bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On p-adic string amplitudes in the limit p approaches to one
Authors: Bocardo-Gaspar M. , García-Compeán H. , Zúñiga-Galindo W. A.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

In this article we discuss the limit p approaches to one of tree-level p-adic open string amplitudes and its connections with the topological zeta functions. There is empirical evidence that p-adic strings are related to the ordinary strings in the p → 1 limit. Previously, we established that p-adic Koba-Nielsen string amplitudes are finite sums of multivariate Igusa’s local zeta functions, consequently, they are convergent integrals that admit meromorphic continuations as rational functions. The meromorphic continuation of local zeta functions has been used for several authors to regularize parametric Feynman amplitudes in field and string theories. Denef and Loeser established that the limit p → 1 of a Igusa’s local zeta function gives rise to an object called topological zeta function. By using Denef-Loeser’s theory of topological zeta functions, we show that limit p → 1 of tree-level p-adic string amplitudes give rise to certain amplitudes, that we have named Denef-Loeser string amplitudes. Gerasimov and Shatashvili showed that in limit p → 1 the well-known non-local effective Lagrangian (reproducing the tree-level p-adic string amplitudes) gives rise to a simple Lagrangian with a logarithmic potential. We show that the Feynman amplitudes of this last Lagrangian are precisely the amplitudes introduced here. Finally, the amplitudes for four and five points are computed explicitly.
Enhanced Recovery in Liver Transplantation: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Brustia Raffaele , Monsel Antoine , Conti Filomena , Savier Eric , Rousseau Geraldine , Perdigao Fabiano , Bernard Denis , Eyraud Daniel , Loncar Yann , Langeron Olivier , Scatton Olivier
Published: August 2018

Background

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes after surgery are effective in reducing length of stay, functional recovery and complication rates in liver surgery (LS) with the indirect advantage of reducing hospitalisation costs. Preoperative comorbidities, challenging surgical procedures and complex post‐operative management are the points that liver transplantation (LT) shares with LS. Nevertheless, there is little evidence regarding the feasibility and safety of ERAS programmes in LT.

Methods

We designed a pilot, small‐scale, feasibility study to assess the impact on hospital stay, protocol compliance and safety of an ERAS programme tailored for LT. The ERAS arm was compared with a 1:2 match paired control arm with similar characteristics. All patients with MELD <25 were included. A dedicated LT‐tailored protocol was derived from publications on ERAS liver surgery.

Results

Ten patients were included in the Fast‐Trans arm. It was observed a 47% reduction of the total LOS, as compared to the control arm: 9.5 (9.0–10.5) days versus 18.0 (14.3–24.3) days, respectively, p <0.001. The protocol achieved 72.9% compliance. No differences were observed in terms of post‐operative complications or readmission rates after discharge between the two arms. Overall, it was observed a reduction of length of stay in ICU and surgical ward in the Fast‐Trans arm compared with the control arm.

Conclusion

Considered the main points in common between LS and LT, this small‐scale study suggests that the application of an ERAS programme tailored to the LT setting is feasible. Further testing will be appropriate to generalise these findings.
Community pharmacists’ knowledge and perspectives of reporting adverse drug reactions in Australia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Li Raymond , Curtain Colin , Bereznicki Luke , Zaidi Syed Tabish Razi
Published: August 2018

Background Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by healthcare professionals is prevalent worldwide. Community pharmacists are the most frequently visited healthcare professional and are well placed to document ADRs as a part of their routine practice. Objective To measure community pharmacists’ knowledge and perspectives towards ADR reporting and their reporting practices. Setting Community pharmacists in the New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania, Australia. Method A survey tool consisting of 28 items was developed, piloted and validated by a panel of expert reviewers. The final anonymised survey was distributed online to community pharmacists. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used to measure the validity and reliability of the tool, respectively. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyse knowledge, perspectives and ADR reporting practices. Main outcome measures: Knowledge, perceived importance, enablers and barriers to reporting ADRs. Results The survey tool showed acceptable validity and reliability. A total of 232 respondents completed the survey. The median knowledge score was 5 out of 10 (interquartile range, 2). Less than a third of respondents (31.0%) reported sufficient knowledge and training on ADR reporting. Only 35.3% of pharmacists reported at least one ADR in the previous 12 months. Non-reporting pharmacists were more likely to report lack of time as a barrier (P < 0.001), conversely they were more likely to report if the practice was remunerated (P = 0.007). Conclusion Under-reporting of ADRs by community pharmacists is highly prevalent. Initiatives to educate and train them on ADR reporting and simplifying the reporting process may improve reporting practices.
Kinds behaving badly: intentional action and interactive kinds
Authors: Allen Sophie R.
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates interactive kinds, a class of kinds suggested by Ian Hacking for which classification generates a feedback loop between the classifiers and what is classified, and argues that human interactive kinds should be distinguished from non-human ones. First, I challenge the claim that there is nothing ontologically special about interactive kinds in virtue of their members beingclassifiedas such. To do so, I reject Cooper’s counterexample to Hacking’s thesis that kind descriptions are necessary for intentional action, arguing that classification (although not necessarily linguistic description) is required for intentional action. Having considered ways to characterise the metaphysics of interactive kinds and the semantics of kind terms, I argue that the fact that classification facilitates intentional action makes human interactive kinds ontologically distinctive because of the anomalous nature of the change which the kind-classification brings about. I then briefly examine further distinguishing features of human interactive kinds.
Evolution of dementia diagnosis over time (1988–2013): Evidence from French and English cohorts. Implication for secular trends analyses
Authors: Grasset Leslie , Matthews Fiona E. , Pérès Karine , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Helmer Catherine , Dartigues Jean‐François , Brayne Carol
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The aims of this study are to examine the evolution of clinical dementia diagnosis over 3 decades and to investigate secular trends of dementia.

