bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘So long as there's hair there still’: displaying lack of interest as a practice for negotiating social norms of appearance for older women
Authors: HEINRICHSMEIER RACHEL
Published: January 2018

Although women's appearance is theorised as being central to their identity and social currency, much prior research has argued that as women age, other aspects of their lives assume a higher priority than their appearance. Nevertheless, they continue to invest time in appearance practices. In undertaking these various appearance practices, older women have to negotiate a range of conflicting social norms of age-appropriate appearance, such as managing the balancing act between ‘letting themselves go’, on the one hand, and looking like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’, on the other. This paper contributes to the growing literature on older women's attitudes to their appearance and related practices. Drawing on data from a two-year research project in a hair-salon catering primarily for older clients, I examine the question of the importance to women of their appearance through the lens of their hair-care practices. Focusing on a group of nine female clients aged 55–90 in a small hair-salon in southern England, I show how participants in their talk and embodied presentation display shifting orientations of investment/interest (or lack of interest) in their appearance. Comparing participants’ appearance practices, with their talk in two sequential environments in which a possible interest in appearance is made particularly salient, I argue that these shifting orientations reveal participants’ subtle negotiation of competing social norms of appearance for older women.
Strong competitive effects of African savanna C4 grasses on tree seedlings do not support rooting differentiation
Authors: Ketter Benjamin L. , Holdo Ricardo M.
Published: January 2018

Rooting differentiation between established trees and grasses has been well documented in savannas, but it remains unclear to what extent tree-grass rooting differences affect competition between newly established seedlings and grasses. To examine this question, a greenhouse experiment was conducted at the University of Missouri, USA. Twenty 3-mo-old seedlings each of two African savanna tree species (Acacia nigrescens and Colophospermum mopane) were grown for 8 mo with two crossed factors: grass competition and irrigation depth. Strong negative effects of grass competition on final seedling biomass and leaf photosynthetic and stomatal conductance occurred in both tree species, but no effects of irrigation depth were detected. There was a clear tree species by grass competition interaction, suggesting interspecific variation in competitive response. The results emphasize the importance of below-ground competition with grasses for physiological and morphological responses of tree seedlings, while minimizing the importance of tree-grass rooting depth differences as a factor in modulating the competitive response of trees to grasses at the seedling stage.
A REVISION OF BEGONIA SECT. SYMBEGONIA ON NEW GUINEA
Authors: Gagul J. N. , Sands M. J. S. , Gideon O. , Hughes M.
Published: January 2018

A revision of Begonia sect. Symbegonia, endemic to New Guinea, is presented, with descriptions of five new species (B. arauensis M.Hughes, B. asaroensis J.Gagul, B. erodiifolia Sands, B. mimikaensis Sands and B. vinkii Sands). There are 18 species now recognised, and a key is provided for their identification. Ten of the species are assessed to belong to the IUCN category Data Deficient, and eight to Least Concern.
Associations of physical activity with anxiety symptoms and status: results from The Irish longitudinal study on ageing
Authors: McDowell C. P. , Gordon B. R. , Andrews K. L. , MacDonncha C. , Herring M. P.
Published: January 2018

Aims.

Anxiety is debilitating and associated with numerous mental and physical comorbidities. There is a need to identify and investigate low-risk prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between different volumes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and anxiety symptoms and status among older adults in Ireland.

Methods.

Participants (n = 4175; 56.8% female) aged ⩾50 years completed the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) at baseline, and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and follow-up (2009–2013). Participants were classified according to meeting World Health Organisation PA guidelines, and divided into IPAQ categories. Respondents without anxiety at baseline (n = 3165) were included in prospective analyses. Data were analysed in 2017.

Results.

Anxiety symptoms were significantly higher among females than males (p < 0.001). Models were adjusted for age, sex, waist circumference, social class, smoking status and pain. In cross-sectional analyses, meeting PA guidelines was associated with 9.3% (OR = 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.78–1.06) lower odds of anxiety. Compared with the inactive group, the minimally- and very-active groups were associated with 8.4% (OR = 0.92, 0.76–1.10) and 18.8% (OR = 0.81, 0.67–0.98) lower odds of anxiety, respectively. In prospective analyses, meeting guidelines was associated with 6.3% (OR = 0.94, 0.63–1.40) reduced odds of anxiety. Compared with the inactive group, the minimally and very-active groups were associated with 43.5% (OR = 1.44, 0.89–2.32) increased, and 4.3% (OR = 0.96, 0.56–1.63) reduced odds of anxiety. The presence of pain, included in models as a covariate, was associated with a 108.7% (OR = 2.09, 1.80–2.42) increase in odds of prevalent anxiety, and a 109.7% (OR = 2.10, 1.41–3.11) increase in odds of incident anxiety.

Conclusion.

