bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle Oxygenation Rather Than VO2max as a Strong Predictor of Performance in Sprint Canoe–Kayak
Authors: Paquette Myriam , Bieuzen François , Billaut François
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To characterize the relationships between muscle oxygenation and performance during on- and off-water tests in highly trained sprint canoe–kayak athletes. Methods: A total of 30 athletes (19 kayakers and 11 canoeists) performed a maximal incremental test on a canoe or kayak ergometer for determination of VO2max and examination of the relation between peak power output (PPO) and physiological parameters. A subset of 21 athletes also performed a 200- and a 500- (for women) or 1000-m (for men) on-water time trial (TT). Near-infrared spectroscopy monitors were placed on the latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii, and vastus lateralis during all tests to assess changes in muscle O2 saturation (SmO2) and deoxyhemoglobin concentration ([HHb]). The minimum O2 oxygenation (SmO2min) and maximal O2 (Δ[HHb] extraction) were calculated for all subjects. Results: PPO was most strongly correlated with VO2max (R = .9), but there was also a large correlation between PPO and both SmO2min and Δ[HHb] in latissimus dorsi (R = −.5, R = .6) and vastus lateralis (R = −.6, R = .6, all P < .05). Multiple regression showed that 90% of the variance in 200-m performance was explained by both Δ[HHb] and SmO2min in the 3 muscles combined (P < .01) and 71% of the variance in 500-/1000-m performance was explained by Δ[HHb] in the 3 muscles (P < .01). This suggests that O2 extraction is a better predictor of performance than VO2max in sprint canoe–kayak. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of peripheral adaptations in both short and long events and stress the relevance of adding muscle oxygenation measurements during testing and racing in sprint canoe–kayak.
Time-Trial Performance in Elite Speed Skaters After Remote Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: Richard Philippe , Billaut François
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Speed skating leads to blood-flow restriction and deoxygenation in the lower limbs (especially the right leg) that may affect performance. Although the acute influence of such deoxygenation is not clearly understood, the authors tested whether remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) could modify muscular oxygenation and improve time-trial performance in that sport. Methods: Using a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 9 elite speed skaters performed 1000-m on-ice time trials preceded by either RIPC of the upper limbs (3 × 5-min compression/5-min reperfusion cycles at 30 mm Hg >arterial systolic pressure) or placebo treatment (SHAM; 10 mm Hg). Changes in tissue saturation index, oxyhemoglobin–oxymyoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin–deoxymyoglobin, and total hemoglobin–myoglobin in the right vastus lateralis muscle were monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Differences between RIPC and SHAM were analyzed using Cohen effect size (ES) ± 90% confidence limits and magnitude-based inferences. Results: Compared with SHAM, RIPC had a negligible effect on performance and NIRS variables. However, in a subgroup of sprinters (n = 5), RIPC likely lowered tissue saturation index at the beginning of the time trial (−6.1%; ES = −0.65) and likely increased deoxyhemoglobin–deoxymyoglobin at the beginning (3%; ES = 0.39), middle (2.9%; ES = 0.37), and end of the trial (−2.1%; ES = 0.27). In the middle section of the trial, these metabolic changes were concomitant with a possible increase in total hemoglobin–myoglobin. Conclusion: RIPC has no practical ergogenic impact on 1000-m long-track speed-skating performance in elite athletes. The relevance of using RIPC during training to increase physiological stress in sprinters particularly deserves further investigation.
Fast stars point to supernovae, black holes
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: May 2018

Speediest Milky Way stars in Gaia data release include invaders from other galaxies.
Metabolic regulation of transcription through compartmentalized NAD
+
biosynthesis
Authors: Ryu Keun Woo , Nandu Tulip , Kim Jiyeon , Challa Sridevi , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Kraus W. Lee
Published: May 2018

Integrating glucose and fat

Consuming too much glucose makes you fat, but it is unclear how this conversion is mediated by the body. Glycolysis links to gene transcription via the essential coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in its oxidized state (NAD
+
). Ryu
et al.
found that compartmentalized NAD
+
synthesis and consumption integrate glucose metabolism and adipogenic (fat-promoting) transcription during adipocyte differentiation (see the Perspective by Trefely and Wellen). Competition between the NAD
+
precursors—nuclear NMNAT-1 and cytosolic NMNAT-2—for their common substrate, nicotinamide mononucleotide, regulates the balance between nuclear NAD
+
synthesis for adipogenic gene regulation and cytosolic NAD
+
synthesis used in metabolism.

Science
, this issue p.
eaan5780
; see also p.
603
Structural basis for recognition of frizzled proteins by
Clostridium difficile
toxin B
Authors: Chen Peng , Tao Liang , Wang Tianyu , Zhang Jie , He Aina , Lam Kwok-ho , Liu Zheng , He Xi , Perry Kay , Dong Min , Jin Rongsheng
Published: May 2018

Toxic hijack of a cell signaling pathway

The pathogen
Clostridium difficile
colonizes the human colon when the normal microbiota is disrupted, often after antibiotic treatment. It is a leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea, especially among elderly patients. Chen
et al.
describe a 2.5-Å-resolution crystal structure that shows how a major virulence factor in
C. difficile
, toxin B (TcdB), binds to the G protein–coupled receptor Frizzled (FZD). This receptor activates the Wnt signaling pathway, which regulates homeostasis of the colonic epithelium. Surprisingly, TcdB uses a lipid cofactor to recognize FZD. This cofactor replaces a lipid normally associated with the Wnt ligand that binds FZD to activate signaling. Inhibiting the Wnt pathway likely plays a role in
C. difficile
pathology.