Methods

Four cohorts covering a period from 1988 to 2013 were used: the Personnes Agées Quid and Three‐City‐Bordeaux studies, and the Cognitive Function and Aging Study (CFAS) I and II. Mini–Mental State Examination scores at clinical diagnosis were evaluated over a 24‐year follow‐up period in French studies. An algorithmic approach was applied to CFAS I and II to provide dementia prevalence and incidence estimates.

Results

A significant increase of the Mini–Mental State Examination score at diagnosis was observed until 2000 and a significant decrease after. We reported a prevalence of 8.8% for CFAS I (1990–1993) compared with a prevalence of 6.5% in CFAS II (2008–2011). The 2‐year incidence rate was estimated at 31.2/1000 (95% confidence interval = 28.0–34.8) for CFAS I and 15.0/1000 (95% confidence interval = 13.5–16.7) for CFAS II.

Discussion

Applying a stable algorithm to different cohorts across time can provide a robust method for time trends estimation.
Can endocan be a new biomarker in ventilator‐associated pneumonia?
Authors: Kupeli Ilke , Salcan Sara , Kuzucu Mehmet , Kuyrukluyıldız Ufuk
Published: August 2018

Ventilator‐Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a hospital‐acquired bacterial infection with high incidence and mortality rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the Endocan level and development of VAP and whether or not this correlation was correlated with the clinical findings. Demographic data, white blood cell (WBC) count, procalcitonin (PCT), c‐reactive protein (CRP), and fever levels of 60 patients were recorded in serial measurements for 5 days. When there was the presence of fever or elevated Endocan, alveolar lavage culture was taken and chest radiographies were taken. Correlations of the Endocan levels with the culture results and laboratory values were examined. The rate of VAP was found as 10.4/1000 mechanical ventilator days. Endocan levels were significantly higher in patients with VAP (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference among PCT, WBC, CRP measurements (p > 0.05). No correlation was found between Endocan levels and PCT, WBC and CRP levels in those with VAP (p > 0.05). A significant correlation was found between the Endocan level and the elevated fever 24 h later (p:0.001). The serum Endocan level on the day 3 had a specificity of 73.3%, a sensitivity of 68.9%, positive predictive value of 44%, and negative predictive value of 88.5% at the cut off level of 9.17 ng/mL. In this study, it was determined that high Endocan levels were associated with the development of VAP. The present study suggested that Endocan can be used as a screening tool for the development of VAP.

Clinical Trials.gov ID

NCT02916277.
Affective Neuroscience Theory and Personality: An Update
Authors: Montag Christian , Davis Kenneth L.
Published: August 2018

The present work gives a short overview of central aspects of Jaak Panksepp’sAffective Neuroscience Theory(AN theory) and its relevance for modern personality neuroscience. In contrast to the widely used Big Five approach to studying and understanding human personality, AN theory provides researchers with a distinct roadmap to the biological basis of personality, including molecular and neuroanatomical candidates, to understand individual differences in human behavior. Such molecular and neuroanatomical brain candidates have been derived by means of electrical brain stimulation and pharmacological challenges, while investigating primary emotional systems anchored in the subcortical mammalian brain. Research results derived from the study of emotions in mammals are also of relevance for humans because ancient layers of our minds—those layers where primary emotions originate—have been homologously conserved across species. From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense because primal emotions represent “built-in tools for survival” for all mammals. In this context, Montag and Panksepp recently illustrated a potential ancient neurobiological effect by carving out robust associations between individual differences in primary emotions (assessed via self-report) and the Big Five in a cross-cultural study with data from the United States, Germany, and China. These associations together with some ideas derived from MacLean’s Triune Brain concept highlighted (a) that primary emotions likely represent the phylogenetically oldest parts of human personality and (b) that primary emotions influence human personality in a bottom-up fashion given their localization in ancient subcortical brain regions. A comment on the work by Montag and Panksepp asked for insights on putative links between primary emotions and facets of the Big Five. Therefore, we provide some first insights into such associations from recent Germany data. In addition, the present work provides a new short version of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales to assess individual differences in primary emotions.
Kantian Constructivism and the Normativity of Practical Identities
Authors: BROWN ÉTIENNE
Published: August 2018

Many neo-Aristotelians argue that practical identities are normative, that is, they provide us with reasons for action and create binding obligations. Kantian constructivists agree with this insight but argue that contemporary Aristotelians fail to fully justify it. Practical identities are normative, Kantian constructivists contend, but their normativity necessarily derives from the normativity of humanity. In this paper, I shed light on this underexplored similarity between neo-Aristotelian and Kantian constructivist accounts of the normativity of practical identities, and argue that both ultimately fail. I end by suggesting an alternative justification of the claim that practical identities are normative.
SOME RESULTS OF THE -APPROXIMATION PROPERTY FOR BANACH SPACES
Authors: KIM JU MYUNG
Published: August 2018