High volumes of PA are cross-sectionally associated with lower anxiety symptoms and status, with a potential dose–response apparent. However, significant associations were not observed in prospective analyses. The low absolute number of incident anxiety cases (n = 109) potentially influenced these findings. Further, as older adults may tend to experience and/or report more somatic anxiety symptoms, and the HADS focuses primarily on cognitive symptoms, it is plausible that the HADS was not an optimal measure of anxiety symptoms in the current population.
Sex in the City that Peter Built: The Demimonde and Sociability in Mid-Eighteenth Century St. Petersburg
Authors: Fedyukin Igor
Published: January 2018

This article uses the materials of the Drezdensha affair, a large-scale investigation of “indecency” in St. Petersburg in 1750, to explore unofficial sociability among the Imperial elite, and to map out the institutional, social, and economic dimensions of the post-Petrine “sexual underworld.” Sociability and, ultimately, the public sphere in eighteenth century Russia are usually associated with loftier practices, with joining the ranks of the reading public, reflecting on the public good, and generally, becoming more civil and polite. Yet, it is the privately-run, commercially-oriented, and sexually-charged “parties” at the focus of this article that arguably served as a “training ground” for developing the habits of sociability. The world of these “parties” provides a missing link between the debauchery and carousing of Peter I's era and the more polite formats of associational life in the late eighteenth century, as well as the historical context for reflections on morality, sexual licentiousness, foppery, and the excesses of “westernization.”
Unholy Alliances? Language Exams, Loyalty, and Identification in Interwar Romania
Authors: Egry Gábor
Published: January 2018

This article analyzes national loyalty and identification by examining the language exams administered to minority public officials in Romania in 1934 and 1935. The exams aimed at testing officials’ knowledge of the state language, but given the broader political context they were more than a survey of linguistic skills. Examinees were singled out as non-Romanian and subjected to an additional requirement not demanded from their ethnic Romanian colleagues, interpreting the use of the official language as a sign of loyalty. Drawing upon theories of loyalty as a historical concept, the paper analyzes how the particular situation of minority public officials was reflected in these texts and how they created a specific identification for themselves, composed of important elements of their minority ethnicity but also expressing their identification with the state and its modernizing goals as members of a unified, professional public body. The language exams signaled the emergence of a specific category of minority public servants who were part of both the minority group and the middle-class functionaries of the Romanian state. Nationalist public discourse on both sides—Romanian and minority—have denied and erased the history of these hybrid loyalties and identities, but the languages exams help us to recover them.
Auswirkung motivierender Gesprächsführung auf die Krankheitswahrnehmung bei stabiler koronarer Herzkrankheit. Eine randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie
Authors: Mülhauser Sara , Bonhôte Börner Martine , Saner Hugo , Zumstein-Shaha Maya
Published: January 2018

Zusammenfassung.Hintergrund: Koronare Herzkrankheit ist eine der häufigsten Todesursachen für Menschen > 60 Jahre. Vom Lebensstil abhängige Risikofaktoren sind wesentlich beteiligt. Kardiale Rehabilitation ist daher essenziell für eine optimale Behandlung. Leider verstehen die Betroffenen ihre Krankheit kaum. Motivierende Gesprächsführung kann die Krankheitswahrnehmung verbessern. Ziel / Methode: In einer randomisiert-kontrollierten Studie wurde die Wirksamkeit einer Intervention mit motivierender Gesprächsführung auf die Krankheitswahrnehmung untersucht. Personen mit stabiler koronarer Herzkrankheit wurden konsekutiv nach perkutaner transluminaler Koronarangioplastie (PTCA) in die Studie aufgenommen. Die Interventionsgruppe erhielt ein kurzes motivierendes Gespräch zur Erkrankung und den Risikofaktoren als Intervention. Die Kontrollgruppe erhielt die Standardbetreuung. Vor der Intervention und sechs Monate später wurden Daten zur Krankheitswahrnehmung (Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised) erhoben. Ergebnisse: Total wurden 312 Personen (n = 148 Intervention, n = 164 Kontrollgruppe) in die Studie aufgenommen (Durchschnittsalter: 66,2 Jahre). Nach der Intervention zeigte sich eine signifikante Veränderung im Bereich der emotionalen Reaktionen auf die Erkrankung. Schlussfolgerung: Um die Krankheitswahrnehmung bei Personen mit stabiler koronarer Herzkrankheit zu verbessern, ist eine kurze Intervention mit motivierender Gesprächsführung möglicherweise wirksam. Ob eine Intensivierung der Intervention das Resultat weiter verbessert, muss noch untersucht werden.
Détatouage au laser: le remord dans la peau
Authors: Bucher Maya , Miles Alexandra , Lévy Jean-Luc
Published: January 2018

Zusammenfassung. Für die Entfernung von Tätowierungen sind Q-Laser derzeit die beste Behandlung. Die richtige Wahl des Lasertyps, basierend auf der Farbe der Tätowierung und des Hauttyps, ist entscheidend, um gute Ergebnisse zu erzielen. In diesem Beitrag stellen wir die verschiedenen Arten von Lasern, die für die Tattooentfernung verwendet werden, sowie ihre Indikationen dar. Wir beschreiben auch die möglichen Komplikationen wie Dyspigmentierung, allergische Reaktionen, Verdunkelung von bestimmten Tinten usw., sowie die Möglichkeiten, um sie zu verhindern.
Empfehlungen für Diagnostik und Therapie der Depression im Alter
Authors: Hatzinger Martin , Hemmeter Ulrich , Hirsbrunner Therese , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Leyhe Thomas , Mall Jean-Frédéric , Mosimann Urs , Rach Nicole , Trächsel Nathalie , Savaskan Egemen
Published: January 2018

