bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Realization of mechanical rotation in superfluid helium
Authors: Gordon E. B. , Kulish M. I. , Karabulin A. V. , Matyushenko V. I. , Dyatlova E. V. , Gordienko A. S. , Stepanov M. E.
Published: November 2017

The possibility of using miniaturized low-power electric motors submerged in superfluid helium for organization of rotation inside a cryostat has been investigated. It has been revealed that many of commercial micromotors can operate in liquid helium consuming low power. Turret with 5 sample holders, assembled on the base of stepper motor, has been successfully tested in experiments on the nanowire production in quantized vortices of superfluid helium. Application of the stepper motor made it possible in a single experiment to study the effect of various experimental parameters on the yield and quality of the nanowires. The promises for continuous fast rotation of the bath filled by superfluid helium by using high-speed brushless micromotor were outlined and tested. Being realized, this approach will open new possibility to study the guest particles interaction with the array of parallel linear vortices in He II.
Spinor order parameter and equilibrium states of spin s = 1 Bose systems
Authors: Glushchenko A. V. , Kovalevsky M. Yu.
Published: November 2017

The problem of classification of degenerate equilibrium states in spin s = 1 systems with the phase and magnetic symmetries simultaneously broken is considered. An assumption about the residual symmetry of degenerate equilibrium states and the transformation properties of the spinor order-parameter operator under transformations generated by additive integrals of motion yields equations that classify its equilibrium values. The anisotropic structure of the equilibrium values of the order parameter is presented in terms of the parameters of the residual symmetry generator. Based on the model with a separated condensate, the structure of the densities of the magnetic additive integrals of motion in the equilibrium state is revealed. A comparison is made with the results of existing studies on superfluid spin s = 1 systems.
Possible piezomagnetoelectric effect in centrally symmetric terbium manganite
Authors: Chupis I. E.
Published: November 2017

A phenomenological analysis is used to study the possibility of detecting a piezomagnetoelectric effect (PMEE) in centrally symmetric terbium manganite in sufficiently strong magnetic fields and at low temperatures, where the spins of terbium and manganese are uniformly ordered. Possible manifestations of PMEE, piezoelectricity, and linear magnetostriction are noted when a magnetic field is directed along the Y axis and elastic stresses σxy and σzy are applied to the crystal. The existence of weak ferromagnetism in the manganese spin subsystem is also predicted.
Lithium atoms on helium nanodroplets: Rydberg series and ionization dynamics
Authors: Lackner Florian , Krois Günter , Ernst Wolfgang E.
Published: November 2017

The electronic excitation spectrum of lithium atoms residing on the surface of helium nanodroplets is presented and analyzed employing a Rydberg-Ritz approach. Utilizing resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy, two different Rydberg series have been identified: one assigned to the nS(Σ) series and the other with predominantly nP(Π) character. For high Rydberg states, which have been resolved up to n = 13, the surrounding helium effectively screens the valence electron from the Li ion core, as indicated by the apparent red-shift of Li transitions and lowered quantum defects on the droplet with respect to their free atom counterparts. For low n states, the screening effect is weakened and the prevailing repulsive interaction gives rise to strongly broadened and blue-shifted transitions. The red-shifts originate from the polarization of nearby He atoms by the positive Li ion core. As a consequence of this effect, the ionization threshold is lowered by 116 ± 10 cm−1 for Li on helium droplets with a radius of about 40 Å. Upon single-photon ionization, heavy complexes corresponding to Li ions attached to intact helium droplets are detected. We conclude that ionization close to the on-droplet ionization threshold triggers a dynamic process in which the Li ion core undergoes a transition from a surface site into the droplet.
Noise and conversion performance of a high-Tc superconducting Josephson junction mixer at 0.6 THz
Authors: Gao Xiang , Du Jia , Zhang Ting , Guo Yingjie Jay
Published: November 2017

This letter presents both theoretical and experimental investigations on the noise and conversion performance of a high-Tc superconducting (HTS) step-edge Josephson-junction mixer at the frequency of 0.6 THz and operating temperatures of 20–40 K. Based on the Y-factor and U-factor methods, a double-sideband noise temperature of around 1000 K and a conversion gain of −3.5 dB were experimentally obtained at 20 K. At the temperature of 40 K, the measured mixer noise and conversion efficiency are around 2100 K and −10 dB, respectively. The experimental data are in good agreement with the numerical analysis results using the three-port model. A detailed performance comparison with other reported HTS terahertz mixers has confirmed the superior performance of our presented mixer device.
Motion of isolated open vortex filaments evolving under the truncated local induction approximation
Authors: Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: November 2017