Given a Banach operator ideal $\mathcal A$, we investigate the approximation property related to the ideal of $\mathcal A$-compact operators, $\mathcal K_{\mathcal A}$-AP. We prove that a Banach space X has the $\mathcal K_{\mathcal A}$-AP if and only if there exists a λ ≥ 1 such that for every Banach space Y and every R ∈ $\mathcal K_{\mathcal A}$(Y, X),

$$
\begin{equation}
R \in \overline {\{SR : S \in \mathcal F(X, X), \|SR\|_{\mathcal K_{\mathcal A}} \leq \lambda \|R\|_{\mathcal K_{\mathcal A}}\}}^{\tau_{c}}.
\end{equation}
$$

For a surjective, maximal and right-accessible Banach operator ideal $\mathcal A$, we prove that a Banach space X has the $\mathcal K_{(\mathcal A^{{\rm adj}})^{{\rm dual}}}$-AP if the dual space of X has the $\mathcal K_{\mathcal A}$-AP.
THE SOUL OF, THE SOUL IN ITSELF, AND THE FLYING MAN EXPERIMENT
Authors: Alpina Tommaso
Published: August 2018

In Avicenna's Nafs there are two investigations that run in parallel from its very beginning: (a) the investigation of the soul as a relational entity, always considered in connection with the body, and (b) that of the human soul in itself. Both investigations aim at ascertaining the existence and the essence of the soul, in relation to the body, of which it is the soul, and in itself respectively. The aim of this contribution is to reconstruct the phases of these investigations, in order to single out the way in which they are mutually related to each other, and to detect what acts as an indicator of the transition from the first, more general investigation to the second, more specific one. In my reconstruction, this role is assigned to the Flying Man experiment. In order to corroborate this interpretation, passages from three other Avicennian works (Ḥikma mašriqiyya or al-Mašriqiyyūn, Kitāb al-Išārāt wa-l-Tanbīhāt, and Risāla Aḍḥawiyya fī l-ma‘ād) are taken into account, since they contain the three other attested formulations of the Flying Man experiment, and an argumentative move similar to the one detectable in the Nafs.
Evaluation of various dose homogeneity indices for treatment of patients with cervix cancer using intensity-modulated radiation therapy technique
Authors: Atiq Atia , Atiq Maria , Iqbal Khalid , Shamsi Quratul Ain , Buzdar Saeed Ahmad
Published: August 2018

Aim

This study is primarily aimed at the analysis of various dose homogeneity indices (HIs) essential for the evaluation of therapeutic plans by employing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on patients with cervix cancer. Also integral dose (ID) to healthy surrounding organs is computed.

Materials and methods

Effectiveness of different HIs (A, B, C, D) was explored for IMRT plans using 15 MV photon beam. In total, 18 patients were selected at random for treatment of cervix cancer, and dose of 5,040 cGy was delivered in 28 equal fractions.

Results

The study was undertaken to compare four HI formulas and coefficient of determination between each set of HI was known by calculatingR2value. Mean±SD of HI A, HI B, HI C and HI D were 1·12±0·02, 0·13±0·04, 0·10±0·02 and 0·99±0·03, respectively. Mean value of ID for rectum is 3·16 and for bladder is 10·3.

