bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbeniophosphines versus Phosphoniocarbenes: The Role of the Positive Charge
Authors: Canac Yves
Published: May 2018

The chemistry of carbeniophosphines and phosphoniocarbenes, which have general structures derived formally from the three‐component “carbene/phosphine/positive charge” association, is presented. These two complementary classes of carbon–phosphorus‐based ligands, defined by the presence of an inverted cationic coordinating structure (C+∼P: vs. P+∼C:) have the common purpose of positioning a positive charge in the vicinity of the metal center. Through selected examples, the synthetic methods, coordination properties, and general reactivity of both cationic species is described. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of the positive charge on the respective chemical behavior of the two classes of compound.
Assessing the heterogeneity of autism spectrum symptoms in a school population
Authors: Morales‐Hidalgo Paula , Ferrando Pere J. , Canals Josefa
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess whether the nature of the main autistic features (i.e., social communication problems and repetitive and restrictive patterns) are better conceptualized as dimensional or categorical in a school population. The study was based on the teacher ratings of two different age groups: 2,585 children between the ages of 10 and 12 (Primary Education; PE) and 2,502 children between the ages of 3 and 5 (Nursery Education; NE) from 60 mainstream schools. The analyses were based on Factor Mixture Analysis, a novel approach that combines dimensional and categorical features and prevents spurious latent classes from appearing. The results provided evidence of the dimensionality of autism spectrum symptoms in a school age population. The distribution of the symptoms was strongly and positively skewed but continuous; and the prevalence of high‐risk symptoms for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social‐pragmatic communication disorder (SCD) was 7.55% of NE children and 8.74% in PE. A categorical separation between SCD and ASD was not supported by our sample. In view of the results, it is necessary to establish clear cut points for detecting and diagnosing autism and to develop specific and reliable tools capable of assessing symptom severity and functional consequences in children with ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 979–988. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The results of the present study suggest that the distribution of autism spectrum symptoms are continuous and dimensional among school‐aged children and thus support the need to establish clear cut‐off points for detecting and diagnosing autism. In our sample, the prevalence of high‐risk symptoms for autism spectrum disorders and social‐pragmatic communication disorder was around 8%.
Kreishaus Ludwigsburg – Neue Wege beim Einsatz von Recyclingbeton
Authors: Hinz Holger
Published: May 2018

Recycling‐Beton (RC‐Beton) wird in Deutschland bislang nur in sehr geringem Umfang für tragende Bauteile eingesetzt – und das, obwohl normative Grundlagen existieren und ein klarer ökologischer Vorteil gegeben ist. Dieser Aufsatz gibt eine grundlegende Einführung in den Einsatz von RC‐Beton und beschreibt dann anhand eines Projektbeispiels, wie Recycling‐Beton auch für anspruchsvolle Tragwerkselemente eingesetzt werden kann. Das gewählte Projektbeispiel – das Kreishaus in Ludwigsburg – weist die größte Menge an RC‐Beton auf, die hierzulande bislang in tragenden Bauteilen Verwendung gefunden hat.
Composition and Chemical Variability of Enantia polycarpa Engl. & Diels Leaf Essential Oil from Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Yapi Thierry Acafou , Ouattara Zana Adama , Boti Jean Brice , Tonzibo Zanahi Félix , Paoli Mathieu , Bighelli Ange , Casanova Joseph , Tomi Félix
Published: May 2018

The composition of Enantia polycarpa Engl. & Diels leaf essential oil has been investigated for the first time using a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The compositions of 52 leaf essential oil samples have been subjected to statistical analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Four groups were differentiated, of which the compositions were dominated by β‐elemene and germacrene B (Group III, 22/52 samples); germacrene D (Group I, 16/52 samples); β‐cubebene (Group IV, 8/52 samples) and by germacrene B and germacrene D (Group II, 6/52 samples). A special attention was brought to the quantification of the thermolabile components, germacrene A, germacrene B and germacrene C, as well as that of their rearranged compounds, β‐elemene, γ‐elemene and δ‐elemene. 13C‐NMR data of β‐cubebene have been provided.
Schistosomicidal Activity of Dihydrobenzofuran Neolignans
Authors: Dias Herbert J. , Patrocínio Andressa B. , Pagotti Mariana C. , Fukui Murilo J. , Rodrigues Vanderlei , Magalhães Lizandra G. , Crotti Antônio E. M.
Published: May 2018

We have evaluated the antischistosomal activity of synthetic dihydrobenzofuran neolignans (DBNs) derived from (±)‐trans‐dehydrodicoumaric acid dimethyl ester (1) and (±)‐trans‐dehydrodiferulic acid dimethyl ester (2) against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. Compound 4 ((±)‐trans‐4‐O‐acetyldehydrodiferulic acid dimethyl ester) displayed the most promising activity; at 200 μm, it kills 100 ± 0% of worms after 24 h, which resembles the result achieved with praziquantel (positive control) at 1.56 μm. The hydrogenation of the double bond between C7′ and C8′, the introduction of an additional methyl group at C3′, and a double bond between C7 and C8 decreased the schistosomicidal activity of DBNs. On the other hand, the presence of the acetoxy group at C4 played an interesting role in this activity. These results demonstrated the interesting schistosomicidal potential of DBNs, which could be further exploited.
Targeting regulatory T cells for improving cancer therapy: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Dwarakanath Bilikere S. , Farooque Abdullah , Gupta Seema
Published: May 2018

