bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stumbling Towards the UK’s New Administrative Settlement: A Study of Competition Law Enforcement After Brexit
Authors: TOMLINSON Joe , LOVDAHL GORMSEN Liza
Published: July 2018

While there has been much talk of the role of parliaments and courts in the Brexit process, far less—indeed very little—has been said about the challenges facing the largest part of the UK government: the administrative branch. Whatever results from the UK’s negotiations with the EU, Brexit will likely necessitate wide-ranging and fast-paced administrative reform in the UK. In this article, we use a detailed case study of a particular part of administration—the Competition and Markets Authority (‘CMA’)—to highlight the nature and extent of the challenges facing administrative agencies. This case study is demonstrative as, while there is an extant UK competition administration structure, competition law and its enforcement are highly Europeanised. We propose that the challenges facing administrative bodies in the UK—including the CMA—can be understood as possessing three key dimensions: internal organisation issues; external coordination issues; and substantive legal issues. We argue that, in many instances, these three dimensions will be in tension which each other. That is to say, the reality of reforming administration post-Brexit will involve trade-offs between questions of internal organisation, external coordination, and substantive law.
Progression of heavy plates from stable falling to tumbling flight
Authors: Lau Edwin M. , Huang Wei-Xi , Xu Chun-Xiao
Published: July 2018

This study examines the transition of stable falling to tumbling flight for freely falling heavy plates in a two-dimensional viscous fluid, solved via direct numerical simulation with the immersed boundary method. The simulations are performed at a range of Reynolds number ($Re$) of up to 500 and a dimensionless moment of inertia ($I^{\ast }$) up to 10. It is found that a plate may settle to stable falling or develop into tumbling descent depending on the initial angle of release $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{0}$. The characteristics and performance that distinguish two flight states are investigated. This bistability is analysed with phase portraits and the region mapped across the regime of $I^{\ast }$ and $Re$ at a specific thickness ratio. In determining the flight state, the respective critical $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{0}$ is found to follow a power law through $I^{\ast }$ and $Re$. It is suggested that the changing slope of the lift curve that the plate undergoes sets the two flight states apart. Flow fields also reveal that the recirculation behind the plate is confined by the vortex structures and provides an additional rotation to the plate. An experiment is performed suggesting that bistability also occurs at Re ${\sim}O(10^{4})$. Other shapes are also simulated and the different bistable effects are discussed.
Amoebiasis in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Haghighi Ali , Riahi Seyed Mohammad , Taghipour Ali , Spotin Adel , Javanian Mostafa , Mohammadi Mohsen , Esmaeili Dooki Mohammadreza , Rostami Ali
Published: July 2018

A comprehensive meta-analysis study was performed to estimate the reliable national prevalence and molecular epidemiology of amoebiasis in Iran. Nine English and Persian databases were searched to achieve the relevant studies. Pooled estimates were generated and meta-regression was performed. We identified 71 eligible articles involving 330 930 subjects from 25 provinces to be included in the final analysis. Moreover, 17 studies compromising 462 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive isolates performed molecular analysis to inter-species differentiation. The pooled prevalence ofEntamoebainfection among Iranian population was about 1% (95% CI 0.8–2.0%). Moreover, regarding Human Development Index (HDI), a higher prevalence was observed in undeveloped provinces. Out of 462 PCR-positive isolates, 83% (95% CI 69–94%) and 12% (95% CI 3–24%) wereEntamoeba dispar,Entamoeba histolytica, respectively. In subgroup analysis based on molecular results, in general, population prevalence ofEntamoeba disparandE. histolyticawere 91% (95% CI 80–99%) and 7%, (95% CI 0–19%), respectively, while prevalence of these species in patients with gastrointestinal disorders were 75% (95% CI 45–96%) and 18% (95% CI 1–43%), respectively. Our findings indicate the low burden of amoebiasis in Iran.E. dispar, that is mostly non-pathogenic, was identified as most prevalent species. Nevertheless, we suggest more public health interventions in areas with lower HDI.
Is there association between human development index and tuberculosis mortality risk? Evidence from a spatial analysis study in the south of Brazil
Authors: Santos D. T. , Nunes C. , Alves L. S. , Queiroz A. A. R. , Miranda M. J. , Arroyo L. H. , Yamamura M. , Belchior A. S. , Popolin M. P. , Arcoverde M. A. M. , Berra T. Z. , Ramos A. C. V. , Pinto I. C. , Palha P. F. , Gabardo B. M. A. , Dessunti E. M. , Arcêncio R. A.
Published: July 2018

The goal of this study was to analyse the spatial pattern of tuberculosis (TB) mortality using different approaches, namely: mortality rates (MR), spatial relative risks (RR) and Bayesian rates (Global and Local) and their association with human development index (HDI), Global and its three dimensions: education, longevity and income. An ecological study was developed in Curitiba, Brazil based on data from Mortality Information System (2008–2014). Spatial scan statistics were used to compute RR and identify high-risk clusters. Bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Associations was used to assess associations. MR ranged between 0 and 25.24/100.000 with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.07 (2.66). Corresponding values for spatial RR were 0–27.46, 1.2 (2.99) and for Bayesian rates (Global and Local) were 0.49–1.66, 0.90 (0.19) and 0–6.59, 0.98 (0.80). High-risk clusters were identified for all variables, except for HDI-income and Global Bayesian rate. Significant negative spatial relations were found between MR and income; between RR and HDI global, longevity and income; and Bayesian rates with all variables. Some areas presented different patterns: low social development/low risk and high risk/high development. These results demonstrate that social development variables should be considered, in mortality due TB.
Parental stress and resilience in CHD: a new frontier for health disparities research
Authors: Lisanti Amy J.
Published: July 2018

