bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphor und Knochen
Authors: Zwettler E.
Published: August 2018

Bereits im 19. Jahrhundert wurde durch Kiefernekrosen, die bei Arbeitern in Streichholzfabriken auftraten, evident, dass Phosphor eine Wirkung auf den Knochen hat. Seit kurzem wissen wir, dass der Phosphorstoffwechsel von einem in Knochenzellen produzierten Hormon, dem Fibroblast-Growth-Factor 23 (FGF23) gesteuert wird.

Da die westliche Ernährung sehr viel Phosphat enthält, besteht die wissenschaftlich noch nicht eindeutig geklärte Sorge, dass ein Zuviel dem Knochen schaden könnte. Eine ausreichende Kalziumzufuhr scheint jedoch den potentiellen Schaden zu verhindern.

Was ein Zuviel oder Zuwenig an frei verfügbarem Phosphor bedeutet, sehen wir bei genetischen oder erworbenen Phosphatstoffwechselerkrankungen: Ektope Kalzifikationen und Gelenksschmerzen bei Hyperphosphatämie und Kleinwuchs, Rachitis und Knochenschmerzen bei Hypophosphatämien. Bei unklaren Knochenschmerzen, einer Gangstörung oder Insuffizienzfrakturen muss immer eine Hypophosphatämie ausgeschlossen werden, da es erworbene Erkrankungen mit FGF23 Überschuss gibt und auch bestimmte genetische Formen erst im Erwachsenenalter auftreten können. Diagnosestellung und die Einleitung entsprechender Therapiemaßnahmen beeinflussen wesentlich die Prognose.
Evolution of Radiographic Parameters of Canine Passive Hip Laxity at 4, 6 and 12 months: A Study of 306 Dogs
Authors: Genevois Jean-Pierre , Viguier Eric , Carozzo Claude , Livet Véronique , Baldinger Arnaud , Cachon Thibaut , Taroni Mathieu
Published: August 2018

Objectives This article evaluates the variation in the distraction index (DI) and Norberg angle measurement with the femur in a neutral position and the hips distracted (distraction Norberg angle [DNA]) between 4, 6 and 12 months of age.

Methods Radiographic data from dogs (n = 306) line-bred for favourable characteristics, including hip conformation, were reviewed. Dogs underwent stress radiographs, using a Vezzoni distractor, at 4, 6 and 12 months of age. The DI and DNA were calculated, and their evolution was studied for the total population and the sub-category of hips with a DI > 0.7.

Results For the total population, the DI showed a significant increase from 4 to 6 months and a significant decrease at 12 months. For the hips with a DI > 0.7 at 4 months, DI at 6 and 12 months showed a significant decrease (0.14 and 0.26, respectively, on average). For the total population, the DNA followed the same pattern as the DI, and the values are significantly associated (p < 0.001).

Clinical Significance The DI varies significantly from 4 to 12 months in dogs, and the time of radiographic evaluation of hip laxity may strongly influence the value of the DI. The DNA is strongly related to the DI, and its use as a more convenient indicator of hip laxity in dogs should be further investigated.
Robson Classification System Applied to Induction of Labor
Authors: Vargas Sara , Rego Susana , Clode Nuno
Published: August 2018

Objective Induction of labor (IL) is a common obstetric procedure, but it is questionable whether or not it results in higher cesarean section (CS) rates. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of IL in the overall CS rates and to analyze these rates according to the method of IL employed and to the Robson group in which it was applied.

Methods We have conducted a retrospective study including pregnant women whose labor was induced at a tertiary hospital in 2015 and 2016. All women were classified according to the Robson Classification System (RCS). The CS rates were analyzed and compared regarding the method of IL employed.

Results A total of 1,166 cases were included. The CS rate after IL was 20.9%, which represented 23.1% of the total of CSs performed in 2015 and 2016. The highest CS rates were recorded in RCS groups 5 (65.2%) and 8 (32.3%). Group 2 was the highest contributor to the overall CS rate, since it represented 56.7% of the population. The intravaginal prostaglandins method was the most used (77%). Transcervical Foley catheter was the preferred method in group 5 and intravaginal prostaglandins in all the other groups. The CS rate was higher when transcervical Foley catheter was used (34.1%).

Conclusion Transcervical Foley catheter induction was associated with a higher rate of CS, probably because it was the preferred method used in group 5.
New design techniques of resistive bolometer system for analysis of total radiated power
Authors: Sano Ryuichi , Fukumoto Masakatsu , Nakano Tomohide , Oyama Naoyuki
Published: August 2018

Two design techniques for the field of view (FoV) of a resistive bolometer system for the analysis of the total radiated power have been developed. The first technique is a new concept of the resistive bolometer system having multiple apertures to achieve a large viewing angle with one bolometer channel. The second technique is an optimization technique of the bolometer location in the major radial direction to minimize error of the analysis. Both techniques have been examined with a virtual tokamak device. By a FoV designed with both techniques, the total radiation power of several radiation profiles can be determined within 3% error of the analysis with one bolometer channel.
Spin–orbit interaction in Pt or Bi2Te3 nanoparticle-decorated graphene realized by a nanoneedle method
Authors: Namba T. , Tamura K. , Hatsuda K. , Nakamura T. , Ohata C. , Katsumoto S. , Haruyama J.
Published: August 2018

