bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Society-driven Participatory Institutions: Lessons from Colombia’s Planning Councils
Authors: Mayka Lindsay
Published: March 2019

This article challenges the conventional wisdom that enthusiastic state support is a prerequisite to building strong participatory institutions. Through an analysis of Colombia’s planning councils, this study develops the concept of the societydriven participatory institution, in which civil society actors, rather than the state, undertake the core tasks involved in implementing participatory institutions. The article argues that while state neglect limits their involvement in decisionmaking, society-driven participatory institutions can still develop important policymaking roles in agenda setting and in monitoring and evaluating public policy.
The Rise and Fall of Pellagra in the American South
Authors: Clay Karen , Schmick Ethan , Troesken Werner
Published: March 2019

Focusing on the first half of the twentieth century, we explore the rise and fall of pellagra (a disease caused by inadequate niacin consumption) in the American South. We first consider the hypothesis that the South’s monoculture in cotton undermined nutrition by displacing local food production. Consistent with this hypothesis, a difference in differences estimation shows that after the arrival of the boll weevil, food production in affected counties rose while cotton production and pellagra rates fell. The results also suggest that after 1937 improved medical understanding and state fortification laws helped eliminate pellagra.
The Wealth Tax of 1942 and the Disappearance of Non-Muslim Enterprises in Turkey
Authors: Ağır Seven , Artunç Cihan
Published: March 2019

Turkey imposed a controversial tax on wealth to finance the army in 1942. This tax was arbitrarily assessed and fell disproportionately on non-Muslim minorities. We study the heterogeneous impact of this tax on firms by assembling a new dataset of all enterprises in Istanbul between 1926 and 1950. We find that the tax led to the liquidation of non-Muslim-owned firms, which were older and more productive, reduced the formation of new businesses with non-Muslim owners, and replaced them with frailer Muslim-owned startups. The tax helped “nationalize” the Turkish economy, but had negative implications for productivity and growth.
Proxy measures of premortem cognitive aptitude in postmortem subjects with schizophrenia
Authors: Glausier Jill R. , Kelly Mary Ann , Salem Samantha , Chen Kehui , Lewis David A.
Published: March 2019

Background

Postmortem human brain studies provide the molecular, cellular, and circuitry levels of resolution essential for the development of mechanistically-novel interventions for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, the absence of measures of premortem cognitive aptitude in postmortem subjects has presented a major challenge to interpreting the relationship between the severity of neural alterations and cognitive deficits within the same subjects.

Methods

To begin addressing this challenge, proxy measures of cognitive aptitude were evaluated in postmortem subjects (N = 507) meeting criteria for schizophrenia, major depressive or bipolar disorder, and unaffected comparison subjects. Specifically, highest levels of educational and occupational attainment of the decedent and their parents were obtained during postmortem psychological autopsies.

Results

Consistent with prior findings in living subjects, subjects with schizophrenia had the lowest educational and occupational attainment relative to all other subject groups, and they also failed to show the generational improvement in attainment observed in all other subject groups.

Conclusions

Educational and occupational attainment data obtained during postmortem psychological autopsies can be used as proxy measures of premortem cognitive function to interrogate the neural substrate of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Feasting on Wild Boar in the Early Neolithic. Evidence from an 11,400-year-old Placed Deposit at Tappeh Asiab, Central Zagros
Authors: Bangsgaard Pernille , Yeomans Lisa , Darabi Hojjat , Gregersen Kristian Murphy , Olsen Jesper , Richter Tobias , Mortensen Peder
Published: March 2019

The contents of a pit located in the centre of a large communal structure at Asiab in the central Zagros mountains provides rare evidence for ritual food practices during the Early Neolithic (~9660–9300 cal.bc). This pit contained the skulls of at least 19 wild boars carefully placed inside and subsequently sealed. Antler from red deer and the skull of a brown bear were also concealed within the pit. The boars included both male and female animals varying in age and some of the larger canines were deliberately removed. Such a unique collection of remains is unlikely to be the result of day-to-day activities; instead, this represents a group of ritually interred bones. This new evidence strengthens views that activities reinforcing social cohesion were important as human society was approaching a juncture leading towards agricultural subsistence strategies.
Evaluating risks of plant growth regulator–resistant soybean technologies to horseradish production
Authors: Wiedau Kayla N. , Krausz Ronald F. , Walters S. Alan , Matthews Joseph L. , Gage Karla L.
Published: March 2019