Science
, this issue p.
664
Separation of enantiomers by their enantiospecific interaction with achiral magnetic substrates
Authors: Banerjee-Ghosh Koyel , Ben Dor Oren , Tassinari Francesco , Capua Eyal , Yochelis Shira , Capua Amir , Yang See-Hun , Parkin Stuart S. P. , Sarkar Soumyajit , Kronik Leeor , Baczewski Lech Tomasz , Naaman Ron , Paltiel Yossi
Published: May 2018

Taking enantiomers for a spin

There are two common ways to distinguish mirror-image molecules, or enantiomers. The first relies on their distinct interactions with circularly polarized light, the second on their interactions with a pure enantiomer of some other molecule. Now Banerjee-Ghosh
et al.
report a conceptually different approach to chiral resolution. Experiments showed that, depending on the direction of magnetization, chiral oligopeptides, oligonucleotides, and amino acids have enantiospecific differences in initial adsorption rates on ferromagnetic surfaces. This effect is attributed to enantiospecific induced spin polarization.

Science
, this issue p.
1331
Near-atomic model of microtubule-tau interactions
Authors: Kellogg Elizabeth H. , Hejab Nisreen M. A. , Poepsel Simon , Downing Kenneth H. , DiMaio Frank , Nogales Eva
Published: May 2018

Tackling microtubule-tau interactions

Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of death in the elderly. Disease progression is associated with the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau, a protein important for neuronal development and function. Tangle formation is preceded by phosphorylation events that cause tau to dissociate from its native binding partner, microtubules. Microtubule-tau interactions have been mysterious. Kellogg
et al.
used cryo–electron microscopy and molecular modeling to show how tau interacts with the outer surface of the microtubule, stapling together tubulin subunits and thus stabilizing the polymer. A key tau amino acid within the tightly bound segment between tubulin subunits corresponds to a clinically relevant site of tau phosphorylation, explaining the competition between microtubule interaction and tau aggregation.

Science
, this issue p.
1242
How earthquakes are induced
Authors: Candela Thibault , Wassing Brecht , ter Heege Jan , Buijze Loes
Published: May 2018

Conditions within Earth's crust determine whether human subsurface activities lead to earthquakes
Clinical, Radiological, and Microbiological Characteristics of Mycobacterium simiae Infection in 97 Patients
Authors: Coolen-Allou Nathalie , Touron Thomas , Belmonte Olivier , Gazaille Virgile , Andre Michel , Allyn Jérôme , Picot Sandrine , Payet Annabelle , Veziris Nicolas
Published: May 2018

Mycobacterium simiae
is a rare species of slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). From 2002 to 2017, we conducted a retrospective study that included all patients with NTM-positive respiratory samples detected in two university hospitals of the French overseas department of Reunion Island. We recorded the prevalence of
M. simiae
in this cohort, as well as the clinical, radiological, and microbiological features of patients with at least 1 sample positive for
M. simiae
. In our cohort, 97 patients (15.1%) were positive for
M. simiae
. Twenty-one patients (21.6%) met the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria for infection.
M. simiae
infection was associated with bronchiectasis, micronodular lesions, and weight loss. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 60 patients, and the isolates were found to have low susceptibility to antibiotics, except for amikacin, fluoroquinolones, and clarithromycin. Treatment failed for 4 of the 8 patients treated for
M. simiae
infection. Here, we describe a specific cluster corresponding to a large cohort of patients with
M. simiae
, a rare nontuberculous mycobacterium associated with low pathogenicity and poor susceptibility to antibiotics.
Functional Profiling and Crystal Structures of Isothiocyanate Hydrolases Found in Gut-Associated and Plant-Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: van den Bosch Tijs J. M. , Tan Kemin , Joachimiak Andrzej , Welte Cornelia U.
Published: May 2018

This study explores a newly discovered protein in the β-lactamase superfamily, namely, SaxA, or isothiocyanate hydrolase. Isothiocyanates are defensive compounds found in many cabbage-related crop plants and are currently being investigated for their antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. We show that isothiocyanate hydrolases are responsible for the breakdown of several of these plant defensive chemicals
in vitro
and suggest their potential for mitigating the beneficial effects of isothiocyanates in crop protection and cancer prevention.
Alternative Oxidase Activity Reduces Stress in Vibrio fischeri Cells Exposed to Nitric Oxide
Authors: Dunn Anne K.
Published: May 2018

