bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of personal continuity of care of patients with severe mental illness: A comparison across five European countries
Authors: Smith Pierre , Nicaise Pablo , Giacco Domenico , Bird Victoria jane , Bauer Michael , Ruggeri Mirella , Welbel Marta , Pfennig Andrea , Lasalvia Antonio , Moskalewicz Jacek , Priebe Stefan , Lorant Vincent
Published: December 2018

Background:

In Europe, at discharge from a psychiatric hospital, patients with severe mental illness may be exposed to one of two main care approaches: personal continuity, where one clinician is responsible for in- and outpatient care, and specialisation, where various clinicians are. Such exposure is decided through patient-clinician agreement or at the organisational level, depending on the country’s health system. Since personal continuity would be more suitable for patients with complex psychosocial needs, the aim of this study was to identify predictors of patients’ exposure to care approaches in different European countries.

Methods:

Data were collected on 7302 psychiatric hospitalised patients in 2015 in Germany, Poland, and Belgium (patient-level exposure); and in the UK and Italy (organisational-level exposure). At discharge, patients were exposed to one of the care approaches according to usual practice. Putative predictors of exposure at patients’ discharge were assessed in both groups of countries.

Results:

Socially disadvantaged patients were significantly more exposed to personal continuity. In all countries, the main predictor of exposure was the admission hospital, except in Germany, where having a diagnosis of psychosis and a higher education status were predictors of exposure to personal continuity. In the UK, hospitals practising personal continuity had a more socially disadvantaged patient population.

Conclusion:

Even in countries where exposure is decided through patient-clinician agreement, it was the admission hospital, not patient characteristics, that predicted exposure to care approaches. Nevertheless, organisational decisions in hospitals tend to expose socially disadvantaged patients to personal continuity.
In Situ Measurements of Surface Winds, Waves, and Sea State in Polar Lows Over the North Atlantic
Authors: Rojo M. , Claud C. , Noer G. , Carleton A. M.
Published: December 2018

Polar low (PL) storms are an important feature of the wintertime subsynoptic‐scale atmospheric circulation of middle‐ and higher‐latitude ocean areas. They can generate hazardous conditions impacting coastal and marine activities like fishing, transport, and oil extraction. However, there are few studies available of individual PL systems based on high‐resolution maritime surface data. Accordingly, the meteorological impacts of 29 PLs have been investigated for the 14 winters 1999–2013, using in situ measurements at eight stations in the Norwegian and North Seas. On average, the highest wind speed and significant wave height (SWH) occur following the minimum in sea level pressure of the PL, respectively, 1 and 3 hr after its passage. The strongest wind speed averages 17.1 m/s, and the highest peak SWH is 6.3 m, but these can reach 31 m/s and 11 m, respectively. PL characteristics of system horizontal extent, propagation speed, and the larger‐scale atmospheric circulation environment explain the large intercase differences. Large, multiple, and fast‐moving PLs within a meridional circulation environment appear to generate stronger near‐surface winds and higher waves than do small, single, and slow‐moving PLs within a zonal circulation. Multiple systems may have the largest impacts (e.g., SWH > 8 m), although a larger sample size is required to confirm this possibility. The impacts of PLs on sea surface temperature (SST) are quite small and are difficult to interpret separate from the background SST variation. The observed SST decrease may be mainly caused by the cold air outbreak within which the PL is embedded; indeed, a positive SST minus air temperature anomaly is found during the 24 hr preceding the passage of PL vortices, indicating enhanced low‐level atmospheric instability.
Geoscience Games to Liven Up Your Holiday Season
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2018

Learn geoscience and have fun while doing it. For 1+ players. Good for all ages.
Catching Oklahoma's Tiny Tremors in the Act
Authors: Frederick Eva
Published: December 2018

Scientists map thousands of microearthquakes in Oklahoma to take a closer look at the seismic effects of wastewater injection following oil and gas operations.
Exoplanet Strategy Promotes Big Missions, Individual Science
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2018

Collaborative and interdisciplinary research will be key to realizing the missions’ full potential, according to the exoplanet strategy report.
Drastic Shifts in Weather Give People "Winter Weather Whiplash"
Authors: Bates Sofie
Published: December 2018

False springs and freak snowstorms can flood towns, ruin crops, and shut down electrical grids. One research team is studying past events to prepare for the future.
Vertical Coupling From the Lower Atmosphere to the Ionosphere: Observations Inferred From Indian MST Radar, GPS Radiosonde, Ionosonde, Magnetometer, OLR (NOAA), and SABER/TIMED Instrument Over Gadanki
Authors: Ghosh Priyanka , Ramkumar T. K. , Patra A. K. , Sharma Som , Pavan Chaitanya P.
Published: December 2018