Zusammenfassung. Diese Empfehlungen sollen dazu dienen, Fachpersonen das Wissen über die aktuelle Evidenz von Diagnostik und Therapie der Depression im Alter zur Verfügung zu stellen und damit zur frühzeitigen Erkennung und evidenzbasierten Behandlung beizutragen. Da für einige Behandlungsansätze nur rudimentär kontrollierte Studien vorliegen, wird auch das klinische Expertenwissen in die Beurteilung einbezogen. Im diagnostischen Vorgehen wird die besondere Symptomatik der Depression im Alter beleuchtet, auf die Suizidalität eingegangen und werden die häufig vorkommenden somatischen Komorbiditäten hervorgehoben. Auch Hypothesen zur Pathogenese, wie Neuroendokrinologie, Neurodegeneration und vaskuläre Faktoren, werden erläutert. In der Behandlung gilt heute ein integrierter biopsychosozialer Ansatz mit gezielten psychosozialen Interventionen, spezifischer Psychotherapie und einer antidepressiven Pharmakotherapie bei schweren Depressionen als sinnvoll. Daneben kommen auch chronobiologische oder Neurostimulationsverfahren zum Einsatz.
CME
Authors: Senn Jon-Duri , Huber Lars C. , Barman-Aksözen Jasmin , Minder Elisabeth
Published: January 2018

Zusammenfassung. Unter dem Begriff «Porphyrie» wird eine Gruppe von acht Stoffwechselerkrankungen zusammengefasst, welche in Folge einer gestörten Hämbiosynthese entstehen. Die Einteilung der verschiedenen Formen erfolgt anhand der klinischen und biochemischen Merkmale. Dieser Artikel fokussiert auf die akuten (hepatischen) Porphyrien (AHP), die durch eine ähnliche Pathophysiologie und klinische Symptomatik gekennzeichnet sind. Typisch sind akute, das autonome Nervensystem betreffende Symptome; starke, kolikartige, teilweise ausstrahlende Oberbauchschmerzen, Übelkeit, Erbrechen, Hypertonie, Tachykardie, Obstipation und Hyponatriämie. Die Diagnose einer AHP wird aufgrund einer mindestens fünffach erhöhten Ausscheidung von Porphobilinogen (PBG) im Urin gestellt. Therapie der Wahl ist die Zufuhr von Kohlenhydraten, die Gabe von humanem Häm, die Elimination und Vermeidung von schubauslösenden Triggerfaktoren und eine begleitende symptomorientierte Therapie, im Besonderen eine suffiziente Analgesie.
Genome-wide analyses of self-reported empathy: correlations with autism, schizophrenia, and anorexia nervosa
Authors: Warrier Varun , Toro Roberto , Chakrabarti Bhismadev ,   the iPSYCH-Broad autism group, Børglum Anders D , Grove Jakob ,   the 23andMe Research Team, Hinds David A. , Bourgeron Thomas , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: January 2018

Empathy is the ability to recognize and respond to the emotional states of other individuals. It is an important psychological process that facilitates navigating social interactions and maintaining relationships, which are important for well-being. Several psychological studies have identified difficulties in both self-report and performance-based measures of empathy in a range of psychiatric conditions. To date, no study has systematically investigated the genetic architecture of empathy using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Here we report the results of the largest GWAS of empathy to date using a well-validated self-report measure of empathy, the Empathy Quotient (EQ), in 46,861 research participants from 23andMe, Inc. We identify 11 suggestive loci (P < 1 × 10−6), though none were significant at P < 2.5 × 10−8 after correcting for multiple testing. The most significant SNP was identified in the non-stratified analysis (rs4882760; P = 4.29 × 10−8), and is an intronic SNP in TMEM132C. The EQ had a modest but significant narrow-sense heritability (0.11 ± 0.014; P = 1.7 × 10−14). As predicted, based on earlier work, we confirmed a significant female advantage on the EQ (P < 2 × 10−16, Cohen’s d = 0.65). We identified similar SNP heritability and high genetic correlation between the sexes. Also, as predicted, we identified a significant negative genetic correlation between autism and the EQ (rg = −0.27 ± 0.07, P = 1.63 × 10−4). We also identified a significant positive genetic correlation between the EQ and risk for schizophrenia (rg = 0.19 ± 0.04; P = 1.36 × 10−5), risk for anorexia nervosa (rg = 0.32 ± 0.09; P = 6 × 10−4), and extraversion (rg = 0.45 ± 0.08; 5.7 × 10−8). This is the first GWAS of self-reported empathy. The results suggest that the genetic variations associated with empathy also play a role in psychiatric conditions and psychological traits.
A chiral selectivity relaxed paralog of DTD for proofreading tRNA mischarging in Animalia
Authors: Kuncha Santosh Kumar , Mazeed Mohd , Singh Raghvendra , Kattula Bhavita , Routh Satya Brata , Sankaranarayanan Rajan
Published: January 2018

D-aminoacyl-tRNA deacylase (DTD), a bacterial/eukaryotic trans-editing factor, removes d-amino acids mischarged on tRNAs and achiral glycine mischarged on tRNAAla. An invariant cross-subunit Gly-cisPro motif forms the mechanistic basis of l-amino acid rejection from the catalytic site. Here, we present the identification of a DTD variant, named ATD (Animalia-specific tRNA deacylase), that harbors a Gly-transPro motif. The cis-to-trans switch causes a “gain of function” through L-chiral selectivity in ATD resulting in the clearing of l-alanine mischarged on tRNAThr(G4•U69) by eukaryotic AlaRS. The proofreading activity of ATD is conserved across diverse classes of phylum Chordata. Animalia genomes enriched in tRNAThr(G4•U69) genes are in strict association with the presence of ATD, underlining the mandatory requirement of a dedicated factor to proofread tRNA misaminoacylation. The study highlights the emergence of ATD during genome expansion as a key event associated with the evolution of Animalia.
A ligand-specific blockade of the integrin Mac-1 selectively targets pathologic inflammation while maintaining protective host-defense
Authors: Wolf Dennis , Anto-Michel Nathaly , Blankenbach Hermann , Wiedemann Ansgar , Buscher Konrad , Hohmann Jan David , Lim Bock , Bäuml Marina , Marki Alex , Mauler Maximilian , Duerschmied Daniel , Fan Zhichao , Winkels Holger , Sidler Daniel , Diehl Philipp , Zajonc Dirk M , Hilgendorf Ingo , Stachon Peter , Marchini Timoteo , Willecke Florian , Schell Maximilian , Sommer Björn , von zur Muhlen Constantin , Reinöhl Jochen , Gerhardt Teresa , Plow Edward F. , Yakubenko Valentin , Libby Peter , Bode Christoph , Ley Klaus , Peter Karlheinz , Zirlik Andreas
Published: January 2018