Findings

Our data suggested that HI calculated using four formulas provided good plan quality. The results advocate that all the studied HIs can be effectively used for assessment of uniformity inside the target volume. However, values of HI C were closest to ideal value as compared with other three formulas; hence, it is considered a better measure to compute homogeneity of dose within target volume. The ID gives satisfactory results for surrounding normal tissues such as rectum and bladder and significant critical tissue sparing was achieved by using IMRT technique.
Autismus im Beruf
Authors: Proft Julia , Gawronski Astrid , Krämer Katharina , Schoofs Theresa , Kockler Hanna , Vogeley Kai
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Obwohl Personen mit hochfunktionalem Autismus häufig gute bis sehr gute Bildungsabschlüsse erreichen und sich für einen Beruf qualifizieren, sind sie häufig von Arbeitslosigkeit bedroht. In einer offenen Befragung wurden 102 spätdiagnostizierte erwachsene Patienten hinsichtlich ihres schulischen und beruflichen Werdeganges, ihrer berufsbezogenen Erfahrungen sowie Wünsche befragt. Davon beantworteten 29 Personen die offenen Fragen vollständig. Die Freitextanworten wurden mithilfe der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse systematisch ausgewertet. Die Analyse der schulischen und beruflichen Werdegänge ergab, dass die befragten Personen überwiegend gut ausgebildet sind, aber 45 % zum Befragungszeitpunkt arbeitslos waren. Die Analyse der Erfahrungen ergab, dass Problembereiche vor allem mit den beschriebenen Kernsymptomen von Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (ASS) und neuropsychologischen Auffälligkeiten assoziiert sind. Weitere Faktoren wie ein Mangel an Unterstützung und Akzeptanz durch das berufliche Umfeld sowie ungeeignete Unterstützungsmaßnahmen durch Institutionen können den Leidensdruck der Betroffenen weiter verstärken. Geäußerte Wünsche ergaben einen konkreten Unterstützungsbedarf an autismusspezifischen Angeboten. Im Rahmen eines Modellprojekts wird darauf aufbauend ein Maßnahmenkatalog zur beruflichen Integration von Menschen mit ASS entwickelt.
Geschlechtsunterschiede im Zusammenhang zwischen Persönlichkeit und sozialer Kompetenz im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Daseking Monika , Petermann Franz
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Das Konzept der sozialen Kompetenz spielt in vielen psychologischen Anwendungsfeldern eine wichtige Rolle. Soziale Kompetenzen bilden die Grundlage für sozial kompetentes Verhalten, wobei Persönlichkeitsmerkmale die Qualität menschlicher Interaktionsmuster und damit die Entwicklung sozialer Kompetenzen beeinflussen. Um den Zusammenhang zwischen Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen und sozialen Kompetenzen zu ermitteln, wurden die Selbstaussagen von N = 449 Personen (Alter: 16 bis 65 Jahre) im Inventar sozialer Kompetenzen (ISK) und im Münchner Persönlichkeitstest (MPT) berücksichtigt. T-Tests zu geschlechtsbezogenen Unterschieden in den Merkmalsausprägungen ergaben bei geringen Effektstärken signifikante Differenzen in der ISK-Skala Soziale Orientierung (F = 2.503, df = 447, p = .039, d = 0.24) und im Persönlichkeitsmerkmal Frustrationstoleranz (F = –3.585, df = 447, p = .000, d = –0.35). Es zeigen sich erwartungsgemäß hohe Korrelationen für die Persönlichkeitsmerkmale Extraversion, Frustrationstoleranz und Neurotizismus zu den Primär- und Sekundärskalen der sozialen Kompetenzen. Positiven Korrelationen der sozialen Kompetenzen mit Frustrationstoleranz stehen negative Korrelationen mit Neurotizismus gegenüber. Zur Vorhersage der Facetten der sozialen Kompetenzen tragen neben Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen weitere Merkmale wie Bildungsabschluss und Berufsgruppenzugehörigkeit bei.
Digitale Rentner/-innen?
Authors: Seifert Alexander , Schelling Hans Rudolf
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Das Internet gewinnt immer mehr an Bedeutung im Alltag, dennoch nutzen ältere Menschen dieses Medium weniger als jüngere. Eine Schweizer Studie untersuchte die Internetnutzung bzw. -nichtnutzung von Personen ab 65 Jahren.
Conception de sites web adaptée à l’âge
Authors: Seifert Alexander , Darvishy Alireza , Roth Stephan
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. Les sites Web doivent « être adaptés à l’âge et utilisables par tous ». Cette exigence a été explorée dans un projet de recherche interdisciplinaire qui a débouché sur une brochure utile pour la pratique.
Als Gerontologe in der Telekommunikation
Authors: Schelling Hans Rudolf
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Reto Weber, Absolvent des CAS-Lehrgangs Gerontologie an der Universität Zürich und Senior Produkt Manager bei Swisscom, stellt im Interview mit Hans Rudolf Schelling sich und seine berufliche Tätigkeit in der Telekommunikationsbranche vor.
Herausforderungen und Chancen der „Silver Economy“ – Beispiel Frankreich
Authors: Zimmer Benjamin
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Silver Economy umfasst alle Warenhersteller und/oder Dienstleister, die die Bedürfnisse von Senioren und ihrem Umfeld erfüllen. Sie ist branchenübergreifend mit zahlreichen Tätigkeitsfeldern – von der Gesundheit über den Baubereich, Dienstleistungen, Kosmetik und Kommunikation bis hin zu Transport oder Freizeit usw. – und hat die Schaffung eines ökonomischen, sozialen und gesellschaftlichen Mehrwerts zum Ziel. Dieses auf Senioren bezogene wirtschaftliche Konzept verspricht große Chancen für Wachstum, Produktion und Beschäftigung und wird von öffentlichen Stellen als eine bevorzugte Industriebranche präsentiert.
Le vieil homme et son robot
Authors: Seifert Kurt
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. Le film ﻿Robot & Frank﻿ traite de la relation entre l’homme et la machine et tourne autour de la question de savoir si le monde virtuel peut remplacer ce dont les hommes ont besoin : des relations qui transmettent un message.
The Distributions of Iron Average Charge States in Small Flux Ropes in Interplanetary Space: Clues to Their Twisted Structures
Authors: Huang Jia , Liu Yong C.‐M. , Peng Jun , Qi Zhaohui , Li Hui , Klecker Berndt , Song Hongqiang , Zheng Jinlei , Hu Qiang
Published: August 2018

Small flux ropes (SFRs) have been studied for decades, but their source regions and formation mechanisms are still under debate. In this study, we focus on the formation mechanism of the twisted structures of SFRs. Current research on magnetic clouds suggests five‐type distributions of the time structure of iron average charge states (Q), which imply different formation mechanisms of twisted structures. We use a similar method to identify the Q types of 25 SFRs. However, only four of these five types of distributions are found among these SFRs. Because different origins of SFRs are characteristically affecting the formation of Q types, the possible source regions of these SFRs are distinguished. With additional compositional parameters, SFRs are reconfirmed to originate from two types of source regions: the solar corona and the interplanetary medium. Based on these results, our analysis indicates that the twisted structures of SFRs originating from the solar corona may be formed predominately during eruptions. SFRs originating from interplanetary space are related to complex magnetic reconnection processes, which may result in intricate Q distributions due to the reconstruction of magnetic field topology.
Interflow Is Not Binary: A Continuous Shallow Perched Layer Does Not Imply Continuous Connectivity
Authors: Klaus Julian , Jackson C. Rhett
Published: August 2018