Simultaneous wind observations from Mesosphere Stratosphere Troposphere (MST) radar collectively with Global Positioning System (GPS) radiosonde over Gadanki, covering altitude range of 3.6–20 km (January–December 2009; 365 days), divulge the propagation of lower atmospheric waves up to the ionosphere. It is combined with temperature data (20–110 km) observed from Sounding of the Atmosphere using the Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument onboard Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite, ionosonde observations, and daily Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) data acquired from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA; centered around Gadanki [13.5°N, 79.2°E]) for the same time period. Long‐period oscillations with periodicities of ~64, ~32, and ~21 days are witnessed along with the well‐known oscillations of ~16, ~6.4, and ~5.3 days. Most of the long‐period oscillations are dominantly perceived during the summer months (April–June 2009), which can even exist up to September. These long‐period oscillations are found to propagate from lower tropospheric heights up to ionospheric heights with large vertical wavelengths (~300–400 km, in some cases) near to transition zones of atmospheric layers (e.g., tropopause, stratopause, and mesopause). Signatures of vertical coupling of atmosphere through large vertical wavelengths (indicating possible intraseasonal connections) is clearly observed in the equatorial electrojet current and the peak plasma frequencies of ionospheric layers (E and F regions). Noticeable reduction of the wave oscillations in spatial scale with upsurge in spatial damping is evidently visible, in the tropical stratosphere and mesosphere, which can be attributed to stratospheric ozone.
Atmospheric Implications of Large C2‐C5 Alkane Emissions From the U.S. Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Tzompa‐Sosa Z. A. , Henderson B. H. , Keller C. A. , Travis K. , Mahieu E. , Franco B. , Estes M. , Helmig D. , Fried A. , Richter D. , Weibring P. , Walega J. , Blake D. R. , Hannigan J. W. , Ortega I. , Conway S. , Strong K. , Fischer E. V.
Published: December 2018

Emissions of C2‐C5 alkanes from the U.S. oil and gas sector have changed rapidly over the last decade. We use a nested GEOS‐Chem simulation driven by updated 2011NEI emissions with aircraft, surface, and column observations to (1) examine spatial patterns in the emissions and observed atmospheric abundances of C2‐C5 alkanes over the United States and (2) estimate the contribution of emissions from the U.S. oil and gas industry to these patterns. The oil and gas sector in the updated 2011NEI contributes over 80% of the total U.S. emissions of ethane (C2H6) and propane (C3H8), and emissions of these species are largest in the central United States. Observed mixing ratios of C2‐C5 alkanes show enhancements over the central United States below 2 km. A nested GEOS‐Chem simulation underpredicts observed C3H8 mixing ratios in the boundary layer over several U.S. regions, and the relative underprediction is not consistent, suggesting C3H8 emissions should receive more attention moving forward. Our decision to consider only C4‐C5 alkane emissions as a single lumped species produces a geographic distribution similar to observations. Due to the increasing importance of oil and gas emissions in the United States, we recommend continued support of existing long‐term measurements of C2‐C5 alkanes. We suggest additional monitoring of C2‐C5 alkanes downwind of northeastern Colorado, Wyoming, and western North Dakota to capture changes in these regions. The atmospheric chemistry modeling community should also evaluate whether chemical mechanisms that lump larger alkanes are sufficient to understand air quality issues in regions with large emissions of these species.
The Dynamical Coupling of Convective Updrafts, Downdrafts, and Cold Pools in Simulated Supercell Thunderstorms
Authors: Marion G. R. , Trapp R. J.
Published: December 2018

The initiation of second‐generation convective storms by the cold pools of first‐generation storms is known to depend on cold pool characteristics such as depth and speed. It is not clear, however, how these characteristics relate back to the convective storm components and, in turn, to the environment. Here we investigate the hypothesis that wider updraft cores result in wider downdraft cores, which subsequently lead to the development of deeper cold pools that are more likely to initiate new convection. This hypothesis is addressed using a large set of idealized numerical simulations of highly organized convective storms, specifically, supercells. Quantifications of the convective components show strong interrelationships between updraft area, downdraft area, and cold pool depth, thus supporting our primary hypothesis. These interrelationships are highly sensitive to the parcel buoyancy and vertical wind shear, with large convective available potential energy, strong wind shear, and a deep mixed layer ultimately contributing to the deepest (and strongest) cold pools. Diagnoses of the forcings of vertical accelerations show that draft width, and therefore cold pool depth, are initially influenced by the buoyancy and linear dynamic forcings, but thereafter are controlled mostly by the nonlinear dynamic forcings. These results, overall, have implications on the development (or improvement) of cold pool parameterizations in weather and climate models.
Changes in Aerosol Chemistry From 2014 to 2016 in Winter in Beijing: Insights From High‐Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xu Weiqi , Sun Yele , Wang Qingqing , Zhao Jian , Wang Junfeng , Ge Xinlei , Xie Conghui , Zhou Wei , Du Wei , Li Jie , Fu Pingqing , Wang Zifa , Worsnop Douglas R. , Coe Hugh
Published: December 2018