Objective

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in immune responses to infectious agents and tumors. Paradoxically, Tregs protect self‐cells from the immune response as a part of peripheral tolerance and prevents autoimmune disorders, whereas during the process of carcinogenesis, they are exploited by tumor cells for protection against antitumor immune responses. Therefore, Tregs are often considered as a major obstacle in anticancer therapy. The objective of this review is to provide a current understanding on Tregs as a potential cellular target for achieving therapeutic gain and discuss various approaches that are implicated at preclinical and clinical scenario.

Recent findings

Several approaches like immunotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, which reduce Tregs population, have been found to be useful in improving local tumor control. Our recent observations with the glycolytic inhibitor, 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, established as an adjuvant in radiotherapy and chemotherapy of tumors also show that potential of 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose to improve local tumor control is linked with its ability to reduce the Tregs pool.

Conclusions

Several published studies and emerging evidences indicate that suppression of Treg numbers, infiltration into the tumors, and function can improve the cancer therapy by enhancing the antitumor immunity.
Predator–prey mass ratio drives microbial activity under dry conditions in Sphagnum peatlands
Authors: Reczuga Monika K. , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Mulot Matthieu , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Buttler Alexandre , Chojnicki Bogdan , Słowiński Michał , Binet Philippe , Chiapusio Geneviève , Gilbert Daniel , Słowińska Sandra , Jassey Vincent E. J.
Published: May 2018

Mid‐ to high‐latitude peatlands are a major terrestrial carbon stock but become carbon sources during droughts, which are increasingly frequent as a result of climate warming. A critical question within this context is the sensitivity to drought of peatland microbial food webs. Microbiota drive key ecological and biogeochemical processes, but their response to drought is likely to impact these processes. Peatland food webs have, however, been little studied, especially the response of microbial predators. We studied the response of microbial predators (testate amoebae, ciliates, rotifers, and nematodes) living in Sphagnum moss carpet to droughts, and their influence on lower trophic levels and on related microbial enzyme activity. We assessed the impact of reduced water availability on microbial predators in two peatlands using experimental (Linje mire, Poland) and natural (Forbonnet mire, France) water level gradients, reflecting a sudden change in moisture regime (Linje), and a typically drier environment (Forbonnet). The sensitivity of different microbial groups to drought was size dependent; large sized microbiota such as testate amoebae declined most under dry conditions (−41% in Forbonnet and −80% in Linje). These shifts caused a decrease in the predator–prey mass ratio (PPMR). We related microbial enzymatic activity to PPMR; we found that a decrease in PPMR can have divergent effects on microbial enzymatic activity. In a community adapted to drier conditions, decreasing PPMR stimulated microbial enzyme activity, while in extreme drought experiment, it reduced microbial activity. These results suggest that microbial enzymatic activity resulting from food web structure is optimal only within a certain range of PPMR, and that different trophic mechanisms are involved in the response of peatlands to droughts. Our findings confirm the importance of large microbial consumers living at the surface of peatlands on the functioning of peatlands, and illustrate their value as early warning indicators of change.
Exploring psychological mechanisms of clinical response to an internet‐delivered psychological pain management program
Authors: Gandy M. , Karin E. , Jones M.P. , McDonald S. , Sharpe L. , Titov N. , Dear B.F.
Published: May 2018

Background

The evidence for Internet‐delivered pain management programs for chronic pain is growing, but there is little empirical understanding of how they effect change. Understanding mechanisms of clinical response to these programs could inform their effective development and delivery.

Methods

A large sample (n = 396) from a previous randomized controlled trial of a validated internet‐delivered psychological pain management program, the Pain Course, was used to examine the influence of three potential psychological mechanisms (pain acceptance, pain self‐efficacy, fear of movement/re‐injury) on treatment‐related change in disability, depression, anxiety and average pain. Analyses involved generalized estimating equation models for clinical outcomes that adjusted for co‐occurring change in psychological variables. This was paired with cross‐lagged analysis to assess for evidence of causality. Analyses involved two time points, pre‐treatment and post‐treatment.

Results

Changes in pain‐acceptance were strongly associated with changes in three (depression, anxiety and average pain) of the four clinical outcomes. Changes in self‐efficacy were also strongly associated with two (anxiety and average pain) clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that participants were unlikely to improve in these clinical outcomes without also experiencing increases in their pain self‐efficacy and pain acceptance. However, there was no clear evidence from cross‐lagged analyses to currently support these psychological variables as direct mechanisms of clinical improvements. There was only statistical evidence to suggest higher levels of self‐efficacy moderated improvements in depression.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that, while clinical improvements are closely associated with improvements in pain acceptance and self‐efficacy, these psychological variables may not drive the treatment effects observed.