Hillslopes exert critical controls on the quality and quantity of downstream waters. To understand and model dominant headwater catchment processes, we need to estimate the relative importance of different runoff generation processes. In this work we analyze published data from studies of 17 hillslopes from a range of landscapes to better understand the relative role of interflow, that is, shallow lateral subsurface flow moving over a layer impeding percolation, in streamflow generation. For each slope, we calculated downslope interflow travel distances, that is, the potential distance a water parcel travels downslope above an impeding layer until it percolates into the impeding layer. The downslope travel distances for the 17 hillslopes ranged from around 1 m to several hundred meters. The vector analysis of downslope travel distances revealed that all but three hillslopes had slope lengths that were much longer than downslope travel distances. For the remaining 14 cases we could show that most water perched above a shallow impeding layer percolates through the impeding layer before reaching the valley or the stream channel. Thus, interflow usually contributes directly to valley water or streamflow only from the lower portions of the hillslope in most landscapes. A critical finding of our analysis is that a continuously perched saturated zone with downslope flow does not imply continuous connectivity to the stream. Such a continuous connectivity is the exception rather than the rule in most landscapes. Future hillslope and headwater processes and modeling studies will need to account for this.
Brain-computer-interface-based intervention re-normalizes brain functional network topology in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Qian Xing , Loo Beatrice Rui Yi , Castellanos Francisco Xavier , Liu Siwei , Koh Hui Li , Poh Xue Wei Wendy , Krishnan Ranga , Fung Daniel , Chee Michael WL , Guan Cuntai , Lee Tih-Shih , Lim Choon Guan , Zhou Juan
Published: August 2018

A brain-computer-interface (BCI)-based attention training game system has shown promise for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with inattentive symptoms. However, little is known about brain network organizational changes underlying behavior improvement following BCI-based training. To cover this gap, we aimed to examine the topological alterations of large-scale brain functional networks induced by the 8-week BCI-based attention intervention in ADHD boys using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging method. Compared to the non-intervention (ADHD-NI) group, the intervention group (ADHD-I) showed greater reduction of inattention symptoms accompanied with differential brain network reorganizations after training. Specifically, the ADHD-NI group had increased functional connectivity (FC) within the salience/ventral attention network (SVN) and increased FC between task-positive networks (including the SVN, dorsal attention (DAN), somatomotor, and executive control network) and subcortical regions; in contrast ADHD-I group did not have this pattern. In parallel, ADHD-I group had reduced degree centrality and clustering coefficient as well as increased closeness in task-positive and the default mode networks (prefrontal regions) after the training. More importantly, these reduced local functional processing mainly in the SVN were associated with less inattentive/internalizing problems after 8-week BCI-based intervention across ADHD patients. Our findings suggest that the BCI-based attention training facilitates behavioral improvement in ADHD children by reorganizing brain functional network from more regular to more random configurations, particularly renormalizing salience network processing. Future long-term longitudinal neuroimaging studies are needed to develop the BCI-based intervention approach to promote brain maturation in ADHD.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of autoimmune encephalopathy in children with autism
Authors: Connery Kathleen , Tippett Marie , Delhey Leanna M. , Rose Shannon , Slattery John C. , Kahler Stephen G. , Hahn Juergen , Kruger Uwe , Cunningham Madeleine W. , Shimasaki Craig , Frye Richard E.
Published: August 2018

The identification of brain-targeted autoantibodies in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) raises the possibility of autoimmune encephalopathy (AIE). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is effective for AIE and for some children with ASD. Here, we present the largest case series of children with ASD treated with IVIG. Through an ASD clinic, we screened 82 children for AIE, 80 of them with ASD. IVIG was recommended for 49 (60%) with 31 (38%) receiving the treatment under our care team. The majority of parents (90%) reported some improvement with 71% reporting improvements in two or more symptoms. In a subset of patients, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and/or Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) were completed before and during IVIG treatment. Statistically significant improvement occurred in the SRS and ABC. The antidopamine D2L receptor antibody, the anti-tubulin antibody and the ratio of the antidopamine D2L to D1 receptor antibodies were related to changes in the ABC. The Cunningham Panel predicted SRS, ABC, parent-based treatment responses with good accuracy. Adverse effects were common (62%) but mostly limited to the infusion period. Only two (6%) patients discontinued IVIG because of adverse effects. Overall, our open-label case series provides support for the possibility that some children with ASD may benefit from IVIG. Given that adverse effects are not uncommon, IVIG treatment needs to be considered cautiously. We identified immune biomarkers in select IVIG responders but larger cohorts are needed to study immune biomarkers in more detail. Our small open-label exploratory trial provides evidence supporting a neuroimmune subgroup in patients with ASD.
HCV-associated exosomes promote myeloid-derived suppressor cell expansion via inhibiting miR-124 to regulate T follicular cell differentiation and function
Authors: Wang Lin , Cao Dechao , Wang Ling , Zhao Juan , Nguyen Lam Nhat , Dang Xindi , Ji Yingjie , Wu Xiao Y. , Morrison Zheng D. , Xie Qian , El Gazzar Mohamed , Ning Shunbin , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q.
Published: August 2018