The introduction of spin–orbit interactions (SOIs) and the subsequent appearance of a two-dimensional topological phase are crucial for voltage-controlled and zero-emission energy spintronic devices. In contrast, graphene basically lacks SOIs due to the small mass of the carbon atom, and appropriate experimental reports for SOIs are rare. Here, we control small-amount (cover ratios <8%) random decoration of heavy nanoparticles [platinum (Pt) or bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)] onto monolayer graphene by developing an original nanoneedle method. X-ray photoelectron spectra support low-damage and low-contamination decoration of the nanoparticles, suggesting the presence of Bi–C and Te–C coupling orbitals. In the samples, we find particle-density-dependent non-local resistance (RNL) peaks, which are attributed to the (inverse) spin Hall effect arising from SOI with energies as large as ∼30 meV. This is a larger value than those in previous reports and supported by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The present observation should lead to topological phases of graphene, which can be introduced by random decoration with controlled small amounts of heavy nanoparticles and their applications.
Bounds for fidelity of semiclassical Lagrangian states in Kähler quantization
Authors: Le Floch Yohann
Published: August 2018

We define mixed states associated with submanifolds with probability densities in quantizable closed Kähler manifolds. Then, we address the problem of comparing two such states via their fidelity. First, we estimate the sub-fidelity and super-fidelity of two such states, giving lower and upper bounds for their fidelity, when the underlying submanifolds are two Lagrangian submanifolds intersecting transversally at a finite number of points, in the semiclassical limit. Second, we investigate a family of examples on the sphere, for which we manage to obtain a better upper bound for the fidelity. We conclude by stating a conjecture regarding the fidelity in the general case.
Improvement in piezoelectric performance of a ZnO nanogenerator by modulating interface engineering of CuO-ZnO heterojunction
Authors: Wang Qingyi , Qiu Yu , Yang Dechao , Li Bing , Zhang Xiaotong , Tang Yang , Hu Lizhong
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we demonstrate an approach of enhancing the output performance of nanogenerators (NGs) by modulating interface engineering of ZnO-CuO nano-heterojunctions. By properly modulating the preparation technology sequence of ZnO-CuO PN junctions, excessive electrons in ZnO can be effectively suppressed. By utilizing this approach, we obtained an output current up to ∼1200 nA measured under the same compressive force of ∼1 kgf, which is a 25-fold higher output current compared with that of the NG based on pure ZnO NWs. The corresponding working mechanisms were also discussed in this paper by using an interface energy band theory. This work may provide a potential approach to boosting the piezoelectric performance of the NGs based on ZnO-CuO PN junctions.
Enhanced tunneling electroresistance effects in HfZrO-based ferroelectric tunnel junctions by high-pressure nitrogen annealing
Authors: Goh Youngin , Jeon Sanghun
Published: August 2018

Greatly improved ferroelectricity with an excellent remanent polarization of 20 μC/cm2 and enhanced tunneling electroresistance (TER) were achieved with TiN/HfZrO(HZO)/p-type Ge ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) annealed at a high pressure of 200 atmosphere (atm.). We found that the enhanced ferroelectric characteristics can be ascribed to the effective formation of an orthorhombic phase at high pressures. This was verified by the combined study of grazing angle incidence X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and hysteresis polarization curve analyses. In addition, using pulse switching measurements, we quantitatively evaluated the interfacial paraelectric capacitance (Ci) of HZO FTJs according to the annealing temperature. HZO films annealed at 550 °C and 200 atm. exhibited an excellent TER effect ratio of 20 due to the extra paraelectric layer between the ferroelectric layer and the bottom electrode and a relatively high remanent polarization.
A modified model for simulating the effect of temperature on ultrasonic attenuation in 7050 aluminum alloy
Authors: Wu Yunxin , Han Lei , Gong Hai , Ahmad A. S.
Published: August 2018

Knowing propagating properties of an ultrasonic wave can enhance the non-destructive testing techniques in alloy materials field, such as the electromagnetic acoustic transducer techniques, and the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer techniques. When temperature is taken into consideration, the ultrasonic propagating attenuation become very complex process. In this paper, a loss factor coefficient function with change in temperatures is established and the loss factor damping model with temperature term is coupled into the equations of elastic wave motion. A modified frequency domain model for calculating the ultrasonic attenuation due to temperature changes in 7050 Aluminum alloy is then developed. The model is validated experimentally using a high power pulse transmitter/receiver RPR-4000, a resistant high temperature electromagnetic acoustic transducer set-up and a 7050 Aluminum alloy sample. The simulation and the experimental results are determined to be in good agreement. The numerical model is used to calculate the ultrasonic-waves field, the ultrasonic attenuation, and the ultrasonic propagation directivity considering the temperature effect. The modeling results indicate that the ultrasonic energy attenuation is significantly affected by temperature. When the temperature increases from 20°C up to 480°C, the ultrasonic energy attenuates by 32.31%. It is also found that the length of near acoustic field increases with the increase in temperature. There is a common basic mode for the attenuation of ultrasonic waves, in which the attenuated mode cannot be affected by other factors. Increasing the temperature or the frequency, the ultrasonic propagation can obtain an excellent directivity. Results obtained from the present model will provide a comprehensive understanding of design parameter effects and consequently improve the design/performance in the non-destructive testing techniques.
Determinants of year class strength and growth of estuary perch Macquaria colonorum in a highly regulated system
Authors: Stoessel Daniel J. , Morrongiello John R. , Raadik Tarmo A. , Lyon Jarod P. , Nicol Michael D.
Published: August 2018