The study of nonlinear waves along open vortex filaments continues to be an area of active research. While the local induction approximation (LIA) is attractive due to locality compared with the non-local Biot-Savart formulation, it has been argued that LIA appears too simple to model some relevant features of Kelvin wave dynamics, such as Kelvin wave energy transfer. Such transfer of energy is not feasible under the LIA due to integrability, so in order to obtain a non-integrable model, a truncated LIA, which breaks the integrability of the classical LIA, has been proposed as a candidate model with which to study such dynamics. Recently Laurie et al. [“Interaction of Kelvin waves and nonlocality of energy transfer in superfluids,” Phys. Rev. B 81, 104526 (2010)] derived truncated LIA systematically from Biot-Savart dynamics. The focus of the present paper is to study the dynamics of a section of common open vortex filaments under the truncated LIA dynamics. We obtain the analog of helical, planar, and more general filaments which rotate without a change in form in the classical LIA, demonstrating that while quantitative differences do exist, qualitatively such solutions still exist under the truncated LIA. Conversely, solitons and breather solutions found under the LIA should not be expected under the truncated LIA, as the existence of such solutions relies on the existence of an infinite number of conservation laws which is violated due to loss of integrability. On the other hand, similarity solutions under the truncated LIA can be quite different to their counterparts found for the classical LIA, as they must obey a t1/3 type scaling rather than the t1/2 type scaling commonly found in the LIA and Biot-Savart dynamics. This change in similarity scaling means that Kelvin waves are radiated at a slower rate from vortex kinks formed after reconnection events. The loss of soliton solutions and the difference in similarity scaling indicate that dynamics emergent under the truncated LIA can indeed differ a great deal from those previously studied under the classical LIA.
Shubnikov–de Haas Effect in InGaSb/InAs superlattices
Authors: Mitchel W. C. , Elhamri Said , Haugan H. J. , Brown Gail J. , Mou Shin , Szmulowicz Frank
Published: November 2017

Magneto-transport measurements have been made on strain-free In0.25Ga0.75Sb/InAs superlattices grown on GaSb substrates. The superior structural quality of these superlattices compared to older materials in the literature resulted in a much higher resolution of the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations. Three separate conduction channels were observed. Measurements with the magnetic field in the plane of the sample indicated that the channel with the longer period was due to three dimensional-like conduction within the superlattice while the other two channels showed two dimensional behavior most likely associated with conduction at the surface or interfaces between the superlattice and bulk-like layers. Comparison with multi-carrier analysis indicated that the channel with intermediate period was due to hole conduction while the others were due to electron conduction. Oscillations were observed at temperatures up to 20 K. The concentration of the superlattice channel at low temperature was 5.93 × 1015 cm−3 while those of the two dimensional hole and electron channels were 1.64 × 1011 cm−2 and 5.20 × 1011 cm−2.
怎么引导深入讨论？
Authors: Jiao Liwei
Published: November 2017

提要

本文首先简单介绍了汉语作为外语(CFL)课堂上引导讨论的几种方法，包括对台戏法、老皇历法、一言堂法；然后以一个具体的商务汉语课堂上的例子比较详细地探讨了另一种引导讨论的方法——回马枪法的操作过程；最后用实际的语料验证了这种方法的效果。
Cameroon Pidgin English
Authors: Ayafor Miriam , Green Melanie
Published: November 2017

Cameroon Pidgin English (CPE) is an English-lexified Atlantic expanded pidgin/creole spoken in some form by an estimated 50% of Cameroon’s population, primarily in the anglophone west regions, but also in urban centres throughout the country. Primarily a spoken language, CPE enjoys a vigorous oral presence in Cameroon, and the linguistic examples illustrating this description are drawn from a spoken corpus consisting of a range of text types, including oral narratives, radio broadcasts and spontaneous conversation. The authors’ typologically-framed investigation of the features of the language, from its phonetics, phonology and lexicon to its syntax and discourse structure, allows the reader a clear view of the linguistic character of CPE, offering a comprehensive description of the language that will be of interest to creolists as well as linguists interested in African languages, contact linguistics and comparative linguistics.
Crustacean parasites.
Authors: Rohde K.
Published: November 2017

Of all the metazoan groups discussed in this book, the crustaceans are the most diverse and ubiquitous. Among them, the copepods are dominant. They, jointly with the monogeneans, are the most diverse group of metazoan ectoparasites of marine fishes; in addition, they infect a wide range of marine invertebrates. Thousands of species are already known, but many potential host groups have not been examined, and for this reason even approximate estimates of species numbers are impossible. Reflecting the diversity of hosts, copepods show an amazing variety of adaptations which secure infection of and survival on the hosts. Many copepods have great economic importance as agents of disease in wild and aquacultured fish populations. Isopods are primarily found in warm waters, they infect fish but also other crustaceans. Larval isopod parasites of the family Gnathiidae are abundant on the gills of tropical marine fish and represent a primary source of food for cleaner fish. Most branchiurans occur in fresh water, but a few species of the genus Argulus are ectoparasites on the skin of marine fish. The tiny tantulocarids are ectoparasites of other crustaceans. To date only 28 species have been described, and little is known about their biology. Thoracica and Rhizocephala are included in the Cirripedia. Few species of the Thoracica are parasitic (on dogfish and polychaetes), whereas the rhizocephalans parasitize other crustaceans. The latter are particularly fascinating because of their extreme sexual dimorphism, the extreme reduction of morphological complexity in the parasitic female, and their ability to change the behaviour of host crabs which benefits the parasite. The Ascothoracida infect various echinoderms and cnidarians. Amphipoda use many groups of marine animals as hosts, including medusae, siphonophores, ctenophores, and thaliaceans. Others (including the whale-lice) infect various marine mammals. When occurring in large numbers, whale-lice may even damage very large humpback whales.
Importance of periphyton in abalone culture.
Authors: Kawamura T. , Roberts R. D. , Takami H.
Published: November 2017

