bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vidas inimaginadas: gubernamentalidad y medialidad en la prevención del VIH/sida
Authors: Guerrero Mc Manus Fabrizzio , Mercado-Reyes Agustín
Published: August 2017

En el presente estudio comparamos materiales visuales de prevención de VIH provenientes de cuatro países (Alemania, Brasil, Estados Unidos y México) entre los años 1985 y 2005. Utilizando simultáneamente los marcos teóricos de la medicalización, la gubernamentalidad y los media studies, analizamos las formas en que diversas subjetividades se representan e interpelan en la folletería de prevención del VIH. Entre los resultados destacables, este estudio comparativo propone nuevas perspectivas acerca de los distintos discursos que cada país implementó para acercarse al VIH como fenómeno biosocial; por ejemplo, la invisibilización selectiva de sectores vulnerables o las diversas estrategias para lidiar con los contextos sociopolíticos particulares a cada zona. Dichas particularidades pueden considerarse como una de las bases sobre las que se construyen interseccionalidades.
Potential neurotoxicity of prenatal exposure to sevoflurane on offspring: Metabolomics investigation on neurodevelopment and underlying mechanism
Authors: Jiang Jialong , Li Shasha , Wang Yiqiao , Xiao Xue , Jin Yi , Wang Yilong , Yang Zeyong , Yan Shikai , Li Yuanhai
Published: August 2017

Repeated or prolonged anesthesia to pregnant women disturbs neurodevelopment of developing infants, but its mechanism has not been elaborated absolutely. This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of potential neurotoxicity on their offspring generation after sevoflurane anesthesia in adult animals during pregnancy based on metabolomics. 16 pregnant rats were equally assigned to sevoflurane group and control group, and serum samples were collected from their 7‐day‐old offspring for metabolomics analysis using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and partial least squares‐discriminate analysis were used for pattern recognition, and pathway analysis was performed by MetaboAnalyst platform. 29 metabolites were discovered as neurotoxicity related‐biomarkers, among which S‐Adenosylmethioninamine was inhibited dramatically after sevoflurane exposure. Prenatal exposure to sevoflurane led to a significant reduction in S‐Adenosylmethionine level, as shown by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Pathway analysis highlighted that prenatal exposure to sevoflurane induced alteration in arginine/proline metabolism, cysteine/methionine metabolism, and so on. The most important altered metabolic pathway was arginine/proline metabolism. This study suggests that abnormal methylation and disturbed arginine/proline metabolism may crucially contribute to the mechanism with neurotoxicity on offspring generation after sevoflurane anesthesia in adult animals during pregnancy, and dietary supplement of S‐Adenosylmethionine and modulating arginine/proline metabolism may be the potential therapeutic targets for protecting neurodevelopment from detrimental effects of prenatal exposure to inhalational anesthetics.
Is tinnitus a major concern in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder? – Questionnaire based study
Authors: Prabhu Prashanth
Published: August 2017

Objective

Our study attempted to determine if tinnitus is a major concern in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). The study also attempted to determine if pure tone average (PTA), speech identification scores (SIS), or reported duration of hearing loss could predict the tinnitus severity and functional handicap in adults with ANSD.

Methods

Tinnitus functional index (TFI) and tinnitus severity index (TSI) were administered on all the 40 participants diagnosed with ANSD.

Results

The mean TFI score was 44.3, which suggested moderate degree of tinnitus related functional impairment. The mean TSI score was found to be 33.3, which suggested moderate degree of severity in individuals with ANSD. The study also showed that tinnitus causes functional impairment that leading to sleep disturbances, emotional problems, and affecting the quality of life. There was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between PTA, SIS, reported onset of hearing loss and scores of TFI or TSI.

Conclusion

Tinnitus in individuals with ANSD should also be given priority during assessment and provide appropriate tinnitus management.
Edward Albee
Authors: Roudané Matthew
Published: August 2017

Edward Albee (1928–2016) was a central figure in modern American theatre, and his bold and often experimental theatrical style won him wide acclaim. This book explores the issues, public and private, that so influenced Albee's vision over five decades, from his first great success, The Zoo Story (1959), to his last play, Me, Myself, & I (2008). Matthew Roudané covers all of Albee's original works in this comprehensive, clearly structured, and up-to-date study of the playwright's life and career: in Part I, the volume explores Albee's background and the historical contexts of his work; Part II concentrates on twenty-four of his plays, including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962); and Part III investigates his critical reception. Surveying Albee's relationship with Broadway, and including interviews conducted with Albee himself, this book will be of great importance for theatregoers and students seeking an accessible yet incisive introduction to this extraordinary American playwright.
Theory and Practice in Policy Analysis
Authors: Morgan M. Granger
Published: August 2017

