bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrological Functioning of an Evolving Urban Stormwater Network
Authors: Jovanovic Tijana , Hale Rebecca L. , Gironás Jorge , Mejia Alfonso
Published: July 2019

As complex systems, urban stormwater networks (USNs) may reveal emergent features (e.g., scaling) and sudden changes in behavior, which can lead to unanticipated impacts. We explored this through the USN properties of connectivity, heterogeneity, and scaling, which were quantified using outputs from a hydrological model and network dispersion mechanisms. The network properties were determined retrospectively in space and time by reconstructing the contemporary history of urban development and stormwater infrastructure in an arid, urban catchment in the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. We found that the relative importance to USN functioning of both network structure (geomorphology) and dynamics (spatial celerity pattern) changed with the spatial scale, with network geomorphology being more dominant at larger spatial scales. The importance of network geomorphology suggested that the structure of the USN itself could potentially serve as a stormwater control measure, for example, by enhancing flow dispersion. The temporal evolution of the USN revealed a sudden change in the hydrological functioning of the network, which seemed to be a consequence of the combined effects of patchy urban development and changes in network connectivity. The interactions between the urban spatial pattern, stormwater infrastructure, and surface runoff may result in threshold‐like behavior. A spatial multiscale approach to stormwater management may be beneficial to ensure that hydrological benefits at one scale do not cause unintended consequences at another. Overall, the retrospective modeling and network analysis approach used in this study may be useful for understanding emergent urban stormwater impacts.
ERAP1 promotes Hedgehog-dependent tumorigenesis by controlling USP47-mediated degradation of βTrCP
Authors: Bufalieri Francesca , Infante Paola , Bernardi Flavia , Caimano Miriam , Romania Paolo , Moretti Marta , Lospinoso Severini Ludovica , Talbot Julie , Melaiu Ombretta , Tanori Mirella , Di Magno Laura , Bellavia Diana , Capalbo Carlo , Puget Stéphanie , De Smaele Enrico , Canettieri Gianluca , Guardavaccaro Daniele , Busino Luca , Peschiaroli Angelo , Pazzaglia Simonetta , Giannini Giuseppe , Melino Gerry , Locatelli Franco , Gulino Alberto , Ayrault Olivier , Fruci Doriana , Di Marcotullio Lucia
Published: July 2019

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is essential for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Hh signaling may occur in a wide range of human cancers, such as medulloblastoma, the most common brain malignancy in childhood. Here, we identify endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), a key regulator of innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses, as a previously unknown player in the Hh signaling pathway. We demonstrate that ERAP1 binds the deubiquitylase enzyme USP47, displaces the USP47-associated βTrCP, the substrate-receptor subunit of the SCFβTrCP ubiquitin ligase, and promotes βTrCP degradation. These events result in the modulation of Gli transcription factors, the final effectors of the Hh pathway, and the enhancement of Hh activity. Remarkably, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1 suppresses Hh-dependent tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Our findings unveil an unexpected role for ERAP1 in cancer and indicate ERAP1 as a promising therapeutic target for Hh-driven tumors.
Highly branched poly(β-amino ester) delivery of minicircle DNA for transfection of neurodegenerative disease related cells
Authors: Liu Shuai , Gao Yongsheng , Zhou Dezhong , Zeng Ming , Alshehri Fatma , Newland Ben , Lyu Jing , O’Keeffe-Ahern Jonathan , Greiser Udo , Guo Tianying , Zhang Fengzhi , Wang Wenxin
Published: July 2019

Current therapies for most neurodegenerative disorders are only symptomatic in nature and do not change the course of the disease. Gene therapy plays an important role in disease modifying therapeutic strategies. Herein, we have designed and optimized a series of highly branched poly(β-amino ester)s (HPAEs) containing biodegradable disulfide units in the HPAE backbone (HPAESS) and guanidine moieties (HPAESG) at the extremities. The optimized polymers are used to deliver minicircle DNA to multipotent adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and astrocytes, and high transfection efficiency is achieved (77% in human ADSCs and 52% in primary astrocytes) whilst preserving over 90% cell viability. Furthermore, the top-performing candidate mediates high levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion from astrocytes, causing neurite outgrowth from a model neuron cell line. This synergistic gene delivery system provides a viable method for highly efficient non-viral transfection of ADSCs and astrocytes.
Reconstitution reveals how myosin-VI self-organises to generate a dynamic mechanism of membrane sculpting
Authors: Rogez Benoit , Würthner Laeschkir , Petrova Anastasiia B. , Zierhut Felix B. , Saczko-Brack Dario , Huergo Maria-Ana , Batters Christopher , Frey Erwin , Veigel Claudia
Published: July 2019

