bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of risk factors of rapid thyroidal radioiodine-131 turnover in Graves’ disease patients
Authors: Zhang Ruiguo , Tan Jian , Wang Renfei , Zhang Guizhi , Jia Qiang , Meng Zhaowei , Zhang Yueqian
Published: August 2017

Rapid iodine-131(131I) turnover in the thyroid gland is an important feature of Graves’ disease (GD) and also a strong predictor of radioiodine therapy failure. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of rapid 131I turnover. The clinical data on 2543 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on present or absent with rapid 131I turnover defined as a 4-hour to 24-hour 131I uptake ratio of ≥1. Overall, 590 cases (23.2%) had a rapid 131I turnover. In the univariate analysis, gender, age, FT3/FT4 concentration, disease duration, with or without antithyroid drugs (ATD), time of ATD, thyroid weight and thyroid textures displayed significant differences. Cutoff values of age, FT3 and thyroid weight to predict rapid 131I turnover were 38 years, 35 pmol/l and 56 g by receiver operating characteristic curves. Binary logistic regression analysis further revealed higher probability of rapid 131I turnover in patients with thyroid weight ≥56 g (odds ratio [OR]:3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.032–4.559), age <38 years (OR:2.3, 95%CI: 1.906–2.856), FT3 concentration ≥35 pmol/l (OR:7.6, 95%CI: 5.857–8.563) and females (OR:2.2, 95%CI: 1.757–2.791). In conclusion, larger goiters, younger age, higher FT3 concentration and females are independently associated with rapid 131I turnover in GD patients.
PAFAH1B1 haploinsufficiency disrupts GABA neurons and synaptic E/I balance in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Dinday Matthew T. , Girskis Kelly M. , Lee Sunyoung , Baraban Scott C. , Hunt Robert F.
Published: August 2017

Hemizygous mutations in the human gene encoding platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase IB subunit alpha (Pafah1b1), also called Lissencephaly-1, can cause classical lissencephaly, a severe malformation of cortical development. Children with this disorder suffer from deficits in neuronal migration, severe intellectual disability, intractable epilepsy and early death. While many of these features can be reproduced in Pafah1b1+/− mice, the impact of Pafah1b1+/− on the function of individual subpopulations of neurons and ultimately brain circuits is largely unknown. Here, we show tangential migration of young GABAergic interneurons into the developing hippocampus is slowed in Pafah1b1+/− mice. Mutant mice had a decreased density of parvalbumin- and somatostatin-positive interneurons in dentate gyrus, but no change in density of calretinin interneurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory synaptic inputs onto granule cells of Pafah1b1+/− mice. Mutant animals developed spontaneous electrographic seizures, as well as long-term deficits in contextual memory. Our findings provide evidence of a dramatic shift in excitability in the dentate gyrus of Pafah1b1+/− mice that may contribute to epilepsy or cognitive impairments associated with lissencephaly.
Cell surface binding, uptaking and anticancer activity of L-K6, a lysine/leucine-rich peptide, on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
Authors: Wang Che , Dong Shaodan , Zhang Lin , Zhao Ying , Huang Lili , Gong Xiange , Wang He , Shang Dejing
Published: August 2017

Cell surface binding and internalization are critical for the specific targeting and biofunctions of some cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) with anticancer activities. However, the detailed cellular process for CAPs interacting with cancer cells and the exact molecular basis for their anticancer effects are still far from being fully understood. In the present study, we examined the cell surface binding, uptaking and anti-cancer activity of L-K6, a lysine/leucine-rich CAP, in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We found that L-K6 preferentially interact with MCF-7 cells. This tumor-targeting property of L-K6 might be partially due to its interactions with the surface exposed and negatively charged phosphatidylserine. Subsequently, L-K6 could internalize into MCF-7 cells mainly through a clathrin-independent macropinocytosis, without significant cell surface disruption. Finally, the internalized L-K6 induced a dramatic nuclear damage and MCF-7 cell death, without significant cytoskeleton disruption and mitochondrial impairment. This cytotoxicity of L-K6 against MCF-7 cancer cells could be further confirmed by using a mouse xenograft model. In summary, all these findings outlined the cellular process and cytotoxicity of L-K6 in MCF-7 cancer cells, and might help understand the complicated interactions between CAPs and cancer cells.
Rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7 based on antimicrobial peptide functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and urease-catalyzed signal amplification
Authors: Qiao Zhaohui , Lei Chunyang , Fu Yingchun , Li Yanbin
Published: August 2017

Rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7 based on antimicrobial peptide functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and label-free urease-catalyzed signal amplification.
The carotenoid pathway: what is important for excitation quenching in plant antenna complexes?
Authors: Fox Kieran F. , Balevičius Vytautas , Chmeliov Jevgenij , Valkunas Leonas , Ruban Alexander V. , Duffy Christopher D. P.
Published: August 2017

Plant light-harvesting is regulated by the Non-Photochemical Quenching (NPQ) mechanism involving the slow trapping of excitation energy by carotenoids in the Photosystem II (PSII) antenna in response to high light.
Redox titration of gold and platinum surface oxides at porous microelectrodes
Authors: Haensch Mareike , Behnken Julian , Balboa Luis , Dyck Alexander , Wittstock Gunther
Published: August 2017

Cavity-microelectrodes were used to investigate surface oxides on supported platinum nanoparticles and nanoporous gold with the surface interrogation mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy.
2D-to-disguised 3D materials with built-in acid sites: H+-[Al]-RUB-18
Authors: Ramos Francisca S. O. , Pastore Heloise O.
Published: August 2017

Al3+ heteroions have been incorporated into a Na-RUB-18 framework through a post-synthesis procedure under hydrothermal conditions. Characterization by 27Al NMR showed that aluminum is in tetrahedral position; the acidity present in the layers of the SiO2-pillared H+-[Al]-RUB-18 was probed by in situ ethanol dehydration monitored by FTIR.
Using an artificial tryptophan “wire” in cytochrome c peroxidase for oxidation of organic substrates
Authors: Field Mackenzie J. , Bains Rajneesh K. , Warren Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2017

Addition of tryptophan residues between heme and the protein surface in cytochrome c peroxidase gives rise to new redox reactivity, in analogy to lignolytic peroxidases.
Quantifying non-specific interactions between flavour and food biomolecules
Authors: Shimizu Seishi , Abbott Steven , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: August 2017

Non-specific protein–flavour interactions can be captured by assumption-free statistical thermodynamics.
A magnetic micropore chip for rapid (<1 hour) unbiased circulating tumor cell isolation and in situ RNA analysis
Authors: Ko Jina , Bhagwat Neha , Yee Stephanie S. , Black Taylor , Redlinger Colleen , Romeo Janae , O'Hara Mark , Raj Arjun , Carpenter Erica L. , Stanger Ben Z. , Issadore David
Published: August 2017

We have developed a microchip platform that combines fast, magnetic micropore based negative selection (>10 mL h−1) with rapid on-chipin situRNA profiling.
Construction of CuO/In2S3/ZnO heterostructure arrays for enhanced photocatalytic efficiency
Authors: Chang Yu-Cheng , Guo Jin-You , Chen Chien-Ming , Di Hsin-Wei , Hsu Chao-Chun
Published: August 2017

Novel CuO/In2S3/ZnO heterostructure arrays have been successfully synthesized by a multi-step process.
Self-assembly based plasmonic nanoparticle array coupling with hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhao Yan , Yin Hong , Li Hongdong
Published: August 2017