Parental stress is a universal experience for parents who have children diagnosed with CHD and has been studied within the context of the child’s illness, but not through a broader health disparity lens. This paper provides a thorough synthesis of the current literature on parental stress addressing disparities in parents of children with CHD. Several theories and models from within this literature are described and a new comprehensive framework, the Parental Stress and Resilience in CHD Model, is presented. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.
Injectable antibacterial conductive nanocomposite cryogels with rapid shape recovery for noncompressible hemorrhage and wound healing
Authors: Zhao Xin , Guo Baolin , Wu Hao , Liang Yongping , Ma Peter X.
Published: July 2018

Developing injectable antibacterial and conductive shape memory hemostatic with high blood absorption and fast recovery for irregularly shaped and noncompressible hemorrhage remains a challenge. Here we report injectable antibacterial conductive cryogels based on carbon nanotube (CNT) and glycidyl methacrylate functionalized quaternized chitosan for lethal noncompressible hemorrhage hemostasis and wound healing. These cryogels present robust mechanical strength, rapid blood-triggered shape recovery and absorption speed, and high blood uptake capacity. Moreover, cryogels show better blood-clotting ability, higher blood cell and platelet adhesion and activation than gelatin sponge and gauze. Cryogel with 4 mg/mL CNT (QCSG/CNT4) shows better hemostatic capability than gauze and gelatin hemostatic sponge in mouse-liver injury model and mouse-tail amputation model, and better wound healing performance than Tegaderm™ film. Importantly, QCSG/CNT4 presents excellent hemostatic performance in rabbit liver defect lethal noncompressible hemorrhage model and even better hemostatic ability than Combat Gauze in standardized circular liver bleeding model.
Role of disordered bipolar complexions on the sulfur embrittlement of nickel general grain boundaries
Authors: Hu Tao , Yang Shengfeng , Zhou Naixie , Zhang Yuanyao , Luo Jian
Published: July 2018

Minor impurities can cause catastrophic fracture of normally ductile metals. Here, a classic example is represented by the sulfur embrittlement of nickel, whose atomic-level mechanism has puzzled researchers for nearly a century. In this study, coupled aberration-corrected electron microscopy and semi-grand-canonical-ensemble atomistic simulation reveal, unexpectedly, the universal formation of amorphous-like and bilayer-like facets at the same general grain boundaries. Challenging the traditional view, the orientation of the lower-Miller-index grain surface, instead of the misorientation, dictates the interfacial structure. We also find partial bipolar structural orders in both amorphous-like and bilayer-like complexions (a.k.a. thermodynamically two-dimensional interfacial phases), which cause brittle intergranular fracture. Such bipolar, yet largely disordered, complexions can exist in and affect the properties of various other materials. Beyond the embrittlement mechanism, this study provides deeper insight to better understand abnormal grain growth in sulfur-doped Ni, and generally enriches our fundamental understanding of performance-limiting and more disordered interfaces.
APC2 controls dendrite development by promoting microtubule dynamics
Authors: Kahn Olga I. , Schätzle Philipp , van de Willige Dieudonnée , Tas Roderick P. , Lindhout Feline W. , Portegies Sybren , Kapitein Lukas C. , Hoogenraad Casper C.
Published: July 2018

Mixed polarity microtubule organization is the signature characteristic of vertebrate dendrites. Oppositely oriented microtubules form the basis for selective cargo trafficking in neurons, however the mechanisms that establish and maintain this organization are unclear. Here, we show that APC2, the brain-specific homolog of tumor-suppressor protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), promotes dynamics of minus-end-out microtubules in dendrites. We found that APC2 localizes as distinct clusters along microtubule bundles in dendrites and that this localization is driven by LC8-binding and two separate microtubule-interacting domains. Depletion of APC2 reduces the plus end dynamics of minus-end-out oriented microtubules, increases microtubule sliding, and causes defects in dendritic morphology. We propose a model in which APC2 regulates dendrite development by promoting dynamics of minus-end-out microtubules.
Dynamic and programmable morphology and size evolution via a living hierarchical self-assembly strategy
Authors: Wang Xing , Gao Peiyuan , Yang Yanyu , Guo Hongxia , Wu Decheng
Published: July 2018

Recent advances in the preparation of shape-shifting and size-growing nanostructures are hot topics in development of nanoscience, because many intelligent functions are always relied on their shape and dimension. Here we report a tunable manipulation of sequential self-assembled transformation in situ via a hierarchical assembly strategy based on a living thiol–disulfide exchange reaction. By tailoring the external stimuli, the reactive points can be generated at the ends of initially unimolecular micelles, which subsequently drive the pre-assemblies to periodically proceed into the hierarchically micellar connection, axial growth, bending, and cyclization processes from nanoscopic assemblies to macroscopic particles. Of particular interest would be systems that acquired the shape control and size adjustment of self-assemblies after termination or reactivation of disulfide reshuffling reaction by regulating external stimuli whenever needed. Such a hierarchical strategy for self-assembled evolution is universally applicable not only for other disulfide-linked dendritic polymers but also for exploitation of biological applications.
A potentially abundant junctional RNA motif stabilized by m6A and Mg2+
Authors: Liu Bei , Merriman Dawn K. , Choi Seung H. , Schumacher Maria A. , Plangger Raphael , Kreutz Christoph , Horner Stacy M. , Meyer Kate D. , Al-Hashimi Hashim M.
Published: July 2018

