bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of environmental and genetic factors on the germination of basidiospores in the Cryptococcus gattii species complex
Authors: You Man , Xu Jianping
Published: October 2018

Natural and artificial hybridization has been frequently reported among divergent lineages within and between the two closely related human pathogenic fungi Cryptococcus gattii species complex and Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. However, the biological effects of such hybridization are not well known. Here we used five strains of the C. neoformans species complex and twelve strains of the C. gattii species complex to investigate the potential effects of selected environmental and genetic factors on the germination of their basidiospores from 29 crosses. We found that the germination rates varied widely among crosses and environmental conditions, ranging from 0% to 98%. Overall, the two examined media showed relatively little difference on spore germination while temperature effects were notable, with the high temperature (37 °C) having an overall deleterious effect on spore germination. Within the C. gattii species complex, one intra-lineage VGIII × VGIII cross had the highest germination rates among all crosses at all six tested environmental conditions. Our analyses indicate significant genetic, environmental, and genotype-environment interaction effects on the germination of basidiospores within the C. gattii species complex.
Age, primary symptoms, and genotype characteristics of norovirus outbreaks in Shanghai schools in 2017
Authors: Wang Yuanping , Hao Lipeng , Pan Lifeng , Xue Caoyi , Liu Qing , Zhao Xuetao , Zhu Weiping
Published: October 2018

Sixty norovirus outbreaks that occurred in Pudong District, Shanghai in 2017 and affected 959 people were summarised. Of the outbreaks, 29 (48.3%), 27 (45.0%), and 4 (6.7%) occurred in kindergartens, primary schools, and middle schools, respectively. Although the total number of outbreaks peaked in March (13/60, 21.7%), outbreaks in kindergartens and primary schools peaked in April (6/29, 20.7%) and March (8/27, 29.6%), respectively. Primary schools had the highest median number of cases per outbreak (19) and the highest proportion of cases (54.6%). The male-to-female case ratio differed among school classifications, with the highest male case ratio (69.2%) occurring in middle schools. Primary symptoms also differed across the school classifications. Molecular virology analysis showed that a single viral strain caused each outbreak at each school. In turn, 50.6, 28.8, and 20.6% of cases were infected by GII.4, GII.2, and GII.17, respectively. Vomiting was seen in 98.2, 97.3, and 88.6% of the subjects infected with noroviruses GII.17, GII.4, and GII.2, respectively, and nausea in 73.6, 43.9, and 39.0%. In conclusion, noroviruses mainly affect primary school and kindergarten students. GII.4, GII.2, and GII.17 are the main epidemic strains in the local area, and the primary symptoms differed by age and genotype.
Deep echocardiography: data-efficient supervised and semi-supervised deep learning towards automated diagnosis of cardiac disease
Authors: Madani Ali , Ong Jia Rui , Tibrewal Anshul , Mofrad Mohammad R. K.
Published: October 2018

Deep learning and computer vision algorithms can deliver highly accurate and automated interpretation of medical imaging to augment and assist clinicians. However, medical imaging presents uniquely pertinent obstacles such as a lack of accessible data or a high-cost of annotation. To address this, we developed data-efficient deep learning classifiers for prediction tasks in cardiology. Using pipeline supervised models to focus relevant structures, we achieve an accuracy of 94.4% for 15-view still-image echocardiographic view classification and 91.2% accuracy for binary left ventricular hypertrophy classification. We then develop semi-supervised generative adversarial network models that can learn from both labeled and unlabeled data in a generalizable fashion. We achieve greater than 80% accuracy in view classification with only 4% of labeled data used in solely supervised techniques and achieve 92.3% accuracy for left ventricular hypertrophy classification. In exploring trade-offs between model type, resolution, data resources, and performance, we present a comprehensive analysis and improvements of efficient deep learning solutions for medical imaging assessment especially in cardiology.
Correction: Corrigendum: Transcriptomic analyses of murine ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Chevalier Morgan , Vermij Sarah H. , Wyler Kurt , Gillet Ludovic , Keller Irene , Abriel Hugues
Published: October 2018

Correction to: Scientific Data https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2018.170, published online 21 August 2018. In the CASK and SAP97 knockout mice sub-section of the Methods in this Data Descriptor it is incorrectly stated that CASK KO mice were generated as previously published in references 9 and 20. This is incorrect.
Cellular internalization of polypeptide-based nanoparticles: effects of size, shape and surface morphology
Authors: Xue Jiaxiao , Guan Zhou , Zhu Xingyu , Lin Jiaping , Cai Chunhua , Jin Xiao , Li Yongsheng , Ye Zhaoyang , Zhang Wenjie , Jiang Xinquan
Published: October 2018

Polypeptide-based self-assembled nanoparticles with smaller size, rod-like shape, and helical/striped surface morphology exhibit higher cellular internalization efficiency.
Synthesis, gallium-68 radiolabelling and biological evaluation of a series of triarylphosphonium-functionalized DO3A chelators
Authors: Smith Adam J. , Gawne Peter J. , Ma Michelle T. , Blower Philip J. , Southworth Richard , Long Nicholas J.
Published: October 2018

Gallium-68 chelators with tunable lipophilicities were synthesised, and assessed in both in vitro tumour cells and ex vivo isolated hearts.
PbFePO4F2 with a 1/6th bond depleted triangular lattice
Authors: Lu Hongcheng , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

