bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second language learners develop non-native lexical processing biases
Authors: Wiener Seth
Published: February 2019

Infants develop language-specific biases favoring either consonantal or vocalic information. These phonological biases affect various levels of spoken-language recognition in children and adults. This study explored whether adults who speak a second language (L2) apply phonological biases during L2 lexical processing, and whether the biases applied are those of the native language (L1), or those appropriate for the L2. Two word reconstruction experiments were carried out in English and Mandarin Chinese. L1 and L2 speakers of English demonstrated a consonantal bias by changing English vowels faster than consonants. L1 and L2 speakers of Mandarin demonstrated a vocalic bias by changing Mandarin consonants faster than vowels. Even relatively late L2 classroom learners whose L1 triggers a consonantal bias (English) exhibited a vocalic bias in their L2 (Mandarin). Lexically related processing biases are thus determined by the phonological and lexical characteristics of the stimuli being processed and not solely by listeners’ L1.
How does childhood bilingualism and bi-dialectalism affect the interpretation and processing of pragmatic meanings?
Authors: Antoniou Kyriakos , Veenstra Alma , Kissine Mikhail , Katsos Napoleon
Published: February 2019

Recent research has reported superior socio-communicative skills in bilingual children. We examined the hypothesis of a bilingual pragmatic advantage by testing bilingual, bi-dialectal and monolingual children on the comprehension and processing of various pragmatic meanings: relevance, scalar, contrastive, manner implicatures, novel metaphors and irony. Pragmatic responses were slower than literal responses to control items. Furthermore, children were least accurate with metaphors and irony. Metaphors and irony were also the most difficult to process; for these meanings, pragmatic responses were slower than literal responses to the same critical items. Finally, pragmatic performance positively correlated with working memory. Despite this variation, we found no bilingual or bi-dialectal advantage over monolinguals in pragmatic responses or speed of pragmatic processing. This was also true despite bilinguals’ and bi-dialectals’ lower vocabularies as measured by formal tests. We conclude that bilingual children exhibit monolingual-like pragmatic interpretation, despite their often-reported weaker language knowledge in the target language.
Development and use of retrotransposons-based markers (IRAP/REMAP) to assess genetic divergence among table grape cultivars
Authors: Strioto Danuza Kelly , Kuhn Betty Cristiane , Nagata William Seiji Lemes , Marinelli Giovana , Oliveira-Collet Sandra Aparecida , Mangolin Claudete A. , Machado Maria de Fátima P. S.
Published: February 2019

For more than four decades after the introduction of cv. Italia (Vitis vinifera L.) in Brazil, several somatic mutations in the genome of cv. Italia and its somatic mutants gave rise to phenotypes which generated at least five new cultivars of fine table grapes. Since no molecular marker proved to be effective in discriminating cv. Italia (V. vinifera L.) and its coloured mutants (Rubi, Benitaka, Brasil, Black Star), primers for the long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences were developed to analyse Inter Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) and Retrotransposon-Microsatellite Amplified Polymorphism (REMAP), and investigate how the coloured cultivars derived from clonal propagations of somatic mutations are genetically structured. Primers for LTR sequences of IRAP and REMAP markers were edited from grape sequence databases available at a GenBank. Twenty-four primers, denominated DKS001–DKS024, were edited. Three hundred and forty-nine DNA segments were amplified by individual DKS primers and DKS/ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) primer combinations, at an average of 13.96 amplicons per primer pair. High genetic divergence between the five cultivars was inferred from polymorphism in retrotransposons IRAP and REMAP. The analysis of polymorphism of IRAP and REMAP retrotransposons was crucial to show that clonal propagation of somatic mutations may lead towards the formation of genetically divergent cultivars by the formation of genetically structured vineyards and show the mixture of genomes within each cultivar.
Attitudes of dining customers towards sustainability-related food values at a public University campus
Authors: Silva Erin , Klink Jenna , McKinney Emily , Price Jessica , Deming Philip , Rivedal Hannah , Colquhoun Jed
Published: February 2019

The plethora of alternative food labels emerging in the marketplace reflects consumer interest in informed and sustainable purchasing. However, consumers’ preferences vary with respect to the sustainability metrics represented by labeling programs. The goal of this project was to characterize public university students’ perceptions of product parameters commonly represented by food labels for produce (e.g., cost, taste, certified organic, locally grown). A consumer survey (n = 338) was conducted at two university dining halls, located in close proximity to major residence hall communities which house approximately 2600 students. Culinary, health and cost attributes (taste, nutritional value, price and appearance) were ranked as more influential in determining purchasing decisions than sustainability attributes related to production and sourcing. While sustainability values were not as influential in driving purchasing behaviors as compared with product attributes, they were important to approximately 50% of the survey respondents. By identifying the sustainability values of students and their willingness to pay more for specific types of sustainable food, results from this study can inform efforts to align priorities of campus dining services with the values of their student patrons, as well as identify educational opportunities around agriculture and food production.
Informal, formal institutions and credit: complements or substitutes?
Authors: Cruz-García Paula , Peiró-Palomino Jesús
Published: February 2019

