bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are open and neurotic behaviors related to cognitive behaviors in daily life of older adults?
Authors: Aschwanden Damaris , Luchetti Martina , Allemand Mathias
Published: July 2018

Objective

Previous research has shown a positive relationship between Openness and cognitive engagement as well as Neuroticism and cognitive complaints at the between‐person level. However, less is known about these associations at the within‐person level in daily life. Using daily assessments, the present study examined these associations both at the between‐person and within‐person level. Knowing the within‐person associations is important to provide valuable information for simple preventive and interceptive intervention strategies.

Method

This study sampled 136 healthy older participants (M = 70.45 years; 41.2% male). Open and neurotic behaviors as well as cognitive engagement and complaints were measured every evening over 11 days.

Results

The results of multilevel models showed a positive association between open behaviors and cognitive engagement at the between‐person and within‐person level. For neurotic behaviors and cognitive complaints, no association was found at either level of analysis.

Conclusions

These findings extend previous research by providing the investigation of the associations between specific naturally occurring behaviors related to personality and cognition in the daily life of older adults at the within‐person level. Furthermore, these results may offer some basis for future intervention studies that should test whether a simple intervention aimed at promoting Openness‐related behaviors may increase cognitive engagement.
An orally administered oral pathobiont and commensal have comparable and innocuous systemic effects in germ‐free mice
Authors: Sato Keisuke , Yokoji Mai , Yamada Miki , Nakajima Takako , Yamazaki Kazuhisa
Published: July 2018

Background and Objectives

We recently proposed a novel mechanism linking periodontitis and systemic diseases, in which orally administered Porphyromonas gingivalis affects gut microbiota composition and subsequently leads to systemic inflammation. However, the mechanism by which P. gingivalis generates systemic effects from the gut is unknown.

Material and Methods

Six‐week‐old germ‐free mice were orally administered with either an oral pathobiont P. gingivalis or an oral commensal Lactobacillus salivarius twice a week for 5 weeks. Control mice were administered with vehicle only. Alveolar bone resorption was evaluated histologically. The expression profile of various genes was analyzed in gingival tissue, liver, small intestine and large intestine using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Sera were analyzed for antibody, endotoxin and interleukin (IL)‐6 levels. Antibody levels were also analyzed for culture supernatant of cells from mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens. A proportion of T‐helper 17 and Treg in the cells from mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens was analyzed by flow cytometry. The level of IL‐6 and IL‐17 in the cell culture supernatants was analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

P. gingivalis administration did not induce alveolar bone resorption. Although P. gingivalis elicited systemic antibody response in germ‐free mice, unlike in specific pathogen‐free mice, P. gingivalis did not induce an inflammatory response in gingiva, liver and intestinal tissue, or alter the proportion of T‐helper 17 and Treg. However, IL‐6 and IL‐17 productions were significantly elevated and tended to be elevated, respectively, in the cells from mesenteric lymph nodes of P. gingivalis‐administered mice. Interestingly, the expression of IL‐10 and tight junction protein in the gingiva and intestine, respectively, was significantly upregulated in P. gingivalis‐treated mice. Administration of L. salivarius elicited almost similar effects as P. gingivalis.

Conclusion

The oral pathobiont P. gingivalis did not induce any detectable pathogenic changes or any major host responses when administered to germ‐free mice. There may be indirect mechanisms for gut‐mediated systemic effects by P. gingivalis.
Effects of lipid‐based nutrient supplements or multiple micronutrient supplements compared with iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy on maternal haemoglobin and iron status
Authors: Jorgensen Josh M. , Ashorn Per , Ashorn Ulla , Baldiviez Lacey M. , Gondwe Austrida , Maleta Ken , Nkhoma Minyanga , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: July 2018

We examined the effect of three types of prenatal supplements containing different amounts of iron on haemoglobin (Hb) and iron status (zinc protoporphyrin [ZPP] and soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR]) in late pregnancy among 1,379 women in rural Malawi. Participants were recruited at ≤20 gestational weeks (gw) and randomly assigned to consume daily (1) 60‐mg iron and folic acid (IFA); (2) 20‐mg iron plus 17 micronutrients in a capsule (MMN); or (3) lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS; 118 kcal) with 20‐mg iron plus 21 micronutrients, protein, and fat. We analysed differences between intervention groups in mean Hb, ZPP, and sTfR at 36 gw, and the proportion with anaemia (Hb < 100 g L−1) and iron deficiency (ZPP > 60 μmol mol−1 haem or sTfR > 6 mg L−1) at 36 gw. Women in the IFA group had higher Hb at 36 gw than women in the LNS group (P = 0.030) and higher iron status (lower ZPP and sTfR) than women in both the LNS (P < 0.001 for both ZPP and sTfR) and MMN (P = 0.025 and P = 0.046) groups. Results for anaemia and iron deficiency showed similar trends. Further research is needed to elucidate the appropriate amount of iron to improve Hb and iron status, while improving birth outcomes.
Agro‐ecological zone and farm diversity are factors associated with haemoglobin and anaemia among rural school‐aged children and adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Azupogo Fusta , Aurino Elisabetta , Gelli Aulo , Bosompem Kwabena M. , Ayi Irene , Osendarp Saskia J. M. , Brouwer Inge D. , Folson Gloria
Published: July 2018