A 1/6th bond depleted triangular lattice has been experimentally realized in the novel compound PbFePO4F2 with moderately strong frustration.
Comprehensive assessment of free nitrous acid-based technology to establish partial nitrification
Authors: Jiang Cancan , Xu Shengjun , Wang Rui , Zhou Sining , Wu Shanghua , Zeng Xiangui , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Guoqiang , Zhuang Xuliang
Published: October 2018

Treating activated sludge with free nitrous acid (FNA) to selectively eliminate nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and retain ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) is increasingly regarded as a promising technology for achieving partial nitrification.
An additional data fusion strategy for the discrimination of porcini mushrooms from different species and origins in combination with four mathematical algorithms
Authors: Qi LuMing , Li JieQing , Liu HongGao , Li Tao , Wang YuanZhong
Published: October 2018

This study presents an alternative data fusion strategy for the discrimination of multi-source porcini mushrooms based on mathematical algorithms.
Molding processed multi-layered and multi-functional nanocomposites with high structural ability, electrical conductivity and durable superhydrophobicity
Authors: Wu Binrui , Peng Chaoyi , Hu Ying , Xing Suli , Jiang Dazhi , Yang Jinshui , Lyu Jiajie , He Yonglyu
Published: October 2018

Bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces mainly attributed to the nano/micro textures and low surface energy materials, have exciting potential usage in fields such as self-cleaning, water-proofing and so forth.
Photovoltaic effect in a few-layer ReS2/WSe2 heterostructure
Authors: Park Chulho , Duong Ngoc Thanh , Bang Seungho , Nguyen Duc Anh , Oh Hye Min , Jeong Mun Seok
Published: October 2018

Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are notable materials owing to their flexibility, transparency, and appropriate bandgaps.
Synthesis and Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions for post-synthetic modification of a tetrabromo-anthracenyl porphyrin
Authors: Pijeat Joffrey , Dappe Yannick J. , Thuéry Pierre , Campidelli Stéphane
Published: October 2018

A tetra-bromoanthracenylporphyrin was synthesised and its reactivity was tested by post-synthetic modification using the Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reaction.
Four-component acyloxy-trifluoromethylation of arylalkenes mediated by a photoredox catalyst
Authors: Zhou Xiaocong , Li Guijie , Shao Zongzhou , Fang Kun , Gao Hongjun , Li Yuanqiang , She Yuanbin
Published: October 2018

A four-component intermolecular trifluoromethylation–acyloxylation of arylalkenes induced by visible light has been developed in the presence of the photoredox catalyst Ru(bpy)3(PF6)2 under mild reaction conditions.
A novel peptide conformation: the γ-bend ribbon
Authors: Drouillat Bruno , Peggion Cristina , Biondi Barbara , Wright Karen , Couty François , Crisma Marco , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio
Published: October 2018

Conformational analysis of oligopeptides based on the repeating –(S)-(αMe)Aze-(S)-Ala– dyad allowed the characterization of a 3D-structure featuring multiple, non-consecutive γ-bends.
A cascade synthesis ofS-allyl benzoylcarbamothioatesviaMumm-type rearrangement
Authors: Dahiya Anjali , Ali Wajid , Alam Tipu , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: October 2018

A cascade synthesis ofS-allyl benzoylcarbamothioates has been achieved from Morita Baylis Hillman alcohols and aroyl isothiocyanatesviaMumm-type rearrangement.
Addressing the role of triphenylphosphine in copper catalyzed ATRP
Authors: Costa João R. C. , Góis Joana R. , De Bon Francesco , Serra Arménio C. , Guliashvili Tamaz , Isse Abdirisak A. , Gennaro Armando , Coelho Jorge F. J.
Published: October 2018

A new Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) process with triphenylphosphine (PPh3) and [CuIIMe6TREN]2+ as the catalyst system is reported.
Praseodymium-decorated graphene oxide as a corrosion inhibitor in acidic media for the magnesium AZ31 alloy
Authors: Palaniappan N. , Cole Ivan. S. , Caballero-Briones F. , K. Balasubaramanian , Lal C.
Published: October 2018

The Mg alloys 111 surface is covered by the praseodymium decorated graphene oxide sheet, and (A) & (B) indicates ions diffusion control (C) indicates epoxy coating failure.
Water adsorbancy of high surface area layered double hydroxides (AMO-LDHs)
Authors: Chen Chunping , Ruengkajorn Kanittika , Buffet Jean-Charles , O'Hare Dermot
Published: October 2018

Water adsorbancy of high surface area layered double hydroxides in different relative humidity was investigated. High water inhibition can be achieved via surface modification of LDHs with stearic acid via acid–base reaction.
A H-bond stabilized quinone electrode material for Li–organic batteries: the strength of weak bonds
Authors: Sieuw Louis , Jouhara Alia , Quarez Éric , Auger Chloé , Gohy Jean-François , Poizot Philippe , Vlad Alexandru
Published: October 2018

A hydrogen-bond stabilized organic battery framework illustrated for 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzoquinone (DABQ), an electrically neutral and low mass organic chemical, yet with unusual thermal stability and low solubility in battery electrolytes.
An enzyme-activatable probe liberating AIEgens: on-site sensing and long-term tracking of β-galactosidase in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Gu Kaizhi , Qiu Wanshan , Guo Zhiqian , Yan Chenxu , Zhu Shiqin , Yao Defan , Shi Ping , Tian He , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: October 2018