One enigma in biology is the generation, sensing and maintenance of membrane curvature. Curvature-mediating proteins have been shown to induce specific membrane shapes by direct insertion and nanoscopic scaffolding, while the cytoskeletal motors exert forces indirectly through microtubule and actin networks. It remains unclear, whether the manifold direct motorprotein–lipid interactions themselves constitute another fundamental route to remodel the membrane shape. Here we show, combining super-resolution-fluorescence microscopy and membrane-reshaping nanoparticles, that curvature-dependent lipid interactions of myosin-VI on its own, remarkably remodel the membrane geometry into dynamic spatial patterns on the nano- to micrometer scale. We propose a quantitative theoretical model that explains this dynamic membrane sculpting mechanism. The emerging route of motorprotein–lipid interactions reshaping membrane morphology by a mechanism of feedback and instability opens up hitherto unexplored avenues of membrane remodelling and links cytoskeletal motors to early events in the sequence of membrane sculpting in eukaryotic cell biology.
Chromosome assembly of Collichthys lucidus, a fish of Sciaenidae with a multiple sex chromosome system
Authors: Cai Mingyi , Zou Yu , Xiao Shijun , Li Wanbo , Han Zhaofang , Han Fang , Xiao Junzhu , Liu Fujiang , Wang Zhiyong
Published: July 2019

Collichthys lucidus (C. lucidus) is a commercially important marine fish species distributed in coastal regions of East Asia with the X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y multiple sex chromosome system. The karyotype for female C. lucidus is 2n = 48, while 2n = 47 for male ones. Therefore, C. lucidus is also an excellent model to investigate teleost sex-determination and sex chromosome evolution. We reported the first chromosome genome assembly of C. lucidus using Illumina short-read, PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. An 877 Mb genome was obtained with a contig and scaffold N50 of 1.1 Mb and 35.9 Mb, respectively. More than 97% BUSCOs genes were identified in the C. lucidus genome and 28,602 genes were annotated. We identified potential sex-determination genes along chromosomes and found that the chromosome 1 might be involved in the formation of Y specific metacentric chromosome. The first C. lucidus chromosome-level reference genome lays a solid foundation for the following population genetics study, functional gene mapping of important economic traits, sex-determination and sex chromosome evolution studies for Sciaenidae and teleosts.
Resistance of Scratched Fused Silica Surface to UV Laser Induced Damage
Authors: Ye Hui , Li Yaguo , Xu Qiao , Jiang Chen , Wang Zhonghou
Published: July 2019

Scratches in fused silica are notorious laser damage precursors to UV laser damage initiation. Ductile and brittle scratches were intentionally generated using various polishing slurries. The distribution, profile and the dimension of scratches were characterized. The damage resistance of polished surfaces was evaluated using raster scanning damage testing protocol. The results show that both ductile and brittle scratches greatly increase area proportion of laser damage about one to two orders of magnitude relative to unscratched surface and brittle scratches are more deleterious. Moreover, finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation was used to numerically calculate the light field distribution around scratches on rear surface (i.e. exit surface for light) which indicates that modulated light intensity is susceptible to the profile and size of scratches. FDTD simulation results also indicate that the light field intensification is elevated with the dimension of scratches and light modulation effects in triangular scratches are usually not as notable as serrated and parabolic scratches.
The activation of Mucolipin TRP channel 1 (TRPML1) protects motor neurons from L-BMAA neurotoxicity by promoting autophagic clearance
Authors: Tedeschi Valentina , Petrozziello Tiziana , Sisalli Maria José , Boscia Francesca , Canzoniero Lorella Maria Teresa , Secondo Agnese
Published: July 2019

Cellular clearance mechanisms including the autophagy-lysosome pathway are impaired in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One of the most important proteins involved in the regulation of autophagy is the lysosomal Ca2+ channel Mucolipin TRP channel 1 (TRPML1). Therefore, we investigated the role of TRPML1 in a neuronal model of ALS/Parkinson-dementia complex reproduced by the exposure of motor neurons to the cyanobacterial neurotoxin beta-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA). Under these conditions, L-BMAA induces a dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and cell death. Therefore we hypothesized a dysfunctional coupling between lysosomes and ER in L-BMAA-treated motor neurons. Here, we showed that in motor neuronal cells TRPML1 as well as the lysosomal protein LAMP1 co-localized with ER. In addition, TRPML1 co-immunoprecipitated with the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1. Functionally, the TRPML1 agonist ML-SA1 induced lysosomal Ca2+ release in a dose-dependent way in motor neuronal cells. The SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin increased the fluorescent signal associated with lysosomal Ca2+ efflux in the cells transfected with the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP3-ML1, thus suggesting an interplay between the two organelles. Moreover, chronic exposure to L-BMAA reduced TRPML1 protein expression and produced an impairment of both lysosomal and ER Ca2+ homeostasis in primary motor neurons. Interestingly, the preincubation of ML-SA1, by an early activation of AMPK and beclin 1, rescued motor neurons from L-BMAA-induced cell death and reduced the expression of the ER stress marker GRP78. Finally, ML-SA1 reduced the accumulation of the autophagy-related proteins p62/SQSTM1 and LC3-II in L-BMAA-treated motor neurons. Collectively, we propose that the pharmacological stimulation of TRPML1 can rescue motor neurons from L-BMAA-induced toxicity by boosting autophagy and reducing ER stress.
The Existence of Airborne Mercury Nanoparticles
Authors: Ghoshdastidar Avik. J. , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: July 2019

