bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yemen’s Unprecedented Humanitarian Crisis: Implications for International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Convention, and the Future of Global Health Security
Authors: Ripoll Gallardo Alba , Burkle Frederick M. , Ragazzoni Luca , Della Corte Francesco
Published: August 2016

The current humanitarian crisis in Yemen is unprecedented in many ways. The Yemeni War tragedy is symptomatic of gross failures to recognize, by combatants, existing humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention that have become the new norm in unconventional armed conflicts and are increasingly replicated in Africa, Afghanistan, and other areas of the Middle East with dire consequences on aid workers and the noncombatant population. The health and humanitarian professions must take collective responsibility in calling for all belligerent parties to cease the massacre and commit to guaranteed medical assistance, humanitarian aid, and the free flow of information and respect for the humanitarian principles that protect the neutrality and impartiality of the humanitarian workforce. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 3)
Tracing Artificially Recharged Groundwater using Water and Carbon Isotopes
Authors: Mazariegos Junior G , Walker Jennifer C , Xu Xiaomei , Czimczik Claudia I
Published: August 2016

We conducted an isotopic analysis of groundwater in Orange County, California, USA, around the Talbert Seawater Injection Barrier to determine if recycled water, used to artificially recharge local aquifers, carries a unique isotopic signature that can be used as a tracer. From September 2014 to April 2015, we collected groundwater from six privately owned wells within the coastal groundwater basin, along with various surface waters. All water samples were analyzed for their stable isotopic composition (δ18O, δD), the δ13C and14C signature of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool, DIC concentration, pH, and salinity. The DIC of groundwater mixing with recycled water is enriched in14C above natural background levels, with varying signal strength through time, depleted in δ13C, and low in DIC concentration. Water isotopes further suggest that recycled water is a mixture of Colorado River water and regional groundwater. In contrast, groundwater found further away from the injection barrier has carbon and water isotope composition consistent with regional groundwater and Santa Ana River water. Our findings imply that recycled water injected through the Talbert Barrier is isotopically unique, and that14C enrichment may be used as an intrinsic tracer of artificial recharge within the basin.
NOTES ON NICOMACHEAN ETHICS 1173a2–5
Authors: Grönroos Gösta
Published: August 2016

In Nicomachean Ethics (= Eth. Nic.) 10.2, Aristotle addresses Eudoxus' argument that pleasure is the chief good in his characteristically dialectical manner. The argument is that pleasure is the chief good, since all creatures, rational (ἔλλογα) and non-rational (ἄλογα) alike, are perceived to aim at pleasure (1172b9–11). At 1172b35–1173a5, Aristotle turns to an objection against Eudoxus' argument. For some object (οἱ δ’ἐνιστάμενοι) to the argument by questioning one of its premisses, namely that what all creatures aim at is the good (1172b12–15). Instead, they claim that what all creatures aim at is not good (ὡς οὐκ ἀγαθὸν οὗ πάντ’ ἐφίεται, 1172b36). This claim is reasonably taken to mean that not everything that all creatures aim at is good. But, as we shall shortly see, Aristotle dismisses it in a way suggesting a less charitable interpretation. At any rate, the significance of this objection is that it challenges the strong claim that what all creatures aim at is the good with an argument against the weaker claim that what all creatures aim at is good (or a good). For if the weaker claim is refuted, then the strong claim is refuted as well. Aristotle takes issue with the argument against the weaker claim, but without committing himself to the strong claim.
A FURTHER MANUSCRIPT SOURCE FOR PROCLUS' HYMNS
Authors: Thomas Oliver
Published: August 2016

In November 2014 I had the pleasure of examining Bruxellensis 11377–80. This paper manuscript was owned by Pierre Pantin at his death in 1611; it occupies no. 30 in his catalogue, where the first text, on fols 1–4, was misidentified as ‘Hymni Homeri’. The next owner, André Schott, repeated the error; Omont (and following him the Pinakes database) uses a page-numeration that completely excludes the current fols 1–4.
ARISTOTLE ON HERMES' SANDALS IN SCHOL. T ILIAD 24.340: A NEGLECTED ‘FRAGMENT’?
Authors: Mayhew Robert
Published: August 2016

Hermes, rising for action, is twice (Il. 24.340-1 and Od. 5.44-5) described as follows: αὐτίκ’ ἔπειθ’ ὑπὸ ποσσὶν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα, | ἀμβρόσια χρύσεια (‘then, at once he bound beneath his feet beautiful sandals, ambrosial and golden’). In both cases, the verses that follow imply that the sandals enable Hermes to travel over land and sea, as fast as the wind. Athena is described in the same way at Od. 1.96-7: ὣς εἰποῦσ’ ὑπὸ ποσσὶν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα, | ἀμβρόσια χρύσεια. And a line including ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα and preceded by ὑπὸ ποσσὶν or ποσσὶ … ὑπό, but without reference to any divine powers, appears four times in the Iliad, describing the actions of Agamemnon (2.44, 10.22), Nestor (10.132) and Hera (14.186), and five times in the Odyssey, describing the actions of Odysseus (2.4), Menelaus (4.309) and Telemachus (15.550, 17.2, 20.126).
THE ENIGMA OF ETHIOPIAN SEX RATIOS AT BIRTH
Authors: Garenne Michel
Published: August 2016