Unlike typical respiratory oxidases, alternative oxidase (Aox) does not directly contribute to energy conservation, and its activity would presumably reduce the efficiency of respiration and associated ATP production. Aox has been identified in certain bacteria, a majority of which are marine associated. The presence of Aox in these bacteria poses the interesting question of how Aox function benefits bacterial growth and survival in the ocean. Using the genetically tractable marine bacterium
Vibrio fischeri
, I have identified a role for Aox in reduction of stress under conditions where electron flux through the aerobic respiratory pathway is inhibited. These results suggest that Aox activity could positively impact longer-term bacterial fitness and survival under stressful environmental conditions.
Transmembrane Protein pUL50 of Human Cytomegalovirus Inhibits ISGylation by Downregulating UBE1L
Authors: Lee Myoung Kyu , Kim Ye Ji , Kim Young-Eui , Han Tae-Hee , Milbradt Jens , Marschall Manfred , Ahn Jin-Hyun
Published: May 2018

Proteins can be conjugated covalently by ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins, such as SUMO and ISG15. ISG15 is highly induced in viral infection, and ISG15 conjugation, termed ISGylation, plays important regulatory roles in viral growth. Although ISGylation has been shown to negatively affect many viruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), viral countermeasures that might modulate ISGylation are not well understood. In the present study, we show that the transmembrane protein encoded by HCMV UL50 inhibits ISGylation by causing proteasomal degradation of UBE1L, an E1-activating enzyme for ISGylation. This pUL50 activity requires membrane targeting. In support of this finding, RNF170, an ER-associated ubiquitin E3 ligase, interacts with pUL50 and promotes UL50-mediated UBE1L ubiquitination and degradation. Our results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that viruses can regulate ISGylation by directly targeting the ISGylation E1 enzyme.
Validation of the health assets index in the Australian inpatient setting: a multicentre prospective cohort protocol study
Authors: Gregorevic Katherine , Hubbard Ruth E , Peel Nancye May , Lim Wen Kwang
Published: May 2018

Introduction

It is well known that frail older adults are at increased risk for mortality and functional decline on admission to hospital. Systematic review demonstrates that health assets are associated with improved outcomes for hospitalised older adults. The health assets index (HAI) has been developed to measure health assets in the hospital setting. A protocol has been developed to determine the predictive validity of the HAI for frail older adults.

Methods and analysis

The HAI was developed based on a systematic review and secondary analysis of the interRAI-Acute Care (interRAI-AC) dataset. A pilot study was undertaken to refine the tool.

The validation study will be a multicentre prospective cohort. Participants will be adults aged 70 years and older with an unplanned admission to hospital. Frailty, illness severity and demographic data will also be recorded. The primary outcomes are mortality at 28 days postdischarge and functional decline at the time of discharge from hospital. The primary hypothesis is that a higher score on the HAI will mitigate the effects of frailty for hospitalised older adults. The secondary outcomes to be recorded are length of stay, readmission at 28 days and functional status at 28 days postdischarge. The correlation between HAI and frailty will be explored. A multivariate analysis will be undertaken to determine the relationship between the HAI and the outcomes of interest.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from Austin Health Human High Risk Ethics Committee. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and research conferences. This study will determine whether the HAI has predictive validity for mortality and functional decline for hospitalised, frail older adults.
Prognosis of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma following surgery and no surgery in a nationwide Swedish cohort study
Authors: Kauppila Joonas H , Mattsson Fredrik , Brusselaers Nele , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To assess the recent prognostic trends in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing resectional surgery and no such surgery. Additionally, risk factors for death were assessed in each of these patient groups.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

A population-based, nationwide study in Sweden.

Participants

All patients diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Sweden from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2013, with follow-up until 14 May 2017.

Outcome measures

Observed and relative (to the background population) 1-year , 3-year and 5-year survivals were analysed using life table method. Multivariable Cox regression provided HR with 95% CI for risk factors of death.

Results

Among 3794 patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma and 4631 with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 82% and 63% were men, respectively. From 1990–1994 to 2010–2013, the relative 5-year survival increased from 12% to 15% for oesophageal adenocarcinoma and from 9% to 12% for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The corresponding survival following surgery increased from 27% to 45% in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and from 24% to 43% in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In patients not undergoing surgery, the survival increased from 3% to 4% for oesophageal adenocarcinoma and from 3% to 6% for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Women with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma had better prognosis than men both following surgery (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.83) and no surgery (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.93).

Conclusions

The prognosis has improved over calendar time both in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Sweden that did and did not undergo surgery. Women appear to have better prognosis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma than men, independent of treatment.
Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin light chain ratios predict disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rathbone Emma , Durant Lindsay , Kinsella James , Parker Antony R , Hassan-Smith Ghaniah , Douglas Michael R , Curnow S John
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine whether the ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoglobulin kappa to lambda light chains at time of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis predicts disease progression and whether this was intrinsic to CSF plasmablasts.

Methods

CSF and peripheral blood were obtained from patients undergoing elective diagnostic lumbar puncture and included clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) (n=43), relapsing remitting MS (RRMS; n=50), primary progressive MS (PPMS; n=20) and other neurological disease controls, both inflammatory (ONID; n=23) and non-inflammatory (OND; n=114). CSF samples were assayed for free and immunoglobulin-associated light chains and on B cells and plasmablasts. Clinical follow-up data were collected during a 5-year follow-up period where available.