Understanding contextual risk factors for haemoglobin (Hb) status and anaemia of rural school‐aged children (SAC) and adolescents is critical in developing appropriate interventions to prevent anaemia. We analysed secondary data from the baseline of an impact evaluation of the Ghana School Feeding Programme to determine the severity of anaemia and contextual factors associated with anaemia and Hb status among rural SAC (6–9 years;n= 323) and adolescents (10–17 years;n= 319) in Ghana. We used regression models with variable selection based on backward elimination in our analyses. The mean Hb was 113.8 ± 13.1 g/L, and the overall prevalence of anaemia was 52.3%, being 55.1% and 49.5% among SAC and adolescents, respectively. We identified child's age (β = 2.21,P < 0.001); farm diversity score (β = 0.59,P = 0.036); and agro‐ecological zone (Ptrend <0.001) as the main predictors of Hb of SAC. Household asset index (Ptrend = 0.042) and agro‐ecological zone (Ptrend <0.001) were predictors of Hb in adolescents. Agro‐ecological zone and age were predictors of anaemia, but the effect of age was only significant for girls and not boys (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 1.35, 95% CI [1.04, 1.76] vs. POR = 1.14, 95% CI [0.88, 1.46]). SAC in households with maize stock were less likely to be anaemic (POR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.32, 0.97]). Household dietary diversity score (β = 0.59,P = 0.033) was associated with Hb status for the full sample only. Anaemia is a severe public health problem among SAC and adolescents in rural Ghana irrespective of sex. Farm diversity score, availability of maize stock in the household, household asset index, and agro‐ecological zone were the main predictors of Hb and anaemia among the rural SAC and adolescents.
Mining the effector repertoire of the biotrophic fungal pathogen Ustilago hordei during host and non‐host infection
Authors: Ökmen Bilal , Mathow Daniel , Hof Alexander , Lahrmann Urs , Aßmann Daniela , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: July 2018

The success of plant‐pathogenic fungi mostly relies on their arsenal of virulence factors which are expressed and delivered into the host tissue during colonization. The biotrophic fungal pathogen Ustilago hordei causes covered smut disease on both barley and oat. In this study, we combined cytological, genomics and molecular biological methods to achieve a better understanding of the molecular interactions in the U. hordei–barley pathosystem. Microscopic analysis revealed that U. hordei densely colonizes barley leaves on penetration, in particular the vascular system. Transcriptome analysis of U. hordei at different stages of host infection revealed differential expression of the transcript levels of 273 effector gene candidates. Furthermore, U. hordei transcriptionally activates core effector genes which may suppress even non‐host early defence responses. Based on expression profiles and novelty of sequences, knockout studies of 14 effector candidates were performed in U. hordei, which resulted in the identification of four virulence factors required for host colonization. Yeast two‐hybrid screening identified potential barley targets for two of the effectors. Overall, this study provides a first systematic analysis of the effector repertoire of U. hordei and identifies four effectors (Uvi1–Uvi4) as virulence factors for the infection of barley.
Phytoplasma effector SWP1 induces witches’ broom symptom by destabilizing the TCP transcription factor BRANCHED1
Authors: Wang Nan , Yang Haizhen , Yin Zhiyuan , Liu Wenting , Sun Liying , Wu Yunfeng
Published: July 2018

Phytoplasmas are insect‐transmitted phytopathogenic bacteria, which secrete effector proteins that are often responsible for altering the plant morphology and behaviours of their vectors. Phytoplasma multifunctional effector proteins TENGU and SAP11 induce typical witches’ broom symptoms, but their mode of action remains unknown. Previously, we have identified a SAP11‐like effector from wheat blue dwarf phytoplasma, SWP1, which induces witches’ broom symptoms in Nicotiana benthamiana. In this study, we observed that SWP1‐expressing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants showed typical witches’ broom symptoms. On overexpression of SWP1 truncation mutants in N. benthamiana, we identified that the coiled‐coil domain and nuclear localization were responsible for the induction of witches’ broom symptoms. In addition, using yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we demonstrated that SWP1 interacts with A. thaliana transcription factor TCP18 (BRC1), the key negative regulator of branching signals in various plant species. Moreover, in planta co‐expression analysis showed that SWP1 promotes the degradation of BRC1 via a proteasome system. These findings suggest that the phytoplasma effector SWP1 induces witches’ broom symptoms through targeting of BRC1 and promoting its degradation.
Suorum Operum Potestas: Works, Virtues, and the Theology of Economy
Authors: Williams Gregory
Published: July 2018

