bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do fuel type and place of cooking matter for acute respiratory infection among Afghan children? Evidence from the Afghanistan DHS 2015
Authors: Sk Rayhan , Rasooly Mohammad Hafiz , Barua Somdutta
Published: June 2019

In Afghanistan, acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of under-five mortality. Previous studies on the effects of cooking fuel on ARI have only looked at the types of cooking fuel, and not the effects of the location of the cooking place. The present study aimed to assess the effects of fuel type and place of cooking on the prevalence of ARI among under-five children in Afghanistan. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression analysis were performed for 31,063 children using data from the first round of the Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2015. Overall, 13% of the children suffered from ARI symptoms in the 2 weeks before the survey, but this varied widely across the country. The multilevel analysis showed that, compared with households using clean cooking fuel in a separate building or outside, households using clean cooking fuel within the house and without a separate kitchen had a 32% lower risk [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.51–0.91] of having under-five children with ARI, and those using clean fuel in a separate kitchen in the house had a 17% lower risk (95% CI=0.67–1.03). On the other hand, households using polluting cooking fuel in the house without a kitchen had a 14% (95% CI=0.91–1.44) higher risk of having under-five children with ARI, and those using polluting cooking fuel in the house with a separate kitchen had a 5% (95% CI=0.85–1.30) higher risk, after adjusting for other covariates. The findings indicate that type of cooking fuel is not the only issue affecting ARI in children. Place of cooking (in a house with or without a separate kitchen versus outside) also affects the risk of ARI among under-five children. The study also found that mother’s education and occupational status, community poverty and ethnicity are other important factors affecting the prevalence of ARI in under-five children in Afghanistan.
Employment, Corporate Investment, and Cash-Flow Risk
Authors: Alnahedh Saad , Bhagat Sanjai , Obreja Iulian
Published: June 2019

We highlight the role of cash-flow uncertainty on corporate employment and investment. We find that a 1% increase in cash-flow uncertainty leads to a 0.62% decrease in tangible investment, a 1.39% decrease in intangible investment, and a 3.67% decrease in corporate employment growth. Our results are statistically and economically significant. We further find that these relationships are stronger during economic recessions. Our findings have significant policy implications. To wit, if policy makers would like corporations to increase their employment and investment, they should focus on policies that decrease corporate cash-flow uncertainty.
Notes on the Rearing of Echinoid Larvæ
Authors: MacBride E. W.
Published: June 2019

The problem of successfully rearing the larvæ of Echinoidea until they had completed their metamorphosis, has been solved by several naturalists. Agassiz was able, for three weeks, to keep plutei alive which he had fished from the sea, at the end of which time they sank to the bottom and became young echini. Bury was able also to rear a few of the plutei of one of the Neapolitan species through the whole of their larval life, and finally Théel has published an account of how he obtained all stages in the development of Echninocyamus pusillus from the result of artificial fertilisation.
On Maclovia iricolor (Montagu)
Authors: Willey Arthur
Published: June 2019

It is a pity that there should be any doubt as to the legitimacy of the generic and specific names of one of the longest Chaetopoda inhabiting Plymouth Sound, and it seems worth while to devote a special note to its synonymy and identification.
A Trypanosome and Haemogregarine of a Tropical American Snake
Authors: Wenyon C. M.
Published: June 2019

The trypanosome to be described in this paper was discovered in blood films taken from the snake Erythrolamprus aesculapii (Duméril and Bibron) of tropical America. For these films I am indebted to Dr Leiper. In addition to the trypanosome there was present in the blood a haemogregarine. Though haemogregarines are very common in snakes, especially in the Tropics, where nearly every snake examined is found to harbour these parasites, the reverse is the case with trypanosomes. Several observers have recorded the presence of trypanosomes in snakes but hitherto no one has given an accurate description of one of trypanosomes of the whole group of reptiles is very limited when campared with other groups of vertebrata. On this account it seems of interest to place on record the characters of this trypanosome as it appears in the blood films mentioned above.
A Critical Review of the Relation of Blood-sucking Invertebrates to the Life Cycles of the Trypanosomes of Vertebrates, with a Note on the Occurrence of a Species of Crithidia, C. ctenopthalmi, in the Alimentary Tract of Ctenopthalmus agyrtes, Heller
Authors: Patton W. S. , Strickland C.
Published: June 2019

It is now an established fact that a number of blood-sucking arthropods and leeches are infected with flagellate organisms belonging to the genera Herpetomonas and Crithidia, and we believe that in more than one instance, these natural flagellates have been described as developmental forms of various trypanosomes which might be ingested by these sanguivora. As the whole question of the transmission of trypanosomes is intimately connected with these so-called developmental forms in invertebrate hosts, we propose reviewing in detail this important subject before recording our observations on the flagellate of Ctenopthalmus agyrtes.
Filaria volvulus Leuckart, its Distribution, Structure and Pathological Effects
Authors: Parsons Allan C.
Published: June 2019