Virus-infected cells can regulate non-permissive bystander cells, but the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here we report that this process can be mediated by transfer of viral RNA-loaded exosomes shed from infected cells to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which in turn regulate the differentiation and function of T cells during viral infection. Specifically, we demonstrated that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection exhibited significant increases in T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells and decreases in T follicular helper (TFH) cells. These MDSC-mediated T-cell dysregulations resulted in an increased ratio of TFR/TFH and IL-10 production in peripheral blood. Specifically, co-culture of MDSCs derived from HCV patients with healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced expansion of TFR, whereas depletion of MDSCs from PBMCs of HCV patients reduced the increases in TFR frequency and IL-10 production, and promoted the differentiation of IFN-γ-producing TFH cells. Importantly, we found that exosomes isolated from the plasma of HCV patients and supernatant of HCV-infected hepatocytes could drive monocytic myeloid cell differentiation into MDSCs. These exosomes were enriched in tetraspanins, such as CD63 and CD81, and contained HCV RNA, but exosomes isolated from patients with antiviral treatment contained no HCV RNA and could not induce MDSC differentiation. Notably, these HCV RNA-containing exosomes (HCV-Exo) were sufficient to induce MDSCs. Furthermore, incubation of healthy myeloid cells with these HCV-Exo inhibited the expression of miR−124, whereas reconstitution of PBMCs with miR−124 abolished the effects of HCV−Exo on MDSC induction. Taken together, these results indicate that HCV-associated exosomes can transfer immunomodulatory viral RNA from infected cells to neighboring immune cells and trigger MDSC expansion, which subsequently promotes TFR differentiation and inhibits TFH function. This study reveals a previously unrecognized path that represents a novel mechanism of immune dysregulation during chronic viral infection.
Observation of bosonic condensation in a hybrid monolayer MoSe2-GaAs microcavity
Authors: Waldherr Max , Lundt Nils , Klaas Martin , Betzold Simon , Wurdack Matthias , Baumann Vasilij , Estrecho Eliezer , Nalitov Anton , Cherotchenko Evgenia , Cai Hui , Ostrovskaya Elena A. , Kavokin Alexey V. , Tongay Sefaattin , Klembt Sebastian , Höfling Sven , Schneider Christian
Published: August 2018

Bosonic condensation belongs to the most intriguing phenomena in physics, and was mostly reserved for experiments with ultra-cold quantum gases. More recently, it became accessible in exciton-based solid-state systems at elevated temperatures. Here, we demonstrate bosonic condensation driven by excitons hosted in an atomically thin layer of MoSe2, strongly coupled to light in a solid-state resonator. The structure is operated in the regime of collective strong coupling between a Tamm-plasmon resonance, GaAs quantum well excitons, and two-dimensional excitons confined in the monolayer crystal. Polariton condensation in a monolayer crystal manifests by a superlinear increase of emission intensity from the hybrid polariton mode, its density-dependent blueshift, and a dramatic collapse of the emission linewidth, a hallmark of temporal coherence. Importantly, we observe a significant spin-polarization in the injected polariton condensate, a fingerprint for spin-valley locking in monolayer excitons. Our results pave the way towards highly nonlinear, coherent valleytronic devices and light sources.
The first transmembrane region of complement component-9 acts as a brake on its self-assembly
Authors: Spicer Bradley A. , Law Ruby H. P. , Caradoc-Davies Tom T. , Ekkel Sue M. , Bayly-Jones Charles , Pang Siew-Siew , Conroy Paul J. , Ramm Georg , Radjainia Mazdak , Venugopal Hariprasad , Whisstock James C. , Dunstone Michelle A.
Published: August 2018

Complement component 9 (C9) functions as the pore-forming component of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC). During MAC assembly, multiple copies of C9 are sequentially recruited to membrane associated C5b8 to form a pore. Here we determined the 2.2 Å crystal structure of monomeric murine C9 and the 3.9 Å resolution cryo EM structure of C9 in a polymeric assembly. Comparison with other MAC proteins reveals that the first transmembrane region (TMH1) in monomeric C9 is uniquely positioned and functions to inhibit its self-assembly in the absence of C5b8. We further show that following C9 recruitment to C5b8, a conformational change in TMH1 permits unidirectional and sequential binding of additional C9 monomers to the growing MAC. This mechanism of pore formation contrasts with related proteins, such as perforin and the cholesterol dependent cytolysins, where it is believed that pre-pore assembly occurs prior to the simultaneous release of the transmembrane regions.
Ultra-extensible ribbon-like magnetic microswarm
Authors: Yu Jiangfan , Wang Ben , Du Xingzhou , Wang Qianqian , Zhang Li
Published: August 2018

Various types of structures self-organised by animals exist in nature, such as bird flocks and insect swarms, which stem from the local communications of vast numbers of limited individuals. Through the designing of algorithms and wireless communication, robotic systems can emulate some complex swarm structures in nature. However, creating a swarming robotic system at the microscale that embodies functional collective behaviours remains a challenge. Herein, we report a strategy to reconfigure paramagnetic nanoparticles into ribbon-like swarms using oscillating magnetic fields, and the mechanisms are analysed. By tuning the input fields, the microswarm can perform a reversible elongation with an extremely high aspect ratio, as well as splitting and merging. Moreover, we investigate the behaviours of the microswarm when it encounters solid boundaries, and demonstrate that under navigation, the colloidal microswarm passes through confined channel networks towards multiple targets with high access rates and high swarming pattern stability.
Intracellular interleukin-32γ mediates antiviral activity of cytokines against hepatitis B virus
Authors: Kim Doo Hyun , Park Eun-Sook , Lee Ah Ram , Park Soree , Park Yong Kwang , Ahn Sung Hyun , Kang Hong Seok , Won Ju Hee , Ha Yea Na , Jae ByeongJune , Kim Dong-Sik , Chung Woo-Chang , Song Moon Jung , Kim Kee-Hwan , Park Seung Hwa , Kim Soo-Hyun , Kim Kyun-Hwan
Published: August 2018

