bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Participation of Older Adults with Cognitive Deficits Post-stroke: Types of Help and Caregiver Burden
Authors: Viscogliosi Chantal , Desrosiers Johanne , Belleville Sylvie
Published: February 2019

Cette étude a examiné les types d’aide fournis par des proches aidants qui visaient à optimiser la participation de personnes aînées ayant des déficits cognitifs (personnes aidées) consécutifs à un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC), et la façon dont ces types d’aide différaient selon le niveau de fardeau des proches aidants. Un devis longitudinal mixte a été utilisé. Douze proches aidants d’aînés ayant subi un AVC ont complété un questionnaire sur le fardeau du proche aidant et ont participé à des entrevues semi-structurées qui ont été réalisées trois semaines, trois mois et six mois suivant le congé de l’hôpital (soins aigus), de l’unité de réadaptation fonctionnelle intensive ou de l’hôpital de jour. Les personnes aidées ont passé des tests cognitifs et ont rempli un questionnaire sur la participation sociale. Les types d’aide fournis par les proches aidants ont différé selon la quantité d’aide apportée, selon le niveau de préoccupation associé au bien-être de la personne aidée et selon l’impact sur la vie sociale du proche aidant. Il est intéressant de constater que les types d’aide favorisant la participation, l’estime de soi et le maintien des capacités n’étaient pas associés à un impact négatif sur la vie sociale des proches aidants. Une meilleure compréhension des relations entre les différents types d’aide et le fardeau des proches aidants permettrait d’optimiser le soutien fourni pour la participation sociale d’aînés ayant subi un AVC sans augmenter le fardeau de leurs proches aidants.
Resident-Level Factors Associated with Hospitalization Rates for Newly Admitted Long-Term Care Residents in Canada: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: McArthur Caitlin , Rostami Mehdi , Saarela Olli , Suria Mohammad Owais , Feng Cindy , Berg Katherine
Published: February 2019

Chez les résidents en soins de longue durée (SLD), l’hospitalisation peut amener des complications telles que le déclin fonctionnel. L’objectif de notre étude était d’examiner l’association entre les données démographiques et de santé et le taux d’hospitalisation des résidents nouvellement admis en SLD. Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective incluant tous les centres de SLD de six provinces et d’un territoire du Canada, à l’aide des données de la RAI-MDS 2.0 et de la Discharge Abstract Database. Nous avons inclus les résidents nouvellement admis ayant eu une évaluation entre le 1er janvier et le 31 décembre 2013 (n = 37 998). Les résidents de sexe masculin avec une santé plus instable et une déficience fonctionnelle de modérée à grave présentaient des taux d’hospitalisation plus élevés, tandis que les résidents avec une déficience cognitive de modérée à grave avaient des taux moindres. Les résultats de notre étude pourraient contribuer à l’identification des résidents nouvellement admis qui seraient plus à risque d’hospitalisation et à l’élaboration de stratégies préventives plus ciblées, incluant la réadaptation, la planification préalable de soins, les soins palliatifs et les services gériatriques spécialisés.
Business Interests and the Shape of the U.S. Welfare State: From the Insurance Company Model to Comprehensive Reform
Authors: Chapin Christy Ford
Published: February 2019

Peter Swenson's excellent article is a welcome correction to the consensus argument so often found in welfare state literature. That interpretation depicts a never-ending, dualistic struggle between capitalists and “the people,” as represented by welfare reformers. Swenson sorts through the evidence surrounding post-1960 health care debates, particularly Medicare, to demonstrate that “business” is not a fixed, homogeneous group that conforms neatly to class-based analysis. He finds significant business backing for federal programming and also shows that where trade associations took conservative, anti-reform stands, they often did so without strong member support.
Quantifying Uncertainty from Mass-Peak Overlaps in Atom Probe Microscopy
Authors: London Andrew J.
Published: February 2019

There are many sources of random and systematic error in composition quantification by atom probe microscopy, often, however, only statistical error is reported. Significantly larger errors can occur from the misidentification of ions and overlaps or interferences of peaks in the mass spectrum. These overlaps can be solved using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), improving the accuracy of the result, but with an unknown effect on the precision. An analytical expression for the uncertainty of the MLE solution is presented and it is demonstrated to be much more accurate than the existing methods. In one example, the commonly used error estimate was five times too small.

Literature results containing overlaps most likely underestimate composition uncertainty because of the complexity of correctly dealing with stochastic effects and error propagation. The uncertainty depends on the amount of overlapped intensity, for example being ten times worse for the CO/Fe overlap than the Cr/Fe overlap. Using the methods described here, accurate estimation of error, and the minimization of this could be achieved, providing a key milestone in quantitative atom probe. Accurate estimation of the composition uncertainty in the presence of overlaps is crucial for planning experiments and scientific interpretation of the measurements.
OPTIMAL INVESTMENT AND CONSUMPTION WITH STOCHASTIC FACTOR AND DELAY
Authors: LI L. , MI H.
Published: February 2019