Although Filaria volvulus was first described by Leuckart IA 1893, very little was known or taught of this particular nematode when, ten years later, I became a goverament official in Northern Nigeria. While other members of the Filaridae have received a good deal of attention during the present decade, Filaria volvulus seems to have been comparatively ignored. I am inclined to think, however, that this Filaria is far more common in certain parts of Africa than is generally supposed; and, by publishing the cases that have come under my notice, I hope that something may be added to our knowledge of the obscure disease it causes and that other workers will become interested in the subject. Up to the present time I have seen five cases, and ali of these carne under observation at Lokoja—a large government station in Northern Nigeria, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. To my knowledge this is the first time that cases of Filaria volvulus have been reported from Northern Nigeria.
Cold, dark, and dangerous: international cooperation in the arctic and space
Authors: Byers Michael
Published: June 2019

This article compares Russian–Western cooperation in the Arctic and Space, with a focus on why cooperation continued after the 2014 annexation of Crimea. On the basis of this comparative approach, continued cooperation is linked to the following factors: (1) the Arctic and Space are remote and extreme environments; (2) they are militarised but not substantially weaponised; (3) they both suffer from ‘tragedies of the commons’; (4) Arctic and Space-faring states engage in risk management through international law-making; (5) Arctic and Space relations rely on consensus decision-making; (6) Arctic and Space relations rely on soft law; (7) Arctic states and Space-faring states interact within a situation of ‘complex interdependence’; (8) Russia and the United States are resisting greater Chinese involvement in these regions. The article concludes with the following contribution to international relations theory: The more that states need to cooperate in a particular region or issue-area, and the more they become accustomed to doing so, the more resilient that cooperation will become to tensions and breakdowns in other regions and issue-areas. This phenomenon can be termed ‘complex and resilient interdependence’, to signify that complex independence is more than a description. It can, sometimes, affect the course of state-to-state relations.
The protective effect of neighbourhood social cohesion on adolescent mental health following stressful life events
Authors: Kingsbury Mila , Clayborne Zahra , Colman Ian , Kirkbride James B.
Published: June 2019

Background

Exposure to stressful life events is an established risk factor for the development of adolescent mental disorder. Growing evidence also suggests that neighbourhood social environments, including strong social cohesion, could have a protective effect on mental health. However, little is known about how neighbourhood social cohesion may buffer against the effects of stressful life events on adolescent mental health. Our aim was to assess whether neighbourhood social cohesion modifies the association between stressful life events and adolescent mental health outcomes.

Methods

Data were drawn from a nationally-representative prospective sample of Canadian adolescents, including 5183 adolescents aged 12/13 years at T1 and 14/15 years at T2. Caregivers reported neighbourhood social cohesion at T1, and exposure to stressful life events between T1 and T2. Symptoms of mental health and behaviour problems were self-reported by adolescents at T1 and T2. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether the relationship between stressful life events and outcomes was modified by neighbourhood social cohesion.

Results

Associations between stressful life events and adolescent outcomes were statistically significantly lower in neighbourhoods with greater social cohesion for: depression/anxiety (high cohesion OR = 0.98v.low cohesion OR = 3.11), suicidal ideation (ORhigh= 1.30v.ORlow= 5.25), aggression/conduct disorder (ORhigh= 1.09v.ORlow= 4.27), and property offence (ORhigh= 1.21v.ORlow= 4.21).

Conclusions

Greater neighbourhood social cohesion appeared to buffer the effects of stressful life events on several domains of adolescent mental health. This potentially presents a target for public health intervention to improve adolescent mental health and behavioural outcomes.
I.—On Generalised Functions of Legendre and Bessel
Authors: Jackson F. H.
Published: June 2019

In this paper some properties of the functions J[n](x, λ), P[n](x, λ), Q[n](x, λ) will be investigated. These functions are generalised forms of Bessel's and Legendre's Functions.
IV.—The Glacial Deposits of Northern Pembrokeshire
Authors: Jehu T. J.
Published: June 2019

The area embraced in this paper consists of that part of Pembrokeshire which lies to the north and north-east of St Bride's Bay. Bounded on the west by St George's Channel and on the north by Cardigan Bay, it extends to the north-east as far as the mouth of the river Teifi, near Cardigan.

That part of the country which lies in the immediate neighbourhood of St David's has, through the laborious researches of the late Dr Hicks and others, become well-known to geologists, and may now be regarded as classic ground. The solid geology of this promontory has given rise to much discussion, and has, perhaps, attracted more attention than that of any other part of the Principality. The reason for this great interest is to be sought in the facts that the rocks of this area are of a very great antiquity, and that the sedimentary series contain the remains of some of the earliest organic forms yet found in the earth's crust, whilst the igneous rocks are also displayed in great abundance and variety, and present us, in the words of Sir Archibald Geikie, with “the oldest well-preserved record of volcanic action in Britain.”
The politics of land property rights
Authors: Cai Meina , Murtazashvili Ilia , Murtazashvili Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Legal reforms that improve the security of private property rights to land have characteristics of a public good with dispersed benefits. However, nothing ensures that the state will provide property protection as a public good. Some states provide property protection selectively to powerful groups. Others are unable to provide property protection. In this paper, we argue that whether the state provides property protection as a public good, selectively, or cannot establish private property rights depends on the following features of politics: political stability, government capacity to administer and enforce private property rights, constraints on political decision-makers, and the inclusivity of political and legal institutions. We illustrate the theory using evidence from reforms that increased opportunities to privately own land in the US from the late eighteenth through nineteenth centuries, selective enforcement of land property rights in China, and the absence of credible legal rights to land in Afghanistan.
Aircraft and Motor Car Engine Design: Contrasted from the Standpoint of a Designer and Manufacturer of Both Types
Authors: Coatalen Louis
Published: June 2019