Cytokines are involved in early host defense against pathogen infections. In particular, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) have critical functions in non-cytopathic elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms and mediator molecules are largely unknown. Here we show that interleukin-32 (IL-32) is induced by TNF and IFN-γ in hepatocytes, and inhibits the replication of HBV by acting intracellularly to suppress HBV transcription and replication. The gamma isoform of IL-32 (IL-32γ) inhibits viral enhancer activities by downregulating liver-enriched transcription factors. Our data are validated in both an in vivo HBV mouse model and primary human hepatocytes. This study thus suggests that IL-32γ functions as intracellular effector in hepatocytes for suppressing HBV replication to implicate a possible mechanism of non-cytopathic viral clearance.
Resolution of chronic inflammatory disease: universal and tissue-specific concepts
Authors: Schett Georg , Neurath Markus F.
Published: August 2018

Inflammation and its resolution is under-studied in medicine despite being essential for understanding the development of chronic inflammatory disease. In this review article, we discuss the resolution of inflammation in both a biological and translational context. We introduce the concept of impaired resolution leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and asthma, as well as the cellular and molecular components that contribute to resolution of joint, gut, and lung inflammation, respectively. Finally, we discuss potential intervention strategies for fostering the resolution process, and their implications for the therapy of inflammatory diseases.
Understanding voltage decay in lithium-excess layered cathode materials through oxygen-centred structural arrangement
Authors: Myeong Seungjun , Cho Woongrae , Jin Wooyoung , Hwang Jaeseong , Yoon Moonsu , Yoo Youngshin , Nam Gyutae , Jang Haeseong , Han Jung-Gu , Choi Nam-Soon , Kim Min Gyu , Cho Jaephil
Published: August 2018

Lithium-excess 3d-transition-metal layered oxides (Li1+xNiyCozMn1−x−y−zO2, >250 mAh g−1) suffer from severe voltage decay upon cycling, which decreases energy density and hinders further research and development. Nevertheless, the lack of understanding on chemical and structural uniqueness of the material prevents the interpretation of internal degradation chemistry. Here, we discover a fundamental reason of the voltage decay phenomenon by comparing ordered and cation-disordered materials with a combination of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies. The cation arrangement determines the transition metal-oxygen covalency and structural reversibility related to voltage decay. The identification of structural arrangement with de-lithiated oxygen-centred octahedron and interactions between octahedrons affecting the oxygen stability and transition metal mobility of layered oxide provides the insight into the degradation chemistry of cathode materials and a way to develop high-energy density electrodes.
Opioids prevent regeneration in adult mammals through inhibition of ROS production
Authors: Labit Elodie , Rabiller Lise , Rampon Christine , Guissard Christophe , André Mireille , Barreau Corinne , Cousin Béatrice , Carrière Audrey , Eddine Mohamad Ala , Pipy Bernard , Pénicaud Luc , Lorsignol Anne , Vriz Sophie , Dromard Cécile , Casteilla Louis
Published: August 2018

Inhibition of regeneration and induction of tissue fibrosis are classic outcomes of tissue repair in adult mammals. Here, using a newly developed model of regeneration in adult mammals i.e. regeneration after massive resection of an inguinal fat pad, we demonstrate that both endogenous and exogenous opioids prevent tissue regeneration in adults, by inhibiting the early production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generally occurs after lesion and is required for regeneration. These effects can be overcome and regeneration induced by the use of an opioid antagonist. The results obtained in both our new model and the gold standard adult zebrafish demonstrate that this mechanism can be considered as a general paradigm in vertebrates. This work clearly demonstrates that ROS is required for tissue regeneration in adult mammals and shows the deleterious effect of opioids on tissue regeneration through the control of this ROS production. It thus raises questions about opioid-based analgesia in perioperative care.
Potent Antitumor Effects of a Combination of Three Nutraceutical Compounds
Authors: Vishwakarma Vikalp , New Jacob , Kumar Dhruv , Snyder Vusala , Arnold Levi , Nissen Emily , Hu Qingting , Cheng Nikki , Miller David , Thomas Ahia Rael , Shnayder Yelizaveta , Kakarala Kiran , Tsue Terance Ted , Girod Douglas A. , Thomas Sufi Mary
Published: August 2018

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with low survival, and the current aggressive therapies result in high morbidity. Nutraceuticals are dietary compounds with few side effects. However, limited antitumor efficacy has restricted their application for cancer therapy. Here, we examine combining nutraceuticals, establishing a combination therapy that is more potent than any singular component, and delineate the mechanism of action. Three formulations were tested: GZ17-S (combined plant extracts from Arum palaestinum, Peganum harmala and Curcuma longa); GZ17-05.00 (16 synthetic components of GZ17-S); and GZ17-6.02 (3 synthetic components of GZ17S; curcumin, harmine and isovanillin). We tested the formulations on HNSCC proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, macrophage viability and infiltration into the tumor and tumor apoptosis. GZ17-6.02, the most effective formulation, significantly reduced in vitro assessments of HNSCC progression. When combined with cisplatin, GZ17-6.02 enhanced anti-proliferative effects. Molecular signaling cascades inhibited by GZ17-6.02 include EGFR, ERK1/2, and AKT, and molecular docking analyses demonstrate GZ17-6.02 components bind at distinct binding sites. GZ17-6.02 significantly inhibited growth of HNSCC cell line, patient-derived xenografts, and murine syngeneic tumors in vivo (P < 0.001). We demonstrate GZ17-6.02 as a highly effective plant extract combination and pave the way for future clinical application in HNSCC.
Maximal distant entanglement in Kitaev tube
Authors: Wang P. , Lin S. , Zhang G. , Song Z.
Published: August 2018