This study analysed sex ratios at birth (defined as the number of male births per 100 female births) using data on children ever-born from three censuses conducted in Ethiopia in 1984, 1994 and 2007. The results showed very high values by any standard, with an average of 108.4 for a sample of some 8.2 million births, with somewhat lower values in urban areas. Analysis of socioeconomic correlates revealed that the sex ratio varied very much by household wealth, from about 110 for very poor women to about 102 for wealthier women. The high value of the sex ratio at birth in Ethiopia could be explained by poverty, used as a proxy for poor nutritional status. In multivariate analysis, the effects of living in urban areas and of maternal education were less important than household wealth. Among the many ethno-linguistic groups, the Nilotic family had higher sex ratios than other groups. The results were confirmed using data from DHS surveys conducted in the country, and by the analysis of children still living at time of census.
Difference equations, determinants and the Secret Santa problem
Authors: Ward Tony
Published: August 2016

In [1] it is shown that every second-order linear difference equation with, in general, variable coefficients can be reduced to the form

It is also shown that (1) can be solved explicitly provided that a particular solution a (n) of the ‘auxiliary equation’

can be found, and many cases in which a solution of (2) is available are discussed. However, [1] is defective in that no method of finding a solution of (2) in the general case is given.
The tiling conjecture for equiangular polygons
Authors: McLean K. Robin
Published: August 2016

In [1], Derek Ball made three conjectures about equiangular polygons in which the length of each side is an integer. He called these integer equiangular polygons. The first two conjectures were proved in an earlier note, and the third is proved here. It can be stated as follows.

The tiling conjecture: For each integer n ⩾ 3, there is a finite set Tn of tiles such that every integer equiangular n-gon can be tiled by sufficiently many congruent copies of tiles in Tn.
Are Pediatric Emergency Physicians More Knowledgeable and Confident to Respond to a Pediatric Disaster after an Experiential Learning Experience?
Authors: Bank Ilana , Khalil Elene
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Pediatric hospital disaster responders must be well-trained and prepared to manage children in a mass-casualty incident. Simulations of various types have been the traditional way of testing hospital disaster plans and training hospital staff in skills that are used in rare circumstances. The objective of this longitudinal, survey-based, observational study was to assess the effect of disaster response and management-based experiential learning on the knowledge and confidence of advanced learners.

Methods

A simulation-based workshop was created for practicing Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) physicians, senior PEM physicians, and critical care and pediatric surgery residents to learn how to manage a disaster response. Given that this particular group of learners had never been exposed to such a disaster simulation, its educational value was assessed with the goal of improving the quality of the hospital pediatric medical response to a disaster by increasing the responders’ knowledge and confidence. Objective and subjective measures were analyzed using both a retrospective, pre-post survey, as well as case-based evaluation grids.

Results

The simulation workshop improved the learners’ perceived ability to manage patients in a disaster context and identified strengths and areas needing improvement for patient care within the disaster context.

Conclusion

Advanced learners exposed to an experiential learning activity believed that it improved their ability to manage patients in a disaster situation and felt that it was valuable to their learning. Their confidence was preserved six months later.

BankI, KhalilE. Are pediatric emergency physicians more knowledgeable and confident to respond to a pediatric disaster after an experiential learning experience?Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):551–556.
Somatische Pflege in psychiatrischen Einrichtungen: Quo vadis?
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Steinauer Regine
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen haben im Vergleich zur Allgemeinbevölkerung eine deutlich schlechtere körperliche Gesundheit. Dennoch fehlt oft eine umfassende Diagnostik der somatischen Krankheiten und eine adäquate Behandlung. Verbesserungsbedarf besteht ausserdem im Monitoring diagnostizierter somatischer Erkrankungen und in der Verbesserung des Wissens und der Kompetenzen bezüglich einer adäquaten somatischen Behandlung und Pflege.
Sabine Hahn im Kamingespräch mit Joy Duxbury
Authors: Hahn Sabine
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Joy Duxbury, PhD, MA, BSC, RNT, RMN, RGN, PG Cert Research Supervision and Support, ist Professorin of Mental Health Nursing an der University of Central Lancashire und Direktorin des Zentrums für Mental Health and Wellbeing innerhalb des Hochschule Gesundheit. Sie ist seit 1986 in der Psychiatrie tätig und ihr Herz brennt beruflich für die Prävention von Aggression sowie Reduktion von Zwangsmassnahmen. Im Kaminfeuer sollen unreflektierte Verwendung von freiheitsbeschränkenden Massnahmen und Zwang verbrennen, damit die psychiatrische Pflege sich davon befreien kann.
Genesungsbegleiter
Authors: Nienaber André
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. „Menschen, die selbst einmal psychisch krank waren, können akut Kranke in manchen Situationen besser unterstützen als Ärzte“ so überschrieb Catalina Schröder ihren Artikel in der Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung vom 21. Februar 2016.
Zusammenarbeit von professionellen Helfern und Menschen mit eigenen Erfahrungen einer psychischen Erkrankung
Authors: Nienaber André
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Eindrücke wurden in Form eines Interviews erhoben. Die Fragen, die gestellt wurden, bilden den Rahmen der folgenden Ausführungen.
Genesungsbegleiter ist kein Traumberuf
Authors: Zingsheim Andrea
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Was bedeutet es, Genesungsbegleiterin zu sein? Die Sicht der Genesungsbegleiterin.
Regulatory non-coding RNA: new instruments in the orchestration of cell death
Authors: Su Ye , Wu Haijiang , Pavlosky Alexander , Zou Ling-Lin , Deng Xinna , Zhang Zhu-Xu , Jevnikar Anthony M
Published: August 2016