Because fish are sensitive indicators of flow alteration, a detailed knowledge of the response of fish to flows is crucial to the sound management of regulated river systems. Estuary perch are a catadromous, long-lived, estuarine-dependant percichthyid. Here, we relate otolith-derived recruitment and growth histories of individuals of the species in the highly regulated river to hydrologic, climatic and demographic variables. Year class strength was positively related to high flows over the spawning season and in a negative curvilinear way to flows in the austral winter, in addition to cooler annual temperatures in general. Flows benefiting recruitment of estuary perch are best timed to occur in austral winter in addition to the spawning season. Without a substantial increase in the volume of environmental water, large recruitment events will remain dependent on sizable natural catchment-generated inflows. On the basis of our findings, climate change predictions of lower rainfall and higher temperatures in south-east Australia may result in prolonged periods of recruitment failure in the region, and have significant implications for the viability of not only the population of estuary perch in the Snowy River, but also southern populations of the species in general.
The dynamics of norm change in the cultural evolution of language
Authors: Amato Roberta , Lacasa Lucas , Díaz-Guilera Albert , Baronchelli Andrea
Published: August 2018

Significance

Social conventions, such as shaking hands or dressing formally, allow us to coordinate smoothly and, once established, appear to be natural. But what happens when a new convention replaces an old one? This question has remained largely unanswered so far, due to the lack of suitable data. Here, we investigate the process of norm change by looking at 2,541 linguistic norm shifts occurring over the last two centuries in English and Spanish. We identify different patterns of norm adoption depending on whether the change is spontaneous or driven by a centralized institution, and we propose a simple model that reproduces all of the empirical observations. These results shed light on the cultural evolution of linguistic norms and human collective behavior.
Self-selection into payments for ecosystem services programs
Authors: Jack B. Kelsey , Jayachandran Seema
Published: August 2018

Designers and funders of payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs have long worried that payments flow to landholders who would have conserved forests even without the program, undermining the environmental benefits (“additionality”) and cost-effectiveness of PES. If landholders self-select into PES programs based on how much conservation they were going to undertake anyway, then those who were planning to conserve should always enroll. This paper discusses the less-appreciated fact that enrollment is often based on other factors too. The hassle of signing up or financial costs of enrollment (e.g., purchasing seedlings) can affect who participates in a PES program. These enrollment costs reduce overall take-up, and, importantly, they can also influence the composition of landholders who select into the program—and thereby the program’s environmental benefits per enrollee. Enrollment costs can increase a program’s benefits per enrollee if they are systematically higher for (and thus deter enrollment by) landholders who would have conserved anyway. Alternatively, enrollment costs can dampen per-enrollee benefits if their correlation with status-quo conservation is in the opposite direction. We illustrate these points with evidence from two studies of randomized trials of PES programs aimed at increasing forest cover in Uganda and Malawi. We also discuss how in other sectors, such as social welfare, policy designers have purposefully adjusted the costs of program enrollment to influence the composition of participants and improve cost-effectiveness. We propose that these ideas for targeting could be incorporated into the design of PES programs.
Casz1 controls higher-order nuclear organization in rod photoreceptors
Authors: Mattar Pierre , Stevanovic Milanka , Nad Ivana , Cayouette Michel
Published: August 2018

Significance

Eukaryotic cells depend on precise genome organization within the nucleus to maintain an appropriate gene-expression profile. Critical to this process is the packaging of functional domains of open and closed chromatin to specific regions of the nucleus, but how this is regulated remains unclear. In this study, we show that the zinc finger protein Casz1 regulates higher-order nuclear organization of rod photoreceptors in the mouse retina by repressing nuclear lamina function, which leads to central localization of heterochromatin. Loss of Casz1 in rods leads to an abnormal transcriptional profile followed by degeneration. These results identify Casz1 as a regulator of higher-order genome organization.
Credit Market Competition and Liquidity Crises*
Authors: Carletti Elena , Leonello Agnese
Published: August 2018

We develop a model where banks invest in reserves and loans, and trade loans on the interbank market to deal with liquidity shocks. Two types of equilibria emerge, depending on the degree of credit market competition and the level of aggregate liquidity risk. In one equilibrium, all banks keep enough reserves and remain solvent. In the other, some banks default with positive probability. The latter equilibrium exists when competition is weak and large liquidity shocks are unlikely. The model delivers several implications concerning the relationship between competition, aggregate credit, and welfare.
Within-Season Shift in Fungicide Resistance Profiles of Botrytis cinerea in California Strawberry Fields
Authors: Cosseboom Scott D. , Ivors Kelly L. , Schnabel Guido , Bryson Patricia K. , Holmes Gerald J.
Published: August 2018

Sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea to seven fungicide chemical classes was determined for 888 isolates collected in 2016 from 47 California strawberry fields. Isolates were collected early season (minimum fungicide exposure) and late season (maximum fungicide exposure) from the same planting block in each field. Resistance was determined using a mycelial growth assay, and variable frequencies of resistance were observed to each fungicide at both sampling times (early season %, late season %): boscalid (12, 35), cyprodinil (12, 46), fenhexamid (53, 91), fludioxonil (1, 4), fluopyram (2, 7), iprodione (25, 8), isofetamid (0, 1), penthiopyrad (8, 25), pyraclostrobin (77, 98), and thiophanate-methyl (81, 96). Analysis of number of chemical class resistances (CCRs) revealed an increasing shift in CCR from the early to late season. Phenotypes of 40 isolates that were resistant or sensitive to different chemical classes were associated with presence or absence of mutations in target genes. Fungicide-resistance phenotypes determined in the mycelial growth assay closely matched (93.8%) the genotype observed. Previously described resistance-conferring mutations were found for each gene. A survey of fungicide use from 32 of the sampled fields revealed an average of 15 applications of gray mold–labeled fungicides per season at an average interval of 12 days. The most frequently applied fungicides (average number of applications during the 2016 season) were captan (7.3), pyraclostrobin (2.5), cyprodinil (2.3), fludioxonil (2.3), boscalid (1.8), and fenhexamid (1.4). Multifungicide resistance is widespread in California. Resistance management tactics that reduce selection pressure by limiting fungicide use, rotating among Fungicide Resistance Action Committee codes, and mixing/rotating site-specific fungicides with multisite fungicides need to be improved and implemented.
Two Main Stripe Rust Resistance Genes Identified in Synthetic-Derived Wheat Line Soru#1
Authors: Zhang Ruiqi , Singh Ravi P. , Lillemo Morten , He Xinyao , Randhawa Mandeep S. , Huerta-Espino Julio , Singh Pawan K. , Li Zhikang , Lan Caixia
Published: August 2018

Stripe rust is a major disease constraint of wheat production worldwide. Resistance to stripe rust was analyzed using 131 F6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between synthetic derived wheat line Soru#1 and wheat cultivar Naxos. The phenotype was evaluated in Mexico and Norway at both seedling and adult plant stages. Linkage groups were constructed based on 90K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), sequence-tagged site, and simple sequence repeat markers. Two major resistance loci conferred by Soru#1 were detected and located on chromosomes 1BL and 4DS. The 1BL quantitative trait loci explained 15.8 to 40.2 and 51.1% of the phenotypic variation at adult plant and seedling stages, respectively. This locus was identified as Yr24/Yr26 based on the flanking markers and infection types. Locus 4DS was flanked by molecular markers D_GB5Y7FA02JMPQ0_238 and BS00108770_51. It explained 8.4 to 27.8 and 5.5% of stripe rust variation at the adult plant and seedling stages, respectively. The 4DS locus may correspond to known resistance gene Yr28 based on the resistance source. All RILs that combine Yr24/Yr26 and Yr28 showed significantly reduced stripe rust severity in all four environments compared with the lines with only one of the genes. SNP marker BS00108770_51 was converted into a breeder-friendly kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction marker that will be useful to accelerate Yr28 deployment in wheat breeding programs.
Nano-Magnesium Oxide: A Novel Bactericide Against Copper-Tolerant Xanthomonas perforans Causing Tomato Bacterial Spot
Authors: Liao Y.-Y. , Strayer-Scherer A. L. , White J. , Mukherjee A. , De La Torre-Roche R. , Ritchie L. , Colee J. , Vallad G. E. , Freeman J. H. , Jones J. B. , Paret M. L.
Published: August 2018

Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas perforans causes significant damage on tomato in Florida. Due to the presence of copper (Cu)-tolerant X. perforans strains, Cu bactericides are not effective in disease management. Hence, there is a critical need to find alternatives for Cu. Antibacterial activity of magnesium oxide (Nano-MgO), and other metal oxide nanoparticles, were evaluated against a Cu-tolerant and -sensitive X. perforans strain. In vitro experiments demonstrated high antibacterial activity of Nano-MgO against both strains compared with the commercial Cu. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Nano-MgO is 25 µg/ml and the minimum bactericidal concentration is 100 µg/ml against a Cu-tolerant X. perforans strain after 4 h of exposure. Structural changes in the bacterial membrane following exposure to Nano-MgO treatments compared with the controls were observed using transmission electron microscopy. In two greenhouse experiments with a Cu-tolerant strain, bacterial spot severity was significantly reduced by Nano-MgO at 200 µg/ml compared with Cu-ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (grower standard), and the untreated control (P = 0.05). In three field experiments, Nano-MgO at 200 µg/ml significantly reduced disease severity with no negative impact on yield compared with the untreated control. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric analysis of the fruit confirmed that Nano-MgO application did not lead to the accumulation of Mg, Cu, Ca, K, Mn, P, and S. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential of Nano-MgO against bacterial spot of tomato.
Impact of Cannula Size on Clinical Outcomes in Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Kim Juwon , Cho Yang Hyun , Sung Kiick , Park Taek Kyu , Lee Ga Yeon , Lee Joo Myung , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo-Yong , Choi Jin-Ho , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Yang Jeong Hoon
Published: August 2018

