bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher physical fitness levels are associated with less language decline in healthy ageing
Authors: Segaert K. , Lucas S. J. E. , Burley C. V. , Segaert P. , Milner A. E. , Ryan M. , Wheeldon L.
Published: April 2018

Healthy ageing is associated with decline in cognitive abilities such as language. Aerobic fitness has been shown to ameliorate decline in some cognitive domains, but the potential benefits for language have not been examined. In a cross-sectional sample, we investigated the relationship between aerobic fitness and tip-of-the-tongue states. These are among the most frequent cognitive failures in healthy older adults and occur when a speaker knows a word but is unable to produce it. We found that healthy older adults indeed experience more tip-of-the-tongue states than young adults. Importantly, higher aerobic fitness levels decrease the probability of experiencing tip-of-the-tongue states in healthy older adults. Fitness-related differences in word finding abilities are observed over and above effects of age. This is the first demonstration of a link between aerobic fitness and language functioning in healthy older adults.
A low voltage nanopipette dielectrophoretic device for rapid entrapment of nanoparticles and exosomes extracted from plasma of healthy donors
Authors: Shi Leilei , Rana Ankit , Esfandiari Leyla
Published: April 2018

An insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is a label-free method that has been extensively utilized for manipulation of nanoparticles, cells, and biomolecules. Here, we present a new iDEP approach that can rapidly trap nanoparticles at the close proximity of a glass nanopipette’s tip by applying 10 V/cm direct current (DC) across the pipette’s length. The trapping mechanism was systemically studied using both numerical modeling and experimental observations. The results showed that the particle trapping was determined to be controlled by three dominant electrokinetic forces including dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and electroosmotic force. Furthermore, the effect of the ionic strength, the pipette’s geometry, and the applied electric field on the entrapment efficiency was investigated. To show the application of our device in biomedical sciences, we demonstrated the successful entrapment of fluorescently tagged liposomes and unlabeled plasma-driven exosomes from the PBS solution. Also, to illustrate the selective entrapment capability of our device, 100 nm liposomes were extracted from the PBS solution containing 500 nm polystyrene particles at the tip of the pipette as the voltage polarity was reversed.
Localization and Functional Characterization of an Occipital Visual Word form Sensitive Area
Authors: Zhang Bo , He Sheng , Weng Xuchu
Published: April 2018

In human occipitotemporal cortex, category-specific processing for visual objects seems to involve pairs of cortical regions, often with one located in the occipital cortex and another more anteriorly. We investigated whether such an arrangement might be the case for visual word processing. In addition to the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) located in the occipitotemporal sulcus, we observed that another region in occipital lobe with robust responses to written words (Chinese characters). The current fMRI study investigated this area’s precise location and its functional selectivity using Chinese characters and other categories of visual images (cars, chairs and insects). In all the 13 subjects we could identify a cluster of voxels near the inferior occipital gyrus or middle occipital gyrus with stronger responses to Chinese characters than scrambled objects. We tentatively label this area as the Occipital Word Form Sensitive Area (OWA). The OWA’s response amplitudes showed similar preference to written words as the VWFA, with the VWFA showing a higher degree of word selectivity, which was confirmed by the result from spatial patterns of response. These results indicate that the OWA, together with the VWFA, are critical parts of the network for processing and representing the category information for word.
G-395A polymorphism in the promoter region of the KLOTHO gene associates with frailty among the oldest-old
Authors: Hao Qiukui , Wang Yuting , Ding Xiang , Dong Biao , Yang Ming , Dong Birong , Wei Yuquan
Published: April 2018

Frailty is characterized by a decline in physiological reserve and increased vulnerability. Previous studies have shown that KLOTHO (KL) plays a protective role in several age-related diseases. We hypothesize a probable protective effect of KL on frailty in the elderly population and included a cohort of Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians for our study. This study is part of a cross-sectional study and secondary analysis of the Project of Longevity and Aging in Dujiangyan (PLAD) study, which was conducted in Southwest China. Community-dwelling Chinese residents aged 90 years or older were included in this study. Frailty was determined using the FRAIL scale as proposed by the International Association of Nutrition and Aging. On the FRAIL scale, frailty was defined by a score of ≥3. G-395A (rs1207568) genotyping of the promoter region of the KL gene was performed using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. A total of 632 participants (68.4% females; mean age: 93.5 ± 3.2 years) were included. KL G-395A polymorphism genotype frequencies were 1.7% AA, 25.6% GA, and 72.7% GG in our sample. GG genotype frequencies for the frailty and control groups were 83.6% and 71.2%, respectively. Frailty prevalence was significantly lower in the GA+AA group when compared to the GG genotype group (6.9% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.026). In addition, subjects with a GA+AA genotype had a significantly lower risk of frailty (odds ratio (OR): 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23 to 0.97, P = 0.040) compared to the GG genotype after adjusting for age, gender, education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, body mass index (BMI), cognitive impairment, and other potential factors. KL-395A allele carrying genotypes (GA and AA) is associated with a lower risk of frailty relative to GG genotypes in a sample of Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians.
Toxicity evaluation of Wanzhou watershed of Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir in the flood season in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Guosheng , Zhao Li , Huang Qian , Yang Junnian , Du Huihui , Guo Dongqin , Xia Mingxing , Li Guangman , Chen Zongxiang , Wang Dayong
Published: April 2018

Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in the upper stream of Yangtze River in China is a reservoir with the largest and the longest yearly water-level drop. Considering the fact that most of safety assessments of water samples collected from TGR region were based on chemical analysis, we here employedCaenorhabditis elegansto performin vivosafety assessment of original surface water samples collected from TGR region in the flood season in Wanzhou, Chongqing. Among the examined five original surface water samples, only exposure to original surface water sample collected from backwater area could induce the significant intestinal ROS production, enhance the intestinal permeability, and decrease the locomotion behavior. Additionally, exposure to original surface water sample collected from backwater area altered the expressions ofsod-2,sod-5,clk-1, andmev-1. Moreover, mutation ofsod-2orsod-5was susceptible to the potential toxicity of original surface water sample collected from backwater area on nematodes. Together, our results imply that exposure to surface water sample from the backwater area may at least cause the adverse effects on intestinal function and locomotion behavior in nematodes.
Low mean platelet volume is associated with critical limb ischemia in peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Rief Peter , Raggam Reinhard B. , Avian Alexander , Hafner Franz , Sareban Mahdi , Wehrschuetz Martin , Brodmann Marianne , Gary Thomas
Published: April 2018

Mean platelet volume (MPV) was recently published as a possible marker of coronary artery disease in patients at high risk for major adverse cardiac events. Because platelets play an important role in atherosclerosis, we examined the relationship between critical limb ischemia (CLI) and MPV in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Our study comprised 2124 PAOD patients. Univariate logistic regression was performed to analyze potential predictors for CLI. Nagelkerke’s R² is reported. Cross validation was performed using the leave-one-out principle. ROC analyses were performed to identify the best cut off value for MPV predicting CLI; to this end, Youden’s index was calculated. For CLI diabetes (p < 0.001, OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.97–3.02), hsCRP (p < 0.001, OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.01), age (p < 0.001, OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.06), thrombocytosis (p = 0.025, OR 1.84, 95%CI 1.08–3.14), and MPV (p = 0.003, OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94) were significant independent predictors for CLI. ROC analysis (AUC: 0.55, 95% CI 0.52–0.58, p < 0.001) showed ≤10.2 as the best cut off value for MPV to predict CLI. As there is a significant relationship between low MPV and a high risk for CLI in PAOD patients, MPV can be used to identify patients who are likely to develop CLI.
Association patterns of urinary sodium, potassium, and their ratio with blood pressure across various levels of salt-diet regions in China
Authors: Yin Lu , Deng Guijuan , Mente Andrew , Sun Yi , Liu Xiaoyun , Zhang Xinhua , Wang Xingyu , Wang Yang , Bo Jian , Chen Hui , Liu Xu , Gao Nan , Bai Xiulin , Rangarajan Sumathy , Li Wei
Published: April 2018

We aim to evaluate the association of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) with estimated urinary sodium (Na) and potassium(K) excretions, and their gram-to-gram Na/K ratio across various salt-diet regions during 2005–2009 in China. A prospective cohort study was conducted to recruit 46,285 participants in China. A single fasting morning urine specimen was collected to estimate 24-hour urinary Na and K excretion using Kawasaki formula. Means of estimated Na and K were 5.7 ± 1.7 and 2.1 ± 0.5 grams/day, respectively, and mean estimated Na/K ratio was 2.8 ± 0.8. Adjusted analyses showed 1.70 mmHg SBP and 0.49 mmHg DBP increase per 1-g increment of estimated Na, while 1.10 mmHg SBP and 0.91 mmHg DBP decrease for one-gram increase of K. A significant increase in SBP (4.33 mmHg) and DBP (1.54 mmHg) per 1 unit increase in Na/K ratio was observed. More changes of SBP (4.39 mmHg) and DBP (1.67 mmHg) per one-unit increase of Na/K ratio were observed in low-salt regions, though significant changes were also found in moderate- and heavy-salt regions (P for heterogeneity < 0.01). Conclusively, decreasing sodium combined with increasing potassium is likely to have a more beneficial effect than decreasing sodium alone, even if those were living in low-salt regions.
Place preference and vocal learning rely on distinct reinforcers in songbirds
Authors: Murdoch Don , Chen Ruidong , Goldberg Jesse H.
Published: April 2018

In reinforcement learning (RL) agents are typically tasked with maximizing a single objective function such as reward. But it remains poorly understood how agents might pursue distinct objectives at once. In machines, multiobjective RL can be achieved by dividing a single agent into multiple sub-agents, each of which is shaped by agent-specific reinforcement, but it remains unknown if animals adopt this strategy. Here we use songbirds to test if navigation and singing, two behaviors with distinct objectives, can be differentially reinforced. We demonstrate that strobe flashes aversively condition place preference but not song syllables. Brief noise bursts aversively condition song syllables but positively reinforce place preference. Thus distinct behavior-generating systems, or agencies, within a single animal can be shaped by correspondingly distinct reinforcement signals. Our findings suggest that spatially segregated vocal circuits can solve a credit assignment problem associated with multiobjective learning.
Functional and structural characterization of osteocytic MLO-Y4 cell proteins encoded by genes differentially expressed in response to mechanical signals in vitro
Authors: Meng Fanchi , Murray Graeme F. , Kurgan Lukasz , Donahue Henry J.
Published: April 2018