Off-target movement of dicamba and 2,4-D may injure and reduce the yield of many fruit and vegetable crops, impacting specialty crop producers and herbicide applicators alike. Two field experiments were established, using plant growth regulator–resistant soybean herbicide technologies, to evaluate drift and carryover risks to horseradish production. The drift experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate impact of dicamba and 2,4-D simulated drift on horseradish production with a mid-POST application in soybean. Simulated drift rates were 1/10,000X, 1/1,000X, and 1/100X, with 1/2X, 1X, and 2X of standard application rates. Injury and yield loss was greater following application of 2,4-D than with dicamba. Yield reductions were observed beginning at the 1/1,000X rate of 2,4-D, with complete crop loss occurring when rates exceed 1/2X. In comparison, dicamba only reduced yields when applied at the 1X and 2X rates. Only horseradish roots from plants treated with dicamba at the 2X rate had greater dicamba residue than the nontreated control, and the amount detected, 0.32 parts per billion (ppb), was lower than the EPA tolerance of 100 ppb in root crops. There was little to no harvestable tissue for 2,4-D residue analysis for plants treated with 2,4-D at rates above 1/2X. The carryover experiment was a 2-yr rotational evaluation conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2016 to assess dicamba carryover to horseradish following application to dicamba-resistant soybean the previous season. Observations taken at 4, 6, and 8 wk after planting indicated no significant horseradish injury, nor was height, stand, or root weight reduced. These results suggest that horseradish growers should have few concerns about injury from dicamba drift or carryover. While 2,4-D applicators may need to be cautious when making applications near horseradish fields, 2,4-D may be an effective tool for controlling volunteer horseradish in 2,4-D–resistant soybean.
Droplet Size Impact on Efficacy of a Dicamba-plus-Glyphosate Mixture
Authors: Butts Thomas R. , Samples Chase A. , Franca Lucas X. , Dodds Darrin M. , Reynolds Daniel B. , Adams Jason W. , Zollinger Richard K. , Howatt Kirk A. , Fritz Bradley K. , Hoffmann Clint W. , Luck Joe D. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: March 2019

Chemical weed control remains a widely used component of integrated weed management strategies because of its cost-effectiveness and rapid removal of crop pests. Additionally, dicamba-plus-glyphosate mixtures are a commonly recommended herbicide combination to combat herbicide resistance, specifically in recently commercially released dicamba-tolerant soybean and cotton. However, increased spray drift concerns and antagonistic interactions require that the application process be optimized to maximize biological efficacy while minimizing environmental contamination potential. Field research was conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2018 across three locations (Mississippi, Nebraska, and North Dakota) for a total of six site-years. The objectives were to characterize the efficacy of a range of droplet sizes [150 µm (Fine) to 900 µm (Ultra Coarse)] using a dicamba-plus-glyphosate mixture and to create novel weed management recommendations utilizing pulse-width modulation (PWM) sprayer technology. Results across pooled site-years indicated that a droplet size of 395 µm (Coarse) maximized weed mortality from a dicamba-plus-glyphosate mixture at 94 L ha–1. However, droplet size could be increased to 620 µm (Extremely Coarse) to maintain 90% of the maximum weed mortality while further mitigating particle drift potential. Although generalized droplet size recommendations could be created across site-years, optimum droplet sizes within each site-year varied considerably and may be dependent on weed species, geographic location, weather conditions, and herbicide resistance(s) present in the field. The precise, site-specific application of a dicamba-plus-glyphosate mixture using the results of this research will allow applicators to more effectively utilize PWM sprayers, reduce particle drift potential, maintain biological efficacy, and reduce the selection pressure for the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Influence of a thiamethoxam seed treatment on acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicide–induced injury to inbred and hybrid imidazolinone-resistant rice
Authors: Martin Steven M. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Scott Robert C. , Hardke Jarrod , Lorenz Gus M. , Gbur Edward
Published: March 2019

The increased use of insecticide seed treatments in rice has raised many questions about the potential benefits of these products. In 2014 and 2015, a field experiment was conducted near Stuttgart and Lonoke, AR, to evaluate whether an insecticide seed treatment could possibly lessen injury from acetolactate synthase (ALS)–inhibiting herbicides in imidazolinone-resistant (IR) rice. Two IR cultivars were tested (a hybrid, ‘CLXL745’, and an inbred, ‘CL152’), with and without an insecticide seed treatment (thiamethoxam). Four different herbicide combinations were evaluated: a nontreated control, two applications of bispyribac-sodium (hereafter bispyribac), two applications of imazethapyr, and two applications of imazethapyr plus bispyribac. The first herbicide application was to two- to three-leaf rice, and the second immediately prior to flooding (one- to two-tiller). At both 2 and 4 wk after final treatment (WAFT), the sequential applications of imazethapyr or bispyribac plus imazethapyr were more injurious to CLXL745 than CL152. This increased injury led to decreased groundcover 3 WAFT. Rice treated with thiamethoxam was less injured than nontreated rice and had improved groundcover and greater canopy heights. Even with up to 32% injury, the rice plants recovered by the end of the growing season, and yields within a cultivar were similar with and without a thiamethoxam seed treatment across all herbicide treatments. Based on these results, thiamethoxam can partially protect rice from injury caused by ALS-inhibiting herbicides as well as increase groundcover and canopy height; that is, the injury to rice never negatively affected yield.
Pockmarks in the Witch Ground Basin, Central North Sea
Authors: Böttner Christoph , Berndt Christian , Reinardy Benedict T.I. , Geersen Jacob , Karstens Jens , Bull Jonathan M. , Callow Ben J. , Lichtschlag Anna , Schmidt Mark , Elger Judith , Schramm Bettina , Haeckel Matthias
Published: March 2019