Integrin-based therapeutics have garnered considerable interest in the medical treatment of inflammation. Integrins mediate the fast recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils to the site of inflammation, but are also required for host defense, limiting their therapeutic use. Here, we report a novel monoclonal antibody, anti-M7, that specifically blocks the interaction of the integrin Mac-1 with its pro-inflammatory ligand CD40L, while not interfering with alternative ligands. Anti-M7 selectively reduces leukocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, conventional anti-Mac-1 therapy is not specific and blocks a broad repertoire of integrin functionality, inhibits phagocytosis, promotes apoptosis, and fuels a cytokine storm in vivo. Whereas conventional anti-integrin therapy potentiates bacterial sepsis, bacteremia, and mortality, a ligand-specific intervention with anti-M7 is protective. These findings deepen our understanding of ligand-specific integrin functions and open a path for a new field of ligand-targeted anti-integrin therapy to prevent inflammatory conditions.
Samarium hexaboride is a trivial surface conductor
Authors: Hlawenka P. , Siemensmeyer K. , Weschke E. , Varykhalov A. , Sánchez-Barriga J. , Shitsevalova N. Y. , Dukhnenko A. V. , Filipov V. B. , Gabáni S. , Flachbart K. , Rader O. , Rienks E. D. L.
Published: January 2018

SmB6 is predicted to be the first member of the intersection of topological insulators and Kondo insulators, strongly correlated materials in which the Fermi level lies in the gap of a many-body resonance that forms by hybridization between localized and itinerant states. While robust, surface-only conductivity at low temperature and the observation of surface states at the expected high symmetry points appear to confirm this prediction, we find both surface states at the (100) surface to be topologically trivial. We find the $${\bar{\varGamma }}$$

Γ

̄

state to appear Rashba split and explain the prominent $$\bar X$$

X

̄

state by a surface shift of the many-body resonance. We propose that the latter mechanism, which applies to several crystal terminations, can explain the unusual surface conductivity. While additional, as yet unobserved topological surface states cannot be excluded, our results show that a firm connection between the two material classes is still outstanding.
A general soft-enveloping strategy in the templating synthesis of mesoporous metal nanostructures
Authors: Fang Jixiang , Zhang Lingling , Li Jiang , Lu Lu , Ma Chuansheng , Cheng Shaodong , Li Zhiyuan , Xiong Qihua , You Hongjun
Published: January 2018

Metal species have a relatively high mobility inside mesoporous silica; thus, it is difficult to introduce the metal precursors into silica mesopores and suppress the migration of metal species during a reduction process. Therefore, until now, the controlled growth of metal nanocrystals in a confined space, i.e., mesoporous channels, has been very challenging. Here, by using a soft-enveloping reaction at the interfaces of the solid, liquid, and solution phases, we successfully control the growth of metallic nanocrystals inside a mesoporous silica template. Diverse monodispersed nanostructures with well-defined sizes and shapes, including Ag nanowires, 3D mesoporous Au, AuAg alloys, Pt networks, and Au nanoparticle superlattices are successfully obtained. The 3D mesoporous AuAg networks exhibit enhanced catalytic activities in an electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction. The current soft-enveloping synthetic strategy offers a robust approach to synthesize diverse mesoporous metal nanostructures that can be utilized in catalysis, optics, and biomedicine applications.
Selective control of fcc and hcp crystal structures in Au–Ru solid-solution alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Quan , Kusada Kohei , Wu Dongshuang , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Toriyama Takaaki , Matsumura Syo , Kawaguchi Shogo , Kubota Yoshiki , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Binary solid-solution alloys generally adopt one of three principal crystal lattices—body-centred cubic (bcc), hexagonal close-packed (hcp) or face-centred cubic (fcc) structures—in which the structure is dominated by constituent elements and compositions. Therefore, it is a significant challenge to selectively control the crystal structure in alloys with a certain composition. Here, we propose an approach for the selective control of the crystal structure in solid-solution alloys by using a chemical reduction method. By precisely tuning the reduction speed of the metal precursors, we selectively control the crystal structure of alloy nanoparticles, and are able to selectively synthesize fcc and hcp AuRu3alloy nanoparticles at ambient conditions. This approach enables us to design alloy nanomaterials with the desired crystal structures to create innovative chemical and physical properties.
Selenide-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of trifluoromethylthiolated tetrahydronaphthalenes by merging desymmetrization and trifluoromethylthiolation
Authors: Luo Jie , Cao Qingxiang , Cao Xiaohui , Zhao Xiaodan
Published: January 2018

