bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma miR-21, miR-155, miR-10b, and Let-7a as the potential biomarkers for the monitoring of breast cancer patients
Authors: Khalighfard Solmaz , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Irani Shiva , Omranipour Ramesh
Published: December 2018

There is a pressing need for further studies to categorize and validate circulating microRNAs (miRs) in breast cancer patients that can be one of the novel strategies for cancer screening and monitoring. The present study is aimed to investigate the expression of the circulating candidate microRNAs after the operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the non-metastatic breast cancer patients. Tumor tissue and plasma samples were collected from the 30 patients with recently diagnosed Luminal A breast cancer. Control plasma samples were collected from the 10 healthy subjects. A panel of four miRs including miR-21, miR-55, miR-10b, and Let-7a were selected and their expression levels were measured before and after the operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy by using Real-Time PCR technique. The plasma expression of the miR-21, miR-155, and miR-10b was significantly increased and the Let-7a plasma expression decreased in the breast cancer patients compromised to the control ones. There was a similar expression pattern of the miRs between the tissue and plasma samples. The plasma levels of the miR-21, miR-155, and miR-10b were significantly down-regulated and the Let-7a plasma level was up-regulated after the operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy compromised to the pre-treatment. There was a significant difference in the miR-155 plasma level after the operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy compromised with each other. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the plasma levels of the miRs after the radiotherapy compromised to the control cases. The operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy led to a more reduction in the oncomiRs and an increase in the tumor suppressor-miRs. It seems that monitoring miRs during treatment might be considered as a respectable diagnostic tool for monitoring of breast cancer patients.
Materials for electrochemical ammonia synthesis
Authors: McPherson Ian James , Sudmeier Tim , Fellowes Joshua , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: December 2018

Direct electrochemical synthesis of ammonia is proposed as a means of reducing the carbon footprint of the fertiliser industry, as well as providing new opportunities for carbon-free liquid energy storage.
Thioether sulfur-bound [Cu2] complexes showing catechol oxidase activity and DNA cleaving behaviour
Authors: Das Manisha , Afsan Zeenat , Basak Dipmalya , Arjmand Farukh , Ray Debashis
Published: December 2018

Ligand backbone alteration leads to different mechanisms for catecholase activity and order of interaction with DNA molecules.
Growth of graphene with large single-crystal domains by Ni foam-assisted structure and its high-gain field-effect transistors
Authors: Gao Xuedong , Yu Cui , He Zezhao , Song Xubo , Liu Qingbin , Zhou Chuangjie , Guo Jianchao , Cai Shujun , Feng Zhihong
Published: December 2018

Growth of large-domain-sized single-crystal graphene with controlled nucleation density by Ni foam structure.
Development of an advanced nanoformulation for the intracellular delivery of a caspase-3 selective activity-based probe
Authors: Cogo Francesco , Poreba Marcin , Rut Wioletta , Groborz Katarzyna , Smyth Peter , Johnston Michael C. , Williams Richard , Longley Daniel B. , Burden Roberta E. , Salvesen Guy S. , Drag Marcin , Scott Christopher J.
Published: December 2018

The formulation of the novel activity-based probe CS1 in PEG-PLGA nanoparticles allows intracellular selective labelling of caspase-3 over closely related caspase-7.
Progress in total synthesis of subincanadine alkaloids and their congeners
Authors: Kalshetti Manojkumar G. , Argade Narshinha P.
Published: December 2018

Total synthesis of subincanadine alkaloids and their biogenetic congeners are described in a focused manner.
Organic loading rate shock impact on extracellular polymeric substances and physicochemical characteristics of nitrifying sludge treating high-strength ammonia wastewater under unsteady-state conditions
Authors: Yang Lei , Ren Yong-Xiang , Chen Ning , Cui Shen , Wang Xu-Hui , Xiao Qian
Published: December 2018

Laboratory experimentation was used to investigate the impact of the organic loading rate shock on extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the physicochemical characteristics of nitrifying sludge (NS) treating high-strength ammonia wastewater.
Using machine learning to discover shape descriptors for predicting emulsion stability in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Khor Jian Wei , Jean Neal , Luxenberg Eric S. , Ermon Stefano , Tang Sindy K. Y.
Published: December 2018

A novel shape descriptor identified by machine learning captures diverse droplet shapes and achieves high prediction accuracy of droplet instability.
Direct shape programming of liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Barnes Morgan , Verduzco Rafael
Published: December 2018

Optimization of the double network structure of liquid crystal elastomers enables complex shape programming.
Fmoc-FF and hexapeptide-based multicomponent hydrogels as scaffold materials
Authors: Diaferia Carlo , Ghosh Moumita , Sibillano Teresa , Gallo Enrico , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Giannini Cinzia , Morelli Giancarlo , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Accardo Antonella
Published: December 2018

Short peptides or single amino acids are interesting building blocks for fabrication of hydrogels, frequently used as extracellular matrix-mimicking scaffolds for cell growth in tissue engineering.
Scalable and efficient perovskite solar cells prepared by grooved roller coating
Authors: Xin Chenguang , Zhou Xin , Hou Fuhua , Du Yawen , Huang Wei , Shi Biao , Wei Changchun , Ding Yi , Wang Guangcai , Hou Guofu , Zhao Ying , Li Yuelong , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: December 2018