In addressing myself to the members of the Aeronautical Society of Great: Britain, the oldest institution of its kind in the world, I have to bear in mind that a section only of that membership is composed of designers of internal combustion engines. Therefore I have striven to make my remarks this evening as intelligible as possible to those who have not had such training.
“Commercial Aeronautics”
Authors: Holt Thomas G.
Published: June 2019

The subject I have to deal with in this paper is enormous, and of vital importance to the Empire, but it is only possible to touch very lightly on the possibilities of commercial aeronautics in the time allowed this evening. My opinion is that it will revolutionise the world not only from a commercial point of view, but from a humanitarian-pont, much more indeed than it has revolutionised warfare, although the effect on that is very great.
On the Conditions of Equality of Statical Stability, between the Dirigibles “ Patrie ” and “ Zeppelin, ”
Authors: Castagneris Guido
Published: June 2019

In a paper published in the Journal of the Aëronautical Society of Italy, p. 267 (1906), I explained some interesting points regarding certain constructional technical advantages, dynamic and economic, special to the systems of dirigibles, which have a cylindrical form of great length, a very much reduced midship section, and a minimum distance between the point of action of the ascensional force and the axis of the car, of which the “ Zeppelin ” shows, in practice, a very successful example.

Mr. Laboccetta, in his paper, in the same Journal, page 2, 1907, when comparing certain types of dirigibles, pointed out the influence of the co-efficients of resistance to forward movement, the value of extended forms, the importance of fair shapes and lifting power, and showed the advantages of the extended shape in certain cases.
Two Fundamental Laws of Aerodynamics and “Lanqley’s Law”
Authors: Turnbull W. R.
Published: June 2019

The law, to which I wish to call attention first in this article, can hardly be called unknown, but it has certainly remained unnoticed by the great majority of designers of aeroplanes and other flying machines, and has been generally ignored by scientific writers in aerodynamics, although some of the latter have recognised its existence without apparently seeing its importance ; or, perhaps, although cognizant of its existence, they have been unable to reconcile it with “Langley's law,” and have therefore refrained from giving it the emphasis it undoubtedly deserves.
The Laws of Avanzini: Laws of Plates Moving at an Angle in Fluids
Authors: de Villamil R.
Published: June 2019

If one reflects on the great army of scientific men who are at present studying the subject of the motion of planes, at an angle, in fluids, it is very remarkable that the work of Avanzini on this subject should have escaped notice. All that appears to be known about this diligent experimentalist is in reference to what is known as “ Avanzini's law,” in relation to the position of the centre of pressure on a moving plate. This law is quoted by Professor Bryan and M. Alexandre See (to quote two only of the most eminent writers on the subject), but they omit to say from whence they get the formula. M. Alexandre See, in a private letter, has kindly informed me that “ je crois qu'on a appele ‘ Loid ‘ Avanzini ‘ une loi qu'il n'a jamais formulee lui mime., mais qu'il a etudiee.” Whatever Avanzini may have said on the subject is probably to be found in the Memorie della Academia di Padova, but the volume containing his memoir does not appear to be in England; in any case 1 have not been able to find it.
High Rates of N2 Fixation in Temperate, Western North Atlantic Coastal Waters Expand the Realm of Marine Diazotrophy
Authors: Mulholland M. R. , Bernhardt P. W. , Widner B. N. , Selden C. R. , Chappell P. D. , Clayton S. , Mannino A. , Hyde K.
Published: June 2019

Dinitrogen (N2) fixation can alleviate N limitation of primary productivity by introducing fixed nitrogen (N) to the world's oceans. Although measurements of pelagic marine N2 fixation are predominantly from oligotrophic oceanic regions, where N limitation is thought to favor growth of diazotrophic microbes, here we report high rates of N2 fixation from seven cruises spanning four seasons in temperate, western North Atlantic coastal waters along the North American continental shelf between Cape Hatteras and Nova Scotia, an area representing 6.4% of the North Atlantic continental shelf area. Integrating average areal rates of N2 fixation during each season and for each domain in the study area, the estimated N input from N2 fixation to this temperate shelf system is 0.02 Tmol N/year, an amount equivalent to that previously estimated for the entire North Atlantic continental shelf. Unicellular group A cyanobacteria (UCYN‐A) were most often the dominant diazotrophic group expressing nifH, a gene encoding the nitrogenase enzyme, throughout the study area during all seasons. This expands the domain of these diazotrophs to include coastal waters where dissolved N concentrations are not always depleted. Further, the high rates of N2 fixation and diazotroph diversity along the western North Atlantic continental shelf underscore the need to reexamine the biogeography and the activity of diazotrophs along continental margins. Accounting for this substantial but previously overlooked source of new N to marine systems necessitates revisions to global marine N budgets.
An Experimental Study on Splash Functions of Natural Sand‐Bed Collision
Authors: Chen Youxing , Zhang Jie , Huang Ning , Xu Bin
Published: June 2019