The anabolic response of bone to mechanical load is partially the result of osteocyte response to fluid flow-induced shear stress. Understanding signaling pathways activated in osteocytes exposed to fluid flow could identify novel signaling pathways involved in the response of bone to mechanical load. Bioinformatics allows for a unique perspective and provides key first steps in understanding these signaling pathways. We examined proteins encoded by genes differentially expressed in response to fluid flow in murine osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells. We considered structural and functional characteristics including putative intrinsic disorder, evolutionary conservation, interconnectedness in protein-protein interaction networks, and cellular localization. Our analysis suggests that proteins encoded by fluid flow activated genes have lower than expected conservation, are depleted in intrinsic disorder, maintain typical levels of connectivity for the murine proteome, and are found in the cytoplasm and extracellular space. Pathway analyses reveal that these proteins are associated with cellular response to stress, chemokine and cytokine activity, enzyme binding, and osteoclast differentiation. The lower than expected disorder of proteins encoded by flow activated genes suggests they are relatively specialized.
Head-to-head comparison of two engineered cardiac grafts for myocardial repair: From scaffold characterization to pre-clinical testing
Authors: Perea-Gil Isaac , Gálvez-Montón Carolina , Prat-Vidal Cristina , Jorba Ignasi , Segú-Vergés Cristina , Roura Santiago , Soler-Botija Carolina , Iborra-Egea Oriol , Revuelta-López Elena , Fernández Marco A. , Farré Ramon , Navajas Daniel , Bayes-Genis Antoni
Published: April 2018

Cardiac tissue engineering, which combines cells and supportive scaffolds, is an emerging treatment for restoring cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI), although, the optimal construct remains a challenge. We developed two engineered cardiac grafts, based on decellularized scaffolds from myocardial and pericardial tissues and repopulated them with adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (ATMSCs). The structure, macromechanical and micromechanical scaffold properties were preserved upon the decellularization and recellularization processes, except for recellularized myocardium micromechanics that was ∼2-fold stiffer than native tissue and decellularized scaffolds. Proteome characterization of the two acellular matrices showed enrichment of matrisome proteins and major cardiac extracellular matrix components, considerably higher for the recellularized pericardium. Moreover, the pericardial scaffold demonstrated better cell penetrance and retention, as well as a bigger pore size. Both engineered cardiac grafts were further evaluated in pre-clinical MI swine models. Forty days after graft implantation, swine treated with the engineered cardiac grafts showed significant ventricular function recovery. Irrespective of the scaffold origin or cell recolonization, all scaffolds integrated with the underlying myocardium and showed signs of neovascularization and nerve sprouting. Collectively, engineered cardiac grafts -with pericardial or myocardial scaffolds- were effective in restoring cardiac function post-MI, and pericardial scaffolds showed better structural integrity and recolonization capability.
Parallel evolution of vgsc mutations at domains IS6, IIS6 and IIIS6 in pyrethroid resistant Aedes aegypti from Mexico
Authors: Saavedra-Rodriguez Karla , Maloof Farah Vera , Campbell Corey L. , Garcia-Rejon Julian , Lenhart Audrey , Penilla Patricia , Rodriguez Americo , Sandoval Arturo Acero , Flores Adriana E. , Ponce Gustavo , Lozano Saul , Black William C.
Published: April 2018

Aedes aegyptiis the primary urban mosquito vector of viruses causing dengue, Zika and chikungunya fevers –for which vaccines and effective pharmaceuticals are still lacking. Current strategies to suppress arbovirus outbreaks include removal of larval-breeding sites and insecticide treatment of larval and adult populations. Insecticidal control ofAe. aegyptiis challenging, due to a recent rapid global increase in knockdown-resistance (kdr) to pyrethroid insecticides. Widespread, heavy use of pyrethroid space-sprays has created an immense selection pressure for kdr, which is primarily under the control of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene (vgsc). To date, eleven replacements invgschave been discovered, published and shown to be associated with pyrethroid resistance to varying degrees. In Mexico, F1,534C and V1,016I have co-evolved in the last 16 years acrossAe. aegyptipopulations. Recently, a novel replacement V410L was identified in Brazil and its effect onvgscwas confirmed by electrophysiology. Herein, we screened V410L in 25Ae. aegyptihistorical collections from Mexico, the first heterozygote appeared in 2002 and frequencies have increased in the last 16 years alongside V1,016I and F1,534C. Knowledge of the specificvgscreplacements and their interaction to confer resistance is essential to predict and to develop strategies for resistance management.
Genome-wide Identification and characterization of circular RNAs in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Yuan Jialan , Wang Zhao , Xing Junjie , Yang Qingyong , Chen Xiao-Lin
Published: April 2018

Numerous circRNAs have been identified in different organisms, but little attention has been addressed on fungal circRNAs. Here, we identified a total of 8,848 circRNAs from the model plant pathogenic fungusM. oryzae. 5,840 circRNAs were identified from mycelium, 2,721 circRNAs from conidium, while only 287 circRNAs from both tissues. This indicated that most of theM. oryzaecircRNAs were specifically expressed in mycelium or in conidium. Parental genes of circRNAs in mycelium were enriched in basic metabolisms required for normal growth, while in conidium, they were enriched in biogenesis of storages potentially used for infection.M. oryzaecircRNAs could also bind to miRNAs, suggesting they may also function as sponges in fungi. This study suggestedM. oryzaecircRNAs could play important roles in regulation of growth and development.
What calls for service tell us about suicide: A 7-year spatio-temporal analysis of neighborhood correlates of suicide-related calls
Authors: Marco Miriam , Gracia Enrique , López-Quílez Antonio , Lila Marisol
Published: April 2018