The scalability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is another major challenge for PSCs besides high efficiency and stability. The grooved roller coating (GRC) method here enables the scalable and continuous production of PSCs with high utilization ratio of materials.
Enhanced efficiency in perovskite solar cells by eliminating the electron contact barrier between the metal electrode and electron transport layer
Authors: Tao Junlei , Ali Nasir , Chen Kang , Huai Zhaoxiang , Sun Yansheng , Fu Guangsheng , Kong Weiguang , Yang Shaopeng
Published: December 2018

Interface modifying layers (IMLs) play a pivotal role in the improved performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Hubble PanCET: an extended upper atmosphere of neutral hydrogen around the warm Neptune GJ 3470b
Authors: Bourrier V. , Lecavelier des Etangs A. , Ehrenreich D. , Sanz-Forcada J. , Allart R. , Ballester G. E. , Buchhave L. A. , Cohen O. , Deming D. , Evans T. M. , García Muñoz A. , Henry G. W. , Kataria T. , Lavvas P. , Lewis N. , López-Morales M. , Marley M. , Sing D. K. , Wakeford H. R.
Published: December 2018

GJ 3470b is a warm Neptune transiting an M-dwarf star at the edge of the evaporation desert. It offers the possibility of investigating how low-mass, close-in exoplanets evolve under the irradiation from their host stars. We observed three transits of GJ 3470b in the Lyman-α line with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) as part of the Panchromatic Comparative Exoplanet Treasury (PanCET) program. Absorption signatures are detected with similar properties in all three independent epochs, with absorption depths of 35 ± 7% in the blue wing of the line, and 23 ± 5% in the red wing. The repeatability of these signatures, their phasing with the planet transit, and the radial velocity of the absorbing gas allow us to conclude that there is an extended upper atmosphere of neutral hydrogen around GJ 3470b. We determine from our observations the stellar radiation pressure and XUV irradiation from GJ 3470 and use them to perform numerical simulations of the upper atmosphere of GJ 3470b with the EVaporating Exoplanets (EVE) code. The unusual redshifted signature can be explained by the damping wings of dense layers of neutral hydrogen that extend beyond the Roche lobe and are elongated in the direction of the planet motion. This structure could correspond to a shocked layer of planetary material formed by the collision of the expanding thermosphere with the wind of the star. The blueshifted signature is well explained by neutral hydrogen atoms escaping at rates of about 1010 g s−1 that are blown away from the star by its strong radiation pressure and are quickly photoionized, resulting in a smaller exosphere than that of the warm Neptune GJ 436b. The stronger escape from GJ 3470b, however, may have led to the loss of about 4–35% of its current mass over its ~2 Gyr lifetime.
Insights on bar quenching from a multiwavelength analysis: The case of Messier 95
Authors: George K. , Joseph P. , Mondal C. , Subramanian S. , Subramaniam A. , Paul K. T.
Published: December 2018

The physical processes related to the effect of bars in the quenching of star formation in the region between the nuclear/central sub-kiloparsec region and the ends of the bar (bar region) of spiral galaxies is not fully understood. It is hypothesized that the bar can either stabilize the gas against collapse, inhibiting star formation, or efficiently consume all the available gas, leaving no fuel for further star formation. We present a multiwavelength study using the archival data of an early-type barred spiral galaxy, Messier 95, which shows signatures of suppressed star formation in the bar region. Using optical, ultraviolet (UV), infrared, CO, and HI imaging data we study the pattern of star formation progression and stellar/gas distribution, and try to provide insights into the process responsible for the observed pattern. The FUV–NUV pixel colour map reveals a cavity devoid of UV flux in the bar region that matches the length of the bar, which is ∼4.2 kpc. The central nuclear region of the galaxy shows a blue colour clump and along the major axis of the stellar bar the colour progressively becomes redder. Based on a comparison to single stellar population models, we show that the region of galaxy along the major axis of the bar, unlike the region outside the bar, is comprised of stellar populations with ages ≥350 Myr; there is a star-forming clump in the centre of younger ages of ∼150 Myr. Interestingly the bar region is also devoid of neutral and molecular hydrogen but has an abundant molecular hydrogen present at the nuclear region of the galaxy. Our results are consistent with a picture in which the stellar bar in Messier 95 is redistributing the gas by funnelling gas inflows to nuclear region, thus making the bar region devoid of fuel for star formation.
Bewegungstherapeutische Interventionen in der Onkologie – eine Struktur- und Angebotsanalyse der onkologischen Rehabilitationskliniken in Deutschland
Authors: Wirtz Petra , Baumann Freerk
Published: December 2018

Fragestellung Die Studie analysierte die bewegungstherapeutischen Interventionen hinsichtlich Infrastruktur, Therapieinhalte und Methoden in onkologischen Rehabilitationskliniken in Deutschland.

Methodik Die Querschnittserhebung wurde mittels einer Umfrage in Form eines selbst konzipierten Fragebogens durchgeführt. Für die Auswertung wurden 157 Rehabilitationskliniken nach definierten Einschlusskriterien mit einbezogen.

