bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Airway Management in a Simulation of Highly Contagious Isolated Patients: Both Isolation Strategy and Device Type Matter
Authors: Plazikowski Eike , Greif Robert , Marschall Jonas , Pedersen Tina H. , Kleine-Brueggeney Maren , Albrecht Roland , Theiler Lorenz
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

To compare 6 airway-management devices in 3 isolation scenarios regarding their effect on airway management: portable isolation unit (PIU), personal protective equipment (PPE), and standard protection measures

METHODS

In total, 30 anesthesiologists working in emergency medical services performed airway management on mannequins in 3 isolation settings using 6 different airway management devices (in random order): (1) standard Macintosh laryngoscope; (2) Airtraq SP-video-laryngoscope; (3) i-gel; (4) LMA-Fastrach; (5) Ambu fiberoptic-aScope; and (6) Melker cricothyrotomy-set. Each was assessed regarding time-to-ventilate (primary outcome) and rating of difficulty handling the device.

RESULTS

In 86% (standard protection) and 85% (PPE) of attempts, airway management was achieved in <60 seconds, irrespective of the device used. In the PIU setting, only 69% of attempts succeeded within this time frame (P<.05). Median time-to-ventilate was shorter for standard protection (23 seconds) and PPE (25 seconds) compared to the PIU (38 seconds; P<.001). In the PIU setting, the fiberscope took the longest (median, 170 seconds), while i-gel was the quickest (median, 13 seconds). The rating of difficulty (visual analogue scale [VAS], 0–100) differed significantly between the isolation scenarios: Airway management was most difficult with PIU (VAS, 76), followed by PPE (VAS, 35), and standard protection (VAS, 9) (P<.01).

CONCLUSION

Wearing PPE produced similar times-to-ventilate as standard protection among anesthesiologists, but it was subjectively rated more difficult. The portable isolation unit permitted acceptable times-to-ventilate when excluding fiberscope and cricothyrotomy. Supraglottic airway devices allowed the fastest airway management in all isolation scenarios, thus being highly recommendable if a portable isolation unit is used and emergency airway management becomes necessary.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:145–151
THE NUMBER OF ATOMIC MODELS OF UNCOUNTABLE THEORIES
Authors: ULRICH DOUGLAS
Published: February 2018

We show there exists a complete theory in a language of size continuum possessing a unique atomic model which is not constructible. We also show it is consistent with $ZFC + {\aleph _1} < {2^{{\aleph _0}}}$ that there is a complete theory in a language of size ${\aleph _1}$ possessing a unique atomic model which is not constructible. Finally we show it is consistent with $ZFC + {\aleph _1} < {2^{{\aleph _0}}}$ that for every complete theory T in a language of size ${\aleph _1}$, if T has uncountable atomic models but no constructible models, then T has ${2^{{\aleph _1}}}$ atomic models of size ${\aleph _1}$.
Is a straight line the shortest path?
Authors: Banks Jessica E.
Published: February 2018

Is the shortest path from A to B the straight line between them? Your first response might be to think it's obviously so. But in fact you know that it's not quite that straightforward. Your sat-nav knows it's not that straightforward. It asks whether you would like it to find the shortest route or the fastest route, because finding the best path depends on knowing what exactly you mean by ‘long’. Likewise, if you're on a walk in the mountains, there's a good chance you'd rather follow the path around the head of the valley, rather than heading down the steep slope and up the other side.

The same sorts of considerations apply in mathematical worlds. I use the mountainside image because it is my preferred way of thinking of a Riemannian metric. Pick an abstract surface S. A Riemannian metric on S gives a well-behaved distance function. By force of habit I tend to picture S as sitting somehow within the physical world. Probably, I'm looking at it from the outside. But if I change viewpoint, so that I am walking around on S, I can picture how the topography affects the idea of the ‘shortest path’.
A vintage Listener crossword
Authors: Cuthbertson Alastair , McBride Adam , Stanford Doug
Published: February 2018

This Article deals with the following problem.

Problem: Find positive integers x, y and z with x < y < z such that

x + y, x + z, y + z and x + y + z are squares. (1)

The interest in this problem arose from a conversation between the first two authors at The Times Listener Crossword Setters’ Dinner in March 2017. The Listener was a weekly magazine published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from 1929 until 1991. Its main purpose was to reproduce the text of broadcast talks. However, from 1930 onwards it also contained a crossword, which was acknowledged to be the hardest cryptic crossword in a national weekly. When the magazine ceased publication, the crossword was ‘rescued’ by The Times newspaper and has appeared therein on Saturdays for over 25 years.
Fibonacci periods and multiples
Authors: Jameson G. J. O.
Published: February 2018

The well-known Fibonacci numbers Fn are defined by the recurrence relation

Fn = Fn – 1 + Fn – 2. (1)

together with the starting values F0 = 0, F1 = 1, or equivalently F1 = F2 = 1.