Previous research has shown that neighborhood-level variables such as social deprivation, social fragmentation or rurality are related to suicide risk, but most of these studies have been conducted in the U.S. or northern European countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of suicide in a southern European city (Valencia, Spain), and determine whether this distribution was related to a set of neighborhood-level characteristics. We used suicide-related calls for service as an indicator of suicide cases (n = 6,537), and analyzed the relationship of the outcome variable with several neighborhood-level variables: economic status, education level, population density, residential instability, one-person households, immigrant concentration, and population aging. A Bayesian autoregressive model was used to study the spatio-temporal distribution at the census block group level for a 7-year period (2010–2016). Results showed that neighborhoods with lower levels of education and population density, and higher levels of residential instability, one-person households, and an aging population had higher levels of suicide-related calls for service. Immigrant concentration and economic status did not make a relevant contribution to the model. These results could help to develop better-targeted community-level suicide prevention strategies.
Water harvesting from air with a hygroscopic salt in a hydrogel–derived matrix
Authors: Kallenberger Paul A. , Fröba Michael
Published: April 2018

The extraction of water from air is a promising way to supply fresh water, especially in remote, arid regions. This process can be supported by desiccant materials such as zeolites, metal−organic frameworks, or hygroscopic salts. Here we present a composite material that is able to absorb 660 kg of water per cubic meter of bulk material from air at 10 mbar water vapor pressure and 28 °C. The material consists of calcium chloride incorporated into an alginate-derived matrix. A simple synthesis route leads to spherical beads of the composite with a diameter of approximately 2 mm. This macroscopic structure allows for good vapor permeability through packed beds. The collected water can be released at 100 °C, potentially enabling a solar-driven application. In addition, the synthetic route uses cheap, non-toxic, and easily accessible materials allowing for widespread application.
Erratum: FLO1K, global maps of mean, maximum and minimum annual streamflow at 1 km resolution from 1960 through 2015
Authors: Barbarossa Valerio , Huijbregts Mark A.J. , Beusen Arthur H.W. , Beck Hylke E. , King Henry , Schipper Aafke M.
Published: April 2018

Scientific Data 5:180052. doi:10.1038/sdata.2018.52 (2018); Published 27 March 2018; Updated 24 April 2018. The titles and legends for Tables 1 and 3 were swapped in the original version of this publication. These have been corrected in both the HTML and PDF versions.
Characterisation of illicit ecstasy and diazepam tablets by colorant identification
Authors: Sharrenbroch L. , Tough A. , Matthews K. H.
Published: April 2018

Ecstasy and diazepam are two commonly abused drugs with a high potential for dependence.
Solution growth and thermal treatment of crystals lead to two new forms of 2-((2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino)benzoic acid
Authors: Hu Rong , Zhoujin Yunping , Liu Meng , Zhang Mingtao , Parkin Sean , Zhou Panpan , Wang Jianzhi , Yu Faquan , Long Sihui
Published: April 2018

Two new forms of a potential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and thyroid drug, 2-((2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino)benzoic acid were discovered and investigated experimentally and theoretically.
Detection of anti-p53 autoantibodies in saliva using microfluidic chips for the rapid screening of oral cancer
Authors: Lin Yen-Heng , Wu Chih-Ching , Peng Yong-Sheng , Wu Chia-Wei , Chang Ya-Ting , Chang Kai-Ping
Published: April 2018

A microfluidic chip with multiple reaction wells is capable of automatically detecting anti-p53 autoantibody in saliva for oral cancer screening.
Label-free and sensitive detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase using exponential real-time rolling circle amplification
Authors: Xu Yuan , Cui Yun-Xi , Zhao Qiu-Ge , Tang An-Na , Kong De-Ming
Published: April 2018

Schematic representation of an exponential rolling circle amplification-based uracil-DNA glycosylase activity-sensing platform.
Activating molecular oxygen by Au/ZnO to selectively oxidize glycerol to dihydroxyacetone
Authors: Meng Ye , Zou Shihui , Zhou Yuheng , Yi Wuzhong , Yan Yang , Ye Bin , Xiao Liping , Liu Juanjuan , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Fan Jie
Published: April 2018

ZnO was theoretically predicted and experimentally confirmed to be the most effective support for Au to activate molecular oxygen and thus to catalyze aerobic oxidation of glycerol.
Electric power generation via asymmetric moisturizing of graphene oxide for flexible, printable and portable electronics
Authors: Liang Yuan , Zhao Fei , Cheng Zhihua , Deng Yaxi , Xiao Yukun , Cheng Huhu , Zhang Panpan , Huang Yaxin , Shao Huibo , Qu Liangti
Published: April 2018