This paper analyses the relationship between informal institutions measured by social trust and the provision of private credit. Research on the trust–finance relationship abounds, although most of it is confined to the micro-level, with far fewer contributions from a wide, cross-country perspective. Considering a sample of 119 economies in the period 1993–2015, results suggest that social trust is an important determinant of private credit, and that its effects are transmitted indirectly via some particular aspects of the quality of economic-judicial institutions. In addition, and contrary to previous findings in related areas, substitutive effects for informal and formal institutions are not found. Therefore, informal institutions can improve the quality of the certain types of formal institutions but they are, per se, unable to replace them in the provision of credit. Accordingly, a solid economic-judicial system becomes essential to guarantee credit transactions.
A New Frozen Soil Parameterization Including Frost and Thaw Fronts in the Community Land Model
Authors: Gao Junqiang , Xie Zhenghui , Wang Aiwen , Liu Shuang , Zeng Yujin , Liu Bin , Li Ruichao , Jia Binghao , Qin Peihua , Xie Jinbo
Published: February 2019

Freeze–thaw processes in soils, including changes in frost and thaw fronts (FTFs), are very sensitive to warming. However, the latest climate models do not predict changes in FTFs directly. In this study, a new frozen soil parameterization including changes in FTFs was incorporated into the Community Land Model version 4.5 for climate modeling, which we denote CLM4.5_FTF. A set of numerical experiments including single points, regions in China, and a global scale were conducted using the model to validate its performance. The simulated FTF depths compare well with observed data from both the D66 station (permafrost) and Hulugou station (seasonally frozen ground). The simulated active layer thickness, defined as the maximum thaw front depth in permafrost, is in general agreement but slightly greater than observations from the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring program. The simulated distributions of different types of frozen soil in China and permafrost in the northern hemisphere are in agreement with the frozen soil map of China and the International Permafrost Association map, respectively. The results confirm that the model performs well for FTF simulations. The model was also used for year‐long simulations of soil temperature and freeze–thaw processes to check its applicability in continuous simulation. The results show that CLM4.5_FTF performed better than the original model, and the improvement was better for lower levels than for the upper level. Finally, we give simulated latent heat flux, sensible heat flux, and 10‐cm soil temperature deviations determined via the couple model with and without the new scheme.
P2Y12 regulates microglia activation and excitatory synaptic transmission in spinal lamina II neurons during neuropathic pain in rodents
Authors: Yu Tingting , Zhang Xin , Shi Haosong , Tian Jinge , Sun Lingling , Hu Xueming , Cui Wenqiang , Du Dongping
Published: February 2019

Peripheral nerve injury causes neuropathic pain and microglia activation. P2Y12 receptors on microglia are thought to be a key player in the surveillance of the local environment, but whether or how these receptors are engaged in the cross-talk between microglia and neurons of the dorsal horn remain ambiguous. Using a rodent model of nerve injury-induced pain, we investigated the roles of P2Y12 in microglia activation, excitatory synaptic transmission, and nociceptive allodynia. We found that spinal nerve ligation (SNL) significantly increased the level of P2Y12 receptors specifically in the microglia of the ipsilateral dorsal horn. Injections of P2Y12 antagonists (MRS2395 or clopidogrel) attenuated microglia activation and increased the paw withdrawal latency in response to thermal stimuli on the ipsilateral side without affecting the basal threshold on the contralateral side. These effects on pain behaviors were replicated in P2Y12 knockout mice. Patch-clamp recordings further revealed that partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL)-induced excessive miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were significantly attenuated in P2Y12 knockout mice. Moreover, we found that SNL activates the GTP-RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and elevates the level of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which was inhibited by the P2Y12 antagonist. The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was inhibited by a ROCK inhibitor, but not vice versa, suggesting that p38 MAPK is downstream of ROCK activation. Our findings suggest that nerve injury engages the P2Y12 receptor-dependent GTP-RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway to upregulate excitatory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn. This cross-talk ultimately participates in the manifestation of nociceptive allodynia, implicating P2Y12 receptor as a potential target for alleviating neuropathic pain.
Universal hidden order in amorphous cellular geometries
Authors: Klatt Michael A. , Lovrić Jakov , Chen Duyu , Kapfer Sebastian C. , Schaller Fabian M. , Schönhöfer Philipp W. A. , Gardiner Bruce S. , Smith Ana-Sunčana , Schröder-Turk Gerd E. , Torquato Salvatore
Published: February 2019

Partitioning space into cells with certain extreme geometrical properties is a central problem in many fields of science and technology. Here we investigate the Quantizer problem, defined as the optimisation of the moment of inertia of Voronoi cells, i.e., similarly-sized ‘sphere-like’ polyhedra that tile space are preferred. We employ Lloyd’s centroidal Voronoi diagram algorithm to solve this problem and find that it converges to disordered states associated with deep local minima. These states are universal in the sense that their structure factors are characterised by a complete independence of a wide class of initial conditions they evolved from. They moreover exhibit an anomalous suppression of long-wavelength density fluctuations and quickly become effectively hyperuniform. Our findings warrant the search for novel amorphous hyperuniform phases and cellular materials with unique physical properties.
Articular cartilage and sternal fibrocartilage respond differently to extended microgravity
Authors: Fitzgerald Jamie , Endicott Jamie , Hansen Uwe , Janowitz Cathleen
Published: February 2019