Marine sediments host large amounts of methane (CH4), which is a potent greenhouse gas. Quantitative estimates for methane release from marine sediments are scarce, and a poorly constrained temporal variability leads to large uncertainties in methane emission scenarios. Here, we use 2‐D and 3‐D seismic reflection, multibeam bathymetric, geochemical, and sedimentological data to (I) map and describe pockmarks in the Witch Ground Basin (central North Sea), (II) characterize associated sedimentological and fluid migration structures, and (III) analyze the related methane release. More than 1,500 pockmarks of two distinct morphological classes spread over an area of 225 km2. The two classes form independently from another and are corresponding to at least two different sources of fluids. Class 1 pockmarks are large in size (>6 m deep, >250 m long, and >75 m wide), show active venting, and are located above vertical fluid conduits that hydraulically connect the seafloor with deep methane sources. Class 2 pockmarks, which comprise 99.5% of all pockmarks, are smaller (0.9–3.1 m deep, 26–140 m long, and 14–57 m wide) and are limited to the soft, fine‐grained sediments of the Witch Ground Formation and possibly sourced by compaction‐related dewatering. Buried pockmarks within the Witch Ground Formation document distinct phases of pockmark formation, likely triggered by external forces related to environmental changes after deglaciation. Thus, greenhouse gas emissions from pockmark fields cannot be based on pockmark numbers and present‐day fluxes but require an analysis of the pockmark forming processes through geological time.
Long‐Period Rayleigh Wave Phase Velocity Tomography Using USArray
Authors: Babikoff Jordyn C. , Dalton Colleen A.
Published: March 2019

Seismic models show that the shallow mantle beneath the contiguous United States is characterized by low velocities west of the Rocky Mountain Front, high velocities beneath the North American craton, and moderate wave speeds along the eastern seaboard. However, numerous questions remain, including the distribution of temperature and partial melt in the mantle that may explain the slower velocities in the west; the origin and depth extent of the western edge of the cratonic lithosphere; and explanations for slower velocities observed along the eastern seaboard. To investigate these questions, we have measured teleseismic Rayleigh wave phase and amplitude at USArray stations for periods of 25–180 s and calculated phase velocity using the Helmholtz tomography method. Notably, the new long‐period maps represent an opportunity to resolve mantle structure at sublithospheric depths and show differences relative to shorter periods in both the distribution of slow velocities in the west and the extent of fast velocities in the central United States. The maps are then used as a basis for comparing six recent 3‐D shear velocity models of the contiguous United States, from which we predict phase velocities. While predictions from surface‐wave models agree best with our observations at short and intermediate periods, the longest‐period maps are most similar in amplitude to body‐wave models.
Disentangling the Mesoscale Ocean‐Atmosphere Interactions
Authors: Renault L. , Masson S. , Oerder V. , Jullien S. , Colas F.
Published: March 2019

In the decades, the use of scatterometer data allowed to demonstrate the global ubiquity of the ocean mesoscale thermal feedback (TFB) and current feedback (CFB) effects on surface winds and stress. Understanding these air‐sea interactions is of uttermost importance as the induced atmospheric anomalies partly control the ocean circulation and thus can influence the Earth climate. Whether the TFB and CFB effects can be disentangled, and whether satellite scatterometers can properly reveal them, remain rather unclear. Here, using satellite observations and ocean‐atmosphere coupled mesoscale simulations over 45°S to 45°N, we show that the CFB effect can be properly characterized and unraveled from that due to the TFB. We demonstrate that the TFB can be unambiguously characterized by its effect on the stress (and wind) divergence and magnitude. However, its effect on the wind and stress curl is contaminated by the CFB and thus cannot be estimated from scatterometer data. Finally, because scatterometers provide equivalent neutral stability winds relative to the oceanic currents, they cannot characterize adequately the CFB wind response and overestimate the TFB wind response by ≈25%. Surface stress appears to be the more appropriate variable to consider from scatterometer data.
Selected Heavy Metals Removal From Electroplating Wastewater by Purified and Polyhydroxylbutyrate Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Adsorbents
Authors: Bankole Mercy Temitope , Abdulkareem Ambali Saka , Mohammed Ishaq Alhassan , Ochigbo Stephen Shaibu , Tijani Jimoh Oladejo , Abubakre Oladiran Kamaldeen , Roos Wiets Daniel
Published: March 2019

This research investigated the removal of heavy metals (As, Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, and Zn) via batch adsorption process from industrial electroplating wastewater using two different nano-adsorbents; purified carbon nanotubes (P-CNTs) and polyhydroxylbutyrate functionalized carbon nanotubes (PHB-CNTs), both produced through catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) method. HRSEM, HRTEM, XRD, DLS, BET, FTIR, XPS, TGA, pH drift and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the developed nano-adsorbents. In the batch adsorption process, the effects of contact time, dosage, temperature and pH were studied. Both nano-adsorbents gave optimum contact time, equilibrium time, optimum dosage, and pH of 10 minutes, 70 minutes, 20 mg, and 5.63–5.65 respectively. The heavy metals removal efficiencies by the nano-adsorbents followed the order of PHB-CNTs > P-CNTs based on ion exchange and electrostatic forces mechanism. For P-CNTs and PHB-CNTs, the equilibrium sorption isotherm suits temkin model, kinetic data fitted to pseudo-second order based on the linear regression correlation coefficient, and the thermodynamic study established spontaneity and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The findings in this research conclude that both nano-adsorbents have exceptional capacity to remove heavy metals from the adsorbate, with PHB-CNTs possessing better quality. The treated adsorbate meets the standard for industrial or irrigation re-use.
The effect of one year lifestyle intervention on eGFR in children and adolescents with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity
Authors: van Dam Mark , Rijks Jesse , Dorenbos Elke , Horuz Flore , van Dael Karin , Vreugdenhil Anita
Published: March 2019