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is an effective mechanical circulatory support for cardiopulmonary failure. Conventionally, an arterial cannula over 15 Fr is inserted for full circulatory support in peripheral VA ECMO. However, limited data are available regarding the impact of cannula size on clinical and procedural outcomes. Between January 2014 and April 2016, 165 patients underwent peripheral VA ECMO with femoral artery cannulation were enrolled in a single-center registry. We classified patients into two groups according to the arterial cannula’s size: “small cannula group” (14–15 Fr, n = 87) and “large cannula group” (16–21 Fr, n = 78). We compared the clinical outcomes and procedural-related complications between the two groups. Neither the survival to discharge (51.7% in the small cannula group vs. 57.7% in the large cannula group; p = 0.44) nor the weaning success rate (70.1% vs. 64.1%; p = 0.41) was significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference in initial ECMO flow/body surface area between the two groups (1.86 ± 0.42 vs. 1.98 ± 0.49 L/min/m2; p = 0.12) although small cannula group had a numerically low value. The small cannula group showed significantly shorter ECMO duration time (2.6 [0.7–5.2] vs. 4.0 [1.3–7.8] day; p < 0.01). Also, lower limb ischemia was significantly lower in the small cannula group (4.6% vs. 15.4%; p = 0.02). In peripheral VA ECMO, as compared with the large cannula strategy, the small arterial cannula strategy showed similar clinical outcomes and a decrease in lower limb ischemia.
Highlights from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry: 2006–2017
Authors: Nasr Viviane G. , Raman Lakshmi , Barbaro Ryan P. , Guner Yigit , Tonna Joseph , Ramanathan Kollengode , PAPPALARDO FEDERICO , Thiagarajan Ravi R. , Alexander Peta M.A.
Published: August 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a supportive therapy for patients with severe cardiovascular or respiratory failure refractory to conventional medical therapy. Improvements in ECMO technology, easy access to ECMO devices, and a greater understanding of care of ECMO patients have led to increased utilization of ECMO. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry was established in 1984, to collect data on patients receiving ECMO support to help improve outcomes of these patients. The registry has grown to include over 400 contributing centers from 60 countries with data for more than 90,000 patients. Many investigators have used the ELSO registry to answer clinical questions on outcomes and care of this vulnerable patient population. This report provides a brief summary of 16 peer-reviewed articles that have advanced the knowledge and treatment of neonates, children, and adults supported with ECMO using data from the ELSO registry.
Relationship of Mothers’ Mental and Physical Health to Characteristics of Mothers and Their Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Hayat Matthew J. , Spratling Regena , Sevcik Rose A. , Clark Patricia C.
Published: August 2018

Background

Although empirical evidence shows that mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) are at risk for poor mental and physical health, the relative contribution of maternal and child characteristics, including sleep quality, remain unclear.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to compare select maternal (sleep quality, caregiving stress, and other sociodemographic variables) and child characteristics (sleep and behavior problems) between mothers with worse mental and physical health and those with better mental and physical health and to determine the contribution of selected characteristics on mental and physical health in mothers of school-age children (ages 6–12 years) with DDs.

Methods

This cross-sectional, correlational study included a convenience sample of 40 mothers of children with DDs. Mothers completed a set of questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Zarit Burden Interview, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the 36-Item, Short-Form Health Survey Version 2.

Results

Results from bivariate logistic regression modeling showed that mothers with high depressive symptoms and worse physical health, as compared to mothers with low depressive symptoms and better physical health, reported significantly higher caregiving stress, poor sleep quality, and more chronic health conditions and more behavior and sleep problems in children with DDs. A multivariable logistic regression model showed mother’s sleep quality was significantly associated with increased risk of high levels of depression (OR = 1.934, 95% CI [1.106, 3.385], p = .021) and increased risk of worse physical health (OR = 1.920, 95% CI [1.086, 3.393], p = .025).