In the prologue to I-II of the Summa Theologica, Thomas Aquinas says that part of the image of God in human beings is that the human person liberum arbitrium habens et suorum operum potestatem - “has free will” (liberum arbitrium habens) and what is often translated as “control of their actions” (suorum operum potestatem). This article makes the case for translating “suorum operum potestatem” as “power over their works,” giving this passage a distinctly political and economic significance. It contends that Thomas is assigning human beings precisely what critics of capitalism claim that industrial society denies them. The “works” that people do in homes, offices, factories, farms, and hospitals - the things that they get paid (or don't get paid) a wage for - ought to be their very own, because they are a means by which people can grow in virtue. Translating “suorum operum potestas” in this way puts Thomas in conversation not only with modern anti-capitalist leftists like Karl Mark, but also with Russian Orthodox theologian Sergei Bulgakov, who envisioned work as a form of priestly activity that “humanized” creation by rendering it to God.
Cyanobacterial biocrust diversity in Mediterranean ecosystems along a latitudinal and climatic gradient
Authors: Muñoz‐Martín M. Ángeles , Becerra‐Absalón Itzel , Perona Elvira , Fernández‐Valbuena Lara , Garcia‐Pichel Ferran , Mateo Pilar
Published: July 2018

Cyanobacteria are a key biotic component as primary producers in biocrusts, topsoil communities that have important roles in the functioning of drylands. Yet, major knowledge gaps exist regarding the composition of biocrust cyanobacterial diversity and distribution in Mediterranean ecosystems.

We describe cyanobacterial diversity in Mediterranean semiarid soil crusts along an aridity gradient by using next‐generation sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, and detect clear shifts along it in cyanobacterial dominance.

Statistical analyses show that temperature and precipitation were major parameters determining cyanobacterial composition, suggesting the presence of differentiated climatic niches for distinct cyanobacteria. The responses to temperature of a set of cultivated, pedigreed strains representative of the field populations lend direct support to that contention, with psychrotolerant vs thermotolerant physiology being strain dependent, and consistent with their dominance along the natural gradient.

Our results suggest a possible replacement, as global warming proceeds, of cool‐adapted by warm‐adapted nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria (such as Scytonema) and a switch in the dominance of Microcoleus vaginatus by thermotolerant, novel phylotypes of bundle‐forming cyanobacteria. These differential sensitivities of cyanobacteria to rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation, their ubiquity, and their low generation time point to their potential as bioindicators of global change.
Rejection sensitivity, complaint‐related communication, and relational satisfaction: A mediation analysis
Authors: Worley Timothy , Samp Jennifer
Published: July 2018

This study examines the links among rejection sensitivity (RS), communication about complaints, and relational satisfaction in intimate relationships. A total of 260 individuals completed an online survey through Amazon Mechanical Turk. RS was positively associated with complaint avoidance and negatively associated with positive politeness and negative politeness when voicing complaints. Furthermore, RS had indirect associations with relational satisfaction, partially mediated through complaint avoidance and positive politeness. The results of this study suggest that communicating complaints openly to one's partner, in concert with positive politeness (i.e., affirming the partner while voicing complaints), may help serve as a buffer against relational dissatisfaction associated with RS.
Regulation of plant peptide hormones and growth factors by post‐translational modification
Authors: Stührwohldt N. , Schaller A.
Published: July 2018

The number, diversity and significance of peptides as regulators of cellular differentiation, growth, development and defence of plants has long been underestimated. Peptides have now emerged as an important class of signals for cell‐to‐cell communication over short distances, and also for long‐range signalling. We refer to these signalling molecules as peptide growth factors and peptide hormones, respectively. As compared to remarkable progress with respect to the mechanisms of peptide perception and signal transduction, the biogenesis of signalling peptides is still in its infancy. This review focuses on the biogenesis and activity of small post‐translationally modified peptides. These peptides are derived from inactive pre‐pro‐peptides of approximately 70–120 amino acids. Multiple post‐translational modifications (PTMs) may be required for peptide maturation and activation, including proteolytic processing, tyrosine sulfation, proline hydroxylation and hydroxyproline glycosylation. While many of the enzymes responsible for these modifications have been identified, their impact on peptide activity and signalling is not fully understood. These PTMs may or may not be required for bioactivity, they may inactivate the peptide or modify its signalling specificity, they may affect peptide stability or targeting, or its binding affinity with the receptor. In the present review, we will first introduce the peptides that undergo PTMs and for which these PTMs were shown to be functionally relevant. We will then discuss the different types of PTMs and the impact they have on peptide activity and plant growth and development. We conclude with an outlook on the open questions that need to be addressed in future research.
When the source of inflammation is hiding in plain sight: Failed kidney transplants, clotted arteriovenous grafts, and central venous catheters
Authors: Achinger Steven G. , Ayus Juan Carlos
Published: July 2018

Cardiovascular mortality accounts for most deaths among hemodialysis patients and far exceeds the cardiovascular mortality rate of the general population. One important aspect of cardiovascular risk among dialysis patients is chronic inflammation. Iatrogenic sources of chronic inflammation in the form of failed renal allografts, old clotted arteriovenous grafts, and hemodialysis catheters play important, sometimes, unrecognized roles in this inflammatory state. There is ample observational evidence that these sources of inflammation are associated with hypoalbuminemia, erythropoetin‐resistant anemia, and increased markers of chronic inflammation. In dialysis patients with chronic inflammation from potentially modifiable sources, causes should be sought and correction undertaken if possible. Allograft nephrectomy should be offered to patients with a chronic inflammatory state and a failed renal transplant. Unused, clotted AV grafts should be considered a likely source of chronic inflammation as well as infection and should be removed when evidence of infection is present on indium scanning. Catheter rates ought to be kept to a minimum for the many well‐recognized reasons for their undesirability as well as for their potential to produce chronic inflammation with all of its ill effects.
When the color of peritoneal dialysis effluent can be used as a diagnostic tool
Authors: Dossin Thomas , Goffin Eric
Published: July 2018