Ergebnisse Es haben 33 Rehakliniken (21,02%) mit insgesamt 44 828 Rehabilitanden (29,4%) geantwortet. 83,6% der Rehabilitanden erhalten Sport- und 82,2% Physiotherapie. Alle Rehakliniken führen eine physiotherapeutische/sportwissenschaftliche Diagnostik vor Beginn der Sport- und Bewegungstherapie durch. Je nach Nebenwirkung arbeiten 44–80% der Kliniken bewegungstherapeutisch nach aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen.

Schlussfolgerung Die Bewegungstherapie spielt eine bedeutende Rolle in der onkologischen Rehabilitationsklinik. Es zeigt sich jedoch ein heterogenes Bild im Kontext der bewegungstherapeutischen Methoden und Inhalte.
Research on Treating Insomnia Accompanied With Depression by Mongolian Medical Warm Acupuncture
Authors: Bao Lidao , Li Sha , Jin Qiu , Si Lengge , Bo Agula
Published: December 2018

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture in treating the patients with insomnia accompanied with depression and discuss the mechanism of action of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture in treating insomnia.

Method 50 patients with insomnia accompanied with depression were clinically selected and randomly divided into the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group and the drug group (trazodone) of 25 each. The patients in the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group were subjected to acupoint stimulation (Xin acupoint, Dinghui acupoint, and Heyi) for 30 min once a day. 100mg of trazodone were administered to the patients in the drug group. The patients in both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The patients in both groups were compared in terms of Pittsburgh sleep quality index, sleep quality, daytime functions, self-rating depression scale etc.

Result There was a significant difference in total score of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) between the patients in the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group before treatment (16.83±3.68) and those after treatment (8.18±3.78)(P<0.01). The scores of sleep quality and daytime functions of the patients in the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group (6.76±2.76) were superior to those in the drug group (5.89±2.87)(P<0.05). The self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of the patients in the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group after treatment (0.54±0.89) decreased significantly when compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in clinical therapeutic effect between both groups (P=0.0812>0.05). The obvious curative rate in the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group (75.58%) was significantly superior to that in the drug group (49.77%) (P=0.0382<0.05). The Asberg side effect rating scale (SERS) score in the drug group after treatment (6.11±2.06) was significantly higher than that in the Mongolian medical warm acupuncture group (4.15±1.98) (P<0.05).

Conclusion Mongolian medical warm acupuncture has therapeutical effect on insomnia accompanied with depression and Mongolian medical warm acupuncture has better therapeutical effect and fewer side effects than trazodone. Mongolian medical warm acupuncture has certain sedative-hypnotic and anti-depressive effects applies to insomnia accompanied with suppression.
Zur Wirksamkeit der kurörtlichen Heiltorftherapie: eine Literaturübersicht aus neueren Veröffentlichungen
Authors: Beer André , Kleinschmidt Jürgen , Jagenburg Leonie
Published: December 2018

Fragestellung Obwohl Heiltorf bereits seit Jahrzehnten mit Erfolg in verschiedenen Therapieformen für verschiedenste Indikationen in deutschen Heilbädern angewandt wird, ist die klinische Evidenz bisher noch unübersichtlich. Daher wurde ein Review zur Studienlage von Wirksamkeitsnachweisen für das Peloid „Torf“ erstellt.

Methode Für den Publikationszeitraum 1990–2017 erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche in Online-Datenbanken bezüglich klinischer Studien, in denen die Wirksamkeit von Torf bei verschiedenen Indikationen untersucht worden war. Die Ergebnisse wurden nach Evidenzkategorien und Indikationen geordnet. Dazu wurde der Evidenzlevel nach Oxford (LOE) und Empfehlungsgrade (GR) bestimmt.

Ergebnisse Die höchste Evidenz wurde bei den Indikationen Arthrose und Fibromyalgie festgestellt. Es zeigte sich eine konsistent konfirmatorische Evidenz gemäß LOE 1b resultierend in einem GR 3. Weitere Studien wiesen eine explorative Evidenz mit LOE 2b auf, resultierend in einem GR 2.

Diskussion Erfolge der Therapie mit dem natürlichen Heilmittel Torf stützen sich nicht nur auf Erfahrungen, sondern lassen sich auch mit klinischen Studien belegen, die hohen Evidenzlevels zugeordnet werden können. Hierbei erleichtert eine Zuordnung nach Indikation und Evidenzlevel die Übersicht.

Schlussfolgerung Die Datenlage lässt evidenzbasierte Empfehlungen für die Torftherapie zu.
Using Smart Socks to Detect Step-count at Slow Walking Speeds in Healthy Adults
Authors: Balmain Bryce , Tuttle Neil , Bailey Joseph , Cheng Katie , Duryea Mitchell , Houlihan Josephine , Wotherspoon James , Morris Norman
Published: December 2018

