internet gaming disorder (IGD), patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and healthy controls (HCs) using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) coherence analyses. For this study, 92 adult males were categorized into three groups: IGD (n = 30), AUD (n = 30), and HC (n = 32). The IGD group exhibited increased intrahemispheric gamma (30–40 Hz) coherence compared to the AUD and HC groups regardless of psychological features (e.g., depression, anxiety, and impulsivity) and right fronto-central gamma coherence positively predicted the scores of the Internet addiction test in all groups. In contrast, the AUD group showed marginal tendency of increased intrahemispheric theta (4–8 Hz) coherence relative to the HC group and this was dependent on the psychological features. The present findings indicate that patients with IGD and AUD exhibit different neurophysiological patterns of brain connectivity and that an increase in the fast phasic synchrony of gamma coherence might be a core neurophysiological feature of IGD.
Circulating VEGF and eNOS variations as predictors of outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving bevacizumab
Authors: Marisi Giorgia , Scarpi Emanuela , Passardi Alessandro , Nanni Oriana , Ragazzini Angela , Valgiusti Martina , Casadei Gardini Andrea , Neri Luca Maria , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Amadori Dino , Ulivi Paola
Published: April 2017

Novel predictive biomarkers are needed to improve patient selection and optimize the use of bevacizumab (B) in metastatic colorectal cancer. We analyzed the potential of five circulating biomarkers to predict B efficacy and monitor response. Peripheral blood samples collected at baseline, at the first clinical evaluation and at progression were available for 129 patients enrolled in the prospective multicentric ITACa trial and randomized to receive FOLFOX4/FOLFIRI (CT) with (64 patients) or without B (65 patients). VEGF-A, eNOS, EPHB4, COX2 and HIF-1α mRNA levels were measured by qRT-PCR. Baseline marker expression levels and their modulation during therapy were analyzed in relation to objective response, progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). VEGF and eNOS expression was significantly correlated in both groups (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.80; P < 0.0001 and 0.75; P < 0.0001, respectively). B-treated patients with >30% reduction in eNOS and VEGF levels from baseline to the first clinical evaluation showed better OS than the others (median OS 31.6 months, 95% CI 21.3–49.5 months and median OS 14.4 months, 95% CI 9.0–22.7 months, respectively, HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19–0.78, P = 0.008). A reduction in eNOS and VEGF expression from baseline to the first clinical evaluation may indicate a response to B.
Microstructure and nanoindentation behavior of Cu composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets by electroless co-deposition technique
Authors: Zhang Qi , Qin Zhenbo , Luo Qin , Wu Zhong , Liu Lei , Shen Bin , Hu Wenbin
Published: April 2017

A reduced graphene oxide/copper (RGO/Cu) composite was fabricated by a surfactant free, electroless co-deposition technique. The graphene oxide (GO) sheets were reduced and RGO homogeneous distributed into the copper matrix. On the basis of nanoindentation, the presence of RGO and the increase of its content in matrix significantly raised the hardness of RGO/Cu composites. Here, the relevant strengthening effect and mechanisms involved in RGO-reinforced Cu composites were systematically evaluated. Especially, the addition of RGO in Cu matrix led to the compressive micro-strain, and the resulted distortion of the lattice parameter was calculated based on Cohen’s method. However, excessive addition of GO in the electrolyte could decrease the mechanical performance due to agglomeration of RGO. Apparently, the optimal concentration for GO dispersion in co-deposition solution was deserved to discuss. After a serious of relative experiments, we could get a conclusion that this method provided a new pathway for embedded graphene into the metal matrix to improve the mechanical properties of RGO-reinforced materials.
Nerve growth factor signalling in pathology and regeneration of human teeth
Authors: Mitsiadis Thimios A. , Magloire Henry , Pagella Pierfrancesco
Published: April 2017

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a key regulator of the development and differentiation of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In the present study we examined the distribution of NGF and its low and high-affinity receptors, p75NTR and TrkA respectively, in permanent human teeth under normal and pathological conditions. In intact functional teeth, NGF, p75NTR and TrkA are weakly expressed in dental pulp fibroblasts and odontoblasts that are responsible for dentine formation, while the NGF and p75NTR molecules are strongly expressed in nerve fibres innervating the dental pulp. In carious and injured teeth NGF and TrkA expression is upregulated in a selective manner in odontoblasts surrounding the injury sites, indicating a link between NGF signalling and dental tissue repair events. Accordingly, NGF and TrkA expression is strongly upregulated in cultured primary human dental mesenchymal cells during their differentiation into odontoblasts. Targeted release of NGF in cultured human tooth slices induced extensive axonal growth and migration of Schwann cells towards the NGF administration site. These results show that NGF signalling is strongly linked to pathological and regenerative processes in human teeth and suggest a potential role for this neurotrophic molecule in pulp regeneration.
The mechanism of iron binding processes in erionite fibres
Authors: Pacella Alessandro , Cremisini Carlo , Nardi Elisa , Montereali Maria Rita , Pettiti Ida , Ballirano Paolo
Published: April 2017