We record the first few:

The recurrence relation can also be applied backwards in the form Fn = Fn + 2 – Fn + 1 to define Fn for n < 0. An easy induction verifies that F−n = (−1)n – 1Fn for n > 0.
The history of transdisciplinary race classification: methods, politics and institutions, 1840s–1940s
Authors: MCMAHON RICHARD
Published: February 2018

A recently blossoming historiographical literature recognizes that physical anthropologists allied with scholars of diverse aspects of society and history to racially classify European peoples over a period of about a hundred years. They created three successive race classification coalitions – ethnology, from around 1840; anthropology, from the 1850s; and interwar raciology – each of which successively disintegrated. The present genealogical study argues that representing these coalitions as ‘transdisciplinary’ can enrich our understanding of challenges to disciplinary specialization. This is especially the case for the less well-studied nineteenth century, when disciplines and challenges to disciplinary specialization were both gradually emerging. Like Marxism or structuralism, race classification was a holistic interpretive framework, which, at its most ambitious, aimed to structure the human sciences as a whole. It resisted the organization of academia and knowledge into disciplines with separate organizational institutions and research practices. However, the ‘transdisciplinarity’ of this nationalistic project also bridged emerging borderlines between science and politics. I ascribe race classification's simultaneous longevity and instability to its complex and intricately entwined processes of political and interdisciplinary coalition building. Race classification's politically useful conclusions helped secure public support for institutionalizing the coalition's component disciplines. Institutionalization in turn stimulated disciplines to professionalize. They emphasized disciplinary boundaries and insisted on apolitical science, thus ultimately undermining the ‘transdisciplinary’ project.
THE ROLE OF THE COURT IN DEBT RESTRUCTURING
Authors: Payne Jennifer
Published: February 2018

This paper examines the intervention of the law, and the role of the court, in debt restructuring, both in terms of imposing constraints on creditors and in seeking to ameliorate the potential abuses that can arise from such constraints. Three potential forms of abuse are examined: the imposition of a restructuring on dissenting creditors, which introduces the potential for wealth transfers between creditors; the imposition of a moratorium while a restructuring is negotiated, which might lead to misuse of the process by managers wishing to prop up companies which are not viable, or may allow managers of a viable business to “shake off” liabilities that it is capable of servicing; and the facilitation of rescue finance, which raises the potential for new creditors to be preferred at the expense of existing creditors. It is argued that the court's role in protecting creditors from these three forms of potential abuse is vital, although the nature of that role differs according to the form of abuse. Recent debt restructuring reform proposals in both the UK and the EU, which adopt distinct approaches to the role of the court in this process, are examined in the light of this discussion.
The Electoral Consequences of Party Switching in Canada: 1945–2011
Authors: Snagovsky Feodor , Kerby Matthew
Published: February 2018

This article addresses the overlooked subject of party switching in the Canadian House of Commons for the period 1945–2011. We estimate a model that explores how and why MPs engage in the otherwise risky behaviour of abandoning their party labels in a system characterized by a low personal vote. Our findings suggest that the electoral consequences for MPs who switch parties for policy reasons are indistinguishable from MPs who do not switch at all. By contrast, MPs who switch parties for office-related reasons, such as to accept a seat in cabinet or vote-related reasons, experience large electoral penalties. We also find that MPs who are expelled from caucus face the strongest electoral penalties of all party switchers, indicating it matters whether an MP jumps or is pushed. Our findings suggest that voters recognize opportunistic behaviour among their legislators and punish them accordingly and that under some circumstances, party switching may be both strategic and rational.
Control of helminth ruminant infections by 2030
Authors: Vercruysse Jozef , Charlier Johannes , Van Dijk Jan , Morgan Eric R. , Geary Tim , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Claerebout Edwin
Published: February 2018

Helminth infections have large negative impacts on production efficiency in ruminant farming systems worldwide, and their effective management is essential if livestock production is to increase to meet future human needs for dietary protein. The control of helminths relies heavily on routine use of chemotherapeutics, but this approach is unsustainable as resistance to anthelmintic drugs is widespread and increasing. At the same time, infection patterns are being altered by changes in climate, land-use and farming practices. Future farms will need to adopt more efficient, robust and sustainable control methods, integrating ongoing scientific advances. Here, we present a vision of helminth control in farmed ruminants by 2030, bringing to bear progress in: (1) diagnostic tools, (2) innovative control approaches based on vaccines and selective breeding, (3) anthelmintics, by sustainable use of existing products and potentially new compounds, and (4) rational integration of future control practices. In this review, we identify the technical advances that we believe will place new tools in the hands of animal health decision makers in 2030, to enhance their options for control and allow them to achieve a more integrated and sustainable approach to helminth control in support of animal welfare and production.
Association between increased serum interleukin-6 levels and sustained attention deficits in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Ye Gang , Yin Guang Zhong , Tang Zhen , Fu Jia Lin , Chen Jie , Chen Shan Shan , Li Jia , Fu Tian , Yu Xin , Xu Dong Wu , Yao Jeffrey K. , Hui Li
Published: February 2018

Background

The pathophysiology of cognitive impairment in patients with the major depressive disorder (MDD) may involve neuroinflammation mediated by cytokines.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, sustained attention, and their association in patients with MDD.