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant post-transcriptional RNA modification that influences multiple aspects of gene expression. In addition to recruiting proteins, m6A can modulate RNA function by destabilizing base pairing. Here, we show that when neighbored by a 5ʹ bulge, m6A stabilizes m6A–U base pairs, and global RNA structure by ~1 kcal mol−1. The bulge most likely provides the flexibility needed to allow optimal stacking between the methyl group and 3ʹ neighbor through a conformation that is stabilized by Mg2+. A bias toward this motif can help explain the global impact of methylation on RNA structure in transcriptome-wide studies. While m6A embedded in duplex RNA is poorly recognized by the YTH domain reader protein and m6A antibodies, both readily recognize m6A in this newly identified motif. The results uncover potentially abundant and functional m6A motifs that can modulate the epitranscriptomic structure landscape with important implications for the interpretation of transcriptome-wide data.
Responsible sharing of biomedical data and biospecimens via the “Automatable Discovery and Access Matrix” (ADA-M)
Authors: Woolley J. Patrick , Kirby Emily , Leslie Josh , Jeanson Francis , Cabili Moran N. , Rushton Gregory , Hazard James G. , Ladas Vagelis , Veal Colin D. , Gibson Spencer J. , Tassé Anne-Marie , Dyke Stephanie O. M. , Gaff Clara , Thorogood Adrian , Knoppers Bartha Maria , Wilbanks John , Brookes Anthony J.
Published: July 2018

Given the data-rich nature of modern biomedical research, there is a pressing need for a systematic, structured, computer-readable way to capture, communicate, and manage sharing rules that apply to biomedical resources. This is essential for responsible recording, versioning, communication, querying, and actioning of resource sharing plans. However, lack of a common “information model” for rules and conditions that govern the sharing of materials, methods, software, data, and knowledge creates a fundamental barrier. Without this, it can be virtually impossible for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), Data Access Committees (DACs), biobanks, and end users to confidently track, manage, and interpret applicable legal and ethical requirements. This raises costs and burdens of data stewardship and decreases efficient and responsible access to data, biospecimens, and other resources. To address this, the GA4GH and IRDiRC organizations sponsored the creation of the Automatable Discovery and Access Matrix (ADA-M, read simply as “Adam”). ADA-M is a comprehensive information model that provides the basis for producing structured metadata “Profiles” of regulatory conditions, thereby enabling efficient application of those conditions across regulatory spheres. Widespread use of ADA-M will aid researchers in globally searching and prescreening potential data and/or biospecimen resources for compatibility with their research plans in a responsible and efficient manner, increasing likelihood of timely DAC approvals while also significantly reducing time and effort DACs, RECs, and IRBs spend evaluating resource requests and research proposals. Extensive online documentation, software support, video guides, and an Application Programming Interface (API) for ADA-M have been made available.
Author Correction: Lack of metabolism in (R)-ketamine’s antidepressant actions in a chronic social defeat stress model
Authors: Zhang Kai , Fujita Yuko , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Subcellular Imaging of Liquid Silicone Coated-Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nirmalraj Peter , Lehner Roman , Thompson Damien , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara , Mayer Michael
Published: July 2018

Surface contamination and the formation of water bridge at the nanoscopic contact between an atomic force microscope tip and cell surface limits the maximum achievable spatial resolution on cells under ambient conditions. Structural information from fixed intestinal epithelial cell membrane is enhanced by fabricating a silicone liquid membrane that prevents ambient contaminants and accumulation of water at the interface between the cell membrane and the tip of an atomic force microscope. The clean and stable experimental platform permits the visualisation of the structure and orientation of microvilli present at the apical cell membrane under standard laboratory conditions together with registering topographical features within a microvillus. The method developed here can be implemented for preserving and imaging contaminant-free morphology of fixed cells which is central for both fundamental studies in cell biology and in the emerging field of digital pathology.
Evaluation of in vitro neuronal platforms as surrogates for in vivo whole brain systems
Authors: Belle Anna M. , Enright Heather A. , Sales Ana Paula , Kulp Kristen , Osburn Joanne , Kuhn Edward A. , Fischer Nicholas O. , Wheeler Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2018