Many books instruct readers on how to use the tools of policy analysis. This book is different. Its primary focus is on helping readers to look critically at the strengths, limitations, and the underlying assumptions analysts make when they use standard tools or problem framings. Using examples, many of which involve issues in science and technology, the book exposes readers to some of the critical issues of taste, professional responsibility, ethics, and values that are associated with policy analysis and research. Topics covered include policy problems formulated in terms of utility maximization such as benefit-cost, decision, and multi-attribute analysis, issues in the valuation of intangibles, uncertainty in policy analysis, selected topics in risk analysis and communication, limitations and alternatives to the paradigm of utility maximization, issues in behavioral decision theory, issues related to organizations and multiple agents, and selected topics in policy advice and policy analysis for government.
Guidance law for intercepting target with multiple no-fly zone constraints
Authors: Zhao P. , Chen W. , Yu W.
Published: August 2017

A composite guidance law is proposed for intercepting moving target while strictly satisfying the constraints on multiple No-Fly Zones (NFZs) distributed arbitrarily. The research has two major steps. In the first step, by considering only one NFZ, a guidance law is developed with three parts: Orientation Adjustment Scheme (OAS), Boundary-Constraint Handling Scheme (BCHS), and Proportional Navigation (PN). OAS determines the major flight direction by predicting the collision point of the missile and target. BCHS controls the missile to approach and then fly along the boundary of the NFZ smoothly so as to bypass the NFZ through a short path. PN is used to intercept the target in the endgame phase. In the second step, we use the multi-step decision process to set up a series of appropriate waypoints in order to avoid multiple NFZs. The superior performance of the proposed guidance law has been demonstrated by trajectory simulations.
THE POWER OF BIG DATA: HISTORICAL TIME SERIES ON GERMAN EDUCATION
Authors: Diebolt Claude , Franzmann Gabriele , Hippe Ralph , Sensch Jürgen
Published: August 2017

Numerous primary investigators collected and processed long-termed time series on German educational statistics in the context of their studies. As a result, there are a multitude of quantitative empirical studies. On the one hand, there is the project group on German Educational Statistics.1Its projects were targeted at describing and analyzing the long-term structural changes of the German educational system on a broad empirical and statistical basis. On the other hand, there are comprehensive data compilations of individual research projects, focusing on a wide variety of special educational research topics. The online database “histat” provides central digital access to these datasets on German educational history. Currently, it offers more than 120,000 long-term time series on the German educational system for a period of 200 years. The striking size of the database shows its key importance for researchers in the field of education. Thus, this paper aims to provide useful insights into the background of the database, the special characteristics of the data compilations and their analytical potential. Additionally, examples are given of how the data have already been used by researchers.
ARE WE COUNTING ALL THE POOR?
Authors: Mercier Marion , Verwimp Philip
Published: August 2017

Having accurate poverty statistics is of primary importance for researchers and policy-makers. Based on original data on Burundi, we investigate the sensitivity of poverty headcount calculations to considering individual- instead of household-level consumption. Relying on a survey module which provides information on the share of expenses allocated to each member of the households, we calculate poverty statutes on an individual basis. Exploiting these direct measures to compute poverty headcounts allows us to put forward the discrepancy between individual- and household-level poverty computations. We identify “hidden poor,”i.e.poor individuals living in non-poor households, and show that they are predominantly children. We finally discuss potential mechanisms that could drive the results, and emphasize the importance of improving data collection devices for poverty-related policy making.
Voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions in a suburban area: comparison with national rates, diagnosis and other correlates of involuntary admission status
Authors: Gilhooley J. , Umama-Agada E. , Asghar M. , McManus S. , Whitty P. F. , Kelly B. D.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To establish if the relatively low rate of involuntary psychiatric admission in a suburban area between 2007 and 2011 was maintained in 2014/2015, and explore key correlates of involuntary status.

Methods

We used existing hospital records and data sources to extract rates and selected potential correlates of voluntary and involuntary admission in south west Dublin (catchment area: 273 419 people) over 18 months in 2014/2015 and compared these with published national data from the census and Health Research Board.

Results

The rate of involuntary admission in the suburban area studied between 2007 and 2011 was 33.8 involuntary admissions per 100 000 population annually, which was lower than the national rate (48.6). By 2014/2015, the rate of involuntary admission in this area had risen to 46.8 involuntary admissions per 100 000 population annually, similar to the national rate (44.9). Nevertheless, the overall (voluntary and involuntary) admission rate in the suburban area (346.7 admissions per 100 000 population annually) was still lower the national rate (387.9), owing to a lower rate of voluntary admission in the suburban area (299.9) compared to Ireland as a whole (342.9). Multi-variable testing demonstrated that diagnosis was the strongest driver of involuntary admission in the suburban area: this area had 28.5 involuntary admissions per 100 000 population annually with schizophrenia or related disorders, compared to 18.9 nationally. Schizophrenia and related disorders accounted for 60.9% of involuntary admissions in the suburban area compared to 42.1% nationally.

