bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinico‐pathological profile and comparative study of conservative versus surgical deroofing as an effective technique in management of pseudocyst of pinna
Authors: Cader Segana Hasan Abdul , Shah Fahim Ahmed , Reghunandanan Nair S.K.G.
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

An auricular pseudocyst is not uncommon in routine ENT clinical practice, it occurs when fluid accumulates between the intracartilaginous spaces of the auricle. Many treatment modalities have been proposed such as incision and drainage of the cyst, simple needle aspiration, tight bandaging with dental rolls, however recurrence and cosmetic problems are still noted in some cases. The aim of this article was to discuss our experience of surgical treatment of intractable auricular pseudocysts with marsupialisation, deroofing and anterior cartilage leaflet removal along with compression suture therapy.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients were included in the study conducted at ENT department, Sur Ministry of Health Hospital between January 2012 and January 2014 after prior consent and ethical approval. Those following trauma and other pinna conditions like relapsing polychondritis were excluded from our study. The clinical appearances were noted and all patients underwent surgical deroofing with removal of anterior cartilage leaflet and compression suture therapy using buttons for two weeks.

Results and observations

There were 8 males and 12 females out of the 20 and right sided pinna (n = 14) involvement in the region of the scaphoid fossa (n = 12) was more than the triangular fossa (n = 3) or conchal bowl involvement (n = 5). Mostly patients between 30 and 40 years of age were affected (Mean age of 37 years and standard deviation of 8). The overall success rate with deroofing and compression suture therapy was 98%.

Conclusions

Auricular pseudocysts are not an uncommon condition affecting middle aged patients without identifiable etiology. Conservative modalities may be the first choice of treatment for auricular pseudocysts although varied recurrence and failure rates have been published in the literature. However, the deroofing surgical technique with anterior cartilage leaflet removal with compression suture therapy is a reliable and easy procedure which can achieve an acceptable appearance of the pinna without recurrence when conservative management fails or is refused by the patient.
Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza v. The Republic of Rwanda
Authors: Mbori Harrison
Published: October 2018

In its landmark November 24, 2017 judgment in Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza v. The Republic of Rwanda, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) or Court) held that certain aspects of the right to a fair trial (presumption of innocence and illegal searches) and the right to freedom of expression under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul Charter) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) had been violated by the Republic of Rwanda (Respondent State). In its final orders, however, the Court rejected the applicant's prayer for immediate release and deferred its decision on other forms of reparation. The judgment has broad implications on how African states protect and respect the rights to a fair trial and freedom of expression. The case also offers some vital lessons on state backlash towards human rights litigation and African states’ compliance with decisions of international courts (ICs).
Human Rights in War: On the Entangled Foundations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions
Authors: van Dijk Boyd
Published: October 2018

The relationship between human rights and humanitarian law is one of the most contentious topics in the history of international law. Most scholars studying their foundations argue that these two fields of law developed separately until the 1960s. This article, by contrast, reveals a much earlier cross-fertilization between these disciplines. It shows how “human rights thinking” played a critical generative role in transforming humanitarian law, thereby creating important legacies for today's understandings of international law in armed conflict.
Vegetation phenology in Greenland and links to cryospheric change
Authors: Thompson Jeffery A. , Koenig Lora S.
Published: October 2018

Recent greening of vegetation across the Arctic is associated with warming temperatures, hydrologic change and shorter snow-covered periods. Here we investigated trends for a subset of arctic vegetation on the island of Greenland. Vegetation in Greenland is unique due to its close proximity to the Greenland Ice Sheet and its proportionally large connection to the Greenlandic population through the hunting of grazing animals. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not longer snow-free periods (SFPs) were causing Greenlandic vegetation to dry out and become less productive. If vegetation was drying out, a subsequent aim of the study was to determine how widespread the drying was across Greenland. We utilized a 15-year time-series obtained by the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to analyze the Greenland vegetation by deriving descriptors corresponding with the SFP, the number of cumulative growing degree-days and the time-integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. While the productivity of most vegetated areas increased in response to longer growing periods, there were localized regions that exhibited signs consistent with the drying hypothesis. In these areas, vegetation productivity decreased in response to longer SFPs and more accumulated growing degree-days.
TIME, SPACE, AND SKILLS IN DESIGNING MIGRATION POLICY
Authors: Burzyński Michał
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a multi-country model of international migration in which college-educated workers choose destination countries, preferred types of visas, and the optimal durations of stay. In this framework, I investigate the global implications of further development of the European Union (EU) program of preferential temporary visas for the highly skilled immigrants and compare them to the effects of income tax allowances for medium-term, college-educated, foreign workers. The two counterfactuals indicate a significant rise in the yearly inflows and total stocks of college-educated immigrants into the EU. The outcomes of the former policy are driven by a “visa-substitution” effect within the group of current migrants, while the latter scenario results in an increase in the pool of international migrants. Both policies induce a “destination–substitution” effect: losses of skilled migrants by non-EU states, which is reinforced by multilateral resistance to migration that is micro-founded in the model.
Amenability and unique ergodicity of automorphism groups of countable homogeneous directed graphs
Authors: PAWLIUK MICHEAL , SOKIĆ MIODRAG
Published: October 2018