Significance

This study employed robust statistical techniques to assess the psychological mechanisms of an established internet‐delivered pain management program. While clinical improvements (e.g. depression, anxiety, pain) were closely associated with improvements in psychological variables (e.g. pain self‐efficacy and pain acceptance), these variables do not appear to be treatment mechanisms.
Tapering off long‐term opioid therapy in chronic non‐cancer pain patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kurita G.P. , Højsted J. , Sjøgren P.
Published: May 2018

Background

The indications for initiating long‐term opioid treatment (L‐TOT) for chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) are often unclear and associated with problematic use. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of stabilizing opioid therapy followed by a sequential opioid tapering off program in CNCP patients.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial with a medications stabilization period (Phase 1) was followed by an opioid tapering off program (Phase 2). In Phase 2, patients were randomized to Control Group (stable treatment) or Taper off Group (sequential opioid dose reduction) and assessed at baseline, after stabilization and up to 6 months. Primary outcomes: measures of cognitive function; secondary outcomes: pain, sleep, rest, quality of life, depression, anxiety, opioid misuse and opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Results

In all, 274 patients were screened; 75 were included, out of which 40 dropped out before Phase 2. Those who succeeded Phase 1 (n = 35) had weak/moderate improvements of psychomotor function (p = 0.020), sleeping hours (p = 0.031), opioid withdrawal symptoms (p = 0.019), measures of quality of life (p ≤ 0.043) and opioid misuse scores (p = 0.003). In Phase 2, patients in Taper off Group (n = 15) experienced stable pain intensity and felt significantly more rested at third assessment than the Control Group (n = 20).

Conclusions

The opioid tapering off program was not successful due to the vast number of dropouts. Phase 1 was associated with weak to moderate improvements on psychomotor function, sleeping, opioid withdrawal symptoms, quality of life and reduced risk of opioid misuse. In the intervention group of Phase 2, pain intensity was stable and patients felt more rested.

Significance

This trial showed that sequential tapering off L‐TOT in CNCP patients may be an unfeasible approach. However, improvements after opioid treatment stabilization were achieved and stable pain intensity in those tapered off may encourage the development of more refined programs.
The predictive value of the heart rate variability‐derived Analgesia Nociception Index in children anaesthetized with sevoflurane: An observational pilot study
Authors: Weber F. , Geerts N.J.E. , Roeleveld H.G. , Warmenhoven A.T. , Liebrand C.A.
Published: May 2018

Background

The heart rate variability (HRV)‐derived Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI™) is a continuous noninvasive tool to assess the nociception/antinociception balance in unconscious patients. It has been shown to be superior to haemodynamic variables in detecting insufficient antinociception in children, while little is known about its predictive value.

Methods

The primary objective of this prospective observational pilot study in paediatric surgical patients under sevoflurane anaesthesia was to compare the predictive value of the ANI and heart rate to help decide to give additional opioids. The paediatric anaesthesiologist in charge was blinded to ANI values.

Results

In patients with an ANI value <50 (indicating insufficient antinociception) at the moment of decision, ANI values dropped from ±55 (indicating sufficient antinociception) to ±35, starting 60 s before decision. Within 120 s after administration of fentanyl (1 μg/kg), ANI values returned to ±60. This phenomenon was only observed in the ANI values derived from HRV data averaged over 2 min. Heart rate remained unchanged. In patients with ANI values ≥50 at the time of decision, opioid administration had no effect on ANI or heart rate. The same accounts for morphine for postoperative analgesia and fentanyl in case of intraoperative movement.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of a better predictive value of the ANI in detecting insufficient antinociception in paediatric surgical patients than heart rate. The same accounts for depicting re‐establishment of sufficient antinociception after opioid drug administration.

Significance

In paediatric surgical patients anaesthetized with sevoflurane, the heart rate variability‐derived Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) appears to be a better predictor of insufficient antinociception than heart rate. The ANI also appears to depict re‐establishment of sufficient antinociception better than heart rate.
Development and course of chronic pain over 4 years in the general population: The HUNT pain study
Authors: Landmark T. , Dale O. , Romundstad P. , Woodhouse A. , Kaasa S. , Borchgrevink P.C.
Published: May 2018

Background

Epidemiological studies of chronic pain frequently report high prevalence estimates. However, there is little information about the development and natural course of chronic pain.

Methods

We followed a random sample of participants from a population‐based study (HUNT 3) with annual measures over 4 years.

Results

Among those without chronic pain at baseline, the probability of developing moderate to severe chronic pain (cumulative incidence) during the first year was 5%, a pain status that was maintained among 38% at the second follow‐up. The probability of developing chronic pain diminished substantially for those who maintained a status of no chronic pain over several years. Subjects with moderate to severe chronic pain at baseline had an 8% probability of recovery into no chronic pain, a status that was maintained for 52% on the second follow‐up. The probability of recovery diminished substantially as a status of chronic pain was prolonged for several years. Pain severity, widespread pain, pain catastrophizing, depression and sleep were significant predictors of future moderate to severe chronic pain, both among subjects with and without chronic pain at baseline.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the prognosis is fairly good after a new onset of chronic pain. When the pain has lasted for several years, the prognosis becomes poor. The same social and psychological factors predict new onset and the prognosis of chronic pain.