Conclusions

Schizophrenia is the strongest driver of involuntary admission in the suburban area in this study.
Turbulent drag reduction by polymer additives in parallel-shear flows
Authors: Owolabi Bayode E. , Dennis David J. C. , Poole Robert J.
Published: August 2017

In this study, we experimentally investigate the turbulent drag-reduction (DR) mechanism in flow through ducts of circular, rectangular and square cross-sections using two grades of polyacrylamide in aqueous solution having different molecular weights and various semidilute concentrations. Specifically, we explore the relationship between drag reduction and fluid elasticity, purposely exploiting the mechanical degradation of polymer molecules to vary their rheological properties. We also obtain time-resolved velocity data for various DR levels using particle image velocimetry and laser Doppler velocimetry. Elasticity is quantified via relaxation times determined from uniaxial extensional flow using a capillary breakup apparatus. A plot of DR against Weissenberg number ($Wi$) is found to approximately collapse the data, with the onset of DR occurring at $Wi\approx 0.5$ and the maximum drag-reduction asymptote being approached for $Wi\gtrsim 5$. Thus quantitative predictions of DR in a range of shear flows can be made from a single measurable material property of a polymer solution, at least for this particular flexible linear polymer.
New material of three-dimensionally phosphatized and microscopic cycloneuralians from the Cambrian Paibian Stage of South China
Authors: Liu Yunhuan , Wang Qi , Shao Tiequan , Zhang Huaqiao , Qin Jiachen , Chen Li , Liang Yongchun , Chen Cheng , Xue Jiaqi , Liu Xiaowen
Published: August 2017

Some rare microscopic cycloneuralians are present in the Cambrian of South China, represented by Eopriapulites and Eokinorhynchus (both early Cambrian), fossil embryos of Markuelia (middle to late Cambrian), and palaeoscolecids (early to late Cambrian). Among them, palaeoscolecids are relatively diverse and abundant. Here, we describe new material of three-dimensionally phosphatized and microscopic cycloneuralians from the Paibian Stage of Wangcun Lagerstätte, western Hunan, South China. New material includes fossil embryos assignable to Markuelia sp., two other types of fossil embryos, and three species of palaeoscolecids, including Dispinoscolex decorus Duan, Dong, and Donoghue, 2012, Schistoscolex hunanensis Duan, Dong, and Donoghue, 2012, and Austroscolex sinensis new species. The palaeoscolecid fragments differ mainly in size and armor of the trunk annuli. Since Eokinorhynchus and Eopriapulites occurred the earliest among the Cambrian cycloneuralians, it is proposed here that: (1) cycloneuralians originated in the Cambrian Fortunian small shelly faunas rather than in the early Cambrian macrobenthos, (2) ancestral cycloneuralians may have simple trunk armor, and (3) Eopriapulites represents an ancestral cycloneuralian.
The Cave of Pan, Marathon, Greece—AMS Dating of the Neolithic Phase and Calculation of the Regional Marine Reservoir Effect
Authors: Facorellis Yorgos , Mari Alexandra , Oberlin Christine
Published: August 2017

The Cave of Pan is located on the N/NE slope of the hill of Oinoe (38°09′31.60′′N, 23°55′48.60′′E), west of modern Marathon. In rescue excavation campaigns during the last three years, among other finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected. The purpose of this study is the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of the cave’s anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the Neolithic period. For that purpose, 7 charcoal pieces and 1 seashell were dated. Our results show that the cave was used from the second quarter of the 6th millennium (Middle Neolithic period) until the beginning of the 5th millennium BC. Additionally, one sample collected from a depth of 2 cm from the present surface of the cave yielded an age falling within the 6th century AD, giving thus the absolute time span of the cave use. Moreover, the radiocarbon (14C) ages of one pair of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the marine reservoir age R(t) in the estuarine Marathon Bay region during the 5th millennium BC is 775±57 yr and the local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be 402±6314C yr (within 1σ).
QTL mapping of a natural genetic polymorphism for long-term parasite persistence inDaphniapopulations
Authors: KREBS MICHELLE , ROUTTU JARKKO , EBERT DIETER
Published: August 2017

Knowing the determinants of the geographic ranges of parasites is important for understanding their evolutionary ecology, epidemiology and their potential to expand their range. Here we explore the determinants of geographic range in the peculiar case of a parasite species – the microsporidianHamiltosporidium tvaerminnensis– that has a limited geographic distribution in a wide-spread host –Daphnia magna. We conducted a quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis with monoclonal F2D. magnapopulations originating from a cross between a susceptible northern European genotype and a resistant central European genotype. Contrary to our expectations, long-term persistence turned out to be a quantitative trait across the F2offspring. Evidence for two QTLs, one epistatic interaction and for further minor QTL was found. This finding contrasts markedly with the previously described bimodal pattern for long-term parasite persistence in natural host genotypes across Europe and leaves open the question of how a quantitative genetic trait could determine the disjunct geographic distribution of the parasite across Europe.
Optimization of parameters of a copper plasma jet produced at the plasma focus device
Authors: Kasperczuk A. , Paduch M. , Tomaszewski K. , Miklaszewski R. , Jach K. , Swierczynski R. , Stepniewski W. , Zielinska E. , Szymaszek A.
Published: August 2017