Quantitatively benchmarking similarities and differences between the in vivo central nervous system and in vitro neuronal cultures can qualify discrepancies in functional responses and establish the utility of in vitro platforms. In this work, extracellular electrophysiology responses of cortical neurons in awake, freely-moving animals were compared to in vitro cultures of dissociated cortical neurons. After exposure to two well-characterized drugs, atropine and ketamine, a number of key points were observed: (1) significant differences in spontaneous firing activity for in vivo and in vitro systems, (2) similar response trends in single-unit spiking activity after exposure to atropine, and (3) greater sensitivity to the effects of ketamine in vitro. While in vitro cultures of dissociated cortical neurons may be appropriate for many types of pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that for some drugs, such as ketamine, this system may not fully capture the responses observed in vivo. Understanding the functionality associated with neuronal cultures will enhance the relevance of electrophysiology data sets and more accurately frame their conclusions. Comparing in vivo and in vitro rodent systems will provide the critical framework necessary for developing and interpreting in vitro systems using human cells that strive to more closely recapitulate human in vivo function and response.
Microphotonic needle for minimally invasive endoscopic imaging with sub-cellular resolution
Authors: Tadayon Mohammad Amin , Pavlova Ina , Martyniuk Kelly Marie , Mohanty Aseema , Roberts Samantha Pamela , Barbosa Felippe , Denny Christine Ann , Lipson Michal
Published: July 2018

Ultra-compact micro-optical elements for endoscopic instruments and miniaturized microscopes allow for non-invasive and non-destructive examination of microstructures and tissues. With sub-cellular level resolution such instruments could provide immediate diagnosis that is virtually consistent with a histologic diagnosis enabling for example to differentiate the boundaries between malignant and benign tissue. Such instruments are now being developed at a rapid rate; however, current manufacturing technologies limit the instruments to very large sizes, well beyond the sub-mm sizes required in order to ensure minimal tissue damage. We show here a platform based on planar microfabrication and soft lithography that overcomes the limitation of current optical elements enabling single cell resolution. We show the ability to resolve lithographic features that are as small as 2 μm using probes with a cross section that is only 100 microns in size. We also show the ability to image individual activated neural cells in brain slices via our fabricated probe.
Differentially Methylated Genes in Saliva are linked to Childhood Stress
Authors: Papale Ligia A. , Seltzer Leslie J. , Madrid Andy , Pollak Seth D. , Alisch Reid S.
Published: July 2018

Chronic and severe stress exposure in early childhood is associated with the development of psychiatric disorders. Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poorly understood. Here, we profile molecular marks (DNA methylation and gene expression) throughout the human genome to determine the associations between childhood stress exposure and gene regulation. To do so, we collected saliva tissue from prepubertal girls (mean age 10.9 ± 1.26 years) who had experienced different levels of childhood adversity, ranging from mild to severe. We found 122 differentially methylated genes (FDR P-value < 0.05) associated with high childhood stress exposures that affect brain development. Of these differentially methylated genes, 12 also differed in gene expression. To further investigate the potential effects of stress exposure on gene regulation, we examined the DNA sequences flanking all the differentially methylated loci. This analysis revealed enrichment of known binding sites for transcription factors, suggesting that DNA methylation may regulate gene expression by mediating transcription factor binding on these genes. Together, these findings indicate a possible neuromolecular mechanism linking children’s social experiences with risk for anxiety and depressive disorders.
Network-based genetic investigation of virulence-associated phenotypes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kim Chan Yeong , Lee Muyoung , Lee Keehoon , Yoon Sang Sun , Lee Insuk
Published: July 2018

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium that causes a wide range of infections. Recently, the spread of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains has seriously reduced antibiotic treatment options. Anti-virulence strategies, the objective of which is to target the virulence instead of the viability of the pathogen, have become widely accepted as a means of avoiding the emergence of new antibiotic-resistant strains. To increase the number of anti-virulence therapeutic options, it is necessary to identify as many novel virulence-associated genes as possible in MRSA. Co-functional networks have proved useful for mapping gene-to-phenotype associations in various organisms. Herein, we present StaphNet (www.inetbio.org/staphnet), a genome-scale co-functional network for an MRSA strain, S. aureus subsp. USA300_FPR3757. StaphNet, which was constructed by the integration of seven distinct types of genomics data within a Bayesian statistics framework, covers approximately 94% of the coding genome with a high degree of accuracy. We implemented a companion web server for network-based gene prioritization of the phenotypes of 31 different S. aureus strains. We demonstrated that StaphNet can effectively identify genes for virulence-associated phenotypes in MRSA. These results suggest that StaphNet can facilitate target discovery for the development of anti-virulence drugs to treat MRSA infection.
Exosome-associated Shiga toxin 2 is released from cells and causes severe toxicity in mice
Authors: Watanabe-Takahashi Miho , Yamasaki Shinji , Murata Masayuki , Kano Fumi , Motoyama Jun , Yamate Jyoji , Omi Jumpei , Sato Waka , Ukai Hirofumi , Shimasaki Kentaro , Ikegawa Masaya , Tamura-Nakano Miwa , Yanoshita Ryohei , Nishino Yuri , Miyazawa Atsuo , Natori Yasuhiro , Toyama-Sorimachi Noriko , Nishikawa Kiyotaka
Published: July 2018