We describe an enzyme-regulated liberation strategy to in situ generate AIEgen nanoaggregates for on-site sensing and long-term tracking of β-galactosidase in ovarian cancer cells.
Fine-tuning the effect of π–π interactions on the stability of the NTBphase
Authors: Knežević Anamarija , Sapunar Marin , Buljan Anđela , Dokli Irena , Hameršak Zdenko , Kontrec Darko , Lesac Andreja
Published: October 2018

The interplay between the molecular geometry and π–π interactions affects the thermal stability of a twist-bend nematic.
Boosting oxygen reaction activity by coupling sulfides for high-performance rechargeable metal–air battery
Authors: Zhou Daojin , Jia Yin , Yang Hongbin , Xu Wenwen , Sun Kai , Zhang Junming , Wang Shiyuan , Kuang Yun , Liu Bin , Sun Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

Sluggish oxygen electrochemistry including both oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) greatly restricts the performance of rechargeable metal–air battery.
Novel treatment avenues for uterine leiomyoma: a new implication for endothelin?
Authors: Wallace Kedra , Chatman Krystal , Johnson Venessia , Brookins Alexis , Rushing John , LaMarca Babbette
Published: October 2018

Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61), an angiogenic factor whose expression is decreased in fibroids. The aim of the present study was to determine if CYR61 secretion in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is regulated by hypoxia and through the endothelin A (ETA) receptor. SMCs from fibroids (fSMC) and the adjacent myometrium smooth muscle cells (mSMCs) were extracted from ten women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine fibroids and cultured with or without 1.0 µM of an ETA receptor antagonist for 24 h under either normal or hypoxic oxygen conditions. Cellular secretion of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and CYR61 were measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in the cell culture media. SMCs were collected to determine cell proliferation and CYR61 protein expression via Western blot. ET-1 secretion was significantly increased in fSMC and was decreased with blockade of the ETA receptor under both normoxia (P=0.0004) and hypoxia (P=0.008). CYR61 expression was decreased in fSMCs and significantly increased with blockade of the ETA receptor under hypoxia (P=0.04). Cell proliferation decreased with ETA blockade under normoxia (P=0.0001) and hypoxia (P=0.001). These results suggest that suppression of CYR61 secretion in fSMC is regulated by the ET-1 and that blockade with ETA could be considered for a future treatment option.
Degranulation of gastrointestinal mast cells contributes to hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: He Zhigang , Li Yue , Ma Sunqiang , Yang Muqing , Ma Yuanyuan , Ma Cheng , Song Jian , Yu Tianyu , Zhang Siqi , Li Jiyu
Published: October 2018

The pathological changes following liver damage, including those caused by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), are closely related to gastrointestinal dysregulation. Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells abundant in the gastrointestinal system that play diverse roles. In view of the characteristic localization of MCs around the microvasculature, we hypothesized that a stimulus-specific set of mediators released through degranulation of gastrointestinal MCs, which are enriched in hepatic sinusoids via the hepatic system, subsequently participate in associated pathological development within the liver. To elucidate the biological role of gastrointestinal MC granules in liver damage, we employed an experimental liver I/R model that allows conditional ablation of MCs. Marked degranulation was detected during I/R, which showed a significant positive correlation with liver damage. Our experiments further disclosed that MC degranulation primarily enhanced the cycle of inflammatory damage in I/R liver consisting of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell death, neutrophil infiltration, and formation of a neutrophil extracellular trap, with a concomitant increase in adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress. Based on the collective results, we propose that suppression of activity or number of MCs may present an effective strategy for protection against hepatic I/R injury.
Comparative performance evaluation of full‐bridge, H5, and H6 topologies for transformer‐less solar converters
Authors: Rizzoli Gabriele , Mengoni Michele , Zarri Luca , Tani Angelo , Serra Giovanni , Casadei Domenico
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, the use of transformer‐less single‐phase inverters is widespread for domestic photovoltaic applications due to the high efficiency that can be obtained. Here, three similar topologies of transformer‐less inverters are compared to highlight their differences. They are the full‐bridge, the H5, and H6 inverters. The analysis considers the efficiency, the leakage current, and the quality of the output current when different modulation techniques are adopted. The experimental tests are carried out in the same operating conditions and with the same experimental set‐up, thus emphasising the advantages and drawbacks of each topology.
Evolution of the flow field in decaying active regions
Authors: Strecker H. , Bello González N.
Published: October 2018

Context. Fully fledged sunspots are known to be surrounded by a radial outflow called the moat flow.

Aims. We investigate the evolution of the horizontal flow field around sunspots during their decay, that is, from fully fledged to naked spots, after they loose the penumbra, to the remnant region after the spot has fully dissolved.

Methods. We analysed the extension and horizontal velocity of the flow field around eight sunspots using SDO/HMI Doppler maps. By assuming a radially symmetrical flow field, the applied analysis method determines the radial dependence of the azimuthally averaged flow field. For comparison, we studied the flow in supergranules using the same technique.