Significance

The development and recovery of chronic pain is highly dependent on previous pain. The prognosis of chronic pain may be predicted well when considering its duration in combination with other clinical, social and psychological factors. Targeting modifiable prognostic factors may be particularly important for newly developed chronic pain.
The illusion of explanatory depth and endorsement of conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Vitriol Joseph A. , Marsh Jessecae K.
Published: May 2018

The average person possesses superficial understanding of complex causal relations and, consequently, tends to overestimate the quality and depth of their explanatory knowledge. In this study, we examined the role of this illusion of explanatory depth (IOED) in politics—inflated confidence in one's causal understanding of political phenomena—for endorsement of conspiracy beliefs. Utilizing a pre‐/post‐election panel design and a large sample of U.S. Citizens (N = 394) recruited in the context of the 2016 presidential election, we provide evidence that political IOED, but not a non‐political IOED, was associated with increased support for general and election‐specific conspiracy beliefs, particularly among political novices and supporters of the losing candidate. We find this pattern of results net the influence of a broad range of variables known to covary with conspiracy beliefs. Implications for theory and the need for future research are discussed.
Investigating stereotype structure with empirical network models
Authors: Sayans‐Jiménez Pablo , van Harreveld Frenk , Dalege Jonas , Rojas Tejada Antonio J.
Published: May 2018

In this work we present empirical network models as a new approach in the investigation of stereotype structure. We will argue that empirical network models can provide more insight into stereotype structure because they do not suffer from the inherent constraints of factor analysis and multidimensional scaling (e.g., group features interpreted homogeneously only on the basis of their shared variance, impossibility to adequately represent cognitive schemas, difficulties to make inferences on the basis of dimensions potentially overlapping). In the present research we show how empirical network models can represent stereotypes as dynamic cognitive structures clustered in different substructures. These structures will be based on both the stereotype content and the co‐occurrence of features in each group target. Additionally, this research shows how using empirical networks can contribute to broadening the interpretation of stereotypes representing them in the framework of prejudice or intergroup attitudes.
The benefits of collective responsibility: How ingroup reputation concern motivates prosociality in intergroup contexts
Authors: Kardos Peter , Leidner Bernhard , Castano Emanuele , Lickel Brian
Published: May 2018

Collective responsibility processes have been investigated from the perspectives of the outgroup (e.g., collective blame) and the ingroup (e.g., collective guilt). This article extends theory and research on collective responsibility with a third perspective, namely that of the individual actor whose behavior triggers the attribution of collective blame. Four experiments (n = 78, 118, 208 and 77, respectively) tested the hypotheses that collective responsibility processes influence the individual actors' appraisals, emotions and behavior. The possibility of collective blame for their individual action prompted more prosocial behavior among participants (Experiment 1). Participants also experienced more ingroup reputation concern and in turn more negative emotions (Experiment 2–4) for a past wrongdoing if it could reflect negatively on the ingroup in the eyes of outgroups. The increased negative emotions then motivated participants to improve the ingroup's image (Experiment 4). The effects were moderated by perceived ingroup entitativity, in that activating collective blame increased ingroup reputation concern and negative emotions only for ingroups perceived as highly entitative (Experiment 3).
Creating healthier graduates, campuses and communities: Why Australia needs to invest in health promoting universities
Authors: Taylor Patricia , Saheb Rowena , Howse Eloise
Published: May 2018

Issue

Higher education is an important and influential setting for embedding health promotion principles and practice. Universities have a responsibility to their communities and more broadly as leaders in society.

Project

Settings‐based health promotion is an effective method for increasing healthy environments and an organisational culture that supports health. “Healthy Universities” and the Okanagan Charter aim to embed health within the university structure through committed policies and programs. Collaboration across Australia can support this sector‐wide adoption.

Conclusions

Leadership is required from Australian universities to invest in health promotion. This is the time for higher education in Australia to consider its role in shaping the health of its local and global communities.
The intranuclear PEX domain of MMP involves proliferation, migration, and metastasis of aggressive adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Okusha Yuka , Eguchi Takanori , Sogawa Chiharu , Okui Tatsuo , Nakano Keisuke , Okamoto Kuniaki , Kozaki Ken‐Ichi
Published: May 2018