We propose a simple and effective method for the fabrication of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS)/Au NP array composite system, which allow us to develop both experimental and theoretical proofs to investigate SERS enhancement mechanism.
Highly controllable direct femtosecond laser writing of gold nanostructures on titanium dioxide surfaces
Authors: Fujita Y. , Aubert R. , Walke P. , Yuan H. , Kenens B. , Inose T. , Steuwe C. , Toyouchi S. , Fortuni B. , Chamtouri M. , Janssen K. P. F. , De Feyter S. , Roeffaers M. B. J. , Uji-i H.
Published: August 2017

Highly controllable direct femtosecond laser writing of gold nanostructures on titanium dioxide surfaces has been demonstrated.
An ultrafast-temporally-responsive flexible photodetector with high sensitivity based on high-crystallinity organic–inorganic perovskite nanoflake
Authors: Zheng Wei , Lin Richeng , Zhang Zhaojun , Liao Qixian , Liu Jiajun , Huang Feng
Published: August 2017

Flexible cameras are important early warning wearable devices to protect security personnel from dangerous events.
A bioinspired poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/silver nanocomposite as a photonic crystal with both optical and thermal responses
Authors: Fei Xiang , Lu Tao , Ma Jun , Zhu Shenmin , Zhang Di
Published: August 2017

Photonic crystals with both optical and thermal responses based on a natural butterfly wing template.
Nitrile-assisted oxidation over oxidative-annulation: Pd-catalyzed α,β-dehydrogenation of α-cinnamyl β-keto nitriles
Authors: Nallagonda Rajender , Reddy Reddy Rajasekhar , Ghorai Prasanta
Published: August 2017

A palladium-catalyzed oxidation reaction is disclosed where the nitrile functionality on the substrate simply changes the course of the reaction. α-Cinnamyl β-keto nitriles provide α,β,γ,δ-diene containing β-keto nitriles with good substrate scope.
Total syntheses of smenothiazoles A and B
Authors: Ma Xiao , Chen Yajie , Chen Sigui , Xu Zhengshuang , Ye Tao
Published: August 2017

Stereocontrolled installation of vinyl chloride and the 2,5-diene system via silastannation, Stille reaction and desilylchlorination, and the final peptide coupling reactions led to the concise total synthesis of smenothiazoles A (1) and B (2).
Oxidative addition/cycloaddition of arenesulfonamides and triflamide to N-allyltriflamide and N,N-diallyltriflamide
Authors: Shainyan B. A. , Astakhova V. V. , Ganin A. S. , Moskalik M. Yu , Sterkhova I. V.
Published: August 2017

Mono- and diallyltriflamides react with triflamide in the oxidative system t-BuOCl + NaI to give the products of addition and cycloaddition, unlike the reaction of N-allyltriflamide with arenesulfonamides or trifluoroacetamide leading to chlorination and cyclodimerization.
Magnetic control of cellular processes using biofunctional nanoparticles
Authors: Monzel Cornelia , Vicario Chiara , Piehler Jacob , Coppey Mathieu , Dahan Maxime
Published: August 2017

Remote control of cellular functionsviamechanical, thermal or molecular stimulation is accomplished using biofunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic fields.
A Collaborative Model for Return to Academics After Concussion: Athletic Training and Speech-Language Pathology
Authors: Dachtyl Sarah A. , Morales Pedro
Published: August 2017

Purpose

In this article, we describe an academic concussion management protocol designed for grades Pre-K to 12, called Cognitive Return to Exertion (CoRTEx). Collaboration between the speech-language pathologist (SLP) and athletic trainer (AT) is highlighted.

Method

A description of CoRTEx is provided, and the need for collaboration is emphasized. A case study illustrates an example of how CoRTEx can be implemented at the individual student level.

Results

A total of 165 students went through CoRTEx from the pilot in April 2014 through December 2016. Referrals to CoRTEx were highest for football, blows to the head, and soccer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CoRTEx provided necessary support for students and their families, although research is needed to provide objective data.