The paper is aimed at optimization of parameters of a copper plasma jet produced at the DPF-1000U device, in which the inner electrode face was conically shaped. Preliminary information was obtained by numerical simulations of the plasma jet creation for different copper cones with the use of the two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic code KAROL. The simulations suggested that the cone height in the range of 4–7 cm should ensure a good plasma jet quality. The experimental data delivered by means of a 16-frame laser interferometer and a four-frame X-ray pinhole camera fully confirmed this conclusion. In the paper, we demonstrate the results for a 5 cm height cone. The eroded Cu plasma, swept up by the deuterium plasma sheath, was accelerated axially and compressed to very small diameter (3 mm) with an electron density of 7 × 1018 cm−3. The Cu plasma jet achieved a velocity of 5 × 107 cm/s and reached in the period of about 230 ns a distance (length) of 7 cm. The above results prove a successful adaptation of the plasma focus device to the metallic plasma jet generator.
Infinitely many solutions for equations of p(x)-Laplace type with the nonlinear Neumann boundary condition
Authors: Choi Eun Bee , Kim Jae-Myoung , Kim Yun-Ho
Published: August 2017

We investigate the following nonlinear Neumann boundary-value problem with associated p(x)-Laplace-type operator

where the function φ(x, v) is of type |v|p(x)−2v with continuous function p: → (1,∞) and both f : Ω × ℝ → ℝ and g : ∂Ω × ℝ → ℝ satisfy a Carathéodory condition. We first show the existence of infinitely many weak solutions for the Neumann problems using the Fountain theorem with the Cerami condition but without the Ambrosetti and Rabinowitz condition. Next, we give a result on the existence of a sequence of weak solutions for problem (P) converging to 0 in L∞-norm by employing De Giorgi's iteration and the localization method under suitable conditions.
A mathematical model for the transmission of louse-borne relapsing fever
Authors: ALSHERI AHUOD , GOURLEY STEPHEN A.
Published: August 2017

We present a detailed derivation and analysis of a model consisting of seven coupled delay differential equations for louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF), a disease transmitted from human to human by the body louse Pediculus humanus humanus. Delays model the latency stages of LBRF in humans and lice, which vary in duration from individual to individual, and are therefore modelled using distributed delays with relatively general kernels. A particular feature of the transmission of LBRF to a human is that it involves the death of the louse, usually by crushing which has the effect of releasing the infected body fluids of the dead louse onto the hosts skin. Careful attention is paid to this aspect. We obtain results on existence, positivity, boundedness, linear and nonlinear stability, and persistence. We also derive a basic reproduction number R0 for the model and discuss its dependence on the model parameters. Our analysis of the model suggests that effective louse control without crushing should be the best strategy for LBRF eradication. We conclude that simple measures and precautions should, in general, be sufficient to facilitate disease eradication.
Impaired cerebral autoregulation and elevation in plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein level during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery for CHD
Authors: Easley Ronald B. , Marino Bradley S. , Jennings Jacky , Cassedy Amy E. , Kibler Kathleen K. , Brady Ken M. , Andropoulos Dean B. , Brunetti Marissa , Hogue Charles W. , Heitmiller Eugenie S. , Lee Jennifer K. , Spaeth James , Everett Allen D.
Published: August 2017

Background

Cerebrovascular reactivity monitoring has been used to identify the lower limit of pressure autoregulation in adult patients with brain injury. We hypothesise that impaired cerebrovascular reactivity and time spent below the lower limit of autoregulation during cardiopulmonary bypass will result in hypoperfusion injuries to the brain detectable by elevation in serum glial fibrillary acidic protein level.

Methods

We designed a multicentre observational pilot study combining concurrent cerebrovascular reactivity and biomarker monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass. All children undergoing bypass for CHD were eligible. Autoregulation was monitored with the haemoglobin volume index, a moving correlation coefficient between the mean arterial blood pressure and the near-infrared spectroscopy-based trend of cerebral blood volume. Both haemoglobin volume index and glial fibrillary acidic protein data were analysed by phases of bypass. Each patient’s autoregulation curve was analysed to identify the lower limit of autoregulation and optimal arterial blood pressure.

Results

A total of 57 children had autoregulation and biomarker data for all phases of bypass. The mean baseline haemoglobin volume index was 0.084. Haemoglobin volume index increased with lowering of pressure with 82% demonstrating a lower limit of autoregulation (41±9 mmHg), whereas 100% demonstrated optimal blood pressure (48±11 mmHg). There was a significant association between an individual’s peak autoregulation and biomarker values (p=0.01).

Conclusions

Individual, dynamic non-invasive cerebrovascular reactivity monitoring demonstrated transient periods of impairment related to possible silent brain injury. The association between an impaired autoregulation burden and elevation in the serum brain biomarker may identify brain perfusion risk that could result in injury.
Chylothorax following paediatric cardiac surgery: a case–control study
Authors: Day Thomas G. , Zannino Diana , Golshevsky Daniel , d’Udekem Yves , Brizard Christian , Cheung Michael M. H.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The aims of this study were to investigate risk factors for the development of postoperative chylothorax following paediatric congenital heart surgery and to investigate the impact of a management guideline on management strategies and patient outcome.