Members of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family promote cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis through alteration of the tumor milieu, intracellular signaling pathways, and transcription. We examined gene expression signatures of colon adenocarcinoma cell lines with different metastatic potentials and found that rapidly metastatic cells powerfully expressed genes encoding MMP3 and MMP9. The non‐proteolytic PEX isoform and proteolytic isoforms of MMPs were significantly expressed in the metastatic cells in vitro. Knockdown of MMP3 attenuated cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Profound nuclear localization of MMP3/PEX was found in tumor‐stroma marginal area. In contrast, MMP9 was localized in central area of subcutaneous tumors. Overexpression of the PEX isoform of MMP3 promoted proliferation and migration of the rapidly metastatic cells in vitro. Taken together, the non‐proteolytic PEX isoform of MMPs locating in cell nuclei involves proliferation, migration, and subsequent metastasis of aggressive adenocarcinoma cells.
High‐Dose Human Milk Feedings Decrease Oxidative Stress in Premature Infant
Authors: Chen Yimin , Fantuzzi Giamila , Schoeny Michael , Meier Paula , Patel Aloka L.
Published: May 2018

Background

Premature infants are susceptible to oxidative stress, increasing the risk for serious morbidities. High‐dose human milk (HM) feedings decrease morbidity risks and may reduce oxidative stress in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare oxidative stress using serial urinary F2‐isoprostane concentrations in predominantly HM and preterm formula (PF)–fed premature infants over the first 21 days of life (DOL), while controlling for perinatal oxidative stress exposures including bovine‐based human milk fortifier (HMF) or PF introduction to predominantly HM‐fed infants.

Methods

This was a quasi‐experimental design that categorized 22 premature infants into mutually exclusive comparison groups based on exposure to HM and PF. Serial urine samples (before and after first feeding, and DOL 7, 14, and 21) were used to determine urine F2‐isoprostane concentrations measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. We analyzed data using Mann‐Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank test, and multilevel models.

Results

Comparing the predominantly HM‐fed and predominantly PF‐fed groups over time, median F2‐isoprostane concentrations decreased significantly in the predominantly HM group (P = .003) and increased significantly in the predominantly PF group (P = .01). Perinatal oxidant exposures and the introduction of HMF did not affect results.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that predominantly HM feedings were associated with decreased oxidative stress, whereas PF feedings increased oxidative stress in premature infants, even after controlling for perinatal oxidant exposures of HMF or PF introduction.
The contribution of various organic matter fractions to soil–water interactions and structural stability of an agriculturally cultivated soil
Authors: Buchmann Christian , Schaumann Gabriele E.
Published: May 2018

The presence and mutual interactions of soil organic matter (SOM) and clay particles are major factors determining soil structural stability. In the scope of agricultural management and environmental sustainability, it remains unclear how various mineral and organic matter (OM) fractions, OM–clay interactions and swelling processes in the interparticle space determine soil–water interactions and thus soil structural stability. To investigate this issue, we isolated the mineral and OM fractions of an agriculturally cultivated silty loam soil by soil density fractionation and assessed their hydration characteristics and effects on soil structural stability combining 1H‐NMR relaxometry, soil rheology and single wet‐sieving of soil aggregates. The results showed that agricultural management practices, in particular compost and ploughing, as well as various OM–clay interactions significantly affected soil–water interactions and soil structural stability. On the one hand, ploughing reduced soil structural stability by promoting clay swelling as a result of disrupted soil structures and reduced SOM content. On the other hand, compost treatment and reduced tillage increased soil structural stability. In all cases, soil density fractionation showed that compost‐derived particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM) restricted clay swelling and resulted in a highly porous and mechanically stable soil matrix. In particular, POM increased soil structural stability by acting as nucleus for soil aggregation and by restricting clay swelling via its presence as solid, granular interparticulate material. In contrast, MAOM seemed to restrict clay swelling via clay surface covering and the formation of viscous interparticulate hydrogel structures.
InvasiveSpartinastrengthens soil resilience in wetlands of the east‐central China coast
Authors: Yang Ren‐Min , Guo Wen‐Wen
Published: May 2018

Introducing nonnative species as a restoration strategy has been widely implemented to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems. Nonnative species becomes an important factor influencing soil physicochemical patterns. Although these effects have been explored individually, the comprehensive examination of soil physicochemical attributes that indicate possible processes of coastal soil resilience or degradation induced by nonnative species has been less emphasized. To expand such understanding, we used a space‐for‐time substitution methodology to capture characteristics of soil physicochemical attributes and plant productivity in space and time, and further, we used a structural equation model (SEM) to evaluate a set of hypotheses about positive effects of plant invasion (Spartina alterniflora) on soil resilience in terms of soil degradation processes (fertility, salinization, acidification, alkalization, structure, and erosion) in the east‐central China coast. SEM analyses revealed 3 aspects of soil degradation that appear to be improved by the exoticS. alterniflora: (a) fertility, (b) desalinization, and (c) erosion resistance. SEM also presented that soil alkalization had occurred with the invasion, indicating the possible decreased capacity of soil against degradation. Although soil became more alkaline, these findings highlight that in the absence of native species, the nonnative species has an overall positive effect on soil resilience against degradation. The connections between nonnative species and soil degradation observed in SEM verified the hypothesized causal relationship, suggesting the significant role nonnative species plays in maintaining soil resilience in regions without native species.
Densely defined non‐closable curl on carpet‐like metric measure spaces
Authors: Hinz Michael , Teplyaev Alexander
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with the possibly degenerate behaviour of the exterior derivative operator defined on 1‐forms on metric measure spaces. The main examples we consider are the non self‐similar Sierpinski carpets recently introduced by Mackay, Tyson and Wildrick. Although topologically one‐dimensional, they may have positive two‐dimensional Lebesgue measure and carry nontrivial 2‐forms. We prove that in this case the curl operator (and therefore also the exterior derivative on 1‐forms) is not closable, and that its adjoint operator has a trivial domain. We also formulate a similar more abstract result. It states that for spaces that are, in a certain way, structurally similar to Sierpinski carpets, the exterior derivative operator taking 1‐forms into 2‐forms cannot be closable if the martingale dimension is larger than one.
Technical Note: Using dual step wedge and 2D scintillator to achieve highly precise and robust proton range quality assurance
Authors: Deng Wei , Liu Wei , Robertson Daniel G. , Bues Martin , Sio Terence T. , Keole Sameer R. , Shen Jiajian
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a fast method for proton range quality assurance (QA) using a dual step wedge and two‐dimensional (2D) scintillator and to evaluate the robustness, sensitivity, and long‐term reproducibility of this method.