Fibrous erionite-Na from Rome (Oregon, USA) was K-exchanged and characterized from the structural point of view. In addition, the modifications experienced after contact with a Fe(II) source were investigated for evaluating if the large potassium ions, blocking off nearly all the erionite cavity openings, might prevent the Fe(II) binding process, which is currently assumed to be one of the reasons of the toxicity of erionite. The K-exchanged sample had a 95% reduction of the BET surface area indicating that it behaves as a mesoporous material. Exchanged K is segregated at K2 and at OW sites commonly occupied by H2O. The latter K cations provide a relevant contribution to the reduction of the surface area. Surprisingly, despite the collapse of its surface area the sample preserves the tendency to bind Fe(II). Therefore, yet in the case of a peculiar and potentially hostile structural environment the Fe(II) ion-exchange process has essentially the same kinetics observed in a typical erionite sample. This is a clear evidence of the very limited effect of the chemical composition of erionite on the Fe(II) binding process and reasonably it does not play a significant role in its toxicity.
Fusing atomic W states via quantum Zeno dynamics
Authors: Ji Y. Q. , Shao X. Q. , Yi X. X.
Published: April 2017

We propose a scheme for preparation of large-scale entangled W states based on the fusion mechanism via quantum Zeno dynamics. By sending two atoms belonging to an n-atom W state and an m-atom W state, respectively, into a vacuum cavity (or two separate cavities), we may obtain a (n + m − 2)-atom W state via detecting the two-atom state after interaction. The present scheme is robust against both spontaneous emission of atoms and decay of cavity, and the feasibility analysis indicates that it can also be realized in experiment.
The role of hydrophobicity in tuberculosis evolution and pathogenicity
Authors: Jankute Monika , Nataraj Vijayashankar , Lee Oona Y. -C. , Wu Houdini H. T. , Ridell Malin , Garton Natalie J. , Barer Michael R. , Minnikin David E. , Bhatt Apoorva , Besra Gurdyal S.
Published: April 2017

The evolution of tubercle bacilli parallels a route from environmental Mycobacterium kansasii, through intermediate “Mycobacterium canettii”, to the modern Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Cell envelope outer membrane lipids change systematically from hydrophilic lipooligosaccharides and phenolic glycolipids to hydrophobic phthiocerol dimycocerosates, di- and pentaacyl trehaloses and sulfoglycolipids. Such lipid changes point to a hydrophobic phenotype for M. tuberculosis sensu stricto. Using Congo Red staining and hexadecane-aqueous buffer partitioning, the hydrophobicity of rough morphology M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis strains was greater than smooth “M. canettii” and M. kansasii. Killed mycobacteria maintained differential hydrophobicity but defatted cells were similar, indicating that outer membrane lipids govern overall hydrophobicity. A rough M. tuberculosis H37Rv ΔpapA1 sulfoglycolipid-deficient mutant had significantly diminished Congo Red uptake though hexadecane-aqueous buffer partitioning was similar to H37Rv. An M. kansasii, ΔMKAN27435 partially lipooligosaccharide-deficient mutant absorbed marginally more Congo Red dye than the parent strain but was comparable in partition experiments. In evolving from ancestral mycobacteria, related to “M. canettii” and M. kansasii, modern M. tuberculosis probably became more hydrophobic by increasing the proportion of less polar lipids in the outer membrane. Importantly, such a change would enhance the capability for aerosol transmission, affecting virulence and pathogenicity.
Shorter lifetime of a soil invertebrate species when exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles in a full lifespan exposure test
Authors: Gonçalves Micael F. M. , Gomes Susana I. L. , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck J. , Amorim Mónica J. B.
Published: April 2017