We examined the accuracy of Smart Socks – a device that measures foot pressure during gait for detecting step-count across various walking speeds. Thirty-six participants (17 men; 19 women) wore Smart Socks (Sock), a pedometer (Pedometer), and a smartphone with a commercially available Phone Application (Phone) pedometer to measure step-count during 3-min of treadmill or over-ground walking at 1.3, 2.2, 3.0, 3.8, and 4.7 km/h. Steps were compared to a gold-standard tally-counter (Count), collected by independent assessors. All devices (Sock, Pedometer, and Phone) underestimated step-count when compared to Count at 1.3 km/h (p<0.05); however, Sock (27±18%) demonstrated a lower percent error compared to Phone (40±28%) and Pedometer (98±5%) (both p<0.01). At 2.2 km/h, Sock was not different compared to Count (Sock: 213±39; Count: 229±24 steps, p=0.25); however, both Phone (271±55 steps) and Pedometer (169±166 steps) were different compared to Count (p<0.05). At 3.0 km/h, both Sock (258±30 steps) and Pedometer (254±45 steps) were similar to Count (267±22 steps) (p>0.05); however, Phone (291±28 steps) overestimated step-count (p<0.01). All devices (Sock, Pedometer, and Phone) were similar to Count at 3.8, and 4.7 km/h (p>0.05). These findings demonstrate that Smart Socks are more accurate than pedometers used in the present study for detecting step-count during treadmill or over-ground ambulation at slower walking speeds.
Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) to overcome the limitations of endoscopic resection for colorectal tumors
Authors: Tamegai Yoshiro , Fukunaga Yosuke , Suzuki Shinsuke , Lim Dennis , Chino Akiko , Saito Shoichi , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Akiyoshi Takashi , Ueno Masashi , Hiki Naoki , Muto Tetsuichiro
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims We developed a laparoscopy endoscopy cooperative surgery (LECS) to overcome the limitations of endoscopic resection for colorectal tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of LECS, which combines endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and laparoscopic partial colectomy.

Patients and methods We performed LECS for 17 colorectal tumors in 17 patients (male:female 10:7; mean age, 66.5 years). The clinicopathological outcomes of these 17 cases and the feasibility of LECS were evaluated retrospectively. Indications for LECS were as follows: 1) intramucosal cancer and adenoma accompanied by wide and severe fibrosis; 2) intramucosal cancer and adenoma involving the diverticulum or appendix; and 3) submucosal tumors.

Results We successfully performed LECS procedures in 17 cases (intramucosal cancer [n = 6], adenoma [n = 9], schwannoma [n = 1], and gastro-intestinal stromal tumour [GIST] [n = 1]. Mean tumor diameter was 22.4 mm (range, 8 – 41 mm). LECS was successfully performed in all 17 cases without conversion to open surgery; the R0 rate was 100 %. LECS was applied to the following situations: involving the appendix (n = 6), tumor accompanied by severe fibrosis (n = 5), involving the diverticulum (n = 3), submucosal tumor (n = 2), and poor endoscopic operability (n = 1). We experienced no adverse events (e. g., leakage or anastomotic stricture) and the median hospital stay was 6.4 dayus (range, 4 to 12). All 17 patients who were followed for ≥ 3 months (median, 30.8 months; range, 3 – 72 months) showed no residual/local recurrence.

Conclusion LECS was a safe, feasible, minimally invasive procedure that achieved full-thickness resection of colorectal tumors and showed excellent clinical outcomes.
Reproducibility of Heart Rate Variability Threshold in Untrained Individuals
Authors: Novelli Fabiula , de Araújo Jaqueline , Tolazzi Geovane , Tricot Gabriel , Arsa Gisela , Cambri Lucieli
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) by different HRV indexes and determination criteria. 68 untrained participants, 17 women (24.09±4.91 years old; 21.54±1.97 kg∙m−2) and 51 men (24.52±3.52 years old; 26.51±6.31 kg∙m−2), were evaluated on 2 different days (test and retest). The HRVT was determined during an incremental exercise test using 2 indexes (SD1 and RMSSD) and criteria (HRTV1, first intensity of physical effort with index<3 ms, and HRVT2, first intensity of physical effort, in which the index presents a difference<1 ms between 2 consecutive intensities). There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the test and retest for any of the variables evaluated. All variables, except for the rate of perceived exertion at HRVT2, presented moderate to high intraclass correlation coefficient (HRVT1: 0.55–0.85 and HRVT2:0.58–0.69). All variables at HRVT1 and the heart rate at HRVT2 showed coefficient of variation ~ 10%. The HRVT, regardless of criteria and HRV index used, showed satisfactory reproducibility. Thus, these criteria can be used to assess clinically autonomic cardiac modulation and aerobic capacity, and to analyze the effect of different interventions.
Solvent Control in Electro-Organic Synthesis
Authors: Schulz Lara , Waldvogel Siegfried
Published: December 2018

Exploiting the solvent control within electro-organic conversions is a far underestimated parameter in prep-scale electrolysis. The beneficial application in several transformations is outlined and in particular discussed for the dehydrogenative coupling of arenes and heteroarenes. This simple electrolytic strategy in fluorinated solvents allows the modulation of the substrate’s nucleophilicity and the stabilization of the intermediates as well as of the final product from over-oxidation.