Methods

All patients with chylothorax following cardiac surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, over a 48-month period beginning in January 2008 were identified. A control group, matched for age, date of surgery, and sex, was identified. To investigate potential risk factors, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed with paired analysis. To examine the effect of a standardised management protocol, data before and after the implementation of the guideline were compared.

Results

In total, 121 cases of chylothorax were identified, with 121 controls, matched for age at surgery, date of surgery, and sex. The incidence of chylothorax was 5.23%. Increasing surgical complexity (univariable OR 0.17 for the least complex versus the most complex group, p=0.02), closed-heart surgeries (OR 0.07 for open versus closed, p<0.001), and redo chest incisions (OR 10.0 for redo versus virgin, p<0.001) were significantly associated with chylothorax. The standardised management protocol had no significant impact on either drainage duration or management strategy.

Conclusions

We have replicated the previously reported association between surgical complexity and chylothorax risk, and have shown, for the first time, that redo chest openings are also associated with a significantly increased risk. The implementation of a standardised management protocol in our institution did not result in a significant change in either chylothorax drainage duration or management strategy.
Evaluation of Skin Damage from Accidental Removal of a Hemostatic Wound Clamp (The iTClamp)
Authors: Mckee Jessica L. , Lakshminarasimhan Prasanna , Atkinson Ian , LaPorta Anthony J. , Kirkpatrick Andrew W.
Published: August 2017

Background

Controlling bleeding early in the prehospital and military setting is an extremely important and life-saving skill. Wound clamping is a newly introduced technique that may augment both the effectiveness and logistics of wound packing with any gauze product. As these devices may be inadvertently removed, the potential consequences of such were examined in a simulated, extreme, inadvertent disengagement.

Methods

The wound clamp used was an iTClamp (Innovative Trauma Care; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) that was applied and forcefully removed (skin-pull) from the skin of both a human cadaver and swine. Sixty skin-pull tests were sequentially performed to measure the pull weight required to remove the device, any potential skin and device damage, how the device failed, and if the device could be re-applied.

Results

Observations of the skin revealed that other than the expected eight small needle holes from device application, no other damage to the skin was sustained in 98.3% of cases. Conversely, of the 60 devices pulled, 93.3% of the devices sustained no damage and all could be re-applied. Four (6.7%) of the devices remained in place despite a maximum pull weight >22lbF (pound-force). The mean pull weights for pin bar pull were (lbF): vertical 9.2 (SD=5.0); perpendicular 2.5 (SD=1.7); and parallel 5.3 (SD=3.1). For the encompassed pull position group, mean pull weights were (lbF): vertical 5.7 (SD=2.3); perpendicular 3.0 (SD=2.5); and parallel 14.5 (SD=3.5). The overall mean for all groups was 6.7 (SD=5.2). The two main reasons that the iTClamp was pulled off were because the friction lock let go or the needles slipped out of one side of the skin due to the angle of the pull.

Conclusion

Inadvertent, forcible removal of the iTClamp created essentially no skin damage seen when the wound clamp was forcibly removed from either cadaver or swine models in a variety of positions and directions. Thus, the risks of deployment in operational environments do not seem to be increased.

MckeeJL, LakshminarasimhanP, AtkinsonI, LaPortaAJ, KirkpatrickAW. Evaluation of skin damage from accidental removal of a hemostatic wound clamp (the iTClamp). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):651–656.
LEARNING, HEDGING, AND THE NATURAL RATE HYPOTHESIS
Authors: Cone Thomas E. , Shea Paul
Published: August 2017

We assume that firms are more risk averse than households and that they manage their risk through a financial sector, which consists of learning and hedging. Firms that learn (by observing demand shocks) face less uncertainty and produce more than firms that hedge (by selling future production at a fixed price). If a policy or parameter change stabilizes the economy, then there is less learning and usually less production. Welfare, however, is usually maximized when the financial sector, which requires inputs but does not directly provide utility or affect production, is smallest. Monetary policy can improve welfare by either taxing learning or subsidizing hedging. If firms are risk averse over nominal profits instead of real profits, then interest rate policy can also improve welfare by stabilizing prices and thus minimizing the size of the financial sector.
High-Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) Imaging of Cellulose Microfibril Organization in Plant Primary Cell Walls
Authors: Zheng Yunzhen , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Ning Gang
Published: August 2017

We have used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to study the high-resolution organization of cellulose microfibrils in onion epidermal cell walls. We frequently found that conventional “rule of thumb” conditions for imaging of biological samples did not yield high-resolution images of cellulose organization and often resulted in artifacts or distortions of cell wall structure. Here we detail our method of one-step fixation and dehydration with 100% ethanol, followed by critical point drying, ultrathin iridium (Ir) sputter coating (3 s), and FESEM imaging at a moderate accelerating voltage (10 kV) with an In-lens detector. We compare results obtained with our improved protocol with images obtained with samples processed by conventional aldehyde fixation, graded dehydration, sputter coating with Au, Au/Pd, or carbon, and low-voltage FESEM imaging. The results demonstrated that our protocol is simpler, causes little artifact, and is more suitable for high-resolution imaging of cell wall cellulose microfibrils whereas such imaging is very challenging by conventional methods.
Development of a Conceptual Model for Restorative Approach in Family Service Provision
Authors: Williams Annie , Segrott Jeremy
Published: August 2017