Shiga toxin (Stx), a major virulence factor of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), is classified into two subgroups, Stx1 and Stx2. Clinical data clearly indicate that Stx2 is associated with more severe toxicity than Stx1, but the molecular mechanism underlying this difference is not fully understood. Here, we found that after being incorporated into target cells, Stx2, can be transported by recycling endosomes, as well as via the regular retrograde transport pathway. However, transport via recycling endosome did not occur with Stx1. We also found that Stx2 is actively released from cells in a receptor-recognizing B-subunit dependent manner. Part of the released Stx2 is associated with microvesicles, including exosome markers (referred to as exo-Stx2), whose origin is in the multivesicular bodies that formed from late/recycling endosomes. Finally, intravenous administration of exo-Stx2 to mice causes more lethality and tissue damage, especially severe renal dysfunction and tubular epithelial cell damage, compared to a free form of Stx2. Thus, the formation of exo-Stx2 might contribute to the severity of Stx2 in vivo, suggesting new therapeutic strategies against EHEC infections.
Molecular identification and characterization of rhodaneses from the insect herbivore Pieris rapae
Authors: Steiner Anna-Maria , Busching Christine , Vogel Heiko , Wittstock Ute
Published: July 2018

The association of cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spec., Lepidoptera: Pieridae) with their glucosinolate-containing host plants represents a well-investigated example of the sequential evolution of plant defenses and insect herbivore counteradaptations. The defensive potential of glucosinolates, a group of amino acid-derived thioglucosides present in plants of the Brassicales order, arises mainly from their rapid breakdown upon tissue disruption resulting in formation of toxic isothiocyanates. Larvae of P. rapae are able to feed exclusively on glucosinolate-containing plants due to expression of a nitrile-specifier protein in their gut which redirects glucosinolate breakdown to the formation of nitriles. The release of equimolar amounts of cyanide upon further metabolism of the benzylglucosinolate-derived nitrile suggests that the larvae are also equipped with efficient means of cyanide detoxification such as β-cyanoalanine synthases or rhodaneses. While insect β-cyanoalanine synthases have recently been identified at the molecular level, no sequence information was available of characterized insect rhodaneses. Here, we identify and characterize two single-domain rhodaneses from P. rapae, PrTST1 and PrTST2. The enzymes differ in their kinetic properties, predicted subcellular localization and expression in P. rapae indicating different physiological roles. Phylogenetic analysis together with putative lepidopteran rhodanese sequences indicates an expansion of the rhodanese family in Pieridae.
Dry Spin Graphene Oxide Fibers: Mechanical/Electrical Properties and Microstructure Evolution
Authors: Feng Lichao , Chang Ying , Zhong Jing , Jia De-Chang
Published: July 2018

Dry-spinning method is extensively employed in fiber industry, comparing to the counter-part of wet-spinning process, it has advantages of environmentally friendly, high yield rate and no need for purification. Here, we report the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) fibers via dry spinning GO inks with extremely high concentrations. The proper rheology properties of such GO inks allow us to dry spin GO fiber directly. Various dry spinning conditions are investigated, and the relationship between mechanical performance and micro-structure of the obtained GO fiber are established. We found that the existence of larger GO liquid crystal domains does not necessarily result to higher mechanical properties, and it is because those large GO liquid crystal domains evolve into thick GO films during drying process and thus prevent the intimate compaction of the whole GOF and leave behind gaps. This is detrimental for the mechanical properties, and thus the dry spin GOF are much weaker than that of wet spin ones. Importantly, Barus effects, that generally arise during the melt spinning of polymers, were not observed, indicating that caution must be taken when classical polymer rheology theories are applied to investigate the dynamic behaviors of GO solution.
Differences in biochemical markers between Heart-transplanted and Left Ventricular Assist Device implanted patients, during cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Racca Vittorio , Castiglioni Paolo , Panzarino Claudia , Saresella Marina , Marventano Ivana , Verde Alessandro , Oliva Fabrizio , Ferratini Maurizio
Published: July 2018

Heart transplant (HTx) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant are the best options for symptomatic end stage heart failure, but LVAD patients show lower rehabilitative outcome than HTx patients. To investigate the causes, we compared biomarkers levels and their association with rehabilitative outcome in 51 HTx and in 46 LVAD patients entering the same cardiac rehabilitation program. In both groups, routine biomarkers were measured at start (T1) and end (T2) of cardiac rehabilitation while homocysteine, leptine and IGF-1 were measured at T1 only. HTx patients had lower lymphocyte, platelets, glucose, total proteins and albumin at T1; differences with LVAD patients vanished during rehabilitation when new cases of diabetes were observed in HTx. By contrast, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL fractions, leptin and IGF-1 were higher in HTx patients. The increase from T1 to T2 in six-minute walking test distance, measure of functional rehabilitation outcome, was positively associated with homocysteine and IGF-1 levels in HTx patients. In conclusion, during rehabilitation care should be paid to the early occurrence of dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in HTx patients, which also require a proper protein dietary support. IGF-1, dangerously low in LVAD patients, might contribute to their lower rehabilitative outcome.
Diet induced maternal obesity affects offspring gut microbiota and persists into young adulthood
Authors: Guo Yanjie , Wang Zhenling , Chen Liang , Tang Li , Wen Shu , Liu Yinhui , Yuan Jieli
Published: July 2018

Accumulating evidence suggests that diet could shape the host gut microbiome composition.
A functional preservation strategy for the production of highly photoluminescent emerald carbon dots for lysosome targeting and lysosomal pH imaging
Authors: Zhang Qian Qian , Yang Tong , Li Rong Sheng , Zou Hong Yan , Li Yuan Fang , Guo Jian , Liu Xi Dong , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: July 2018