Obesity causes modifications in the kidneys reversed by weight loss in adults. There is little data on renal function and effects of weight loss in children with obesity. The aim of this prospective study was to examine renal function and effect of a lifestyle intervention in children with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity. Two hundred forty-five children (age 12.4 ± 3.3 years, 40% boys, BMI z-score 3.46 ± 0.70) participating in an out-patient lifestyle intervention were included. Children with at least 12 months follow-up (n = 144 (58.8%)) were included in the longitudinal study. Anthropometry, blood analysis and blood pressure measurements were performed at baseline and follow-up. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Schwartz and FAS equation. eGFR was de-indexed using body surface area. Different cut-off points for defining glomerular hyperfiltration were used for stratification. Depending on the definition and equation used, glomerular hyperfiltration was present in 2% to 18% of the participants. After intervention, de-indexed eGFR decreased significantly in children with baseline glomerular hyperfiltration, depending on the eGFR equation and definition for glomerular hyperfiltration used. No associations of changes in eGFR with changes in BMI z-score, blood pressure or parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism were found. In conclusion, after one year of lifestyle intervention, eGFR decreases in hyperfiltrating children and adolescents with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity. eGFR and changes over time in children with obesity depend on eGFR equation used and on de-indexing for body surface area.
Composition and Dynamics of the Activated Sludge Microbiome during Seasonal Nitrification Failure
Authors: Johnston Juliet , LaPara Timothy , Behrens Sebastian
Published: March 2019

Wastewater treatment plants in temperate climate zones frequently undergo seasonal nitrification failure in the winter month yet maintain removal efficiency for other contaminants. We tested the hypothesis that nitrification failure can be correlated to shifts in the nitrifying microbial community. We monitored three parallel, full-scale sequencing batch reactors over the course of a year with respect to reactor performance, microbial community composition via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and functional gene abundance using qPCR. All reactors demonstrated similar changes to their core microbiome, and only subtle variations among seasonal and transient taxa. We observed a decrease in species richness during the winter, with a slow recovery of the activated sludge community during spring. Despite the change in nitrification performance, ammonia monooxygenase gene abundances remained constant throughout the year, as did the relative sequence abundance of Nitrosomonadacae. This suggests that nitrification failure at colder temperatures might result from different reaction kinetics of nitrifying taxa, or that other organisms with strong seasonal shifts in population abundance, e.g. an uncultured lineage of Saprospiraceae, affect plant performance in the winter. This research is a comprehensive analysis of the seasonal microbial community dynamics in triplicate full-scale sequencing batch reactors and ultimately strengthens our basic understanding of the microbial ecology of activated sludge communities by revealing seasonal succession patterns of individual taxa that correlate with nutrient removal efficiency.
Human cytomegalovirus hijacks the autophagic machinery and LC3 homologs in order to optimize cytoplasmic envelopment of mature infectious particles
Authors: Taisne Clémence , Lussignol Marion , Hernandez Eva , Moris Arnaud , Mouna Lina , Esclatine Audrey
Published: March 2019

During its life cycle, Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) tightly modulates autophagy, a vesicular pathway allowing degradation and recycling of cellular components. To study the interplay between autophagy and the viral life cycle, we established various autophagy-deficient human fibroblastic cell lines. By knocking down the expression or activity of five autophagy-related proteins, we confirmed the proviral function that the autophagic machinery exerts on HCMV production. Using 3D reconstruction from confocal microscopy and electron microscopy, we demonstrated that lipidated LC3-positive vesicles accumulated at the viral assembly compartment (vAC). The vAC is a juxtanuclear ring-shaped structure containing several organelles and membranes, where assembly and final envelopment of HCMV particles occur. Two LC3 homologs, GABARAPL1 and GATE16, also accumulated during HCMV infection and were associated with the vAC, in proximity with fragmented Golgi stacks. Additionally, we observed the formation of a pre-assembly compartment (PrAC) in infected cells, which consists of a juxtanuclear structure containing both fragmented Golgi and LC3-positive vesicles. Finally, we showed that highly purified extracellular viral particles were associated with various autophagy proteins. Our results thus suggest that autophagy machinery participates to the final cytoplasmic envelopment of HCMV viral particles into the vAC and that autophagy-related proteins can be spotted in the virions.
Effects of soil nitrogen (N) deficiency on photosynthetic N-use efficiency in N-fixing and non-N-fixing tree seedlings in subtropical China
Authors: Tang Jingchao , Sun Baodi , Cheng Ruimei , Shi Zuomin , Da Luo  , Liu Shirong , Centritto Mauro
Published: March 2019