Mercury is an important global toxic contaminant of concern that causes cognitive and neuromuscular damage in humans. It is ubiquitous in the environment and can travel in the air, in water, or adsorb to soils, snow, ice and sediment. Two significant factors that influence the fate of atmospheric mercury, its introduction to aquatic and terrestrial environments, and its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in biotic systems are the chemical species or forms that mercury exists as (elemental, oxidized or organic) and its physical phase (solid, liquid/aqueous, or gaseous). In this work, we show that previously unknown mercury-containing nanoparticles exist in the air using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging (HR-STEM). Deploying an urban-air field campaign near a mercury point source, we provide further evidence for mercury nanoparticles and determine the extent to which these particles contain two long suspected forms of oxidized mercury (mercuric bromide and mercuric chloride) using mercury mass spectrometry (Hg-MS). Using optical particle sizers, we also conclude that the conventional method of measuring gaseous oxidized mercury worldwide can trap up to 95% of nanoparticulate mercuric halides leading to erroneous measurements. Finally, we estimate airborne mercury aerosols may contribute to half of the oxidized mercury measured in wintertime Montréal urban air using Hg-MS. These emerging mercury-containing nanoparticle contaminants will influence mercury deposition, speciation and other atmospheric and aquatic biogeochemical mercury processes including the bioavailability of oxidized mercury to biota and its transformation to neurotoxic organic mercury.
A novel perceptual trait: gaze predilection for faces during visual exploration
Authors: Guy Nitzan , Azulay Hagar , Kardosh Rasha , Weiss Yarden , Hassin Ran R. , Israel Salomon , Pertzov Yoni
Published: July 2019

Humans are social animals and typically tend to seek social interactions. In our daily life we constantly move our gaze to collect visual information which often includes social information, such as others’ emotions and intentions. Recent studies began to explore how individuals vary in their gaze behavior. However, these studies focused on basic features of eye movements (such as the length of movements) and did not examine the observer predilection for specific social features such as faces. We preformed two test-retest experiments examining the amount of time individuals fixate directly on faces embedded in images of naturally occurring scenes. We report on stable and robust individual differences in visual predilection for faces across time and tasks. Individuals’ preference to fixate on faces could not be explained by a preference for fixating on low-level salient regions (e.g. color, intensity, orientation) nor by individual differences in the Big-Five personality traits. We conclude that during visual exploration individuals vary in the amount of time they direct their gaze towards faces. This tendency is a trait that not only reflects individuals’ preferences but also influences the amount of information gathered by each observer, therefore influencing the basis for later cognitive processing and decisions.
Constructing a prediction model for physiological parameters for malnutrition in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tsai Yu-Tsung , Yang Feng-Jung , Lin Hong-Mau , Yeh Jiang-Chou , Cheng Bor-Wen
Published: July 2019

A retrospective analysis of the improvement in the health condition of patients undergoing hemodialysis was done to understand the important factors that can affect malnutrition in these patients. In this study, data from patients who underwent hemodialysis between 2010 and 2015 in a regional hospital in Yunlin County were collected from the Taiwan Society of Nephrology-Kidney Transplantation database. A total of 1049 medical records from 300 patients with age over 20 and underwent hemodialysis were collected for this study. A decision tree C5.0 and logistic regression were used to identify 40 independent variables, as well as the association of the dependent variable albumin. Then, the C5.0 decision tree, logistic regression, and support vector machine (SVM) methods were applied to find a combination of factors that contributed to malnutrition in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Predictive models were established. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic curve and confusion matrix was used to evaluate the standard of performance of these models. All analytical methods indicated that “age” was an important factor. In particular, the best predictive model was the SVM-model 4, with a training accuracy rate of 98.95% and test accuracy rate of 66.89%, identified that “age” and 15 other important factors were the most related to hemodialysis. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for clinical applications.
Asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral β-hydroxy allenes: copper-catalyzed γ-selective borylative coupling of vinyl arenes and propargyl phosphates
Authors: Han Jung Tae , Yun Jaesook
Published: July 2019

Copper-catalyzed enantioselective coupling of vinyl arenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2) and propargylic phosphates is presented.
An anionic heterosiliconoid with two germanium vertices
Authors: Klemmer Lukas , Huch Volker , Jana Anukul , Scheschkewitz David
Published: July 2019

Reduction of dismutational 1,4-digermatetrasilabenzene isomer gives lithium digermatetrasila-benzpolarenide (R = Tip = 2,4,6-iPr3C6H2). The positions of its Ge vertices yield mechanistic insights; its reaction with SiCl4 proves its nucleophilicity.
Physical properties of RIr3 (R = Gd, Tb, Ho) compounds with coexisting polymorphic phases
Authors: Mondal Binita , Dan Shovan , Mondal Sudipta , Bhowmik R. N. , Ranganathan R. , Mazumdar Chandan
Published: July 2019

The binary compounds GdIr3, TbIr3 and HoIr3 are synthesized successfully and found to form with macroscopic co-existence of two polymorphic phases: AuBe5 (C15b) and AuCu3-type.
Correction: Understanding the role of co-surfactants in microemulsions on the growth of copper oxalate using SAXS
Authors: Sunaina Sunaina , Sethi Vaishali , Mehta Surinder K. , Ganguli Ashok K. , Vaidya Sonalika
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘Understanding the role of co-surfactants in microemulsions on the growth of copper oxalate using SAXS’ by Sunaina et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019, 21, 336–348.
Catalytic reactions within the cavity of coordination cages
Authors: Fang Yu , Powell Joshua A. , Li Errui , Wang Qi , Perry Zachary , Kirchon Angelo , Yang Xinyu , Xiao Zhifeng , Zhu Chengfeng , Zhang Liangliang , Huang Feihe , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: July 2019