1 Introduction

2 Solvent Effects in Kolbe Electrolysis and Anodic Fluorination

3 Unique Solvent Effects of 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoropropan-2-ol (HFIP)

4 Anodic Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions with Use of HFIP as the Solvent

5 Conclusion
Incidence and Risk Factors for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion during Cruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Eric , Talmo Carl T. , Anderson Marie C. , Bono Olivia J. , Bono James V.
Published: December 2018

During cruciate retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) may avulse at its insertion. The incidence of PCL avulsion fracture has not been previously studied. The aim of this study is to report on the incidence and clinical significance of intraoperative PCL avulsion during primary CR TKA and to identify potential risk factors. Our institutional joint registry was retrospectively reviewed for PCL avulsion occurring during CR TKA implanted between April 2008 and April 2016. Patient demographics, preoperative range of motion (ROM), complications, and revision rate were examined. A control group of 132 patients was used for comparison to identify potential risk factors. Forty-four of 2,457 patients (1.7%) suffered a PCL avulsion fracture during primary CR TKA. No intraoperative repair was performed and no postoperative weight bearing or ROM restrictions were implemented. There was no significant difference in BMI (p = 0.258), mean preoperative ROM (p = 0.763), or femoral and tibial component sizes (p = 0.3069, p = 0.1306) between groups. Logistic regression found female gender (p = 0.0254) to be the only statistically significant risk factor for PCL avulsion. The incidence of intraoperative PCL avulsion fracture during CR TKA is low (1.7%) and does not appear to affect postoperative ROM, subjective stability, or incidence of revision. Female gender was identified as the only patient factor that increased the risk of PCL avulsion fracture.
Towards a new image processing system at Wendelstein 7-X: From spatial calibration to characterization of thermal events
Authors: Pisano F. , Cannas B. , Jakubowski M. W. , Niemann H. , Puig Sitjes A. , Wurden G. A. ,   W7-X Team
Published: December 2018

Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is the most advanced fusion experiment in the stellarator line and is aimed at proving that the stellarator concept is suitable for a fusion reactor. One of the most important issues for fusion reactors is the monitoring of plasma facing components when exposed to very high heat loads, through the use of visible and infrared (IR) cameras. In this paper, a new image processing system for the analysis of the strike lines on the inboard limiters from the first W7-X experimental campaign is presented. This system builds a model of the IR cameras through the use of spatial calibration techniques, helping to characterize the strike lines by using the information given by real spatial coordinates of each pixel. The characterization of the strike lines is made in terms of position, size, and shape, after projecting the camera image in a 2D grid which tries to preserve the curvilinear surface distances between points. The description of the strike-line shape is made by means of the Fourier Descriptors.
Annihilation of the pacemaking activity in the sinoatrial node cell and tissue
Authors: Li Keming , Chu Zhikun , Huang Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

Sinus node arrest is a dangerous disease, which is associated with the annihilation of the cardiac biological oscillators. The present work investigates in detail the pacemaking annihilation of the modeled single SAN cell and heterogeneous tissue by the conventional nonlinear dynamics approach. It is found that annihilation should generally exist in the SAN system, which is due to the subcritical Hopf bifurcation. However, the annihilation is strict with the stimulus and the physiological parameters, for which the difficulty is estimated. Intracellular calcium cycling makes the pacemaking more robust against annihilation. Furthermore, some general methods for exploring the annihilation dynamics are demonstrated, which may be helpful for the investigations of the other complex biological oscillators. The present work may provide suggestive ideas for the treatments of the sinus arrest and the relevant arrhythmogenesis.
A stochastic cellular automaton simulation of chemical oscillations in small systems
Authors: Hu Yue , Xie Jenny
Published: December 2018

We propose a stochastic cellular automaton method to simulate chemical reactions in small systems. Unlike the standard Gillespie method, which simulates chemical reactions with a few thousand molecules reacting with each other but without spatial considerations, our systems are divided into independent cells, each containing only a few molecules. Our simulation of the Brusselator produces chemical oscillations that agree extremely well with solutions to deterministic rate equations, and we can see strong oscillations in systems with as few as 10 cells. We are able to study several factors that affect the robustness of these small chemical oscillators: system size, spatial distribution, and correlation of molecules. We have found that non-Poisson particle distributions can greatly suppress chemical oscillations and that chemical reactions can induce correlation between the spatial distributions of particles of different species and create large-scale inhomogeneity in particle concentrations. In addition, incomplete oscillations (misfirings) can appear among strong, regular oscillations when the system size is smaller than a certain threshold, and these misfirings are triggered by random events, with a probability that is related to the system size. Since these effects, resulting from several different physical causes, are difficult to accurately model by adding generic noise factors to deterministic rate equations, as is frequently done in theoretical studies, we argue that our stochastic cellular automaton method is a useful addition to the existing tools for studying small, inhomogeneous, and non-equilibrium reaction-diffusion systems, especially those of biological nature.
High power gamma flare generation in multi-petawatt laser interaction with tailored targets
Authors: Lezhnin K. V. , Sasorov P. V. , Korn G. , Bulanov S. V.
Published: December 2018

Using quantum electrodynamics particle-in-cell simulations, we optimize the gamma flare (γ-flare) generation scheme from the interaction of a high power petawatt-class laser pulse with a tailored cryogenic hydrogen target having an extended preplasma corona. We show that it is possible to generate an energetic flare of photons with energies in the GeV range and the total flare energy being on a kilojoule level with efficient conversion of the laser pulse energy to γ-photons. We discuss how the target engineering and the laser pulse parameters influence the γ-flare generation efficiency. This type of experimental setup for a laser-based γ-source would be feasible for the upcoming high-power laser facilities. Applications of high intensity γ-ray beams are also discussed.
Frequency-tunable nickel-titanium substrates for magnetoelectric sensors
Authors: Röbisch Volker , Piorra André , Lima de Miranda Rodrigo , Quandt Eckhard , Meyners Dirk
Published: December 2018