Results

There was an increased median CSF κ:λ free light chain (FLC) in all MS groups (CIS: 18.2, 95% CI 6.8 to 30.3; RRMS: 4.4, 95% CI 2.7 to 11.4; PPMS: 12.0, 95% CI 3.6 to 37.1) but not controls (OND: 1.61, 95% CI 1.4 to 1.9; ONID: 1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.2; p<0.001). This ratio predicted Expanded Disability Status Scores (EDSS) progression at 5 years, with a lower median EDSS in the group with high (>10) CSF κ:λ FLC (0.0, 95% CI 0 to 2.5 vs 2.5, 95% CI 0 to 4, high vs low; p=0.049). CSF κ:λ FLC correlated with CSF IgG1 κ:λ (r=0.776; p<0.0001) and was intrinsic to CSF plasmablasts (r=0.65; p=0.026).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that CSF immunoglobulin κ:λ ratios, determined at the time of diagnostic lumbar puncture, predict MS disease progression and may therefore be useful prognostic markers for early therapeutic stratification.
Molecular test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea used at point of care in remote primary healthcare settings: a diagnostic test evaluation
Authors: Causer Louise M , Guy Rebecca J , Tabrizi Sepehr N , Whiley David M , Speers David John , Ward James , Tangey Annie , Badman Steven G , Hengel Belinda , Natoli Lisa Jane , Anderson David A , Wand Handan , Wilson David , Regan David G , Shephard Mark , Donovan Basil , Fairley Christopher K , Kaldor John M
Published: May 2018

Objectives

A new molecular test for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) (GeneXpert CT/NG) has been demonstrated to be as accurate as conventional nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), but performance has not been evaluated in routine primary care, performed at the point of care by clinicians. We aimed to examine its diagnostic performance when used by clinicians in remote community health services in Australia with high prevalences of CT and NG infection. The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (#12613000808741)

Methods

At 12 health services, training was provided to 99 clinicians in the use of the GeneXpert CT/NG assay who tested specimens from all patients undergoing STI screening. Specimens were also sent in parallel for conventional laboratory-based NAATs and the concordance of results was evaluated.

Results

Clinicians conducted 2486 tests: CT concordance was 99.4% (95% CI 99.1 to 99.7) with a positive concordance of 98.6% (95% CI 95.9 to 99.7) and negative concordance of 99.5% (95% CI 99.1 to 99.8); NG concordance was 99.9% (95% CI 99.7 to 100.0) with a positive concordance of 100.0% (95% CI 97.5 to 100.0) and negative concordance of 99.9% (95% CI 99.7 to 100.0).

Conclusions

In this first study reporting routine point-of-care use of GeneXpert CT/NG by primary care clinicians, we found excellent concordance with conventional NAATs. The use of the GeneXpert CT/NG at the point of care could potentially transform management and control of these infections in many endemic settings, including low/middle-income countries.
Respiratory mortality of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Fidler Miranda M , Reulen Raoul C , Bright Chloe J , Henson Katherine E , Kelly Julie S , Jenney Meriel , Ng Antony , Whelan Jeremy , Winter David L , Frobisher Clare , Hawkins Michael M
Published: May 2018

Background

Exposure to radiation and/or chemotherapy during cancer treatment can compromise respiratory function. We investigated the risk of long-term respiratory mortality among 5-year cancer survivors diagnosed before age 40 years using the British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (BCCSS) and Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Survivor Study (TYACSS).

Methods

The BCCSS comprises 34 489 cancer survivors diagnosed before 15 years from 1940 to 2006 in Great Britain. The TYACSS includes 200 945 cancer survivors diagnosed between 15 years and 39 years from 1971 to 2006 in England and Wales. Standardised mortality ratios and absolute excess risks were used.

Findings

Overall, 164 and 1079 respiratory deaths were observed in the BCCSS and TYACSS cohorts respectively, which was 6.8 (95% CI 5.8 to 7.9) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.6 to 1.8) times that expected, but the risks varied substantially by type of respiratory death. Greatest excess numbers of deaths were experienced after central nervous system (CNS) tumours in the BCCSS and after lung cancer, leukaemia, head and neck cancer and CNS tumours in the TYACSS. The excess number of respiratory deaths increased with increasing attained age, with seven (95% CI 2.4 to 11.3) excess deaths observed among those aged 50+ years in the BCCSS and three (95% CI 1.4 to 4.2) excess deaths observed among those aged 60+ years in the TYACSS. It was reassuring to see a decline in the excess number of respiratory deaths among those diagnosed more recently in both cohorts.

Conclusions

Prior to this study, there was almost nothing known about the risks of respiratory death after cancer diagnosed in young adulthood, and this study addresses this gap. These new findings will be useful for both survivors and those involved in their clinical management and follow-up.
A Comprehensive Numerical Simulation of Steel-Concrete Composite Beam Incorporating Compressive Failure of Concrete
Authors: Pal Mahendra Kumar , Yamashita Takuzo , Miyamura Tomoshi , Ohsaki Makoto
Published: May 2018

We present a high fidelity numerical simulation technique to analyze the nonlinear behavior of a composite beam under cyclic loading. The analysis is performed by using the in-house software called E-Simulator. A constitutive model for concrete; extended Drucker–Prager model considering the compressive failure and the tensile crack has been employed and the parameters are identified so that compressive and tensile behavior of concrete can be reproduced. The relation between the bending moment and deflection angle of a composite beam has been analyzed and compared with experimental results. Damage propagation and stiffness degradation results of concrete slab are demonstrated.
The Differentiated Effects of Human Resource Diversity on Corporate Innovation
Authors: Solheim Marte C. W. , Herstad Sverre J.
Published: May 2018