Results. All investigated, fully fledged sunspots are surrounded by a flow field whose horizontal velocity profile decreases continuously from 881 m s−1 at 1.1 Mm off the spot boundary, down to 199 m s−1 at a mean distance of 11.9 Mm to that boundary, in agreement with other studies. Once the penumbra is fully dissolved, however, the velocity profile of the flow changes: The horizontal velocity increases with increasing distance to the spot boundary until a maximum value of about 398 m s−1 is reached. Then, the horizontal velocity decreases for farther distances to the spot boundary. In supergranules, the horizontal velocity increases with increasing distance to their centre up to a mean maximum velocity of 355 m s−1. For larger distances, the horizontal velocity decreases. We thus find that the velocity profile of naked sunspots resembles that of supergranular flows. The evolution of the flow field around individual sunspots is influenced by the way the sunspot decays and by the interplay with the surrounding flow areas.

Conclusions. Observations of the flow around eight decaying sunspots suggest that as long as penumbrae are present, sunspots with their moat cell are embedded in network cells. The disappearance of the penumbra (and consequently the moat flow) and the competing surrounding supergranular cells, both have a significant role in the evolution of the flow field: The moat cell transforms into a supergranule, which hosts the remaining naked spot.
Unusually high magnetic fields in the coma of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko during its high-activity phase
Authors: Goetz C. , Tsurutani B. T. , Henri P. , Volwerk M. , Behar E. , Edberg N. J. T. , Eriksson A. , Goldstein R. , Mokashi P. , Nilsson H. , Richter I. , Wellbrock A. , Glassmeier K. H.
Published: October 2018

Aims. On July 3, 2015, an unprecedented increase in the magnetic field magnitude was measured by the Rosetta spacecraft orbiting comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P). This increase was accompanied by large variations in magnetic field and ion and electron density and energy. To our knowledge, this unusual event marks the highest magnetic field ever measured in the plasma environment of a comet. Our goal here is to examine possible physical causes for this event, and to explain this reaction of the cometary plasma and magnetic field and its trigger.

Methods. We used observations from the entire Rosetta Plasma Consortium as well as energetic particle measurements from the Standard Radiation Monitor on board Rosetta to characterize the event. To provide context for the solar wind at the comet, observations at Earth were compared with simulations of the solar wind.

Results. We find that the unusual behavior of the plasma around 67P is of solar wind origin and is caused by the impact of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection, combined with a corotating interaction region. This causes the magnetic field to pile up and increase by a factor of six to about 300 nT compared to normal values of the enhanced magnetic field at a comet. This increase is only partially accompanied by an increase in plasma density and energy, indicating that the magnetic field is connected to different regions of the coma.
The Serpens filament at the onset of slightly supercritical collapse
Authors: Gong Y. , Li G. X. , Mao R. Q. , Henkel C. , Menten K. M. , Fang M. , Wang M. , Sun J. X.
Published: October 2018

The Serpens filament, as one of the nearest infrared dark clouds, is regarded as a pristine filament at a very early evolutionary stage of star formation. In order to study its molecular content and dynamical state, we mapped this filament in seven species: C18O, HCO+, HNC, HCN, N2H+, CS, and CH3OH. Among them, HCO+, HNC, HCN, and CS show self-absorption, while C18O is most sensitive to the filamentary structure. A kinematic analysis demonstrates that this filament forms a velocity-coherent (trans)sonic structure, a large part of which is one of the most quiescent regions in the Serpens cloud. Widespread C18O depletion is found throughout the Serpens filament. Based on the Herschel dust-derived H2 column density map, the line mass of the filament is 36–41 M⊙ pc−1, and its full width at half maximum is 0.17 ± 0.01 pc, while its length is ≈1.6 pc. The inner radial column density profile of this filament can be well fitted with a Plummer profile with an exponent of 2.2 ± 0.1, a scale radius of 0.018 ± 0.003 pc, and a central density of (4.0 ± 0.8) × 104 cm−3. The Serpens filament appears to be slightly supercritical. The widespread blue-skewed HNC and CS line profiles and HCN hyperfine line anomalies across this filament indicate radial infall in parts of the Serpens filament. C18O velocity gradients also indicate accretion flows along the filament. The velocity and density structures suggest that such accretion flows are likely due to a longitudinal collapse parallel to the filament’s long axis. Both the radial infall rate (~72 M⊙ Myr−1, inferred from HNC and CS blue-skewed profiles) and the longitudinal accretion rate (~10 M⊙ Myr−1, inferred from C18O velocity gradients) along the Serpens filament are lower than all previously reported values in other filaments. This indicates that the Serpens filament lies at an early evolutionary stage when collapse has just begun, or that thermal and nonthermal support are effective in providing support against gravity.
Spectro-astrometry of the pre-transitional star LkCa 15 does not reveal an accreting planet but extended Hα emission
Authors: Mendigutía I. , Oudmaijer R. D. , Schneider P. C. , Huélamo N. , Baines D. , Brittain S. D. , Aberasturi M.
Published: October 2018

Context. The detection of forming planets in protoplanetary disks around young stars remains elusive, and state-of-the-art observational techniques provide somewhat ambiguous results. The pre-transitional T Tauri star LkCa 15 is an excellent example. It has been reported that it could host three planets; candidate planet b is in the process of formation, as inferred from its Hα emission. However, a more recent work casts doubts on the planetary nature of the previous detections.