Large-scale integrated graphene oxide power generator arrays on paper have been fabricated by direct screen printing and provide a high enough electrical output to power electronic devices.
3D interconnected hierarchical porous N-doped carbon constructed by flake-like nanostructure with Fe/Fe3C for efficient oxygen reduction reaction and supercapacitor
Authors: Li Guoning , Zhang Jiajun , Li Weisong , Fan Kai , Xu Chunjian
Published: April 2018

3D interconnected hierarchical porous Fe/N-doped carbon was facilely prepared via ZIF-8 as self-template and potassium ferricyanide as multifunctional iron precursor.
UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS-oriented characteristic components dataset and multivariate statistical techniques for the holistic quality control of Usnea
Authors: Jin Yiran , Ma Yinghua , Xie Weiwei , Hou Ludan , Xu Huijun , Zhang Kerong , Zhang Lantong , Du Yingfeng
Published: April 2018

The holistic quality evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is confronted with significant challenges due to its extreme chemical complexity.
Solvent-assisted thermal reduction of microcrystalline graphene oxide with excellent microwave absorption performance
Authors: Liao Chenbo , Zhu Xukun , Xie Wei , Zeng Fangmei , Yi Shihe , Cheng Haifeng , Kuang Jiacai , Deng Yingjun , Cao Taishan
Published: April 2018

Reduced microcrystalline graphene oxide (rGO-M), a novel absorber with high absorption, low reflection and a wide absorption band, was prepared from NMGMs using a solvent-assisted thermal reduction method.
A family of multi-spin rare-earth complexes based on a triazole nitronyl nitroxide radical: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Chen Peng Yun , Wu Ming Ze , Shi Xiu Juan , Tian Li
Published: April 2018

Three LnIII–triazole–radical complexes have been synthesized, which exhibit interesting magnetic properties. The TbIII complex shows frequency-dependent ac magnetic susceptibilities, which suggests the presence of slow magnetic relaxation.
Triple action Pt(iv) derivatives of cisplatin: a new class of potent anticancer agents that overcome resistance
Authors: Petruzzella Emanuele , Sirota Roman , Solazzo Irene , Gandin Valentina , Gibson Dan
Published: April 2018

A series of triple action Pt(iv) prodrugs was designed to test the hypothesis that multi-action compounds, where each bioactive moiety intervenes in several cellular processes, might be more effective than a single agent at killing cancer cells.
Recyclable heterogeneous metal foil-catalyzed cyclopropenation of alkynes and diazoacetates under solvent-free mechanochemical reaction conditions
Authors: Chen Longrui , Leslie Devonna , Coleman Michael G. , Mack James
Published: April 2018

Silver and copper foil were found to be effective, versatile and selective heterogeneous catalysts for the cyclopropenation of terminal and internal alkynes under mechanochemical reaction conditions.
Molecularly precise self-assembly of theranostic nanoprobes within a single-molecular framework forin vivotracking of tumor-specific chemotherapy
Authors: Yan Chenxu , Guo Zhiqian , Shen Yanyan , Chen Yi , Tian He , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: April 2018

The strategy of molecularly precise self-assembly of theranostic nanoprobes within a single-molecular framework is used to avoid batch-to-batch variability, and concurrently achieving real-time tracking of thein vivobehaviour of prodrugs for the first time.
Deciphering the working mechanism of aggregation-induced emission of tetraphenylethylene derivatives by ultrafast spectroscopy
Authors: Cai Yuanjing , Du Lili , Samedov Kerim , Gu Xinggui , Qi Fei , Sung Herman H. Y. , Patrick Brian O. , Yan Zhiping , Jiang Xiaofang , Zhang Haoke , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Williams Ian D. , Lee Phillips David , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2018

Photocyclized intermediate formation and quasi CC twisting are the dominant processes behind the AIE.
Cancer diagnostics
Authors: Liu Bin , Rusling James F.
Published: April 2018

Guest editors Bin Liu and James F. Rusling introduce this Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue on cancer diagnostics.
Cluster analysis of wind turbine alarms for characterising and classifying stoppages
Authors: Leahy Kevin , Gallagher Colm , O'Donovan Peter , O'Sullivan Dominic T.J
Published: April 2018

Turbine alarm systems can give useful information to remote technicians on the cause of a fault or stoppage. However, alarms are generally generated at much too high a rate to gain meaningful insight from on their own, so generally require extensive domain knowledge to interpret. By grouping together commonly occurring alarm sequences, the burden of analysis can be reduced. Instead of analysing many individual alarms that occur during a stoppage, the stoppage can be linked to a commonly occurring sequence of alarms. Hence, maintenance technicians can be given information about the shared characteristics or root causes of stoppages where that particular alarm sequence appeared in the past. This research presents a methodology to identify relevant alarms from specific turbine assemblies and group together similar alarm sequences as they appear during stoppages. Batches of sequences associated with 456 different stoppages are created, and features are extracted from these batches representing the order the alarms appeared in. The batches are grouped together using clustering techniques, and evaluated using silhouette analysis and manual inspection. Results show that almost half of all stoppages can be attributed to one of 15 different clusters of alarm sequences.
Joint frequency and two‐dimensional direction of arrival estimation for Electronic Support systems based on sub‐Nyquist sampling
Authors: Ramezani Esmaeil , Sabahi Mohamad Farzan , Saberali Seyyed Mohammad
Published: April 2018