Air quality has been continuously improved in recent years in Beijing, yet severe haze episodes still frequently occur in winter. Here we deployed an Aerodyne high‐resolution aerosol mass spectrometer in two winter seasons during the same period to investigate the changes in aerosol chemistry from 2014 to 2016 in Beijing. Compared to 2014, submicron aerosol (PM1) species showed ubiquitous increases in mass concentrations by 10–130% in winter 2016, of which nitrate showed the largest increase among all aerosol species leading to a much higher NO3/SO4 ratio in 2016 (1.36 ± 0.90) than 2014 (0.72 ± 0.59). This result highlights an increasing role of nitrate in particulate matter pollution in recent years in Beijing. Aerosol composition and size distributions also changed significantly. Secondary inorganic species showed elevated contributions by ~10% in winter 2016 associated with corresponding decreases in organic aerosol (OA). Positive matrix factorization of OA illustrated the significant changes in both primary emissions and secondary production. While cooking OA decreased substantially from 25% in 2014 to 15% in 2016, the contribution of biomass burning OA slightly increased instead. Although secondary OA contributed similarly to OA in the two winters (49% vs. 53%), we observed ubiquitous increases (~50%) in photochemically related oxygenated OA and oxidized primary OA, and oxygen‐to‐carbon ratios of OA, indicating the enhanced photochemical production in winter 2016. Aqueous‐phase production of secondary OA however was relatively similar in the two winters. Further analysis demonstrated that the changes in aerosol and OA composition varied differently across different pollution and relative humidity levels.
A Simplified Algorithm to Estimate Latent Heating Rate Using Vertical Rainfall Profiles Over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Rui , Shao Wencheng , Guo Jingchao , Fu Yunfei , Wang Yu , Liu Guosheng , Zhou Renjun , Li Wenzhuo
Published: December 2018

In this study, a simplified semiphysical retrieval algorithm for latent heat (LH) released from precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau is derived and analyzed. The physical basis of this algorithm is that the vertical gradient of rain rate (−dR/dZ or Γ) represents the temporal rate of rain formation based on the steady state assumption, and the precipitation formation rate is closely related to the cloud formation rate, which is directly proportional to the latent heating rate. In this algorithm, the LH rate is represented as a linear function of Γ with fixed slope and intercept term determined by 3‐month Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations over the Tibetan Plateau. Comparison to model results shows that the retrieval scheme can correctly capture the main features of LH horizontally and vertically. Comparison with results from other two widely accepted LH algorithms using Global Precipitation Measurement Dual Precipitation Radar real observations shows that this retrieval scheme generally agrees with them over low‐altitude areas but yields more convective‐type LH over the highlands with a relatively low heating center. This algorithm is specially designed for application to high altitudes. With this algorithm and the associated coefficients provided, researchers can readily do LH retrieval in their cases of interest by themselves. The only required input is the vertical profile of rain rate, which is available from current satellite precipitation radar observations.
Rapid Drying of Northeast India in the Last Three Decades: Climate Change or Natural Variability?
Authors: Choudhury B. Abida , Saha Subodh Kumar , Konwar Mahen , Sujith K. , Deshamukhya Atri
Published: December 2018

Northeast India (NEI), the wettest place on the Earth, has experienced a rapid decrease in summer monsoon rainfall (about 355 mm) in the last 36 years (1979–2014), which has serious implications on the ecosystem and the livelihood of the people of this region. However, it is not clear whether the observed drying is due to anthropogenic activities or it is linked with the global natural variability. A diagnostic model is employed to estimate the amount of recycled rainfall, which suggests that about 7% of the total rainfall is contributed by the local moisture recycling and decrease in recycled rainfall is about 30–50 mm. Using gridded observed rainfall and sea surface temperature data of the last 114 years (1901–2014), here we show that the recent decreasing trend of NEI summer monsoon rainfall is rather associated with the strong interdecadal variability of the subtropical Pacific Ocean. The strong interdecadal variability over NEI suggests a possibility of skillful decadal prediction of the monsoon rainfall, which may have important implications in terms of long‐term planning and mitigation.
Aerosol Optical Depth and Burden From Large Sea Salt Particles
Authors: Fei Ke‐ce , Wu Lin , Zeng Qing‐cun
Published: December 2018

Sea salt aerosol (SSA) particles are natural aerosols which exert a large impact on various geo‐chemical and geophysical processes and on Earth's climate. Emissions of SSA are mainly influenced by the wind near ocean surface. By so far, most models do not consider SSA with dry radius rd > 10 μm. For example, the cutoff size of coarse SSA's rd in the Community Earth System Model is about 10 μm. However, laboratory experiments have provided the evidence that numerous large droplets are not accounted for in theoretical estimations of sea spray generation, especially in high‐wind conditions, which consequently affect the large SSA emissions. This study assesses the impact of large SSA on aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol burden in the atmosphere by using Community Earth System Model but with a new parameterization of large SSA emissions in high‐wind conditions. Our simulations show that considering the large SSA in the model, the simulated AOD over midlatitude and high‐latitude oceans are more consistent with the observation from both Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Aerosol Robotic Network. And we also found that despite dry deposition, large SSA with rd > 10 μm can contribute more than 15% to the total AOD over midlatitude and high‐latitude oceans, particularly over oceans between 40 and 65°S, and about 28.5% to the total global SSA mass burden.
Characterizing Average Electron Densities in the Martian Dayside Upper Ionosphere
Authors: Němec F. , Morgan D. D. , Kopf A. J. , Gurnett D. A. , Pitoňák D. , Fowler C. M. , Andrews D. J. , Andersson L.
Published: December 2018