Emerald carbon dots prepared at room temperature can actively target lysosomes owing to their amino groups from a functional preservation strategy (FPS).
Pulling lipid tubes from supported bilayers unveils the underlying substrate contribution to the membrane mechanics
Authors: Gumí-Audenis Berta , Costa Luca , Ferrer-Tasies Lidia , Ratera Imma , Ventosa Nora , Sanz Fausto , Giannotti Marina I.
Published: July 2018

Pulling lipid tubes with an atomic force microscope from supported lipid bilayers explores the substrate contribution to the membrane nanomechanics.
Hierarchical self-assembled Bi2S3 hollow nanotubes coated with sulfur-doped amorphous carbon as advanced anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Dong Yucheng , Hu Mingjun , Zhang Zhenyu , Zapien Juan Antonio , Wang Xin , Lee Jong-Min
Published: July 2018

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) is considered as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical specific capacity and intriguing reaction mechanism.
Multichromophore arrays of dibenzotetraaza[14]annulene: a promising platform for bioorganic chemistry
Authors: Zwoliński Krzysztof M. , Eilmes Julita
Published: July 2018

The first series of discrete multichromophore DBTAA arrays have been synthesized from the parent macrocycle and its asymmetrical relatives in 40–46% isolated yields.
Synthesis of α-oxygenated β,γ-unsaturated ketones by a catalytic rearrangement strategy
Authors: Lempenauer Luisa , Soupart Aline , Duñach Elisabet , Lemière Gilles
Published: July 2018

A straightforward two-step entry to α-oxgenated β,γ-unsaturated ketones from readily available α,β-unsaturated ketones is disclosed.
Covalently-functionalized graphene oxide via introduction of bifunctional phosphorus-containing molecules as an effective flame retardant for polystyrene
Authors: Dai Kang , Sun Shuai , Xu Wenbin , Song Yuan , Deng Zhenzhen , Qian Xiaodong
Published: July 2018

A covalently-functionalized graphene oxide with excellent flame retardancy was successfully prepared.
Electrical and thermal properties of silver nanowire fabricated on a flexible substrate by two-beam laser direct writing for designing a thermometer
Authors: He Gui-Cang , Lu Heng , Dong Xian-Zi , Zhang Yong-Liang , Liu Jie , Xie Chang-Qing , Zhao Zhen-Sheng
Published: July 2018

Investigation of temperature dependence of electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and Lorenz number of silver nanowire, and design of a thermometer.
Experimental study of the protective effect of mesosilica-supported 5-hydroxymethylfurfural on UV-induced aging of human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Niu Xueming , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Long , Quan Yunyun , Wei Kun
Published: July 2018

The drug 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural, C6H6O3) is extensively studied for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Insights into the interaction mechanism between tiagabine hydrochloride and two serum albumins
Authors: Zhuo Weiling , Peng Xilin , Lin Xiang
Published: July 2018

Tiagabine could bind in Sudlow site II of HSA and BSA.
Fabrication of a scratch & heat resistant superhydrophobic SiO2 surface with self-cleaning and semi-transparent performance
Authors: Zhao Xiaolu , Li Ji , Li Qiao , Qiao Liang , Zhang Lei , Liu Zhu , Yang Chunhui
Published: July 2018

The semi-transparent coating maintained superhydrophobicity at 350 °C for at least 4 h and showed remarkable self-cleaning behavior.
Aromatic heterocycle galectin-1 interactions for selective single-digit nM affinity ligands
Authors: Peterson Kristoffer , Collins Patrick M. , Huang Xiaoli , Kahl-Knutsson Barbro , Essén Sofia , Zetterberg Fredrik R. , Oredsson Stina , Leffler Hakon , Blanchard Helen , Nilsson Ulf J.
Published: July 2018

A series of 3-triazole-thiogalactosides and 3,3′-triazole-thiodigalactosides substituted with different five-membered heterocycles at the C-4 triazole position were found to have high selectivity for galectin-1.
P-Stereodefined phosphorothioate analogs of glycol nucleic acids—synthesis and structural properties
Authors: Tomaszewska-Antczak Agnieszka , Jastrzębska Katarzyna , Maciaszek Anna , Mikołajczyk Barbara , Guga Piotr
Published: July 2018

The stability of P-stereodefined PS-(DNA/GNA) duplexes depends on the stereochemistry of the phosphorus centers and arrangement of –GNPS– units in the strands.
Bulk synthesis of silver-head colloidal rodlike micromotors
Authors: Gao Yongxiang , Dullens Roel P. A. , Aarts Dirk G. A. L.
Published: July 2018

Silver–silica Janus rods synthesized via a pickering emulsion display pronounced self-propelled motion even at ultralow fuel concentrations.
Effect of biaxiality on chirality in chiral nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Yu Meina , Jiang Yingfei , Shin Yonho , Jiang Jinghua , Yang Huai , Zhang Hongwei , Xue Jiuzhi , Li Quan , Yang Deng-Ke
Published: July 2018

Biaxiality and chirality are two of the most interesting topics in materials and biological science, particularly in liquid crystals. They are related and enhance each other.
LBT/ARGOS adaptive optics observations of z ∼ 2 lensed galaxies
Authors: Perna M. , Curti M. , Cresci G. , Mannucci F. , Rabien S. , Grillo C. , Belli S. , Bonaglia M. , Busoni L. , Contursi A. , Esposito S. , Georgiev I. , Lutz D. , Orban de Xivry G. , Zibetti S. , Gaessler W. , Mazzoni T. , Borelli J. , Rosensteiner M. , Ziegleder J. , Buschkamp P. , Rahmer G. , Kulas M. , Peter D. , Raab W. , Deysenroth M. , Gemperlein H.
Published: July 2018

Aims. Gravitationally lensed systems allow a detailed view of galaxies at high redshift. High spatial- and spectral-resolution measurements of arc-like structures can offer unique constraints on the physical and dynamical properties of high-z systems.