Knowledge of ‘what works’ in early-intervention family services has prompted moves away from approaches which see varied services working autonomously with individual family members, towards provision of multi-agency cross-sector programmes working at a family level. Latterly, some such programmes have adopted Restorative Approach in the belief that delivering services using a more participatory relationship-based framework will support families more effectively. To consider this shift towards use of a Restorative Approach this article explores the concepts and theory that underpin the approach, reflects on how these relate to recommended UK early-intervention family service practice, and constructs a model of family service provision based on the approach. The aim of this article is to consider whether adoption of Restorative Approach has the potential to improve early-intervention family service effectiveness and ultimately have a positive outcome on families.
Identification of Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Biotypes Resistant to Preemergence-Applied Oxadiazon
Authors: McElroy J. Scott , Head William B. , Wehtje Glenn R. , Spak David
Published: August 2017

Goosegrass biotypes from golf courses in Richmond, VA (CCV) and New Bern, NC (RB) historically treated with oxadiazon were identified as resistant compared to susceptible standard (PBU) based on comparisons of oxadiazon applied preemergence at increasing rates (0.03 to 2.24 kg ha-1). Oxadiazon at rates ≤ 2.24 kg ha-1rate did not prevent emergence of suspected resistant CCV and RB seedlings. PBU emergence was completely prevented at 0.14 kg ha-1. Based on percent seedling emergence relative to non-treated and percent above-ground biomass reduction relative to non-treated, the oxadiazon rate at which emergence would be reduced 50% (I50) or 90% (I90) ranged from 0.12 to 0.18 kg ha-1or 10.83 to 85.57 kg ha-1, respectively for suspected resistant CCV and RB, compared to 0.03 to 0.4 kg ha-1or 0.12 to 0.19 kg ha-1, respectively for susceptible standard PBU. Seedling emergence data predicted 7.9 and 3.0 times greater I90values for CCV and RB, respectively compared to biomass data. All three biotypes were completely controlled by preemergence applied labeled rates of prodiamine and indaziflam. This is the first peer-reviewed report of evolved weed resistance to oxadiazon.
Tracing Land to Ocean River Transport with Cosmogenic Isotopes
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: August 2017

Beryllium stored in marine sediments can help scientists study erosion and other environmental changes.
Adropin deficiency worsens HFD-induced metabolic defects
Authors: Chen Shi , Zeng Kai , Liu Qi-cai , Guo Zheng , Zhang Sheng , Chen Xiao-rong , Lin Jian-hua , Wen Jun-ping , Zhao Cheng-fei , Lin Xin-hua , Gao Feng
Published: August 2017

The limited efficacy of current treatment methods and increased type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incidence constitute an incentive for investigating how metabolic homeostasis is maintained, to improve treatment efficacy and identify novel treatment methods. We analyzed a three-generation family of Chinese origin with the common feature of T2DM attacks and fatty pancreas (FP), alongside 19 unrelated patients with FP and 58 cases with T2DM for genetic variations in Enho, serum adropin, and relative Treg amounts. Functional studies with adropin knockout (AdrKO) in C57BL/6J mice were also performed. It showed serum adropin levels were significantly lower in FP and T2DM patients than in healthy subjects; relative Treg amounts were also significantly decreased in FP and T2DM patients, and positively associated with adropin (r=0.7220, P=0.0001). Sequencing revealed that the patients shared a Cys56Trp mutation in Enho. In vivo, adropin-deficiency was associated with increased severity of glucose homeostasis impairment and fat metabolism disorder. AdrKO mice exhibited reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation (Ser1177), impaired glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, adipocytes infiltrating, and loss of Treg, and developed FP and T2DM. Adropin-deficiency contributed to loss of Treg and the development of FP disease and T2DM.
Three-dimensional tumor cell growth stimulates autophagic flux and recapitulates chemotherapy resistance
Authors: Bingel Corinna , Koeneke Emily , Ridinger Johannes , Bittmann Annika , Sill Martin , Peterziel Heike , Wrobel Jagoda K , Rettig Inga , Milde Till , Fernekorn Uta , Weise Frank , Schober Andreas , Witt Olaf , Oehme Ina
Published: August 2017