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) comprises a substantial portion of primary transcripts that are generated by genomic transcription, but are not translated into protein. The possible functions of these once considered ‘junk’ molecules have incited considerable interest and new insights have emerged. The two major members of ncRNAs, namely micro RNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), have important regulatory roles in gene expression and many important physiological processes, which has recently been extended to programmed cell death. The previous paradigm of programmed cell death only by apoptosis has recently expanded to include modalities of regulated necrosis (RN), and particularly necroptosis. However, most research efforts in this field have been on protein regulators, leaving the role of ncRNAs largely unexplored. In this review, we discuss important findings concerning miRNAs and lncRNAs that modulate apoptosis and RN pathways, as well as the miRNA–lncRNA interactions that affect cell death regulation.
KDM5A controls bone morphogenic protein 2-induced osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells during osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Chuandong , Wang Jing , Li Jiao , Hu Guoli , Shan Shengzhou , Li Qingfeng , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: August 2016

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been used to induce bone regeneration by promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, its effect is attenuated in osteoporotic conditions by unknown mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of reduced osteogenic effect of BMP2 in osteoporotic conditions. By interrogating the microarray data from osteoporosis patients, we revealed an upregulation of the epigenetic modifying protein lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) and decreased Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression. Further studies were focused on the role of KDM5A in osteoporosis. We first established ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model and found that the BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic MSCs was impaired. The elevated level of KDM5A was confirmed in osteoporotic MSCs. Overexpression of KDM5A in normal MSCs inhibited BMP2-induced osteogenesis. Moreover, osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic MSCs was restored by specific KDM5A short hairpin RNA or inhibitor. Furthermore, by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay we demonstrated that KDM5A functions as endogenous modulator of osteogenic differentiation by decreasing H3K4me3 levels on promoters of Runx2, depend on its histone methylation activity. More importantly, we found an inhibitory role of KDM5A in regulating bone formation in osteoporotic mice, and pretreatment with KDM5A inhibitor partly rescued the bone loss during osteoporosis. Our results show, for the first time, that KDM5A-mediated H3K4me3 modification participated in the etiology of osteoporosis and may provide new strategies to improve the clinical efficacy of BMP2 in osteoporotic conditions.
Gaze data reveal distinct choice processes underlying model-based and model-free reinforcement learning
Authors: Konovalov Arkady , Krajbich Ian
Published: August 2016

Organisms appear to learn and make decisions using different strategies known as model-free and model-based learning; the former is mere reinforcement of previously rewarded actions and the latter is a forward-looking strategy that involves evaluation of action-state transition probabilities. Prior work has used neural data to argue that both model-based and model-free learners implement a value comparison process at trial onset, but model-based learners assign more weight to forward-looking computations. Here using eye-tracking, we report evidence for a different interpretation of prior results: model-based subjects make their choices prior to trial onset. In contrast, model-free subjects tend to ignore model-based aspects of the task and instead seem to treat the decision problem as a simple comparison process between two differentially valued items, consistent with previous work on sequential-sampling models of decision making. These findings illustrate a problem with assuming that experimental subjects make their decisions at the same prescribed time.
Long-Term Training with a Brain-Machine Interface-Based Gait Protocol Induces Partial Neurological Recovery in Paraplegic Patients
Authors: Donati Ana R. C. , Shokur Solaiman , Morya Edgard , Campos Debora S. F. , Moioli Renan C. , Gitti Claudia M. , Augusto Patricia B. , Tripodi Sandra , Pires Cristhiane G. , Pereira Gislaine A. , Brasil Fabricio L. , Gallo Simone , Lin Anthony A. , Takigami Angelo K. , Aratanha Maria A. , Joshi Sanjay , Bleuler Hannes , Cheng Gordon , Rudolph Alan , Nicolelis Miguel A. L.
Published: August 2016

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) provide a new assistive strategy aimed at restoring mobility in severely paralyzed patients. Yet, no study in animals or in human subjects has indicated that long-term BMI training could induce any type of clinical recovery. Eight chronic (3–13 years) spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegics were subjected to long-term training (12 months) with a multi-stage BMI-based gait neurorehabilitation paradigm aimed at restoring locomotion. This paradigm combined intense immersive virtual reality training, enriched visual-tactile feedback and walking with two EEG-controlled robotic actuators, including a custom-designed lower limb exoskeleton capable of delivering tactile feedback to subjects. Following 12 months of training with this paradigm, all eight patients experienced neurological improvements in somatic sensation (pain localization, fine/crude touch and proprioceptive sensing) in multiple dermatomes. Patients also regained voluntary motor control in key muscles below the SCI level, as measured by EMGs, resulting in marked improvement in their walking index. As a result, 50% of these patients were upgraded to an incomplete paraplegia classification. Neurological recovery was paralleled by the reemergence of lower limb motor imagery at cortical level. We hypothesize that this unprecedented neurological recovery results from both cortical and spinal cord plasticity triggered by long-term BMI usage.
Analyzing generalized coherent states for a free particle
Authors: Maamache Mustapha , Khatir Abderrezak , Lakehal Halim , Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: August 2016