The interaction between sand particles and sand bed is a key part for the study of wind‐blown sand. The splash functions obtained from experimental observations are of great significance to help us understand relevant physical processes. Due to the adoption of substitute material in experiment and immoderate assumptions in numerical simulation, the results of previous studies are still debatable. This paper experimentally studies on splash functions of natural eolian sand particles by using a self‐developed particle emission system to simulate the splash process. Based on the high‐speed photography technique, the distribution of the angle, speed, and number of the liftoff particles and its quantitative characterization are obtained. The mathematical expectations of relevant variables from this work are comparable with existing results but are quantitatively different from the measured data of substitute particles or the numerical simulated results. More importantly, the detailed statistical characteristics of the natural eolian sand splash function are also extracted from our experimental data, which are really significant for elaborative wind‐blown sand study in the future.
Calibration and Calculation of Polarization Lidar
Authors: Xian Jinhong , Sun Dongsong , Xu Wenjing , Tian Chongguo , Tan Qingzhi , Han Yuli , Yang Shaochen
Published: June 2019

Although polarization lidar technology has been widely used to detect depolarized particles, many difficulties still exist in measuring accurate values for the depolarization ratio. This ratio is basically related to the difference between the optical and the electronic gain of the lidar's channels, the polarization purity of the laser pulse, and the error in the alignment between the laser's polarization plane and the polarizer. We propose here an algorithm for the calibration and calculation of polarization lidars. Numerical simulations showed that the depolarization ratio profile retrieved from the proposed algorithm agrees well with the simulated profile. The proposed algorithm no longer requires the laser source to be linearly polarized. Instead, the light polarization can be elliptical or random. During the installation process, the polarization of the detector is no longer required to be parallel or perpendicular to the polarization direction of the laser source and can be done in any direction.
Extensive 21st‐Century Woody Encroachment in South America's Savanna
Authors: Rosan Thais M. , Aragão Luiz E.O.C. , Oliveras Imma , Phillips Oliver L. , Malhi Yadvinder , Gloor Emanuel , Wagner Fabien H.
Published: June 2019

Woody encroachment is occurring in all tropical savannas of the world. However, in the Brazilian savanna (the Cerrado), the extent of this phenomenon is still poorly documented. Here woody encroachment was quantified throughout the Cerrado biome and transitional ecotones using a trend analysis of the annual maximum of enhanced vegetation index obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. The associations with potential local drivers, such as fire and land use regime, were assessed using satellite data of land cover and fire regime. We found that 19% of the remaining native vegetation showed significant evidence of woody encroachment in the last 15 years and 7% exhibited degradation processes. The local factors that favored woody expansion in 19% of the biome were a decrease of fire (34%) and land use abandonment (26%). Our study highlights that local human‐associated drivers are playing a major role in woody encroachment and savanna degradation.
Toward a Combined Surface Temperature Data Set for the Arctic From the Along‐Track Scanning Radiometers
Authors: Dodd E. M. A. , Veal K. L. , Ghent D. J. , van den Broeke M. R. , Remedios J. J.
Published: June 2019

Surface temperature data sets for, or including, the Arctic have been derived from various thermal infrared sensors. However, a combined, all surface temperature data set for the Arctic has not been generated previously. Here we present the first combined land, ocean, and ice surface temperature data set for the Arctic produced from Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer ‐ 2 and the Advanced Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer satellite sensors: the Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer Arctic combined Surface Temperature data set. Separate products, produced independently for each sensor and containing quantified uncertainties, together cover the period August 1995 to April 2012. Product validation, utilizing a more extensive in situ database than previous studies, shows that Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer Arctic combined Surface Temperature surface temperatures generally agree with in situ data and are similar to previous validation of input surface temperature retrievals. Biases range from −1.74 to 0.23 K over open ocean, sea ice, snow over land, and the Greenland ice sheet with higher variability over snow/ice. However, there are noticeable outliers in the validation results, particularly over Arctic land in boreal summer for Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer ‐ 2, which are likely due to cloud contamination resulting from a climatologically static snow field being used for that sensor. This study suggests that the Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer Arctic combined Surface Temperature data set presented here is a useful tool for assessment of models in the Arctic. Further work would have clear benefits including improvements to snow cover and cloud clearing to achieve a fully consistently processed, climate quality combined surface temperature data set for the Arctic region.
Spatial Distribution of Ray Craters on Callisto: Implications for Ray Retention and Impactor Sources on Jovian Satellites
Authors: Xu Luyuan , Hirata Naoyuki , Miyamoto Hideaki
Published: June 2019