We use more than 10 years of the Martian topside ionospheric data measured by the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding radar sounder on board the Mars Express spacecraft to derive an empirical model of electron densities from the peak altitude up to 325 km. Altogether, 16,044 electron density profiles obtained at spacecraft altitudes lower than 425 km and at solar zenith angles lower than 80° are included in the analysis. Each of the measured electron density profiles is accurately characterized by the peak electron density, peak altitude, and three additional parameters describing the profile shape above the peak: (i) steepness at high altitudes, (ii) main layer thickness, and (iii) transition altitude. The dependence of these parameters on relevant controlling factors (solar zenith angle, solar irradiance, crustal magnetic field magnitude, and Sun‐Mars distance) is evaluated, allowing for a formulation of a simple empirical model. Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN Extreme Ultraviolet monitor data are used to show that the solar ionizing flux can be accurately approximated by the F10.7 index when taking into account the solar rotation. Electron densities predicted by the resulting empirical model are compared with electron densities locally evaluated based on the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding measurements, with the Langmuir Probe and Waves electron density measurements on board the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft, and with electron densities obtained by radio occultation measurements. Although the electron densities measured by the Langmuir Probe and Waves instrument are systematically somewhat lower than the model electron densities, consistent with former findings, the model performs reasonably well.
A brand new zeolite catalyst for carbonylation reaction
Authors: Feng Xiaobo , Yao Jie , Li Hangjie , Fang Yuan , Yoneyama Yoshiharu , Yang Guohui , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: December 2018

EU-12 zeolite was discovered to posses unreported catalytic performance for carbonylation reaction converting dimethyl ether to methyl acetate.
Room temperature O transfer from N2O to CO mediated by the nearest Cd(i) ions in MFI zeolite cavities
Authors: Oda Akira , Ohkubo Takahiro , Kuroda Yasushige
Published: December 2018

We report on a new functionality of cadmium created by zeolite lattice: room temperature O transfer from N2O to CO mediated by nearest monovalent cadmium ions in MFI zeolite. The unprecedented reactivity of CdI and its origin are discussed on the basis of experiments coupled with quantum chemical calculations.
Synthesis of (2-hydroxyphenyl)(fusedphenyl)methanones via the photo-induced rearrangement of 2′-arylisoflavones
Authors: Wang Pei , Zhang Jin , Wang Tao , Liang Yong , Zhang Zunting
Published: December 2018

The photo-induced rearrangement of 2′-arylisoflavones (aryl = phenyl, 1-naphenyl, and 2-naphenyl) for the synthesis of (2-hydroxyphenyl)(fusedphenyl)methanones in EtOH under Ar at room temperature has been developed.
Multifunctional asymmetrical molecules for high-performance perovskite and organic solar cells
Authors: Gao Wei , Wu Fei , Liu Tao , Zhang Guangye , Chen Zhanxiang , Zhong Cheng , Zhu Linna , Liu Feng , Yan He , Yang Chuluo
Published: December 2018

Asymmetrical n-type molecules are high-performance multifunctional materials simultaneously used as ETMs or ILMs in PVKSCs and electron acceptors in OSCs.
Flexible transparent conducting electrodes based on metal meshes for organic optoelectronic device applications: a review
Authors: Lee Hock Beng , Jin Won-Yong , Ovhal Manoj Mayaji , Kumar Neetesh , Kang Jae-Wook
Published: December 2018

Metal mesh: a design that revolutionizes the transparent conducting electrode (TCE) industry and drives the development of flexible optoelectronic technology.
Pb2+ coordination-driven self-assembly of amorphous amphiphilic aromatic block copolymer into semi-crystallized nanostructures with enhanced fluorescence emission
Authors: Xie Junni , He Xiaohong , Hu Weibin , Zhou Meirong , Jia Kun , Liu Xiaobo
Published: December 2018

Luminescent crystallized soft nanostructures are fabricated via a facile Pb2+ mediated self-assembling of amorphous aromatic non-conjugated copolymer.
Identification of AGN in the XMM-Newton X-ray survey of the SMC
Authors: Maitra Chandreyee , Haberl Frank , Ivanov Valentin D. , Cioni Maria-Rosa L. , van Loon Jacco Th.
Published: December 2018

Context. Finding active galactic nuclei (AGN) behind the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) is difficult because of the high stellar density in these fields. Although the first AGN behind the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) were reported in the 1980s, it is only recently that the number of AGN known behind the SMC has increased by several orders of magnitude.

Aims. The mid-infrared colour selection technique has proven to be an efficient means of identifying AGN, especially obscured sources. The X-ray regime is complementary in this regard and we use XMM-Newton observations to support the identification of AGN behind the SMC.

Methods. We present a catalogue of AGN behind the SMC by correlating an updated X-ray point-source catalogue from our XMM-Newton survey of the SMC with previously identified AGN from the literature as well as a list of candidates obtained from the ALLWISE mid-infrared colour-selection criterion. We studied the properties of the sample with respect to their redshifts, luminosities, and X-ray spectral characteristics. We also identified the near-infrared counterpart of the sources from the VISTA observations.