Discussion

Sleep health assessment may be beneficial when providing care to families of children with DDs.
Integrative Transcription Start Site Analysis and Physiological Phenotyping Reveal Torpor-specific Expressions in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sunagawa Genshiro A , Deviatiiarov Ruslan , Ishikawa Kiyomi , Gazizova Guzel , Gusev Oleg , Takahashi Masayo
Published: August 2018

Mice enter an active hypometabolic state, called daily torpor, when they experience a lowered caloric intake under cool ambient temperature (TA). During torpor, the oxygen consumption rate (VO2) drops to less than 30% of the normal rate without harming the body. This safe but severe reduction in metabolism is attractive for various clinical applications; however, the mechanism and molecules involved are unclear. Therefore, here we systematically analyzed the expression landscape of transcription start sites (TSS) in mouse skeletal muscles under various metabolic states to identify torpor-specific transcription patterns. We analyzed the soleus muscles from 38 mice in torpid, non-torpid, and torpor-deprived conditions, and identified 287 torpor-specific promoters. Furthermore, we found that the transcription factor ATF3 was highly expressed during torpor deprivation and that the ATF3-binding motif was enriched in torpor-specific promoters. Our results demonstrate that the mouse torpor has a distinct hereditary genetic background and its peripheral tissues are useful for studying active hypometabolism.
Nanoscale investigation in 3D scaffolds of cell-material interactions for tissue-engineering
Authors: Iandolo Donata , Pennacchio Fabrizio A. , Mollo Valentina , Rossi Domenico , Dannhauser David , Cui Bianxiao , Owens Roisin M. , Santoro Francesca
Published: August 2018

Cell fate is largely determined by interactions that occur at the interface between cells and their surrounding microenvironment. For this reason, especially in the field of cell- and tissue-engineering, there is a growing interest in developing characterization techniques that allow a deep evaluation of cell-material interaction at the nanoscale, particularly focusing on cell adhesion processes. While for 2D culturing systems a consolidated series of tools already satisfy this need, in 3D environments, more closely recapitulating complex in vivo structures, there is still a lack of procedure furthering the comprehension of cell-material interactions. Here, we report for the first time the use of a SEM/FIB system for the characterization of cellular adhesion in 3D scaffolds fabricated by means of different techniques. Our results clearly show the capability of the developed approach to finely resolve both scaffold-cells interface and nanometer scale features of cell bodies involved in the upregulation of cellular behavior. These results are relevant for studying cellular guidance strategies and for the consequent design of more efficient cell-instructive platforms for tissue-engineering applications as well as for in vitro 3D models.
Nitric oxide synthase-mediated early nitric oxide-burst alleviates drought-induced oxidative damage in ammonium supplied-rice roots
Authors: Xiaochuang Cao , Chunquan Zhu , Chu Zhong , Junhua Zhang , Lianfeng Zhu , Lianghuan Wu , Qingxu Ma , Qianyu Jin
Published: August 2018

Ammonium (NH4+) can enhance rice drought tolerance in comparison to nitrate (NO3-). The mechanism underpinning this relationship was investigated based on the time-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production and its protective role in oxidative stress of NH4+-/NO3--supplied rice under drought. An early burst of NO was induced by drought 3h after root NH4+ treatment but not after NO3- treatment. Root oxidative damage induced by drought was significantly higher in NO3- than in NH4+-treatment due to its reactive oxygen species accumulation. Inducing NO production by applying NO donor 3h after NO3- treatment alleviated the oxidative damage, while inhibiting the early NO burst increased root oxidative damage in NH4+ treatment. Application of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) completely suppressed NO synthesis in roots 3h after NH4+ treatment and aggravated drought-induced oxidative damage, indicating the aggravation of oxidative damage might have resulted from changes in NOS-mediated early NO burst. Drought also increased root antioxidant enzymes activities, which were further induced by NO donor but repressed by NO scavenger and NOS inhibitor in NH4+-treated roots. Thus, the NOS-mediated early NO burst plays an important role in alleviating oxidative damage induced by drought by enhancing antioxidant defenses in NH4+-supplied rice roots.

Highlight

NOS-mediated early NO burst plays an important role in alleviating oxidative damage induced by water stress, by enhancing the antioxidant defenses in roots supplemented with NH4+
Genomic analysis of diet composition finds novel loci and associations with health and lifestyle
Authors: Meddens S Fleur W , Vlaming Ronald de , Bowers Peter , Burik Casper AP , Linnér Richard Karlsson , Lee Chanwook , Okbay Aysu , Turley Patrick , Rietveld Cornelius A , Fontana Mark Alan , Ghanbari Mohsen , Imamura Fumiaki , McMahon George , van der Most Peter J , Trudy Voortman , Wade Kaitlin H , Anderson Emma L , Braun Kim VE , Emmett Pauline M , Esko Tonũ , Gonzalez Juan R , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C , Luan Jian’a , Langenberg Claudia , Muka Taulant , Ring Susan , Rivadeneira Fernando , Schoufour Josje D , Snieder Harold , van Rooij Frank JA , Wolffenbuttel Bruce HR ,   23andMe Research Team, EPIC-InterAct Consortium, Lifelines Cohort Study, Smith George Davey , Franco Oscar H , Forouhi Nita G , Ikram M Arfan , Uitterlinden Andre G , van Vliet-Ostaptchouk Jana V , Wareham Nick J , Cesarini David , Harden K Paige , Lee James J , Benjamin Daniel J , Chow Carson C , Koellinger Philipp D
Published: August 2018

We conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses of relative caloric intake from fat, protein, carbohydrates and sugar in over 235,000 individuals. We identified 21 approximately independent lead SNPs. Relative protein intake exhibits the strongest relationships with poor health, including positive genetic associations with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease (rg ≈ 0.15 – 0.5). Relative carbohydrate and sugar intake have negative genetic correlations with waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and neighborhood poverty (|rg| ≈ 0.1 – 0.3). Overall, our results show that the relative intake of each macronutrient has a distinct genetic architecture and pattern of genetic correlations suggestive of health implications beyond caloric content.
Optimization of the DsRed fluorescent protein for use in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Carroll Paul , Muwanguzi-Karugaba Julian , Parish Tanya
Published: August 2018

Objective

We have previously codon-optimized a number of red fluorescent proteins for use in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mCherry, tdTomato, Turbo-635). We aimed to expand this repertoire to include DsRed, another widely used and flexible red fluorescent protein.