The effects of spaceflight on cartilaginous structure are largely unknown. To address this deficiency, articular cartilage (AC) and sternal cartilage (SC) from mice exposed to 30 days of microgravity on the BION-M1 craft were investigated for pathological changes. The flight AC showed some evidence of degradation at the tissue level with loss of proteoglycan staining and a reduction in mRNA expression of mechano-responsive and structural cartilage matrix proteins compared to non-flight controls. These data suggest that degradative changes are underway in the AC extracellular matrix exposed to microgravity. In contrast, there was no evidence of cartilage breakdown in SC flight samples and the gene expression profile was distinct from that of AC with a reduction in metalloproteinase gene transcription. Since the two cartilages respond differently to microgravity we propose that each is tuned to the biomechanical environments in which they are normally maintained. That is, the differences between magnitude of normal terrestrial loading and the unloading of microgravity dictates the tissue response. Weight-bearing articular cartilage, but not minimally loaded sternal fibrocartilage, is negatively affected by the unloading of microgravity. We speculate that the maintenance of physiological loading on AC during spaceflight will minimize AC damage.
The role of oral magnesium supplements for the management of stable bronchial asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abuabat Faisal , AlAlwan Abdulaziz , Masuadi Emad , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Jahdali Hamdan Al , Ferwana Mazen Saleh
Published: February 2019

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness of airway smooth muscles. There is growing evidence that magnesium may have a role in managing asthma through its dual effect as an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating agent. To assess the efficacy of oral magnesium supplements in chronic asthmatic patients. In addition to searching through Clinicaltrials.gov/ and references for oral magnesium supplement studies, we performed a database search in Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Embase. We contacted the authors of the included trials to ask for additional information. We included randomized controlled trials that compared oral magnesium supplements versus placebo, in addition to standard asthma treatment in mild-moderate asthmatic adults and children (older than 6 years). Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, data abstraction, and the assessment of the risk of bias. Eight trials at moderate risk of bias enrolling a total of 917 patients were included. Oral magnesium improved FEV1 at week 8 (5.69 (L/min); 95% CI: 1.92, 9.46; I2: 45%). There was no significant improvement in FEV1 at other follow up periods. There was no significant change in FVC, Methacholine challenge test, the frequency of bronchodilator use, or symptoms score. There were no data on mortality or quality of life. Oral magnesium supplements may lead to improvement in FEV1 that was only demonstrated at eight weeks; but no effect on any other outcome. Until future evidence emerges, oral magnesium cannot be recommended as adjuvants to standard treatment for mild to moderate asthmatic individuals.
Plague vaccine: recent progress and prospects
Authors: Sun Wei , Singh Amit K.
Published: February 2019

Three great plague pandemics, resulting in nearly 200 million deaths in human history and usage as a biowarfare agent, have made Yersinia pestis as one of the most virulent human pathogens. In late 2017, a large plague outbreak raged in Madagascar attracted extensive attention and caused regional panics. The evolution of local outbreaks into a pandemic is a concern of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in plague endemic regions. Until now, no licensed plague vaccine is available. Prophylactic vaccination counteracting this disease is certainly a primary choice for its long-term prevention. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in research and development of plague vaccines.
Effects of light and darkness on pH regulation in three coral species exposed to seawater acidification
Authors: Venn A. A. , Tambutté E. , Caminiti-Segonds N. , Techer N. , Allemand D. , Tambutté S.
Published: February 2019

The resilience of corals to ocean acidification has been proposed to rely on regulation of extracellular calcifying medium pH (pHECM), but few studies have compared the capacity of coral species to control this parameter at elevated pCO2. Furthermore, exposure to light and darkness influences both pH regulation and calcification in corals, but little is known about its effect under conditions of seawater acidification. Here we investigated the effect of acidification in light and darkness on pHECM, calcifying cell intracellular pH (pHI), calcification, photosynthesis and respiration in three coral species:Stylophora pistillata,Pocillopora damicornisandAcropora hyacinthus. We show thatS. pistillatawas able to maintain pHECMunder acidification in light and darkness, but pHECMdecreased inP. damicornisandA. hyacinthusto a much greater extent in darkness than in the light. Acidification depressed calcifying cell pHIin all three species, but we identified an unexpected positive effect of light on pHI. Calcification rate and pHECMdecreased together under acidification, but there are inconsistencies in their relationship indicating that other physiological parameters are likely to shape how coral calcification responds to acidification. Overall our study reveals interspecies differences in coral regulation of pHECMand pHIwhen exposed to acidification, influenced by exposure to light and darkness.
The effect of metformin therapy on incidence and prognosis in prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Kancheng , Hu Huating , Ye Senlin , Wang Haohui , Cui Rongrong , Yi Lu
Published: February 2019

The relationship between metformin and prostate cancer (PCa) remains controversial. To clarify this association, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched from their inception dates to May 23, 2018, using the keywords “metformin” and “prostate cancer” to identify the related studies. The results included incidence, overall survival (OS), PCa-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), which were measured as hazard ratios (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 30 cohort studies, including 1,660,795 patients were included in this study. Our study revealed that metformin treatment improves OS, CSS and RFS in PCa (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.88, P = 0.001; HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.94, P = 0.009; and HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42–0.87 P = 0.006, respectively) compared with non-metformin treatment. However, metformin usage did not reduce the incidence of PCa (HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.55–1.34, P = 0.51). In conclusion, compared with non-metformin treatment, metformin therapy can significantly improve OS, CSS and RFS in PCa patients. No association was noted between metformin therapy and PCa incidence. This study indicates a useful direction for the clinical treatment of PCa.
Role of Cholecystectomy in Choledocholithiasis Patients Underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Wang Chi-Chih , Tsai Ming-Chang , Wang Yao-Tung , Yang Tzu-Wei , Chen Hsuan-Yi , Sung Wen-Wei , Huang Shih-Ming , Tseng Ming-Hseng , Lin Chun-Che
Published: February 2019