Methods

An in‐house customized dual step wedge and a 2D scintillator were developed to measure proton ranges. Proton beams with homogenous fluence were delivered through wedge, and the images captured by the scintillator were used to calculate the proton ranges by a simple trigonometric method. The range measurements of 97 energies, comprising all clinically available synchrotron energies at our facility (ranges varying from 4 to 32 cm) were repeated ten times in all four gantry rooms for range baseline values. They were then used for evaluating room‐to‐room range consistencies. The robustness to setup uncertainty was evaluated by measuring ranges with ±2 mm setup deviations in the x, y, and z directions. The long‐term reproducibility was evaluated by 1 month of daily range measurements by this method.

Results

Ranges of all 97 energies were measured in less than 10 minutes including setup time. The reproducibility in a single day and daily over 1 month is within 0.1 and 0.15 mm, respectively. The method was very robust to setup uncertainty, with measured range consistencies within 0.15 mm for ±2 mm couch shifts. The method was also sensitive enough for validating range consistencies among gantry rooms and for detecting small range variations.

Conclusions

The new method of using a dual step wedge and scintillator for proton range QA was efficient, highly reproducible, and robust. This method of proton range QA was highly feasible and appealing from a workflow point of view.
Imaging Mass Spectrometry for Characterization of Atrial Fibrillation Subtypes
Authors: Klein Oliver , Hanke Thorsten , Nebrich Grit , Yan Junfeng , Schubert Benedikt , Giavalisco Patrick , Noack Frank , Thiele Herbert , Mohamed Salah A.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a rapid and irregular heart rhythm. AF types, paroxysmal (PX), persistent (PE), and long‐lasting persistent (LSP), require differences in clinical management. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of AF patients are clinically misclassified. Therefore, the aim of this study is to prove that MALDI‐Imaging (IMS) is valuable as a diagnostic aid in AF subtypes’ assessment.

Experimental design

Patients are clinically classified according to the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. FFPE tissue specimens from PE, PX, and LSP subtypes are analyzed by MALDI‐IMS and evaluated by multi‐statistical testing. Proteins are subsequently identified using LC‐MS/MS and findings are confirmed by immunohistochemistry and through the determination of potential fibrosis via histopathology.

Result

Determined that characteristic peptide signatures and peptide values facilitate to distinguish between PE, PX, and LSP arterial fibrillation subtypes. In particular, peptide values from alpha 1 type I collagen (CO1A1) are identified that are significantly higher in LSP and PE tissues but not in PX myocardial AF tissue. These findings are confirmed by immunohistochemistry and through the determination of potential fibrosis via histopathology.

Conclusion and relevance

These results represent an improvement in AF risk stratification by using MALDI‐IMS as a promising approach for AF tissue assessment.
Peptidome Analysis Reveals Novel Serum Biomarkers for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China
Authors: Yang Juan , Chen Yanni , Xiong Xiaofan , Zhou Xiaobo , Han Lin , Ni Lei , Wang Wenjing , Wang Xiaofei , Zhao Lingyu , Shao Dongdong , Huang Chen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout one's life. Early diagnosis is essential for ASD since early treatment can enable children with ASD to make significant gains in language and social skills, but remains challenging since there are currently no specific biomarkers of ASD. This study is aimed to identify serum biomarkers for ASD.

Experimental design

Serum of Han Chinese children with ASD (n = 68) and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 80) is analyzed using magnetic bead–based separation combined with mass spectrum.