Trifluoromethylthiolated molecules are an important class of biologically active compounds and potential drug candidates. Because of the lack of efficient synthetic methods, catalytic enantioselective construction of these molecules is rare and remains a challenge. To expand this field, we herein disclose a bifunctional selenide-catalyzed approach for the synthesis of various chiral trifluoromethylthiolated tetrahydronaphthalenes bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with gem-diaryl-tethered alkenes and alkynes by merging desymmetrization and trifluoromethylthiolation strategy. The products are obtained in high yields with excellent enantio- and diastereo-selectivities. This method can be applied to the desymmetrization and sulfenylation of diols as well. Computational studies reveal that selenide can activate the electrophilic reagent better than sulfide, confirming the higher efficiency of selenide catalysis in these reactions. On the basis of the theoretical calculations, an acid-derived anion-binding interaction is suggested to exist in the whole pathway and accounts for the observed high selectivities.
Diesel engine performance and emissions with fuels derived from waste tyres
Authors: Verma Puneet , Zare Ali , Jafari Mohammad , Bodisco Timothy A. , Rainey Thomas , Ristovski Zoran D. , Brown Richard J.
Published: January 2018

The disposal of waste rubber and scrap tyres is a significant issue globally; disposal into stockpiles and landfill poses a serious threat to the environment, in addition to creating ecological problems. Fuel production from tyre waste could form part of the solution to this global issue. Therefore, this paper studies the potential of fuels derived from waste tyres as alternatives to diesel. Production methods and the influence of reactor operating parameters (such as reactor temperature and catalyst type) on oil yield are outlined. These have a major effect on the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines when using tyre derived fuels. In general, tyre derived fuels increase the brake specific fuel consumption and decrease the brake thermal efficiency. The majority of studies indicate that NOx emissions increase with waste tyre derived fuels; however, a few studies have reported the opposite trend. A similar increasing trend has been observed for CO and CO2 emissions. Although most studies reported an increase in HC emission owing to lower cetane number and higher density, some studies have reported reduced HC emissions. It has been found that the higher aromatic content in such fuels can lead to increased particulate matter emissions.
The Energy Landscape of Neurophysiological Activity Implicit in Brain Network Structure
Authors: Gu Shi , Cieslak Matthew , Baird Benjamin , Muldoon Sarah F. , Grafton Scott T. , Pasqualetti Fabio , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: January 2018

A critical mystery in neuroscience lies in determining how anatomical structure impacts the complex functional dynamics of the brain. How does large-scale brain circuitry constrain states of neuronal activity and transitions between those states? We address these questions using a maximum entropy model of brain dynamics informed by white matter tractography. We demonstrate that the most probable brain states – characterized by minimal energy – display common activation profiles across brain areas: local spatially-contiguous sets of brain regions reminiscent of cognitive systems are co-activated frequently. The predicted activation rate of these systems is highly correlated with the observed activation rate measured in a separate resting state fMRI data set, validating the utility of the maximum entropy model in describing neurophysiological dynamics. This approach also offers a formal notion of the energy of activity within a system, and the energy of activity shared between systems. We observe that within- and between-system energies cleanly separate cognitive systems into distinct categories, optimized for differential contributions to integrated versus segregated function. These results support the notion that energetic and structural constraints circumscribe brain dynamics, offering insights into the roles that cognitive systems play in driving whole-brain activation patterns.
Involvement of PKA/DARPP-32/PP1α and β- arrestin/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Cadmium-Induced DA-D2 Receptor-Mediated Motor Dysfunctions: Protective Role of Quercetin
Authors: Gupta Richa , Shukla Rajendra K. , Pandey Ankita , Sharma Tanuj , Dhuriya Yogesh K. , Srivastava Pranay , Singh Manjul P. , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran , Pant Aditya B. , Khanna Vinay K.
Published: January 2018

Given increasing risk of cadmium-induced neurotoxicity, the study was conducted to delineate the molecular mechanisms associated with cadmium-induced motor dysfunctions and identify targets that govern dopaminergic signaling in the brain involving in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches. Selective decrease in dopamine (DA)-D2 receptors on cadmium exposure was evident which affected the post-synaptic PKA/DARPP-32/PP1α and β-arrestin/Akt/GSK-3β signaling concurrently in rat corpus striatum and PC12 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of PKA and Akt in vitro demonstrates that both pathways are independently modulated by DA-D2 receptors and associated with cadmium-induced motor deficits. Ultrastructural changes in the corpus striatum demonstrated neuronal degeneration and loss of synapse on cadmium exposure. Further, molecular docking provided interesting evidence that decrease in DA-D2 receptors may be due to direct binding of cadmium at the competitive site of dopamine on DA-D2 receptors. Treatment with quercetin resulted in the alleviation of cadmium-induced behavioral and neurochemical alterations. This is the first report demonstrating that cadmium-induced motor deficits are associated with alteration in postsynaptic dopaminergic signaling due to a decrease in DA-D2 receptors in the corpus striatum. The results further demonstrate that quercetin has the potential to alleviate cadmium-induced dopaminergic dysfunctions.
The Charging Events in Contact-Separation Electrification
Authors: Musa Umar G. , Cezan S. Doruk , Baytekin Bilge , Baytekin H. Tarik
Published: January 2018