Methods

Thirty patients with MDD and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Sustained attention was measured using the Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) task in the Cambridge Neuropsychological Tests Automated Battery. The serum IL-6 levels of all subjects were assessed by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

There were significant differences in the log10RVP total hits, log10RVP total misses, and log10RVP mean latency between patients with MDD and healthy controls (F= 6.04,p= 0.017;F= 19.77,p< 0.0001;F= 14.42,p< 0.0001, respectively). The serum levels of Log10IL-6 were significantly higher in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (F= 192.27,p< 0.0001). The log10IL-6 levels were also positively correlated with the log10RVP mean latency in patients with MDD (r= 0.45,p= 0.013). A further stepwise multivariate regression analysis indicated that the log10IL-6 levels were significantly associated with the log10RVP mean latency in patients with MDD (β= 0.31,t= 2.41,p= 0.025).

Conclusions

Our data suggested that increased IL-6 levels were associated with the psychopathology of MDD, and that abnormal IL-6 levels were implicated in the impairment of sustained attention in patients with MDD.
A risk-based intervention approach to eliminate diabetes health disparities
Authors: Calman Neil S. , Hauser Diane , Schussler Lilli , Crump Casey
Published: February 2018

Type 2 diabetes plays a major role in racial/ethnic health disparities. We conducted the first study to examine whether multifaceted interventions targeting patients with poorly controlled diabetes (HgbA1c >9%) can reduce racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes control. Among 4595 patients with diabetes at a Federally Qualified Health Center in New York, a higher percentage of blacks (32%) and Hispanics/Latinos (32%) had poorly controlled diabetes than whites (25%) at baseline (prevalence ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14–1.43; P<0.001). After four years, this percentage was reduced in all groups (blacks, 21%; Hispanics/Latinos, 20%; whites, 20%; P<0.001 for each relative to baseline). Disparities in diabetes control also were significantly reduced (change in disparity relative to whites: blacks, P=0.03; Hispanics/Latinos, P=0.008). In this diverse population, interventions targeting patients with poorly controlled diabetes not only improved diabetes control in all racial/ethnic groups, but significantly reduced disparities. This approach warrants further testing and may help reduce disparities in other populations.
Motivation and background of participants and providers of self-harvest gardens in Germany
Authors: Gauder Martin , Hagel Heinrich , Gollmann Nadine , Stängle Joachim , Doluschitz Reiner , Claupein Wilhelm
Published: February 2018

Different forms of urban agriculture have gained increased interest and participation in Germany. One form of urban agriculture is self-harvest gardening where participants can lease a plot in a field with various vegetables. However, in Western Europe, little is known about self-harvest garden participants and providers or their motivation and social background. Therefore, in 2015 a survey was conducted with 173 participants and 34 providers from different regions and cities in Germany. The study aimed to compile a self-characterization of people engaged in this form of gardening on a national level. The outcome of the survey captures an emerging phenomenon. While many of the self-harvest gardens can be assigned as grassroot initiatives, participants generally characterized themselves as having a middle or high income, a sustainable lifestyle, high level of education and high nutritional awareness. Disproportionally often, females were engaged in self-harvest gardening. Providers were mainly farmers with a high affinity to organic agriculture. Often the farmers had synergistic effects with other activities like farm shops. Location of the garden area, good support by the providers, promotional marketing and social activities were identified as factors for successful self-harvest gardens. The main incentive for the participants seem to be their engagement in the production of local and healthy food, which can be taken into account by the providers when considering their future focus. On the other hand, problems with bad harvest, theft and vandalism were challenges for some self-harvest gardens. While, legal problems were not a major concern for the providers.
Effects of self-reported hearing or vision impairment on depressive symptoms: a population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Han J. H. , Lee H. J. , Jung J. , Park E.-C.
Published: February 2018

Aims.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of either hearing, vision or dual sensory impairment on depressive symptoms and to identify subgroups that are vulnerable and significantly affected.

Methods.

Data from the 2006–2014 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) were used and a total of 5832 individuals were included in this study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D10) scale. Sensory impairment was assessed according to the levels of self-reported hearing or vision, which were categorised as either good (excellent, very good or good) or poor (fair or poor). The changes in hearing or vision from records of previous survey were investigated. Changes from good to poor, which indicates new onset, were defined as hearing impairment or vision impairment. Interactions of changes in hearing and vision were considered in the analysis. Dual sensory impairment was indicated when hearing impairment and vision impairment both developed at the same time. Demographic, socioeconomic and health-related factors were considered as potential confounders and were adjusted for in the generalised estimating equation model.

Results.

Individuals with hearing impairment demonstrated significantly more severe depressive symptoms [β = 0.434, standard errors (s.e.) = 0.097, p < 0.001] than those who had good hearing. Those with vision impairment also showed significantly elevated depressive symptoms (β = 0.253, s.e. = 0.058, p < 0.001) than those with good vision. When the interactions between hearing and vision were considered, participants with dual sensory impairment showed significantly more severe depressive symptoms (β = 0.768, s.e. = 0.197, p < 0.001) than those with good hearing and vision. The effect of a single and dual sensory impairment on depressive symptoms was significant in both sexes and across age groups, except for vision impairment in male participants.