We study the automorphism groups of countable homogeneous directed graphs (and some additional homogeneous structures) from the point of view of topological dynamics. We determine precisely which of these automorphism groups are amenable (in their natural topologies). For those which are amenable, we determine whether they are uniquely ergodic, leaving unsettled precisely one case (the ‘semi-generic’ complete multipartite directed graph). We also consider the Hrushovski property. For most of our results we use the various techniques of Angelet al[Random orderings and unique ergodicity of automorphism groups.J. Eur. Math. Soc.,16(2014), 2059–2095], suitably generalized to a context in which the universal minimal flow is not necessarily the space of all orders. Negative results concerning amenability rely on constructions of the type considered in Zucker [Amenability and unique ergodicity of automorphism groups of Fraïssé structures.Fund. Math.,226(2014), 41–61]. An additional class of structures (compositions) may be handled directly on the basis of very general principles. The starting point in all cases is the determination of the universal minimal flow for the automorphism group, which in the context of countable homogeneous directed graphs is given in Jasińskiet al[Ramsey precompact expansions of homogeneous directed graphs.Electron. J. Combin.,21(4), (2014), 31] and the papers cited therein.
PLACAS ALADAS DE LAS SOCIEDADES NAHUANGE Y TAIRONA (100–1600 DC), SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA: MATERIA PRIMA Y ÁREAS DE PROCEDENCIA
Authors: Acevedo Gómez Natalia , Weber Scharff Marion , García-Casco Antonio , Sáenz-Samper Juanita
Published: October 2018

En la expresión material de las sociedades prehispánicas que habitaron la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), Colombia, durante los periodos cronológicos Nahuange (100–1000 dC) y Tairona (1000–1600 dC) se aprecia una amplia variedad de objetos elaborados en piedra verde. Entre estos se destacan placas aladas alargadas, posiblemente talladas con una intención simbólica asociada a un tipo de materia prima específica. Placas aladas de formas similares se han reportado en amplias regiones del norte de Colombia y Venezuela, Panamá, Costa Rica y el Caribe. En este trabajo, la identificación de la materia prima a partir de estudios arqueométricos realizados sobre placas aladas prehispánicas de la SNSM revela que estas están elaboradas en jade tipo nefrita, serpentinita y calcedonia. Las características mineralógicas de los artefactos fueron comparadas con la asociación mineralógica identificada en rocas de la Formación Punta Betín, la Formación Rodadero y el Batolito de Santa Marta de la Sierra Nevada. La similitud mineralógica encontrada entre las placas y las rocas estudiadas permite proponer una fuente geológica de origen local en la SNSM.
Adventures in shape and space – and time
Authors: Roper Tom
Published: October 2018

As a youth entering the sixth form to study Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics I enjoyed the riches of the school's mathematics library and in particular three books which appealed to me, A mathematician's apology [1], A book of curves [2] and On growth and form [3].

Hardy's book [1] is one that an impressionable, young mathematician should not read unguided. It left me with the impression that the proper pursuit of mathematics was as a pure subject, of no use or application, to be studied for its own sake; to my regret, I held to this view for several years before finally being able to shake it off through teaching Newtonian mechanics. Looking across mathematics teaching today I seem to observe great interest in geometry, number and algebra ‘curiosities’ that are rooted entirely in mathematics. This in itself is no bad thing, since it clearly draws us and our students into the fascinating world of mathematics. But what of the applications of mathematics? Might they be equally fascinating? Surely we do not want to lure our students into Hardy's trap?
Paper-folding and cutting activities to demonstrate five-fold symmetry
Authors: Leung King-Shun
Published: October 2018

We can obtain a two-fold symmetric figure by folding a square sheet of paper in the middle and then cutting along some curves drawn on the paper. By making two perpendicular folds through the centre of the paper and then cutting, we can obtain a four-fold symmetric figure. We can also get an eight-fold symmetric figure by making a fold bisecting an angle made by the two perpendicular folds before cutting. But it is not possible to obtain a three-fold, five-fold or six-fold symmetric figure in this way; we need to make more folds before cutting. Making a three-fold (respectively five-fold and six-fold) figure involves the division of the angle at the centre (360°) of a square sheet of a paper into six (respectively ten and twelve) equal parts. In other words, we need to construct the angles 60°, 36° and 30°. But these angles cannot be obtained by repeated bisections of 180° by simple folding as in the making of two-fold, four-fold and eight-fold figures. In [1], we see that each of the constructions of 60° and 30° applies the fact that sin 30° = ½ and takes only a few simple folding steps. The construction of 36° is more tedious (see, for example, [2] and [3]) as sin 36° is not a simple fraction but an irrational number. In this Article, we show how to make, by paper-folding and cutting a regular pentagon, a five-pointed star and create any five-fold figure as we want. The construction obtained by dividing the angle at the centre of a square paper into ten equal parts is called a pentagon base. We gained much insight from [2] and [3] when developing the method for making the pentagon base to be presented below.
On obtaining limiting values of a class of infinite products
Authors: Kaczkowski Stephen
Published: October 2018

Difference equations have a wide variety of applications, including fluid flow analysis, wave propagation, circuit theory, the study of traffic patterns, queueing analysis, diffusion theory, and many others. Besides these applications, studies into the analogy between ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and difference equations have been a favourite topic of mathematicians (e.g. see [1] and [2]). These applications and studies bring to light the similar character of the solutions of a difference equation with a fixed step size and a corresponding ODE.