Ray craters are good indicators for deciphering the most recent cratering rate and surface alteration rate on a solar system solid body. We utilize Voyager and Galileo images to examine the distribution of ray craters (D > 10 km) on Callisto. We identify a total of 57 ray craters and 279 rim deposit craters and find that ray craters (D > 25 km) on Callisto show a pronounced decreasing apex‐antapex asymmetry (i.e., crater density decreases from the center of the leading hemisphere to the center of the trailing hemisphere), which would be consistent with a heliocentric origin, but the degree of the asymmetry is much lower than the theoretical expectation for ecliptic comets. A possible explanation for this is the preferential surface alteration rate on the leading hemisphere. The retention times of ray craters on Callisto are slightly longer than those on the dark terrain of Ganymede; this is possibly because of the substantially weaker micrometeorite gardening or/and sputtering on Callisto than those on Ganymede. The slope of the size‐frequency distribution of ray craters on Callisto is shallower than that of all impact craters, which is due to the higher erasure rate for the smaller craters' rays.
SHOC2 phosphatase-dependent RAF dimerization mediates resistance to MEK inhibition in RAS-mutant cancers
Authors: Jones Greg G. , del Río Isabel Boned , Sari Sibel , Sekerim Aysen , Young Lucy C. , Hartig Nicole , Areso Zubiaur Itziar , El-Bahrawy Mona A. , Hynds Rob E. , Lei Winnie , Molina-Arcas Miriam , Downward Julian , Rodriguez-Viciana Pablo
Published: June 2019

Targeted inhibition of the ERK-MAPK pathway, upregulated in a majority of human cancers, has been hindered in the clinic by drug resistance and toxicity. The MRAS-SHOC2-PP1 (SHOC2 phosphatase) complex plays a key role in RAF-ERK pathway activation by dephosphorylating a critical inhibitory site on RAF kinases. Here we show that genetic inhibition of SHOC2 suppresses tumorigenic growth in a subset of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines and prominently inhibits tumour development in autochthonous murine KRAS-driven lung cancer models. On the other hand, systemic SHOC2 ablation in adult mice is relatively well tolerated. Furthermore, we show that SHOC2 deletion selectively sensitizes KRAS- and EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells to MEK inhibitors. Mechanistically, SHOC2 deletion prevents MEKi-induced RAF dimerization, leading to more potent and durable ERK pathway suppression that promotes BIM-dependent apoptosis. These results present a rationale for the generation of SHOC2 phosphatase targeted therapies, both as a monotherapy and to widen the therapeutic index of MEK inhibitors.
Single-site glycine-specific labeling of proteins
Authors: Purushottam Landa , Adusumalli Srinivasa Rao , Singh Usha , Unnikrishnan V. B. , Rawale Dattatraya Gautam , Gujrati Mansi , Mishra Ram Kumar , Rai Vishal
Published: June 2019

Labeling of native proteins invites interest from diverse segments of science. However, there remains the significant unmet challenge in precise labeling at a single site of a protein. Here, we report the site-specific labeling of natural or easy-to-engineer N-terminus Gly in proteins with remarkable efficiency and selectivity. The method generates a latent nucleophile from N-terminus imine that reacts with an aldehyde to deliver an aminoalcohol under physiological conditions. It differentiates N-Gly as a unique target amongst other proteinogenic amino acids. The method allows single-site labeling of proteins in isolated form and extends to lysed cells. It administers an orthogonal aldehyde group primed for late-stage tagging with an affinity tag, 19F NMR probe, and a fluorophore. A user-friendly protocol delivers analytically pure tagged proteins. The mild reaction conditions do not alter the structure and function of the protein. The cellular uptake of fluorophore-tagged insulin and its ability to activate the insulin-receptor mediated signaling remains unperturbed.
GM1 Ganglioside Modifies α-Synuclein Toxicity and is Neuroprotective in a Rat α-Synuclein Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Schneider Jay S. , Aras Radha , Williams Courtney K. , Koprich James B. , Brotchie Jonathan M. , Singh Vikrant
Published: June 2019

While GM1 may interact with α-synuclein in vitro to inhibit aggregation, the ability of GM1 to protect against α-synuclein toxicity in vivo has not been investigated. We used targeted adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) overexpression of human mutant α-synuclein (A53T) in the rat substantia nigra (SN) to produce degeneration of SN dopamine neurons, loss of striatal dopamine levels, and behavioral impairment. Some animals received daily GM1 ganglioside administration for 6 weeks, beginning 24 hours after AAV-A53T administration or delayed start GM1 administration for 5 weeks beginning 3 weeks after AAV-A53T administration. Both types of GM1 administration protected against loss of SN dopamine neurons and striatal dopamine levels, reduced α-synuclein aggregation, and delayed start administration of GM1 reversed early appearing behavioral deficits. These results extend prior positive results in MPTP models, are consistent with the results of a small clinical study of GM1 in PD patients that showed slowing of symptom progression with chronic use, and argue for the continued refinement and development of GM1 as a potential disease modifying therapy for PD.
Nocturnal enuresis in obese children: a nation-wide epidemiological study from China
Authors: Zhang Anyi , Li Shenghui , Zhang Yiwen , Jiang Fan , Jin Xingming , Ma Jun
Published: June 2019