Toxicity tests that last the all life duration of the organisms are not common, instead, long-term tests usually include one reproductive cycle. In the present study we optimized and propose a lifespan (all life) term test usingEnchytraeus crypticus(Oligochaeta). The effect of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) was assessed in this lifespan test and compared to copper salt (CuCl2), using the same effect concentrations on reproduction (EC50). Monitored endpoints included survival and reproduction over-time (202 days). Results from survival showed that CuO-NPs caused shorter life of the adults compared to CuCl2(control LT50: 218 days > CuCl2LT50: 175 days > CuO-NPs LT50: 145 days). The effect was even more amplified in terms of reproduction (control ET50: 158 days > CuCl2ET50: 138 days > CuO-NPs ET50: 92 days). Results suggest that CuO-NPs may cause a higher Cu effect via atrojan horsemechanism. The use of lifespan tests brings a novel concept in soil ecotoxicity, the longevity. This is a particularly important aspect when the subject is nanomaterials toxicity, where longer term exposure time is expected to reveal unpredicted effects via the current short/long-term tests. The present study confirms this higher effect for CuO-NPs.
Microplastic transport in soil by earthworms
Authors: Rillig Matthias C. , Ziersch Lisa , Hempel Stefan
Published: April 2017

Despite great general benefits derived from plastic use, accumulation of plastic material in ecosystems, and especially microplastic, is becoming an increasing environmental concern. Microplastic has been extensively studied in aquatic environments, with very few studies focusing on soils. We here tested the idea that microplastic particles (polyethylene beads) could be transported from the soil surface down the soil profile via earthworms. We used Lumbricus terrestris L., an anecic earthworm species, in a factorial greenhouse experiment with four different microplastic sizes. Presence of earthworms greatly increased the presence of microplastic particles at depth (we examined 3 soil layers, each 3.5 cm deep), with smaller PE microbeads having been transported downward to a greater extent. Our study clearly shows that earthworms can be significant transport agents of microplastics in soils, incorporating this material into soil, likely via casts, burrows (affecting soil hydraulics), egestion and adherence to the earthworm exterior. This movement has potential consequences for exposure of other soil biota to microplastics, for the residence times of microplastic at greater depth, and for the possible eventual arrival of microplastics in the groundwater.
Impact of molybdenum out diffusion and interface quality on the performance of sputter grown CZTS based solar cells
Authors: Dalapati Goutam Kumar , Zhuk Siarhei , Masudy-Panah Saeid , Kushwaha Ajay , Seng Hwee Leng , Chellappan Vijila , Suresh Vignesh , Su Zhenghua , Batabyal Sudip Kumar , Tan Cheng Cheh , Guchhait Asim , Wong Lydia Helena , Wong Terence Kin Shun , Tripathy Sudhiranjan
Published: April 2017

We have investigated the impact of Cu2ZnSnS4-Molybdenum (Mo) interface quality on the performance of sputter-grown Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cell. Thin film CZTS was deposited by sputter deposition technique using stoichiometry quaternary CZTS target. Formation of molybdenum sulphide (MoSx) interfacial layer is observed in sputter grown CZTS films after sulphurization. Thickness of MoSx layer is found ~142 nm when CZTS layer (550 nm thick) is sulphurized at 600 °C. Thickness of MoSx layer significantly increased to ~240 nm in case of thicker CZTS layer (650 nm) under similar sulphurization condition. We also observe that high temperature (600 °C) annealing suppress the elemental impurities (Cu, Zn, Sn) at interfacial layer. The amount of out-diffused Mo significantly varies with the change in sulphurization temperature. The out-diffused Mo into CZTS layer and reconstructed interfacial layer remarkably decreases series resistance and increases shunt resistance of the solar cell. The overall efficiency of the solar cell is improved by nearly five times when 600 °C sulphurized CZTS layer is applied in place of 500 °C sulphurized layer. Molybdenum and sulphur diffusion reconstruct the interface layer during heat treatment and play the major role in charge carrier dynamics of a photovoltaic device.
Upconversion Modulation through Pulsed Laser Excitation for Anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Han Yingdong , Li Hongyu , Wang Yangbo , Pan Yue , Huang Ling , Song Feng , Huang Wei
Published: April 2017

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanomaterials are emerging as promising candidates in optoelectronics, volumetric display, anti-counterfeiting as well as biological imaging and therapy. Typical modulations of upconversion through chemical methods, such as controlling phase, composition, morphology and size enable us to rationally manipulate emission profiles and lifetimes of lanthanide ions by using continuous-wave laser excitation. Here we demonstrate that under pulsed laser excitation the emission color of NaYF4:Er/Tm (2/0.5%)@NaYF4 core-shell nanoparticles has an obvious transformation from green to red colors. Moreover, both pulse duration and repetition frequency are responsible for manipulating the upconversion emission color. The mechanism of the phenomena may be that the pulsed laser sequence triggers the emission levels to non-steady upconversion states first, and then cuts off the unfinished population process within the pulse duration. This pump source dependent and resultant tunable fluorescence emission enables NaYF4:Er/Tm (2/0.5%)@NaYF4 nanoparticles as a promising fluorophore in the transparent anti-fake printing.