Also, an important numerical technique for solving both ordinary and partial differential equations (PDEs) is the method of finite differences [3], whereby a difference equation with a small step size is utilised to obtain a numerical solution of a differential equation. In this paper, elements of both of these ideas will be used to solve some intriguing problems in pure and applied mathematics.
On touching circles
Authors: Silvester John R.
Published: October 2018

The circles C1, … , Cn form a chain of length n, or an n-chain, if Ci touches Ci + 1, for i = 1, … , n − 1, and the chain is closed if also Cn touches C1. If Ci touches Ci + 1 at Qi, for i = 1, … , n (subscripts being interpreted modulo n), then Q1, … , Qn (assumed distinct) are the contact points of the chain. A cyclic chain is a chain for which all the circles touch another circle S, the base circle of the chain, and if Ci touches S at Pi, then P1, … , Pn are the base points of the chain.
Effect of stocking rate on grazing behaviour and diet selection of goats on cultivated pasture
Authors: Wan L. Q. , Liu K. S. , Wu W. , Li J. S. , Zhao T. C. , Shao X. Q. , He F. , Lv H. , Li X. L.
Published: October 2018

Cultivated pastures in southern China are being used to improve forage productivity and animal performance, but studies on grazing behaviour of goats in these cultivated pastures are still rare. In the current study, the grazing behaviour of Yunling black goats under low (5 goats/ha) and high (15 goats/ha) stocking rates (SRs) was evaluated. Data showed that the proportion of time goats spent on activities was: eating (0.59–0.87), ruminating (0.05–0.35), walking (0.03–0.06) and resting (0.01–0.03). Compared with low SR, goats spent more time eating and walking, and less time ruminating and resting under high SR. Goats had similar diet preferences under both SR and preferred to eat grasses (ryegrass and cocksfoot) more than a legume (white clover). The distribution of eating time on each forage species was more uniform under highv.low SR. Bites/step, bite weight and daily intake were greater under low than high SR. Results suggest that the SR affects grazing behaviour of goats on cultivated pasture, and identifying an optimal SR is critical for increasing bite weight and intake.
Genetic characterization of human-derived hydatid fluid based on mitochondrial gene sequencing in individuals from northern and western China
Authors: Cao M. , Chen K. , Li W. , Ma J. , Xiao Z. , Wang H. , Gao J.
Published: October 2018

This study investigated Echinococcus genotypes in patients with hydatidosis that reside in Inner Mongolia, Tibet or Qinghai Province by partially sequencing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (nad1) genes. Cyst fluids were collected from 23 patients with hydatidosis and DNA was extracted. Portions of the cox1 and nad1 genes were amplified and subsequently sequenced. Sequencing analysis determined that one of the isolates contained Echinococcus multilocularis, and the other 22 isolates contained E. granulosus sensu lato. The isolates were then further classified based on genotype, and E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) G1 (n = 20), E. granulosus s.s. G3 (n = 1) and E. canadensis G6/7 (n = 1) were identified. Additionally, the sequences were concatenated (pcox1 + pnad1) and 11 haplotypes were identified among the E. granulosus s.s. isolates (G1 and G3), with a shared common haplotype (H1) identified. Overall, these findings provide further understanding of the genetic patterns of Echinococcus in western and northern China.
If anyone is in Christ – new creation!
Authors: PAGE BEN
Published: October 2018

This article investigates the metaphysical transformation that occurs when a believer becomes a new creation, something which hasn't yet been explored in the literature. I start by setting out what this ontological transformation involves, and then provide two models as to how it might go. The first is a type of substratism, based on a theory of mixing, while the second thinks about this transformation in terms of replacementism. Throughout the article I seek to resolve difficulties that both of these models bring, while also showing how other aspects of Christian thought can be explained by these models.
COST, CONTEXT, AND DECISIONS IN HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Culyer Anthony J.
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

This study is an attempt to demystify and clarify the idea of cost in health economics and health technology assessment (HTA).

Methods:

Its method draws on standard concepts in economics. Cost is a more elusive concept than is commonly thought and can be particularly elusive in multidisciplinary territory like HTA.

Results:

The article explains that cost is more completely defined as opportunity cost, why cost is necessarily associated with a decision, and that it will always vary according to the context of that decision: whether choice is about inputs or outputs, what the alternatives are, the timing of the consequences of the decision, the nature of the commitment to which a decision maker is committed, who the decision maker is, and the constraints and discretion limiting or liberating the decision maker. Distinctions between short and long runs and between fixed and variable inputs are matters of choice, not technology, and are similarly context-dependent. Harms or negative consequences are, in general, not costs. Whether so-called “clinically unrelated” future costs and benefits should be counted in current decisions again depends on context.