Aims. We test the potential of spectro-astrometry in Hα as an alternative observational technique to detect forming planets around young stars, taking LkCa 15 as a reference case Methods. LkCa 15 was observed with the ISIS spectrograph at the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope (WHT). The slit was oriented towards the last reported position of LkCa 15 b (parallel direction) and 90° from that (perpendicular). The photocenter and full width half maximum (FWHM) of the Gaussians fitting the spatial distribution at Hα and the adjacent continuum were measured. A wellknown binary (GU CMa) was used as a calibrator to test the spectro-astrometric performance of ISIS/WHT.

Results. A consistent spectro-astrometric signature is recovered for GU CMa. However, the photocenter shift predicted for LkCa 15 b is not detected, but the FWHM in Hα is broader than in the continuum for both slit positions. Our simulations show that the photocenter and FWHM observations cannot be explained simultaneously by an accreting planet, but the lack of photocenter shift alone could still be consistent with an emitting planet with contrast ≳5.5 mag in Hα or ≲6 mag in the adjacent continuum. In turn, both spectro-astrometric observations are naturally reproduced from a roughly symmetric Hα emitting region centered on the star and extent comparable to the orbit originally attributed to the planet at several au.

Conclusions. The extended Hα emission around LkCa 15 could be related to a variable disk wind, but additional multi-epoch data and detailed modeling are necessary to understand its physical nature. Optical spectro-astrometry carried out with mid-size telescopes is capable of probing small-scale structures in relatively faint young stars that are not easily accessible with state-of-the-art instrumentation mounted on larger telescopes. Therefore, spectro-astrometry in Hα is able to test the presence of accreting planets and can be used as a complementary technique to survey planet formation in circumstellar disks.
Comparison of Early Measurements of the Distraction Index, Norberg Angle on Distracted View and the Official Radiographic Evaluation of the Hips of 215 Dogs from Two Guide Dog Training Schools
Authors: Taroni Mathieu , Viguier Eric , Pillard Paul , Livet Véronique , Cachon Thibaut , Carozzo Claude , Genevois Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2018

Objectives The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the correlation between the distraction index (DI) and Norberg angle values in distracted hips (distraction Norberg angle, DNA) at 4 months of age and the official hip score based on the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) grid at 12 months of age.

Methods For dogs (n = 215) from two guide dog training organizations, the DI and DNA were measured by a single expert on distraction radiographs performed at 4 months of age. The FCI score was determined by the same expert at 12 months of age on a standard hip-extended view.

Statistical analysis included receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and concordance correlation coefficient calculation.

Results The mean DI was 0.48, the mean DNA was 86.5° and 59.5% of hips had an A FCI score. The concordance correlation coefficient of DI and DNA was 0.78. The DI threshold for D- and E-scored hips that was associated with the least misclassification was 0.58 (sensitivity [Se] = 0.6, specificity [Sp] = 0.82). The DNA threshold that was associated with the least misclassification was 85° (Se = 0.83, Sp = 0.68).

Clinical Significance DNA has a fair correlation with DI at 4 months and reflects hip passive laxity. D and E FCI scores at 12 months cannot be reliably predicted from the 4 months value of DI or DNA but 96% of hips with DI < 0.58 at 4 months had an A, B or C FCI score at 12 months of age. Similarly, 98% of hips with DNA > 85° at 4 months had an A, B or C FCI score at 12 months of age.
Genetic Depletion of Thromboxane A2/Thromboxane-Prostanoid Receptor Signalling Prevents Microvascular Dysfunction in Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Chiang Chih-Yao , Chien Chen-Yen , Qiou Wei-Yin , Chang Christopher , Yu I-Shing , Chang Po-Yuan , Chien Chiang-Ting
Published: October 2018

Objective Activation of thromboxane A2 synthase (TXAS)/thromboxane A2 (TXA2)/thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptor leads to arterial constriction, platelet aggregation and vascular injury. We attempted to characterize the microvascular dysfunction in ischaemia/reperfusion injury using genetically modified TXAS−/−, TP−/− and TXAS−/−TP−/− mice.

Approach and Results The cardiac micro-circulation and electrocardiograms were evaluated from B6, TXAS−/−, TP−/− and TXAS−/−TP−/− mice in response to intravenous saline, endothelin-1, U46619 (a TXA2 agonist) and myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Cardiac function was investigated with myocardial permeability, the troponin I concentration and the infarct size. Myocardial TXAS, TP, endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOx4), 4-hydroxynonenal, interleukin (IL)-1β, cell apoptosis, coronary effluent thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and superoxide anions (O2
−) and NO concentrations were measured. Mice mesenteric reactivity in response to various drugs was assessed by wire myography. In vivo fluorescent platelet adhesiveness to the mesenteric arterial endothelium after FeCl3 stimulation was examined. In B6 mice, ischaemia/reperfusion significantly increased levels of ST-segment elevation, myocardial TXAS, TP, NOx4, IL-1β, apoptosis, coronary endothelin-1, TXB2, O2
− release and the infarct size, with concomitant decreases in eNOS, NO concentrations and cardiac micro-circulation. These effects were remarkably depressed in TXAS−/−, TP−/− and TXAS−/−TP−/− mice. Aspirin treatment or depletion of the TXAS, TP or TXAS/TP gene significantly attenuated the exaggerated vascular reactivity by vasoconstrictors and vasodilators and efficiently reduced platelet adhesion to the mesenteric endothelium under FeCl3 stimulation.