This review summarizes recent developments of coordination cages catalysis across three key approaches: (1) cavity promoted reactions, (2) embedding of active sites in the structure of the cage, and (3) encapsulation of catalysts within the cage.
Nanofibers and amorphous Ni/Al2O3 catalysts — effect of steric hindrance on hydrogenation performance
Authors: Zhang Zhanming , Sun Kai , Ma Yuyao , Liu Qianhe , Li Qingyin , Zhang Shu , Wang Yi , Liu Qing , Dong Dehua , Hu Xun
Published: July 2019

The steric hindrance of nanofibrous Ni–Al2O3 catalyst can be effectively reduced compared with that of the amorphous Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, which greatly increases the activity of furfural and HMF hydrogenation at room temperature.
Covalent triazine framework-decorated phenyl-functionalised SBA-15: its synthesis and application as a novel nanoporous adsorbent
Authors: Soltani Roozbeh , Shahvar Ali , Gordan Hasti , Dinari Mohammad , Saraji Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Novel covalent triazine framework-decorated phenyl-functionalised SBA-15 was synthesised via a facile AlCl3-catalysed Friedel–Crafts strategy and applied as an adsorbent for dye removal.
Curvature-mediated cooperative wrapping of multiple nanoparticles at the same and opposite membrane sides
Authors: Yan Zengshuai , Wu Zeming , Li Shixin , Zhang Xianren , Yi Xin , Yue Tongtao
Published: July 2019

Combining molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical analysis, we reveal the importance of the magnitude and direction of the membrane bend in regulating curvature-mediated interactions and cooperative wrapping of multiple nanoparticles.
Phase-variable bacterial loci: how bacteria gamble to maximise fitness in changing environments
Authors: Phillips Zachary N. , Tram Greg , Seib Kate L. , Atack John M.
Published: July 2019

Phase-variation of genes is defined as the rapid and reversible switching of expression — either ON-OFF switching or the expression of multiple allelic variants. Switching of expression can be achieved by a number of different mechanisms. Phase-variable genes typically encode bacterial surface structures, such as adhesins, pili, and lipooligosaccharide, and provide an extra contingency strategy in small-genome pathogens that may lack the plethora of ‘sense-and-respond’ gene regulation systems found in other organisms. Many bacterial pathogens also encode phase-variable DNA methyltransferases that control the expression of multiple genes in systems called phasevarions (phase-variable regulons). The presence of phase-variable genes allows a population of bacteria to generate a number of phenotypic variants, some of which may be better suited to either colonising certain host niches, surviving a particular environmental condition and/or evading an immune response. The presence of phase-variable genes complicates the determination of an organism's stably expressed antigenic repertoire; many phase-variable genes are highly immunogenic, and so would be ideal vaccine candidates, but unstable expression due to phase-variation may allow vaccine escape. This review will summarise our current understanding of phase-variable genes that switch expression by a variety of mechanisms, and describe their role in disease and pathobiology.
CF290 for pancolonic chromoendoscopy improved sessile serrated polyp detection and procedure time: a propensity score-matching study
Authors: Toyoshima Osamu , Yoshida Shuntaro , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Yamakawa Tadahiro , Sakitani Kosuke , Hata Keisuke , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Watanabe Hidenobu , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: July 2019

Background and study aims The benefits of the new-generation CF290 (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) for pancolonic chromoendoscopy (PCC) for colorectal polyp detection and its procedure time remain questionable. We compared the CF290 with the previous CF260 for PCC.

Methods We performed a propensity score-matching study using baseline characteristics such as age, sex, indications, endoscopist, and bowel preparation. We compared the detection of adenomas and sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) and procedure times of two expert endoscopists who performed PCC using the CF290 series (high-quality system with flushing pump) and the CF260 series (high-definition system).

Results We matched 374 patients who underwent PCC using the CF290 and 187 patients who underwent PCC using the CF260. The adenoma detection rate of the 290 series was higher than that of the 260 series, but not significantly. The SSP detection rate for the 290 series was higher than that for the 260 series (P = 0.01). Insertion time required for the 290 series was shorter than that required for the 260 series (P < 0.0001). Withdrawal time of the 290 series was shorter than that of the 260 series (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion Advanced technology can provide accuracy and help save time, and therefore, should be applied whenever possible.
NHC-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzazole-Phosphine Ligands under an Air Atmosphere
Authors: Ren Wei , Zuo Qian-Ming , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: July 2019

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of benzazole-phosphine ligand precursors via N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization reaction has been performed. The reaction displays broad functional group tolerance and high atom economy, and the transformation has been further applied to benzazole-phosphine ligand synthesis.
A Case of Dextrotransposition of the Great Arteries Type I with Reversed Differential Cyanosis
Authors: Morimoto Yuichi , Inamura Noboru , Takemura Tukasa
Published: July 2019