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) effluent is normally transparent. A change in its appearance may be the first indication of an intra‐ or extraperitoneal abnormality which may or may not be related to the peritoneal dialysis technique itself. What diagnosis should be considered when PD effluent turns on red, orange, cloudy, milky white, green, yellow, purple or black in color? After review of the literature, we propose a differential diagnosis, as well as some management recommendations, for specific abnormal color presentations of the PD effluent.
Multistage rifting evolution of the Colorado basin (offshore Argentina): Evidence for extensional settings prior to the South Atlantic opening
Authors: Lovecchio Juan Pablo , Rohais Sébastien , Joseph Philippe , Bolatti Néstor D. , Kress Pedro R. , Gerster Ricardo , Ramos Víctor A.
Published: July 2018

The identification of three independent rifting events in the Colorado basin area highlights the complexity of its Mesozoic rifting history, which ended in the Early Cretaceous with the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. A first rifting event, associated with the extensional reactivation of previously compressive thrusts of the Ventania‐Cape fold belt, is transected by faults forming the main depocenters of the Colorado and possibly the adjacent Salado basin. The second and main rifting stage is correlated with the Early Jurassic Karoo rifting. In the Early Cretaceous, WNW–ESE extension produced NNE‐trending landward‐dipping faults, concentrated in the outer 100–200 km of the continental crust domain, possibly coeval with SDR emplacement. This is the first identification of three superimposed rifting settings in the southern South Atlantic realm and is key to understanding the complex Mesozoic breakup history of SW Gondwana.
Phylogeny and morphological evolution of the so‐called bougainvilliids (Hydrozoa, Hydroidolina)
Authors: Mendoza‐Becerril María A. , Jaimes‐Becerra Adrian José , Collins Allen G. , Marques Antonio C.
Published: July 2018

We present phylogenetic analyses (parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) for 69 lineages of anthoathecate hydroids based on 18 morphological characters (12 proposed for the first time) plus mitochondrial (16S andCOI) and nuclear (18S and 28S) molecular markers. This study aims to test the monophyly of the present concept of the family Bougainvilliidae, assessing its phylogenetic position within Hydroidolina. Our working hypothesis is used as a context for inferring the evolution of certain morphological characters, focusing on the exoskeleton. Our results shed light on some phylogenetic uncertainties within Hydroidolina, delimiting eight well‐supported linages, viz. Hydroidolina, Siphonophorae, Leptothecata, Aplanulata, FiliferaII, FiliferaIII, Capitata and Pseudothecatataxon novum, the latter supported by four morphological synapomorphies. The monophyly of several families was not supported, viz. Bougainvilliidae, Cordylophoridae, Oceaniidae, Rathkeidae and Pandeidae. Some of the genera typically considered in Bougainvilliidae, includingBougainvillia, fell into the clade Pseudothecata, which is consistently reconstructed as the sister group of Leptothecata. We formally suggest thatDicorynebe removed from Bougainvilliidae and placed in the resurrected family Dicorynidae. The exoskeleton was a key feature in the diversification of Hydroidolina, especially with the transition from the bare hydranth to one completely enveloped within the exoskeleton. In this context, bougainvilliids exhibit several intermediate states in the development of the exosarc. Although the concatenated analysis unravels some interesting hypotheses, taxon sampling is still deficient and therefore more data are necessary for achieving a more complete understanding of the evolution and ecology of bougainvilliids and their allies.
Mask-free fabrication and chemical vapor deposition synthesis of ultrathin zinc oxide microribbons on Si/SiO2 and 2D substrates
Authors: Alameri Dheyaa , Ocola Leonidas E. , Kuljanishvili Irma
Published: July 2018