We analyse an optimal portfolio and consumption problem with stochastic factor and delay over a finite time horizon. The financial market includes a risk-free asset, a risky asset and a stochastic factor. The price process of the risky asset is modelled as a stochastic differential delay equation whose coefficients vary according to the stochastic factor; the drift also depends on its historical performance. Employing the stochastic dynamic programming approach, we establish the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation. Then we solve the optimal investment and consumption strategies for the power utility function. We also consider a special case in which the price process of the stochastic factor degenerates into a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross model. Finally, the effects of the delay variable on the optimal strategies are discussed and some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the results.
Fraction-specific post-treatment quality assurance for active breath-hold radiation therapy
Authors: Thiyagarajan Rajesh , Nambiraj Arunai , Manigandan Durai , Singaravelu Tamilseivan , Selvaraj Rajesh , Kataria Tejinder
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate variation in the treatment hold pattern and quantify its dosimetric impact in breath-hold radiotherapy, using fraction-specific post-treatment quality assurance.

Material and Methods

A patient with lung mets treated using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with active breath coordinator (ABC) was recruited for the study. Treatment beam hold conditions were recorded for all the 25 fractions. The linearity and reproducibility of the dosimetric system were measured. Variation in the dose output of unmodulated open beam with beam hold was studied. Patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) was performed with and without beam hold, and the results were compared to quantify the dosimetric impact of beam hold.

Results

There was a considerable amount of variation observed in the number of beam hold for the given field and the monitor unit at which the beam held. Linearity and reproducibility of the dosimetric system were found within the acceptable limits. The average difference over the 25 measurements was 0·044% (0·557 to −0·318%) with standard deviation of 0·248.

Conclusion

Patient comfort with the ABC system and responsiveness to the therapist communication help to maintain consistent breathing pattern, in turn consistent treatment delivery pattern. However, the magnitude of dosimetric error is much less than the acceptable limits recommended by IROC. The dosimetric error induced by the beam hold is over and above the dose difference observed in conventional PSQA.
Cross‐Shock Potential in Rippled Versus Planar Quasi‐Perpendicular Shocks Observed by MMS
Authors: Hanson E. L. M. , Agapitov O. V. , Mozer F. S. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Bale S. D. , Avanov L. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Giles B.
Published: February 2019

The unprecedented detail of measurements by the four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft enable deeper investigation of quasi‐perpendicular collisionless shocks. We compare shock normals, planarities, and Normal Incidence Frame cross‐shock potentials determined from electric field measurements and proxies, for a subcritical interplanetary shock and a supercritical bow shock. The subcritical shock's cross‐shock potential was 26±6 V. The shock scale was 33 km, too short to allow comparison with proxies from ion moments. Proxies from electron moments provided potential estimates of 40±5 V. Shock normals from magnetic field minimum variance analysis were nearly identical, indicating a planar front. The supercritical shock's cross‐shock potential was estimated to be from 290 to 440 V from the different spacecraft measurements, with shock scale 120 km. Reflected ions contaminated the ion‐based proxies upstream, whereas electron‐based proxies yielded reasonable estimates of 250±50 V. Shock normals from electric field maximum variance analysis differed, indicating a rippled front.
Desert Dust, Industrialization, and Agricultural Fires: Health Impacts of Outdoor Air Pollution in Africa
Authors: Bauer Susanne E. , Im Ulas , Mezuman Keren , Gao Chloe Y.
Published: February 2019

The African continent continuously experiences extreme aerosol load conditions, during which the World Health Organization clean air standard of 10 μg/m3 of PM2.5 mass is systematically exceeded. Africa holds the world largest source of desert dust emissions, undergoes strong industrial growth, and produces approximately a third of the Earth's biomass burning aerosol particles. Sub‐Saharan biomass burning is driven by agricultural practices, such as burning fields and bushes in the postharvest season for fertilization, land management, and pest control. Thus, these emissions are predominantly anthropogenic. Here we use global atmospheric composition, climate, and health models to simulate the chemical composition of the atmosphere and calculate the mortality rates for Africa by distinguishing between purely natural, industrial/domestic, and biomass burning emissions. Air quality‐related deaths in Africa rank within the top leading causes of death in Africa. Our results of ~780,000 premature deaths annually point to the extensive health impacts of natural emissions, high mortality rate caused by industrialization in Nigeria and South Africa, and a smaller extent by fire emissions in Central and West Africa. In Africa, 43,000 premature deaths are linked to biomass burning mainly driven by agriculture. Our results also show that natural sources, in particular windblown dust emissions, have large impacts on air quality and human health in Africa.
Dexmedetomidine inhibits astrocyte pyroptosis and subsequently protects the brain in in vitro and in vivo models of sepsis
Authors: Sun Yi-Bing , Zhao Hailin , Mu Dong-Liang , Zhang Wenwen , Cui Jiang , Wu Lingzhi , Alam Azeem , Wang Dong-Xin , Ma Daqing
Published: February 2019