Results

Eight potential ASD serum biomarker peaks (m/z: 3886.69, 7775.12, 2381.71, 6638.63, 3319.17, 894.34, 4968.59, and 5910.53) with higher expression in ASD group are further identified as peptide regions of plasma serine protease inhibitor precursor (SERPINA5), platelet factor 4 (PF4), fatty acid binding protein 1(FABP1), apolipoprotein C‐I precursor (APOC1), alpha‐fetoprotein precursor (AFP), carboxypeptidase B2 (CPB2), trace amine‐associated receptor 6 (TAAR6), and isoform1 of fibrinogen alpha chain precursor (FGA). The expression of identified proteins is validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Conclusions and medical relevance

These findings reveal the exceptional disease etiology of ASD from a serum proteomic perspective, and the identified proteins might be potential biomarkers for ASD diagnosis.
New Field Effect Deep‐UV μLEDs Development
Authors: Rottner Jean , Haas Helge , Largeron Christophe , Vaufrey David , Robin Ivan. C.
Published: May 2018

Mg‐doped AlGaN layers are needed for deep‐ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV‐LEDs). However because of the high activation energy of Mg in such layers, the ionization level of the Mg‐dopants is very low. In this paper a new design is proposed with a view to improve the wall plug efficiency (WPE) of DUV‐LEDs. The method consists in using a geometry combining a UV‐μLED and a gate covering the edges of the mesa. This approach is intended to by‐pass the problem of low ionization level of the dopants in p‐AlGaN. The simulated structures include a DUV‐LED mesa structure with Al0.5Ga0.5N/Al0.7Ga0.3N multiple quantum well (MQW) active region emitting around 265 nm. It also comprises a gate deposited on the sidewalls of the mesa. Simulations performed with Silvaco atlas will be presented. In particular we will show that by applying an appropriate voltage to the gate, holes can be efficiently injected into the active region. They reach the active region via an accumulation channel below the gate around the mesa, and then diffuse along the length of wells and easily recombine with electrons. Finally simulations show that the calculated WPE can be increased by a factor of 3 for an optimized structure geometry.
Recycling fresh concrete waste: A review
Authors: Wang Ruixuan , Zhang Y. X.
Published: May 2018

Disposal of fresh concrete waste is a worldwide problem. In recent years, many studies have claimed that fresh concrete waste from a reclaiming system can be efficiently recycled into concrete. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the characteristics and applicability of fresh concrete waste in phase of slurry wastewater, fresh paste, and recycled solids. The effects of fresh concrete waste in the three phases on workability, strength, and durability such as permeability, water absorption, shrinkage, and acid resistance of concrete have also been reviewed in this paper.
Effect of flow on ATP/ADP concentration at the endothelial cell surface: interplay between shear stress and mass transport
Authors: Di Costanzo Ezio , Barakat Abdul I. , Pontrelli Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

The nucleotides ATP and ADP regulate many aspects of endothelial cell (EC) biology, including intracellular calcium concentrations, focal adhesion activation, cytoskeletal organization, and cellular motility. In vivo, ECs are constantly under flow, and the concentration of ATP/ADP on the EC surface is determined by the combined effects of nucleotide convective and diffusive transport as well as hydrolysis by ectonucleotidases on the EC surface. In addition, experiments have demonstrated that flow induces ATP release from the cells. Previous computational models have incorporated the above effects and thus described nucleotide concentration at the EC surface. However, it remains unclear what physical processes are responsible for nucleotide regulation. While some EC responses to flow have been shown to be directly driven by shear stress, others appear to also involve a non‐negligible contribution of transport. In the present work, we develop a mathematical model and perform numerical simulations to investigate the relative contributions of shear stress and transport to nucleotide concentration at the EC surface. Because in vitro experiments are performed by using confluent cells in some cases and subconfluent cells in other cases, we also investigate the effect of cell density on the results. The outcomes of the simulations demonstrate a complex interplay between shear stress and transport such that transport has a significant contribution at certain shear stress values but not at others. The effect of transport on nucleotide concentration increases with cell density. The present findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that govern the regulation at the EC surface under flow. The implications of these findings for downstream responses such as cellular motility merit future investigation.
Delayed school start time is associated with better sleep, daytime functioning, and life satisfaction in residential high‐school students☆
Authors: Chan Christian S. , Poon Cyanea Y.S. , Leung Jacklyn C.Y. , Lau Kristy N.T. , Lau Esther Y.Y.
Published: May 2018