Methods. We present near-infrared spectra centred on the gravitational arcs of six known z ∼ 2 lensed star-forming galaxies of stellar masses of 109−11 M⊙ and star formation rate (SFR) in the range between 10 and 400 M⊙ yr−1. Ground layer adaptive optics (AO)-assisted observations are obtained at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) with the LUCI spectrographs during the commissioning of the ARGOS facility. We used MOS masks with curved slits to follow the extended arched structures and study the diagnostic emission lines. LBT observations are used to demonstrate the spectroscopic capabilities of ARGOS.

Results. Combining spatially resolved kinematic properties across the arc-like morphologies, emission line diagnostics and archival information, we distinguish between merging and rotationally supported systems, and reveal the possible presence of ejected gas. For galaxies that have evidence for outflows, we derive outflow energetics and mass-loading factors compatible with those observed for stellar winds in local and high-z galaxies. We also use flux ratio diagnostics to derive gas-phase metallicities. The low signal-to-noise ratio in the faint Hβ and nitrogen lines allows us to derive an upper limit of ≈0.15 dex for the spatial variations in metallicity along the slit for the lensed galaxy J1038.

Conclusions. Analysed near-infrared spectra presented here represent the first scientific demonstration of performing AO-assisted multi-object spectroscopy with narrow curved-shape slits. The increased angular and spectral resolution, combined with the binocular operation mode with the 8.4 m wide eyes of LBT, will allow the characterisation of kinematic and chemical properties of a large sample of galaxies at high-z in the near future.
W 50 and SS 433
Authors: Bowler Michael G. , Keppens Rony
Published: July 2018

Context. The Galactic microquasar SS 433 launches oppositely directed jets at speeds approximately a quarter of the speed of light. These appear to have punched through and beyond the supposed supernova remnant shell W 50. The problems with this interpretation are: (i) the precessing jets have somehow been collimated before reaching the shell; (ii) without deceleration, only recently launched jets would have reached no further; and (iii) certain features in the lobes are moving slowly or are stationary.

Aims. Hydrodynamic computations have demonstrated that for at least one set of parameters describing the ambient medium, jets that diverge and precess are both decelerated and collimated; the conformation of W 50 could then have been sculpted by the jets of SS 433. However, the parameters adopted for density and pressure in these computations are not consistent with observations of jets at a few years old; nor do they represent conditions within a supernova remnant. Our aim is to investigate whether the computations already performed can be scaled to a realistic W 50.

Methods. We find simple and physically based scaling relations. The distance to collimation varies inversely with the square root of the pressure of the ambient medium and the speed with which the head of a collimated jet propagates scales with the square root of the temperature. We extrapolate the results of the hydrodynamic computations to lower densities and pressures.

Results. The jets of SS 433, launched into an ambient medium of pressure ~10−9 erg cm−3 and temperature ~108 K, within a supernova remnant, could be responsible for the characteristics of W 50. The precessing jets are collimated within ~10 pc and the head of the resulting cylindrical jet propagates slowly.

Conclusions. The problems of relating W 50 to SS 433 may now be solved.
Effective performance improvement of organic thin film transistors by using tri-layer insulators
Authors: Ni Yao , Zhou Jianlin , Hao Yuanyuan , Yu Hang , Li Yanyun , Ruan Zhenzhen , Gan Ping
Published: July 2018

Organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with silicon oxide (SiO2)/poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP)/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) tri-layer structure (SPP) as dielectric layers have been fabricated. To verify the validity of such tri-layer structure, two different organic semiconductor materials such as p-type pentacene and n-type fluorinated copper phthalo–cyanine (F16CuPc) are both used for fabricating OTFTs. Comparing with the OTFTs even by using PMMA modification, the better interface quality existing between SPP dielectric and organic film leads a higher conductive efficiency for transport carriers in channel. And then the field effect carriers (hole in pentacene OTFTs and electron in F16CuPc OTFTs) mobilities are both increased obviously. Our results show the SPP dielectric structure can be widely used to improve performance of OTFTs.
A variant of the plane wave least squares method for the time-harmonic Maxwell’s equations
Authors: Hu Qiya , Song Rongrong
Published: July 2018

In this paper we are concerned with the plane wave method for the discretization of time-harmonic Maxwell’s equations in three dimensions. As pointed out in Hiptmair et al. (Math. Comput. 82 (2013) 247–268), it is difficult to derive a satisfactory L2 error estimate of the standard plane wave approximation of the time-harmonic Maxwell’s equations. We propose a variant of the plane wave least squares (PWLS) method and show that the new plane wave approximations yield the desired L2 error estimate. Moreover, the numerical results indicate that the new approximations have sightly smaller L2 errors than the standard plane wave approximations. More importantly, the results are derived for more general models in inhomogeneous media.
Fonction argumentative et fonction figurative de l’analogie : quelle relation entre l’argument par analogie et l’argument par métaphore ?
Authors: Monneret Philippe
Published: July 2018