By linking theoretical perspectives on human resource diversity to the distinction between knowledge exploration and exploitation, this paper contributes to the growing research literature on diversity and innovation by following up on the original argument by March [1991] that different dimensions of organizational learning depend on different inputs and processes. Empirically, the paper draws on a unique dataset constructed by merging Norwegian employer–employee register data for 2004–2008 with Community Innovation Survey (CIS) data covering the years 2008–2010. Bivariate probit regressions with controls for innovation strategy find patenting propensities more responsive to the diversity of experience-based knowledge accumulated in firms, than the propensities to improve production processes or introduce new products onto the market. The latter depends foremost on firms’ investments in innovation, and responds positively to human resource diversity only when the financial commitment of firms to development work is limited.
Spatial distribution and variation of ore body, alteration and ore-forming fluid of the giant Zijinshan epithermal Cu-Au deposit, SE China: implication for mineral exploration
Authors: Pan Jun-Yi , Ni Pei , Chi Zhe , Yang Yu-Long , Li Su-Ning , Bao Tan , Wang Wen-Bin , Zeng Wencan , Xue Kai
Published: May 2018

The Zijinshan high-sulphidation Cu-Au deposit located in the west Fujian Province is the largest active gold mine in China with total production of gold over 300 tonnes to date. The high-sulphidation ore bodies are characterized by the upper supergene Au and lower hypogene Cu zones bounded roughly by the paleowater table near 600 m elevation. Au-bearing goethite and limonite are the main ore minerals in the supergene zone whereas the hypogene Cu mineralization is dominated by covellite and anilite (or digenite) with minor enargite. The expected porphyry mineralization that coupled with Zijinshan is so far not exposed even to a depth of 1500 m from surface. However, the Luoboling Cu-Mo deposit which occurs only 3 km NE to Zijinshan is identified as a typical porphyry deposit. Current debate centered on whether the Zijinshan high-sulphidation epithermal deposit and the adjacent Luoboling porphyry deposit are genetically linked or discrete hydrothermal systems. Recent deep exploration at Zijinshan revealed an extension trend of Cu ore bodies and quartz-alunite alteration zone toward SE below 0 m elevation. This contradicts previous considered NE trend above 0 m elevation. In this study, fluid inclusion mapping based on rigorous strategy and sample selection was carried out on 20 sample suites scattered over the whole high-sulphidation Cu-Au ore bodies from −450 to 800 m elevation. Aqueous fluid inclusions of unambiguous primary origin in syn-ore miarolitic quartz, coarse-grained alunite crystals and quartz overgrowth zones were measured. Microthermometry results show the average T
h
and salinity of each sample suite ranging from 205 to 304°C and 2.4 to 5.5 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. Both fluid temperature and salinity exhibit negative correlation with increasing elevation, indicating convective cooling by mixing and circulating of meteoric water has involved. The good consistence of mineralization distribution pattern and fluid evolution trend implies that the southeastward extending ore bodies probably reflect the fluid pathway which is connected to the deeper porphyry mineralization and their magmatic source. Considering the temperature condition (370–400°C) required for brittle-plastic transition which commonly characterizes porphyry deposits, the potential porphyry mineralization coupled to Zijinshan should have occurred at greater depth under higher temperature. Combined with recent exploration progress and the fluid evolution pattern, we therefore proposed that the Luoboling porphyry Cu-Mo deposit and the Zijinshan high-sulphidation Cu-Au deposit are likely discrete hydrothermal systems, and future porphyry deposit exploration at the deep SE segment of Zijinshan is recommended.
Chemical partitioning of Zn in soil: application of two sequential extraction procedures
Authors: Burachevskaya Marina , Minkina Tatiana , Mandzhieva Saglara , Bauer Tatiana , Chaplygin Victor , Sushkova Svetlana , Tsitsuashvili Victoria , Popileshko Yana
Published: May 2018

The data on the accumulation and distribution of heavy metal (HM) compounds in soils is necessary to assess and predict the ecological situation. The Zn fractional distribution in artificially contaminated soil by the most popular methods of sequential extraction (the well known Miller and Tessier methods) was studied. The sample studied was soil (Haplic Chernozem) artificially contaminated by Zn acetate (2000 mg kg
−1
), a priority pollutant in southern Russia. In order to estimate the role of different soil components in the Zn partitioning, the carbonates, Fe–Mn sesquioxides, and organic matter, were removed from the soil samples, prior to application of each sequential extraction scheme. Results showed a metal absence in the fraction bound to the removed soil component. The Miller method allows better tracing of the HM fractions loosely bound to the soil because of the use of weaker extractants with high complexing capacity, which hampers the reprecipitation of metals from the extract. The Tessier method is more suitable for the separation of the total anthropogenic component from contaminated soils. This is related to the higher extraction capacity of reagents. The differences in the fractional distribution of metal according to each method are most manifested in the contaminated soil.
American coastal defence Third System forts: how geomorphology and geology dictated placement and influenced history
Authors: Henderson Stephen W.
Published: May 2018