The effects of a delayed school start time by one hour were examined at a boarding school in Hong Kong. Two cohorts of high school students (N = 228; 61.8% female) were recruited respectively before and after a school start time changed from 7:30am to 8:30am. Both cross‐cohort and within‐cohort longitudinal comparisons yielded significant increase in total sleep time. Cross‐cohort comparison yielded improvement in sleep quality, insomnia, life satisfaction, and psychological distress. Longitudinal data suggested that the longer the additional sleep time, the better was sleep quality, day‐time functioning, and subjective wellbeing.
A Western dietary pattern is prospectively associated with cardio-metabolic traits and incidence of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Drake Isabel , Sonestedt Emily , Ericson Ulrika , Wallström Peter , Orho-Melander Marju
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to derive dietary patterns associated with cardio-metabolic traits and to examine whether these predict prospective changes in these traits and incidence of the metabolic syndrome (iMetS). Subjects from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cardiovascular cohort without cardio-metabolic disease and related drug treatments at baseline (n 4071; aged 45–67 years, 40 % men) were included. We applied reduced rank regression on thirty-eight foods to derive patterns that explain variation in response variables measured at baseline (waist circumference, TAG, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin). Patterns were examined in relation to change in cardio-metabolic traits and iMetS in subjects who were re-examined after 16·7 years (n 2704). Two dietary patterns (‘Western’ and ‘Drinker’) were retained and explained 3·2 % of the variation in response variables. The ‘Western’ dietary pattern was inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol and positively with all other response variables (both at baseline and follow-up), but there was no association with LDL at follow-up. After adjustment for potential confounders, the ‘Western’ dietary pattern was associated with higher risk of iMetS (hazard ratio Q4 v. Q1: 1·47; 95 % CI 1·23, 1·77; Ptrend=1·5×10−5). The ‘Drinker’ dietary pattern primarily explained variation in HDL and was not associated with iMetS. In conclusion, this study supports current food-based dietary guidelines suggesting that a ‘Western’ dietary pattern with high intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages and red and processed meats and low intakes of wine, cheese, vegetables and high-fibre foods is associated with detrimental effects on cardio-metabolic health.
Status of terrestrial mammals at the Kafue–Zambezi interface: implications for transboundary connectivity
Authors: Lines Robin , Tzanopoulos Joseph , MacMillan Douglas
Published: May 2018

The Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Programme promotes landscape-level connectivity between clusters of wildlife management areas in five neighbouring countries. However, declining regional biodiversity can undermine efforts to maintain, expand and link wildlife populations. Narratives promoting species connectivity should thus be founded on studies of system and state changes in key resources. By integrating and augmenting multiple data sources throughout eight wildlife management areas, covering 1.7 million ha, we report changes during 1978–2015 in the occurrence and distribution of 31 mammal species throughout a landscape linking the Greater Kafue System to adjacent wildlife management areas in Namibia and Botswana. Results indicate species diversity is largely unchanged in Kafue National Park and Mulobezi and Sichifulo Game Management Areas. However, 100% of large carnivore and 64% of prey diversity have been lost in the Simalaha areas, and there is no evidence of migrational behaviour or species recolonization from adjacent wildlife areas. Although temporal sampling scales influence the definition of species occupancy and distribution, and data cannot elucidate population size or trends, our findings indicate an emerging connectivity bottleneck within Simalaha. Evidence suggests that at current disturbance levels the Greater Kafue System, Zambia's majority component in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is becoming increasingly isolated at the trophic scale of large mammals. Further investigations of the site-specific, interacting drivers influencing wildlife distribution and occurrence are required to inform appropriate conservation interventions for wildlife recovery in key areas identified to promote transboundary connectivity in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Everyday discrimination in the neighbourhood: what a ‘doing’ perspective on age and ethnicity can offer
Authors: WANKA ANNA , WIESBÖCK LAURA , ALLEX BRIGITTE , MAYRHUBER ELISABETH ANNE-SOPHIE , ARNBERGER ARNE , EDER RENATE , KUTALEK RUTH , WALLNER PETER , HUTTER HANS-PETER , KOLLAND FRANZ
Published: May 2018

Despite the fact that urbanisation, population ageing and international migration constitute major societal developments of our time, little attention has been paid to studying them together in a comprehensive manner. In this paper, we argue that, when treating age and ethnicity as practical processes for addressing and identifying with social groups, it is necessary to do so from a ‘doing’ perspective. The question we ask focuses on which social memberships are made relevant or irrelevant in residential environments and how that relevance or irrelevance is established. Drawing upon a quantitative study among individuals of Turkish migrant origin living in Vienna, Austria, we find that it is rather common for the respondents to have been assigned to multiple intersecting social groups and that they were treated unfairly in their own neighbourhoods. However, such ascriptions do not necessarily correspond to objective categorisations of research or subjective identifications. Hence, the discrimination that is present in a neighbourhood does not necessarily lead to decreased place attachment or a diminishing sense of home. In fact, we find that the ‘satisfaction paradox’ is quite common in environmental gerontology and that it may actually intersect with the ‘immigration paradox’. Applying processual intersectionality is not only fruitful for research, it can also improve the conceptualisation of age-friendly cities.
Who Supports Syrians? The Relative Importance of Religion, Partisanship, and Partisan News
Authors: Newman Brian
Published: May 2018

Who supports allowing Syrian refugees into the United States? As a candidate, Donald Trump clearly opposed doing so. In contrast, religious leaders across the broad spectrum of religious traditions in the United States have drawn on sacred texts to call their people to action in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Many explicitly ask the government to resettle Syrian refugees in the United States. Thus, many Republicans may have experienced cross-cutting pressures. Analyses of three surveys from 2015 and 2016 found that party identification, ideology, support for Trump, partisan-news consumption, religious-service attendance, age, and education predicted support for bringing Syrian refugees to the United States. Overall, the partisan and ideological variables were far more predictive of attitudes than religious variables. These results raise important questions about refugee politics and contexts in which religious forces conflict with partisan and ideological forces.