Sepsis is life-threatening and often leads to acute brain damage. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been reported to possess neuroprotective effects against various brain injury but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, in vitro and in vivo models of sepsis were used to explore the effects of dexmedetomidine on the inflammasome activity and its associated glia pyroptosis and neuronal death. In vitro, inflammasome activation and pyroptosis were found in astrocytes following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Dexmedetomidine significantly alleviated astrocyte pyroptosis and inhibited histone release induced by LPS. In vivo, LPS treatment in rats promoted caspase-1 immunoreactivity in astrocytes and caused an increase in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines of IL-1β and IL-18, resulting in neuronal injury, which was attenuated by dexmedetomidine; this neuroprotective effect was abolished by α2-adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole. Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the high mortality rate caused by LPS challenge. Our data demonstrated that dexmedetomidine may protect glia cells via reducing pyroptosis and subsequently protect neurons, all of which may preserve brain function and ultimately improve the outcome in sepsis.
PD-1-siRNA delivered by attenuated Salmonella enhances the antimelanoma effect of pimozide
Authors: Zhao Tiesuo , Wei Tian , Guo Jing , Wang Yangeng , Shi Xiangyi , Guo Sheng , Jia Xiaolong , Jia Huijie , Feng Zhiwei
Published: February 2019

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers worldwide. Although there has been much effort toward improving treatment options over the past few years, there remains an urgent need for effective therapy. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has shown great promise in clinical trials. Here, we studied the cooperative effects of the small molecule drug pimozide, which has a therapeutic effect in melanoma, and RNA interference (RNAi) targeting PD-1, an important immune checkpoint molecule involved in tumor immune escape. PD-1 siRNA was delivered by attenuated Salmonella to melanoma-bearing mice in combination with pimozide. Our results demonstrated that the combination therapy had the optimal therapeutic effect on melanoma. The mechanisms underlying the efficacy involved the induction of apoptosis and an enhanced immune response. This study suggests that immunotherapy based on PD-1 inhibition combined with anticancer drugs could be a promising clinical strategy for the treatment of melanoma.
Engineered transfer RNAs for suppression of premature termination codons
Authors: Lueck John D. , Yoon Jae Seok , Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Mackey Adam L. , Infield Daniel T. , Behlke Mark A. , Pope Marshall R. , Weiner David B. , Skach William R. , McCray Paul B. , Ahern Christopher A.
Published: February 2019

Premature termination codons (PTCs) are responsible for 10–15% of all inherited disease. PTC suppression during translation offers a promising approach to treat a variety of genetic disorders, yet small molecules that promote PTC read-through have yielded mixed performance in clinical trials. Here we present a high-throughput, cell-based assay to identify anticodon engineered transfer RNAs (ACE-tRNA) which can effectively suppress in-frame PTCs and faithfully encode their cognate amino acid. In total, we identify ACE-tRNA with a high degree of suppression activity targeting the most common human disease-causing nonsense codons. Genome-wide transcriptome ribosome profiling of cells expressing ACE-tRNA at levels which repair PTC indicate that there are limited interactions with translation termination codons. These ACE-tRNAs display high suppression potency in mammalian cells, Xenopus oocytes and mice in vivo, producing PTC repair in multiple genes, including disease causing mutations within cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).
Underpinning heterogeneity in synaptic transmission by presynaptic ensembles of distinct morphological modules
Authors: Fekete Adam , Nakamura Yukihiro , Yang Yi-Mei , Herlitze Stefan , Mark Melanie D. , DiGregorio David A. , Wang Lu-Yang
Published: February 2019

Synaptic heterogeneity is widely observed but its underpinnings remain elusive. We addressed this issue using mature calyx of Held synapses whose numbers of bouton-like swellings on stalks of the nerve terminals inversely correlate with release probability (Pr). We examined presynaptic Ca2+ currents and transients, topology of fluorescently tagged knock-in Ca2+ channels, and Ca2+ channel-synaptic vesicle (SV) coupling distance using Ca2+ chelator and inhibitor of septin cytomatrix in morphologically diverse synapses. We found that larger clusters of Ca2+ channels with tighter coupling distance to SVs elevate Pr in stalks, while smaller clusters with looser coupling distance lower Pr in swellings. Septin is a molecular determinant of the differences in coupling distance. Supported by numerical simulations, we propose that varying the ensemble of two morphological modules containing distinct Ca2+ channel-SV topographies diversifies Pr in the terminal, thereby establishing a morpho-functional continuum that expands the coding capacity within a single synapse population.
C. elegans collectively forms dynamical networks
Authors: Sugi Takuma , Ito Hiroshi , Nishimura Masaki , Nagai Ken H.
Published: February 2019

Understanding physical rules underlying collective motions requires perturbation of controllable parameters in self-propelled particles. However, controlling parameters in animals is generally not easy, which makes collective behaviours of animals elusive. Here, we report an experimental system in which a conventional model animal, Caenorhabditis elegans, collectively forms dynamical networks of bundle-shaped aggregates. We investigate the dependence of our experimental system on various extrinsic parameters (material of substrate, ambient humidity and density of worms). Taking advantage of well-established C. elegans genetics, we also control intrinsic parameters (genetically determined motility) by mutations and by forced neural activation via optogenetics. Furthermore, we develop a minimal agent-based model that reproduces the dynamical network formation and its dependence on the parameters, suggesting that the key factors are alignment of worms after collision and smooth turning. Our findings imply that the concepts of active matter physics may help us to understand biological functions of animal groups.
A lipid gating mechanism for the channel-forming O antigen ABC transporter
Authors: Caffalette Christopher A. , Corey Robin A. , Sansom Mark S. P. , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Zimmer Jochen
Published: February 2019