Despite the didactic importance of a free particle in quantum mechanics, its coherent state analysis has long been untouched. It is only recently that it has been noticed and studied in the semiclassical domain. While the previously known solutions, reported by Bagrov et al. for a free particle, are described using the linear non-Hermitian invariant operator, we show in this work that the general solution of the Schrödinger equation can also be naturally derived using a simpler method based on an Hermitian linear invariant operator. According to this, an exact Gaussian wave function that corresponds to a coherent state solution is obtained. An interpretation for such general quantum solution designated within the Lewis-Riesenfeld framework is provided and, further, quantum-classical correspondence principle for the system is reexamined.
Immediate and delayed signal of slab breakoff in Oligo/Miocene Molasse deposits from the European Alps
Authors: Schlunegger Fritz , Castelltort Sébastien
Published: August 2016

High-resolution 32–20 Ma-old stratigraphic records from the Molasse foreland basin situated north of the Alps and Gonfolite Lombarda conglomerates deposited on the southern Alpine margin, document two consecutive sedimentary responses - an immediate and delayed response - to slab breakoff beneath the central Alps c. 32–30 Ma ago. The first signal, which occurred due to rebound and surface uplift in the Alps, was a regional and simultaneous switch from basin underfill to overfill at 30 Ma paired with shifts to coarse-grained depositional environments in the foreland basin. The second signal, however, arrived several million years after slab breakoff and was marked by larger contributions of crystalline clasts in the conglomerates, larger clast sizes, larger sediment fluxes and shifts to more proximal facies. We propose that this secondary pulse reflects a delayed whiplash-type erosional response to surface uplift, where erosion and sediment flux became amplified through positive feedbacks once larger erosional thresholds of crystalline bedrock were exceeded.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Nerve Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Repair and Hindlimb Transplant Model
Authors: Cooney Damon S. , Wimmers Eric G. , Ibrahim Zuhaib , Grahammer Johanna , Christensen Joani M. , Brat Gabriel A. , Wu Lehao W. , Sarhane Karim A. , Lopez Joseph , Wallner Christoph , Furtmüller Georg J. , Yuan Nance , Pang John , Sarkar Kakali , Lee W. P. Andrew , Brandacher Gerald
Published: August 2016

This study investigates the efficacy of local and intravenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration to augment neuroregeneration in both a sciatic nerve cut-and-repair and rat hindlimb transplant model. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were harvested and purified from Brown-Norway (BN) rats. Sciatic nerve transections and repairs were performed in three groups of Lewis (LEW) rats: negative controls (n = 4), local MSCs (epineural) injection (n = 4), and systemic MSCs (intravenous) injection (n = 4). Syngeneic (LEW-LEW) (n = 4) and allogeneic (BN-LEW) (n = 4) hindlimb transplants were performed and assessed for neuroregeneration after local or systemic MSC treatment. Rats undergoing sciatic nerve cut-and-repair and treated with either local or systemic injection of MSCs had significant improvement in the speed of recovery of compound muscle action potential amplitudes and axon counts when compared with negative controls. Similarly, rats undergoing allogeneic hindlimb transplants treated with local injection of MSCs exhibited significantly increased axon counts. Similarly, systemic MSC treatment resulted in improved nerve regeneration following allogeneic hindlimb transplants. Systemic administration had a more pronounced effect on electromotor recovery while local injection was more effective at increasing fiber counts, suggesting different targets of action. Local and systemic MSC injections significantly improve the pace and degree of nerve regeneration after nerve injury and hindlimb transplantation.
Effects of T592 phosphomimetic mutations on tetramer stability and dNTPase activity of SAMHD1 can not explain the retroviral restriction defect
Authors: Bhattacharya Akash , Wang Zhonghua , White Tommy , Buffone Cindy , Nguyen Laura A. , Shepard Caitlin N. , Kim Baek , Demeler Borries , Diaz-Griffero Felipe , Ivanov Dmitri N.
Published: August 2016

SAMHD1, a dNTP triphosphohydrolase, contributes to interferon signaling and restriction of retroviral replication. SAMHD1-mediated retroviral restriction is thought to result from the depletion of cellular dNTP pools, but it remains controversial whether the dNTPase activity of SAMHD1 is sufficient for restriction. The restriction ability of SAMHD1 is regulated in cells by phosphorylation on T592. Phosphomimetic mutations of T592 are not restriction competent, but appear intact in their ability to deplete cellular dNTPs. Here we use analytical ultracentrifugation, fluorescence polarization and NMR-based enzymatic assays to investigate the impact of phosphomimetic mutations on SAMHD1 tetramerization and dNTPase activity in vitro. We find that phosphomimetic mutations affect kinetics of tetramer assembly and disassembly, but their effects on tetramerization equilibrium and dNTPase activity are insignificant. In contrast, the Y146S/Y154S dimerization-defective mutant displays a severe dNTPase defect in vitro, but is indistinguishable from WT in its ability to deplete cellular dNTP pools and to restrict HIV replication. Our data suggest that the effect of T592 phosphorylation on SAMHD1 tetramerization is not likely to explain the retroviral restriction defect and we hypothesize that enzymatic activity of SAMHD1 is subject to additional cellular regulatory mechanisms that have not yet been recapitulated in vitro.
Physiological and pathological clinical conditions and light scattering in brain
Authors: Kurata Tsuyoshi , Iwata Sachiko , Tsuda Kennosuke , Kinoshita Masahiro , Saikusa Mamoru , Hara Naoko , Oda Motoki , Ohmae Etsuko , Araki Yuko , Sugioka Takashi , Takashima Sachio , Iwata Osuke
Published: August 2016