Conclusion Inhibiting TXAS/TXA2/TP signalling confers microvascular protection against oxidative injury in both cardiac and mesenteric arteries.
Monocytes of Different Subsets in Complexes with Platelets in Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Loguinova Marina , Pinegina Natalia , Kogan Valeria , Vagida Murad , Arakelyan Anush , Shpektor Alexander , Margolis Leonid , Vasilieva Elena
Published: October 2018

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with activation of various cells, including platelets that form monocyte–platelet complexes (MPCs). Here, we analysed MPC in vivo and in vitro and investigated the abilities of different monocyte subclasses to form MPC, the characteristics of the cells involved in MPC formation and MPC changes in AMI. We identified MPC by co-staining for platelet antigen CD41a and monocyte antigens CD14 and CD16. Platelet activation was evaluated from expression of phosphatidylserine as revealed by annexin V. Our results confirm published data and provide new information regarding the patterns of MPC in AMI patients. We found that the patterns of platelet aggregation with monocytes were different in AMI patients and controls: (1) in AMI patients, MPC formed by intermediate monocytes carry more platelets whereas in healthy controls more platelets aggregated with classical monocytes; (2) the numbers of MPC in AMI patients, being already higher than in controls, were further increased if these patients suffered various in-hospital complications; (3) on the basis of the CD41a fluorescence of the antibody-stained MPC, some of the aggregates seem to consist of monocytes and platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs); (4) aggregation of monocytes with platelet EV occurred in in vitro experiments; and (5) these experiments demonstrated that monocytes from AMI patients aggregate with both platelets and platelet EVs more efficiently than do monocytes from controls. MPC in AMI patients may play an important role in this pathology.
Visual Estimation of Force Applied During Simulated Deliveries Complicated by Shoulder Dystocia
Authors: Walters Margaret , Eubanks Allison , Weissbrod Elizabeth , Fischer John , Staat Barton , Deering Shad
Published: October 2018

Background Shoulder dystocia occurs when the fetal head delivers, but the shoulder is lodged behind the pubic symphysis. Training for these emergency deliveries is not optimized, and litigation can occur around a shoulder dystocia delivery.

Objective Evaluate the ability of an outside observer to visually estimate the amount of traction applied to the fetal head during simulated deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia.

Study Design Simulated deliveries with an objective measurement of traction were randomly organized for estimation of traction applied. Videos show providers applying a “normal” (75 N) and “excessive” (150 N) amount of force in both a “calm” and “stressed” delivery.

Results Fifty participants rated the amount of force applied. Observers estimated traction, on a scale from 1 to 5, higher in the 150-N deliveries as compared with 75-N deliveries (“calm” environment: 3.1 vs. 2.8, p < 0.001; and “stressed” environment: 3.2 vs. 2.8, p < 0.001). Only 15% of observers rated force “above average” or “excessive” in a “calm” environment, as opposed to 30% of observers in the “stressed” environment.

Conclusion Observers are not able to determine when “excessive force” is used and are twice as likely to overestimate the force applied to a fetal head when an average amount of force is used and the delivery environment is stressful.

Precis Observers are unable to determine when excessive traction is applied to the fetal head during simulated deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia.
Schlaf und Leistungssport
Authors: Frohnhofen Helmut , Rausch Linda , Gatterer Hannes , Turner Rachel , Netzer Petra , Pramsohler Stephan , Netzer Nikolaus
Published: October 2018

Schlaf bringt Energie und Leistung. Diese Gleichung gilt natürlich auch für den Leistungssport. Sportliche Leistungen hängen jedoch von verschiedensten Faktoren ab, und viel Schlaf bedeutet nicht automatisch bessere Leistungen im Wettkampf. Neben Alter und Geschlecht scheint auch der Chronotyp von Sportlern eine entscheidende Bedeutung für die sportliche Leistung zu haben. Daneben gilt es, für Wettkämpfe und Training in anderen Zeitzonen den Jet Lag richtig einzuschätzen und entsprechende Anpassungsmaßnahmen zu unternehmen. Wettkämpfe, die Flüge in östliche Richtungen erfordern, also für Sportler aus Europa z.B. Flüge nach Asien und Australien/Ozeanien, erfordern längere Anpassungszeiten als Flüge in westliche Richtung bei Wettkämpfen in Amerika. Schlaf unter kontrollierten Bedingungen im Hotel bzw. Trainingscamp ist anders einzuschätzen als Schlaf zu Hause bei Lebenspartnern und Kindern. Jugendliche Sportler können Schlafdefizite durchaus sehr gut durch Ausschlafen ausgleichen. Bestimmte Formen von Leistungssport, z.B. im Bereich von Kraftsportarten, können Risikofaktoren für obstruktive Schlafapnoe darstellen. Extremsportler können schier übermenschliche Leistungen allein mit Powernapping über mehrere Tage hinweg erzielen.
Non-reciprocal magnons in non-centrosymmetric MnSi
Authors: Weber T. , Waizner J. , Tucker G. S. , Beddrich L. , Skoulatos M. , Georgii R. , Bauer A. , Pfleiderer C. , Garst M. , Böni P.
Published: October 2018