Extracellular glycan biosynthesis is a widespread microbial protection mechanism. In Gram-negative bacteria, the O antigen polysaccharide represents the variable region of outer membrane lipopolysaccharides. Fully assembled lipid-linked O antigens are translocated across the inner membrane by the WzmWzt ABC transporter for ligation to the lipopolysaccharide core, with the transporter forming a continuous transmembrane channel in a nucleotide-free state. Here, we report its structure in an ATP-bound conformation. Large structural changes within the nucleotide-binding and transmembrane regions push conserved hydrophobic residues at the substrate entry site towards the periplasm and provide a model for polysaccharide translocation. With ATP bound, the transporter forms a large transmembrane channel with openings toward the membrane and periplasm. The channel’s periplasmic exit is sealed by detergent molecules that block solvent permeation. Molecular dynamics simulation data suggest that, in a biological membrane, lipid molecules occupy this periplasmic exit and prevent water flux in the transporter’s resting state.
Flagellar cAMP signaling controls trypanosome progression through host tissues
Authors: Shaw Sebastian , DeMarco Stephanie F. , Rehmann Ruth , Wenzler Tanja , Florini Francesca , Roditi Isabel , Hill Kent L.
Published: February 2019

The unicellular parasiteTrypanosoma bruceiis transmitted between mammals by tsetse flies. Following the discovery that flagellar phosphodiesterase PDEB1 is required for trypanosomes to move in response to signals in vitro (social motility), we investigated its role in tsetse flies. Here we show that PDEB1 knockout parasites exhibit subtle changes in movement, reminiscent of bacterial chemotaxis mutants. Infecting flies with the knockout, followed by live confocal microscopy of fluorescent parasites within dual-labelled insect tissues, shows that PDEB1 is important for traversal of the peritrophic matrix, which separates the midgut lumen from the ectoperitrophic space. Without PDEB1, parasites are trapped in the lumen and cannot progress through the cycle. This demonstrates that the peritrophic matrix is a barrier that must be actively overcome and that the parasite’s flagellar cAMP signaling pathway facilitates this. Migration may depend on perception of chemotactic cues, which could stem from co-infecting parasites and/or the insect host.
Double helical conformation and extreme rigidity in a rodlike polyelectrolyte
Authors: Wang Ying , He Yadong , Yu Zhou , Gao Jianwei , ten Brinck Stephanie , Slebodnick Carla , Fahs Gregory B. , Zanelotti Curt J. , Hegde Maruti , Moore Robert B. , Ensing Bernd , Dingemans Theo J. , Qiao Rui , Madsen Louis A.
Published: February 2019

The ubiquitous biomacromolecule DNA has an axial rigidity persistence length of ~50 nm, driven by its elegant double helical structure. While double and multiple helix structures appear widely in nature, only rarely are these found in synthetic non-chiral macromolecules. Here we report a double helical conformation in the densely charged aromatic polyamide poly(2,2′-disulfonyl-4,4′-benzidine terephthalamide) or PBDT. This double helix macromolecule represents one of the most rigid simple molecular structures known, exhibiting an extremely high axial persistence length (~1 micrometer). We present X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that reveal and confirm the double helical conformation. The discovery of this extreme rigidity in combination with high charge density gives insight into the self-assembly of molecular ionic composites with high mechanical modulus (~ 1 GPa) yet with liquid-like ion motions inside, and provides fodder for formation of other 1D-reinforced composites.
MiR-135 suppresses glycolysis and promotes pancreatic cancer cell adaptation to metabolic stress by targeting phosphofructokinase-1
Authors: Yang Ying , Ishak Gabra Mari B. , Hanse Eric A. , Lowman Xazmin H. , Tran Thai Q. , Li Haiqing , Milman Neta , Liu Juan , Reid Michael A. , Locasale Jason W. , Gil Ziv , Kong Mei
Published: February 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal human cancers. It thrives in a nutrient-poor environment; however, the mechanisms by which PDAC cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to metabolic stress are still poorly understood. Here, we show that microRNA-135 is significantly increased in PDAC patient samples compared to adjacent normal tissue. Mechanistically, miR-135 accumulates specifically in response to glutamine deprivation and requires ROS-dependent activation of mutant p53, which directly promotes miR-135 expression. Functionally, we found miR-135 targets phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1) and inhibits aerobic glycolysis, thereby promoting the utilization of glucose to support the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Consistently, miR-135 silencing sensitizes PDAC cells to glutamine deprivation and represses tumor growth in vivo. Together, these results identify a mechanism used by PDAC cells to survive the nutrient-poor tumor microenvironment, and also provide insight regarding the role of mutant p53 and miRNA in pancreatic cancer cell adaptation to metabolic stresses.
Morphologic determinant of tight junctions revealed by claudin-3 structures
Authors: Nakamura Shun , Irie Katsumasa , Tanaka Hiroo , Nishikawa Kouki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Saitoh Yasunori , Tamura Atsushi , Tsukita Sachiko , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori
Published: February 2019