The electronic support (ES) receivers require wide instantaneous bandwidth as a result of a wide‐frequency range of modern radar signals. Thus, analogue‐to‐digital converters (ADCs) with high sampling rates are required for digital ES receivers. One of the bottlenecks in designing such systems is the high power consumption of the back‐end ADCs at high sampling rates. In this study, a system‐level approach with the goal of minimising the required digitisation rate is presented by exploiting compressive sampling. Using the proposed receiver structure, the location finding of pulsed radars in wideband scenarios is studied. To fulfil the need for frequency and position finding, the proposed receiver employs a three‐dimensional antenna array, followed by radio‐frequency back‐end and ADC blocks, inspired by the modulated wideband converter technique. Furthermore, an algorithm based on Bayesian compressed sensing, incorporating off‐grid techniques, is employed to jointly estimate the azimuth and the elevation angles of incoming signals, as well as their carrier frequencies. Simulation results are provided to support the theoretical results obtained in this study. The results show that the proposed off‐grid Bayesian method has a significantly lower mean square estimation error than the conventional deterministic approaches, while its average computation complexity can be reduced in multi‐snapshot scenarios.
Gaia Data Release 2
Authors: Hambly N. C. , Cropper M. , Boudreault S. , Crowley C. , Kohley R. , de Bruijne J. H. J. , Dolding C. , Fabricius C. , Seabroke G. , Davidson M. , Rowell N. , Collins R. , Cross N. , Martín-Fleitas J. , Baker S. , Smith M. , Sartoretti P. , Marchal O. , Katz D. , De Angeli F. , Busso G. , Riello M. , Allende Prieto C. , Els S. , Corcione L. , Masana E. , Luri X. , Chassat F. , Fusero F. , Pasquier J. F. , Vétel C. , Sarri G. , Gare P.
Published: April 2018

Context. The European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite was launched into orbit around L2 in December 2013. This ambitious mission has strict requirements on residual systematic errors resulting from instrumental corrections in order to meet a design goal of sub-10 microarcsecond astrometry. During the design and build phase of the science instruments, various critical calibrations were studied in detail to ensure that this goal could be met in orbit. In particular, it was determined that the video-chain offsets on the analogue side of the analogue-to-digital conversion electronics exhibited instabilities that could not be mitigated fully by modifications to the flight hardware.

Aims. We provide a detailed description of the behaviour of the electronic offset levels on short (<1 ms) timescales, identifying various systematic effects that are known collectively as “offset non-uniformities”. The effects manifest themselves as transient perturbations on the gross zero-point electronic offset level that is routinely monitored as part of the overall calibration process.

Methods. Using in-orbit special calibration sequences along with simple parametric models, we show how the effects can be calibrated, and how these calibrations are applied to the science data. While the calibration part of the process is relatively straightforward, the application of the calibrations during science data processing requires a detailed on-ground reconstruction of the readout timing of each charge-coupled device (CCD) sample on each device in order to predict correctly the highly time-dependent nature of the corrections.

Results. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our offset non-uniformity models in mitigating the effects in Gaia data.

Conclusions. We demonstrate for all CCDs and operating instrument/modes on board Gaia that the video-chain noise-limited performance is recovered in the vast majority of science samples.
Burnout: 12-Phasen-Modell – Ausbrennen
Authors: Bonno Isabelle
Published: April 2018

Gesellschaftlich gibt es derzeit kaum ein häufiger diskutiertes Syndrom als Burnout. Doch wann hat ein Mensch den Zustand des völligen Ausgebranntseins erreicht? Das 12-Phasen-Modell von Herbert Freudenberger und Gail North gibt Aufschluss über charakteristische Verhaltensweisen, weist auf eine mögliche Gefährdung hin und regt zur Selbstreflexion an.
Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles
Authors: Kapoor Kamal , Das Parthasarathi , Khajuria Rajni , Rasheed Sk. , Khajuria Chhavi
Published: April 2018

Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole is one of the most important azaheterocyclic compounds consisting of three fused aromatic rings. Molecules containing this core have displayed a wide range of applications in the field of medicinal chemistry. The synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole and its derivatives has attracted organic chemists because of its tremendous utility in interdisciplinary branches of chemistry. In this context, this review discusses the main advances in the synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles via metal-mediated and metal-free reactions from 2000 to 2016.

1 Introduction

2 Synthetic Approaches to Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles

2.1 Type I: Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Methods

2.2 Type II: Metal-Free Approaches

3 Conclusion
Investigating Patients' Perception of Microvascular Free Toe Flap for Reconstruction of Amputated Thumbs: A Guide for Surgeons during Informed Consent
Authors: Efanov Johnny , Wong Christopher , Guilbault Clarence , Bou-Merhi Joseph , Harris Patrick , Izadpanah Ali , Danino Michel
Published: April 2018

Background After thumb amputations, restoration of function and aesthetic can be accomplished with microvascular free toe flaps. However, many patients in clinical practice do not choose this reconstruction despite positive reported outcomes. This study aims to determine patients' perceptions with respect to free toe flaps to improve areas of informed consent.

Methods A retrospective survey was administered to patients with thumb amputations. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire about patient demographics, the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), the standard gamble/time trade-off questionnaires for utility scores, and a questionnaire investigating potential reasons for electing not to undergo a free toe transfer.