Using two cold-neutron triple-axis spectrometers we have succeeded in fully mapping out the field-dependent evolution of the non-reciprocal magnon dispersion relations in all magnetic phases of MnSi. The non-reciprocal nature of the dispersion manifests itself in a full asymmetry (non-reciprocity) of the dynamical structure factor Sq,E,μ0Hint with respect to flipping either the direction of the applied magnetic field μ0Hint, the reduced momentum transfer q, or the energy transfer E.
Fermi surface evolution of the 2D Hubbard model within a novel four-pole approximation
Authors: Di Ciolo Andrea , Avella Adolfo
Published: October 2018

We present a novel solution of the 2D Hubbard model in the framework of the Composite Operator Method within a four-pole approximation. We adopt a basis of four fields: the two Hubbard operators plus two fields describing the Hubbard transitions dressed by nearest-neighbor spin fluctuations. We include these nonlocal operators because spin fluctuations play a dominant role in strongly correlated electronic systems with respect to other types of nonlocal charge, pair and double-occupancy fluctuations. The approximate solution performs very well once compared with advanced (semi-) numerical methods from the weak-to the strong-coupling regime, being by far less computational-resource demanding. We adopt this solution to study the single-particle properties of the model in the strong coupling regime, where the effects of strong short-range magnetic correlations are more relevant and could be responsible for anomalous features. In particular, we will focus on the characterization of the Fermi surface and of its evolution with doping.
Reliable density functional calculations for the electronic structure of thermoelectric material ZnSb
Authors: Zhao Guang-Lin , Gao Feng , Bagayoko Diola
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present the results of systematic test calculations for the electronic structure of thermoelectric material ZnSb using a first-principles full-potential all electron computational method. We used a linear combination of atomic orbitals (LACO) formalism, based on density functional theory (DFT). The exchange-correlation interaction potential of the many electron system was described by using a generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We compared the calculated indirect and direct band gaps as well as the effective masses of holes and electrons in ZnSb with experimental measurement results. The calculated indirect band gap of ZnSb is 0.56 eV, which agrees very well with the experimentally measured values of 0.50 eV ∼ 0.61 eV. The calculated direct band gap at X point is 0.89 eV. The calculated effective masses of electrons and holes in ZnSb also agree with experimental data. The systematical test calculations as well as the comparisons of the calculated results with experimental measurements show that the obtained electronic structure of ZnSb would be reliable. We did not observe a major deficiency of the first-principles DFT calculation for the electronic structure of ZnSb, using full-potential all electron LACO method. The reported electronic structure of single crystal ZnSb from this work may provide a fundamental knowledge base for further research and applications for this important thermoelectric material.
Impact of thermal treatment on the growth of semipolar AlN on m-plane sapphire
Authors: Jo Masafumi , Morishita Naoki , Okada Narihito , Itokazu Yuri , Kamata Norihiko , Tadatomo Kazuyuki , Hirayama Hideki
Published: October 2018

The interest in semipolar orientations has been increasing because the reduced piezoelectric field can improve the performance of nitride-based optoelectronic devices. However, the crystalline quality of semipolar AlN on m-plane sapphire is still not good enough to realize light emitters with sufficiently high efficiency. We performed high-temperature annealing on AlN on m-plane sapphire to improve the crystalline quality. For (10-1-3) and (11-22) AlN on m-plane sapphire, the crystalline quality improved as the annealing temperature was increased up to 1700 °C, whereas beyond 1750 °C the AlN layer started to deteriorate and desorb. The crystalline quality was further improved by additional growth of AlN. In addition, X-ray rocking curve measurements and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the density of stacking faults was reduced after the additional growth of AlN.
Addressing fish-passage issues at hydropower and irrigation infrastructure projects in Indonesia
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J. , Wibowo Arif
Published: October 2018

Development activities threaten the long-term sustainability of tropical floodplain systems. The construction of dams, weirs, irrigation infrastructure and regulators affect connectivity among habitats and can facilitate rapid declines in riverine biota, especially fish. Indonesia is a tropical island country with an abundance of monsoonal rivers. Massive expansions in hydropower and irrigation infrastructure are planned over the next two decades and mitigation measures will be needed to protect migratory fish. Most Indonesian freshwater fish need to migrate among habitats to complete essential life-history stages. So, strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the barrier effects of river infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of river fishes. A common tool used worldwide is the construction of upstream and downstream fish passes. Only two fish passes exist in Indonesia. One at Perjaya Irrigation Dam on the Komering River (Sumatra island) and another on Poso Dam on the Poso River (Sulawesi island). Neither of these structures has been assessed and many other projects are proceeding without considering potential impacts on fisheries. The proposed infrastructure upgrades over the next two decades provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure that migratory fish are adequately protected into the future.
Metastatic growth instructed by neutrophil-derived transferrin
Authors: Liang Wei , Li Qin , Ferrara Napoleone
Published: October 2018

Significance

The current study uncovers a mechanistic link between neutrophils and cancer metastasis. Transferrin, an iron-transporting protein, is expressed at mRNA and protein levels in mouse and human neutrophils and is mainly responsible for neutrophil-secreted mitogenic activity on tumor cells. GM-CSF, a cytokine largely produced by tumor cells in the metastatic microenvironment, selectively acts on neutrophils to enhance transferrin gene expression, through activation of the Jak/Stat5β pathway. Accordingly, deletion of the transferrin receptor (Tfr1) in tumor cells, blockade of GM-CSF, or inhibition of Jak kinases inhibited mouse tumor lung metastasis. Our findings raise the possibility that inhibiting GM-CSF or the Jak/Stat5b pathway may benefit patients with metastatic diseases and high local neutrophil infiltration.
Cognitive rhetoric
Authors: Browse Sam
Published: October 2018