Tight junction is a cell adhesion apparatus functioning as barrier and/or channel in the paracellular spaces of epithelia. Claudin is the major component of tight junction and polymerizes to form tight junction strands with various morphologies that may correlate with their functions. Here we present the crystal structure of mammalian claudin-3 at 3.6 Å resolution. The third transmembrane helix of claudin-3 is clearly bent compared with that of other subtypes. Structural analysis of additional two mutants with a single mutation representing other subtypes in the third helix indicates that this helix takes a bent or straight structure depending on the residue. The presence or absence of the helix bending changes the positions of residues related to claudin-claudin interactions and affects the morphology and adhesiveness of the tight junction strands. These results evoke a model for tight junction strand formation with different morphologies – straight or curvy strands – observed in native epithelia.
Precise tuning of gene expression levels in mammalian cells
Authors: Michaels Yale S. , Barnkob Mike B. , Barbosa Hector , Baeumler Toni A. , Thompson Mary K. , Andre Violaine , Colin-York Huw , Fritzsche Marco , Gileadi Uzi , Sheppard Hilary M. , Knapp David J. H. F. , Milne Thomas A. , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Fulga Tudor A.
Published: February 2019

Precise, analogue regulation of gene expression is critical for cellular function in mammals. In contrast, widely employed experimental and therapeutic approaches such as knock-in/out strategies are more suitable for binary control of gene activity. Here we report on a method for precise control of gene expression levels in mammalian cells using engineered microRNA response elements (MREs). First, we measure the efficacy of thousands of synthetic MRE variants under the control of an endogenous microRNA by high-throughput sequencing. Guided by this data, we establish a library of microRNA silencing-mediated fine-tuners (miSFITs) of varying strength that can be employed to precisely control the expression of user-specified genes. We apply this technology to tune the T-cell co-inhibitory receptor PD-1 and to explore how antigen expression influences T-cell activation and tumour growth. Finally, we employ CRISPR/Cas9 mediated homology directed repair to introduce miSFITs into the BRCA1 3′UTR, demonstrating that this versatile tool can be used to tune endogenous genes.
Anterior cingulate GABA and glutamate concentrations are associated with resting-state network connectivity
Authors: Levar Nina , Van Doesum Tessa J. , Denys Damiaan , Van Wingen Guido A.
Published: February 2019

In recent years, resting-state (RS) networks and RS function have received increased attention, highlighting their importance in both cognitive function and psychopathology. The neurochemical substrates underlying RS networks and their interactions, however, have not yet been well established. Even though prior research has provided first evidence for a negative association between brain GABA levels and RS connectivity, these findings have been limited to within network connectivity, and not network interactions. In this multi-modal imaging study, we investigated the role of the main inhibitory neurotransmitter У-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the main excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glx) on RS network function and network coupling of three core networks: the default-mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and central executive network (CEN). Resting-state functional connectivity and GABA and Glx levels in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) were assessed in 64 healthy male participants using functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Analyses showed that dACC GABA levels were positively correlated with resting-state connectivity in the CEN, and negatively associated with functional coupling of the DMN and CEN. In contrast, GABA/Glx ratios were inversely correlated with the SN and DMN. These findings extend insights into the role of GABA and Glx in individual networks to interactions across networks, suggesting that GABA levels in the SN might play a role in RS functional connectivity within the central executive network, and network interactions with the default-mode network. Our results further suggest a potentially critical role of the relationship between GABA and Glx in RS network function.
Orthodontic Treatment Planning based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Li Peilin , Kong Deyu , Tang Tian , Su Di , Yang Pu , Wang Huixia , Zhao Zhihe , Liu Yang
Published: February 2019

In this study, multilayer perceptron artificial neural networks are used to predict orthodontic treatment plans, including the determination of extraction-nonextraction, extraction patterns, and anchorage patterns. The neural network can output the feasibilities of several applicable treatment plans, offering orthodontists flexibility in making decisions. The neural network models show an accuracy of 94.0% for extraction-nonextraction prediction, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.982, a sensitivity of 94.6%, and a specificity of 93.8%. The accuracies of the extraction patterns and anchorage patterns are 84.2% and 92.8%, respectively. The most important features for prediction of the neural networks are “crowding, upper arch” “ANB” and “curve of Spee”. For handling discrete input features with missing data, the average value method has a better complement performance than thek-nearest neighbors (k-NN) method; for handling continuous features with missing data,k-NN performs better than the other methods most of the time. These results indicate that the proposed method based on artificial neural networks can provide good guidance for orthodontic treatment planning for less-experienced orthodontists.
Characterization of Plasmodium ovale spp. imported from Africa to Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhou Ruimin , Li Suhua , Zhao Yuling , Yang Chengyun , Liu Ying , Qian Dan , Wang Hao , Lu Deling , Zhang Hongwei
Published: February 2019