We show the use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) metal thin films as functional substrates of magnetoelectric composites allowing the composites’ mechanical resonance to be tuned towards the frequency range of interest by employing the gradual change of the Young’s modulus during the martensite-austenite phase transformation. Such composites are successfully fabricated by layering functional piezoelectric aluminum nitride and highly magnetostrictive FeCoSiB on sputtered NiTi-films. Subsequent characterizations reveal high magnetoelectric response. Applied as magnetic field sensors a high sensitivity (with a magnetoelectric coefficient αME=290 V/cm Oe) and low limit of detection of approximately 110 pT/Hz1/2 is observed for AC magnetic fields matching the mechanical resonance frequency. This mechanical resonance of the sensor can be altered with a Δf of 12% in the temperature interval between room temperature and 130 °C. This offers the possibility to adjust the sensor’s mechanical resonance frequency featuring the highest sensitivity to the magnetic field frequency to be measured.
New Products
Authors: Mandelis Andreas
Published: December 2018

In order to supplement manufacturers’ information, this Department will welcome the submission by our readers of brief communications reporting measurements on the physical properties of materials which supersede earlier data or suggest new research applications.
A theoretical model for multimode fibers to benefit high-power lasers and telecommunications
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: December 2018

A theoretical model for geometric parametric instabilities in multimode fibers could help to improve high-power lasers.
Prevalence and characteristics associated with concurrent smoking and alcohol misuse within Australian general practice patients
Authors: Hobden Breanne , Bryant Jamie , Forshaw Kristy , Oldmeadow Christopher , Evans Tiffany-Jane , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: December 2018

Objectives
This study sought to determine, among a large sample of Australian general practice patients: (1) the prevalence of smoking among different levels of alcohol misuse; and (2) whether the associations between demographic characteristics and alcohol use differ according to smoking status.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was administered from 2010 to 2011 to 3559 patients from 12 Australian urban general practices. Patients reported their demographic details, smoking status and their alcohol intake.

Results
The overall prevalence of reported concurrent smoking and alcohol misuse was 7.8%. Smokers were 3.81-fold more likely to have a higher level of alcohol consumption than non-smokers (95% confidence interval 3.13–4.63; P<0.0001). There was evidence that smoking was an effect modifier of the relationship between alcohol misuse and chronic illness.

Conclusions
There was an increasing prevalence of smoking with increasing level of alcohol consumption. In addition, those with chronic conditions who smoked had greater odds of higher levels of alcohol consumption. Preventative interventions for these substances are needed to reduce the burden associated with concurrent smoking and alcohol misuse.

What is known about the topic?
Tobacco and alcohol are the most commonly used substances and contribute to over 10million deaths annually. The risk of disease is high when using either of these substances, however, concurrent use is associated with a greatly compounded risk. Australian data is limited regarding the prevalence of concurrent tobacco and alcohol misuse, however, international studies suggest variation in prevalence rates between different clinical settings.

What does this paper add?
This study examined the prevalence of concurrent smoking and alcohol misuse among different levels of alcohol misuse severity within an Australian general practice setting. Additionally it explored whether the associations between demographic characteristics and alcohol use differ according to smoking status.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This study has important implications for disease prevention and the delivery of preventive health services by general practitioners. Considering one in 100 clinical treatments provided in general practice relate to preventative smoking or alcohol counselling, it is critical that efforts are made to ascertain risk factors such as smoking and alcohol misuse to increase treatment rates. General practitioners should consider screening for smoking and alcohol misuse opportunistically during routine clinical encounters, as well as screening for smoking or alcohol misuse if one or the other is present.
Estimation of lamb deaths within 5 days of birth associated with cold weather
Authors: Horton B. J. , Corkrey R. , Doughty A. K. , Hinch G. N.
Published: December 2018

In eight Australian Merino and crossbred sheep flocks, all lamb deaths were recorded, together with the corresponding weather before and after each case. Deaths on the day of birth were not strongly associated with a high chill index, but deaths in the following 3 days were significantly increased by a high chill index in the period between birth and the relevant day. Losses were greater for multiple-born lambs than singles under all conditions, but there was not a significant interaction of chill index with multiple births. A model is given for the risk of loss of lambs after birth, on the basis of birthweight, sex of the lamb, multiple birth and chill index for the ewe before birth and the lamb after birth. However, some of this information is not available until after the lamb is born, so a model is also given using only information available shortly before birth, namely, the expected chill index and whether pregnancy scanning has identified single or multiple lambs.
SOG1 activator and MYB3R repressors regulate a complex DNA damage network in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Bourbousse Clara , Vegesna Neeraja , Law Julie A.
Published: December 2018