Childhood obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular abnormalities, and psychological and behavioral disorders. But it is unclear whether obesity is associated with childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE). This study aimed to assess the relationship between childhood obesity and NE in a nationally representative large sample in China. Subjects were enrolled from Urumqi, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hohhot, Wuhan, Canton, Shanghai, and Harbin cities in China in November and December 2005. The survey included 20,987 children aged 5–12 years and they and their caregivers completed questionnaires. Height and weight were measured by school teachers trained in healthcare. According to the WHO child growth standards, obesity was defined as a body mass index >95th percentile of peers with the same age and gender. NE was defined as bed wetting for more than twice a week for 3 consecutive months. Demographic variables were compared among different groups. The prevalence of obesity, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depressive moods, and snoring were different between the NE and without-NE groups (P < 0.05). The raw odds ratio (OR) for NE and obesity was 1.36 (95%CI = 1.07–1.74; P = 0.013) and the adjusted OR was 1.42 (95%CI = 1.11–1.82; P = 0.005) in the multivariable analysis. When adjusting for co-occurring conditions, the results showed that asthma did not affect the risk of NE (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.11–1.82; P = 0.005), but ADHD (OR = 1.41; 95%CI = 1.10–1.81; P = 0.006) and depressive moods (OR = 1.34; 95%CI = 1.07–1.76; P = 0.012) slightly weakens the association between NE in children and obesity, while snoring weakens the association between obesity and NE and the risk became non-significant (OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 0.94–1.56; P = 0.138). In conclusion, obese children were at a higher risk of incurring NE compared to non-obese children. This association was weaker in children who either snored, had ADHD, or had depressive mood.
Context dependent life-history shift in Macrodinychus sellnicki mites attacking a native ant host in Colombia
Authors: Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela , Klompen Hans , Poteaux Chantal , Santamaría Carlos , Armbrecht Inge , Beugnon Guy , Lachaud Jean-Paul
Published: June 2019

Ant parasitoidism has been reported in seven of the 26 recognized species of the mite genusMacrodinychus(Machrodynichidae).Macrodynichus sellnicki, previously reported as a parasitoid of the invasive antNylanderia fulvain Colombia, is now reported, in the same region, as attacking a native host,Ectatommasp. 2 (E.ruidumcomplex). The mite develops within the protective silk cocoon of anEctatommapupa and waits for the emergence of the young ant before leaving the cocoon, unmolested. Overall nest prevalence was relatively high (34.6% of the 52 nests containing cocoons) but pupae prevalence was low (4.0%, n = 1401 cocoons). Mite life-history (parasite or parasitoid) was context dependent, shifting according to the intensity of the attack on a same host. Contrary to the strictly parasitoidic association ofM.sellnickiwithN.fulva, single mite attacks againstE.ruidumdid not result in host killing and solitaryM.sellnicki(78.6% of the cases) behaved as parasites. However, in 21.4% of the attacks (0.9% of all available host pupae) more than one mite was involved and behaved as parasitoids, draining the host of its internal fluids and killing it. This is the first association of a macrodinychid mite with a species of the subfamily Ectatomminae, and the first ant associated mite for which such a context dependent life-style shift is described.
Changes in the population and community structure of corals during recent disturbances (February 2016-October 2017) on Maldivian coral reefs
Authors: Pisapia C. , Burn D. , Pratchett M. S.
Published: June 2019

Climate change is the greatest threat to coral reef ecosystems. In particular, increasing ocean temperatures are causing severe and widespread coral bleaching, contributing to extensive coral loss and degradation of coral reef habitats globally. Effects of coral bleaching are not however, equally apportioned among different corals, leading to shifts in population and community structure. This study explored variation in bleaching susceptibility and mortality associated with the 2016 severe mass bleaching in the Central Maldives Archipelago. Five dominant coral taxa (tabularAcropora,Acropora humilis,Acropora muricata,Pocilloporaand massivePorites) were surveyed in February 2016 and October 2017 to test for changes in abundance and size structure. Substantial taxonomic differences in rates of mortality were observed; the most severely affected taxa,Acropora, were virtually extirpated during the course of this study, whereas some other taxa (most notably, massivePorites) were relatively unaffected. However, even the least affected corals exhibited marked changes in population structure. In February 2016 (prior to recent mass-bleaching), size-frequency distributions of all coral taxa were dominated by larger size classes with over-centralized, peaked distributions (negatively skewed with positive kurtosis) reflecting a mature population structure. In October 2017, after the bleaching, coral populations were dominated by smaller and medium size classes, reflecting high levels of mortality and injury among larger coral colonies. Pronounced changes in coral populations and communities in the Maldives, caused by coral bleaching and other disturbances (outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish and sedimentation), will constrain recovery capacity, further compounding upon recent coral loss.
Inverted U-shaped response of a standardized extract of Centella asiatica (ECa 233) on memory enhancement
Authors: Boondam Yingrak , Songvut Phanit , Tantisira Mayuree H. , Tapechum Sompol , Tilokskulchai Kanokwan , Pakaprot Narawut
Published: June 2019