There are no clinical guidelines for the timing of cholecystectomy (CCY) after performing therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis. We tried to analyze the clinical practice patterns, medical expenses, and subsequent outcomes between the early CCY, delayed CCY, and no CCY groups of patients. 1827 choledocholithiasis patients who underwent therapeutic ERCP were selected from the nationwide population databases of two million random samples. These patients were further divided into early CCY, delayed CCY, and no CCY performed. In our analysis, 1440 (78.8%) of the 1827 patients did not undergo CCY within 60 days of therapeutic ERCP, and only 239 (13.1%) patients underwent CCY during their index admission. The proportion of laparoscopic CCY increased from 37.2% to 73.6% in the delayed CCY group. There were no significant differences (p = 0.934) between recurrent biliary event (RBE) rates with or without early CCY within 60 days of ERCP. RBE event-free survival rates were significantly different in the early CCY (85.04%), delayed CCY (89.54%), and no CCY (64.45%) groups within 360 days of ERCP. The method of delayed CCY can reduce subsequent RBEs and increase the proportion of laparoscopic CCY with similar medical expenses to early CCY in Taiwan’s general practice environment.
Harnessing neurovascular interaction to guide axon growth
Authors: Partyka Paul P. , Jin Ying , Bouyer Julien , DaSilva Angelica , Godsey George A. , Nagele Robert G. , Fischer Itzhak , Galie Peter A.
Published: February 2019

Regulating the intrinsic interactions between blood vessels and nerve cells has the potential to enhance repair and regeneration of the central nervous system. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of aligned microvessels to induce and control directional axon growth from neural progenitor cells in vitro and host axons in a rat spinal cord injury model. Interstitial fluid flow aligned microvessels generated from co-cultures of cerebral-derived endothelial cells and pericytes in a three-dimensional scaffold. The endothelial barrier function was evaluated by immunostaining for tight junction proteins and quantifying the permeability coefficient (~10−7 cm/s). Addition of neural progenitor cells to the co-culture resulted in the extension of Tuj-positive axons in the direction of the microvessels. To validate these findings in vivo, scaffolds were transplanted into an acute spinal cord hemisection injury with microvessels aligned with the rostral-caudal direction. At three weeks post-surgery, sagittal sections indicated close alignment between the host axons and the transplanted microvessels. Overall, this work demonstrates the efficacy of exploiting neurovascular interaction to direct axon growth in the injured spinal cord and the potential to use this strategy to facilitate central nervous system regeneration.
Increase in Interfacial Adhesion and Electrochemical Charge Storage Capacity of Polypyrrole on Au Electrodes Using Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Kim Kyung-Geun , Kim Sung Yeol
Published: February 2019

High-performance devices based on conducting polymers (CPs) require the fabrication of a thick CP-coated electrode with high stability. Herein, we propose a method for enhancing the interfacial adhesion strength between a gold electrode and an electropolymerized polypyrrole (pPy) layer by introducing a polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer. Although this insulating layer hinders the initial growth of the pPy layer on the Au surface, it improves the adhesion by up to 250%. Therefore, a thick layer of pPy can be fabricated without delamination during drying. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the PEI layer interacts with the Au surface via polar/ionic groups and van der Waals interactions. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the cohesion of the pPy layer is stronger than the interfacial adhesion between the PEI layer and the pPy layer. Importantly, the electroactivities of pPy and its dopant are unaffected by the PEI layer, and the electrochemical storage capacity of the pPy layers on the PEI-coated Au electrodes increases with thickness, reaching ~530 mC/cm2. Negative potential sweep is detrimental to pPy layer adhesion: pPy layers on a bare Au electrode peel off instantly as the potential is swept from 0.2 to −0.7 V, and most of the charge stored in the layer becomes inaccessible. In contrast, pPy layers deposited on PEI coated Au electrode are mechanically stable and majority of the charge can be accessed, demonstrating that this method is also effective for enhancing electrochemical stability. Our simple approach can find utility in various applications involving CP-coated electrodes, where thickness-dependent performance must be improved without loss of stability.
Examining Interactions Between and Among Predictors of Net Ecosystem Exchange: A Machine Learning Approach in a Semi-arid Landscape
Authors: Zhou Qingtao , Fellows Aaron , Flerchinger Gerald N. , Flores Alejandro N.
Published: February 2019

Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) is an essential climate indicator of the direction and magnitude of carbon dioxide (CO2) transfer between land surfaces and the atmosphere. Improved estimates of NEE can serve to better constrain spatiotemporal characteristics of terrestrial carbon fluxes, improve verification of land models, and advance monitoring of Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems. Spatiotemporal NEE information developed by combining ground-based flux tower observations and spatiotemporal remote sensing datasets are of potential value in benchmarking land models. We apply a machine learning approach (Random Forest (RF)) to develop spatiotemporally varying NEE estimates using observations from a flux tower and several variables that can potentially be retrieved from satellite data and are related to ecosystem dynamics. Specific variables in model development include a mixture of remotely sensed (fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (fPAR), Leaf Area Index (LAI)) and ground-based data (soil moisture, downward solar radiation, precipitation and mean air temperature) in a complex landscape of the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW) in southwest Idaho, USA. Predicted results show good agreement with the observed data for the NEE (r2 = 0.87). We then validate the temporal pattern of the NEE generated by the RF model for two independent years at the two sites not used in the development of the model. The model development process revealed that the most important predictors include LAI, downward solar radiation, and soil moisture. This work provides a demonstration of the potential power of machine learning methods for combining a variety of observational datasets to create spatiotemporally extensive datasets for land model verification and benchmarking.
Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Inhibition Improves Stroke Outcome in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bonetti N. R. , Diaz-Cañestro C. , Liberale L. , Crucet M. , Akhmedov A. , Merlini M. , Reiner M. F. , Gobbato S. , Stivala S. , Kollias G. , Ruschitzka F. , Lüscher T. F. , Beer J. H. , Camici G. G.
Published: February 2019

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder where incidence and severity of myocardial infarction are increased. Data on the incidence and outcome of stroke are conflicting. Thus, we investigated outcome after Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) brain injury in a mouse model of RA and assessed for the role of the tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor Infliximab herein. We used a TNF-α reliant mouse model of RA. RA and wildtype (WT) animals were treated with vehicle (RA/WT) or Infliximab (RA Infliximab) for 4 weeks, before undergoing I/R brain injury. RA-animals displayed larger strokes and poorer neurological performance. Immunohistochemistry on brain sections revealed increased numbers of resident and peripheral innate immune cells (microglia and macrophages); increased Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB)-disruption; decreased levels of the tight junction proteins (TJPs) claudin-5 and occludin; increased expression of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and -9 and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Treatment with Infliximab corrected these alterations. We show that RA associates to worse stroke-outcome via exacerbated BBB degradation by decrease of the TJPs claudin-5 and occludin. We identified MMPs-3 and -9 and increased oxidative stress as potential mediators thereof. Increased numbers of resident and peripheral innate immune cells (microglia and macrophages) may in turn contribute to all these effects. Infliximab-treatment restored the phenotype of RA-mice to baseline. Our data provide evidence clearly linking RA to adverse stroke-outcome in mice and indicate an approved TNF-α inhibitor as a potential strategy to reduce stroke-burden in this setting.
Climate change and climate change velocity analysis across Germany
Authors: Kosanic A. , Kavcic I. , van Kleunen M. , Harrison S.
Published: February 2019

Although there are great concerns to what extent current and future climate change impacts biodiversity across different spatial and temporal scales, we still lack a clear information on different climate change metrics across fine spatial scales. Here we present an analysis of climate change and climate change velocity at a local scale (1 × 1 km) across Germany. We focus on seasonal climate variability and velocity and investigate changes in three time periods (1901–2015, 1901–1950 and 1951–2015) using a novel statistical approach. Our results on climate variability showed the highest trends for the 1951–2015 time period. The strongest (positive/negative) and spatially the most dispersed trends were found for Summer maximum temperature and Summer minimum temperatures. For precipitation the strongest positive trends were most pronounced in the summer (1951–2015) and winter (1901–2015). Results for climate change velocity showed that almost 90% of temperature velocities were in the range of 0.5 to 3 km/year, whereas all climate velocities for precipitation were within the range of −3.5 to 4.5 km/year. The key results amplify the need for more local and regional scale studies to better understand species individualistic responses to recent climate change and allow for more accurate future projections and conservation strategies.
Effects of (music-based) rhythmic auditory cueing training on gait and posture post-stroke: A systematic review & dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Ghai Shashank , Ghai Ishan
Published: February 2019

Gait dysfunctions are common post-stroke. Rhythmic auditory cueing has been widely used in gait rehabilitation for movement disorders. However, a consensus regarding its influence on gait and postural recovery post-stroke is still warranted. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to analyze the effects of auditory cueing on gait and postural stability post-stroke. Nine academic databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria for the studies were a) studies were randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials published in English, German, Hindi, Punjabi or Korean languages b) studies evaluated the effects of auditory cueing on spatiotemporal gait and/or postural stability parameters post-stroke c) studies scored ≥4 points on the PEDro scale. Out of 1,471 records, 38 studies involving 968 patients were included in this present review. The review and meta-analyses revealed beneficial effects of training with auditory cueing on gait and postural stability. A training dosage of 20–45 minutes session, for 3–5 times a week enhanced gait performance, dynamic postural stability i.e. velocity (Hedge’s g: 0.73), stride length (0.58), cadence (0.75) and timed-up and go test (−0.76). This review strongly recommends the incorporation of rhythmic auditory cueing based training in gait and postural rehabilitation, post-stroke.
Mimicry in viceroy butterflies is dependent on abundance of the model queen butterfly
Authors: Prudic Kathleen L. , Timmermann Barbara N. , Papaj Daniel R. , Ritland David B. , Oliver Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2019