The key phases in the abalone (Haliotis spp.) life cycle, community succession and growth forms of marine benthic diatoms, the use of periphyton in abalone hatcheries and their effects on abalone life stages are discussed.
Risks to forests in heavily polluted regions.
Authors: Luttermann A. , Freedman B.
Published: November 2017

Human populations and industrial activities have increased dramatically during the past several centuries. This has resulted in enormous emissions of air pollutants in many regions of the world, which continue to affect surrounding forests and other ecosystems. A description is given of the major constituents of air pollution typically found in heavily industrialized and urbanized regions, and the risks that these pose to nearby forests. From the perspective of forest health, the most important gaseous pollutants are sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), ammonia (NH3) and fluorides (especially HF). Other air pollutants which can have considerable effects include heavy metals suspended in gaseous emissions, such as copper and nickel, and the acidifying constituents of dry and wet deposition. Substantial variations in the effects of these pollutants are observed, ranging from acute local impacts to regional low-level changes in ecosystem composition and functioning. A commonly observed spatial pattern is a geometrical decrease in the intensity of effects spreading over a region away from a point-source.
Air pollution impacts on subarctic forests at Noril'sk, Siberia.
Authors: Kharuk V. I.
Published: November 2017

The Noril'sk mining industrial complex is having a dramatic impact on the subarctic forest-tundra transition area in the northern part of Siberia (Russia). The main pollutant, sulfur dioxide, has caused forest damage and mortality at distances up to 200 km downwind from the smelters. The sensitivity of the major tree and shrub species to pollutants decreases in the following order: larch (Larix gmelinii, L. russica [L. sibirica]), spruce (Picea obovata), birch (Betula pendula) and willow (Salix spp.). The soil sulfur content varies within the range 30-540 kg ha-1 in the upper 0-2 cm, and 100 to 250 kg ha-1 in the 0-20 cm layer. Heavy metals (copper, nickel and cobalt) in the upper soil horizons (0-10 cm) exceed background levels by a factor of 10-1000 at distances of up to 30 km from the smelters. A dramatic increase in forest mortality in the late 1970s and the early 1980s was attributed to the construction of taller stacks which facilitated pollution transfer over longer distances. The Noril'sk phenomenon is one of the greatest ecological catastrophes caused by man in the subarctic zone.
Trade in HFCS: cointegration with substitute goods.
Authors: Moss C. B. , Schmitz A.
Published: November 2017

This chapter develops a theoretical and empirical model to extend the depictions of the coalition arguments established by Moss and Schmitz (in chapter 18 of this volume, pp. 259-280) as to why changes may occur in the structure of the Sugar Alliance in the USA. This structure, in part, hinges on the substitutability between sugar and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and the potential for trade with Mexico. This chapter focuses on discrete changes in structure. Specifically, it examines stable relationships between sugar (both raw and wholesale refined) and HFCS prices that persist over each phase of the development of HFCS.
Biotechnology: the next wave of innovation technologies for sustainable development.
Authors: Johnston D. J.
Published: November 2017

This paper highlights the use of biotechnology and its agricultural applications (including transgenic plants) on sustainable development.
A review of proposed maximum tolerated levels for fumonisins in maize and maize products.
Authors: Viljoen J. H. , Marasas W. F. O.
Published: November 2017

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides and occur widely in maize and maize products. Fumonisins are the cause of leukoencephalomalacia in horses, pulmonary oedema in pigs, liver cancer in rats, and liver and kidney damage in many other animals. A statistical relationship between the occurrence of F. verticillioides and fumonisins in maize and oesophageal cancer in humans has been demonstrated in parts of South Africa and China. The "toxins derived from F. verticillioides" and fumonisin B1 have been labelled Group 2B carcinogens i.e. possibly carcinogenic to humans, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization. We reviewed the available epidemiological and toxicological evidence of the effects of fumonisins on humans and animals, their occurrence in maize and maize products, previously proposed or adopted maximum tolerated levels (MTLs) for fumonisins in maize and maize products, and the practical implications of MTLs set for maize and maize products. Based on the results of this study we propose the following MTLs for total fumonisins in maize and maize products for human consumption: 4 µg/g in whole, uncleaned maize; 2 µg/g in dry-milled maize products with a fat content ≥3.0%, dry weight basis (e.g. sifted and unsifted maize meal); 1 µg/g in dry-milled maize products with a fat content of ≤3.0%, dry weight basis (e.g. flaking grits, brewers grits, samp, maize rice, super and special maize meal).
Standardised testing for diatomaceous earth.
Authors: Fields P. , Allen S. , Korunic Z. , McLaughlin A. , Stathers T.
Published: November 2017