Results Thirty patients were enrolled in the study wherein 53% underwent a replantation procedure, 27% a revision amputation, and 20% a delayed reconstruction. Mean normalized score on the bMHQ was recorded as 63.54. Utility questionnaires yielded mean measures of 0.8967 and 0.86 on the standard gamble and time trade-off, respectively. From 14 elements, a majority (87%) stated flap failure as a major source of concern, followed by lack of understanding of risks and benefits (80%) and prolonged hospital stay (53%). Cultural/religious beliefs, aesthetic appearance of the foot, and concerns about footwear were not reported as important reasons in 90, 80, and 79% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion A better understanding of patients' attitudes and beliefs with respect to free toe flaps will allow surgeons to better address their concerns during informed consent. This study emphasizes the importance to discuss about failure rates, risks, and benefits of the operation and prolonged hospital stay.
Decreased Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Levels Are Associated with Cardiac Diastolic Dysfunction in Small for Gestational Age Infants
Authors: Yamazaki Shoko , Obinata Haruka , Hachiya Akira , Kamiya Motoko , Motoki Noriko , Nakamura Tomohiko , Akazawa Yohei
Published: April 2018

Objective To evaluate the impact of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels on cardiac function in small for gestational age (SGA) infants.

Study Design This is a prospective, observational study. Serum IGF-1 levels at birth and echocardiography measurements at 1 week of age were compared between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants.

Results Thirty-one SGA infants and 27 AGA infants were enrolled. Serum IGF-1 levels were lower in the SGA infants than in the AGA infants. SGA infants had lower mitral lateral annular systolic (S') and early diastolic (E') tissue Doppler imaging velocities compared with AGA infants (S', 5.1 ± 0.9 vs 5.7 ± 1.2 cm/s; E', 6.1 ± 1.5 cm/s vs 7.1 ± 1.3 cm/s; p < 0.05). Serum IGF-1 levels positively correlated with E' velocity in the entire population (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and in SGA infants (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). In multivariate linear regression analysis, serum IGF-1 and S' velocity were independently associated with E' velocity in the entire population and in SGA infants.

Conclusion Decreased serum IGF-I levels could account for cardiac diastolic dysfunction in SGA infants.
Safety First – Sicherheitsaspekte in der Notfallrettung
Authors: Treffer Dominik , Hossfeld Björn , Helm Matthias , Weißleder Anne
Published: April 2018

Die Beachtung wichtiger Sicherheitsaspekte schützt die Gesundheit der Rettungsfachkräfte und trägt zum Gelingen eines Einsatzes bei. Der Beitrag soll die Beteiligten im Rettungsdienst (Notärzte, Notfallsanitäter, Rettungsassistenten und Rettungssanitäter) für Gefahren im Arbeitsalltag sensibilisieren, Hilfestellungen im Umgang mit diesen Risiken geben und Möglichkeiten zur Prävention aufzeigen, um einen sicheren Einsatzablauf zu ermöglichen.
A mathematical model to predict the risk arising from the pasture infectivity of four nematode species in Australia
Authors: Laurenson Yan C. S. M. , Kahn Lewis P.
Published: April 2018

Gastrointestinal parasites cost the Australian sheep industry AU$436 million annually. Early warning of impending worm risk may reduce this cost by providing producers with sufficient time to implement control strategies. A biophysical model was developed to simulate the on-pasture lifecycle stages of the four predominant nematode species in Australia (Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Trichostrongylus vitrinus). The influence of climatic variables (temperature and water availability) on the survival, development and migration of each lifecycle stage was incorporated and parameterised to available point estimates (H. contortus: R2 = 0.88, n = 1409; T. circumcincta: R2 = 0.56, n = 243; T. colubriformis: R2 = 0.61, n = 355; T. vitrinus: R2 = 0.66, n = 147). Constant fecundities (eggs/worm.day) provided the daily quantity of eggs deposited per sheep (H. contortus = 3275; T. circumcincta = 140; T. colubriformis = 300; T. vitrinus = 300). Farm management practices were considered via the specification of stocking rates (sheep/ha), and the administration of anthelmintic treatments (reducing egg deposition by a defined efficacy and duration for each nematode species). Pasture infectivity per nematode species was calculated as the quotient of larvae on herbage and herbage availability (t/ha). Risk was calculated as the product of pasture infectivity and the potential productive impact of each nematode species (H. contortus = 3.9%; T. circumcincta = 9.22%; T. colubriformis = 9.31%; T. vitrinus = 9.31%), and then summed across nematode species. This predictive model has been incorporated into the Sheep CRC’s ‘ASKBILL’ application (www.askbill.com.au, verified 13 April 2018), which uses 90-day weather forecast data (5-km grid resolution) provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
Bandicoots return to Booderee: initial survival, dispersal, home range and habitat preferences of reintroduced southern brown bandicoots (eastern sub species; Isoodon obesulus obesulus)
Authors: Robinson N. M. , MacGregor C. I. , Hradsky B. A. , Dexter N. , Lindenmayer D. B.
Published: April 2018