The herb Centella asiaticahas long been considered a memory tonic. A recent review found no strong evidence for improvement of cognitive function, suggesting negative results were due to limitations in dose, standardization and product variation. We used a standardized extract ofC. asiatica(ECa 233) to study behavioral, cellular and molecular effects on learning and memory enhancement. ECa 233 (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) was given orally to normal rats twice a day for 30 days. We used the Morris water maze to test spatial learning and performed acute brain slice recording to measure changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, a core brain region for memory formation. Plasticity-related protein expressions (NR2A, NR2B, PSD-95, BDNF and TrkB) in hippocampus was also measured. Rats receiving 10 and 30 mg/kg doses showed significantly enhanced memory retention, and hippocampal long-term potentiation; however, only the 30 mg/kg dose showed increased plasticity-related proteins. There was an inverted U-shaped response of ECa 233 on memory enhancement; 30 mg/kg maximally enhanced memory retention with an increase of synaptic plasticity and plasticity-related proteins in hippocampus. Our data clearly support the beneficial effect on memory retention of a standardized extract ofCentella asiaticawithin a specific therapeutic range.
Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green is not a Suitable Probe for 1O2 in the Presence of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Carter Philippe J. H. , Laan Adrianus C. , Eelkema Rienk , Denkova Antonia G.
Published: June 2019

A great number of fluorescent probes have been developed for detecting singlet oxygen (1O2), which is considered to be one of the most effective reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in clinical applications. The commercially available fluorescent probe Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green (SOSG) is widely used due to its reported high selectivity to 1O2. In this study, we carried out systemic experiments to determine the activation of SOSG in the presence of ionizing radiation. The results show that the SOSG probe exhibits a pronounced fluorescence increase as a function of radiation dose delivered by gamma-rays as well as X-rays, in conditions where the formation of singlet oxygen is not expected. Furthermore, scavenger tests indicate that hydroxyl radicals may be involved directly or indirectly in the activation process of SOSG although the exact mechanism remains unknown.
Insight into the structural stability of wild-type and histidine mutants in Pin1 by experimental and computational methods
Authors: Wang Wang , Xi Lei , Xiong Xiuhong , Li Xue , Zhang Qingyan , Yang Wentao , Du Linfang
Published: June 2019

Pin1, a polypeptide proline isomerase parvulin, plays a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), common tumors and cancers. Two conservative histidine residues, His59 and His157, are important for maintaining the stability of the PPIase domain. Hence multiple spectral and computational techniques were performed to investigate the potential mechanism of two histidine residues. Thermal denaturation indicated that both residues His59 and His157 are not sensitive to the lower temperatures, while residue His59 is more sensitive to the higher temperatures than residue His157. Acidic denaturation suggested that influences of both residues His59 and His157 to acidic stability were the difference from Pin1-WT. ANS and RLS spectra hinted that there was no significant effect on hydrophobic change and aggregation by histidine mutations. The GndHCl-induced denaturation implied that residues His59 and His157 contributed the most to the chemical stability. MD simulations revealed that residues His59 and His157 mutations resulted in that the hydrogen bond network of the dual histidine motif was destroyed wholly. In summary, these histidine residues play an important role in maintaining the structural stability of the PPIase domain.
Evaluation of selected microbial and physicochemical parameters of fresh tomato juice after cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment during refrigerated storage
Authors: Starek Agnieszka , Pawłat Joanna , Chudzik Barbara , Kwiatkowski Michał , Terebun Piotr , Sagan Agnieszka , Andrejko Dariusz
Published: June 2019

The Cold Atmospheric pressure Plasma (CAP) technology is an emerging technology used for conditioning and microbiological decontamination of biomaterials including food. A novel tool for inactivation of juice background spoilage microorganisms, as well as high count of inoculated yeast while maintaining physicochemical properties in tomato juice - CAP technology was utilized in this study. Dry matter content and pH were not significantly influenced by CAP generated in GlidArc reactor. Small increase of lycopene, and slight loss of vitamin C content were observed.
Facile synthesis of MoS2 quantum dots as fluorescent probes for sensing of hydroquinone and bioimaging
Authors: Li Lu , Guo Zhihua , Wang Shengxu , Li Daowei , Hou Xianfeng , Wang Fangting , Yang Yizhou , Yang Xudong
Published: June 2019

A simple, low-cost and one-step hydrothermal treatment for the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS2 QDs) is proposed. They exhibit excellent PL properties and can be promising probes for sensing of hydroquinone and bioimaging.
Synthesis, X-ray structure, physicochemical properties and anticancer activity ofmerandfacRu(iii) triphenylphosphine complexes with a benzothiazole derivative as a co-ligand
Authors: Richert Monika , Walczyk Mariusz , Cieślak Marcin Janusz , Kaźmierczak-Barańska Julia , Królewska-Golińska Karolina , Wrzeszcz Grzegorz , Muzioł Tadeusz , Biniak Stanisław
Published: June 2019

Chemical characterisation and biological activity of the puremer- andfac-Ru(iii) geometrical isomers bearing dmpbt.
Using boryl-substitution and improved Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling to access new phosphorescent tellurophenes
Authors: Braun Christina A. , Martinek Nicole , Zhou Yuqiao , Ferguson Michael J. , Rivard Eric
Published: June 2019

New phosphorescent tellurophenes were derived from a di(isopropoxy)boryl tellurophene precursor and the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of borylated tellurophenes with 2-bromothiophene was investigated.
Channelization of water pathway and encapsulation of DS in the SL of the TFC FO membrane as a novel approach for controlling dilutive internal concentration polarization
Authors: Arjmandi Mehrzad , Peyravi Majid , Pourafshari Chenar Mahdi , Jahanshahi Mohsen
Published: June 2019