A protocol for the evaluation of the efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) as grain protectant was developed. Four DE samples as admixture for wheat were evaluated against laboratory-reared cultures of 7- to 21-day-old unsexed adult Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil; CSIRO strain 418) and Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle; CSIRO strain 4). Four different laboratories used this protocol for the evaluation of the DE samples. One laboratory conducted a rapid assessment test that uses physical characteristics to predict insecticidal activity. One laboratory tested the DE samples as surface treatments applied both as a dust and as a slurry. In general, there was good agreement between laboratories, although one laboratory had significantly higher mortality than the other. The possible reasons for this are discussed. The efficacy in the grain bioassay was not correlated with the efficacy in the surface bioassay.
Organic agriculture, sustainability and policy.
Authors: Jones D.
Published: November 2017

The first section of this paper reviews some of the recent developments that have raised the policy profile of organic agriculture and the decision taken by OECD Environment Ministers in 2001 to undertake work on organic agriculture. The second section outlines the concept of sustainable agriculture and how organic agriculture may contribute to sustainability. The following section then discusses how the essential policy elements defined by the OECD for developing sustainable agriculture (i.e., reforming support policies, adopting an ecosystems approach, addressing externalities, enhancing the dissemination of information, and devising appropriate structural adjustment policies) relate to and impact on organic agriculture.
The biodiversity benefits of organic farming.
Authors: Bartram H. , Perkins A.
Published: November 2017

Organic farming has been held up as a model of sustainable farming - delivering economic, social and environmental benefits. Taxpayer support is justified through the environmental "public" goods delivered, which extend to society as a whole and not just to the minority of consumers who choose to purchase organic food. One of the reasons consumers cite for buying organic food are benefits to the environment and for wildlife. However, various commentators have questioned the environmental claims made by the organic sector. Given these questions, plus the renewed emphasis on increasing UK organic primary production for both market and policy reasons, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) undertook a review of 33 published studies on the biodiversity differences associated with organically and conventionally managed farmland systems. General findings of these studies were that organically managed fields and farms had a greater biodiversity than conventionally managed sites. Management practices associated with organic regimes which were generally beneficial for biodiversity included mixed crop rotations, spring sowing of cereal crops, prohibition of herbicides and insecticides, use of farmyard manure, shallow ploughing and sensitive management of non-cropped field margin habitats. Practices that had negative impacts included weed control using mechanical methods and undersowing of crops.
The profitability of organic farming in Europe.
Authors: Nieberg H. , Offermann F.
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses some methodological aspects important for the analysis of the economic performance of organic farming, and gives an overview of the profitability of organic farming in Europe at the farm level. On the basis of a review of current and previous studies, as well as farm accounting data, the incomes of organic and comparable conventional farms are compared, and the main factors influencing profitability, especially yields, price premia and support payments for organic farming are discussed. The analysis shows that organic farming has been an economically interesting alternative in many European countries even though yields were generally significantly lower. One of the main determinants of profitability is the realization of higher farm-gate prices. Premium prices could generally be realized for crop products, while for livestock products marketing was often more difficult. European Union and government support payments for organic farming as well as the design of the Common Agricultural Policy contributed to the success of the farms. While on average the profits of organic farms are very similar to those of comparable conventional farms, there was, however, a wide variation in performance within the samples and between countries and farm types. The development of profits in organic and comparable conventional farms is remarkably similar. This indicates that external, non-system inherent factors influence both farming systems in very much the same way. Comparing financially successful and less successful organic farms reveals that in organic farming too, size and cost-effectiveness of production matter.
Planning and developing 'destination Dubai' in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Authors: Kotsi F. , Michael I.
Published: November 2017

This chapter initially reviews the development of tourism in Dubai, which is characterized as a relatively young and modern tourism destination, within the wider context of the UAE. The chapter considers the role sustainability plays in the development of a tourism destination and evaluates whether the staging of Expo 2020 can be used as an event to build a destination brand that exemplifies the principles of sustainability.
Control options for invasive alien plants in agroforestry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Authors: Sankaran K. V.
Published: November 2017

In the Asia-Pacific region, some of the world's worst invasive alien plants have been present for over a century. Top of the list of terrestrial weeds that affect agroforestry are species such as Lantana camara (lantana), Chromolaena odorata (chromolaena), Parthenium hysterophorus (parthenium), Mikania micrantha (mikania) and Mimosa diplotricha var. diplotricha (spiny mimosa). This chapter reviews briefly the control options for invasive alien plant management in agroforestry in the Asia-Pacific region, and discusses how preventive integrated pest management (IPM) measures provide a viable means of minimizing their impact. No single method is efficient enough to manage a weed population on its own. Hence, the complexity of agroforestry systems and the robust growth and reinvasion potential of invasive alien weeds provides an environment where an integrated management approach can yield the best results. Where possible, biological control should provide the cornerstone, and the appropriate mechanical, chemical, cultural control methods are then integrated as required. Regrettably, concerted efforts have not been made for effective implementation of IPM, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Selling to consumers.
Authors: Li S. C. H. , Rahimi R. , Stylos N.
Published: November 2017