Conclusions.

Hearing, vision and dual sensory impairment are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that treatment or rehabilitation of either hearing or vision impairment would help prevent depression.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Twins Compared With Singleton Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Babatunde Oluwole A. , Adebamowo Sally N. , Ajayi IkeOluwa O. , Adebamowo Clement A.
Published: February 2018

More than 200 million children aged <5 years fail to reach their full cognitive potential, and children born as twins are particularly at risk. In this article, we review studies that examined differences in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of twins compared to singletons. We searched the Medline database for articles on twins, singletons, neuro, and cognitive development. We also inspected bibliographies of relevant publications to identify related articles from 2011 to 2017. Our search criteria yielded 162 studies, 8 of which met the inclusion criteria. Of the eight studies examined, four were prospective follow-up studies, three were cross-sectional studies, and one was a randomized controlled trial. Five of these studies were carried out in developed countries, and they found no statistically significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes among twins and singletons. However, two of the three studies carried out in developing countries found a difference with singletons having significantly higher academic ratings than twins. Studies in which neurodevelopmental outcomes were measured early in life (1–5 years) showed no significant twin–singleton differences, while those in which it was measured later in life showed mixed twin–singleton differences. Overall, these studies may have been underpowered and may not have been optimally designed and implemented. There is need for studies with adequate sample sizes, good design, and optimal measurement of all relevant covariates in order to resolve the conflicting reports in the literature.
A Bird in the Hand Isn’t Good for Long
Authors: Scherbaum Stefan , Frisch Simon , Dshemuchadse Maja
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Folk wisdom tells us that additional time to make a decision helps us to refrain from the first impulse to take the bird in the hand. However, the question why the time to decide plays an important role is still unanswered. Here we distinguish two explanations, one based on a bias in value accumulation that has to be overcome with time, the other based on cognitive control processes that need time to set in. In an intertemporal decision task, we use mouse tracking to study participants’ responses to options’ values and delays which were presented sequentially. We find that the information about options’ delays does indeed lead to an immediate bias that is controlled afterwards, matching the prediction of control processes needed to counter initial impulses. Hence, by using a dynamic measure, we provide insight into the processes underlying short-term oriented choices in intertemporal decision making.
Adults’ and Children’s Understanding of How Expertise	Influences Learning
Authors: Danovitch Judith H. , Shenouda Christine K.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Adults and children use information about expertise to infer what a person is likely to know, but it is unclear whether they realize that expertise also has implications for learning. We explore adults’ and children’s understanding that expertise in a particular category supports learning about a closely related category. In four experiments, 5-year-olds and adults (n = 160) judged which of two people would be better at learning about a new category. When faced with an expert and a nonexpert, adults consistently indicated that expertise supports learning in a closely related category; however, children’s judgments were inconsistent and were strongly influenced by the description of the nonexpert. The results suggest that although children understand what it means to be an expert, they may judge an individual’s learning capacity based on different considerations than adults.
Contagion via Magical Thinking and via Mere Proximity
Authors: Bower Lennea R. , Peynircioǧlu Zehra F. , Rabinovitz Brian E.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. People show an irrational dislike for objects that were once contaminated or had come into contact with an undesirable person, even if they are currently indistinguishable from other similar objects. To date, such negative contagion within the magical thinking literature has been shown only with inanimate objects. We addressed a boundary condition to see if it also extended to animate targets (dogs and children) while teasing out mere-proximity effects that would predict a similar contagion in the case of children. We used two different types of contagion, one based on proximity and one based on self-information. We found that magical thinking did extend to dogs but not to children when not confounded by mere-proximity effects. Also, contagion was less strong in the case of animate targets, but pity was not related to either this reduction or to the disappearance of the effect with children.
Belonging Mediates Effects of Student-University Fit on Well-Being, Motivation, and Dropout Intention
Authors: Suhlmann Michèle , Sassenberg Kai , Nagengast Benjamin , Trautwein Ulrich
Published: February 2018

Abstract. About one third of university students drop out from their undergraduate studies. The fit between students’ self-construal and university norms has been suggested to contribute to academic success. Building on this idea, we tested a student-university fit model in a cross-sectional online study among 367 German university students. Results support a P-E fit effect, showing that students with a high dignity self-construal and who perceived the university norms to be highly independent indicated the greatest sense of belonging to the university. In turn, belonging positively predicted well-being and academic motivation and reduced dropout intention. In sum, this study suggests that a person-environment fit analysis can contribute to the understanding of healthy student life and academic success.
Learning to Form Accurate Mental Models
Authors: Davatzes Alexandra , Gagnier Kristin , Resnick Ilyse , Shipley Thomas
Published: February 2018

A cycle of prediction, comparison, and feedback supports spatial learning in geoscience.
Correction: Author Correction: Interplay between evanescence and disorder in deep subwavelength photonic structures
Authors: Sheinfux Hanan Herzig , Kaminer Ido , Genack Azriel Z. , Segev Mordechai
Published: February 2018