Conclusions:

The costs of entire health programs are context-dependent, relating to planned rates of activity, volumes, and timings. The implications for the methods of HTA are different in the contexts of low- and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries, and further differ contextually according to the budget constraints (fixed or variable) facing decision makers.
The Value of Preregistration for Open and Credible Science: An Initiative from the Journal of Experimental Political Science
Authors: Arceneaux Kevin , Wilson Rick , Boudreau Cheryl , Bush Sarah , Jerit Jennifer , Rubenson Daniel , Sinclair Betsy , Settle Jaime , Woon Jonathan , Zechmeister Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

In the interest of promoting open and reproducible science, the Journal of Experimental Political Science editorial team will pilot the pre-acceptance of preregistered reports. We note that the launch of this new submission option is a complement to, and does not replace, the option to submit other types of manuscripts. JEPS remains open to receiving and reviewing high quality manuscripts regardless of whether they are based on preregistered studies.
First Results From Sonification and Exploratory Citizen Science of Magnetospheric ULF Waves: Long‐Lasting Decreasing‐Frequency Poloidal Field Line Resonances Following Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Archer M. O. , Hartinger M. D. , Redmon R. , Angelopoulos V. , Walsh B. M. ,   Eltham Hill School Year 12 Physics Students
Published: October 2018

Magnetospheric ultralow‐frequency (ULF) waves contribute to space weather in the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere system. The monitoring of these waves by space‐ and ground‐based instruments, however, produces big data, which are difficult to navigate, mine, and analyze effectively. We present sonification, the process of converting an oscillatory time series into audible sound, and citizen science, where members of the public contribute to scientific investigations, as a means to potentially help tackle these issues. Magnetometer data in the ULF range at geostationary orbit have been sonified and released to London high schools as part of exploratory projects. While this approach reduces the overall likelihood of useful results from any particular group of citizen scientists compared to typical citizen science projects, it promotes independent learning and problem solving by all participants and can result in a small number of unexpected research outcomes. We present one such example, a case study identified by a group of students of decreasing‐frequency poloidal field line resonances over multiple days found to occur during the recovery phase of a coronal mass ejection‐driven geomagnetic storm. Simultaneous plasma density measurements show that the decreasing frequencies were due to the refilling of the plasmasphere following the storm. The waves were likely generated by internal plasma processes. Further exploration of the audio revealed many similar events following other major storms; thus, they are much more common than previously thought. We therefore highlight the potential of sonification and exploratory citizen science in addressing some of the challenges facing ULF wave research.
Assessing the Quality of Models of the Ambient Solar Wind
Authors: MacNeice P. , Jian L. K. , Antiochos S. K. , Arge C. N. , Bussy‐Virat C. D. , DeRosa M. L. , Jackson B. V. , Linker J. A. , Mikic Z. , Owens M. J. , Ridley A. J. , Riley P. , Savani N. , Sokolov I.
Published: October 2018

In this paper we present an assessment of the status of models of the global solar wind in the inner heliosphere. We limit our discussion to the class of models designed to provide solar wind forecasts, excluding those designed for the purpose of testing physical processes in idealized configurations. In addition, we limit our discussion to modeling of the ambient wind in the absence of coronal mass ejections. In this assessment we cover use of the models both in forecast mode and as tools for scientific research. We present a brief history of the development of these models, discussing the range of physical approximations in use. We discuss the limitations of the data inputs available to these models and its impact on their quality. We also discuss current model development trends.
Facile metagrating holograms with broadband and extreme angle tolerance
Authors: Deng Zi-Lan , Deng Junhong , Zhuang Xin , Wang Shuai , Shi Tan , Wang Guo Ping , Wang Yao , Xu Jian , Cao Yaoyu , Wang Xiaolei , Cheng Xing , Li Guixin , Li Xiangping
Published: October 2018

The emerging meta-holograms rely on arrays of intractable meta-atoms with various geometries and sizes for customized phase profiles that can precisely modulate the phase of a wavefront at an optimal incident angle for given wavelengths. The stringent and band-limited angle tolerance remains a fundamental obstacle for their practical application, in addition to high fabrication precision demands. Utilizing a different design principle, we determined that facile metagrating holograms based on extraordinary optical diffraction can allow the molding of arbitrary wavefronts with extreme angle tolerances (near-grazing incidence) in the visible–near-infrared regime. By modulating the displacements between uniformly sized meta-atoms rather than the geometrical parameters, the metagratings produce a robust detour phase profile that is irrespective of the wavelength or incident angle. The demonstration of high-fidelity meta-holograms and in-site polarization multiplexing significantly simplifies the metasurface design and lowers the fabrication demand, thereby opening new routes for flat optics with high performances and improved practicality.
Malignancies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Frequency, Incidence and Risk Factors—Results from the Swiss IBD Cohort Study
Authors: Scharl Sylvie , Barthel Christiane , Rossel Jean-Benoit , Biedermann Luc , Misselwitz Benjamin , Schoepfer Alain M. , Straumann Alex , Vavricka Stephan R. , Rogler Gerhard , Scharl Michael , Greuter Thomas ,   on behalf of the Swiss IBD Cohort Study Group
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Malignancy may occur as long-term complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to different risk factors. We assessed prevalence and incidence of malignancy, and predictive factors in the Swiss IBD Cohort Study (SIBDCS).

METHODS:

All IBD patients in the SIBDCS were analyzed from a cross-sectional and longitudinal perspective. Patients with malignancies were compared to controls. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated based on age-specific and sex-specific background rates.