This chapter illustrates the importance of identifying the rural tourist profiles to boost business operations in this field and to support the rural tourism economy at large in developed countries. In this vein, profile characteristics, traits and other psychographic elements are presented according to the relevant rural tourist profiles and any changes throughout the years are provided; additionally, a comparison between urban and rural tourists is offered. The factors shaping rural tourists' motivations are established to categorize distinctive needs and wants. To assist the development of successful marketing strategies, a segmentation of the rural tourists is demonstrated. Marketing tools available to managers and the development of an integrated marketing communications mix are also discussed. The supply side of rural services is considered to offer a complete idea of the interactions between rural businesses and consumers.
Biodynamic agriculture today.
Authors: Leiber F. , Fuchs N. , Spiess H.
Published: November 2017

This subject is reviewed under the following headings: general principles in biodynamic farming, including mixed holdings, varied site-appropriate crop rotations, intensive organic fertilization, biodynamic preparations, livestock husbandry systems which fulfil the animals' welfare requirements, food quality, breeding locally adapted crop plant varieties, maintaining plant health, cosmic rhythms, low-impact soil management, landscape design, and design of the social and economic setting; the roots of biodynamic farming; and the main questions faced by biodynamic farmers and researchers.
Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa intoxication in Wapiti (Cervus canadensis).
Authors: Cook W. E. , Cornish T. E. , Williams E. S. , Brown B. , Hiatt G. , Kreeger T. J. , Dailey R. N. , Raisbeck M. F.
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on a case of massive death (an estimated 400-500 dead animals) due to X. chlorochroa poisoning in a herd of elks found at the Red Rim in Carbon County, Wyoming, USA. Highlight of the report focused on the clinical aspects, histopathological findings as well as toxicological studies done on X. chlorochroa.
The relation of sensitivity to provocation and frustration to direct aggression: the mediating role of beliefs about aggression / La relación entre la sensibilidad a la provocación y a la frustración y la agresión directa: el papel mediador de las creencias sobre la agresión
Authors: Konopka Karolina , Zajenkowska Anna , Dominiak-Kochanek Monika
Published: November 2017

Previous research has suggested that sensitivity to provocation and frustration differently predict aggressive behaviour. In the study reported in this paper, two potential mediators of the relationships among both sensitivities and self-reported aggression were examined, namely instrumental and expressive beliefs about aggression. A sample of 318 participants (52% men) took part in the study. Structural Equation Modeling demonstrated that sensitivity to provocation was related to both types of beliefs about aggression, whereas sensitivity to frustration was associated with expressive beliefs. However, only instrumental beliefs mediated the relationship between sensitivity to provocation and both physical and verbal aggression. Analysed variables predicted 46% of the variance in physical aggression and 11% of the variance in verbal aggression. Additionally, men reported higher physical aggression and endorsed more instrumental beliefs than women. Implications for understanding emotional and cognitive mechanisms involved in regulation of aggression are discussed.
Is your article EV‐TRACKed?
Authors: Van Deun Jan , Hendrix An
Published: November 2017

The EV‐TRACK knowledgebase is developed to cope with the need for transparency and rigour to increase reproducibility and facilitate standardization of extracellular vesicle (EV) research. The knowledgebase includes a checklist for authors and editors intended to improve the transparency of methodological aspects of EV experiments, allows queries and meta‐analysis of EV experiments and keeps track of the current state of the art. Widespread implementation by the EV research community is key to its success.
A molecular roadmap of the AGM region reveals BMPER as a novel regulator of HSC maturation
Authors: McGarvey Alison C. , Rybtsov Stanislav , Souilhol Céline , Tamagno Sara , Rice Ritva , Hills David , Godwin Duncan , Rice David , Tomlinson Simon R. , Medvinsky Alexander
Published: November 2017

In the developing embryo, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge from the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, but the molecular regulation of this process is poorly understood. Recently, the progression from E9.5 to E10.5 and polarity along the dorso-ventral axis have been identified as clear demarcations of the supportive HSC niche. To identify novel secreted regulators of HSC maturation, we performed RNA sequencing over these spatiotemporal transitions in the AGM region and supportive OP9 cell line. Screening several proteins through an ex vivo reaggregate culture system, we identify BMPER as a novel positive regulator of HSC development. We demonstrate that BMPER is associated with BMP signaling inhibition, but is transcriptionally induced by BMP4, suggesting that BMPER contributes to the precise control of BMP activity within the AGM region, enabling the maturation of HSCs within a BMP-negative environment. These findings and the availability of our transcriptional data through an accessible interface should provide insight into the maintenance and potential derivation of HSCs in culture.
A p190BRhoGAP mutation and prolonged RhoB activation in fatal systemic capillary leak syndrome
Authors: Pierce Richard W. , Merola Jonathan , Lavik John Paul , Kluger Martin S. , Huttner Anita , Khokha Mustafa K. , Pober Jordan S.
Published: November 2017