Mimics should not exist without their models, yet often they do. In the system involving queen and viceroy butterflies, the viceroy is both mimic and co-model depending on the local abundance of the model, the queen. Here, we integrate population surveys, chemical analyses, and predator behavior assays to demonstrate how mimics may persist in locations with low-model abundance. As the queen becomes less locally abundant, the viceroy becomes more chemically defended and unpalatable to predators. However, the observed changes in viceroy chemical defense and palatability are not attributable to differing host plant chemical defense profiles. Our results suggest that mimetic viceroy populations are maintained at localities of low-model abundance through an increase in their toxicity. Sharing the burden of predator education in some places but not others may also lower the fitness cost of warning signals thereby supporting the origin and maintenance of aposematism.
Single hole spin relaxation probed by fast single-shot latched charge sensing
Authors: Bogan Alex , Studenikin Sergei , Korkusinski Marek , Gaudreau Louis , Zawadzki Piotr , Sachrajda Andy , Tracy Lisa , Reno John , Hargett Terry
Published: February 2019

Hole spins have recently emerged as attractive candidates for solid-state qubits for quantum computing. Their state can be manipulated electrically by taking advantage of the strong spin-orbit interaction (SOI). Crucially, these systems promise longer spin coherence lifetimes owing to their weak interactions with nuclear spins as compared to electron spin qubits. Here we measure the spin relaxation time T1 of a single hole in a GaAs gated lateral double quantum dot device. We propose a protocol converting the spin state into long-lived charge configurations by the SOI-assisted spin-flip tunneling between dots. By interrogating the system with a charge detector we extract the magnetic-field dependence of T1 ∝ B−5 for fields larger than B = 0.5 T, suggesting the phonon-assisted Dresselhaus SOI as the relaxation channel. This coupling limits the measured values of T1 from ~400 ns at B = 1.5 T up to ~60 μs at B = 0.5 T.
Biomaterial Control of Therapeutic Stem Cells
Authors: Higuchi Akon
Published: February 2019

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which cover both human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), show promise for drug discovery and regenerative medicine applications. These stem cells cannot be cultured on conventional tissue culture dishes but on biomaterials that have specific interactions with the hPSCs. Differentiation is regulated by the biological and physical cues conferred by the biomaterial. This book provides a systematic treatment of these topics bridging the gap between fundamental biomaterials research of stem cells and their use in clinical trials.

The author looks at hPSC culture on a range of biomaterial substrates. Differentiation and control of hESCs and iPSCs into cardiomyocytes, osteoblasts, neural lineages and hepatocytes are covered. The author then considers their translation into stem cell therapies and looks at clinical trials across spinal cord injury, macular degeneration, bone disease and myocardial infarction. Finally, a chapter on future directions closes the book. By using this book, the reader will gain a robust overview of current research and a clearer understanding of the status of clinical trials for stem cell therapies.
A paper-based chemiluminescence immunoassay device for rapid and high-throughput detection of allergen-specific IgE
Authors: Han Xisi , Cao Mengda , Wu Meirong , Wang Yu-Jie , Yu Changmin , Zhang Chengwu , Yu Haidong , Wei Ji-Fu , Li Lin , Huang Wei
Published: February 2019

A paper-based immunoassay device with the advantages of the high-throughput, rapid, sensitive, and highly accurate detection of trace amount of sIgE in real biological samples has been developed.
One-pot, modular approach to functionalized ketones via nucleophilic addition/Buchwald–Hartwig amination strategy
Authors: de Jong Jorn , Heijnen Dorus , Helbert Hugo , Feringa Ben L.
Published: February 2019

A one-pot procedure for 1,2-addition of organolithium reagents to amides followed by Buchwald–Hartwig amination with in situ released lithium amides is presented.
Charge transfer in graphene quantum dots coupled with tetrathiafulvalenes
Authors: Scharl Tobias , Ferrer-Ruiz Andrés , Saura-Sanmartín Adrián , Rodríguez-Pérez Laura , Herranz M. Ángeles , Martín Nazario , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: February 2019

Excited-state investigations with graphene quantum dots reveal slower charge recombination than with carbon nanodots in tetrathiafulvalene nanoconjugates.
Scalable synthesis of core–shell microgel particles using a ‘dry water’ method
Authors: Yang Yang , Pu Wanfen , Xu Xingguang , Wei Bing , Wood Colin D.
Published: February 2019

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates a facile and scalable ‘dry water’ method for producing micrometer-sized microgel particles by use of ‘water-in-air’ droplets as micro-reactors.
Guest–host interactions of nanoconfined anti-cancer drug in metal–organic framework exposed by terahertz dynamics
Authors: Souza Barbara E. , Rudić Svemir , Titov Kirill , Babal Arun S. , Taylor James D. , Tan Jin-Chong
Published: February 2019

Guest–host interactions of mechanochemically synthesized drug@MOF composite systems revealed by inelastic neutron scattering.
Unveiling hidden epitaxial interfaces in novel SnO2/Zn2SnO4 core–shell nanowires with a multi-domain shield via cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Xu Bojia , Cao Baobao
Published: February 2019

Hidden epitaxial interfaces were revealed via cross-sectional TEM study of novel quasi-hexagonal SnO2/Zn2SnO4 core–shell nanowires.
Fast Nosé–Hoover thermostat: molecular dynamics in quasi-thermodynamic equilibrium
Authors: Sidler Dominik , Riniker Sereina
Published: February 2019