Results

We generated expression constructs with a full length DsRed under the control of one of three strong, constitutive promoters (Phsp60, PrpsA or PG13) for use in mycobacteria. We confirmed that full length DsRed (225 amino acids) was expressed and fluoresced brightly. In contrast to mCherry, truncated versions of DsRed lacking several amino acids at the N-terminus were not functional. Thus, we have expanded the repertoire of optimized fluorescent proteins for mycobacteria.
“Learn to blend in!”
Authors: Norberg Cathrine , Fältholm Ylva
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute with increased knowledge about gender in mining by exploring how women are discursively represented in texts produced by actors in the international mining arena.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines corpus linguistic methods and discourse analysis. It implies a combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses, where the former is used as the point of departure for the latter, and where the material analysed is chosen on the basis of certain selected search phrases. The source for the study is the web, and the search engine used for the retrieval of data is WebCorp Live, a tool tailored for linguistic analysis of web material.

Findings

The analysis reveals that although the overarching theme in the women-in mining discourse is that women are needed in the industry, the underlying message is that women-in-mining are perceived as problematic.

Practical implications

The study shows that if mining is to change into a modern industry, the inherent hyper-masculine culture and its effects on the whole industry needs to be problematised and made evident. To increase the mere number of women, with women still heavily underrepresented, is not enough to break gender-biased discrimination.

Originality/value

The research contributes with new knowledge about gender in mining by using a method, which so far has had limited usage in (critical) discourse analysis.
Research on thermal-fluid-structure coupling of valve plate pair in an axial piston pump with high pressure and high speed
Authors: Ji Zhanling
Published: August 2018

Purpose

High pressure and high speed of the axial piston pump can improve its power density, but they also deteriorate the thermal-fluid-structure coupling effect of the friction pairs. This paper aims to reveal the coupling mechanism of the pump, for example, valve plate pair, by carrying out research on multi-physics field coupling.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the influences of temperature on material properties and thermal fluid on structure, the thermal-fluid elastic mechanics model is established. A complete set of fast and effective thermal-fluid-structure coupling method is presented, by which the numerical analysis is conducted for the valve plate pair.

Findings

According to calculations, it is revealed that the temperature and pressure evolution laws of oil film with time, the pressure distribution law of the fluid, stress and displacement distribution laws of the solid in the valve plate pair. In addition, the forming history of the wedge-shaped oil film and mating clearance change law with rotational speed and outlet pressure in the valve plate pair are presented.

Originality/value

For an axial piston pump operating under high speed, high pressure and wide temperature range, the multi-physics field coupling analysis is an indispensable means and method. This paper provides theoretical evidence for the development of the pump and lays a solid foundation for the research of the same kind of problem.
MHD flow of Carreau fluid over a variable thickness melting surface subject to Cattaneo-Christov heat flux
Authors: B. Ramadevi , V. Sugunamma , K. Anantha Kumar , J.V. Ramana Reddy
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on MHD unsteady flow of Carreau fluid over a variable thickness melting surface in the presence of chemical reaction and non-uniform heat sink/source.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary ones with the help of similarity transformations. The set of ODEs are solved by a shooting technique together with the R.K.–Fehlberg method. Further, the graphs are depicted to scrutinize the velocity, concentration and temperature fields of the Carreau fluid flow. The numerical values of friction factor, heat and mass transfer rates are tabulated.

Findings

The results are presented for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid flow cases. The authors conclude that the nature of three typical fields and the physical quantities are alike in both cases. An increase in melting parameter slows down the velocity field and enhances the temperature and concentration fields. But an opposite outcome is noticed with thermal relaxation parameter. Also the elevating values of thermal relaxation parameter/ wall thickness parameter/Prandtl number inflate the mass and heat transfer rates.

Originality/value

This is a new research article in the field of heat and mass transfer in fluid flows. Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model is used. The surface of the flow is assumed to be melting.
From first impressions to selection decisions
Authors: Florea Liviu , Valcea Sorin , Hamdani Maria Riaz , Dougherty Thomas W.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individual interviewers’ dispositional cognitive motivations may influence interview interactions and outcomes. More specifically, this study explores the influence of the need for cognition, need for cognitive closure, and accountability on the relationship between first impressions and selection decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 41 graduate students were assigned the role of interviewers and were tasked to interview 331 undergraduate students at a large Midwestern university. The selection interview was designed to recruit qualified undergraduate students to the MBA program of the university.