As indigenous malaria has decreased over recent decades, the increasing number of imported malaria cases has provided a new challenge for China. The proportion of imported cases due to Plasmodium ovale has increased during this time, and the difference between P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri is of importance. To better understand P. ovale epidemiology and the differences between the two subspecies, information on imported malaria in Henan Province was collected during 2010–2017. We carried out a descriptive study to analyze the prevalence, proportion, distribution, and origin of P. o. curtisi and P. o. wallikeri. It showed that imported P. ovale spp. accounts for a large proportion of total malaria cases in Henan Province, even more than that of P. vivax. This suggests that the proportion of P. ovale cases is underestimated in Africa. Among these cases, the latency period of P. o. curtisi was significantly longer than that of P. o. wallikeri. More attention should be paid to imported ovale malaria to avoid the reintroduction of these two subspecies into China.
Residual Monomer Content Affects the Interpretation of Plastic Degradation
Authors: Klaeger Franziska , Tagg Alexander S. , Otto Stefan , Bienmüller Matthias , Sartorius Ingo , Labrenz Matthias
Published: February 2019

Plastic degradation rates in the marine environment are essential to understand. This study demonstrates that in plastic-microbial interaction experiments, residual monomeric and oligomeric content of PA6 significantly influences the development of dissolved organic carbon. While it is well recognized that additives in plastics should be considered during the inception of plastic-exposure experiments, residual monomers have yet to be prominently considered in the same light. As such, in degradation studies where residual contents of monomers and/or oligomers are not considered, degradation of synthetic polymers could be significantly overestimated. The substantial conversion of these monomeric and oligomeric leachates also has implications for plastic-biofilm development studies and microplastic-biota-based ingestion experiments.
Noninvasive prediction of Blood Lactate through a machine learning-based approach
Authors: Huang Shu-Chun , Casaburi Richard , Liao Ming-Feng , Liu Kuo-Cheng , Chen Yu-Jen , Fu Tieh-Cheng , Su Hong-Ren
Published: February 2019

We hypothesized that blood lactate concentration([Lac]blood) is a function of cardiopulmonary variables, exercise intensity and some anthropometric elements during aerobic exercise. This investigation aimed to establish a mathematical model to estimate [Lac]blood noninvasively during constant work rate (CWR) exercise of various intensities. 31 healthy participants were recruited and each underwent 4 cardiopulmonary exercise tests: one incremental and three CWR tests (low: 35% of peak work rate for 15 min, moderate: 60% 10 min and high: 90% 4 min). At the end of each CWR test, venous blood was sampled to determine [Lac]blood. 31 trios of CWR tests were employed to construct the mathematical model, which utilized exponential regression combined with Taylor expansion. Good fitting was achieved when the conditions of low and moderate intensity were put in one model; high-intensity in another. Standard deviation of fitting error in the former condition is 0.52; in the latter is 1.82 mmol/liter. Weighting analysis demonstrated that, besides heart rate, respiratory variables are required in the estimation of [Lac]blood in the model of low/moderate intensity. In conclusion, by measuring noninvasive cardio-respiratory parameters, [Lac]blood during CWR exercise can be determined with good accuracy. This should have application in endurance training and future exercise industry.
Thermal transport of Josephson junction based on two-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Luo Xiaoxuan , Peng Yufeng , Shen Hongzhi , Yi Xuexi
Published: February 2019

We study the phase-dependent thermal transport of a short temperature-biased Josephson junction based on two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) with both Rashba and Dresselhaus couplings. Except for thermal equilibrium temperature T, characters of thermal transport can also be manipulated by interaction parameter h0 and the parameter $$|\frac{{{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}}_{{\boldsymbol{R}}}}{{{\boldsymbol{\beta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{R}}}}-\frac{{{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}}_{{\boldsymbol{L}}}}{{\beta }_{{\boldsymbol{L}}}}|$$

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. A larger value and a sharper switching behavior of thermal conductance can be obtained if h0 takes suitable values and $$|\frac{{{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}}_{{\boldsymbol{R}}}}{{{\boldsymbol{\beta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{R}}}}-\frac{{{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}}_{{\boldsymbol{L}}}}{{{\boldsymbol{\beta }}}_{{\boldsymbol{L}}}}|$$

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is larger. Finally, we propose a possible experimental setup based on the discussed Josephson junction and find that the temperature of the right superconducting electrode TR is influenced by the same three parameters in a similar way with thermal conductance. This setup may provide a valid method to select moderately-doped 2DEG materials and superconducting electrodes to control the change of temperature and obtain an efficient temperature regulator.
Assessing the Dynamics and Control of Droplet- and Aerosol-Transmitted Influenza Using an Indoor Positioning System
Authors: Smieszek Timo , Lazzari Gianrocco , Salathé Marcel
Published: February 2019