In total, 42 Third System forts were built along the east coast of the USA between 1816 and 1867. Because of their purpose, to defend key locations against potential British amphibious assault, their sites were limited to islands, shoals, shorelines, riverbanks or hilltops. Sited along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, many are constructed upon distinctive geomorphological landforms that are related more to features influenced by Quaternary glaciation or sea-level changes than by pre-Quaternary bedrock. A selection of forts is described to illustrate the principal geological and geomorphological features that influenced their construction: at Boston Harbor in Massachusetts on drumlins, near New York City on moraine and at Fort Pulaski protecting Savannah Harbor in Georgia on saltmarsh. Further south, Fort Clinch in northern Florida, forts guarding Pensacola Bay in western Florida and the entrance to Mobile Bay in the Gulf region, and Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island, Mississippi, were all primarily situated on Holocene barrier islands. Construction, use and 1861–65 Civil War threats to these forts can be directly related to their geomorphological context. Although all are now redundant, most remain as a remarkable and highly visible aspect of the military history of the USA.
Preventive effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation on ischemic stroke-induced constipation mediated via the autonomic pathway
Authors: Liu Zhaoxiu , Ge Yebo , Xu Feng , Xu Yuemei , Liu Yanmei , Xia Feizhen , Lin Lin , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the preventive effect and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on stroke-induced constipation. A total of 86 ischemic stroke patients were randomly allocated to 2-wk TEA or sham-TEA group. Bowel dairy and Bristol Stool Form Scale were recorded daily. Constipation and dyspeptic symptom assessment was performed at the end of the 14-day treatment. Electrocardiogram was recorded for the assessment of autonomic function. The correlation between autonomic function at admission and stroke severity was assessed. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors for stroke-induced constipation. The cumulative incidence of stroke-induced constipation was 68.2% at the acute stage. Sympathetic nerve activity at admission was positively correlated with stroke severity ( R = 0.47, P < 0.001). Sympathetic nerve activity and stroke severity were independent risk factors for stroke-induced constipation. TEA decreased cumulative incidence of stroke-induced constipation (42.9 vs. 68.2%, P = 0.029). TEA significantly increased frequency of bowel movements (4.5 vs. 5.5, P = 0.001) and spontaneous bowel movements (3.0 vs. 4.5, P = 0.003) per week. TEA decreased straining defecations (0.2 vs. 0, P < 0.001) and laxative use (1 vs. 0, P < 0.001). TEA improved stool consistency and patients’ quality of life ( P < 0.05, resp.). TEA increased vagal activity ( P < 0.001 vs. baseline) and decreased sympathetic activity ( P < 0.001 vs. baseline). Ischemic stroke patients are predisposed to autonomic function imbalance. TEA was effective in the prevention of stroke-induced constipation, and the effect was possibly mediated via the autonomic function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study illustrated that the brain-gut dysfunction, primarily autonomic function imbalance, was correlated with the stroke-induced constipation. This was the first study to report that transcutaneous electrical acustimulation had a preventive effect on stroke-induced constipation, suggesting a potential novel therapy for bowel problem management. The effect was possibly mediated via the autonomic function.
Treatment of rat congenital diaphragmatic hernia with sildenafil and NS-304, selexipag’s active compound, at the pseudoglandular stage improves lung vasculature
Authors: Mous Daphne S. , Kool Heleen M. , Burgisser Petra E. , Buscop-van Kempen Marjon J. , Nagata Koji , Boerema-de Munck Anne , van Rosmalen Joost , Dzyubachyk Oleh , Wijnen Rene M. H. , Tibboel Dick , Rottier Robbert J.
Published: May 2018

Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) often suffer from severe pulmonary hypertension, and the choice of current vasodilator therapy is mostly based on trial and error. Because pulmonary vascular abnormalities are already present early during development, we performed a study to modulate these pulmonary vascular changes at an early stage during gestation. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with nitrofen at day 9.5 of gestation (E9.5) to induce CDH in the offspring, and subsequently, the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil and/or the novel prostaglandin-I receptor agonist selexipag (active compound NS-304) were administered from E17.5 until E20.5. The clinical relevant start of the treatment corresponds to week 20 of gestation in humans, when CDH is usually detected by ultrasound. CDH pups showed increased density of air saccules that was reverted after the use of only sildenafil. The pulmonary vascular wall was thickened, and right ventricular hypertrophy was present in the CDH group and improved both after single treatment with sildenafil or selexipag, whereas the combination therapy with both compounds did not have additive value. In conclusion, antenatal treatment with sildenafil improved airway morphogenesis and pulmonary vascular development, whereas selexipag only acted positively on pulmonary vascular development. The combination of both compounds did not act synergistically, probably because of a decreased efficiency of both compounds caused by cytochrome- P450 3A4 interaction and induction. These new insights create important possibilities for future treatment of pulmonary vascular abnormalities in CDH patients already in the antenatal period of life.
Interaction between graviception and carotid baroreflex function in humans during parabolic flight-induced microgravity
Authors: Ogoh Shigehiko , Marais Michaël , Lericollais Romain , Denise Pierre , Raven Peter B. , Normand Hervé
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess carotid baroreflex (CBR) function during acute changes in otolithic activity in humans. To address this question, we designed a set of experiments to identify the modulatory effects of microgravity on CBR function at a tilt angle of −2°, which was identified to minimize changes in central blood volume during parabolic flight. During parabolic flight at 0 and 1 g, CBR function curves were modeled from the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to rapid pulse trains of neck pressure and neck suction ranging from +40 to −80 Torr; CBR control of HR (carotid-HR) and MAP (carotid-MAP) function curves, respectively. The maximal gain of both carotid-HR and carotid-MAP baroreflex function curves were augmented during microgravity compared with 1 g (carotid-HR, −0.53 to −0.80 beats·min−1·mmHg−1, P < 0.05; carotid-MAP, −0.24 to −0.30 mmHg/mmHg, P < 0.05). These findings suggest that parabolic flight-induced acute change of otolithic activity may modify CBR function and identifies that the vestibular system contributes to blood pressure regulation under fluctuations in gravitational forces.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The effect of acute changes in vestibular activity on arterial baroreflex function remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed carotid baroreflex function without changes in central blood volume during parabolic flight, which causes acute changes in otolithic activity. The sensitivity of both carotid heart rate and carotid mean arterial pressure baroreflex function was augmented in microgravity compared with 1 g, suggesting that the vestibular system contributes to blood pressure regulation in humans on Earth.
Cardiovascular responses to exercise when increasing skin temperature with narrowing of the core-to-skin temperature gradient
Authors: Chou Ting-Heng , Allen Jakob R. , Hahn Dongwoo , Leary Brian K. , Coyle Edward F.
Published: May 2018