Soil nitrogen (N) deficiencies can affect the photosynthetic N-use efficiency (PNUE), mesophyll conductance (gm), and leaf N allocation. However, lack of information about how these physiological characteristics in N-fixing trees could be affected by soil N deficiency and the difference between N-fixing and non-N-fixing trees. In this study, we chose seedlings of two N-fixing (Dalbergia odorifera and Erythrophleum fordii) and two non-N-fixing trees (Castanopsis hystrix and Betula alnoides) as study objects, and we conducted a pot experiment with three levels of soil N treatments (high nitrogen, set as Control; medium nitrogen, MN; and low nitrogen, LN). Our results showed that soil N deficiency significantly decreased the leaf N concentration and photosynthesis ability of the two non-N-fixing trees, but it had less influence on two N-fixing trees. The LN treatment had lower gm in D. odorifera and lower leaf N allocated to Rubisco (PR), leaf N allocated to bioenergetics (PB), and gm in B. alnoides, eventually resulting in low PNUE values. Our findings suggested that the D. odorifera and E. fordii seedlings could grow well in N-deficient soil, and adding N may increase the growth rates of B. alnoides and C. hystrix seedlings and promote the growth of artificial forests.
The neural basis of meta-volition
Authors: Nachev Parashkev , Roberts R. Edward , Husain Masud , Kennard Christopher
Published: March 2019

Volition is the power to act beyond simple, automatic responses. We can act voluntarily because we can choose to act otherwise than immediate, external circumstances dictate. But we can also choose to allow ourselves to be led automatically by events around us. The neural basis of this higher power to suspend volition— which we term meta-volition—is unknown. Here we show that inter-individual differences in meta-volition are reflected in extensive, highly lateralised differences in right frontal white matter as indexed by diffusion tensor imaging. Paradoxically, participants with enhanced white matter optimality in these regions are less able to exercise meta-volition, finding it harder to suspend volition. This suggests volition is dependent less on any hierarchical system of meta-volitional control than on the extent to which an extensive network subserving higher volitional powers is competitively dominant over others. A fundamentally parallel neural organisation of human voluntary action at the highest level is thereby implied.
Chemical analysis using 3D printed glass microfluidics
Authors: Gal-Or Eran , Gershoni Yaniv , Scotti Gianmario , Nilsson Sofia M. E. , Saarinen Jukka , Jokinen Ville , Strachan Clare J. , Boije af Gennäs Gustav , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari , Kotiaho Tapio
Published: March 2019

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a disruptive technology that is changing production systems globally.
Multiparameter antibiotic resistance detection based on hydrodynamic trapping of individual E. coli
Authors: Pitruzzello Giampaolo , Thorpe Stephen , Johnson Steven , Evans Adrian , Gadêlha Hermes , Krauss Thomas F.
Published: March 2019

We present a single-bacteria hydrodynamic trapping platform to detect antibiotic susceptibility and resistance by simultaneously monitoring motility and morphology of individual E. coli.
Synthesis and properties of a series of iridium complexes with imidazolo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives as primary ligands
Authors: Yin Xin-ying , Yang Zhi-yu , Huang Guo-li , Bian Jian-jian , Wang Deng-qiang , Wang Qin , Teng Ming-yu , Wang Zheng-liang , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2019

Ten novel phosphorescent iridium complexes based on imidazolo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives as primary ligands with luminescent nearly full colors.
The analysis of 2,3-dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles under an external magnetic field and their radiolabeling for possible theranostic applications
Authors: Perić Marko , Radović Magdalena , Mirković Marija , Nikolić Aleksandar S. , Iskrenović Predrag , Janković Drina , Vranješ-Đurić Sanja
Published: March 2019

The advances in nanotechnology are directed towards the development of new theranostic agents based on magnetic nanoparticles that can be used for both cancer detection and treatment.
Preparation of salbutamol imprinted magnetic nanoparticlesviaboronate affinity oriented surface imprinting for the selective analysis of trace salbutamol residues
Authors: Bie Zijun , Zhao Weiman , Lv Zhongyuan , Liu Songlin , Chen Yang
Published: March 2019

Salbutamol (SAL) is one of the most widely abused feed additives in animal husbandry.
A comparison of serum and plasma specimens in NMR-based metabonomics and its application in chronic atrophic gastritis rats
Authors: Liu YueTao , Xu WenQian , Wang GuoHong , Li AiPing , Li Ke , Qin XueMei
Published: March 2019

The choice of blood specimens is still disputable in metabonomic studies due to the great metabolic diversities of serum and plasma.
Unique photoaffinity probes to study TGFβ signaling and receptor fates
Authors: Längle D. , Wesseler F. , Flötgen D. , Leek H. , Plowright A. T. , Schade D.
Published: March 2019

A novel synthetic approach is used to prepare a diverse set of “first-in-class” dihydropyridine-based TGFβ receptor degraders bearing photoaffinity labels.
High-throughput protein nanopatterning
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Kumar Mohit , Calo’ Annalisa , Albisetti Edoardo , Zheng Xiaouri , Manning Kylie B. , Elacqua Elisabeth , Weck Marcus , Ulijn Rein V. , Riedo Elisa
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate a high resolution and high-throughput patterning method to generate protein nanopatterns with sub-10 nm resolution by using thermochemical scanning probe lithography.
Doping-induced enhancement of crystallinity in polymeric carbon nitride nanosheets to improve their visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Zhou Bing-Xin , Zhang Hua-Wei , Ma Shao-Fang , Huang Wei-Qing , Peng Wei , Hu Wangyu , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: March 2019