MRI of preterm infants at term commonly reveals subtle brain lesions such as diffuse white matter injury, which are linked with later cognitive impairments. The timing and mechanism of such injury remains unclear. The reduced scattering coefficient of near-infrared light (μs’) has been shown to correlate linearly with gestational age in neonates. To identify clinical variables associated with brain μs’, 60 preterm and full-term infants were studied within 7 days of birth. Dependence of μs’ obtained from the frontal head on clinical variables was assessed. In the univariate analysis, smaller μs’ was associated with antenatal glucocorticoid, emergency Caesarean section, requirement for mechanical ventilation, smaller gestational age, smaller body sizes, low 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, higher cord blood pH and PO2, and higher blood HCO3− at the time of study. Multivariate analysis revealed that smaller gestational age, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and higher HCO3− at the time of study were correlated with smaller μs’. Brain μs’ depended on variables associated with physiological maturation and pathological conditions of the brain. Further longitudinal studies may help identify pathological events and clinical conditions responsible for subtle brain injury and subsequent cognitive impairments following preterm birth.
Divergent habitat filtering of root and soil fungal communities in temperate beech forests
Authors: Goldmann Kezia , Schröter Kristina , Pena Rodica , Schöning Ingo , Schrumpf Marion , Buscot François , Polle Andrea , Wubet Tesfaye
Published: August 2016

Distance decay, the general reduction in similarity of community composition with increasing geographical distance, is known as predictor of spatial variation and distribution patterns of organisms. However, changes in fungal communities along environmental gradients are little known. Here we show that distance decays of soil-inhabiting and root-associated fungal assemblages differ and identify explanatory environmental variables. High-throughput sequencing analysis of fungal communities of beech-dominated forests at three study sites across Germany shows that root-associated fungi are recruited from the soil fungal community. However, distance decay is substantially weaker in the root-associated than in the soil community. Variance partitioning of factors contributing to the observed distance decay patterns support the hypothesis that host trees stabilize the composition of root-associated fungi communities, relative to soil communities. Thus, they not only have selective impacts on associated communities, but also buffer effects of changes in microclimatic and environmental variables that directly influence fungal community composition.
Inhibition of CDK9 as a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Hellvard Annelie , Zeitlmann Lutz , Heiser Ulrich , Kehlen Astrid , Niestroj André , Demuth Hans-Ulrich , Koziel Joanna , Delaleu Nicolas , Jan Potempa  , Mydel Piotr
Published: August 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by synovial inflammation and proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes. The induction of apoptosis has long been proposed as a target for proliferative autoimmune diseases and has further been shown to act as a successful treatment of experimental models of arthritis, such as collagen-induced arthritis. Here we examined the effects of specific oral small-molecule inhibitors of the transcription regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 9 on the development and progression of collagen-induced arthritis. DBA/1 mice were immunised with bovine collagen type II and treated orally with specific CDK9 inhibitors. The effects of CDK9 inhibition on RNA levels and protein expression, apoptosis induction, caspase activation and lymphocyte phenotype were further analysed. Mice showed a significant delay in disease onset and a reduction in disease severity following treatment with CDK9 inhibitors. Inhibiting CDK9 activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells resulted in the loss of Mcl-1 expression at both the protein and RNA levels, along with a subsequent increase in apoptosis. CDK9 specific inhibitors may be a potential alternative treatment not only of cancer, but also for autoimmune- and inflammatory diseases. Taken together, these results show that transient inhibition of CDK9 induces apoptosis in leukocyte subsets and modulates the immune response.
Evidence of salt accumulation in beach intertidal zone due to evaporation
Authors: Geng Xiaolong , Boufadel Michel C. , Jackson Nancy L.
Published: August 2016

In coastal environments, evaporation is an important driver of subsurface salinity gradients in marsh systems. However, it has not been addressed in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches. Here, we used field data on an estuarine beach foreshore with numerical simulations to show that evaporation causes upper intertidal zone pore-water salinity to be double that of seawater. We found the increase in pore-water salinity mainly depends on air temperature and relative humidity and tide and wave actions dilute a fraction of the high salinity plume, resulting in a complex process. This is in contrast to previous studies that consider seawater as the most saline source to a coastal aquifer system, thereby concluding that seawater infiltration always increases pore-water salinity by seawater-groundwater mixing dynamics. Our results demonstrate the combined effects of evaporation and tide and waves on subsurface salinity distribution on a beach face. We anticipate our quantitative investigation will shed light on the studies of salt-affected biological activities in the intertidal zone. It also impacts our understanding of the impact of global warming; in particular, the increase in temperature does not only shift the saltwater landward, but creates a different salinity distribution that would have implications on intertidal biological zonation.
Risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection in hemato-oncological patients: A case control study in 144 patients
Authors: Fuereder Thorsten , Koni Danjel , Gleiss Andreas , Kundi Michael , Makristathis Athanasios , Zielinski Christoph , Steininger Christoph
Published: August 2016