The decline in stroke volume (SV) during exercise in the heat has been attributed to either an increase in cutaneous blood flow (CBF) that reduces venous return or an increase in heart rate (HR) that reduces cardiac filling time. However, the evidence supporting each mechanism arises under experimental conditions with different skin temperatures (Tsk; e.g., ≥38°C vs. ≤36°C, respectively). We systematically studied cardiovascular responses to progressively increased Tsk (32°C–39°C) with narrowing of the core-to-skin gradient during moderate intensity exercise. Eight men cycled at 63 ± 1% peak oxygen consumption for 20–30 min. Tsk was manipulated by having subjects wear a water-perfused suit that covered most of the body and maintained Tsk that was significantly different between trials and averaged 32.4 ± 0.2, 35.5 ± 0.1, 37.5 ± 0.1, and 39.5 ± 0.1°C, respectively. The graded heating of Tsk ultimately produced a graded elevation of esophageal temperature (Tes) at the end of exercise. Incrementally increasing Tsk resulted in a graded increase in HR and a graded decrease in SV. CBF reached a similar average plateau value in all trials when Tes was above ~38°C, independent of Tsk. Tsk had no apparent effect on forearm venous volume (FVV). In conclusion, the CBF and FVV responses suggest no further pooling of blood in the skin when Tsk is increased from 32.4°C to 39.5°C. The decrease in SV during moderate intensity exercise when heating the skin to high levels appears related to an increase in HR and not an increase in CBF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study systematically investigated the effect of increasing skin temperature (Tsk) to high levels on cardiovascular responses during moderate intensity exercise. We conclude that the declines in stroke volume were related to the increases in heart rate but not the changes in cutaneous blood flow (CBF) and forearm venous volume (FVV) during moderate intensity exercise when Tsk increased from ~32°C to ~39°C. High Tsk (≥38°C) did not further elevate CBF and FVV compared with lower Tsk during moderate intensity exercise.
QSAR Modeling and Molecular Docking Analysis of Some Active Compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Receptor (Mtb CYP121)
Authors: Adeniji Shola Elijah , Uba Sani , Uzairu Adamu
Published: May 2018

A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study was performed to develop a model that relates the structures of 50 compounds to their activities against M. tuberculosis. The compounds were optimized by employing density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/6-31G⁎. The Genetic Function Algorithm (GFA) was used to select the descriptors and to generate the correlation model that relates the structural features of the compounds to their biological activities. The optimum model has squared correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9202, adjusted squared correlation coefficient (Radj) of 0.91012, and leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation coefficient (Qcv2) value of 0.8954. The external validation test used for confirming the predictive power of the built model has R2pred value of 0.8842. These parameters confirm the stability and robustness of the model. Docking analysis showed the best compound with high docking affinity of −14.6 kcal/mol which formed hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond with amino acid residues of M. tuberculosis cytochromes (Mtb CYP121). QSAR and molecular docking studies provide valuable approach for pharmaceutical and medicinal chemists to design and synthesize new anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis compounds.
Multilayer Learning Network for Modulation Classification Assisted with Frequency Offset Cancellation in Satellite to Ground Link
Authors: Qing Yang Guan
Published: May 2018

A multilayer learning network assisted with frequency offset cancellation is proposed for modulation classification in satellite to ground link. Carrier frequency offset greatly reduces modulation classification performance. It is necessary to cancel frequency offset before modulation classification. Frequency offset cancellation weights are established through multilayer learning network based on MSE criterion. Then the weight and hidden layer of multilayer learning network are also established for modulation classification. The hidden layers and weight are trained and tuned to combat the interference introduced by frequency offset. Compared with current modulation classification algorithm, the proposed multilayer learning network greatly improves the Probability of Correct Classification (PCC). It has been proven that the proposed multilayer learning network assisted with frequency offset has higher performance for modulation classification within the same training sequence.
A Reaction Diffusion Model to Describe the Toxin Effect on the Fish-Plankton Population
Authors: Ouedraogo Wendkouni , Ouedraogo Hamidou , Sangaré Boureima
Published: May 2018