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12927 (2016); Published: 6 October 2016; Updated: 8 February 2018. The original version of this Article contained an error in the caption to Fig. 2b, which incorrectly read ‘Localization length as a function of θ, the angle of incidence for λ=1 μm’. The correct version indicates that the calculation was performed for a wavelength of ‘λ=0.
Myeloid-derived interleukin-1β drives oncogenic KRAS-NF-κΒ addiction in malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Marazioti Antonia , Lilis Ioannis , Vreka Malamati , Apostolopoulou Hara , Kalogeropoulou Argyro , Giopanou Ioanna , Giotopoulou Georgia A. , Krontira Anthi C. , Iliopoulou Marianthi , Kanellakis Nikolaos I. , Agalioti Theodora , Giannou Anastasios D. , Jones-Paris Celestial , Iwakura Yoichiro , Kardamakis Dimitrios , Blackwell Timothy S. , Taraviras Stavros , Spella Magda , Stathopoulos Georgios T.
Published: February 2018

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a frequent metastatic manifestation of human cancers. While we previously identified KRAS mutations as molecular culprits of MPE formation, the underlying mechanism remained unknown. Here, we determine that non-canonical IKKα-RelB pathway activation of KRAS-mutant tumor cells mediates MPE development and this is fueled by host-provided interleukin IL-1β. Indeed, IKKα is required for the MPE-competence of KRAS-mutant tumor cells by activating non-canonical NF-κB signaling. IL-1β fuels addiction of mutant KRAS to IKKα resulting in increased CXCL1 secretion that fosters MPE-associated inflammation. Importantly, IL-1β-mediated NF-κB induction in KRAS-mutant tumor cells, as well as their resulting MPE-competence, can only be blocked by co-inhibition of both KRAS and IKKα, a strategy that overcomes drug resistance to individual treatments. Hence we show that mutant KRAS facilitates IKKα-mediated responsiveness of tumor cells to host IL-1β, thereby establishing a host-to-tumor signaling circuit that culminates in inflammatory MPE development and drug resistance.
ACKR2 in hematopoietic precursors as a checkpoint of neutrophil release and anti-metastatic activity
Authors: Massara Matteo , Bonavita Ornella , Savino Benedetta , Caronni Nicoletta , Mollica Poeta Valeria , Sironi Marina , Setten Elisa , Recordati Camilla , Crisafulli Laura , Ficara Francesca , Mantovani Alberto , Locati Massimo , Bonecchi Raffaella
Published: February 2018

Atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) are regulators of leukocyte traffic, inflammation, and immunity. ACKR2 is a scavenger for most inflammatory CC chemokines and is a negative regulator of inflammation. Here we report that ACKR2 is expressed in hematopoietic precursors and downregulated during myeloid differentiation. Genetic inactivation of ACKR2 results in increased levels of inflammatory chemokine receptors and release from the bone marrow of neutrophils with increased anti-metastatic activity. In a model of NeuT-driven primary mammary carcinogenesis ACKR2 deficiency is associated with increased primary tumor growth and protection against metastasis. ACKR2 deficiency results in neutrophil-mediated protection against metastasis in mice orthotopically transplanted with 4T1 mammary carcinoma and intravenously injected with B16F10 melanoma cell lines. Thus, ACKR2 is a key regulator (checkpoint) of mouse myeloid differentiation and function and its targeting unleashes the anti-metastatic activity of neutrophils in mice.
Quasistatic antiferromagnetism in the quantum wells of SmTiO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures
Authors: Need Ryan F. , Marshall Patrick B. , Kenney Eric , Suter Andreas , Prokscha Thomas , Salman Zaher , Kirby Brian J. , Stemmer Susanne , Graf Michael J. , Wilson Stephen D.
Published: February 2018

High carrier density quantum wells embedded within a Mott insulating matrix present a rich arena for exploring unconventional electronic phase behavior ranging from non-Fermi-liquid transport and signatures of quantum criticality to pseudogap formation. Probing the proposed connection between unconventional magnetotransport and incipient electronic order within these quantum wells has however remained an enduring challenge due to the ultra-thin layer thicknesses required. Here we address this challenge by exploring the magnetic properties of high-density SrTiO3 quantum wells embedded within the antiferromagnetic Mott insulator SmTiO3 via muon spin relaxation and polarized neutron reflectometry measurements. The one electron per planar unit cell acquired by the nominal d0 band insulator SrTiO3 when embedded within a d1 Mott SmTiO3 matrix exhibits slow magnetic fluctuations that begin to freeze into a quasistatic spin state below a critical temperature T*. The appearance of this quasistatic well magnetism coincides with the previously reported opening of a pseudogap in the tunneling spectra of high carrier density wells inside this film architecture. Our data suggest a common origin of the pseudogap phase behavior in this quantum critical oxide heterostructure with those observed in bulk Mott materials close to an antiferromagnetic instability.
The Caveats of observing Inter-Trial Phase-Coherence in Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: van Diepen Rosanne Maria , Mazaheri Ali
Published: February 2018