Transposition of the great arteries type I is a severe congenital heart disease that induces serious cyanosis immediately after birth and death within 24 hours, unless proper treatment is administered. A few cases have presented with reversed differential cyanosis, manifesting as separated cyanosis with high SpO2 values in the lower limbs. However, there have been few reports of survivors of transposition of the great arteries type I presenting with reversed differential cyanosis. We experienced a case of transposition of the great arteries type I presenting with reversed differential cyanosis immediately after birth. The infant was urgently transported because of postnatal SpO2 of 40% in the upper limbs and 90% in the lower limbs. The echocardiographic diagnosis was transposition of the great arteries type I with a narrow foramen ovale. We immediately performed balloon atrioseptostomy, and the reversed differential cyanosis was improved. The infant seems to have presented with reversed differential cyanosis because of the foramen ovale narrowing and complicating pulmonary hypertension due to fetal circulation and characteristic of transposition of the great arteries type I. Congenital heart disease, presenting with reversed differential cyanosis, is a clinical condition requiring emergency management.
Linking Quality Improvement and Health Information Technology through the QI-HIT Figure 8
Authors: Jamieson Trevor , Mamdani Muhammad M. , Etchells Edward
Published: July 2019

The implementation of health information technology (HIT) is complex. A method for mitigating complexity is incrementalism. Incrementalism forms the foundation of both incremental software development models, like agile, and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles (PDSAs) of quality improvement (QI), yet we often fail to be incremental at the union of the disciplines. We propose a new model for HIT implementation that explicitly links incremental software development cycles with PDSAs, the QI-HIT Figure 8 (QIHIT-F8). We then detail a subsequent local HIT implementation where we demonstrated its use. The QIHIT-F8 requires a reprioritization of project management activities around tests of change, strong QI principles to detect these changes, and the presence of both baseline and prospective data about the chosen indicators. These conditions are most likely to be present when applied to indicators of high strategic importance to an organization.
Chern numbers as half-signature of the spectral localizer
Authors: Lozano Viesca Edgar , Schober Jonas , Schulz-Baldes Hermann
Published: July 2019

Two recent papers proved that complex index pairings can be calculated as the half-signature of a finite dimensional matrix, called the spectral localizer. This paper contains a new proof of this connection for even index pairings based on a spectral flow argument. It also provides a numerical study of the spectral gap and the half-signature of the spectral localizer for a typical two-dimensional disordered topological insulator in the regime of a mobility gap at the Fermi energy. This regime is not covered by the above mathematical results (which suppose a bulk gap), but, nevertheless, the half-signature of the spectral localizer is a clear indicator of a topological phase.
Photoacoustic identification of blood vessel deformation under pressure
Authors: Zhang Xiaoman , Weng Cuncheng , Wu Shulian , Cai Jianyong , Wu Huaqin , Li Zhifang , Zhu Lili , Li Hui
Published: July 2019

In this work we demonstrate a photoacoustic system which can identify the deformation of blood vessels under external pressure. Using photoacoustic imaging method, the vessel internal diameter can be derived from the peak-to-peak time interval of the laser (532nm) induced the photoacoustic signals. Comparisons with the actual vessel inter diameter show that the relative deviation is less than 4%, which proves the validity of this method. Interestingly, we find that the axial diameter of the blood vessel and the blood volume increase monotonously with increasing transient pressure, and the laser-induced photoacoustic signal is mainly contributed by the blood inside the vessel. Our results suggest a new way for continuous monitoring of the deformation of blood vessels under pressure.
Efficient removal of diuretic hydrochlorothiazide from water by electro-Fenton process using BDD anode: a kinetic and degradation pathway study
Authors: Monteil Hélène , Oturan Nihal , Péchaud Yoan , Oturan Mehmet A.
Published: July 2019

Environmental contextHydrochlorothiazide, a common diuretic pharmaceutical, occurs in environmental waters because current treatment technologies are unable to eliminate it from wastewater. To remove this environmentally hazardous chemical from water, we developed an advanced electrochemical oxidation process to efficiently degrade and mineralise the compound. Wider application of the process holds the promise of general, efficient destruction of pharmaceuticals in aqueous media.
AbstractThe degradation and the mineralisation of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide were studied by an advanced electrochemical oxidation process, ‘electro-Fenton’, which generates in situ hydroxyl radicals that are able to successfully oxidise or mineralise organic pollutants. In this study, a 0.1mM (29.8mgL−1) hydrochlorothiazide solution was completely oxidatively degraded in 15min under constant current electrolysis at 500 mA. The absolute kinetic rate constant of the oxidation reaction was also determined as (4.37±0.04)×109M−1s−1. The quasi-complete mineralisation of the solution was obtained with electrolysis for 6h under the same applied current. Several oxidation reaction intermediates were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The formed carboxylic acids during the mineralisation process were also studied; oxamic, oxalic, acetic and maleic acids were identified and their concentrations were monitored throughout the electrolysis. The ions released during the treatment were also considered. Based on these data and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal results, a possible mineralisation pathway was proposed. These findings enable the conclusion that the electro-Fenton process is an efficient and environmentally-friendly method to eliminate the hazardous drug hydrochlorothiazide from an aqueous environment.
Continuidad discursiva y evidencialidad citativa en el marcador discursivopor su parte
Authors: Llopis Cardona Ana
Published: July 2019