This book sets out a framework for investigating audience responses to political discourse. It starts from the premise that audiences are active participants who bring their own background knowledge and political standpoint to the communicative event. To operationalise this perspective, the volume draws on concepts from classical rhetoric alongside contemporary research in cognitive stylistics and cognitive linguistics (including schema theory, Text World Theory, Cognitive Grammar, and mind-modelling, amongst others). It examines the role played by the speaker’s identity, the arguments they make, and the emotions of the audience in the – often critical – reception of political text and talk, using a diversity of examples to illustrate this three-dimensional approach – from political speeches, interviews and newspaper articles, to more creative text-types such as politicised rap music, television satire and filmic drama. The result of this wide-ranging application is a holistic and systematic account of the rhetorical and ideological effects of political discourse in reception.
Language alternation during L2 classroom discussion tasks
Authors: Tran Huong Quynh
Published: October 2018

Group-work discussion, as a speaking task without the teacher’s tight control of turn-taking, establishes a flexible speaking environment for language learners. However, our understanding of the micro-details of learners’ languages in use when they co-construct meaning to achieve task completion, especially in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts, is still limited. This study investigates the language alternation practices of undergraduate university EFL students in a Vietnamese context as they participate in a group discussion task. The findings show that the students’ switch to Vietnamese is a backup resource to help them in word searches. The language alternation marks the transition between talk on language and talk on topic. This is also reflected in a transition in the sequence structure where the word search is contained in a side-sequence that momentarily disrupts the main or base sequence.
Non-nominative and depersonalized subjects in the Balkans
Authors: Friedman Victor A. , Joseph Brian D.
Published: October 2018

The languages of the Balkan sprachbund are surveyed here with regard to their constructions that show non-nominative subjects, typically in impersonal constructions. The issue of origins is considered, specifically as to whether these constructions represent inheritances from some earlier stage of the relevant languages or instead reflect the effects of contact. In the end, it is argued that a mix of areality, i.e. contact, and genealogy, i.e. inheritance, is needed to explain these constructions, with a nod required as well to typologically common patternings.
Accusative sickness?
Authors: Dewey-Findell Tonya Kim , Carey Stephen Mark
Published: October 2018

Germanic languages that retain case marking and oblique subjects may undergo a change in argument structure over time. Nominative Sickness in Germanic has been demonstrated by Eythórsson (2002) and Barðdal (2009, 2011) for verbal arguments in which obliques are replaced with the nominative. Additionally, formerly accusative subjects become dative, a process widely referred to as Dative Sickness or Dative Substitution in the international literature. Dative Sickness is found across the development of several Germanic Languages (Barðdal 2011; Dunn et al. 2017). However, a change in case marking from a dative subject to an accusative subject is not well attested. The following examination explores instances in which Dative Subject Constructions in Old High German experience Accusative Sickness in Middle High German. That is, they start occurring with an accusative argument instead of the earlier, historically correct, dative.
Active and passive tough-infinitives
Authors: Haumann Dagmar
Published: October 2018

This paper probes into the determinants of the long-term grammatical variation of active and passive tough-infinitives, as well as into the factors that ultimately led to the decline of passive tough-infinitives. It is argued that, throughout their coexistence, the active and the passive tough-infinitive are functionally equivalent and that the demise of the passive tough-infinitive is a concomitant of the extensive and rapid spread of the passive infinitive governed by be expressing deontic modality. It is further argued that, due to the surface similarity of the passive infinitive governed by be and the passive tough-infinitive, deontic modality percolates into the passive tough-infinitive, which expresses dispositional modality. Thus, the obsolescence of the passive tough-infinitive is driven by a clash in modality.
Central auditory processing findings in a group of cognitively impaired individuals
Authors: Ghannoum Mohamed Tarek , Shalaby Amany Ahmed , Farghaly Marwa , Hamdy Mona , Hamdy Hussein Sherif
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Prevalence of central auditory processing disorders (CAPD) increases with age. Central auditory dysfunction is also more prevalent in older people with mild memory impairment compared with cognitively normal older people. These findings suggest that CAPD could be a marker of subtle cognitive dysfunction. A logical question is whether tests of CAPD have a potential role in evaluation of possible cognitive decline in elderly people with hearing complaints. This question has direct clinical relevance because tests for CAPD are widely available, easy to administer in a short time.

Methods:

Fifty-one patient having cognitive impairment (diagnosed according Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders, fifth edition 2013 (DSM-V) comprise the study group. The control group includes twenty age and gender matched individuals. A detailed neuropsychological assessment of both groups with tests from various cognitive domains (Visuospatial functions, executive function, short-term memory and verbal episodic memory). Behavioural central auditory tests included the Arabic versions of speech in noise test (SPIN) and/or synthetic sentence identification (SSI) test according to education of patient, the dichotic digits test (DDT), The auditory fusion test (AFT) and auditory memory tests.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference between both groups in the behavioural central auditory tests.

Conclusions:

The relation of some measures of auditory processing to deficits in cognitive function might enable the early identification of cognitive decline with such measures in the older population. Aging can contribute to changes in central auditory processing (CAP) in the elderly especially in Speech understanding in background noise, Dichotic listening and Temporal Processing.