An extension of the Nosé–Hoover thermostat equation for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is introduced, which perturbs fast degrees of freedom out of canonical equilibrium, while preserving the average temperature of the system.
Cations brought together by hydrogen bonds: the protonated pyridine–boronic acid dimer explained
Authors: Iribarren Íñigo , Montero-Campillo M. Merced , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José , Quiñonero David
Published: February 2019

Stable dimers of protonated pyridine–boronic acid are found in the gas phase and solvent models. The importance of electrostatics is discussed.
Reaction pathways for HCN on transition metal surfaces
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Mohammed , Feng Xu , Muir Mark , Ghale Kushal , Xu Ye , Trenary Michael
Published: February 2019

Two HCN molecules, adsorbed at 85 K in an upright orientation, react to form the aminocarbyne species, CNH2, on Pd(111) when the surface is heated to 200 K.
Isostructural phase transition, quasielastic neutron scattering and magnetic resonance studies of a bistable dielectric ion-pair crystal [(CH3)2NH2]2KCr(CN)6
Authors: Rok M. , Bator G. , Zarychta B. , Dziuk B. , Repeć J. , Medycki W. , Zamponi M. , Usevičius G. , Šimėnas M. , Banys J.
Published: February 2019

Ferroelastic phase transition in novel HOIP crystal with dielectric switchable properties.
Effect of maturity and mineralogy on fluid-rock reactions in the Marcellus Shale
Authors: Pilewski John , Sharma Shikha , Agrawal Vikas , Hakala J. Alexandra , Stuckman Mengling Y.
Published: February 2019

Maturity and mineralogy of shale significantly controls dissolution/precipitation reactions and release of organic contaminants during hydraulic fracturing.
Changes in riparian hydrology and biogeochemistry following storm events at a restored agricultural stream
Authors: Welsh Molly K. , Vidon Philippe G. , McMillan Sara K.
Published: February 2019

Storm timing, characteristics (duration, magnitude, and intensity), and antecedent conditions influence pollutant release and retention in riparian zones.
Chemical reduction of graphene enhances in vivo translocation and photosynthetic inhibition in pea plants
Authors: Chen Lingyun , Wang Chenglong , Yang Shengnan , Guan Xin , Zhang Qiangqiang , Shi Mengyao , Yang Sheng-Tao , Chen Chunying , Chang Xue-Ling
Published: February 2019

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was translocated into leaves and inhibited the activity of photosystem II by damaging the oxygen-evolving-complex on the donor side.
Separating extracellular vesicles and lipoproteinsviaacoustofluidics
Authors: Wu Mengxi , Chen Chuyi , Wang Zeyu , Bachman Hunter , Ouyang Yingshi , Huang Po-Hsun , Sadovsky Yoel , Huang Tony Jun
Published: February 2019

Extracellular vesicles and lipoprotein contents are separated based on their acoustic constrast factors.
Morphological effects on polymeric mixed ionic/electronic conductors
Authors: Onorato Jonathan W. , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: February 2019

A review highlighting the implications of morphology on the mixed conduction performance of polymers.
Sur-/interfacial regulation in all-solid-state rechargeable Li-ion batteries based on inorganic solid-state electrolytes: advances and perspectives
Authors: Liang Longwei , Sun Xuan , Zhang Jinyang , Sun Jinfeng , Hou Linrui , Liu Yang , Yuan Changzhou
Published: February 2019

Advances in sur-/interfacial regulation in all-solid-state rechargeable Li-ion batteries based on inorganic solid-state electrolytes are reviewed and promising perspectives are proposed.
The effect of the structure and oxygen defects on the simultaneous removal of NOx and soot by La2−xBaxCuO4
Authors: Mao Lei , Zhao Xuteng , Xiao Youhong , Dong Guojun
Published: February 2019

La2−xBaxCuO4(x = 0–0.6) perovskite-like oxides were prepared by the citric acid sol–gel method.
AgCuO2 as a novel bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting in alkaline media
Authors: Kamali Moghaddam Saeideh , Seyed Ahmadian Seyed Masoud , Haghighi Behzad
Published: February 2019

AgCuO2 behaves as an efficient electrocatalyst with a low onset potential of about 29 mV for the HER in 1.0 M KOH.
Shape-control of one-dimensional PtNi nanostructures as efficient electrocatalysts for alcohol electrooxidation
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Yangping , Song Pingping , Wang Jin , Yan Bo , Sun Qiwen , Li Lei , Zhu Xing , Du Yukou
Published: February 2019

A series of 1D PtNi NWs with modulated morphology, anisotropy and superior flexibility could serve as promising electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation reactions, showing improved catalytic activity and stability.
Pd-loaded SnO2 hierarchical nanospheres for a high dynamic range H2S micro sensor
Authors: Su Yue , Chen Peng , Wang Pengjian , Ge Jing , Hu Shi , Zhao Yuxin , Xie Gang , Liang Wenjie , Song Peng
Published: February 2019