Esta investigación demuestra que el marcador discursivo de continuidadpor su parteno forma parte necesariamente de una serie y no impone restricciones sobre la orientación argumentativa de las unidades discursivas que conecta. El análisis de corpus revela, además, que el significado básico de continuación es determinado según el referente del posesivo y el tipo de discurso. Cuando el deíctico se refiere a un agente y aparece en discurso referido, el marcador asume un valor evidencial, que había sido ignorado en la bibliografía. Así pues, el artículo se ocupa de caracterizar las funciones depor su parte, centrándose en la función híbrida entre la continuación discursiva y la evidencialidad citativa. Finalmente, trata cuestiones teóricas derivadas, como el tratamiento como marca de evidencialidad citativa, y la relación entre evidencialidad y polifonía.
Los objetos verbales de persona como variantes de tratamiento
interpersonal canario en la red social Facebook
Authors: Serrano María José
Published: July 2019

Las formas de objeto de segunda persona del plural
les, los, las /a ustedes,
os/a ustedes son recursos que posee la lengua española para
indexar a los referentes plurales. Sin embargo, en la variedad del español de
Canarias, solo es posible la primera. En general, ambos paradigmas tienden a ser
usados mediante los clíticos o variantes omitidas les, los, las
y os. Estas formas adquieren una notable rentabilidad
comunicativa en las redes sociales, ya que, al tratarse de discurso escrito, los
interlocutores no están presentes y deben ser indexados de la forma más clara
posible. En esta investigación se demostrará que los emisores de procedencia
canaria que participan en Facebook presentan alternancia en el uso de los
clíticos les y os según diversos propósitos
comunicativos. Así, esta variación tiende a coaparecer con dos tipos de
estructura argumental del verbo (monotransitivos y ditransitivos) y según el
contenido que se desee transmitir con el mensaje (emocional o informativo).
Aunque esta variación pueda llevar a la consideración de que estamos ante un
caso de deslealtad lingüística, el uso de la forma no prototípica canaria
obedece a una necesidad comunicativa presente en los mensajes de la red social
Facebook.
From research to the textbook
Authors: Pérez-Hernández Lorena
Published: July 2019

Studies on speech acts represent an extensive, multidisciplinary area of research, encompassing diverse theoretical approaches such as those stemming from pragmatic, conversational, discourse, cognitive, constructional, and functional perspectives. Altogether, these theories offer an eloquent picture of the type of knowledge that is necessary to perform and understand speech acts correctly. English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers need to be aware to what extent such contemporary research findings on speech acts have made their way into present-day textbooks, and this paper sets out to elucidate this issue.

First, we look at contemporary studies on speech acts in search of the key theoretical aspects of illocutionary performance that should ideally be included in ESL course book series. Second, we analyze a collection of seven such course series to assess to what extent they incorporate those theoretical findings. Finally, we consider the weaknesses of present-day textbooks in relation to the teaching of illocutionary acts, thus providing an informed ground for their elaboration and improvement.
The acquisition of differential object marking in Spanish by Romanian
speakers
Authors: Montrul Silvina
Published: July 2019

The obligatory use of the preposition ‘a’ with
animate, specific direct objects in Spanish (Juan conoce a
María “Juan knows Maria”) is a well-known instance of Differential
Object Marking (dom). This study investigates the acquisition of
dom by native speakers of Romanian learning Spanish. Spanish and
Romanian have dom lexicalized in the prepositions ‘a’
(Spanish) and in ‘pe’ (Romanian). In the two languages
dom is regulated by animacy and specificity. Thirty-two native
speakers of Spanish and 36 Romanian-speaking learners of Spanish with advanced
proficiency completed a written production, a written comprehension, and an
acceptability judgment task. The results show that, in general, and unlike what
has been found for English-speaking learners of Spanish, advanced Romanian
learners of Spanish are successful at acquiring the feature specification and
distribution of dom in Spanish. The findings are discussed with respect
to the nature of ultimate attainment as a function of language transfer.
The digital dilemma
Authors: Seibert Hanson Aroline E. , Dracos Melisa
Published: July 2019

The study abroad (SA) experience now involves increased learner
access via technology to the home (in the L1) and to the host culture (in the
L2). L1 technology use could detract from host culture integration and language
learning by allowing SA participants to remain immersed in the L1, while L2
technology use could aid in host culture integration by connecting participants
to L2 speakers. Given this, it is urgent to determine the nature of the impact
of L1 and L2 technology use abroad on motivation, language gains, and host
culture integration. In the present study, we analyzed daily technology logs,
learner motivation and L2 gains, and guided reflections on host culture
engagement and L2 learning goals by eleven US university students studying
abroad in Argentina. Motivation and L2 abilities increased significantly, and
were positively correlated. Also, L1 and L2 digital contact showed important
qualitative relationships with motivation and host culture integration.
Koszulness and supersolvability for Dirichlet arrangements
Authors: Lutz Bob
Published: July 2019

We prove that the cone over a Dirichlet arrangement is supersolvable if and only if its Orlik-Solomon algebra is Koszul. This was previously shown for four other classes of arrangements. We exhibit an infinite family of cones over Dirichlet arrangements that are combinatorially distinct from these other four classes.
Nikolskii inequality for lacunary spherical polynomials
Authors: Dai Feng , Gorbachev Dmitry , Tikhonov Sergey
Published: July 2019