Context Reintroductions can be an effective means of re-establishing locally extinct or declining faunal populations. However, incomplete knowledge of variables influencing survival and establishment can limit successful outcomes. Aim We aimed to examine the factors (e.g. sex, body mass, release order) influencing the survival, dispersal, home range and habitat selection of reintroduced southern brown bandicoots (eastern subspecies; Isoodon obesulus obesulus) into an unfenced, predator-managed environment in south-eastern Australia (Booderee National Park). Methods Over 2 weeks in May 2016, six female and five male bandicoots were wild-caught in state forest and hard released into the park. Release locations were approximately evenly distributed between three primary vegetation types assessed as suitable habitat: heath, woodland and forest. Bandicoots were radio-tracked day and night for 4 weeks from the initial release date. Key results No mortality was detected. Males dispersed more than twice as far as females (male 704 m, female 332 m), but there was no significant sex bias in home range size. At the landscape scale, bandicoots preferentially selected home ranges that contained heath and avoided forest. Within home ranges, heath and woodland were both favoured over forest. Conclusions Post-release dispersal is sex-biased, but more data are required to determine the influence of other predictors such as body mass and release order. Within the release area, bandicoots favoured non-forest vegetation types. Implications Our study outlines factors influencing the establishment of reintroduced bandicoots. We recommend that future bandicoot reintroductions to Booderee National Park occur within areas of heath and woodland, and that subsequent releases consider the potentially larger spatial requirements and conspecific avoidance among male bandicoots. Our findings contribute new knowledge for improving translocation methods of a nationally endangered medium-sized mammal.
Speech rhythm in development
Authors: Post Brechtje , Payne Elinor
Published: April 2018

Perception and production studies of speech rhythm development in
infants and children paint a complex picture of a universal early
perceptual sensitivity to – and production mastery of – cues to
rhythm, while the rate of acquisition of rhythmic properties across
and within languages appears to be typologically and structurally
determined. In this chapter we provide a critical and comprehensive
review of the literature that has led to these insights. We then
explore how child rhythm development can be accommodated in an
integrated approach to speech rhythm in which various structural and
performance aspects interact to determine developmental trajectories
in rhythm acquisition.
The critical role of His48 in mouse cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2A8 for the 7α-hydroxyl sulfation of bile acids
Authors: Shimohira Takehiko , Kurogi Katsuhisa , Liu Ming-Cheh , Suiko Masahito , Sakakibara Yoichi
Published: April 2018

Members of the cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT2A subfamily are known to be critically involved in the homeostasis of steroids and bile acids. SULT2A8, a 7α-hydroxyl bile acid-preferring mouse SULT, has been identified as the major enzyme responsible for the mouse-specific 7-O-sulfation of bile acids. Interestingly, SULT2A8 lacks a conservative catalytic His residue at position 99th. The catalytic mechanism underlying the SULT2A8-mediated 7-O-sulfation of bile acids thus remained unclear. In this study, we performed a mutational analysis in order to gain insight into this yet-unresolved issue. Results obtained revealed two amino acid residues, His48 and Leu99, that are unique to the mouse SULT2A8, but not other SULTs, are essential for its 7-O-sulfating activity toward bile acids. These findings suggested that substitutions of two amino acids, which might have occurred during the evolution of the mouse SULT2A8 gene, endowed mouse SULT2A8 the capacity to catalyze the 7-O-sulfation of bile acids.
Predicting Viral Failure in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Perinatally Infected Youth With Persistent Low-Level Viremia on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Pereira Ruth , Ludwig David A , Mathew Sunil , Flores Claudia , Dominguez Sady , Gonzalez Ivan , Rivera-Hernandez Delia , Scott Gwendolyn B , Mitchell Charles D
Published: April 2018

Background

Less than optimal adherence with antiretroviral therapy occurs commonly among human immunodeficiency virus HIV)-infected youth. In this study, our object was to identify patterns in the prefailure measurement of viral load (VL) that can reliably predict virological failure (VF) in HIV perinatally infected youth on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of HIV-infected youth with low-level viremia (LLV), defined as an HIV VL between the lower limits of detection (20–75 copies/mL) and 1000 copies/mL. All patients were perinatally infected, under 22 years of age, observed for at least 24 months of consecutive follow-up between May 2008 and July 2014, and received their HIV care at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Of the 349 subjects screened, 100 were eligible for analysis. Virological failure was defined as 3 or more consecutive VLs greater than 1000 copies/mL. Multiple logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic curves were used to identify patterns in VL that ultimately resulted in VF.

Results

Fifteen of the 100 patients experienced VF. Higher log10 mean VL, positive slope of the VL (log10 copies/mL per day), and fewer clinic visits were associated with a higher probability of VF. Sensitivity and specificity were .87 and .95, respectively. Resistance was not found in 12 of 15 patients with VF.

Conclusions

Patients with LLV that had fewer clinic visits and a trend toward increasing VLs had an increased risk of VF. Noncompliance seems to be a major component of VF. Physicians should emphasize the critical nature of medication adherence.
Did They Write Back? A Mandate Divide in Response to Constituent Casework in Devolved Bodies
Authors: Parsons Alex , Rumbul Rebecca
Published: April 2018

Three devolved bodies in the UK (the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the London Assembly) use Multi Member Proportional Representation electoral systems. These bodies have two groups of representatives, regional and constituency, elected through different methods. Using a survey of members of the public who contacted their representative, constituency representatives are shown to have a higher response rate across all three bodies, and this effect is isolatable from the role of being a government party. In Scotland, this effect is demonstrable when comparing the behaviour of the same people holding different roles, suggesting that individuals adapt their behaviour to the expectations of the role.