This paper is aimed at the mathematical formulation, the analysis, and the numerical simulation of a prey-competitor-predator model by taking into account the toxin produced by the phytoplankton species. The mathematical study of the model leads us to have an idea on the existence of solution, the existence of equilibria, and the stability of the stationary equilibria. These results are obtained through the principle of comparison. Finally, the numerical simulations allowed us to establish a threshold of release of the toxin, above which we talk about the phytoplankton blooms.
Resveratrol Can Be Stable in a Medium Containing Fetal Bovine Serum with Pyruvate but Shortens the Lifespan of Human Fibroblastic Hs68 Cells
Authors: Chang Yuan-Jhe , Chang Ya-Chun , Liu Rosa Huang , Chen Chia-Wen , Lee Inn , Yang Nae-Cherng
Published: May 2018

This study is aimed at developing a method that can inhibit resveratrol (Res) degradation in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) and at evaluating the effects of Res on the replicative lifespan of Hs68 cells. We hypothesized that Res can extend the lifespan of Hs68 cells if we can inhibit the oxidative degradation of Res in the medium. We found that the addition of ≥5 U/mL SOD to the medium could completely inhibit Res degradation in DMEM. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) contained 29.3 ± 1.1 U/mL of SOD activity. FBS could prevent Res degradation in the medium through SOD activity and Res–FBS interaction, but the regular FBS concentration (i.e., 10% FBS) exhibited an insufficient ability to completely inhibit Res degradation. We found that pyruvate (1 mM) could potentiate SOD to scavenge superoxide at approximately 2.2‐fold. Thus, 10% FBS combined with pyruvate (1 mM) could completely inhibit Res degradation. When Res was not degraded, it still shortened the lifespan of Hs68 cells. Overall, the proposed method involving 10% FBS combined with pyruvate (1 mM) could completely prevent Res degradation. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, Res could induce the shortening of the lifespan of Hs68 cells. The stability of Res analogs (i.e., oxy‐Res and acetyl‐Res) in the medium and their effects on the lifespan of Hs68 cells were also investigated.
Physicochemical and Sensory Characterization of Malvasia Wines from Different Mediterranean Areas
Authors: Mazzaglia Agata , Lanza Carmela Maria
Published: May 2018

The identity of different Mediterranean Malvasia wines from Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Sardinia, Crete, and the Canaries by correlating sensory attributes with physicochemical parameters was determined. The Malvasia wines from Lipari had a wide and harmonic aromatic profile with floral, fruity, and exotic fruit aromas in addition to honey, fruit, and raisin flavors. The similarity of sensory characteristics between the Lipari and Crete samples may have originated from the geographic proximity and from the frequent cultural exchanges between Southern Italy and Greece. The Sardinian Malvasia wines had their own identity based on the prevailing citrus aroma, wood aroma and flavor, high alcohol content, and distinctive color parameters. The Canary Malvasia wine was characterized by high clearness and acidity without particular aromatic attributes.
Salivary Alpha-Amylase Activity Levels in Catatonic Schizophrenia Decrease after Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Kanayama Misako , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Araki Tomoko , Hayashida Maiko , Hashioka Sadayuki , Horiguchi Jun
Published: May 2018

Background. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in schizophrenia has been detected by electrophysiological methods, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Several studies have suggested that measuring salivary alpha-amylase activity levels is useful for evaluating the ANS activity and that sAA levels increase in schizophrenia and correlate with Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores. However, no study has examined the relationship between sAA activity levels and symptoms of schizophrenia with catatonic state. Methods. We present the case of a 59-year-old female with persistent catatonic schizophrenia treated by electroconvulsive therapy. We evaluated the ANS activity by measuring sAA activity levels before and after ECT, and we evaluated her symptoms using the BPRS and Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). Results. ECT was highly effective and BPRS and BFCRS scores substantially decreased. sAA activity levels decreased from 125 kU/l to 33 kU/l. Conclusions. sAA activity levels could be a potential biomarker of schizophrenia with catatonic state.
Threading Dislocations Piercing the Free Surface of an Anisotropic Hexagonal Crystal: Review of Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Neily Salem , Dhouibi Sami , Bonnet Roland
Published: May 2018

Inclined threading dislocations (TDs) piercing the oriented free surface of a crystal are currently observed after growth of oriented thin films on substrates. Up to date the unique way to treat their anisotropic elastic properties nearby the free surface region is to use the integral formalism, which assumes no dislocation core size and needs numerical double integrations. In a first stage of the work, a new and alternative approach to the integral formalism is developed using double Fourier series and the concept of a finite core size, which is often observed in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. In a second stage, the integral formalism and the Fourier series approaches are applied to the important case of a TD piercing the basal free surface of a hexagonal crystal. For this particular geometry, easy-to-use expressions are derived and compared to a third approach previously known for a plate-like crystal. Finally, the numerical interest and the convergence of these approaches are tested using the basal free surface of the GaN compound, in particular for TDs with Burgers vectors c and (a + c).