We prove that for

d
≥
2

d\ge 2

, the asymptotic order of the usual Nikolskii inequality on

S

d

\mathbb {S}^d

(also known as the reverse Hölder inequality) can be significantly improved in many cases, for lacunary spherical polynomials of the form

f
=

∑

j
=
0

m

f

n
j

f=\sum _{j=0}^m f_{n_j}

with

f

n
j

f_{n_j}

being a spherical harmonic of degree

n
j

n_j

and

n

j
+
1

−

n
j

≥
3

n_{j+1}-n_j\ge 3

. As is well known, for

d
=
1

d=1

, the Nikolskii inequality for trigonometric polynomials on the unit circle does not have such a phenomenon.
Comparison between multicomponent and simultaneous dual-task exercise interventions in long-term nursing home residents: the Ageing-ONDUAL-TASK randomized controlled study
Authors: Rezola-Pardo Chloe , Arrieta Haritz , Gil Susana María , Zarrazquin Idoia , Yanguas José Javier , López Maria Antonia , Irazusta Jon , Rodriguez-Larrad Ana
Published: July 2019

Background

the potential benefits of dual-task interventions on older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNHs) from a multidimensional perspective are unknown. We sought to determine whether the addition of simultaneous cognitive training to a multicomponent exercise program offers further benefits to dual-task, physical and cognitive performance, psycho-affective status, quality of life and frailty in LTNH residents. Design: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

nine LTNHs in Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Subjects

85 men and women (ACTRN12618000536268).

Methods

participants were randomly assigned to a multicomponent or dual-task training group. The multicomponent group performed two sessions per week of individualized and progressive strength and balance exercises for 3 months. The dual-task group performed simultaneous cognitive tasks to the same tasks as in the multicomponent group. Gait speed under single- and dual-task conditions, physical and cognitive performance, psycho-affective status, quality of life and frailty were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention.

Results

both groups showed clinically significant improvements on gait performance under single- and dual-task conditions and on the short physical performance battery (P < 0.05). Both interventions were effective in maintaining cognitive function (P > 0.05). Only the multicomponent group significantly improved quality of life, and reduced anxiety and Fried frailty score (P < 0.05). No group-by-time interactions were found except for the chair-stand test in favour of the multicomponent group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

the addition of simultaneous cognitive training does not seem to offer significantly greater benefits to the evaluated multicomponent exercise program in older adults living in LTNHs.
Diagnosis of Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis in Adulthood
Authors: Alsomali Mohammed I , Yearsley Martha M , Levin Douglas M , Chen Wei
Published: July 2019

Objectives

We studied clinicopathologic features of congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) that could aid the diagnosis of this relatively rare condition during adulthood.

Methods

Five consecutive adult CHF cases were identified in a single institution.

Results

Clinical manifestations of CHF varied from asymptomatic to requiring liver transplantation. Three of five cases had other disease associations, including Joubert syndrome, Caroli disease, polycystic kidney disease, and congenital anomaly of hepatic vasculature. No unique common radiologic findings were found. Histologically, all cases showed characteristic abnormal interlobular bile ducts embedded in fibrotic portal stroma, with varying degrees of liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

While other disease associations and characteristic liver histomorphology are helpful clues to suspect the diagnosis of CHF in adult patients, other differential diagnoses should be excluded clinically and radiologically. This study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach by pathologists, radiologists, and hepatologists for the accurate diagnosis of CHF during adulthood.
Blood Pressure Screening Campaign in Jamaica: May Measurement Month 2017
Authors: Nwokocha Magdalene , Romero Cesar A , Holder Cheryl , Whylie Natalie , Wong Hiu , Lietch Joan , Wilks Rohan , Hosang Mark , Francis Sheena , Brown Paul D , Paul Tomlin , Abel Wendel , Barton Everard , Wilks Rainford , Nwokocha Chukwuemeka R
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HTN) is responsible for a significant disease burden in Jamaica. We are reporting the results of the 2017 blood pressure (BP) screening campaign May Measurement Month in Jamaica that aimed to increase the awareness of HTN.

METHODS

Adults, 18 years old and older, from different parishes of Jamaica were invited to participate during May to June 2017. Demographic data were collected. BP, weight, and height were measured and recorded.

RESULTS

Five hundred sixty-six participants (n = 566) were enrolled, 91.6% (519) from urban areas, and 72.6% (410) were females. The average age was 53.7 (18–95) years old and body mass index was 28.2 ± 6.6 kg/m2. The prevalence of HTN was 47.3% (267/566), without gender or living areas differences (both P > 0.1). Prevalence of HTN was lower in those who self-identified as Interracial ethnicity, in comparison with Afro-Caribbean (33% vs. 48.3%; P = 0.04). About third of the hypertensive patients were not aware of the high BP (89/267; 35.6%). Between hypertensive patients, 64.4% (172/267) were receiving antihypertensive drugs. The rate of BP control was 32% of the hypertensive patients and 50% of those receiving antihypertensive medication. Significant lower BP control was observed between diabetic vs. nondiabetic patients (34.3% vs. 60%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We found a high prevalence of HTN in this population, especially in patients with diabetes or previous cardiovascular diseases. We report an increase in HTN awareness in Jamaica but more advances need to be performed to increase HTN treatment and control.
Temporary Anosmia in Mice Following Nasal Lavage With Dilute Detergent Solution
Authors: Mast Thomas Gerald , Zuk Kelsey , Rinke Andrew , Quasem Khaleel , Savard Bradley , Brobbey Charles , Reiss Jacob , Dryden Michael
Published: July 2019