In this study, we explored the use of hydrophobic and hydrophilic water-stable MOFs as well as their mixture for the fabrication of high-performance MMM-based TFC FO membranes for controlling ICP.
Wet spinning and radial self-assembly of a carbohydrate low molecular weight gelator into well organized hydrogel filaments
Authors: Chalard Anaïs , Joseph Pierre , Souleille Sandrine , Lonetti Barbara , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie , Loubinoux Isabelle , Vaysse Laurence , Malaquin Laurent , Fitremann Juliette
Published: June 2019

A molecular gel self-assembled by wet spinning forms ultra-hydrated continuous gel filaments and reveals the solvent's radial diffusion phenomena.
Late stage functionalization of heterocycles using hypervalent iodine(iii) reagents
Authors: Budhwan Rajnish , Yadav Suman , Murarka Sandip
Published: June 2019

Iodine(iii) reagents represent a powerful tool for the late-stage functionalization of a variety of heterocycles through a range of transformations.
Photoaffinity palladium reagents for capture of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Zheng Qizhen , Pang Zhengyuan , Liu Jingwei , Zhou Yi , Sun Yang , Yin Zheng , Lou Zhiyong
Published: June 2019

A straightforward strategy using palladium-mediated reagents to reliably incorporate different photoaffinity groups into peptides/proteins for crosslinking of interacting partners is described.
Covalency and magnetic anisotropy in lanthanide single molecule magnets: the DyDOTA archetype
Authors: Briganti Matteo , Garcia Guglielmo Fernandez , Jung Julie , Sessoli Roberta , Le Guennic Boris , Totti Federico
Published: June 2019

The unexpected covalent contribution in the DOTADy-OH2 bond revealed by ab initio calculations of the easy axis of magnetization through simple H2O rotations.
Role of microRNA-15a-5p in the atherosclerotic inflammatory response and arterial injury improvement of diabetic by targeting FASN
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Ling-yun , Jia Ye , Sun Yan-yan , Ma Fu-zhe
Published: June 2019

The present study aims to investigate the mechanism of miR-15a-5p in the atherosclerotic (AS) inflammatory response and arterial injury improvement in diabetic rats by regulating fatty acid synthase (FASN). Initially, bioinformatics tools were applied to evaluate miRNAs and genes correlating with AS, and the target relation between miRNAs and FASN was measured using the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay. Subsequently the diabetic AS rat model was established and the surviving rats were divided into: negative control (NC), miR-15a-5p mimic, miR-15a-5p inhibitor, sh-FASN and miR-15a-5p + sh-FASN groups. Then a series of experiments were performed to examine the degree of AS in each group. The results revealed that compared with the NC group, the expressions of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) in rat arterial tissue, as well as the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood glucose (BG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and Homocysteine (Hcy) in rat serum, were increased after inhibiting miR-15a-5p, while the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was decreased and the fat storage area was enlarged after this treatment (P<0.05). In the miR-15a-5p mimic and sh-FASN groups, serum HDL-C levels were increased and the fat storage areas in arteries were reduced. The levels of CRP, IL-6, ICAM1 in rat arterial tissue, along with the levels of LDL-C, BG, TG, TC and Hcy in rat serum, were decreased (P<0.05). Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed AS lesions to be apparent in the arteries of rats in both the NC and miR-15a-5p inhibitor groups, but that in miR-15a-5p and sh-FASN group were improved, the miR-15a-5p mimic + sh-FASN group showed the most obvious improvement. Taken together, miR-15a-5p alleviates the inflammation response and arterial injury in diabetic AS rats by targeting FASN.
Adductory Vocal Fold Kinematic Trajectories During Conventional Versus High-Speed Videoendoscopy
Authors: Diaz-Cadiz Manuel , McKenna Victoria S. , Vojtech Jennifer M. , Stepp Cara E.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Prephonatory vocal fold angle trajectories may supply useful information about the laryngeal system but were examined in previous studies using sigmoidal curves fit to data collected at 30 frames per second (fps). Here, high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) was used to investigate the impacts of video frame rate and sigmoidal fitting strategy on vocal fold adductory patterns for voicing onsets.

Method

Twenty-five participants with healthy voices performed /ifi/ sequences under flexible nasendoscopy at 1,000 fps. Glottic angles were extracted during adduction for voicing onset; resulting vocal fold trajectories (i.e., changes in glottic angle over time) were down-sampled to simulate different frame rate conditions (30–1,000 fps). Vocal fold adduction data were fit with asymmetric sigmoids using 5 fitting strategies with varying parameter restrictions. Adduction trajectories and maximum adduction velocities were compared between the fits and the actual HSV data. Adduction trajectory errors between HSV data and fits were evaluated using root-mean-square error and maximum angular velocity error.

Results

Simulated data were generally well fit by sigmoid models; however, when compared to the actual 1,000-fps data, sigmoid fits were found to overestimate maximum angle velocities. Errors decreased as frame rate increased, reaching a plateau by 120 fps.

Conclusion

In healthy adults, vocal fold kinematic behavior during adduction is generally sigmoidal, although such fits can produce substantial errors when data are acquired at frame rates lower than 120 fps.