Many studies have now consistently reported that the phase angle of ongoing oscillatory activity (measured using EEG/MEG), at time of stimulus presentation influences detection when stimuli are near-threshold. However, studies examining whether the adjustment of the phase angle of oscillations is under top-down attentional control have thus far yielded conflicting results. A possible source for the discrepancy could be that the estimation of the phase of ongoing oscillations as well as its uniformity across trials could be affected by task induced changes in the power of oscillations or concurrent evoked responses. One measure, Inter-Trial Phase-Locking (ITPC), or the uniformity of phase angles across trials, is particularly vulnerable to these factors. Here, using various simulations modelling the common task induced changes in the EEG reported in the literature, we demonstrate that apparent changes in Inter-Trial Phase-Locking of oscillatory activity can occur independent of any actual change in the phase of the ongoing activity.
Dry habitats sustain high CO2 emissions from temporary ponds across seasons
Authors: Obrador Biel , von Schiller Daniel , Marcé Rafael , Gómez-Gener Lluís , Koschorreck Matthias , Borrego Carles , Catalán Núria
Published: February 2018

Despite the increasing understanding of the magnitude and drivers of carbon gas emissions from inland waters, the relevance of water fluctuation and associated drying on their dynamics is rarely addressed. Here, we quantified CO2 and CH4 fluxes from a set of temporary ponds across seasons. The ponds were in all occasion net CO2 emitters irrespective of the presence or absence of water. While the CO2 fluxes were in the upper range of emissions for freshwater lentic systems, CH4 fluxes were mostly undetectable. Dry habitats substantially contributed to these emissions and were always a source of CO2, whereas inundated habitats acted either as a source or a sink of atmospheric CO2 along the year. Higher concentrations of coloured and humic organic matter in water and sediment were linked to higher CO2 emissions. Composition of the sediment microbial community was related both to dissolved organic matter concentration and composition, but we did not find a direct link with CO2 fluxes. The presence of methanogenic archaea in most ponds suggested the potential for episodic CH4 production and emission. Our results highlight the need for spatially and temporally inclusive approaches that consider the dry phases and habitats to characterize carbon cycling in temporary systems.
Terpene Composition Complexity Controls Secondary Organic Aerosol Yields from Scots Pine Volatile Emissions
Authors: Faiola C. L. , Buchholz A. , Kari E. , Yli-Pirilä P. , Holopainen J. K. , Kivimäenpää M. , Miettinen P. , Worsnop D. R. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Guenther A. B. , Virtanen A.
Published: February 2018

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) impact climate by scattering and absorbing radiation and contributing to cloud formation. SOA models are based on studies of simplified chemical systems that do not account for the chemical complexity in the atmosphere. This study investigated SOA formation from a mixture of real Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) emissions including a variety of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. SOA generation was characterized from different combinations of volatile compounds as the plant emissions were altered with an herbivore stress treatment. During active herbivore feeding, monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions increased, but SOA mass yields decreased after accounting for absorption effects. SOA mass yields were controlled by sesquiterpene emissions in healthy plants. In contrast, SOA mass yields from stressed plant emissions were controlled by the specific blend of monoterpene emissions. Conservative estimates using a box model approach showed a 1.5- to 2.3-fold aerosol enhancement when the terpene complexity was taken into account. This enhancement was relative to the commonly used model monoterpene, “α-pinene”. These results suggest that simplifying terpene complexity in SOA models could lead to underpredictions in aerosol mass loading.
Pretreatment Inflammatory Indexes as Prognostic Predictors for Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Yang Jing , Xu Hui , Guo Xinli , Zhang Jing , Ye Xiaoyang , Yang Yanping , Ma Xuelei
Published: February 2018

This study was to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment inflammatory indexes including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We enrolled 98 eligible CRC patients and divided them into high or low NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII groups according to their median index value, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the potential predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In the univariate analysis, ECOG performance status, distant metastasis, NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII were found to be significantly associated with PFS and OS. In the multivariate analysis, ECOG performance status, distant metastasis, and NLR were identified to be independent predictors of PFS (HR 2.487, p = 0.012; HR 2.422, p = 0.042; HR 2.243, p = 0.034, respectively), and OS (HR 2.237, p = 0.018; HR 2.757, p = 0.020; HR 2.336, p = 0.017, respectively). The results of our study revealed that ECOG performance status, distant metastasis and NLR were independent prognostic factors of PFS and OS in CRC patients receiving neoadjuvant CRT.
Investigation of biomarkers alterations after an acute tissue trauma in human trapezius muscle, using microdialysis
Authors: Sørensen Line Bay , Gazerani Parisa , Wåhlén Karin , Ghafouri Nazdar , Gerdle Björn , Ghafouri Bijar
Published: February 2018