Results. The redshift and luminosity distributions of the sample (where known) indicate that we detect sources ranging from nearby Seyfert galaxies to distant and obscured quasars. The X-ray hardness ratios are compatible with those typically expected for AGN, and the VISTA colours and variability are also consistent with AGN. A positive correlation was observed between the integrated X-ray flux (0.2–12 keV) and the ALLWISE and VISTA magnitudes. We further present a sample of new candidate AGN and candidates for obscured AGN. Together these make an interesting subset for further follow-up studies. An initial spectroscopic follow-up of 6 out of the 81 new candidates showed that all six sources are active galaxies, although two have narrow emission lines.
Herzschrittmacher- und ICD-Infektionen
Authors: Nowak Bernd , Weise Felix , Przibille Oliver
Published: December 2018

Die Infektion von Herzschrittmachern und implantierbaren Defibrillatoren stellt ein zunehmendes Problem dar, da immer mehr komplexe Systeme bei multimorbiden Patienten implantiert werden. Wesentlich sind die Kenntnis der Risikofaktoren für eine Aggregatinfektion und die konsequente Prävention, u. a. durch eine perioperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe. Die Diagnostik kann, gerade bei latenten Infektionen, schwierig sein. Sie umfasst neben Blutkulturen die transthorakale und transösophageale Echokardiografie zur Abklärung von Vegetationen der Elektroden und/oder einer Endokarditis. In aller Regel ist neben einer verlängerten Antibiotikagabe die komplette Systemexplantation erforderlich. Die Indikation zur Reimplantation muss kritisch überprüft werden. Diese erfolgt nach vollständiger Ausheilung sofern möglich kontralateral. Alternativen können eine epikardiale Implantation oder elektrodenlose Systeme sein.
Risikostratifizierung für plötzlichen Herztod nach Myokardinfarkt jenseits der LV-Funktion
Authors: Klemm Peter , Bauer Axel
Published: December 2018

Der plötzliche Herztod (PHT) ist die häufigste Einzeltodesursache in der westlichen Welt. Insbesondere Patienten nach Myokardinfarkt und mit Herzinsuffizienz weisen ein erhöhtes Risiko auf. Der Nachweis einer hochgradig eingeschränkten linksventrikulären Funktion gilt als der Goldstandard in der Identifikation von Hochrisikopatienten, allerdings sind Sensitivität und Spezifität dieses Kriteriums unzureichend. So werden mehr als zwei Drittel der Patienten, die in der Folgezeit nach Herzinfarkt versterben, nicht korrekt als Hochrisikopatienten identifiziert. Biosignalbasierte Parameter, welche Störungen des kardialen autonomen Nervensystems quantifizieren, erlauben es möglicherweise, Hochrisikopatienten unabhängig von der Pumpleistung des Herzens zu identifizieren. Diese Marker können mittels mathematischer Methoden aus herkömmlichen Oberflächen-EKGs berechnet werden. SMART-MI ist eine randomisierte Interventionsstudie, die einen neuen Ansatz der personalisierten Postinfarkttherapie bei Patienten mit autonomer Dysfunktion und nur moderat eingeschränkter linksventrikulärer Pumpfunktion untersucht.
Antiarrhythmische Therapie asymptomatischer Herzrhythmusstörungen
Authors: Gonska Bernd-Dieter
Published: December 2018

Asymptomatische Herzryhthmusstörungen bedürfen einer exakten kardiologischen Diagnostik. Diese beinhaltet eine ausführliche Anamnese, Familienanamnese und kardiologische Untersuchungen, die EKG, Belastungs-EKG, Langzeit-EKG, Echokardiografie und im Einzelfall weitere Spezialitäten umfassen. Dabei sind ggfs. Untersuchungen wie Kernspintomografie, Rechts- und Linksherzkatheter, Koronarangiografie und elektrophysiologische Diagnostik sinnvoll. Nur dann ist eine klare Definition des Risikos möglich. Eine primär medikamentöse antiarrhythmische Therapie bei asymptomatischen Patienten ist nicht belegt. Für Spezialfälle mag bei Patienten mit belastungsinduzierbaren supraventrikulären und ventrikulären Extrasystolen ohne Hinweis auf eine kardiale Erkrankung eine Betablockertherapie noch erlaubt sein. Regelmäßige kardiologische Kontrollen sind bei Patienten mit Herzrhythmusstörungen und arrhythmogenen Erkrankungen notwendig.
Japan Wine, its characteristics and research
Authors: Goto-Yamamoto Nami
Published: December 2018

A new rule stipulates that wine made in Japan from grapes harvested in Japan be labeled as “Japan wine”. The main grape varieties for Japan Wine, Koshu for white wine and Muscat Bailey A for red, are unique to Japan. Koshu is native to Japan and its origin, long unknown, has recently been revealed through DNA analysis. Wine made from this variety suffered from a lack of characteristic aroma, but a recent study has demonstrated its potential for producing wine with a citrus scent. Muscat Bailey A was bred in Japan. Its characteristic sweet aroma has been identified as being due to furaneol. Another characteristic of its wine is that it has a low concentration of proanthocyanidins (condensed tannin), and the reason for this was revealed recently. These and other studies have been conducted in wine companies, universities, and research institutes in Japan and support the development of Japan Wine.