Evidence on risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hemato-oncologic patients is conflicting. We studied risk factors for CDI in a large, well-characterized cohort of hemato-oncological patients. 144 hemato-oncological patients were identified in this retrospective, single center study with a microbiologically confirmed CDI-associated diarrhea. Patients were compared with 144 age and sex matched hemato-oncologic patients with CDI negative diarrhea. Risk factors such as prior antimicrobial therapy, type of disease, chemotherapy and survival were evaluated. CDI-positive patients received more frequently any antimicrobial agent and antimicrobial combination therapy than CDI-negative patients (79% vs. 67%; OR = 2.26, p = 0.038 and OR = 2.62, p = 0.003, respectively). CDI positive patients were treated more frequently with antimicrobial agents active against C. difficile than CDI negative ones (25% vs. 13%; OR = 2.2, p = 0.039). The interval between last chemotherapy and onset of diarrhea was significantly shorter in patients without CDI (median, 17 days vs 36 days; p < 0.001). Our study demonstrates that chemotherapy is not a significant risk factor for CDI but for early onset CDI negative diarrhea. The predominant modifiable risk factor for CDI is in hemato-oncological patients antimicrobial treatment. These findings should be taken into account in the daily clinical practice to avoid CDI associated complications and excess health care costs.
Hepatic and serum lipid signatures specific to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in murine models
Authors: Chiappini Franck , Desterke Christophe , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Guettier Catherine , Le Naour François
Published: August 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is a precursor of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Markers for diagnosis of NASH are still lacking. We have investigated lipid markers using mouse models that developed NAFL when fed with high fat diet (HFD) or NASH when fed using methionine choline deficient diet (MCDD). We have performed a comprehensive lipidomic analysis on liver tissues as well as on sera from mice fed HFD (n = 5), MCDD (n = 5) or normal diet as controls (n = 10). Machine learning approach based on prediction analysis of microarrays followed by random forests allowed identifying 21 lipids out of 149 in the liver and 14 lipids out of 155 in the serum discriminating mice fed MCDD from HFD or controls. In conclusion, the global approach implemented allowed characterizing lipid signatures specific to NASH in both liver and serum from animal models. This opens new avenue for investigating early and non-invasive lipid markers for diagnosis of NASH in human.
Rapid determination of Ti in TiO2 by ICP OES
Authors: Santos E. J. Dos , Santos M. P. Dos , Herrmann A. B. , Sturgeon R. E.
Published: August 2016

An improved, precise and accurate method for the quantitation of Ti by ICP OES in TiO2 pigments and related materials is proposed.
Theoretical prediction of long-range ferromagnetism in transition-metal atom-doped d0 dichalcogenide single layers SnS2 and ZrS2
Authors: Ao L. , Pham A. , Xiao H. Y. , Zu X. T. , Li S.
Published: August 2016

We have systematically investigated the effects of transition-metal (TM) atom (Sc–Zn) doping in 2D d0 materials SnS2 and ZrS2via the density functional theory method.
Preparation and structure of Fe-containing aluminosilicate thin films
Authors: Tissot Héloïse , Li Linfei , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Freund Hans-Joachim
Published: August 2016

Fe-containing aluminosilicate thin films exhibit a phase separation, which makes the formation of in-frame Fe in aluminosilicates (zeolites) unfavourable.
Calculation of Raman parameters of real-size zigzag (n, 0) single-walled carbon nanotubes using finite-size models
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Stachów Michal , Stobiński Leszek , Kaminský Jakub
Published: August 2016

Structural and selected Raman features of real-size single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were studied using finite-size pristine SWCNT models at the DFT level.
Influence of counterions on the conformation of conjugated polyelectrolytes: the case of poly(thiophen-3-ylacetic acid)
Authors: Hostnik Gregor , Bončina Matjaž , Dolce Caterina , Mériguet Guillaume , Rollet Anne-Laure , Cerar Janez
Published: August 2016

Binding of large hydrophobic counterions to poly(thiophen-3-ylacetate) provokes the conformational change of this conjugated polyelectrolyte.
Decoupling strain and ligand effects in ternary nanoparticles for improved ORR electrocatalysis
Authors: Jennings Paul C. , Lysgaard Steen , Hansen Heine A. , Vegge Tejs
Published: August 2016

Ternary Pt–Au–M (M = 3d transition metal) nanoparticles show reduced OH adsorption energies and improved activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared to pure Pt nanoparticles, as obtained by density functional theory.
A four-fold interpenetrated metal–organic framework as a fluorescent sensor for volatile organic compounds
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Yang , Chang Ze , Chen Long , Bu Xian-He
Published: August 2016

A highly luminescent four-fold interpenetrated 3D metal–organic framework based on an AIE active tetrakis(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)ethene ligand was facilely synthesized and thoroughly investigated.
2016 Atomic Spectrometry Update – a review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its applications
Authors: West Margaret , Ellis Andrew T. , Potts Philip J. , Streli Christina , Vanhoof Christine , Wobrauschek Peter
Published: August 2016

This review covers developments in and applications of XRF techniques such as EDXRF, WDXRF, TXRF, XRF microscopy using technologies such as synchrotron sources, X-ray optics, X-ray tubes and detectors in laboratory, mobile and hand-held systems.
Autonomous microfluidic capillaric circuits replicated from 3D-printed molds
Authors: Olanrewaju A. O. , Robillard A. , Dagher M. , Juncker D.
Published: August 2016