Alterations in muscle milieu are suggested as important activity of peripheral drive in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). Microdialysis (MD) has been used in monitoring altered metabolic response pattern in muscles. However, the insertion of MD probe causes a local tissue trauma. Whether and how metabolites in trapezius muscle are affected by acute tissue trauma is unknown. Hence, this study investigated the metabolic response and nociceptive reaction of the tissue following MD probe insertion in patients with CMP and healthy individuals. Fifty-nine patients and forty pain-free volunteers were recruited. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were obtained at the trapezius and tibialis muscles. Pain questionnaires determined the levels of pain related aspects. MD (20 kDa cut-off) was performed in the trapezius and samples were collected within 40 min. Interstitial concentration of the metabolites was analyzed by a two-way-mixed-ANOVA. The metabolic response pattern changed over time and alterations in the level of metabolites could be seen in both CMP and healthy controls. Pain questionnaires and pain intensities manifested clinical aspects of pain closely to what CMP patients describe. Analyzing metabolites due to acute tissue trauma by aid of MD may be a useful model to investigate altered metabolic response effect in CMP.
The vesicle trafficking regulator PN_SCD1 is demethylated and overexpressed in florets of apomictic Paspalum notatum genotypes
Authors: Bocchini Marika , Galla Giulio , Pupilli Fulvio , Bellucci Michele , Barcaccia Gianni , Ortiz Juan Pablo A. , Pessino Silvina C. , Albertini Emidio
Published: February 2018

Apomixis (asexual reproduction through seeds) is considered a deviation of the sexual reproductive pathway leading to the development of clonal progenies genetically identical to the mother plant. Here we used the Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) technique to characterize cytosine methylation patterns occurring in florets of sexual and aposporous Paspalum notatum genotypes, in order to identify epigenetically-controlled genes putatively involved in apomixis development. From twelve polymorphic MSAP-derived sequences, one (PN_6.6, later renamed PN_SCD1) was selected due to its relevant annotation and differential representation in apomictic and sexual floral transcriptome libraries. PN_SCD1 encodes the DENN domain/WD repeat-containing protein SCD1, which interacts with RAB GTPases- and/or MAPKs to promote specialized cell division, functions in clathrin-mediated membrane transport and acts as potential substrate receptor of CUL4 E3 ubiquitin ligases. Quantitative RT-PCR and comparative RNAseq analyses of laser microdissected nucellar cells confirmed PN_SCD1 upregulation in florets of apomictic plants and revealed that overexpression takes place just before the onset of apospory initials. Moreover, we found that several SCD1 molecular partners are expressed in P. notatum florets and upregulated in apomictic plants. Our results disclosed a specific vesicle trafficking molecular pathway epigenetically modulated during apomixis.
Adult male mice exposure to nonylphenol alters courtship vocalizations and mating
Authors: Capela Daphné , Dombret Carlos , Poissenot Kevin , Poignant Manon , Malbert-Colas Aude , Franceschini Isabelle , Keller Matthieu , Mhaouty-Kodja Sakina
Published: February 2018

The neural circuitry processing male sexual behavior is tightly regulated by testosterone and its neural metabolite estradiol. The present study evaluated the effects of adult exposure to low doses of nonylphenol (NP), a widespread environmental contaminant, on the neuroendocrine regulation of testosterone and expression of sexual behavior. Oral exposure of C57BL/6J males to NP (0.5, 5 or 50 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks did not affect circulating levels of testosterone or the kisspeptin system, a key regulator of the gonadotropic axis. In contrast, mice exposed to NP at 5 μg/kg/day emitted an increased number and duration of ultrasonic vocalizations, took longer to reach ejaculation and showed increased number of mounts, intromissions and thrusts. This was associated with normal olfactory preference and locomotor activity, and increased anxiety level. Analysis of the neural circuitry that underlies sexual behavior showed changes in the number of cells expressing androgen and estrogen receptors in males exposed to NP at 5 μg/kg/day. The neural circuitry underlying sexual behavior is thus highly sensitive to adult exposure to NP. Furthermore, almost all the observed effects were induced at 5 μg/kg/day of NP, indicating that this endocrine disrupter triggers a non-monotonic response in the adult male mouse brain.
Evaluation of HER2-specific peptide ligand for its employment as radiolabeled imaging probe
Authors: Honarvar Hadis , Calce Enrica , Doti Nunzianna , Langella Emma , Orlova Anna , Buijs Jos , D’Amato Valentina , Bianco Roberto , Saviano Michele , Tolmachev Vladimir , De Luca Stefania
Published: February 2018

HER2 transmembrane receptor is an important target in immunotherapy treatment of breast and gastroesophageal cancer. Molecular imaging of HER2 expression may provide essential prognostic and predictive information concerning disseminated cancer and aid in selection of an optimal therapy. Radiolabeled low molecular weight peptide ligands are particularly attractive as probes for molecular imaging, since they reach and bind to the target and clear from non-target organs and blood stream faster than bulky antibodies. In this study, we evaluated a potential HER2-imaging probe, an A9 nonapeptide, derived from the trastuzumab-Fab portion. Its cellular uptake was investigated by mass spectrometry analysis of the cytoplasmic cellular extracts. Moreover, based on in-silico modeling, DTPA chelator was conjugated to N-terminus of A9. 111In-labeled A9 demonstrated nanomolar affinity to HER2-expressing BT474 cells and favorable biodistribution profile in NMRI mice. This study suggests that the peptide A9 represents a good lead candidate for development of molecular probe, to be used for imaging purposes and for the delivery of cytotoxic agents.
Tomato AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 regulates fruit set and development via the mediation of auxin and gibberellin signaling
Authors: Liu Songyu , Zhang Youwei , Feng Qiushuo , Qin Li , Pan Changtian , Lamin-Samu Anthony Tumbeh , Lu Gang
Published: February 2018