We describe a fatal case of pediatric systemic capillary leak (Clarkson’s disease) associated with a point mutation in p190BRhoGAP. Dermal microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from this patient form monolayers with similar levels and distribution of junctional proteins and transendothelial electrical resistance compared with normal human dermal microvascular ECs. However, patient-derived ECs demonstrate a greater increase in permeability and impaired recovery of barrier function in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) compared with normal donor EC cultures. TNF transiently activates RhoB in ECs coincident with developing leak, and inactivation of RhoB correlates with barrier recovery. The mutation in p190BRhoGAP impairs RhoB inactivation, and the mutant phenotype of patient-derived ECs is replicated by siRNA knockdown of p190BRhoGAP in normal ECs. These data suggest a previously unknown function for p190BRhoGAP in control of capillary EC barrier function that may also be important in acquired systemic capillary leak associated with critical illness in humans.
SORLA attenuates EphA4 signaling and amyloid β–induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Huang Timothy Y. , Zhao Yingjun , Jiang Lu-lin , Li Xiaoguang , Liu Yan , Sun Yu , Piña-Crespo Juan C. , Zhu Bing , Masliah Eliezer , Willnow Thomas E. , Pasquale Elena B. , Xu Huaxi
Published: November 2017

Sortilin-related receptor with LDLR class A repeats (SORLA, SORL1, or LR11) is a genetic risk factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although SORLA is known to regulate trafficking of the amyloid β (Aβ) precursor protein to decrease levels of proteotoxic Aβ oligomers, whether SORLA can counteract synaptic dysfunction induced by Aβ oligomers remains unclear. Here, we show that SORLA interacts with the EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase and attenuates ephrinA1 ligand–induced EphA4 clustering and activation to limit downstream effects of EphA4 signaling in neurons. Consistent with these findings, SORLA transgenic mice, compared with WT mice, exhibit decreased EphA4 activation and redistribution to postsynaptic densities, with milder deficits in long-term potentiation and memory induced by Aβ oligomers. Importantly, we detected elevated levels of active EphA4 in human AD brains, where EphA4 activation is inversely correlated with SORLA/EphA4 association. These results demonstrate a novel role for SORLA as a physiological and pathological EphA4 modulator, which attenuates synaptotoxic EphA4 activation and cognitive impairment associated with Aβ-induced neurodegeneration in AD.
Computed Tidal Relativistic Red-Shifts of Frequency Standards on Earth and in Space Stations
*
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Fang Fang , Wang Shao-Kai , Zhao Yang , Li Tian-Chu
Published: November 2017

Frequencies of frequency standards are shifted by the local static gravity red shifts and also modulated by the tidal relativistic red shifts. We compute the tidal relativistic red shifts using a time-domain method and present the numerical results for the National Institute of Metrology (NIM) in Beijing, Laboratoire National de Métrologie et Essais-Systéme de Références Temps-Espace (LNE-SYRTE) in Paris and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig. The differences of the tidal relativistic red shift approach as large as 1.1×10−16
when frequency standards at NIM are compared with those at SYRTE and PTB. Moreover, the tidal relativistic red shifts of frequency standards in space stations are also computed.
Role of XUV Photons in Atomic High-Order Above-Threshold Ionization Processes in IR+XUV Two-Color Laser Fields
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Authors: Zhang Kui , Liu Min , Wang Bing-Bing , Guo Ying-Chun , Yan Zong-Chao , Chen Jing , Liu Xiao-Jun
Published: November 2017

We investigate the above-threshold ionization of an atom in a combined infrared (IR) and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) two-color laser field and focus on the role of XUV field in the high-order above-threshold ionization (HATI) process. It is demonstrated that, in stark contrast to previous studies, the XUV laser may play a significant role in atomic HATI process, and in particular, the XUV laser can accelerate the ionized electron in a quantized way during the collision between the electron and its parent ion. This process cannot be explained by the classical three-step model. Our results indicate that the previously well-established concept that HATI is an elastic recollision process is broken down.
Cortical Correlates of Binaural Temporal Processing Deficits in Older Adults
Authors: Eddins Ann Clock , Eddins David A.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

This study was designed to evaluate binaural temporal processing in young and older adults using a binaural masking level difference (BMLD) paradigm. Using behavioral and electrophysiological measures within the same listeners, a series of stimulus manipulations was used to evaluate the relative contribution of binaural temporal fine-structure and temporal envelope cues. We evaluated the hypotheses that age-related declines in the BMLD task would be more strongly associated with temporal fine-structure than envelope cues and that age-related declines in behavioral measures would be correlated with cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) measures.

Design:

Thirty adults participated in the study, including 10 young normal-hearing, 10 older normal-hearing, and 10 older hearing-impaired adults with bilaterally symmetric, mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Behavioral and CAEP thresholds were measured for diotic (So) and dichotic (Sπ) tonal signals presented in continuous diotic (No) narrowband noise (50-Hz wide) maskers. Temporal envelope cues were manipulated by using two different narrowband maskers; Gaussian noise (GN) with robust envelope fluctuations and low-noise noise (LNN) with minimal envelope fluctuations. The potential to use temporal fine-structure cues was controlled by varying the signal frequency (500 or 4000 Hz), thereby relying on the natural decline in phase-locking with increasing frequency.