To combat DNA damage, organisms mount a DNA damage response (DDR) that results in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair and, in severe cases, cell death. Underscoring the importance of gene regulation in this response, studies in
Arabidopsis
have demonstrated that all of the aforementioned processes rely on SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 (SOG1), a NAC family transcription factor (TF) that has been functionally equated to the mammalian tumor suppressor, p53. However, the expression networks connecting SOG1 to these processes remain largely unknown and, although the DDR spans from minutes to hours, most transcriptomic data correspond to single time-point snapshots. Here, we generated transcriptional models of the DDR from GAMMA (γ)-irradiated wild-type and
sog1
seedlings during a 24-hour time course using DREM, the Dynamic Regulatory Events Miner, revealing 11 coexpressed gene groups with distinct biological functions and
cis
-regulatory features. Within these networks, additional chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcriptomic experiments revealed that SOG1 is the major activator, directly targeting the most strongly up-regulated genes, including TFs, repair factors, and early cell cycle regulators, while three MYB3R TFs are the major repressors, specifically targeting the most strongly down-regulated genes, which mainly correspond to G2/M cell cycle-regulated genes. Together these models reveal the temporal dynamics of the transcriptional events triggered by γ-irradiation and connects these events to TFs and biological processes over a time scale commensurate with key processes coordinated in response to DNA damage, greatly expanding our understanding of the DDR.
Electrostatics, proton sensor, and networks governing the gating transition in GLIC, a proton-gated pentameric ion channel
Authors: Hu Haidai , Ataka Kenichi , Menny Anaïs , Fourati Zaineb , Sauguet Ludovic , Corringer Pierre-Jean , Koehl Patrice , Heberle Joachim , Delarue Marc
Published: December 2018

The pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) from
Gloeobacter violaceus
(GLIC) has provided insightful structure–function views on the permeation process and the allosteric regulation of the pLGICs family. However, GLIC is activated by pH instead of a neurotransmitter and a clear picture for the gating transition driven by protons is still lacking. We used an electrostatics-based (finite difference Poisson–Boltzmann/Debye–Hückel) method to predict the acidities of all aspartic and glutamic residues in GLIC, both in its active and closed-channel states. Those residues with a predicted pK
a
close to the experimental pH
50
were individually replaced by alanine and the resulting variant receptors were titrated by ATR/FTIR spectroscopy. E35, located in front of loop F far away from the orthosteric site, appears as the key proton sensor with a measured individual pK
a
at 5.8. In the GLIC open conformation, E35 is connected through a water-mediated hydrogen-bond network first to the highly conserved electrostatic triad R192-D122-D32 and then to Y197-Y119-K248, both located at the extracellular domain–transmembrane domain interface. The second triad controls a cluster of hydrophobic side chains from the M2-M3 loop that is remodeled during the gating transition. We solved 12 crystal structures of GLIC mutants, 6 of them being trapped in an agonist-bound but nonconductive conformation. Combined with previous data, this reveals two branches of a continuous network originating from E35 that reach, independently, the middle transmembrane region of two adjacent subunits. We conclude that GLIC’s gating proceeds by making use of loop F, already known as an allosteric site in other pLGICs, instead of the classic orthosteric site.
“He killed a chicken, but it didn’t die”
Authors: Chen Jidong
Published: December 2018

Mandarin contrasts typologically with English in its lexicalization of state change (Talmy 2000). The majority of Mandarin monomorphemic verbs is moot about or implies a state change, whereas English has many monomorphemic verbs (e.g.kill) that entail a state change. This study investigates empirically the nuanced lexicalization of state-change implicature in Mandarin monomorphemic verbs and its implications for the linguistic typology of encoding state change. Two experiments were conducted with adult native Mandarin speakers: a rating task about the acceptability of sentences that expressed a failure of fulfilment of a state-change (e.g.Zhangsan sha le ji, ke shi ji mei si‘Zhangsan killed a chicken, but it didn’t die’) and a multiple-choice task that probed the preferred interpretation of monomorphemic state-change verbs. The results of both studies reveal a significant effect of verb types and post hoc comparisons show a cline of state-change implicature in the target verbs.
Differentiating a construction into a structure
Authors: Hsieh Hsin-I
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a reconciliation of two opposite perspectives on a syntactic configuration and its associated semantic
interpretation. Of these two, one is the view that a syntactic structure maps onto its semantic structure on a
strict compositionality condition, and one is the view that a syntactic construction is not strictly
compositional but has an inherent, endowed meaning, not compositionally derived. The proposed resolution attempts to settle the
disagreement by differentiating an endowed-meaning construction into a compatible compositional-meaning structure, which in
reverse is integrated into the original construction. As a result, structure and construction emerge as two sides of the same
coin, and the disagreement is resolved.
Anti-mitotic therapies in cancer
Authors: Tischer Julia , Gergely Fanni
Published: December 2018

Tischer and Gergely review the cell biology behind microtubule poisons and their clinical use in cancer patients.
In Favor of Logarithmic Scoring
Authors: McCutcheon Randall G.
Published: December 2018

Shuford, Albert, and Massengill proved, a half century ago, that the logarithmic scoring rule is the only proper measure of inaccuracy determined by a differentiable function of probability assigned the actual cell of a scored partition. In spite of this, the log rule has gained less traction in applied disciplines and among formal epistemologists that one might expect. In this article we show that the differentiability criterion in the Shuford et al. result is unnecessary and use the resulting simplified characterization of the logarithmic rule to give novel arguments in favor of it.
3. Future generations
Authors: Attfield Robin
Published: December 2018

Concern about future generations stretches as far back as the Ten Commandments, but the belief that present people can significantly change the future originated as recently as the Enlightenment, along with the belief that our generation may be judged by posterity. ‘Future generations’ considers the moral standing of future generations; the fundamental objection to that belief—‘the Non-Identity Problem’; and the discounting of future interests. If it is agreed that future people and their interests matter, it is still widely held that their interests count for less than current interests. Future preferences and needs are discussed with some of the harmful practices that are detrimental to human and non-human health.
4. Principles for right action
Authors: Attfield Robin
Published: December 2018