RESULTS:

Malignancies were identified in 122 of 3119 patients (3.9%). In a logistic regression model, age (OR 1.04 per year), intestinal surgery (OR 3.34), and treatment with steroids (OR 2.10) were the main predictors for the presence of malignancy, while treatment with 5-ASA (OR 0.57) and biologics (OR 0.38) were protective. From a longitudinal perspective, 67 out of 2580 patients (2.6%) were newly diagnosed with malignancy during a follow-up of 12,420.8 years (median 4.9 years). While there was no increased risk for malignancy overall (SIR 0.93, 95% CI 0.72–1.18) and colorectal cancer (SIR 1.55, 95% CI 0.71–2.95), IBD patients had an increased risk for lymphoma (SIR 2.98, 95% CI 1.36–5.66) and biliary cancer (SIR 6.3, 95% CI 1.27–18.41). In a Cox regression model, age and recent use of immunomodulators were the main predictors for development of malignancies, while 5-ASA, biologics were protective.

CONCLUSIONS:

IBD patients showed increased risk for lymphoma and biliary cancer, but not colorectal cancer and cancer overall. Age and recent use of immunomodulators were the main risk factors for malignancy, while aminosalicylates and biologics appear to be protective.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Acinetobacter baumannii Infections in Patients with HIV: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Junyang , Tang Qi , Qi Tangkai , Chen Jun , Ji Yongjia , Tang Yang , Wang Zhenyan , Song Wei , Xun Jingna , Liu Li , Shen Yinzhong , Zhang Renfang , Lu Hongzhou
Published: October 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) infection is an increasing global threaten to hospitalized patients, especially those with impaired immune function. Still, few studies addressed the disease burdens and outcomes of AB infection in HIV patients. We aimed to describe characteristics and outcomes of AB infections in patients with HIV, measure the impact of AB infection on 28-day mortality in HIV patients, as well as assess the predictors of 28-day survival among HIV patients with AB pneumonia. A retrospective study with HIV/AB co-infected patients was conducted at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center (SPHCC), China. Patients with AB pneumonia were further analyzed for predictors of mortality, as well as an additional 1:1 case-control study to determine the fatality of AB pneumonia compared with pneumonia of other pathogens. We found the incidence of AB infection was 17.4 cases per 100 person-years among all hospitalized HIV patients. Hospital mortality rate was 37.5% (21/56). There was a higher 28-day mortality rate in HIV patients with pneumonia due to AB than other pathogens (34% vs 16%, P = 0.03). APACHE II score was independently associated with 28-day survival by multivariate logistic regression (P = 0.031). Our findings indicate that AB infection is incident and can be fatal in HIV seropositive population. AB infection is an independent risk factor of mortality in patients with HIV and pneumonia. A lower APACHE II score on admission predicts a higher 28-day survival rate among HIV/AB co-infected patients.
Fecal microbiota transplantation confers beneficial metabolic effects of diet and exercise on diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Lai Zi-Lun , Tseng Ching-Hung , Ho Hsiu J. , Cheung Cynthia K. Y. , Lin Jian-Yong , Chen Yi-Ju , Cheng Fu-Chou , Hsu Yao-Chun , Lin Jaw-Town , El-Omar Emad M. , Wu Chun-Ying
Published: October 2018

Diet and exercise are conventional methods for controlling body weight and are linked to alterations in gut microbiota. However, the associations of diet, exercise, and gut microbiota in the control of obesity remain largely unknown. In the present study, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), normal fat diet (NFD), exercise and their combination resulted in improved metabolic profiles in comparison to sedentary lifestyle with high fat diet (HFD). Moreover, diet exerted more influence than exercise in shaping the gut microbiota. HFD-fed mice receiving FMT from NFD-exercised donors not only showed remarkably reduced food efficacy, but also mitigated metabolic profiles (p < 0.05). The transmissible beneficial effects of FMT were associated with bacterial genera Helicobacter, Odoribacter and AF12 and overrepresentation of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis genes. Our findings demonstrate that the beneficial effects of diet and exercise are transmissible via FMT, suggesting a potential therapeutic treatment for obesity.
Tranexamic acid blocks the thrombin-mediated delay of epidermal permeability barrier recovery induced by the cedar pollen allergen, Cry j1
Authors: Nakanishi S. , Kumamoto J. , Denda M.
Published: October 2018

We previously demonstrated that Cry j1, the major pollen allergen of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar), transiently increases protease activity and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured human keratinocytes, and delays recovery after stratum corneum barrier disruption in human skin ex vivo. Topical application of tranexamic acid or trypsin-type serine protease inhibitors accelerates barrier recovery. We hypothesized that tranexamic acid might prevent the transient protease activity increase and the barrier recovery delay induced by Cry j1. Here, we tested this hypothesis and examined the mechanism involved. In cultured human keratinocytes, knock-down of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) reduced the transient increase of calcium induced by Cry j1, whereas knock-down of PAR-2 did not. Knock-down of thrombin significantly reduced the transient increases of calcium concentration and protease activity. Tranexamic acid, soybean trypsin inhibitor, or bivalirudin (a thrombin inhibitor) also reduced the calcium elevation induced by Cry j1 and/or thrombin. Co-application of tranexamic acid or bivalirudin with Cry j1 to human skin ex vivo blocked the delay of barrier recovery. These results suggest that thrombin and PAR-1 or PAR-1-like receptor might mediate the adverse effects of Cry j1 on human epidermal keratinocytes, and could open up a new strategy for treating inflammatory skin diseases.
Quantum synchronization of two mechanical oscillators in coupled optomechanical systems with Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Qiao Guo-jian , Gao Hui-xia , Liu Hao-di , Yi X. X.
Published: October 2018