Results:

Behavioral and CAEP thresholds were similar across groups for diotic conditions, while the masking release in dichotic conditions was larger for younger than for older participants. Across all participants, BMLDs were larger for GN than LNN and for 500-Hz than for 4000-Hz conditions, where envelope and fine-structure cues were most salient, respectively. Specific age-related differences were demonstrated for 500-Hz dichotic conditions in GN and LNN, reflecting reduced binaural temporal fine-structure coding. No significant age effects were observed for 4000-Hz dichotic conditions, consistent with similar use of binaural temporal envelope cues across age in these conditions. For all groups, thresholds and derived BMLD values obtained using the behavioral and CAEP methods were strongly correlated, supporting the notion that CAEP measures may be useful as an objective index of age-related changes in binaural temporal processing.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate an age-related decline in the processing of binaural temporal fine-structure cues with preserved temporal envelope coding that was similar with and without mild-to-moderate peripheral hearing loss. Such age-related changes can be reliably indexed by both behavioral and CAEP measures in young and older adults.
Osmotic Shifts, Cerebral Edema, and Neurologic Deterioration in Severe Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Liotta Eric Michael , Romanova Anna L. , Lizza Bryan D. , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J. , Kim Minjee , Francis Brandon , Sangha Rajbeer Singh , Carroll Timothy J. , Ganger Daniel , Ladner Daniela P. , Naidech Andrew M. , Paparello James J. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Sorond Farzaneh A. , Maas Matthew B.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

We sought to determine the effect of acute electrolyte and osmolar shifts on brain volume and neurologic function in patients with liver failure and severe hepatic encephalopathy.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of brain CT scans and clinical data.

Setting:

Tertiary care hospital ICUs.

Patients:

Patients with acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure and severe hepatic encephalopathy.

Interventions:

Clinically indicated CT scans and serum laboratory studies.

Measurements and Main Results:

Change in intracranial cerebrospinal fluid volume between sequential CT scans was measured as a biomarker of acute brain volume change. Corresponding changes in serum osmolality, chemistry measurements, and Glasgow Coma Scale were determined. Associations with cerebrospinal fluid volume change and Glasgow Coma Scale change for initial volume change assessments were identified by Spearman’s correlations (r
s) and regression models. Consistency of associations with repeated assessments was evaluated using generalized estimating equations. Forty patients were included. Median baseline osmolality was elevated (310 mOsm/Kg [296–321 mOsm/Kg]) whereas sodium was normal (137 mEq/L [134–142 mEq/L]). Median initial osmolality change was 9 mOsm/kg (5–17 mOsm/kg). Neuroimaging consistent with increased brain volume occurred in 27 initial assessments (68%). Cerebrospinal fluid volume change was more strongly correlated with osmolality (r = 0.70; p = 4 × 10–7) than sodium (r = 0.28; p = 0.08) change. Osmolality change was independently associated with Glasgow Coma Scale change (p = 1 × 10–5) and cerebrospinal fluid volume change (p = 2.7 × 10–5) in initial assessments and in generalized estimating equations using all 103 available assessments.

Conclusions:

Acute decline in osmolality was associated with brain swelling and neurologic deterioration in severe hepatic encephalopathy. Minimizing osmolality decline may avoid neurologic deterioration.
Comparison of Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Johnson Sean , Moyer Chelsie Leigh , Klug Marilyn G. , Burd Larry
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Recently, increased attention has been focused on the diagnosis of the most prevalent category of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders (ARNDs). In 2013, proposed criteria for neurodevelopmental disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE) were included in the appendix of the latest revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The concordance of the 2 sets of criteria is unknown. This study examines the overlap in diagnostic criteria for ND-PAE and the ARND Behavioral Checklist in children.

Methods:

Clinical charts from June 2013 to July 2016 were reviewed to identify patients with an evaluation for ARNDs and where the criteria for ND-PAE were also available.

Results:

The review found 86 charts with a diagnosis of ARNDs, which included the ARND Checklist and the ND-PAE criteria. We then calculated the sensitivity and specificity comparing the ND-PAE with the ARND Checklist as the comparison standard. The sensitivity was 95.0%, specificity was 75.0%, and the ND-PAE diagnosis correctly classified 89.5% of cases identified as meeting criteria for ARNDs by the checklist. The receiver operating characteristics resulted in a large shared area under the curve of 90.1%.

Conclusion:

The 2 diagnostic constructs of ARNDs and ND-PAE seem to be very similar. Both the ARND and the ND-PAE variables are written in familiar formats and could be widely used by a variety of health care providers.
Effect of Age and Allele Variants of CYP3A5, CYP3A4, and POR Genes on the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporin A in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients From Serbia
Authors: Cvetković Mirjana , Zivković Maja , Bundalo Maja , Gojković Ivana , Spasojević-Dimitrijeva Brankica , Stanković Aleksandra , Kostić Mirjana
Published: November 2017

Background:

The interindividual variability of cyclosporin A (CsA) pharmacokinetics might be explained by heterogeneity in the cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) subfamily. Altered CYP3A enzyme activity was associated with variant allele of P450 oxidoreductase gene (POR*28). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age, CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*22, and POR*28 alleles on CsA pharmacokinetics in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Methods:

Renal transplant patients receiving CsA (n = 47) were genotyped for CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*22, and POR*28.