The authors report on fabrication and characterization of thin ZnO microribbons with controlled geometry produced on different substrates via direct-write patterning (DWP) approach. A two-step process was employed to produce controlled patterns of thin ZnO microribbons. DWP of Fe-catalytic ink and subsequent chemical vapor deposition synthesis was utilized in the fabrication of ZnO microribbons. It was found that iron-catalytic ink promoted the formation of ZnO nanostructures at patterned locations. High-quality ZnO microribbons were fabricated with optimized patterning parameters and the growth conditions. The ability to control the geometric dimensions of the thickness of ZnO microribbons on Si/SiO2 was demonstrated through the adjustment of the writing speeds. It was found that higher speed of writing resulted in thinner ZnO microribbons, while slower speeds facilitated the thicker microribbons formation during the growth. Arrays of ZnO microribbons with controlled thicknesses, of 2, 4, and 8 nm, were produced on Si/SiO2 substrate with the widths ranging from 3 to 6 μm. This simple and scalable two-step protocol was also employed to produce arrays of ZnO microribbons on 2D materials, such as graphene (Gr) and boron nitride (BN) thin films, effectively creating ZnO/2D heterostructures. These experiments demonstrated the compatibility of Gr and BN surfaces with the ZnO fabrication process and could provide opportunities for scalable integration of patterned ZnO thin film into different types of architectures for improved and more efficient devices and potentially scalable technologies.
Particle filter for multipath time delay tracking from correlation functions in deep water
Authors: Duan Rui , Yang Kunde , Wu Feiyun , Ma Yuanliang
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a particle filtering-based approach for tracking multipath time delays from correlation function, such as autocorrelation, cross-correlation, and matched-filter output. The proposed approach exploits the continuous evolution with time of the correlations between multipath arrivals masked by the background noise to track time delays. The prominent feature of this approach is tracking the signal-related peaks (single points) instead of correlation pulses adopted in conventional approaches. To do so, the correlation function with only local peaks is introduced in the model of the measurement equation. This allows no assumption on the reference signal used to match the correlation pulse and no a priori knowledge of the covariance of the background noise. The time-evolving marginal posterior probability densities are also extracted by filtering to reveal the uncertainty of the time delays in every step of tracking. The approach is performed on both simulated data in reliable acoustic path propagation and experimental data collected during two deep water experiments; the results demonstrate significant advantages of the proposed method over a conventional state-space approach, the multiple hypothesis tracking, and a modified peak amplitude detection method.
Biophysical experiments and biomolecular simulations: A perfect match?
Authors: Bottaro Sandro , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: July 2018

A fundamental challenge in biological research is achieving an atomic-level description and mechanistic understanding of the function of biomolecules. Techniques for biomolecular simulations have undergone substantial developments, and their accuracy and scope have expanded considerably. Progress has been made through an increasingly tight integration of experiments and simulations, with experiments being used to refine simulations and simulations used to interpret experiments. Here we review the underpinnings of this progress, including methods for more efficient conformational sampling, accuracy of the physical models used, and theoretical approaches to integrate experiments and simulations. These developments are enabling detailed studies of complex biomolecular assemblies.
The hippocampal engram maps experience but not place
Authors: Tanaka Kazumasa Z. , He Hongshen , Tomar Anupratap , Niisato Kazue , Huang Arthur J. Y. , McHugh Thomas J.
Published: July 2018

Support for the memory index theory

The link between contextual memory representations and locations or routes represented by hippocampal place cells during exploration remains unknown. Tanaka
et al.
examined spatial firing properties of neurons in hippocampal area CA1 on the basis of whether they had recently expressed the immediate-early activity-induced gene
c-Fos
in response to a novel context. The c-Fos–positive neurons displayed a more on-off firing pattern than the c-Fos–negative cells during context discrimination. In a contextual recognition paradigm, these results support the index theory of hippocampal function over a cognitive mapping theory.

Science
, this issue p.
392
Comment on “An excess of massive stars in the local 30 Doradus starburst”
Authors: Farr Will M. , Mandel Ilya
Published: July 2018

Schneider
et al
. (Reports, 5 January 2018, p. 69) used an ad hoc statistical method in their calculation of the stellar initial mass function. Adopting an improved approach, we reanalyze their data and determine a power-law exponent of

2.05

−
0.13

+
0.14

. Alternative assumptions regarding dataset completeness and the star formation history model can shift the inferred exponent to

2.11

−
0.17

+
0.19

and

2.15

−
0.13

+
0.13

, respectively.
Reducing uncertainties in climate models
Authors: Soden Brian J. , Collins William D. , Feldman Daniel R.
Published: July 2018

Implementing accurate calculations of radiative forcing can improve climate projections
Dynamic condensates activate transcription
Authors: Plys Aaron J. , Kingston Robert E.
Published: July 2018

Transcriptional components exhibit transient phase separation to drive gene activation
Immunodominance of Antigenic Site B in the Hemagglutinin of the Current H3N2 Influenza Virus in Humans and Mice
Authors: Broecker Felix , Liu Sean T. H. , Sun Weina , Krammer Florian , Simon Viviana , Palese Peter
Published: July 2018

Influenza viruses rapidly evade humoral immunity through antigenic drift, making current vaccines poorly effective and antibody-mediated protection short-lived. The majority of neutralizing antibodies target five antigenic sites in the head domain of the hemagglutinin protein that are also the most sequence-variable regions. A better understanding of the contribution of each antigenic site to the overall antibody response to hemagglutinin may help in the design of improved influenza virus vaccines.
Implementing evidence-based medicine in a busy general hospital department: results and critical success factors
Authors: Draaisma Eelco , Bekhof Jolita , Langenhorst Veerle J , Brand Paul L P
Published: July 2018