Contact electrification (CE)—charging of surfaces that are contacted and separated, is a common phenomenon, however it is not completely understood yet. Recent studies using surface imaging techniques and chemical analysis revealed a ‘spatial’ bipolar distribution of charges at the nano dimension, which made a paradigm shift in the field. However, such analyses can only provide information about the charges that remained on the surface after the separation, providing limited information about the actual course of the CE event. Tapping common polymers and metal surfaces to each other and detecting the electrical potential produced on these surfaces ‘in-situ’ in individual events of contact and separation, we show that, charges are generated and transferred between the surfaces in both events; the measured potential is bipolar in contact and unipolar in separation. We show, the ‘contact-charges’ on the surfaces are indeed the net charges that results after the separation process, and a large contribution to tribocharge harvesting comes, in fact, from the electrostatic induction resulting from the generated CE charges. Our results refine the mechanism of CE providing information for rethinking the conventional ranking of materials’ charging abilities, charge harvesting, and charge prevention.
Author Correction: NaAlTi3O8, A Novel Anode Material for Sodium Ion Battery
Authors: Ma Xuetian , An Ke , Bai Jianming , Chen Hailong
Published: January 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Transcriptome of Porcine PBMCs over Two Generations Reveals Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Variable Antibody Responses post PRRSV Vaccination
Authors: Yang Ting , Zhang Fengxia , Zhai Liwei , He Weiyong , Tan Zhen , Sun Yangyang , Wang Yuan , Liu Lei , Ning Chao , Zhou Weiliang , Ao Hong , Wang Chuduan , Yu Ying
Published: January 2018

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a virus susceptible to antibody dependent enhancement, causing reproductive failures in sows and preweaning mortality of piglets. Modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines are used to control PRRS in swine herds. However, immunized sows and piglets often generate variable antibody levels. This study aimed to detect significant genes and pathways involved in antibody responsiveness of pregnant sows and their offspring post-PRRSV vaccination. RNA sequencing was conducted on peripheral blood-mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which were isolated from pregnant sows and their piglets with high (HA), median (MA), and low (LA) PRRS antibody levels following vaccination. 401 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three comparisons (HA versus MA, HA versus LA, and MA versus LA) of sow PBMCs. Two novel pathways (complement and coagulation cascade pathway; and epithelial cell signaling in H. pylori infection pathway) revealed by DEGs in HA versus LA and MA versus LA were involved in chemotactic and proinflammatory responses. TNF-α, CCL4, and NFKBIA genes displayed the same expression trends in subsequent generation post-PRRS-MLV vaccination. Findings of the study suggest that two pathways and TNF-α, CCL4, and NFKBIA could be considered as key pathways and potential candidate genes for PRRSV vaccine responsiveness, respectively.
In silico clinical trials for pediatric orphan diseases
Authors: Carlier A. , Vasilevich A. , Marechal M. , de Boer J. , Geris L.
Published: January 2018

To date poor treatment options are available for patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT), a pediatric orphan disease. In this study we have performed anin silicoclinical trial on 200 virtual subjects, generated from a previously established model of murine bone regeneration, to tackle the challenges associated with the small, pediatric patient population. Each virtual subject was simulated to receive no treatment and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) treatment. We have shown that the degree of severity of CPT is significantly reduced with BMP treatment, although the effect is highly subject-specific. Using machine learning techniques we were also able to stratify the virtual subject population in adverse responders, non-responders, responders and asymptomatic. In summary, this study shows the potential ofin silicomedicine technologies as well as their implications for other orphan diseases.
Female dispersion and sex ratios interact in the evolution of mating behavior: a computational model
Authors: Gomes B. V. , Guimarães D. M. , Szczupak D. , Neves K.
Published: January 2018

The evolution of mating strategies is not well understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the variation in mating strategies, with varying levels of support. Specifically, female dispersion, adult sex ratio and mate guarding have been proposed as drivers of the evolution of monogamous strategies. In this study, we used an agent-based model (ABM) to examine how different mating behaviors evolve in a population under different conditions related to these putative drivers, looking to understand the interaction between them. We found an interaction among different factors in the evolution of social monogamy, and their impact is in this order: adult sex ratio (ASR), female dispersion and extra-pair copulation. Thus, when the adult sex ratio is male-biased, monogamous strategies are strongly favored. However, this is only the case if mate guarding is fully efficient, i.e., if there is no extra-pair copulation. On the other hand, in scenarios where the population is female-biased, or mate guarding is not efficient, we find that polygamous strategies are favored but proportionally to the dispersion of females. These results confirm previous findings regarding mate guarding and sex ratios, while also showing how female dispersion enters the dynamics.
B-site ordering and strain-induced phase transition in double-perovskite La2NiMnO6 films
Authors: Wu Sheng-Qiang , Cheng Sheng , Lu Lu , Liu Ming , Jin Xiao-Wei , Cheng Shao-Dong , Mi Shao-Bo
Published: January 2018

The magnetic and electrical properties of complex oxide thin films are closely related to the phase stability and cation ordering, which demands that we understand the process-structure-property relationships microscopically in functional materials research. Here we study multiferroic thin films of double-perovskite La2NiMnO6 epitaxially grown on SrTiO3, KTaO3, LaAlO3 and DyScO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The effect of epitaxial strains imposed by the substrate on the microstructural properties of La2NiMnO6 has been systematically investigated by means of advanced electron microscopy. It is found that La2NiMnO6 films under tensile strain exhibit a monoclinic structure, while under compressive strain the crystal structure of La2NiMnO6 films is rhombohedral. In addition, by optimizing the film deposition conditions a long-range ordering of B-site cations in La2NiMnO6 films has been obtained in both monoclinic and rhombohedral phases. Our results not only provide a strategy for tailoring phase stability by strain engineering, but also shed light on tuning B-site ordering by controlling film growth temperature in double-perovskite La2NiMnO6 films.
Molecular mechanisms of detection and discrimination of dynamic signals
Authors: Antunes G. , Roque A. C. , Simoes-de-Souza F. M.
Published: January 2018