Findings

First impressions significantly influenced selection decisions, but did not influence interviewers’ behaviors. Moreover, multilevel analyses reveal that interviewers’ need for cognition and accountability moderate the relationship between first impression and selection decisions, albeit in different direction. Need for cognition strengthens, whereas accountability weakens the relationship between first impression and selection decision.

Research limitations/implications

A potential interviewer bias is apparent, where interviewers high on need for cognition tend to weight first impressions more in the decision process. However, this bias was not directly observable, since interviewers’ behaviors during the interview were not affected by first impressions.

Originality/value

The present study goes beyond previous research on first impressions in the employment interview, finding that dispositional differences account for the tendency to weigh first impressions in the selection decision.
Migration and outward FDI: a double direction approach
Authors: Alcaraz Jorge , Salamanca Elizabeth
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify, based on social network theory, the relationship between the direction of international migration (immigration/emigration) and the international movement of enterprises and their location.

Design/methodology/approach

A traditional gravity model and the Tobit estimation method are applied to three groups of countries from three different regions: Latin America, North America and the European Union. The study considers a period from 2001 to 2012.

Findings

The main results suggest that the international migration that goes from the European Union and North America to Latin America is related with the firms’ internationalization and their respective location.

Practical implications

Given that migration can be an important and reliable source of information, trust and knowledge, managers should see it as a “bridge” between the home and host countries, which, in turn, can increase their competitive advantage.

Social implications

Governments can learn how migration and outward foreign direct investment interact. In addition, they could develop political frameworks to accurately and effectively manage international migration (immigration and emigration) and FDI in the best interests of the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study extends the social network theory by suggesting that networks are not only related with firms’ expansion abroad but as well with their location. This statement could be generalizable as long as emigration/networks (ethnic ties) are considered the links between the home and the host country.
Life‐history trait variation in a queen‐size dimorphic ant
Authors: Wolf Jana I. , Punttila Pekka , Seppä Perttu
Published: August 2018

1. Size polymorphism is often connected to alternative life‐history traits, which may eventually lead to distinct size classes. In the antMyrmica ruginodis, larger macrogyne and smaller microgyne queen morphs have been suggested to follow different reproductive strategies, which has presumably resulted in several differences in their key life‐history traits.

2. In this study, we examine the association of queen‐size morphs with colony queen number (monogyny vs. polygyny), dispersal and queen recruitment patterns, as well as habitat associations of the queen morphs. We do this by sampling established queens from a large number of excavated nests from several populations, estimating genetic relatedness among coexisting queens and pitfall trapping free‐ranging wingless queens.

3. Our results show that associations of queen morphs with colony queen number and nest‐founding strategy holds only partly. The morph frequencies vary widely across populations from practically pure macrogyne to more than 50% microgyne, but the expected association of macrogyne occurrence with monogyny and microgyne with polygyny is not universal. Dispersal and queen recruitment patterns also show that although most macrogynes participate in nuptial flights and most microgynes are recruited back to their natal nests, a fraction of both morphs use the alternative strategy.

4. The polygynous microgyne morph has been suggested to specialize in stable habitats, but our results from Finnish mesic heath forests do not support this. This study shows that factors other than just queen size also influence life‐history trait variation and reproductive strategies in ants.
A method to analyse the isotopic composition of oxygen associated with organic phosphorus in soil and plant material
Authors: Tamburini F. , Pistocchi C. , Helfenstein J. , Frossard E.
Published: August 2018

The isotopic composition of oxygen bound to phosphorus (P) in phosphate (δ18O‐P) has been used to improve our understanding of P cycling in the soil–plant system. The determination ofδ18O‐P in the inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) soil P pools obtained from soil sequential extractions would further our knowledge. Although methods exist for the purification of inorganic soil P pools, there is no published method for organic P at present. Without this information, it is impossible to determine the signature of the inorganic P released by enzyme hydrolysis. In this paper, we present a protocol for the separation and purification of the organic and inorganic P extracted by NaOH‐EDTA in sequential extraction. The procedure was tested on different reference compounds as well as soil and plant materials from temperate and tropical climates. We assessed the efficiency of separation between inorganic and organic P, and of the ultraviolet (UV) hydrolysis of organic P, and the effect of possible interfering compounds. Overall, the protocol enables 30–80% of organic P extracted by NaOH‐EDTA to be purified. The measuredδ18O‐P of organic P ranged from 12.7 to 20.3‰ in soils and from 17 to 27‰ in plants. Although the method provides the signature of a fraction only of soil bulk organic P, it represents the best approach to assess the contribution of enzyme hydrolysis to the inorganic P pools, and it completes the set of purification schemes required to characterizeδ18O‐P in soil inorganic and organic P.

Highlights

Streamlined method to determine the oxygen isotopic signature of organic P in soils and plants.

This information is currently unavailable and values are simply ‘guessed’.

The oxygen isotopic signature of organic P is not necessarily similar to that of inorganic phosphate.

The signature of organic P should be determined because it enables understanding of P cycling in the soil–plant system.