Implementing evidence-based medicine (EBM) in a busy hospital department is challenging, but when successful, may contribute to quality of care. This paper is a narrative review of the successes and challenges of deliberate implementation of EBM in a paediatric department in a general teaching hospital in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Key elements in this project were providing basic EBM education to the entire team of consultants and nurse practitioners, structurally embedding EBM activities into our weekly schedule and development of local practice guidelines. This deliberate practice of EBM principles has changed the way we treat common paediatric problems. It likely reduced unwarranted practice variation and promoted a reserved attitude towards the use of unnecessary diagnostics, which might improve delivery of effective, cost-conscious care. The project also positively influenced our group culture and learning environment. In accordance with previous reports, lack of time and reluctance to change routines and habits hindered the practice of EBM in our department. In our experience, these barriers can be overcome by promoting a team-wide endorsement of EBM, a willingness to acknowledge uncertainty and by deliberate practice. If these can be achieved, systematic application of EBM principles in a busy hospital department is feasible and worthwhile.
Rapid Paediatric Sequencing (RaPS): comprehensive real-life workflow for rapid diagnosis of critically ill children
Authors: Mestek-Boukhibar Lamia , Clement Emma , Jones Wendy D , Drury Suzanne , Ocaka Louise , Gagunashvili Andrey , Le Quesne Stabej Polona , Bacchelli Chiara , Jani Nital , Rahman Shamima , Jenkins Lucy , Hurst Jane A , Bitner-Glindzicz Maria , Peters Mark , Beales Philip L , Williams Hywel J
Published: July 2018

Background

Rare genetic conditions are frequent risk factors for, or direct causes of, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Such conditions are frequently suspected but unidentified at PICU admission. Compassionate and effective care is greatly assisted by definitive diagnostic information. There is therefore a need to provide a rapid genetic diagnosis to inform clinical management.

To date, whole genome sequencing (WGS) approaches have proved successful in diagnosing a proportion of children with rare diseases, but results may take months to report. Our aim was to develop an end-to-end workflow for the use of rapid WGS for diagnosis in critically ill children in a UK National Health Service (NHS) diagnostic setting.

Methods

We sought to establish a multidisciplinary Rapid Paediatric Sequencing team for case selection, trio WGS, rapid bioinformatics sequence analysis and a phased analysis and reporting system to prioritise genes with a high likelihood of being causal.

Results

Trio WGS in 24 critically ill children led to a molecular diagnosis in 10 (42%) through the identification of causative genetic variants. In 3 of these 10 individuals (30%), the diagnostic result had an immediate impact on the individual’s clinical management. For the last 14 trios, the shortest time taken to reach a provisional diagnosis was 4 days (median 8.5 days).

Conclusion

Rapid WGS can be used to diagnose and inform management of critically ill children within the constraints of an NHS clinical diagnostic setting. We provide a robust workflow that will inform and facilitate the rollout of rapid genome sequencing in the NHS and other healthcare systems globally.
Current status of training environments in neuro-interventional practice: are animal models still contemporary?
Authors: Nawka Marie Teresa , Fiehler Jens , Spallek Johanna , Buhk Jan-Hendrik , Frölich Andreas Maximilian
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Several different training environments for practicing neurointerventional procedures have been realized in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. We seek to replace animal-based training with suitable alternatives. In an effort to determine present training model distribution and preferences, we interviewed interventional neuroradiologists from 25 different countries about their experience in distinct training environments.

Methods

A voluntary online survey comprising 24 questions concerning the different training facilities was designed and electronically conducted with the members of the European Society for Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy.

Results

Seventy-one physicians with an average experience of 11.8 (±8.7) years completed the survey. The majority of participants had experience with animal-based training (eg, stroke intervention: 36; 50.7%). Overall, animal-based training was rated as the most suitable environment to practice coil embolization (20 (±6)), flow diverter placement (13 (±7)), and stroke intervention (13.5 (±9)). In-vitro training before using a new device in patients was supported by most participants (35; 49.3%). Additionally, preference for certain training models was related to the years of experience.

Conclusion

This survey discloses the preferred training modalities in European neurointerventional centers with the majority of physicians supporting the general concept of in-vitro training, concomitantly lacking a standardized curriculum for educating neurointerventional physicians. Most suitable training modalities appeared to be dependent on procedure and experience. As animal-based training is still common, alternate artificial environments meeting these demands must be further developed.
Improving Text-Independent Chinese Writer Identification with the Aid of Character Pairs
Authors: Xiong Yu-Jie , Liu Li , Lyu Shujing , Wang Patrick S. P. , Lu Yue
Published: July 2018

Text-independent Chinese writer identification does not depend on the text content of the query and reference handwritings. In order to deal with the uncertainty of the text content, text-independent approaches usually give special attention to the global writing style of handwriting, rather than the properties of each individual character or word. Thanks to the existence of high-frequency characters, some characters probably appear in both the query and reference handwritings in most cases. If character images in the query handwriting are similar to those in the reference handwriting, this query handwriting and the corresponding reference handwriting are very likely to be written by the identical writer. In this paper, we exploit the above characteristic to improve the performance of Chinese writer identification. We first present an identification scheme using edge co-occurrence feature (ECF). Then, we detect the character pairs in the query and reference handwritings using a two-step framework and propose the displacement field-based similarity (DFS) to determine whether a character pair is written by the identical writer. The character pairs help to re-rank the candidate list obtained by text-independent ECF-based similarity and finally decide the writer of the query handwriting. The proposed method is evaluated on the HIT-MW and CASIA-2.1 datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms the existing ones, and its Top-1 accuracy on the two datasets reaches 97.1% and 98.3%, respectively.
A Variation-Aware Robust Gated Flip-Flop for Power-Constrained FSM Application
Authors: Bhattacharjee Pritam , Majumder Alak
Published: July 2018