Structural defects can greatly inhibit electron transfer in two-dimensional (2D) layered polymeric carbon nitride (CN), seriously lowering its utilization ratio of photogenerated charges during photocatalysis.
Capillary-driven elastic attraction between quantum dots
Authors: Liu Kailang , Berbezier Isabelle , Favre Luc , Ronda Antoine , Abbarchi Marco , Donnadieu Patricia , Voorhees Peter W. , Aqua Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

We present a novel self-assembly route to align SiGe quantum dots.
Transformer oil diagnostic by using an optical fibre system: a review
Authors: Razzaq Alaa , Zainuddin Hidayat , Hanaffi Farhan , Chyad Radhi M.
Published: March 2019

High‐voltage transformers are essential for power systems, particularly in the transmission and distribution sectors. The reliability of this equipment typically depends on their insulation condition. Thus, considerable attention must be accorded to the development of diagnostic and monitoring systems for predicting the condition of transformer oil. At present, several electrical, physical and chemical diagnostic techniques have been applied to transformer condition monitoring. This study presents a review of the application of optical sensors to transformer condition monitoring. Optical‐sensor‐based monitoring of various parameters of transformer oil as part of transformer condition monitoring is discussed. The classification and sensing principles of optical sensors are also reviewed.
The SOPHIE search for northern extrasolar planets
Authors: Díaz R. F. , Delfosse X. , Hobson M. J. , Boisse I. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Bonfils X. , Henry G. W. , Arnold L. , Bouchy F. , Bourrier V. , Brugger B. , Dalal S. , Deleuil M. , Demangeon O. , Dolon F. , Dumusque X. , Forveille T. , Hara N. , Hébrard G. , Kiefer F. , Lopez T. , Mignon L. , Moreau F. , Mousis O. , Moutou C. , Pepe F. , Perruchot S. , Richaud Y. , Santerne A. , Santos N. C. , Sottile R. , Stalport M. , Ségransan D. , Udry S. , Unger N. , Wilson P. A.
Published: March 2019

Periodic radial velocity variations in the nearby M-dwarf star Gl 411 are reported, based on measurements with the SOPHIE spectrograph. Current data do not allow us to distinguish between a 12.95-day period and its one-day alias at 1.08 days, but favour the former slightly. The velocity variation has an amplitude of 1.6 m s−1, making this the lowest-amplitude signal detected with SOPHIE up to now. We have performed a detailed analysis of the significance of the signal and its origin, including extensive simulations with both uncorrelated and correlated noise, representing the signal induced by stellar activity. The signal is significantly detected, and the results from all tests point to its planetary origin. Additionally, the presence of an additional acceleration in the velocity time series is suggested by the current data. On the other hand, a previously reported signal with a period of 9.9 days, detected in HIRES velocities of this star, is not recovered in the SOPHIE data. An independent analysis of the HIRES dataset also fails to unveil the 9.9-day signal. If the 12.95-day period is the real one, the amplitude of the signal detected with SOPHIE implies the presence of a planet, called Gl 411 b, with a minimum mass of around three Earth masses, orbiting its star at a distance of 0.079 AU. The planet receives about 3.5 times the insolation received by Earth, which implies an equilibrium temperature between 256 and 350 K, and makes it too hot to be in the habitable zone. At a distance of only 2.5 pc, Gl 411 b, is the third closest low-mass planet detected to date. Its proximity to Earth will permit probing its atmosphere with a combination of high-contrast imaging and high-dispersion spectroscopy in the next decade.
Representation of capacity drop at a road merge via point constraints in a first order traffic model
Authors: Dal Santo Edda , Donadello Carlotta , Pellegrino Sabrina F. , Rosini Massimiliano D.
Published: March 2019

We reproduce the capacity drop phenomenon at a road merge by implementing a non-local point constraint at the junction in a first order traffic model. We call capacity drop the situation in which the outflow through the junction is lower than the receiving capacity of the outgoing road, as too many vehicles trying to access the junction from the incoming roads hinder each other. In this paper, we first construct an enhanced version of the locally constrained model introduced by Haut et al. (Proceedings 16th IFAC World Congress. Prague, Czech Republic 229 (2005) TuM01TP/3), then we propose its counterpart featuring a non-local constraint and finally we compare numerically the two models by constructing an adapted finite volumes scheme.
Perianal fistulas in adult patients with Crohn’s disease in Germany – a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of claims data from German sickness funds
Authors: Georgiadou Elena , Fanter Lena , Brandes Alina , Ratsch Boris , Friedel Heiko , Dignass Axel
Published: March 2019

Introduction Perianal fistulas (PF) are presumably a frequent extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease (CD), causing significant functional impairment. This study aims to gain representative data on the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of CD patients suffering from PF in Germany.

Materials and methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of claims data from several German company health insurance funds included adult patients with CD and PF in 2015. The dataset comprised in- and outpatient services with diagnoses, drug prescriptions, and other patient data. It is representative for age, gender, and region and allows extrapolation to the total German statutory health insurance (SHI) population. A systematic literature review was conducted to discuss these results in the international context.

Results A CD prevalence of 299 per 100 000 and a PF prevalence in CD patients of 3.4 % was observed in this cross-sectional study. PF are most prevalent in young age groups (< 24 to 39). One-third of patients with PF received biologics and surgery. Surgical procedures were performed in 31.3 % of PF patients in the inpatient setting and in 4.4 % of PF patients in the outpatient setting. All complicated perianal fistula patients received at least 1 inpatient surgery and 44.8 % received biologic therapy.