The sensitivity of Pd-loaded SnO2 nanosphere sensor to H2S gas: micro gas sensors based on Pd-loaded SnO2 nanospheres have credible gas detection abilities down to 10 ppb and 4 orders of magnitude concentration detection ranges.
Effect of metal-doped VPO catalysts for the aldol condensation of acetic acid and formaldehyde to acrylic acid
Authors: Wang Yumeng , Hou Yuelin , Hao Xue , Wang Zhenlu , Zhu Wanchun
Published: February 2019

The acidity of the catalyst is a major factor affecting the catalytic performance of the catalyst. It is presumed that B acid is the main active site of this reaction, and a moderate amount of acid is favorable to facilitate the reaction.
Quantification of azide groups on a material surface and a biomolecule using a clickable and cleavable fluorescent compound
Authors: Sakai Rika , Iguchi Hiroki , Maruyama Tatsuo
Published: February 2019

We propose a novel method for quantifying azide groups on a solid surface and a protein.
Catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste for the production of liquid fuels for engines
Authors: Budsaereechai Supattra , Hunt Andrew J. , Ngernyen Yuvarat
Published: February 2019

Catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics using low cost binder-free pelletized bentonite clay has been investigated to yield pyrolysis oils as drop-in replacements for commercial liquid fuels such as diesel and gasohol 91.
Relation between superheated temperature and cooling rate for deep supercooled niobium melt
Authors: Sun Hui , Jian Zengyun , Jiang Bingqing , Xu Junfeng , Zhang Tiantian
Published: February 2019

Research into the conditions for forming uniform melt-free crystal sites and the effect of the melt state on solidification behaviors is theoretically significant and has valuable applications.
One-step MOF-derived Co/Co9S8 nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen ternary-doped porous carbon: an efficient electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Du Jiao , Wang Rui , Lv Ya-Ru , Wei Yong-Li , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: February 2019

Co/Co9S8 nanoparticles encapsulated in a N, S, and O ternary-doped carbon matrix were synthesized utilizing a Co-NSOMOF as a single precursor, and they exhibited excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activity for the OER and HER.
Efficient visible light-driven water oxidation catalysed by an iron(iv) clathrochelate complex
Authors: Shylin Sergii I. , Pavliuk Mariia V. , D’Amario Luca , Mamedov Fikret , Sá Jacinto , Berggren Gustav , Fritsky Igor O.
Published: February 2019

A robust iron(iv) cage complex catalyses homogeneous photochemical oxidation of water to dioxygen with the turnover frequency of 2.27 s−1.
A visible light photoredox catalyzed carbon radical-mediated generation of ortho-quinone methides for 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran synthesis
Authors: Zhou Fan , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiao-Peng , Chen Jia-Rong , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: February 2019

A visible light photoredox-catalyzed carbon radical-mediated strategy for in situ formation of ortho-quinone methides from 2-vinyl phenols towards 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran synthesis is described.
Diastereoselective synthesis of cyclopropanes bearing trifluoromethyl-substituted all-carbon quaternary centers from 2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-enynes beyond fluorine elimination
Authors: Chen Shujie , Zhang Jinhui , Yang Mingfeng , Liu Fenggang , Xie Zhipeng , Liu Yunlin , Lin Wenxia , Wang Daru , Li Xiangrui , Wang Jiahai
Published: February 2019

Highly diastereoselective cyclopropanations of trifluoromethylenynes with sulfur ylides deliver cyclopropanes bearing trifluoromethyl-substituted all-carbon quaternary centers.
Opportunities and challenges for electrochemistry in studying the electronic structure of nanocrystals
Authors: Weber Michelle , Westendorf Sophia , Märker Björn , Braun Kai , Scheele Marcus
Published: February 2019

We review the state-of-the-art of determining the electronic structure of nanocrystals in thin films by electrochemistry and emphasize the benefits of correlating electrochemical with spectroscopic methods to this end.
On the role of micro-porosity in affecting the environmental stability of atomic/molecular layer deposited (ZnO)a(Zn–O–C6H4–O)b films
Authors: Aghaee Morteza , Niemelä Janne-Petteri , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Creatore Mariadriana
Published: February 2019

Correlation between the porosity and environmental stability of Zn-based hybrid multilayer films is studied by means of ellipsometric porosimetry.
Emergence of complex chiral coordination clusters {CuII48Na12} by using multiple ligands under oxidizing conditions
Authors: Meng Wei , Ye Hongfang , Liu Shuai , Xu Feng , Xu Weijian
Published: February 2019

Two chiral coordination clusters {CuII48Na12} were assembled unexpectedly with in situ formed C6 from a system resembling the long-studied Fehling's solution.
Biocompatible ruthenium polypyridyl complexes as efficient radiosensitizers
Authors: Xiong Zushuang , Zhong Jing-Xiang , Zhao Zhennan , Chen Tianfeng
Published: February 2019

A biocompatible ruthenium polypyridyl complex has been rationally designed, which could self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution to enhance the solubility and biocompatibility, and could synergistically realize simultaneous cancer chemo-radiotherapy.
A decanuclear [DyIII6ZnII4] cluster: a {ZnII4} rectangle surrounding an octahedral {DyIII6} single molecule magnet
Authors: Stavgianoudaki Nikoleta , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , Lorusso Giulia , Evangelisti Marco , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: February 2019

The synthesis, structure and magnetic relaxation properties of a decanuclear [DyIII6ZnII4] complex are reported.