Many molecules decode not only the concentration of cellular signals, but also their temporal dynamics. However, little is known about the mechanisms that underlie the detection and discrimination of dynamic signals. We used computational modelling of the interaction of a ligand with multiple targets to investigate how kinetic and thermodynamic parameters regulate their capabilities to respond to dynamic signals. Our results demonstrated that the detection and discrimination of temporal features of signal inputs occur for reactions proceeding outside mass-action equilibrium. For these reactions, thermodynamic parameters such as affinity do not predict their outcomes. Additionally, we showed that, at non-equilibrium, the association rate constants determine the amount of product formed in reversible reactions. In contrast, the dissociation rate constants regulate the time interval required for reversible reactions to achieve equilibrium and, consequently, control their ability to detect and discriminate dynamic features of cellular signals.
Flip-flop Converter of Dual-bistability Using Cavity and Parametric Amplified Four-Wave Mixing
Authors: Li Kangkang , Bu Renan , Wang Xiuxiu , Chen Haixia , Zhang Dan , Li Xinghua , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: January 2018

We study the realization of dual-bistability flip-flop converter in cavity and parametrically amplified four-wave mixing (FWM) process at a four-level cavity atomic system. Using the effect of nonreciprocity optical dual-bistability, we can obtain different output multi-mode states of probe transmission signal and FWM signal. We find the channel equalization ratio and optical contrast between multi-mode states is related to the degree of dual-bistability. Besides, the degree of dual-bistability can be controlled by the input parameters (frequency detuning and powers of the dressing beams). More, using electro-optical modulator and acoustic optical modulator to modulate the powers and frequency detuning, respectively, we can realize the fast conversion between different output states. And the switch speed of this flip-flop converter is about 16 ns. These outcomes may provide foundation for the development of all-optical devices and quantum information processing.
Liver X Receptor exerts a protective effect against the oxidative stress in the peripheral nerve
Authors: Hichor Mehdi , Sundaram Venkat Krishnan , Eid Stéphanie A. , Abdel-Rassoul Ronza , Petit Patrice X. , Borderie Didier , Bastin Jean , Eid Assaad A. , Manuel Marin , Grenier Julien , Massaad Charbel
Published: January 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modify proteins and lipids leading to deleterious outcomes. Thus, maintaining their homeostatic levels is vital. This study highlights the endogenous role of LXRs (LXRα and β) in the regulation of oxidative stress in peripheral nerves. We report that the genetic ablation of both LXR isoforms in mice (LXRdKO) provokes significant locomotor defects correlated with enhanced anion superoxide production, lipid oxidization and protein carbonylation in the sciatic nerves despite the activation of Nrf2-dependant antioxidant response. Interestingly, the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine counteracts behavioral, electrophysical, ultrastructural and biochemical alterations in LXRdKO mice. Furthermore, Schwann cells in culture pretreated with LXR agonist, TO901317, exhibit improved defenses against oxidative stress generated by tert-butyl hydroperoxide, implying that LXRs play an important role in maintaining the redox homeostasis in the peripheral nervous system. Thus, LXR activation could be a promising strategy to protect from alteration of peripheral myelin resulting from a disturbance of redox homeostasis in Schwann cell.
Sudden emergence of human infections with H7N9 avian influenza A virus in Hubei province, central China
Authors: Liu Jiafa , Xu Junqiang , Liu Linlin , Wei Xiaoman , Song Yi , Fang Bin , Yu Xiao , Li Xiang , Ye Guojun , Du Yingying , Chen Mingyue , Shi Weifeng , Liu Di , Holmes Edward C. , Cui Jie
Published: January 2018

There have been five waves of H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) infection in humans since its initial emergence in China in 2013, posing a significant threat to public health. Hubei province was free local transmission during the first four waves of H7N9 AIV. However, multiple cases of human H7N9 infection were reported in Hubei during January 2017. To understand the molecular epidemiology that underlies this sudden emergence, we collected samples from 14 human cases of H7N9 influenza virus from Hubei province, along with environmental samples from different locations in Hubei. Our analysis revealed that the newly emerged human H7N9 viruses were all from persons exposed to poultry and shared the same origin as the environmental sampled viruses in the Yangtze River lineage of H7N9. Notably, we also documented an earlier and distinct importation from Jiangsu province that may have established a local environmental reservoir. Our study highlights the need for continued surveillance of H7N9 in both human and avian populations in central China.
From open-shell singlet diradicaloids to polyradicaloids
Authors: Y. Gopalakrishna Tullimilli , Zeng Wangdong , Lu Xuefeng , Wu Jishan
Published: January 2018

We highlight our recent studies on stable open-shell singlet diradicaloids and polyradicaloids, originating from Chichibabin's hydrocarbon reported 110 years ago.
Boron calixphyrin complexes: exploring the coordination chemistry of a BODIPY/porphyrin hybrid
Authors: Tay Aaron Chin Yit , Frogley Benjamin J. , Ware David C. , Brothers Penelope J.
Published: January 2018

Calix[4]phyrin (1,1,1,1) proves to be a versatile ligand for boron with both mono- and di-boron complexes exhibiting unusual regio- and stereoisomerism.
A 3D neutral chalcogenide framework built from a supertetrahedral T3 cluster and a metal complex for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Hu Dandan , Xue Chaozhuang , Yang Huajun , Wang Xiang , Wu Tao
Published: January 2018

A new 3D neutral chalcogenide framework was constructed by using a supertetrahedral T3 cluster ([Mn2Ga4Sn4S20]) and a metal complex ([Mn(dach)2]) for an efficient ORR.
Removal of heavy metal ions using a carboxylated graphene oxide-incorporated polyphenylsulfone nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Shukla Arun Kumar , Alam Javed , Alhoshan Mansour , Arockiasamy Dass Lawrence , Ali Fekri Abdulraqeb Ahmed , M. R Muthumareeswaran , Mishra Umesh , Ansari Mohammad Azam
Published: January 2018