Discussion This claims data analysis in German patients estimates a CD prevalence in the SHI population that corresponds well to previously reported data. The prevalence rate for PF in CD patients is comparable with a previous cross-sectional German claims data analysis but is markedly lower than cumulative risks reported in longitudinal cohort studies. PF patients are young and treatment intensive with one-third requiring biologic treatment or inpatient surgery.
Einkaufsprojekte erfolgreich moderieren: Mehr Konsens, weniger Konfrontation
Authors: Stachel Kerstin , Eltzholtz Lennart
Published: March 2019

Strategische Einkäufer arbeiten im Krankenhaus in einem Umfeld, das durch interdisziplinäre Projektarbeit geprägt ist. Sie leiten Projekte zur Sachkostenoptimierung, zur Prozessveränderung und steuern komplexe Beschaffungsvorhaben. Der nachfolgende Beitrag zeigt, wie Einkaufsprojekte durch gezielte Einbindung von Experten der Medizin und Pflege gelingen.
Kommentar: Einkäufer und Verkäufer brauchen den Dialog
Authors: Gut Martin
Published: March 2019

Nehmen wir es gleich vorneweg: Die Funktionsinhalte von Verkäufer und Einkäufer sind grundsätzlich entgegengesetzt. Die Ziele und das Verständnis von einem „guten Geschäft“ sind gegensätzlich und zu guter Letzt misst sich die Aufgabenerfüllung am ambitionierten Umsatzziel, das der Verkäufer erreichen soll, bzw. an der Einhaltung oder Unterschreitung des schon knapp bemessenen Budgets für den Einkäufer. Doch sollten Anbieter und Abnehmer nicht auch ein gemeinsames Ziel verfolgen?
Effects of Supraphysiological Doses of Steroids on the Left Ventricle of Sedentary Mice: Morphometric Analysis
Authors: de Souza Érika Larissa Poscidônio , Dias Rodrigo Leandro , Rios Raíssa Santiago , Vieira Tânia Martins , Damião Bruno , Rossi Wagner Costa , Esteves Alessandra
Published: March 2019

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic compounds derived from testosterone, which are widely used in supraphysiological doses by people seeking an aesthetic effect. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the possible morphometric changes in the cardiac left ventricle caused by the administration of supraphysiological doses of the anabolic steroids testosterone cypionate and stanozolol in the hearts of young sedentary mice, to serve as a comparative parameter with young mice that were submitted to exercise. We have used 60 hearts of sedentary young Swiss mice, aged ∼ 90 days old (young-adult), with a body weight between 40 and 50 g. The animals were divided into three groups: the control group, the testosterone cypionate group, and the stanozolol group. For the analysis, 10 distinct sections of the apex, of the middle region, and of the base of the heart were selected, followed by an optical microscope measurement with a 2.5x magnification. The results obtained show an increase in both myocardial thickness and left ventricular cavity diameter in the two groups of male animals in relation to the control group; however, in females, an increase in the thickness of the left ventricular myocardium was observed only for the stanozolol group. These results suggest that the cardiac alterations observed in the present study may be directly related to some signs and symptoms already described in the literature, such as hypertension, arrhythmias, infarction, sudden death, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Epidemiology and Clinical Manifestations of Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kohli Rahil , Chaturvedi Shruti
Published: March 2019

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) occurs with an incidence rate of 1.6 to 3.9 per 100,000 patient-years, which increases with age and has a slight female preponderance. ITP is termed acute, persistent or chronic when its duration is <3 months, 3 to 12 months and >12 months, respectively. In this narrative review, we discuss the clinical manifestations of ITP in children and adults. ITP is asymptomatic in some patients; however, when present, bleeding is the most common symptom and can be mild as in petechiae, purpura and epistaxis, or severe and even life threatening in cases of intracranial haemorrhage, and massive gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding. A platelet count <10–20 × 109/L, advanced age and prior minor bleeding are risk factors for major bleeding, which is also more common in the months following a new diagnosis of acute ITP. Fatigue and impaired health-related quality of life are also manifestations of ITP that often improve with treatment and improvement in platelet counts. Over long-term follow-up, ITP is also associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism, haematologic malignancy and overall mortality than the general population.
Influence of the formation of a bi-Maxwellian distribution on volumetric recombining plasma spectroscopy
Authors: Takahashi H. , Okamoto A. , Boonyarittipong P. , Saikyo T. , Ogasawara K. , Seino T. , Tobita K. , Kitajima S.
Published: March 2019

Determination of the electron temperature Te and electron density ne is indispensable for evaluating the reaction rates of various atomic and molecular processes. In our numerical work, it was reported that a Boltzmann plot could yield considerably underestimated values of Te and ne when electrons form a bi-Maxwellian distribution [H. Takahashi et al., Contrib. Plasma Phys. 57, 322 (2017)]. To confirm this, helium volumetric recombining plasma spectroscopy was conducted with the DT-ALPHA device. It was found that the electron temperature TeB and electron density neB determined from the Boltzmann plot method were considerably smaller than those determined from continuum emission (TeC and neC). Langmuir probe measurements indicated that the electrons in the helium recombining plasma clearly form a bi-Maxwellian distribution. The collisional–radiative model for a plasma with a bi-Maxwellian distribution was then utilized to interpret the discrepancies in Te and ne. Using TeC, neC, and hot electron parameters, the model reproduced both TeB and neB well. This result indicates that the hot electron components are responsible for the discrepancy, even though their density is much smaller than that of bulk electrons. The present study experimentally confirms the influence of the formation of a bi-Maxwellian distribution on recombining plasma spectroscopy.
Band alignment of lattice-mismatched In0.82Ga0.18As/InP heterojunction determined by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Li Jinping , Miao Guoqing , Zhang Zhiwei , Li Xiao , Song Hang , Jiang Hong , Chen Yiren , Li Zhiming
Published: March 2019