Environmental ethics cannot escape from considering what ought or ought not to be done, and how this is to be decided or discovered. ‘Principles for right action’ reflects on how to understand moral principles. It considers different contract theories of ethics, concluding that they continue to fail to ensure equity between generations and between species. Virtue ethics may be a more promising approach, but well-chosen, justifiable moral rules are essential. Rules and duties, and beneficial practices, traits, and actions are also discussed. The approach that is the more consistent, most fruitful, and best serves the needs of future generations seems to be consequentialism, allied to a broad theory of value.
Concomitant Transmission of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses in Brazil: Clinical and Epidemiological Findings From Surveillance for Acute Febrile Illness
Authors: Silva Monaíse M O , Tauro Laura B , Kikuti Mariana , Anjos Rosângela O , Santos Viviane C , Gonçalves Thaiza S F , Paploski Igor A D , Moreira Patrícia S S , Nascimento Leile C J , Campos Gúbio S , Ko Albert I , Weaver Scott C , Reis Mitermayer G , Kitron Uriel , Ribeiro Guilherme S
Published: December 2018

Background

Since their emergence in the Americas, chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses co-circulate with dengue virus (DENV), hampering clinical diagnosis. We investigated clinical and epidemiological characteristics of arboviral infections during the introduction and spread of CHIKV and ZIKV through northeastern Brazil.

Methods

Surveillance for arboviral diseases among febrile patients was performed at an emergency health unit of Salvador, Brazil, between September 2014 and July 2016. We interviewed patients to collect data on symptoms, reviewed medical records to obtain the presumptive diagnoses, and performed molecular and serological testing to confirm DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV, or nonspecific flavivirus (FLAV) diagnosis.

Results

Of 948 participants, 247 (26.1%) had an acute infection, of which 224 (23.6%) were single infections (DENV, 32 [3.4%]; CHIKV, 159 [16.7%]; ZIKV, 13 [1.4%]; and FLAV, 20 [2.1%]) and 23 (2.4%) coinfections (DENV/CHIKV, 13 [1.4%]; CHIKV/FLAV, 9 [0.9%]; and DENV/ZIKV, 1 [0.1%]). An additional 133 (14.0%) patients had serological evidence for a recent arboviral infection. Patients with ZIKV presented with rash and pruritus (69.2% each) more frequently than those with DENV (37.5% and 31.2%, respectively) and CHIKV (22.9% and 14.7%, respectively) (P < .001 for both comparisons). Conversely, arthralgia was more common in CHIKV (94.9%) and FLAV/CHIKV (100.0%) than in DENV (59.4%) and ZIKV (53.8%) (P < .001). A correct presumptive clinical diagnosis was made for 9%–23% of the confirmed patients.

Conclusions

Arboviral infections are frequent causes of febrile illness. Coinfections are not rare events during periods of intense, concomitant arboviral transmission. Given the challenge to clinically distinguish these infections, there is an urgent need for rapid, point-of-care, multiplex diagnostics.
It’s the End of the Competition: When Social Comparison Is Not Always Motivating for Goal Achievement
Authors: Chan Elaine , Briers Barbara
Published: December 2018

Nowadays consumers can easily connect with others who are pursuing similar goals via smart devices and mobile apps. This technology also enables them to compare how well they are doing relative to others in a variety of contexts, ranging from online gaming to losing weight to loyalty programs. This research investigates consumers’ motivation to achieve a goal when they compare themselves with a superior other who has already attained the goal. Building on the literature on social comparison, and on competition in particular, we find that consumers are less motivated when the superior other has attained the goal compared to when the superior other is just ahead, keeping the relative distance equal. This negative effect on motivation is evident even in situations in which consumers can still attain the same goal as the superior other. We argue and demonstrate that this effect occurs because the other’s goal attainment limits consumers’ prospect to compete and overtake the superior other. Six experimental studies show evidence for this effect in hypothetical loyalty programs and behavioral task completion. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the motivational effect of social comparison, which have implications for marketing managers and public policy makers.
Genome analysis provides insights into the epidemiology of infection with Flavobacterium psychrophilum among farmed salmonid fish in Sweden
Authors: Söderlund Robert , Hakhverdyan Mikhayil , Aspán Anna , Jansson Eva
Published: December 2018

The pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum is a major problem for the expanding salmonid fish farming industry in Sweden as well as worldwide. A better understanding of the phylogeography and infection routes of F. psychrophilum outbreaks could help to improve aquaculture profitability and the welfare of farmed fish while reducing the need for antibiotics. In the present study, high-throughput genome sequencing was applied to a collection of F. psychrophilum isolates (n=38) from outbreaks on fish farms in different regions of Sweden between 1988 and 2016. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were applied to a subset of the isolates and the results correlated to the presence of genetic resistance markers. We show that F. psychrophilum clones are not regionally biased and that new clones with a higher degree of antibiotic resistance have emerged nationwide during the study period. This supports previous theories of the importance of live fish and egg trade as a route of infection. Continuous monitoring of recovered isolates by high-throughput sequencing techniques in the future could facilitate tracing of clones within and between countries, as well as the detection of emergent virulent or antibiotic-resistant clones. This article contains data hosted by Microreact.