Olfactory sensory deprivation induces anosmia and reduces tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels in the olfactory bulb. The behavioral consequences specific to the loss of olfactory bulb dopamine are difficult to determine because sensory deprivation protocols are either confounded by side effects or leave the animal anosmic. A new method to both induce sensory deprivation and to measure the behavioral and circuit consequences is needed. We developed a novel, recoverable anosmia protocol using nasal lavage with a dilute detergent solution. Detergent treatment did not damage the olfactory epithelium as measured by scanning electron microscopy, alcian blue histology, and acetylated tubulin immunohistochemistry. One treatment-induced anosmia that lasted 24 to 48 h. Three treatments over 5 days reduced olfactory bulb tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels indicating that anosmia persists between treatments. Importantly, even with multiple treatments, olfactory ability recovered within 48 h. This is the first report of a sensory deprivation protocol that induces recoverable anosmia and can be paired with biochemical, histological, and behavioral investigations of olfaction.
Enhancement of the Olfactory Response by Lipocalin Cp-Lip1 in Newt Olfactory Receptor Cells: An Electrophysiological Study
Authors: Nakamura Tadashi , Noumi Yoshihiro , Yamakawa Hiroyuki , Nakamura Atsushi , Wen Durige , Li Xing , Geng Xiong , Sawada Ken , Iwasa Tatsuo
Published: July 2019

Previously, we have detected the expression of 2 lipocalin genes (lp1 and lp2) in the olfactory epithelium of the Japanese newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Recombinant proteins of these genes (Cp-Lip1 and Cp-Lip2, respectively) exhibited high affinities to various odorants, suggesting that they work like the odorant-binding proteins (OBPs). However, the physiological functions of OBP generally remain inconclusive. Here, we examined the effect of Cp-Lip1 on the electrophysiological responses of newt olfactory receptor cells. We observed that the electro-olfactogram induced by the vapor of an odorant with high affinity to Cp-Lip1 appeared to increase in amplitude when a tiny drop of Cp-Lip1 solution was dispersed over the olfactory epithelium. However, the analysis was difficult because of possible interference by intrinsic components in the nasal mucus. We subsequently adopted a mucus-free condition by using suction electrode recordings from isolated olfactory cells, in which impulses were generated by puffs of odorant solution. When various concentration (0–5 µM) of Cp-Lip1 was mixed with the stimulus solution of odorants highly affinitive to Cp-Lip1, the impulse frequency increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The increase by Cp-Lip1 was seen more evidently at lower concentration ranges of stimulus odorants. These results strongly suggest that Cp-Lip1 broadens the sensitivity of the olfactory cells toward the lower concentration of odorants, by which animals can detect very low concentration of odorants.
Reinventing the barbarian: Electra, sibling incest, and twentieth-century Hellenism
Authors: Olive Peter
Published: July 2019

Since Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s adaptation of Sophocles’ Electra in 1903, numerous dramatic versions of the Electra story have given the heroine a sexually charged relationship with her brother, or even her sister. Despite being an international phenomenon, predating Jung’s coinage of the ‘Electra complex’ by a decade and enduring through more than a century of artistic and institutional trends, this trope has received little scholarly attention. Since the appearance of sibling incest in adaptations of the Electra plays, scholars from multiple disciplines have even begun to read intimations of incest in the ancient dramatic texts. This article will consider the aetiology of a motif that resists being attributed to a single cause.
Rescuing the ectomycorrhizal biodiversity associated with South American Nothofagaceae forest, from the 19th century naturalists up to molecular biogeography
Authors: Barroetaveña Carolina , Salomón María Eugenia Salgado , Bassani Vilma
Published: July 2019

The southernmost portion of the Andes in South America hosts Nothofagaceae forests that form ectomycorrhizal (EcM) associations. We compiled all the published reports of EcM taxa from these woodlands, based on fruit-body collections and molecularly identified root tips. This resulted in 87 peer-reviewed research papers dealing with EcM associations from Nothofagaceae forests published over the past 62 years. Based on these papers the EcM richness and its association with Nothofagaceae species was analyzed. Represented by 45 genera (34 Basidiomycetes and 11 Ascomycetes), 479 EcM taxa have been recorded, plus an additional 46 EcM taxa which are potentially EcM. Cortinarius was the most frequent and diverse genus, with 64.9% of total species. Nothofagus dombeyi had the highest number of unique EcM species, followed by N. pumilio, N. antarctica and Lophozonia obliqua. The EcM community associated with Nothofagus species, except N. nitida, showed higher similarities among themselves, than with Lophozonia and Fuscospora species. Beta diversity indexes showed EcM Nothofagus species have 29–42% niche overlap, while Nothofagus—Lophozonia only had 1–16%. The assessment of the accuracy of the EcM diversity, host specificity and community structure deserve further studies combining phylogenetic analysis based on broad ecological surveys. On the basis of pre-selected criteria Austropaxillus statuum, Cortinarius fragilis, Cortinarius xiphidipus and Hallingea purpurea are proposed as candidates for nursery spore inoculations, and should be subject to scientific evaluation to determine costs and benefits.