Current preclinical models in tumor biology are limited in their ability to recapitulate relevant (patho-) physiological processes, including autophagy. Three-dimensional (3D) growth cultures have frequently been proposed to overcome the lack of correlation between two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures and human tumors in preclinical drug testing. Besides 3D growth, it is also advantageous to simulate shear stress, compound flux and removal of metabolites, e.g., via bioreactor systems, through which culture medium is constantly pumped at a flow rate reflecting physiological conditions. Here we show that both static 3D growth and 3D growth within a bioreactor system modulate key hallmarks of cancer cells, including proliferation and cell death as well as macroautophagy, a recycling pathway often activated by highly proliferative tumors to cope with metabolic stress. The autophagy-related gene expression profiles of 2D-grown cells are substantially different from those of 3D-grown cells and tumor tissue. Autophagy-controlling transcription factors, such as TFEB and FOXO3, are upregulated in tumors, and 3D-grown cells have increased expression compared with cells grown in 2D conditions. Three-dimensional cultures depleted of the autophagy mediators BECN1, ATG5 or ATG7 or the transcription factor FOXO3, are more sensitive to cytotoxic treatment. Accordingly, combining cytotoxic treatment with compounds affecting late autophagic flux, such as chloroquine, renders the 3D-grown cells more susceptible to therapy. Altogether, 3D cultures are a valuable tool to study drug response of tumor cells, as these models more closely mimic tumor (patho-)physiology, including the upregulation of tumor relevant pathways, such as autophagy.
AKT2 suppresses pro-survival autophagy triggered by DNA double-strand breaks in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Seiwert Nina , Neitzel Carina , Stroh Svenja , Frisan Teresa , Audebert Marc , Toulany Mahmoud , Kaina Bernd , Fahrer Jörg
Published: August 2017

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are critical DNA lesions, which threaten genome stability and cell survival. DSBs are directly induced by ionizing radiation (IR) and radiomimetic agents, including the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT). This bacterial genotoxin harbors a unique DNase-I-like endonuclease activity. Here we studied the role of DSBs induced by CDT and IR as a trigger of autophagy, which is a cellular degradation process involved in cell homeostasis, genome protection and cancer. The regulatory mechanisms of DSB-induced autophagy were analyzed, focusing on the ATM-p53-mediated DNA damage response and AKT signaling in colorectal cancer cells. We show that treatment of cells with CDT or IR increased the levels of the autophagy marker LC3B-II. Consistently, an enhanced formation of autophagosomes and a decrease of the autophagy substrate p62 were observed. Both CDT and IR concomitantly suppressed mTOR signaling and stimulated the autophagic flux. DSBs were demonstrated as the primary trigger of autophagy using a DNase I-defective CDT mutant, which neither induced DSBs nor autophagy. Genetic abrogation of p53 and inhibition of ATM signaling impaired the autophagic flux as revealed by LC3B-II accumulation and reduced formation of autophagic vesicles. Blocking of DSB-induced apoptotic cell death by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD stimulated autophagy. In line with this, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy increased cell death, while ATG5 knockdown did not affect cell death after DSB induction. Interestingly, both IR and CDT caused AKT activation, which repressed DSB-triggered autophagy independent of the cellular DNA-PK status. Further knockdown and pharmacological inhibitor experiments provided evidence that the negative autophagy regulation was largely attributable to AKT2. Finally, we show that upregulation of CDT-induced autophagy upon AKT inhibition resulted in lower apoptosis and increased cell viability. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that DSBs trigger pro-survival autophagy in an ATM- and p53-dependent manner, which is curtailed by AKT2 signaling.
Developing a molecular picture of soil organic matter–mineral interactions by quantifying organo–mineral binding
Authors: Newcomb C. J. , Qafoku N. P. , Grate J. W. , Bailey V. L. , De Yoreo J. J.
Published: August 2017

Long residence times of soil organic matter have been attributed to reactive mineral surface sites that sorb organic species and cause inaccessibility due to physical isolation and chemical stabilization at the organic–mineral interface. Instrumentation for probing this interface is limited. As a result, much of the micron- and molecular-scale knowledge about organic–mineral interactions remains largely qualitative. Here we report the use of force spectroscopy to directly measure the binding between organic ligands with known chemical functionalities and soil minerals in aqueous environments. By systematically studying the role of organic functional group chemistry with model minerals, we demonstrate that chemistry of both the organic ligand and mineral contribute to values of binding free energy and that changes in pH and ionic strength produce significant differences in binding energies. These direct measurements of molecular binding provide mechanistic insights into organo–mineral interactions, which could potentially inform land-carbon models that explicitly include mineral-bound C pools.
Therapeutic effects of baicalein on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease through protecting mitochondrial function and biogenesis
Authors: Zhang Xue , Du Lida , Zhang Wen , Yang Yulin , Zhou Qimeng , Du Guanhua
Published: August 2017

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for several decades, and disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis (mitobiogenesis) was recently found to be a common phenomenon in PD. Baicalein, a major bioactive flavone of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exerted neuroprotective effects in several experimental PD models. However, the effects of baicalein in rotenone-induced PD rats and the possible mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of baicalein and explored its mechanism of action in rotenone-induced PD models. The results indicated that behavioural impairments and the depletion of dopaminergic neurons induced by rotenone were attenuated by baicalein. Furthermore, in rotenone-induced parkinsonian rats, baicalein treatment effectively restored mitochondrial function and improved mitobiogenesis, as determined by measuring the mitochondrial density and key regulators involved in mitobiogenesis. Additionally, we confirmed that baicalein enhanced mitobiogenesis through the cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathways in rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the cytoprotective effects of baicalein could be attenuated by the mitobiogenesis inhibitor chloramphenicol as well as CREB siRNA transfection. Overall, our results suggested that baicalein partially enhanced mitobiogenesis to restore mitochondrial function, thus exerting therapeutic effects in rotenone-induced PD models.
Periodic outburst floods from an ice-dammed lake in East Greenland
Authors: Grinsted Aslak , Hvidberg Christine S. , Campos Néstor , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe
Published: August 2017