We recently developed capillaric circuits (CCs) – advanced capillary microfluidic devices assembled from capillary fluidic elements in a modular manner similar to the design of electric circuits (Safavieh & Juncker, Lab Chip, 2013, 13, 4180–4189).
Stable organic radical polymers: synthesis and applications
Authors: Zhang Kai , Monteiro Michael J. , Jia Zhongfan
Published: August 2016

We present an overview of the synthetic strategies and methodologies for stable organic radical polymers, and summarise their applications in diverse areas.
Temperature assisted shear exfoliation of layered crystals for the large-scale synthesis of catalytically active luminescent quantum dots
Authors: Pal Shubhadeep , Tadi Kiran Kumar , Sudeep P. M. , Radhakrishnan Sruthi , Narayanan Tharangattu N.
Published: August 2016

A novel route for the development of luminescent quantum dots of layered crystals is demonstrated.
Design and synthesis of coumarin–glyoxal hybrids for spermicidal and antimicrobial actions: a dual approach to contraception
Authors: Gupta Swati , Kushwaha Bhavana , Srivastava Akansha , Maikhuri Jagdamba Prasad , Sankhwar Satya N. , Gupta Gopal , Dwivedi Anil Kumar
Published: August 2016

Today there is an urgent need for safe and effective dual-purpose contraceptive agents, which can simultaneously prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Synergic therapy of melanoma using GNRs-MUA-PEI/siIDO2-FA through targeted gene silencing and plasmonic photothermia
Authors: Zhang Yujuan , Song Na , Fu Jiamin , Liu Yanling , Zhan Xuelin , Peng Shanshan , Yang Zhi , Zhu Xianfang , Chen Yiguo , Wang Zhigang , Yu Yanrong , Shi Qiaofa , Fu Yingyuan , Yuan Keng , Zhou Nanjin , Ichim Thomas E. , Min Weiping
Published: August 2016

IDO2 siRNA synergizes GNR-mediated anti-melanoma photothermal therapy.
Critical behavior study near the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition temperature in Pr0.6−xErxCa0.1Sr0.3MnO3 (x = 0, 0.02 and 0.06) manganites
Authors: Omrani H. , Mansouri M. , Cheikhrouhou Koubaa W. , Koubaa M. , Cheikhrouhou A.
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present work is to study the critical behavior of Pr0.6−xErxCa0.1Sr0.3MnO3 (x = 0, 0.02 and 0.06) manganites, synthetized by the conventional solid-state reaction method, around the paramagnetic (PM)–ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition.
Biomimetic polysaccharide/bioactive glass nanoparticles multilayer membranes for guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Rodrigues José R. , Alves Natália M. , Mano João F.
Published: August 2016

Freestanding multilayered membranes, produced with chitosan, hyaluronic acid and bioactive glass nanoparticles, were shown to behave differently based on composition.
Phase and morphology evolution of VO2 nanoparticles using a novel hydrothermal system for thermochromic applications: the growth mechanism and effect of ammonium (NH4+)
Authors: Dong Bingrong , Shen Nan , Cao Chuanxiang , Chen Zhang , Luo Hongjie , Gao Yanfeng
Published: August 2016

To reveal the formation mechanism of VO2 nanomaterials in a hydrothermal system, a novel method was proposed to study the influence of ammonium (NH4+) on the growth of VO2 nanomaterial.
Grafting of an aluminium surface with organic layers
Authors: Berisha Avni , Hazimeh Hassan , Galtayries Anouk , Decorse Philippe , Kanoufi Frédéric , Combellas Catherine , Pinson Jean , Podvorica Fetah I.
Published: August 2016

The grafting of organic films on an aluminum surface is demonstrated by various methods: spontaneous reduction of aryldiazonium salts, and alkyl iodides, spontaneous reaction of perfluoroalkylamine and photochemical grafting of acetonitrile.
U@C36. Is there enough room for a second uranium?
Authors: Muñoz-Castro A.
Published: August 2016

The possible encapsulation of a second uranium in U@C36 is evaluated theoretically.
Highly coplanar bis(thiazol-2-yl)-diketopyrrolopyrrole based donor–acceptor copolymers for ambipolar field effect transistors
Authors: Gao Dong , Chen Zhihui , Mao Zupan , Huang Jianyao , Zhang Weifeng , Li Dizao , Yu Gui
Published: August 2016

Highly coplanar bis(thiazol-2-yl)-diketopyrrolopyrrole based donor–acceptor copolymers were synthesized and their field-effect transistors exhibited ambipolar charge carrier transporting performance.
TM@gt-C3N3monolayers: high-temperature ferromagnetism and high anisotropy
Authors: Choudhuri Indrani , Garg Priyanka , Pathak Biswarup
Published: August 2016

High temperature ferromagnetic materials with planar surfaces are promising for spintronics applications.
Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1): structure, distribution and roles in brain function and dysfunction
Authors: Bishop Paul , Rocca Dan , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: August 2016

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) is an extremely abundant protein in the brain where, remarkably, it is estimated to make up 1–5% of total neuronal protein. Although it comprises only 223 amino acids it has one of the most complicated 3D knotted structures yet discovered. Beyond its expression in neurons UCH-L1 has only very limited expression in other healthy tissues but it is highly expressed in several forms of cancer. Although UCH-L1 is classed as a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) the direct functions of UCH-L1 remain enigmatic and a wide array of alternative functions has been proposed. UCH-L1 is not essential for neuronal development but it is absolutely required for the maintenance of axonal integrity and UCH-L1 dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Here we review the properties of UCH-L1, and how understanding its complex structure can provide new insights into its roles in neuronal function and pathology.
Role of the prostaglandin E2 receptor agonists in TGF-β1-induced mesangial cell damage
Authors: Xi Pei-pei , Xu Yu-yin , Chen Xiao-lan , Fan Ya-ping , Wu Jian-hua
Published: August 2016