We investigate the removal of heavy metal ions from synthetic contaminated water on a laboratory scale using a carboxylated-graphene oxide (GO)-incorporated polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) nanofiltration membrane (the so called PPSU/carboxylated-GO nanocomposite membrane).
Optimizing self-consistent field theory block copolymer models with X-ray metrology
Authors: Hannon Adam F. , Sunday Daniel F. , Bowen Alec , Khaira Gurdaman , Ren Jiaxing , Nealey Paul F. , de Pablo Juan J. , Kline R. Joseph
Published: January 2018

Self-consistent field theory is optimized through comparisons with X-ray scattering metrology.
Molecular dynamics simulations and PRISM theory study of solutions of nanoparticles and triblock copolymers with solvophobic end blocks
Authors: Beltran-Villegas Daniel J. , Lyubimov Ivan , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: January 2018

Hybrid materials composed of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) combine desirable properties of NPs with the rich phase behavior of BCPs, making them attractive for use in biomaterials, responsive materials for sensing, active materials in robotics, etc.
Ce-Doped bundled ultrafine diameter tungsten oxide nanowires with enhanced electrochromic performance
Authors: Kunyapat Thummavichai , Xu Fang , Neate Nigle , Wang Nannan , Sanctis Adolfo De , Russo Saverio , Zhang Shaowei , Xia Yongda , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: January 2018

The Ce-doped WOx (ratio 1 : 15) nanowire thin film exhibits much improved electrochemical performance and optical coloration efficiency.
Conductive 3D sponges for affordable and highly-efficient water purification
Authors: Liu Yanbiao , Li Fang , Xia Qin , Wu Jiawei , Liu Jianshe , Huang Mingzhi , Xie Jianping
Published: January 2018

We developed a low-cost method to achieve efficient organic pollutants degradation by incorporating conductive nanomaterials to assist electro-oxidation, leading to an efficient conductive nano-sponge filtration device.
Chemoselective and stereospecific iodination of alkynes using sulfonium iodate(i) salt
Authors: Rao Dodla S. , Reddy Thurpu R. , Kashyap Sudhir
Published: January 2018

The sulfonium iodate(i) electrophilc reagent efficiently promoted the stereodivergent iodination of alkynes. The chemoselective iodination was effectively realized by switching the solvent system to access the 1-iodoalkyne and (E)-vicinal-diiodoalkenes.
Perovskite solar cell for photocatalytic water splitting with a TiO2/Co-doped hematite electron transport bilayer
Authors: Roy Subhasis , Botte Gerardine G.
Published: January 2018

Performance optimisation of a halide nanostructured perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) coated cobalt doped hematite photoanode for efficient photocatalytic water splitting.
“Less Blue, More Clean”: Cu2O nano-cubic functionalized hydrogel for the energy transformation of light-emitting screens
Authors: Xiang Zhuo , Liu Miaoxing , Ai Fanrong , Ding Xingwei , Qiu Ping , Chen Tingtao , Yang Yisha , Wu Huan , Xin Hongbo , Wang Xiaolei
Published: January 2018

Through coverage, blue light irradiation could be absorbed and transformed into photocatalysed power to sterilize the surface.
Facile complexation reactions for the selective spectrofluorimetric determination of albendazole in oral dosage forms and spiked human plasma
Authors: Hamad Ahmed A. , Ali Ramadan , Ali Hassan Refat H. , Nagy Dalia M. , Derayea Sayed M.
Published: January 2018

Complexation of albendazole with erythrosine B quench the native fluorescence of the dye while complexation of the drug with lanthanum (iii) ions enhance the fluorescence of the drug.
Ag3PO4electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction: enhancement from positive charge
Authors: Qin Yong , Li Fan , Tu Peng , Ma Yanling , Chen Wenlong , Shi Fenglei , Xiang Qian , Shan Hao , Zhang Lifu , Tao Peng , Song Chengyi , Shang Wen , Deng Tao , Zhu Hong , Wu Jianbo
Published: January 2018

Ag3PO4nanoparticles are active ORR catalysts. DFT calculation revealed better ORR performance of Ag atom on the surface of Ag3PO4due to its enhanced O2adsorption. The highest ORR activity on {110} surface of rhombic dodecahedral Ag3PO4is 12 times active as Pt catalysts.
Fabrication of a cobalt phthalocyanine free-standing film on an ionic liquid surface for memory device applications
Authors: Xiao Yan , Zhang Long , Peng Fei , Pan Ge-Bo
Published: January 2018

The fabrication of a metal phthalocyanine (MPc) film with good transferability and exploitation of its properties are very important for further application.
Nanospace-confined preparation of uniform nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots for highly selective fluorescence dual-function determination of Fe3+and ascorbic acid
Authors: Xu Hongbo , Zhou Shenghai , Liu Jinyu , Wei Yajun
Published: January 2018

Nanospace-confined synthesis of N-GQDs was successfully achievedviaa mesoporous silica recycling and vapor cutting route for label-free fluorescence dual-function detection of Fe3+and AA.
Towards reliable quantification of hydroxyl radicals in the Fenton reaction using chemical probes
Authors: Rutely C. Burgos Castillo , Jean-M. Fontmorin , Walter Z. Tang , Xochitl Dominguez-Benetton , Mika Sillanpää
Published: January 2018

Quantification of hydroxyl radical concentration using two chemical probes was assessed through the Fenton reaction.