We report evidence of four cycles of outburst floods from Catalina Lake, an ice-dammed lake in East Greenland, identified in satellite imagery between 1966–2016. The lake measures 20–25 km2, and lake level drops 130–150 m in each event, corresponding to a water volume of 2.6–3.4 Gt, and a release of potential energy of 1016 J, among the largest outburst floods reported in historical times. The drainage cycle has shortened systematically, and the lake filling rate has increased over each cycle, suggesting that the drainage pattern is changing due to climate warming with possible implications for environmental conditions in Scoresbysund fjord.
Winter amplification of the European Little Ice Age cooling by the subpolar gyre
Authors: Moreno-Chamarro Eduardo , Zanchettin Davide , Lohmann Katja , Luterbacher Jürg , Jungclaus Johann H.
Published: August 2017

Climate reconstructions reveal a strong winter amplification of the cooling over central and northern continental Europe during the Little Ice Age period (LIA, here defined as c. 16th–18th centuries) via persistent, blocked atmospheric conditions. Although various potential drivers have been suggested to explain the LIA cooling, no coherent mechanism has yet been proposed for this seasonal contrast. Here we demonstrate that such exceptional wintertime conditions arose from sea ice expansion and reduced ocean heat losses in the Nordic and Barents seas, driven by a multicentennial reduction in the northward heat transport by the subpolar gyre (SPG). However, these anomalous oceanic conditions were largely decoupled from the European atmospheric variability in summer. Our novel dynamical explanation is derived from analysis of an ensemble of last millennium climate simulations, and is supported by reconstructions of European temperatures and atmospheric circulation variability and North Atlantic/Arctic paleoceanographic conditions. We conclude that SPG-related internal climate feedbacks were responsible for the winter amplification of the European LIA cooling. Thus, characterization of SPG dynamics is essential for understanding multicentennial variations of the seasonal cycle in the European/North Atlantic sector.
Separation of extracellular nanovesicles and apoptotic bodies from cancer cell culture broth using tunable microfluidic systems
Authors: Shin Soojeong , Han Daeyoung , Park Min Chul , Mun Ji Young , Choi Jonghoon , Chun Honggu , Kim Sunghoon , Hong Jong Wook
Published: August 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the cell-secreted nano- and micro-sized particles consisted of lipid bilayer containing nucleic acids and proteins for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. The inherent complexity of EVs is a source of heterogeneity in various potential applications of the biological nanovesicles including analysis. To diminish heterogeneity, EV should be isolated and separated according to their sizes and cargos. However, current technologies do not meet the requirements. We showed noninvasive and precise separation of EVs based on their sizes without any recognizable damages. We separated atto-liter volumes of biological nanoparticles through operation of the present system showing relatively large volume of sample treatment to milliliters within an hour. We observed distinct size and morphological differences of 30 to 100 nm of exosomes and apoptotic bodies through TEM analysis. Indeed, we confirmed the biological moiety variations through immunoblotting with noninvasively separated EVs opening new windows in study and application of the biological nanoparticles.
Genotype-specific physiological and transcriptomic responses to drought stress in Setaria italica (an emerging model for Panicoideae grasses)
Authors: Tang Sha , Li Lin , Wang Yongqiang , Chen Qiannan , Zhang Wenying , Jia Guanqing , Zhi Hui , Zhao Baohua , Diao Xianmin
Published: August 2017

Understanding drought-tolerance mechanisms and identifying genetic dominance are important for crop improvement. Setaria italica, which is extremely drought-tolerant, has been regarded as a model plant for studying stress biology. Moreover, different genotypes of S. italica have evolved various drought-tolerance/avoidance mechanisms that should be elucidated. Physiological and transcriptomic comparisons between drought-tolerant S. italica cultivar ‘Yugu1’ and drought-sensitive ‘An04’ were conducted. ‘An04’ had higher yields and more efficient photosystem activities than ‘Yugu1’ under well-watered conditions, and this was accompanied by positive brassinosteroid regulatory actions. However, ‘An04’s growth advantage was severely repressed by drought, while ‘Yugu1’ maintained normal growth under a water deficiency. High-throughput sequencing suggested that the S. italica transcriptome was severely remodelled by genotype × environment interactions. Expression profiles of genes related to phytohormone metabolism and signalling, transcription factors, detoxification, and other stress-related proteins were characterised, revealing genotype-dependent and -independent drought responses in different S. italica genotypes. Combining our data with drought-tolerance-related QTLs, we identified 20 candidate genes that contributed to germination and early seedling’ drought tolerance in S. italica. Our analysis provides a comprehensive picture of how different S. italica genotypes respond to drought, and may be used for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in Poaceae crops.