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy were used to measure the band structure for high lattice-mismatched In0.82Ga0.18As/InP. The valence band offset was determined to be 0.43 eV, which is in agreement with the theoretical values based on the previous analysis. Together with a conduction band offset of 0.44 eV, it is indicated that a type-I band structure forms at the In0.82Ga0.18As/InP heterojunction. The precise determination of the band structure of In0.82Ga0.18As/InP is crucial for future device design and performance improvement. Besides, the valence band offset of In0.82Ga0.18As/GaAs was estimated to be 0.24 eV, which also presents a type-I band alignment.
Observation of spontaneous decay of Alfvénic fluctuations into co- and counter-propagating magnetosonic waves in a laboratory plasma
Authors: Shi Peiyun , Yang Zhida , Luo Ming , Wang Rongsheng , Lu Quanming , Sun Xuan
Published: March 2019

We show experimentally that Alfvénic fluctuations can spontaneously decay into a fast and a slow magnetosonic wave in an inhomogeneous plasma. The fast wave of higher frequency propagates in the same direction, while the slow wave of lower frequency propagates in the opposite direction with the pump wave. Both of the daughter waves are characterized by strong parallel but modest perpendicular fluctuations. The measured frequencies and wavenumbers are found to satisfy the energy and momentum conservation conditions for a nonlinear three wave interaction. The evidence of energy flowing from pump fluctuations into daughter waves is also presented in this paper. The results may shed light on the origin of inward Alfvén waves observed in the solar corona and chromosphere and how shear Alfvén waves deposit its energy by driving compressional perturbations.
Targeting MAPK phosphorylation of Connexin43 provides neuroprotection in stroke
Authors: Freitas-Andrade Moises , Wang Nan , Bechberger John F. , De Bock Marijke , Lampe Paul D. , Leybaert Luc , Naus Christian C.
Published: March 2019

Connexin43 (Cx43) function is influenced by kinases that phosphorylate specific serine sites located near its C-terminus. Stroke is a powerful inducer of kinase activity, but its effect on Cx43 is unknown. We investigated the impact of wild-type (WT) and knock-in Cx43 with serine to alanine mutations at the protein kinase C (PKC) site Cx43S368A, the casein kinase 1 (CK1) sites Cx43S325A/328Y/330A, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) sites Cx43S255/262/279/282A (MK4) on a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) stroke model. We demonstrate that MK4 transgenic animals exhibit a significant decrease in infarct volume that was associated with improvement in behavioral performance. An increase in astrocyte reactivity with a concomitant decrease in microglial reactivity was observed in MK4 mice. In contrast to WT, MK4 astrocytes displayed reduced Cx43 hemichannel activity. Pharmacological blockade of Cx43 hemichannels with TAT-Gap19 also significantly decreased infarct volume in WT animals. This study provides novel molecular insights and charts new avenues for therapeutic intervention associated with Cx43 function.
Enhanced critical current density in BaFe2(As0.66P0.33)2 nanocomposite superconducting films
Authors: Miura Masashi , Tsuchiya Go , Harada Takumu , Tanabe Keiichi , Kiuchi Masaru , Matsushita Teruo
Published: March 2019

The high upper critical field and low anisotropy of the 122-type iron-based superconductor BaFe2As2 makes it promising for use in superconducting high field magnets. However, its critical current density (J
c) in high magnetic fields needs to be further improved. Here we show that for the film prepared by pulsed laser deposition method by controlling the deposition parameters (higher substrate temperature and lower growth rate), the crystallinity of BaFe2(As0.66P0.33)2 (Ba122:P) matrix is improved while maintaining a high density of incoherent BaZrO3 (BZO) nanoparticles (NPs) which together lead to significantly increased self field J
c. Our Ba122:P nanocomposite films also exhibit increased in-field J
c, reduced angular anisotropy of J
c and reduced detrimental effects of thermal fluctuations (creep rate) over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic field strength. The BZO NP doped Ba122:P films show high in-field J
c over 2.1 MA cm−2 even at 4 K and 9 T (μ
0
H∣∣c), which is significantly higher than that of standard Ba122:P films and conventional alloy superconducting wires. To understand the contribution of the various pinning centers, we applied a simple model, which was developed for cuprates, to Ba122:P film with all the parameters used derived by fitting to a limited set of experimental data (no free parameters) such that temperature, angle and field properties at other experimental conditions are then calculated. This simple model fits very well to the experimental results in these two very different material systems. We discuss the effectiveness of natural defect and BZO NPs on the ratio of J
c to the depairing current density. The superconducting properties for 122-type iron-based superconductors obtained through this work are considered promising for high-field applications.