Abbreviations: SSR: simple sequence repeat; SNP: single nucleotide polymorphism; 3MH: 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol; 4-HDMF: 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone; PCA: principal component analysis
RNA-Seq analysis reveals a negative role of MSMO1 with a synergized NSDHL expression during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1
Authors: Xin Youzhi , Li Chengping , Guo Yan , Xiao Rong , Zhang Haiyan , Zhou Guoli
Published: December 2018

To investigate a comprehensive transcriptome information of adipogenesis, we assessed global changes in the transcriptional events during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis by RNA-Seq. Compared to the preadipocyte stage (day 0), gene expression profiling demonstrated that 2013 genes were up-regulated, and 2430 genes were down-regulated at the differentiated adipocyte stage (day 13). Among these differentially expressed genes, we found the expression of MSMO1 was down-regulated at day 13, but whether it impacts adipogenesis has not been characterized. Thus, we investigated its role in adipogenesis. Results showed that overexpression of MSMO1 inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1, and led to the down-regulated expression of adipogenic marker genes, while knockdown of MSMO1 had totally opposite effects. Furthermore, interaction network model allowed us to validate an unexpected role between MSMO1 and its partner, NSDHL, in regulating adipogenesis, which plays a synergized expression pattern with MSMO1. Our findings indicate that MSMO1 and NSDHL are novel modulators of adipogenesis.
An integrated process for the production of 1,3-propanediol, lactate and 3-hydroxypropionic acid by an engineered Lactobacillus reuteri
Authors: Suppuram Pandiaraj , Ramakrishnan Gopi Gopal , Subramanian Ramalingam
Published: December 2018

The process economy of food grade 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) production by GRAS organisms like Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), is negatively impacted by the low yield and use of expensive feedstocks. In order to improve the process economy, we have developed a multiproduct process involving the production of three commercially important chemicals, namely, 1,3-PD, lactate and 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), by engineered L. reuteri. The maximum 1,3-PD and lactate titer of 41 g/L and 31 g/L, with a volumetric productivity of 1.69 g/L/h and 0.67 g/L/h were achieved, respectively. The maximum 3-HP titer of 5.2 g/L with a volumetric productivity of 1.3 g/L/h, was obtained by biotransformation using cells recovered from the repeated fed-batch process. The volumetric productivity of 1,3-PD obtained in this study is the highest ever reported for this organism. Further cost reduction can be achieved by using waste feedstocks like milk whey, biomass hydrolysate, and crude glycerol.
Replication protein A complex in Thermococcus kodakarensis interacts with DNA polymerases and helps their effective strand synthesis
Authors: Nagata Mariko , Ishino Sonoko , Yamagami Takeshi , Ishino Yoshizumi
Published: December 2018

Replication protein A (RPA) is an essential component of DNA metabolic processes. RPA binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and interacts with multiple DNA-binding proteins. In this study, we showed that two DNA polymerases, PolB and PolD, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis interact directly with RPA in vitro. RPA was expected to play a role in resolving the secondary structure, which may stop the DNA synthesis reaction, in the template ssDNA. Our in vitro DNA synthesis assay showed that the pausing was resolved by RPA for both PolB and PolD. These results supported the fact that RPA interacts with DNA polymerases as a member of the replisome and is involved in the normal progression of DNA replication forks.
Nutritional characterization of sake cake (sake-kasu) after heat-drying and freeze-drying
Authors: Izu Hanae , Yamashita Sayo , Arima Hideyuki , Fujii Tsutomu
Published: December 2018

Sake cake contains rice-derived components, as well as cell components and metabolites of Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, the effect of food processing on sake cake (sake-kasu) ingredients was investigated. Sake cake, obtained through brewing liquefied rice, was heat-dried (HD) or freeze-dried (FD) and analyzed. There were no differences in the amounts of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamin B6, choline, betaine, nicotinic acid, β-glucan and resistant proteins in HD and FD. There was also no difference in the amount of hydrolyzed amino acids in HD and FD, but many free amino acids were observed in HD. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) was found to be abundant in FD. Meanwhile, nucleic acid-related components were found to be increased in HD, which seems to be due to the degradation of microbial metabolites. When considering the health benefits of sake cake, it is necessary to pay attention to the effects of processing method.

Abbreviations

CE-TOFMS: capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry
The homozygous K280N troponin T mutation alters cross-bridge kinetics and energetics in human HCM
Authors: Piroddi Nicoletta , Witjas-Paalberends E. Rosalie , Ferrara Claudia , Ferrantini Cecilia , Vitale Giulia , Scellini Beatrice , Wijnker Paul J.M. , Sequiera Vasco , Dooijes Dennis , dos Remedios Cristobal , Schlossarek Saskia , Leung Man Ching , Messer Andrew , Ward Douglas G. , Biggeri Annibale , Tesi Chiara , Carrier Lucie , Redwood Charles S. , Marston Steven B. , van der Velden Jolanda , Poggesi Corrado
Published: December 2018

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic form of left ventricular hypertrophy, primarily caused by mutations in sarcomere proteins. The cardiac remodeling that occurs as the disease develops can mask the pathogenic impact of the mutation. Here, to discriminate between mutation-induced and disease-related changes in myofilament function, we investigate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying HCM in a patient carrying a homozygous mutation (K280N) in the cardiac troponin T gene (TNNT2), which results in 100% mutant cardiac troponin T. We examine sarcomere mechanics and energetics in K280N-isolated myofibrils and demembranated muscle strips, before and after replacement of the endogenous troponin. We also compare these data to those of control preparations from donor hearts, aortic stenosis patients (LVHao), and HCM patients negative for sarcomeric protein mutations (HCMsmn). The rate constant of tension generation following maximal Ca2+ activation (kACT) and the rate constant of isometric relaxation (slow kREL) are markedly faster in K280N myofibrils than in all control groups. Simultaneous measurements of maximal isometric ATPase activity and Ca2+-activated tension in demembranated muscle strips also demonstrate that the energy cost of tension generation is higher in the K280N than in all controls. Replacement of mutant protein by exchange with wild-type troponin in the K280N preparations reduces kACT, slow kREL, and tension cost close to control values. In donor myofibrils and HCMsmn demembranated strips, replacement of endogenous troponin with troponin containing the K280N mutant increases kACT, slow kREL, and tension cost. The K280N TNNT2 mutation directly alters the apparent cross-bridge kinetics and impairs sarcomere energetics. This result supports the hypothesis that inefficient ATP utilization by myofilaments plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
How a mutation undermines cardiac function
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: December 2018