PGE2 exerts its biological effect through binding to various EP receptors that result inactivation of various signal transduction pathways. It also plays an important role in mice glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) damage induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1); however, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we tested the efficacy of four selective agonists of PGE2 receptor, EP1A (17-phenyl trinor prostaglandin E2 ethyl amid), EP2A (butaprost), EP3A (sulprostone) and EP4A (cay10580), on mice MCs. Compared with the cAMP produced by TGF-β1, additional pretreatment of EP3A decreased the cAMP level. MCs treated with EP1A and EP3A augmented PGE2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), membrane-bound PGE synthase 1 (mPGES1), laminin (LN), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cyclin D1 expression stimulated by TGFβ1. EP1A and EP3A increased the number of cells in S+G2/M phase and reduced cells in G0/G1 phase. EP1 and EP3 agonists also strengthened TGFβ1-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Whereas MCs treated with EP2A and EP4A weakened PGE2, COX-2, mPGES1, LN, CTGF and cyclin D1 expression stimulated by TGFβ1. EP2A and EP4A decreased the number of cells in S+G2/M phase and increased cells in G0/G1 phase. EP2 and EP4 agonists weakened TGFβ1-induced p38MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These findings suggest that PGE2 has an important role in the progression of kidney disease via the EP1/EP3 receptor, whereas EP2 and EP4 receptors are equally important in preserving the progression of chronic kidney failure. Thus, agonists of EP2 and EP4 receptors may provide a basis for treating kidney damage induced by TGF-β1.
Multibeam antennas for global satellite coverage: theory and design
Authors: Kaifas Theodorοs N. , Babas Dimitrios G. , Toso Giovanni , Sahalos John N.
Published: August 2016

Today there is an increasing request for high‐throughput communication payloads in satellite communications. Capacity in the order of 100 Gbit/s is becoming available and further significant improvement is expected in the coming years. A key element in order to guarantee this high performance is constituted by the multibeam antennas, able to generate multiple narrowly focused spot beams with frequency and polarisation reuse. Direct radiating arrays are able to generate multibeam coverage with a single aperture with the possibility of reconfiguring the coverage and the power distribution among the beams. Sparse arrays permit to reduce the number of radiators and to increase the DC to RF power efficiency by exploiting a ‘space tapering’ instead of an ‘amplitude tapering’, typically adopted in periodic arrays to control the sidelobe level. In this study, a deterministic procedure for the design of large planar sparse arrays is extended to the case, where the antenna, from a geostationary satellite, has to generate a multibeam coverage on the full Earth. The synthesis procedure is presented and validated with several numerical examples illustrating the scanning losses, array pattern deformation during the scanning and grating lobe effects.
Modelling spatially and temporally correlated wind speed time series over a large geographical area using VARMA
Authors: Yunus Kalid , Chen Peiyuan , Thiringer Torbjörn
Published: August 2016

This study presents a modified vector auto‐regressive moving average (VARMA) modelling procedure to model spatially and temporally correlated wind speed time series over wide geographical areas. The standard VARMA is normally used to model stationary time series with Gaussian distribution. However, wind speed is non‐stationary (mean and variance varies over time) and non‐Gaussian. Hence, a method that can be used to transform wind speed data into a stationary and Gaussian time series is introduced in the modified procedure. To show the applicability of the procedure for different scenarios, six cases are investigated in the North and the Baltic Sea. The results show that the procedure can be used to model spatially and temporally correlated wind speed over a large geographical area. In addition, the resulting model can capture probability distribution and periodic characteristics of the wind speed data. Furthermore, based on the investigated case, it is shown that a vector auto‐regressive model of order three is a reasonable model structure which can be used to model spatially and temporally correlated wind speed in the North and the Baltic Sea area provided that the power transformed wind speed data is normalised by its monthly mean value and its variance.
EEG classification for motor imagery and resting state in BCI applications using multi-class Adaboost extreme learning machine
Authors: Gao Lin , Cheng Wei , Zhang Jinhua , Wang Jue
Published: August 2016

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems provide an alternative communication and control approach for people with limited motor function. Therefore, the feature extraction and classification approach should differentiate the relative unusual state of motion intention from a common resting state. In this paper, we sought a novel approach for multi-class classification in BCI applications. We collected electroencephalographic (EEG) signals registered by electrodes placed over the scalp during left hand motor imagery, right hand motor imagery, and resting state for ten healthy human subjects. We proposed using the Kolmogorov complexity (Kc) for feature extraction and a multi-class Adaboost classifier with extreme learning machine as base classifier for classification, in order to classify the three-class EEG samples. An average classification accuracy of 79.5% was obtained for ten subjects, which greatly outperformed commonly used approaches. Thus, it is concluded that the proposed method could improve the performance for classification of motor imagery tasks for multi-class samples. It could be applied in further studies to generate the control commands to initiate the movement of a robotic exoskeleton or orthosis, which finally facilitates the rehabilitation of disabled people.