La question de l’argument par analogie est abordée non pas dans le cadre des théories de l’argumentation mais dans celui d’une théorie de l’analogie. Ce changement de perspective conduit à une clarification de ce type d’argument reposant sur la mise en évidence de deux distinctions cruciales : la distinction entre similarité et analogie d’une part, entre fonction discursive et fonction figurative de l’analogie d’autre part. Ces distinctions permettent de clarifier la relation qui existe entre argument par analogie et argument par métaphore.
Annonces des ’journées portes ouvertes’ : style concis et présence énonciative
Authors: Adler Silvia
Published: July 2018

Un coup d’oeil rapide sur les annonces des journées portes ouvertes 2016 d’une vingtaine d’établissements de l’enseignement supérieur en France suffit pour identifier non seulement le style laconique ou dense du message, mais aussi le recours à un plan d’énonciation en toute apparence neutre, dont le matériau informatif « objectif » semble constituer l’essentiel de l’affiche, ainsi que l’essentiel du contenu de la page d’atterrissage. Face à cette situation apparente de ’dégagement’ du matériel promotionnel, je me questionnerai sur les traces et les modes d’action de la présence énonciative.
Plurilinguisme, multimodalité et compétence d’interaction : parler de nombres dans des interactions commerciales entre locuteurs de langues romanes
Authors: Piccoli Vanessa
Published: July 2018

En adoptant une approche conversationnaliste, cette contribution étudie comment les participants parlent de prix et d’autres quantités numériques exactes lors de rencontres commerciales entre des locuteurs de langues romanes. Par le biais d’une analyse séquentielle et multimodale de données audiovisuelles d’interactions naturelles, cet article montre que, quand ils parlent de nombres, les participants utilisent une variété spécialement large de pratiques pour atteindre l’intercompréhension : des gestes, à la mobilisation de supports écrits, au recours à d’autres langues. Faisant ainsi, ils montrent leur créativité, leur flexibilité et leur conscience par rapport au contexte de communication. Nous considérons ainsi ces pratiques plurilingues et multimodales comme des marques d’une compétence d’interaction plurilingue.
Entre routine conversationnelle et marqueur de discours : les usages depardondans certains français africains
Authors: Drescher Martina
Published: July 2018

La dynamique du français en Afrique touche non seulement son lexique et sa grammaire, mais aussi son dispositif énonciatif, ses modes d’organisation du discours et, de façon générale, son niveau pragmaticodiscursif. Partant de données recueillies au Cameroun et au Burkina Faso, l’étude se focalise sur les emplois interjectifs depardon, qui semble évoluer d’une routine conversationnelle conversationnelle destinée à la gestion de l’interpersonnel vers un marqueur de discours avec des fonctions plus proprement discursives. Ces glissements dans le sens pragmatico-discursif depardonvont de pair avec un élargissement de son champ fonctionnel. Équivalent des’il vous plaîtdans de nombreux contextes, il s’annexe ses valeurs d’emphase et de focalisation tout en contribuant à la structuration de l’énoncé. Sans prétendre à l’exhaustivité, la présente étude vise une première systématisation des fonctions discursives depardondans les français camerounais et burkinabé. Pour conclure, elle revient sur la question de savoir si ces modifications fonctionnelles depardonsont dues à des interférences avec les langues de contact ou si elles renvoient plus globalement à des conventions de politesse et partant à une culture différente.
Les « emprunts urbains contemporains » : une approche sociolinguistique d’un phénomène lexical
Authors: Guerin Emmanuelle
Published: July 2018

L’observation des pratiques illustrant le vernaculaire urbain contemporain, tel qu’il émerge notamment dans les quartiers populaires et multiculturels d’Île de France, met en évidence l’intégration de nombreux mots étrangers issus de l’anglais et des langues de l’immigration. Parmi ces dernières, l’arabe y occupe une place privilégiée. Cette contribution met en lumière la spécificité de ce type d’emprunts qui suggère une opération interprétative qui repose autant, voire plus, sur le principe même d’emprunt à une langue donnée, dont la sélection déclenche un cadre de références implicitement partagé par les locuteurs, que sur le sens du mot dans la langue d’origine. En somme, on montre, à partir des données issues du corpusMulticultural Paris French(MPF), que ces emprunts urbains contemporains sont observables en tenant compte d’implications d’ordre pragmatique. Cette étude s’inscrit dans une démarche plus globale d’objectivation du discours sur les pratiques langagières de certains locuteurs, encore trop souvent exclues du champ de variation de la langue française.
La lexicographie associative : vers un nouveau dictionnaire français des associations évoquées par les mots
Authors: Debrenne Michèle
Published: July 2018

L’article présente une nouvelle étape du projet de création du Dictionnaire associatif du français, dans lequel sont notées les associations évoquées par les mots telles qu’elles sont collectées grâce à des questionnaires de fixation de la première réponse à un stimulus. Nous nous proposons de tenir compte de l’expérience acquise au cours des dix dernières années et des avancées des humanités numériques pour automatiser au maximum la collecte et surtout le traitement des grands massifs de données, de les comparer avec les données précédentes et de visualiser les résultats obtenus.