JGP paper explores how a mutated troponin T causes cardiac hypertrophy.
PyLink: a PyMOL plugin to identify links
Authors: Gierut Aleksandra M , Dabrowski-Tumanski Pawel , Niemyska Wanda , Millett Kenneth C , Sulkowska Joanna I
Published: December 2018

Links are generalization of knots, that consist of several components. They appear in proteins, peptides and other biopolymers with disulfide bonds or ions interactions giving rise to the exceptional stability. Moreover because of this stability such biopolymers are the target of commercial and medical use (including anti-bacterial and insecticidal activity). Therefore, topological characterization of such biopolymers, not only provides explanation of their thermodynamical or mechanical properties, but paves the way to design templates in pharmaceutical applications. However, distinction between links and trivial topology is not an easy task. Here, we present PyLink—a PyMOL plugin suited to identify three types of links and perform comprehensive topological analysis of proteins rich in disulfide or ion bonds. PyLink can scan for the links automatically, or the user may specify their own components, including closed loops with several bridges and ion interactions. This creates the possibility of designing new biopolymers with desired properties.

Availability and implementation

The PyLink plugin, manual and tutorial videos are available at http://pylink.cent.uw.edu.pl.
Systematic analyses of regulatory variants in DNase I hypersensitive sites identified two novel lung cancer susceptibility loci
Authors: Dai Juncheng , Li Zhihua , Amos Christopher I , Hung Rayjean J , Tardon Adonina , Andrew Angeline S , Chen Chu , Christiani David C , Albanes Demetrios , van der Heijden Erik H F M , Duell Eric J , Rennert Gad , Mckay James D , Yuan Jian-Min , Field John K , Manjer Jonas , Grankvist Kjell , Le Marchand Loic , Teare M Dawn , Schabath Matthew B , Aldrich Melinda C , Tsao Ming-Sound , Lazarus Philip , Lam Stephen , Bojesen Stig E , Arnold Susanne , Wu Xifeng , Haugen Aage , Janout Vladimir , Johansson Mikael , Brhane Yonathan , Fernandez-Somoano Ana , Kiemeney Lambertus A , Davies Michael P A , Zienolddiny Shanbeh , Hu Zhibin , Shen Hongbing
Published: December 2018

DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS) are abundant in regulatory elements, such as promoter, enhancer and transcription factor binding sites. Many studies have revealed that disease-associated variants were concentrated in DHS-related regions. However, limited studies are available on the roles of DHS-related variants in lung cancer. In this study, we performed a large-scale case–control study with 20 871 lung cancer cases and 15 971 controls to evaluate the associations between regulatory genetic variants in DHS and lung cancer susceptibility. The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis and pathway-enrichment analysis were performed to identify the possible target genes and pathways. In addition, we performed motif-based analysis to explore the lung-cancer-related motifs using sequence kernel association test. Two novel variants, rs186332 in 20q13.3 (C>T, odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.10–1.24, P = 8.45 × 10−7) and rs4839323 in 1p13.2 (T>C, OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.95, P = 1.02 × 10−6) showed significant association with lung cancer risk. The eQTL analysis suggested that these two SNPs might regulate the expression of MRGBP and SLC16A1, respectively. What’s more, the expression of both MRGBP and SLC16A1 was aberrantly elevated in lung tumor tissues. The motif-based analysis identified 10 motifs related to the risk of lung cancer (P < 1.71 × 10−4). Our findings suggested that variants in DHS might modify lung cancer susceptibility through regulating the expression of surrounding genes. This study provided us a deeper insight into the roles of DHS-related genetic variants for lung cancer.
Selective Modulation of Early Visual Cortical Activity by Movement Intention
Authors: Gallivan Jason P , Chapman Craig S , Gale Daniel J , Flanagan J Randall , Culham Jody C
Published: December 2018