Advancement in technology towards mobile computing and communication demands longer battery life, which mandates the low power design methodologies. In this paper, we have presented a novel low-power 8T flip-flop (FF) architecture, which has outsmarted the existing well-known dynamic, semi-dynamic and explicit pulsed flip-flops in terms of power and delay. The major ingredient of this architecture is a voltage keeper, which is incorporated to achieve reliable logic switching at the propagating nodes of the design. However, we have also come up with two new approaches of gated clock generation based on transmission gate (TG) and pass transistor logic (PTL) as a modification of LECTOR-based gating. These gating logics have proved themselves to be competent enough to reduce both the static and dynamic power dissipations and hence are employed to the proposed flip-flop to achieve further reduction in power than its nongated correspondent. The performance of this proposed gated flip-flop is tested in a finite state machine with its application in low-power serial adder design. All the simulations are carried out using 65-nm and 90-nm CMOS technologies with a power supply of 1.1[Formula: see text]V at 6.6[Formula: see text]GHz clock frequency. The gated FF saves 52.12%, 6.36% and 28.18% average power-using LECTOR, TG and PTLs, respectively, with respect to its nongated counterpart in 65-nm technology. The performance metrics of gated and nongated proposed designs are affirmed in the environment of commercialized CMOS foundry.
Design and Development of Dual Input DC–DC Converter for Hybrid Energy System
Authors: Thakur Hitendra Singh , Patel Ram Narayan
Published: July 2018

In hybridization of energy sources with distinct voltage–current characteristics, power electronic converter plays crucial role for efficient and reliable energy diversification. In this paper nonisolated dual input converter is proposed for integration and diversification of energy from two different sources with distinct voltage–current characteristics. The proposed dual input converter (DIC) is proficient for energy diversification from two sources individually and concurrently with series and parallel combination of connected sources. The proposed topology can be operated in buck, buck-boost and boost modes of operation. It offers compact design, higher degree of reliability in operation, simplicity in control and flexibility in selection of input source voltage magnitude. Comprehensive analysis of the proposed converter and detailed comparison with existing literature has also been presented. The proposed concept has been simulated in MATLAB SIMULINK and validated experimentally using dSPACE 1103 real time digital signal controller.
Three-Bit DMTL Phase Shifter for Phased Array Antennas
Authors: Mary Sindhuja N. M. , Kanthamani S.
Published: July 2018

RF MEMS phase shifter is a device that is used to modify the transmission phase of RF signal and provide signal control. Phase shifters are high-value components used in phased array antenna architectures. In phased array antenna the phase shifter is used to provide reliable electronic beam steering. The proposed 3-bit distributed MEMS transmission line (DMTL) phase shifter is designed using elevated coplanar waveguide (ECPW) transmission line for the first time, which results in better return loss of [Formula: see text]14.23[Formula: see text]dB and an average insertion loss of [Formula: see text]1.46[Formula: see text]dB. This paper discusses the development of ECPW-based 3-bit DMTL phase shifter designed to operate at 15[Formula: see text]GHz.
An ISM Approach for Modeling the Issues and Factors of Mobile App Development
Authors: Pandey Mamta , Litoriya Ratnesh , Pandey Prateek
Published: July 2018

Software industry is turning toward endorsing application (app, in short) development due to the ubiquitous use and interest in this computing pattern. Increasing trend and popularity of mobile apps reveal several issues for the developers to address. Absence of a scientific developmental approach adds further issues to the apps development. There are millions of daily downloads, use and views on mobile apps, which give rise to an interesting phenomenon of apps acceptance by the user community. It is significant to note that users tend to reject or dislike apps that present challenges, owing to the issues in the apps, to them. Therefore, it is imperative to know the different issues that affect mobile ratings. In this paper, we have identified 14 issues by reviewing the relevant literature and collected the data from numerous mobile app stores to find the influence of the identified issues on mobile app ratings. Further, an interpretive structure modeling (ISM) approach is used to categorize the identified issues into four groups — dependent, driving, linkage and autonomous — for better understanding and further analysis. There are two objectives of this research paper: (1) to identify issues in apps which affect ratings and (2) to find out mutual relationship between dominating issues in mobile apps.
A construction of a finitely presented semigroup containing an infinite square-free ideal with zero multiplication
Authors: Ivanov-Pogodaev Ilya , Malev Sergey , Sapir Olga
Published: July 2018