There is increasing evidence that aerosol transmission is a major contributor to the spread of influenza. Despite this, virtually all studies assessing the dynamics and control of influenza assume that it is transmitted solely through direct contact and large droplets, requiring close physical proximity. Here, we use wireless sensors to measure simultaneously both the location and close proximity contacts in the population of a US high school. This dataset, highly resolved in space and time, allows us to model both droplet and aerosol transmission either in isolation or in combination. In particular, it allows us to computationally quantify the potential effectiveness of overlooked mitigation strategies such as improved ventilation that are available in the case of aerosol transmission. Our model suggests that recommendation-abiding ventilation could be as effective in mitigating outbreaks as vaccinating approximately half of the population. In simulations using empirical transmission levels observed in households, we find that bringing ventilation to recommended levels had the same mitigating effect as a vaccination coverage of 50% to 60%. Ventilation is an easy-to-implement strategy that has the potential to support vaccination efforts for effective control of influenza spread.
Aerobic oxidative cleavage of 1,2-diols catalyzed by atomic-scale cobalt-based heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Luo Huihui , Wang Lianyue , Shang Sensen , Niu Jingyang , Gao Shuang
Published: February 2019

The oxidative cleavage of the C–C bonds in 1,2-diols is an important transformation in synthetic organic chemistry. The challenge for this reaction is to develop a recyclable catalyst and an efficient catalytic system that operates under mild conditions. Here we report an atomically dispersed cobalt (3.8 wt% Co) on N-doped carbon catalyst, which exhibits improved catalytic activity toward the oxidative cleavage of a variety of 1,2-diols into esters, ketones or aldehydes using molecular oxygen under mild conditions. For example, the oxidative cleavage of internal diols is achieved at ambient temperature and air pressure. The robust catalyst can be reused at least seven times without regeneration treatment. The formation of highly dispersed active Co-Nx sites is demonstrated by catalyst characterization and potassium thiocyanate poisoning experiment. Mechanistic insights into monosubstituted diols indicate a sequence reaction including stepwise oxidation/nucleophilic addition/C–C bond cleavage, and reveal two reaction pathways.
Validation of alkaline oxidation as a pre-treatment method for elemental quantification in single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Simoes Filipa R. F. , Batra Nitin M. , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Costa Pedro M. F. J.
Published: February 2019

Certified fractions of Ni, Co and Mo in carbon nanotubes were recovered from a fused borate salt bead and measured with ICP-OES.
Chiral micellar electrokinetic chromatographic separation for determination ofl- andd-primary amines released from murine islets of Langerhans
Authors: Evans Kimberly , Wang Xue , Roper Michael G.
Published: February 2019

A chiral micellar electrokinetic chromatography method developed to investigated-amino acid secretions from murine islets of Langerhans.
Biomolecular interfaces based on self-assembly and self-recognition form biosensors capable of recording molecular binding and release
Authors: Hu Xiao , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony , Dinu Cerasela Zoica
Published: February 2019

Cellular components manipulated in a synthetic environment form a biosensor capable of evaluating association and dissociation as related to molecular self-recognition and self-assembly.
Graphene quantum dot assisted translocation of drugs into a cell membrane
Authors: Xue Zhengyang , Sun Quan , Zhang Li , Kang Zhengzhong , Liang Lijun , Wang Qi , Shen Jia-Wei
Published: February 2019

Translocation free energy of model drugs permeating into the lipid bilayer could be significantly reduced with the assistance of GQDs.
The design of triple shape memory polymers with stable yet tunable temporary shapes by introducing photo-responsive units into a crystalline domain
Authors: Wu Yongwei , Hu Zhitao , Huang Huahua , Chen Yongming
Published: February 2019

A desirable triple-shape memory effect showing stable yet easily tunable temporary shapes is achieved using a physically crosslinked network with photo-responsive coumarin-containing poly(ε-caprolactone) as soft segments and poly(l-lactide) as hard segments.
Hierarchical MnCo2O4@NiMoO4 as free-standing core–shell nanowire arrays with synergistic effect for enhanced supercapacitor performance
Authors: Mehrez Jaafar Abdul-Aziz , Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Chen Qiang , Li Lun , Hamwi Khawla , Luo Wen , Mai Liqiang
Published: February 2019

A core–shell MnCo2O4@NiMoO4 nanowire array prepared using a facile hydrothermal method showed extraordinary rate capability as a cathode for supercapacitors.
Facile N-functionalization and strong magnetic communication in a diuranium(v) bis-nitride complex
Authors: Barluzzi Luciano , Chatelain Lucile , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Zivkovic Ivica , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: February 2019

A diuranium(v) bis-nitride complex supported by siloxide ligands displays remarkable reactivity in ambient conditions with small molecules such as CS2, CO2, CO and H2 resulting in N–C and N–H bond formation. The nitride linker also leads to an unusually strong antiferromagnetic coupling between uranium(v) ions.
Sol–gel synthesis of mesoporous CaFe2O4 photocathodes with hierarchical pore morphology
Authors: Kirchberg Kristin , Marschall Roland
Published: February 2019

Hierarchical mesoporous p-CaFe2O4 photocathodes are for the first time prepared by sol–gel dip-coating and calcination at only medium temperature (700 °C).
Quadruplex knots as network nodes: nano-partitioning of guanosine derivates in supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Nava Giovanni , Carducci Federica , Itri Rosangela , Yoneda Juliana Sakamoto , Bellini Tommaso , Mariani Paolo
Published: February 2019