Auxin response factors (ARFs) encode transcriptional factors that function in the regulation of plant development processes. A tomato ARF gene, SlARF5, was observed to be expressed at high levels in emasculated ovaries but maintained low expression levels in pollinated ovaries. The amiRNA SlARF5 lines exhibited ovary growth and formed seedless fruits following emasculation. These parthenocarpic fruits developed fewer locular tissues, and the fruit size and weight were decreased in transgenic lines compared to those of wild-type fruits. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that several genes involved in the auxin-signaling pathway were downregulated, whereas some genes involved in the gibberellin-signaling pathway were enhanced by the decreased SlARF5 mRNA levels in transgenic plants, indicating that SlARF5 may play an important role in regulating both the auxin- and gibberellin-signaling pathways during fruit set and development.
Differences in frontotemporal dysfunction during social and non-social cognition tasks between patients with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Hirata Keiko , Egashira Kazuteru , Harada Kenichiro , Nakashima Mami , Hirotsu Masako , Isomura Shinji , Watanuki Toshio , Matsubara Toshio , Kaku Yoichi , Kaneyuki Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Matsuo Koji
Published: February 2018

Although literature evidence suggests deficits in social and non-social cognition in patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), the difference in neural correlates of the impairments between the two disorders has not been elucidated. We examined brain function in response to a non-social cognition and a social cognition task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in 13 patients with ASD, 15 patients with SCZ, and 18 healthy subjects. We assessed the brain function of participants using a verbal fluency task and an emotional facial recognition task. The patients with ASD showed significantly reduced brain activation in the left frontotemporal area during both tasks compared to healthy subjects. The patients with ASD with larger score in ‘attention to detail’ in the autism spectrum quotient showed lower activation of the left frontotemporal area during the two tasks. The patients with SCZ showed significantly reduced activation, compared to healthy subjects, and greater activation, compared to patients with ASD, in the area during the verbal fluency task. The patients with SCZ with more severe symptoms had lower brain activation during the task in this area. Our results suggest that two distinct areas are involved in the distinctive brain pathophysiology relevant to cognitive processing in patients with ASD and SCZ.
Phase-tuning Metasurface for Circularly Polarized Broadside Radiation in Broadband
Authors: Zhang Youfei , Wang Haogang , Liao Dashuang , Fu Weijie
Published: February 2018

Metasurface antennas (MAs) have been proposed as innovative alternatives to conventional bulky configurations for satellite applications because of their low profile, low cost, and high gain. The general method of surface impedance modulation for designing MAs is complicated, and achieving broad operation bandwidth remains a challenge because of its high dispersion response. We propose a novel and easy technique to control cylindrical surface waves radiated by a phase-tuning metasurface. Simultaneously, this technique exhibits a considerably wide working bandwidth. A detailed analysis of the radiation mechanism is discussed. A left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) antenna and a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) antenna that are based on the phase-tuning metasurface are simulated and measured. The measured fractional 3-dB gain bandwidth and gain are higher than 17% and 15.57 dBi, respectively, which are consistent with the simulated results. Moreover, 30% 3-dB axial ratio is achieved for the LHCP and RHCP antennas. To the best knowledge of the authors, it is for the first time to realize a circularly polarized broadband MA by using the phase-tuning mechanism. The approach can be regarded as a new starting point for antenna design, thereby paving the way for the development of broadband and low-profile antennas for future satellite communication.
Synergistic effect of nano-Pt and Ni spine for HER in alkaline solution: hydrogen spillover from nano-Pt to Ni spine
Authors: Abbas Syed Asad , Kim Seong-Hoon , Iqbal Muhammad Ibrahim , Muhammad Shoaib , Yoon Won-Sub , Jung Kwang-Deog
Published: February 2018

The design of active, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the H2 evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions is important for electrochemical systems such as the chloro-alkaline process and H2 production. Here we report catalysts comprising Pt on Ni single crystalline spines (Pt/Ni-SP) with high activity and stability for HER in alkaline solution with proposed mechanism. The Pt/Ni-SP catalysts are prepared by dispersing platinum nanoparticles (1.7–3.1 nm) on the single-crystalline spines (Ni-SP) of Ni urchin-like particles. The size and coverage of Pt nanoparticles on Ni-SP are increased with increases in the Pt loading amount. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy are performed to observe the structure of the Pt/Ni-SP catalyst. The catalysts achieve the mass activity of 1.11 A mg−1(Pt), comparing favorably to Pt/C catalysts with the mass activity of 0.33 A mg−1(Pt) at 0.05 V overpotential. The Tafel slope of the Pt/Ni-SP catalyst is approximately 30 mV dec−1, similar to that of Pt, while Pt/Ni-SP is very stable in alkaline solution, like Ni. The synergistic effect of Pt/Ni-SP is ascribed to H spillover from Pt to Ni.