Results:

CYP3A5 nonexpressers had higher overall dose-adjusted predose concentration (C0/dose; ng/mL per mg/kg) compared with expressers (31.48 ± 12.75 versus 22.44 ± 7.12, P = 0.01). CYP3A5 nonexpressers carrying POR*28 allele had a lower overall dose-adjusted concentration (C2/dose) than those with POR*1/*1 genotype (165.54 ± 70.40 versus 210.55 ± 79.98, P = 0.02), with age as covariate. Children aged 6 years and younger had a lower overall C0/dose (18.82 ± 4.72 versus 34.19 ± 11.89, P = 0.001) and C2/dose (106.75 ± 26.99 versus 209.20 ± 71.57, P < 0.001) compared with older children. Carriers of CYP3A5*3 allele aged ≤6 years required higher dose of CsA and achieved lower C0/dose and C2/dose, at most time points, than older carriers of this allele. Carriers of POR*28 allele aged ≤6 years required higher doses of CsA, whereas they achieved lower C0/dose and C2/dose, at most time points, in comparison to older carriers of this allele. The significant effect of age (P < 0.002) and CYP3A5 variation (P < 0.02) was shown for overall C0/dose, whereas age (P < 0.00001) and POR variation (P = 0.05) showed significant effect on C2/dose. Regression summary for overall C2/dose in patients aged 6 years younger showed a significant effect of both CYP3A5 and POR variations (P < 0.016).

Conclusions:

Younger age, POR*28 allele, and CYP3A5*3 allele were associated with higher CsA dosing requirements and lower concentration/dose ratio. Pretransplant screening of relevant polymorphisms in accordance with age should be considered to adjust therapy.
Traditional Versus Hybrid Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Gabelhouse Jacqueline , Eves Neil , Grace Sherry L. , Reid R. Colin , Caperchione Cristina M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

Due to the suboptimal uptake of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), alternative models have been proposed. This study compared the effectiveness of a traditional supervised program in a medical setting versus a hybrid CR model, where patients transition to unsupervised programming.

Methods:

This was a prospective, 2-arm, nonrandomized study. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional capacity, physical activity, diet, smoking, blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose, anthropometrics, and depressive symptoms were assessed before and after the 8-week program models. Program adherence and completion were also recorded. Both models offered outpatient supervised exercise sessions, group health education classes, and a resource manual. The hybrid model involved a blend of supervised and unsupervised, independent home-based exercise, and followup phone calls.

Results:

One hundred twenty-five cardiac patients consented to the study, of whom 72 (57.6%) and 53 chose the traditional and hybrid programs, respectively. One hundred ten (traditional: n = 62, 86.1%; hybrid: n = 48, 92.3%; P > .05) participants completed their program. Significant improvements were observed for both models over time in HRQoL (P < .001), physical activity (P < .001), and diet (P < .001). Significant reductions in smoking (P = .043), systolic blood pressure (P < .001), total cholesterol (P < .001), low-density lipoprotein (P < .001), waist circumference (P < .001), and depressive symptoms (P < .001) were also observed. There were no significant differences pre- and postprograms between models for any outcome.

Conclusions:

Hybrid CR was not significantly different from the traditional model in terms of HRQoL, functional capacity, heart health behaviors, and risk factors, with no differences in completion rates.
Ocular Surface Alterations in the Context of Corneal In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Characteristics in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Erkan Turan Kadriye , Kocabeyoglu Sibel , Unal-Cevik Isin , Bezci Figen , Akinci Aysen , Irkec Murat
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To quantify the morphology of corneal basal epithelium and subbasal nerves and to evaluate the ocular surface alterations in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods:

Patients with FM (n = 34) and healthy controls (n = 42) were enrolled. All participants underwent ocular surface tests in the following order: corneal sensitivity, tear film breakup time, lissamine green staining, Schirmer test, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Basal epithelial cells and subbasal nerves were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Demographic characteristics, Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), American College of Rheumatology 1990, the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), and the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR) scores of patients with FM were obtained.

Results:

Corneal sensitivity was 0.4 g/mm2 (fiber length: 6.0 cm) in all eyes. Patients with FM had a higher Ocular Surface Disease Index (42.2 ± 18.9 vs. 1.2 ± 1.7, P < 0.001), higher lissamine green staining scores (0.5 ± 0.5 vs. 0.05 ± 0.2, P < 0.001), and lower tear breakup time scores (9.0 ± 3.6 vs. 10.3 ± 1.5, P = 0.003) than the controls. Basal epithelial cell density (2709 ± 494 vs. 4491 ± 724), total nerve density (1563 ± 620 vs. 2545 ± 973), long nerve fibers (3.4 ± 1.3 vs. 4.5 ± 1.0), and the number of nerves (5.0 ± 1.8 vs. 10.3 ± 2.1) were all lower in patients with FM compared with those of the controls (P < 0.001 for all). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the WPI score and Schirmer test results (rho = −0.374, P = 0.03) and between WPI and total nerve density (rho = −0.334, P = 0.054).

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluated ocular surface alterations in the context of corneal IVCM characteristics. Patients with FM should be evaluated in terms of ocular surface diseases. IVCM may be used in FM to assess small fiber neuropathy.