Gua/GMP hydrogels are formed by disordered microcoils of intertwined filaments (knots, rich in gua) connected by long linear GMP-rich threads. Gua provides flexibility and thread attraction, responsible for hydrogel stability (AFM image is 2.5 × 2.5 μm).
On the reaction of GeCl2·dioxane with KFeCp(CO)2: isolation and characterization of novel bimetallic clusters
Authors: Preißing Lars , Schrenk Claudio , Schnepf Andreas
Published: February 2019

The reaction of GeCl2·dioxane with KFeCp(CO)2leads to polyhedral cluster compounds with six germanium atoms like Ge6[FeCp(CO)2]6or Ge6Cl2[FeCp(CO)2]6viaa complex reaction route.
Highly porous palladium nanodendrites: wet-chemical synthesis, electron tomography and catalytic activity
Authors: Mourdikoudis Stefanos , Montes-García Verónica , Rodal-Cedeira Sergio , Winckelmans Naomi , Pérez-Juste Ignacio , Wu Han , Bals Sara , Pérez-Juste Jorge , Pastoriza-Santos Isabel
Published: February 2019

A simple procedure to obtain highly porous hydrophilic palladium nanodendrites in one step is described.
A stable mixed lanthanide metal–organic framework for highly sensitive thermometry
Authors: Pan Yue , Su Hai-Quan , Zhou En-Long , Yin Hong-Zong , Shao Kui-Zhan , Su Zhong-Min
Published: February 2019

A stable mixed Ln-MOF with a novel (4,8)-connected binodal network was constructed, which could be used as a ratiometric and colorimetric temperature sensor with high relative sensitivity (Sm = 9.42% per K at 310 K).
A ropy exopolysaccharide producing strainBifidobacterium longumsubsp.longumYS108R alleviates DSS-induced colitis by maintenance of the mucosal barrier and gut microbiota modulation
Authors: Yan Shuang , Yang Bo , Zhao Jichun , Zhao Jianxin , Stanton Catherine , Ross R. Paul , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: February 2019

Ropy-EPS producing strain YS108R alleviated DSS-induced colitis by anti-inflammation, maintenance of the mucosal barrier and reverting the change of microbiota.
Polymer nanocomposites having a high filler content: synthesis, structures, properties, and applications
Authors: Harito Christian , Bavykin Dmitry V. , Yuliarto Brian , Dipojono Hermawan K. , Walsh Frank C.
Published: February 2019

Approaches for the synthesis of high filler content polymer composites.
Experimental carbonation of CaO in an entrained flow reactor
Authors: Plou Jorge , Martínez Isabel , Grasa Gemma S. , Murillo Ramón
Published: February 2019

Performance of different CaO-based materials for full decarbonisation of gas streams in an entrained flow reactor as part of the calcium-looping process.
Responsive morphology transition from micelles to vesicles based on dynamic covalent surfactants
Authors: Wang Pengxiang , Zhu Tongyu , Hou Xiaoyu , Zhao Yilu , Zhang Xiangfeng , Yang Hongbin , Kang Wanli
Published: February 2019

A pH-responsive morphology transition system based on the ionization and formation of a dynamic covalent surfactant has been developed.
OPN gene locus is associated with the risk of knee osteoarthritis: a case–control study
Authors: Shang Houlai , Hao Yuedong , Hu Wenhao , Hu Xiaohui , Jin Qing
Published: February 2019

Background/aims: Studies have demonstrated that osteopontin (OPN) was associated with the severity and development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The purpose of this case–control study was to investigate the association between OPN gene rs11730582 polymorphism and knee OA risk in a Chinese population. Genotyping was analyzed using standard PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The present study found that C allele or CC genotype of OPN gene rs11730582 polymorphism was related to decreased risk for knee OA. Furthermore, positive associations were obtained amongst the females, and body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 groups. Conclusions: To sum up, the present study reveals that OPN gene rs11730582 polymorphism decreases the risk of knee OA in Chinese Han population.
MiR-33a is a therapeutic target in SPG4-related hereditary spastic paraplegia human neurons
Authors: Nakazeki Fumiko , Tsuge Itaru , Horie Takahiro , Imamura Keiko , Tsukita Kayoko , Hotta Akitsu , Baba Osamu , Kuwabara Yasuhide , Nishino Tomohiro , Nakao Tetsushi , Nishiga Masataka , Nishi Hitoo , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Ide Yuya , Koyama Satoshi , Kimura Masahiro , Tsuji Shuhei , Naitoh Motoko , Suzuki Shigehiko , Izumi Yuishin , Kawarai Toshitaka , Kaji Ryuji , Kimura Takeshi , Inoue Haruhisa , Ono Koh
Published: February 2019

Recent reports, including ours, have indicated that microRNA (miR)-33 located within the intron of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) 2 controls cholesterol homeostasis and can be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Here, we show that SPAST, which encodes a microtubule-severing protein called SPASTIN, was a novel target gene of miR-33 in human. Actually, the miR-33 binding site in the SPAST 3′-UTR is conserved not in mice but in mid to large mammals, and it is impossible to clarify the role of miR-33 on SPAST in mice. We demonstrated that inhibition of miR-33a, a major form of miR-33 in human neurons, via locked nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR ameliorated the pathological phenotype in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)-SPG4 patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Thus, miR-33a can be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HSP-SPG4.