This work provides an example of a finitely presented semigroup [Formula: see text] with zero containing an infinite ideal of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a generator of [Formula: see text], such that every word in generators representing an element of [Formula: see text] is square free (i.e. any word of the type [Formula: see text], for non-empty [Formula: see text], equals zero in [Formula: see text]).
Benchmarking black hole heat engines, I
Authors: Chakraborty Avik , Johnson Clifford V.
Published: July 2018

We present the results of initiating a benchmarking scheme that allows for cross-comparison of the efficiencies of black holes used as working substances in heat engines. We use a circular cycle in the [Formula: see text] plane as the benchmark engine. We test it on Einstein–Maxwell, Gauss–Bonnet and Born–Infeld black holes. Also, we derive a new and surprising exact result for the efficiency of a special “ideal gas” system to which all the black holes asymptote.
Maximal commutative subalgebras of a Grassmann algebra
Authors: Bovdi Victor A. , Leung Ho-Hon
Published: July 2018

We provide a new approach to the investigation of maximal commutative subalgebras (with respect to inclusion) of Grassmann algebras. We show that finding a maximal commutative subalgebra in Grassmann algebras is equivalent to constructing an intersecting family of subsets of various odd sizes in [Formula: see text] which satisfies certain combinatorial conditions. Then we find new maximal commutative subalgebras in the Grassmann algebra of odd rank [Formula: see text] by constructing such combinatorial systems for odd [Formula: see text]. These constructions provide counterexamples to conjectures made by Domoskos and Zubor.
Effect of Functionalized MWCNT on the Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of PMMA Nanocomposites
Authors: Mishra Punyapriya , Deep Narasingh , Pradhan Sagarika , Kamble Vikram G.
Published: July 2018

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely explained in fundamental blocks of nanotechnology. These CNTs exhibit much greater tensile strength than steel, even almost similar to copper, but they have higher ability to carry much higher currents, they seem to be a magical material with all these mentioned properties. In this paper, an attempt has been made to incorporate this wonder material, CNT, (with varying percentages) in polymeric matrix (Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)) to create a new conductive polymer composite. Various mechanical tests were carried out to evaluate its mechanical properties. The dielectric properties such as dielectric loss and dielectric constant were evaluated with the reference of temperature and frequency. The surface structures were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Development and Performance Evaluation of Bio-Degradable Nanocutting Fluid
Authors: Venkatesh C. , Baskaran J.
Published: July 2018

Various cutting fluids are available in the cutting fluid market to provide good machining performances for metal cutting industries. Incidentally, most of the cutting fluids are synthetic and semisynthetic in nature, and although they are beneficial to the industries, they are posing health and environmental issues. Even if these cutting fluids have sufficient properties required for good machining, the major constraints associated with these fluids are their nature of nonbiodegradability and nonfriendliness to the environment. To overcome these difficulties, intense research is carried out to develop biodegradable and effective cutting fluids. In this research, a novel castor oil-based cutting fluid infused with nanomolybdenum (MoS2) particles has been developed and its various machining properties have been investigated. Various important cutting parameters like surface roughness, tool life, and cutting force were investigated using this newly developed biodegradable nanofluid as a cutting fluid. Comparative experimental studies have also been undertaken with sunflower oil blend and conventional synthetic oil. Observed results validated that the newly developed castor oil-based nanofluid improves the surface finish and tool life by minimizing the cutting force developed to the considerable extent.
Investigating the Biodegradability and Physical Properties of Starch Derived Bioplastic Films Reinforced with Nanosilica
Authors: Ashok Anagha , Rejeesh C. R.
Published: July 2018

This study is a pilot investigation on the effect of using nanosilica for reinforcing thermoplastic starch-based bioplastic films. An arbitrary 0.2[Formula: see text]wt.% of nanosilica particles were used to reinforce starch derived bioplastic materials and were further investigated for potential benefits. Nanosilica was extracted from rice husk and was characterized using methods like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to determine the structure of nanosilica crystals. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was used to study the surface topography and composition of nano ‘silica. Both raw and reinforced bioplastic films were tested for thermal stability using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests and their performance was compared. Mechanical properties were compared using tensile and tear tests and biodegradability was assessed through enzymatic degradation analysis. It was found that the presence of nanosilica improved the bonding of polymer matrix and in turn increased the thermal stability and tear strength. Nanosilica reinforced matrix resulted in the increase of surface area than raw bioplastic matrix, which lead to high rate of enzymatic reactivity and degradation rate.
Structural and Optical Studies on Nanosized Thermoelectric Oxide-Zn1−xAlxO
Authors: Prasad Rishi , Bhame Shekhar D. , Walke Pravin
Published: July 2018

Aluminum doped ZnO ([Formula: see text]AlxO, [Formula: see text], 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04) (AZO) nanoparticles were synthesized using citrate-gel method. We report the effect of aluminum doping along with variation of metal to citrate ratio on structural and optical properties of AZO nanoparticles with crystallite size optimization. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed Wurtzite crystal structure wherein the crystallite size was within the range of 15–40[Formula: see text]nm. Optical properties were studied with the help of UV-Visible spectroscopy. Bandgap calculated using Tauc plot is found to be between the range of 2.39–2.75[Formula: see text]eV and morphological analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the distribution of synthesized material.