We investigate the quantum synchronization phenomena of two mechanical oscillators of different frequencies in two optomechanical systems under periodically modulating cavity detunings or driving amplitudes, which can interact mutually through an optical fiber or a phonon tunneling. The cavities are filled with Kerr-type nonlinear medium. It is found that, no matter which the coupling and periodically modulation we choose, both of the quantum synchronization of nonlinear optomechanical system are more appealing than the linear optomechanical system. It is easier to observe greatly enhanced quantum synchronization with Kerr nonlinearity. In addition, the different influences on the quantum synchronization between the two coupling ways and the two modulating ways are compared and discussed.
Ionic and cellular mechanisms underlying TBX5/PITX2 insufficiency-induced atrial fibrillation: Insights from mathematical models of human atrial cells
Authors: Bai Jieyun , Gladding Patrick A. , Stiles Martin K. , Fedorov Vadim V. , Zhao Jichao
Published: October 2018

Transcription factors TBX5 and PITX2 involve in the regulation of gene expression of ion channels and are closely associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia in developed countries. The exact cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility to AF in patients with TBX5/PITX2 insufficiency remain unclear. In this study, we have developed and validated a novel human left atrial cellular model (TPA) based on the ten Tusscher-Panfilov ventricular cell model to systematically investigate how electrical remodeling induced by TBX5/PITX2 insufficiency leads to AF. Using our TPA model, we have demonstrated that spontaneous diastolic depolarization observed in atrial myocytes with TBX5-deletion can be explained by altered intracellular calcium handling and suppression of inward-rectifier potassium current (IK1). Additionally, our computer simulation results shed new light on the novel cellular mechanism underlying AF by indicating that the imbalance between suppressed outward current IK1 and increased inward sodium-calcium exchanger current (INCX) resulted from SR calcium leak leads to spontaneous depolarizations. Furthermore, our simulation results suggest that these arrhythmogenic triggers can be potentially suppressed by inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium leak and reversing remodeled IK1. More importantly, this study has clinically significant implications on the drugs used for maintaining SR calcium homeostasis, whereby drugs such as dantrolene may confer significant improvement for the treatment of AF patients with TBX5/PITX2 insufficiency.
A highly stable laccase obtained by swapping the second cupredoxin domain
Authors: Pardo Isabel , Rodríguez-Escribano David , Aza Pablo , de Salas Felipe , Martínez Angel T. , Camarero Susana
Published: October 2018

The robustness of a high-redox potential laccase has been enhanced by swapping its second cupredoxin domain with that from another fungal laccase, which introduced a pool of neutral mutations in the protein sequence without affecting enzyme functionality. The new laccase showed outstanding stability to temperature, pH (2–9) and to organic solvents, while maintaining the ability to oxidize high-redox potential substrates. By engineering the signal peptide, enzyme secretion levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were increased, which allowed to purify the engineered enzyme for further characterization. The purified domain-swap laccase presented higher activity in the presence of ethanol or methanol, superior half-lives at 50–70 °C, improved stability at acidic pH, and similar catalytic efficiency for DMP albeit a lower one for ABTS (due to a shift in optimum pH). A new N-glycosylation site and a putative new surface salt-bridge were evaluated as possible determinants for the improved stability by site-directed mutagenesis. Although neither seemed to be strictly responsible for the improved thermostability, the new salt bridge was found to notably contribute to the high stability of the swapped enzyme in a broad pH range. Finally, the application potential of the new laccase was demonstrated with the enzymatic treatment of kraft lignin, an industrially relevant lignin stream, at high temperature, neutral pH and short incubation times.
Characterization and improved properties of Glutamine synthetase from Providencia vermicola by site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: Zuo Wu , Nie Leitong , Baskaran Ram , Kumar Ashok , Liu Ziduo
Published: October 2018

In this study, a novel gene for Glutamine synthetase was cloned and characterized for its activities and stabilities from a marine bacterium Providencia vermicola (PveGS). A mutant S54A was generated by site directed mutagenesis, which showed significant increase in the activity and stabilities at a wide range of temperatures. The Km values of PveGS against hydroxylamine, ADP-Na2 and L-Glutamine were 15.7 ± 1.1, (25.2 ± 1.5) × 10−5 and 32.6 ± 1.7 mM, and the kcat were 17.0 ± 0.6, 9.14 ± 0.12 and 30.5 ± 1.0 s−1 respectively. In-silico-analysis revealed that the replacement of Ser at 54th position with Ala increased the catalytic activity of PveGS. Therefore, catalytic efficiency of mutant S54A had increased by 3.1, 0.89 and 2.9-folds towards hydroxylamine, ADP-Na2 and L-Glutamine respectively as compared to wild type. The structure prediction data indicated that the negatively charged pocket becomes enlarged and hydrogen bonding in Ser54 steadily promotes the product release. Interestingly, the residual activity of S54A mutant was increased by 10.7, 3.8 and 3.8 folds at 0, 10 and 50 °C as compared to WT. Structural analysis showed that S54A located on the loop near to the active site improved its flexibility due to the breaking of hydrogen bonds between product and enzyme. This also facilitated the enzyme to increase its cold adaptability as indicated by higher residual activity shown at 0 °C. Thus, replacement of Ala to Ser54 played a pivotal role to enhance the activities and stabilities at a wide range of temperatures.
Modelling brain-wide neuronal morphology via rooted Cayley trees
Authors: Lin Congping , Huang Yuanfei , Quan Tingwei , Zhang Yiwei
Published: October 2018