The primate visual system contains myriad feedback projections from higher- to lower-order cortical areas, an architecture that has been implicated in the top-down modulation of early visual areas during working memory and attention. Here we tested the hypothesis that these feedback projections also modulate early visual cortical activity during the planning of visually guided actions. We show, across three separate human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies involving object-directed movements, that information related to the motor effector to be used (i.e., limb, eye) and action goal to be performed (i.e., grasp, reach) can be selectively decoded—prior to movement—from the retinotopic representation of the target object(s) in early visual cortex. We also find that during the planning of sequential actions involving objects in two different spatial locations, that motor-related information can be decoded from both locations in retinotopic cortex. Together, these findings indicate that movement planning selectively modulates early visual cortical activity patterns in an effector-specific, target-centric, and task-dependent manner. These findings offer a neural account of how motor-relevant target features are enhanced during action planning and suggest a possible role for early visual cortex in instituting a sensorimotor estimate of the visual consequences of movement.
Discovery of Half-life of Circulating Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Using Heavy Water Labeling
Authors: Loomba Rohit , Decaris Martin , Li Kelvin W , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Mohammed Hussein , Matthews Marcy , Richards Lisa M , Nguyen Phirum , Rizo Emily , Andrews Barbara , Soto Robin , Angel Thomas , Suri Vithika , Kitrinos Kathryn M , Barnes Dwight , Czerwieniec Gregg , Brendza Kathy , Subramanian G Mani , Gaggar Anuj , Hellerstein Marc K
Published: December 2018

In a pilot study, heavy water labeling was used to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) turnover rates in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The mean (standard deviation) half-life of HBsAg in blood was 6.7 (5.5) days, which reflects recent production in the liver and supports strategies aimed at reducing HBsAg production in CHB patients.
Association of Physical Function With Driving Space and Crashes Among Older Adults
Authors: Ng Linda S , Guralnik Jack M , Man Cora , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Strogatz David , Eby David W , Ryan Lindsay H , Molnar Lisa J , Betz Marian E , Hill Linda , Li Guohua , Crowe Christopher L , Mielenz Thelma J
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Balancing both driver mobility and safety is important for the well-being of older adults. However, research on the association of physical function with these 2 driving outcomes has yielded inconsistent findings. This study examined whether physical functioning of older drivers, as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), is associated with either driving space or crash involvement.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data of active drivers aged 65–79 years from the AAA Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study (n = 2,990), we used multivariate log-binomial and logistic regressions to estimate the associations of the SPPB with either self-reported restricted driving space in the prior 3 months or any crashes in the past year. Interaction with gender was assessed using likelihood ratio tests.

Results

After adjustment, older drivers with higher SPPB scores (higher physical functioning) had lower prevalence of restricted driving space (8–10 vs. 0–7, prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.99; 11–12 vs. 0–7, PR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61–0.99). Fair (8–10), but not good (11–12), scores were significantly associated with reduced crash involvement (8–10 vs. 0–7, odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60–0.84). Gender was not a significant effect modifier.

Discussion and Implications

This study provides evidence that higher physical functioning is associated with better driving mobility and safety and that the SPPB may be useful for identifying at-risk drivers. Further research is needed to understand physical functioning’s longitudinal effects and the SPPB’s role in older driver intervention programs.
Longitudinal Analysis of Infant Stool Bacteria Communities Before and After Acute Febrile Malaria and Artemether-Lumefantrine Treatment
Authors: Mandal Rabindra K , Crane Rosie J , Berkley James A , Gumbi Wilson , Wambua Juliana , Ngoi Joyce Mwongeli , Ndungu Francis M , Schmidt Nathan W
Published: December 2018

Background

Gut microbiota were recently shown to impact malaria disease progression and outcome, and prior studies have shown that Plasmodium infections increase the likelihood of enteric bacteria causing systemic infections. Currently, it is not known whether Plasmodium infection impacts human gut microbiota as a prelude to bacteremia or whether antimalarials affect gut microbiota. Our goal was to determine to what degree Plasmodium infections and antimalarial treatment affect human gut microbiota.

Methods

One hundred Kenyan infants underwent active surveillance for malaria from birth to 10 months of age. Each malaria episode was treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Any other treatments, including antibiotics, were recorded. Stool samples were collected on an approximately biweekly basis. Ten children were selected on the basis of stool samples having been collected before (n = 27) or after (n = 17) a malaria episode and without antibiotics having been administered between collections. These samples were subjected to 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene (V3–V4 region) sequencing.

Results

Bacterial community network analysis revealed no obvious differences in the before and after malaria/AL samples, which was consistent with no difference in alpha and beta diversity and taxonomic analysis at the family and genus level with one exception. At the sequence variant (SV) level, akin to bacterial species, only 1 of the top 100 SVs was significantly different. In addition, predicted metagenome analysis revealed no significant difference in metagenomic capacity between before and after malaria/AL samples. The number of malaria episodes, 1 versus 2, explained significant variation in gut microbiota composition of the infants.

Conclusions

In-depth bioinformatics analysis of stool bacteria has revealed for the first time that human malaria episode/AL treatment have minimal effects on gut microbiota in Kenyan infants.
Reply to comment on: “Deep learning for pharmacovigilance: recurrent neural network architectures for labeling adverse drug reactions in Twitter posts”
Authors: Cocos Anne , Fiks Alexander G , Masino Aaron J
Published: December 2018

We appreciate the detailed review provided by Magge et al1 of our article, “Deep learning for pharmacovigilance: recurrent neural network architectures for labeling adverse drug reactions in Twitter posts.” 2 In their letter, they present a subjective criticism that rests on concerns about our dataset composition and potential misinterpretation of comparisons to existing methods. Our article underwent two rounds of extensive peer review and has been cited 28 times1 in the nearly 2 years since it was published online (February 2017). Neither the reviewers nor the citing authors raised similar concerns. There are, however, portions of the commentary that highlight areas of our work that would benefit from further clarification.