We study the Kitaev model on a finite-size square lattice with periodic boundary conditions in one direction and open boundary conditions in the other. Based on the fact that the Majorana representation of Kitaev model is equivalent to a brick wall model under the condition t = Δ = μ, this system is shown to support perfect Majorana bound states which is in strong localization limit. By introducing edge-mode fermionic operator and pseudo-spin representation, we find that such edge modes are always associated with maximal entanglement between two edges of the tube, which is independent of the size of the system.
Increased Expression of Musashi-1 Evidences Mesenchymal Repair in Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation
Authors: O’Valle Francisco , de Buitrago Juan G. , Hernández-Cortés Pedro , Padial-Molina Miguel , Crespo-Lora Vicente , Cobo Marien , Aguilar David , Galindo-Moreno Pablo
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to analyze the expression of Musashi-1 (MSI1) in maxillary native bone and grafted bone after maxillary sinus floor elevation. To do so, fifty-seven bone biopsies from 45 participants were studied. Eighteen samples were collected from native bone while 39 were obtained 6 months after maxillary sinus grafting procedures. Musashi-1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. MSI1 was detected in osteoblasts and osteocytes in 97.4% (38/39) of grafted areas. In native bone, MSI1 was detected in only 66.6% (12/18) of the biopsies, mainly in osteocytes. Detection of MSI1 was significantly higher in osteoprogenitor mesenchymal cells of grafted biopsies (p < 0.001) but minor in smooth muscle and endothelial cells; no expression was detected in adipocytes. The mesenchymal cells of the non-mineralized tissue of native bone showed very low nuclear expression of MSI1, in comparison to fusiform cells in grafted areas (0.28(0.13) vs. 2.10(0.14), respectively; p < 0.001). Additionally, the detection of MSI1 mRNA was significantly higher in biopsies from grafted areas than those from native bone (1.00(0.51) vs. 60.34(35.2), respectively; p = 0.029). Thus, our results regardig the significantly higher detection of Musashi-1 in grafted sites than in native bone reflects its importance in the remodeling/repair events that occur after maxillary sinus floor elevation in humans.
A thyroid hormone regulated asymmetric responsive centre is correlated with eye migration during flatfish metamorphosis
Authors: Campinho Marco A. , Silva Nádia , Martins Gabriel G. , Anjos Liliana , Florindo Claudia , Roman-Padilla Javier , Garcia-Cegarra Ana , Louro Bruno , Manchado Manuel , Power Deborah M.
Published: August 2018

Flatfish metamorphosis is a unique post-embryonic developmental event in which thyroid hormones (THs) drive the development of symmetric pelagic larva into asymmetric benthic juveniles. One of the eyes migrates to join the other eye on the opposite side of the head. Developmental mechanisms at the basis of the acquisition of flatfish anatomical asymmetry remain an open question. Here we demonstrate that an TH responsive asymmetric centre, determined by deiodinase 2 expression, ventrally juxtaposed to the migrating eye in sole (Solea senegalensis) correlates with asymmetric cranial ossification that in turn drives eye migration. Besides skin pigmentation that is asymmetric between dorsal and ventral sides, only the most anterior head region delimited by the eyes becomes asymmetric whereas the remainder of the head and organs therein stay symmetric. Sub-ocular ossification is common to all flatfish analysed to date, so we propose that this newly discovered mechanism is universal and is associated with eye migration in all flatfish.
A wet-filtration-zipping approach for fabricating highly electroconductive and auxetic graphene/carbon nanotube hybrid buckypaper
Authors: Patole Shashikant P. , Arif Muhamad F. , Susantyoko Rahmat A. , Almheiri Saif , Kumar S.
Published: August 2018

A combination of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene in the form of macroscopic hybrid buckypaper (HBP), exhibits a unique set of properties that can be exploited for many emerging applications. Here, we present a simple, inexpensive and scalable approach for the synthesis of highly conductive auxetic graphene/CNT HBP via wet-filtration-zipping and demonstrate the electrical, electrochemical and mechanical performance (tensile, mode I and mode III fracture) of synthesized HBP. An overall increase in electrical conductivity of 247% is observed for HBP (50 wt.% graphene and 50 wt.% CNT) as compared to BP (100 wt.% CNT) due to effective electronic percolation through the graphene and CNT. As a negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries, HBP shows 50% higher gravimetric specific capacity and 89% lower charge transfer resistance relative to BP. The graphene content in the HBP influences the mechanical performance providing an auxetic structure to HBP with large negative Poisson’s ratio. The facile green-chemistry approach reported here can be readily applied to any other 1D and 2D materials and solves key challenges associated with existing buckypaper manufacturing methods. The potential of the synthesis method to integrate with current cellulose paper manufacturing technology and its scalability demonstrate the novelty of the work for industrial scale production.