Neuronal morphology is an essential element for brain activity and function. We take advantage of current availability of brain-wide neuron digital reconstructions of the Pyramidal cells from a mouse brain, and analyze several emergent features of brain-wide neuronal morphology. We observe that axonal trees are self-affine while dendritic trees are self-similar. We also show that tree size appear to be random, independent of the number of dendrites within single neurons. Moreover, we consider inhomogeneous branching model which stochastically generates rooted 3-Cayley trees for the brain-wide neuron topology. Based on estimated order-dependent branching probability from actual axonal and dendritic trees, our inhomogeneous model quantitatively captures a number of topological features including size and shape of both axons and dendrites. This sheds lights on a universal mechanism behind the topological formation of brain-wide axonal and dendritic trees.
Author Correction: Toxicity evaluation of Wanzhou watershed of Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir in the flood season in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Guosheng , Zhao Li , Huang Qian , Yang Junnian , Du Huihui , Guo Dongqin , Xia Mingxing , Li Guangman , Chen Zongxiang , Wang Dayong
Published: October 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Embodying functionally relevant action sounds in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Pazzaglia Mariella , Galli Giulia , Lewis James W. , Scivoletto Giorgio , Giannini Anna Maria , Molinari Marco
Published: October 2018

Growing evidence indicates that perceptual-motor codes may be associated with and influenced by actual bodily states. Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), for example, individuals exhibit reduced visual sensitivity to biological motion. However, a dearth of direct evidence exists about whether profound alterations in sensorimotor traffic between the body and brain influence audio-motor representations. We tested 20 wheelchair-bound individuals with lower skeletal-level SCI who were unable to feel and move their lower limbs, but have retained upper limb function. In a two-choice, matching-to-sample auditory discrimination task, the participants were asked to determine which of two action sounds matched a sample action sound presented previously. We tested aural discrimination ability using sounds that arose from wheelchair, upper limb, lower limb, and animal actions. Our results indicate that an inability to move the lower limbs did not lead to impairment in the discrimination of lower limb-related action sounds in SCI patients. Importantly, patients with SCI discriminated wheelchair sounds more quickly than individuals with comparable auditory experience (i.e. physical therapists) and inexperienced, able-bodied subjects. Audio-motor associations appear to be modified and enhanced to incorporate external salient tools that now represent extensions of their body schemas.
Cr2O3 nanofiber: a high-performance electrocatalyst toward artificial N2 fixation to NH3 under ambient conditions
Authors: Du Huitong , Guo Xiaoxi , Kong Rong-Mei , Qu Fengli
Published: October 2018

Cr2O3 nanofiber acts as a superb electrocatalyst for artificial N2 fixation, showing excellent selectivity and durability under ambient conditions.
Correction: A high-performance protein crystallization plate pre-embedded with crosslinked protein microcrystals as seeds
Authors: Hou Hai , Shi Miao , Chen Zhong-Hao , Ahmad Fiaz , Liu Yue , Yan Er-Kai , Luo Chao , Li Jing , Zhu Cheng-Long , Deng Xu-Dong , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: October 2018

Correction for ‘A high-performance protein crystallization plate pre-embedded with crosslinked protein microcrystals as seeds’ by Hai Hou et al., CrystEngComm, 2018, 20, 4713–4718.
Comparison of TiO2 and g-C3N4 2D/2D nanocomposites from three synthesis protocols for visible-light induced hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhong Ruyi , Zhang Zisheng , Luo Shuqi , Zhang Z. Conrad , Huang Limin , Gu Meng
Published: October 2018

Knowledge of the interfacial structure of nanocomposite materials is a prerequisite for rational design of nanostructured photocatalysts.
Two-step magnetic transition in hybrid organic–inorganic materials of the (m-xylylenediamine)MeSO4(Me – Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) type
Authors: Luberda-Durnaś K. , Konieczny P. , Pełka R. , Oszajca M. , Gonzalez Guillen A. , Korecki J. , Ciesielska Z. , Łasocha W.
Published: October 2018

Layered hybrid materials of the type (MXDA)MeIISO4(Me – MnII, FeII, CoII, NiII) with a two step magnetic transition.
The morphologies and fluorescence quantum yields of perylene diimide dye-doped PS and PHVB microspheres
Authors: Chen Jia , Jia Shuoxun , Ji Xiaohuan , Nourrein Mohamed , Xiang Hengxue , Zhou Zhe , Wang Chien-Lung , Sun Bin , Zhu Meifang
Published: October 2018

A POSS functionalized perylene diimide (PDI) derivative, PPP, is applied to polymer microspheres as a red fluorophore. Hollow PPP/polystyrene microspheres show a fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) of nearly unity.
Endophytic fungus Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum produces cyclopeptides and plant-related bioactive rotenoids
Authors: Sobreira Aline C. M. , Pinto Francisco das Chagas L. , Florêncio Katharine G. D. , Wilke Diego V. , Staats Charley C. , Streit Rodrigo de A. S. , Freire Francisco das Chagas de O. , Pessoa Otília D. L. , Trindade-Silva Amaro E. , Canuto Kirley M.
Published: October 2018

Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum produces cyclopeptides and plant-related rotenoids, which are responsible for its antiproliferative effect.
Tunable large-scale regular array of topological defects in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Kim MinSu , Serra Francesca
Published: October 2018

We create regular and tunable large-scale array of topological defects in liquid crystals by alternating electrodes with different conductivity. We study the periodicity and the regularity of the network as a function of the electrodes size.
Natural alginate fiber-based actuator driven by water or moisture for energy harvesting and smart controller applications
Authors: Wang Wen , Xiang Chenxue , Liu Qiongzhen , Li Mufang , Zhong Weibing , Yan Kelu , Wang Dong
Published: October 2018

Fiber-based actuator driven by water or moisture with excellent cyclic stability for energy harvesting and smart controller applications.
A metal-ion-chelating organogel electrolyte for Le Chatelier depression of Mn3+disproportionation of lithium manganese oxide spinel
Authors: Cho Yoon-Gyo , Jung Seo-Hyun , Joo Se Hun , Jeon Yuju , Kim Minsoo , Lee Kyung Min , Kim Seungmin , Park Jong Mok , Noh Hyun Kuk , Kim Young-Soo , Hong Jung-Eui , Jeon Sang-Ik , Kim Taewon , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kong Hoyoul , Song Hyun-Kon
Published: October 2018

Mn dissolution resulting from Mn3+disproportionation in lithium manganese oxide spinel was significantly depressed by a metal-ion-chelating organogel electrolyte.
Side-chain-type anion exchange membranes for vanadium flow battery: properties and degradation mechanism
Authors: Xing Yi , Liu Lei , Wang Chenyi , Li Nanwen
Published: October 2018

Several side-chain-type AEMs have been synthesized for exploring the effect of the chemical architecture on the performance and degradation mechanism in the vanadium flow battery (VFB).
Ionic liquid containing electron-rich, porous polyphosphazene nanoreactors catalyze the transformation of CO2 to carbonates
Authors: Huang Zhangjun , Uranga Jorge G. , Zhou Shiliu , Jia Haiyan , Fei Zhaofu , Wang Yefeng , Bobbink Felix D. , Lu Qinghua , Dyson Paul J.
Published: October 2018

We show that ionic liquids (ILs) interact with electron-rich, porous polyphosphazene (PPZ), to form hybrid PPZ-IL nanoreactors able to simultaneously capture and transform CO2 into carbonates.
Overcoming drug resistance with functional mesoporous titanium dioxide nanoparticles combining targeting, drug delivery and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Guo Zhaoming , Zheng Kun , Tan Zhenquan , Liu Ye , Zhao Ziyin , Zhu Guang , Ma Kun , Cui Changhao , Wang Li , Kang Tianyu
Published: October 2018

We have designed a nano-drug delivery system ADH-1-HA-MTN, which can overcome the drug resistance of tumor cells based on an EMT cell targeting strategy in combination with PDT.
Improving the adsorption capacity for ovalbumin by functional modification of aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles with tryptophan
Authors: Qiao Min , Liu Xun , Song Jin-Wei , Yang Ting , Chen Ming-Li , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: October 2018

The functional modification of aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles with tryptophan significantly improved the adsorption capacity for ovalbumin.
Synthesis and the physical properties of layered copper oxytellurides Sr2TMCu2Te2O2 (TM = Mn, Co, Zn)
Authors: Song Dongjoon , Guélou Gabin , Mori Takao , Ochi Masayuki , Kuroki Kazuhiko , Fujihisa Hiroshi , Gotoh Yoshito , Iwasa Yuki , Eisaki Hiroshi , Ogino Hiraku
Published: October 2018

We synthesized a new series of layered copper oxytellurides Sr2TMCu2Te2O2 with variation in transition metal (TM = Mn, Co, and Zn) elements.
The roles ofMTRRandMTHFRgene polymorphisms in congenital heart diseases: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Aiping , Wang Weiping , Jiang Xiaolei
Published: October 2018

Background: We performed the present study to better elucidate the correlations of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene polymorphisms with the risk of congenital heart diseases (CHD).

Methods: Eligible articles were searched in PubMed, Medline, Embase and CNKI. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to detect any potential associations of MTHFR and MTRR gene polymorphisms with CHD.

Results: A total of 47 eligible studies were finally included in our meta-analysis. Our overall analyses suggested that MTRR rs1801394, MTRR rs1532268, MTHFR rs1801131 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms were all significantly associated with the risk of CHD in certain genetic models. Further subgroup analyses according to ethnicity of study participants demonstrated that the MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of CHD only in Asians, whereas MTRR rs1532268, MTHFR rs1801133 and MTHFR rs1801131 polymorphisms were significantly correlated with the risk of CHD in both Asians and Caucasians.

Conclusions: Our findings indicated that MTRR rs1532268, MTHFR rs1801131 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms may affect the risk of CHD in Asians and Caucasians, while the MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism may only affect in risk of CHD in Asians.