Conclusions

CoRTEx and other similar protocols can be used as models for SLPs to create their own academic concussion management protocols. For cases in which the injured student is an athlete, the SLP–AT collaboration is critical to carefully coordinate return to academics and return to play so that students are successful in school, as well as ready to safely return to sport. Suggestions are made for designing research studies that can provide empirical evidence for the efficacy of such academic concussion management protocols.
Orbiting a binary
Authors: Bonavita M. , D’Orazi V. , Mesa D. , Fontanive C. , Desidera S. , Messina S. , Daemgen S. , Gratton R. , Vigan A. , Bonnefoy M. , Zurlo A. , Antichi J. , Avenhaus H. , Baruffolo A. , Baudino J. L. , Beuzit J. L. , Boccaletti A. , Bruno P. , Buey T. , Carbillet M. , Cascone E. , Chauvin G. , Claudi R. U. , De Caprio V. , Fantinel D. , Farisato G. , Feldt M. , Galicher R. , Giro E. , Gry C. , Hagelberg J. , Incorvaia S. , Janson M. , Jaquet M. , Lagrange A. M. , Langlois M. , Lannier J. , Le Coroller H. , Lessio L. , Ligi R. , Maire A. L. , Meyer M. , Menard F. , Perrot C. , Peretti S. , Petit C. , Ramos J. , Roux A. , Salasnich B. , Salter G. , Samland M. , Scuderi S. , Schlieder J. , Surez M. , Turatto M. , Weber L.
Published: August 2017

Aims. In this paper we present the results of the SPHERE observation of the HD 284149 system, aimed at a more detailed characterisation of both the primary and its brown dwarf companion.

Methods. We observed HD 284149 in the near-infrared with SPHERE, using the imaging mode (IRDIS+IFS) and the long-slit spectroscopy mode (IRDIS-LSS). The data were reduced using the dedicated SPHERE pipeline, and algorithms such as PCA and TLOCI were applied to reduce the speckle pattern.

Results. The IFS images revealed a previously unknown low-mass (~0.16 M⊙) stellar companion (HD 294149 B) at ~0.1′′, compatible with previously observed radial velocity differences, as well as proper motion differences between Gaia and Tycho-2 measurements. The known brown dwarf companion (HD 284149 b) is clearly visible in the IRDIS images. This allowed us to refine both its photometry and astrometry. The analysis of the medium resolution IRDIS long slit spectra also allowed a refinement of temperature and spectral type estimates. A full reassessment of the age and distance of the system was also performed, leading to more precise values of both mass and semi-major axis.

Conclusions. As a result of this study, HD 284149 ABb therefore becomes the latest addition to the (short) list of brown dwarfs on wide circumbinary orbits, providing new evidence to support recent claims that object in such configuration occur with a similar frequency to wide companions to single stars.
The Protruding Ear: Cosmetic and Reconstruction
Authors: Ali Kausar , Meaike Jesse , Maricevich Renata , Olshinka Asaf
Published: August 2017

Ear prominence is a relatively common cosmetic deformity with no associated functional deficits, but with profound psychosocial impact, especially in young patients. Protruding ears in children have propagated surgical advances that incorporate reconstructive techniques. Here we outline a systematic framework to evaluate the protruding ear and present various reconstructive surgical options for correction. Both cosmetic and reconstructive perspectives should be entertained when addressing this anatomical deformity.
Effects of postdeposition heat treatment on the structural and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Fabris F. , Xing Y. T. , Franceschini D. F. , Sanchez D. R. , Alzamora M. , Nunes W. C.
Published: August 2017

In this work, we investigated the effects of postdeposition heat treatment on structural and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser deposition. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate the formation of a single phase cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with the size ranging from 4.3 to 33.3 nm depending on the annealing temperature. The magnetic properties of the samples were investigated in a wide temperature range (50–400 K). Noticeable effects of the cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy on the magnetization process of nanoparticles were observed for samples annealed at 450 °C and 600 °C, while for samples as-deposited and annealed at 300 °C the magnetization properties were dominated by a uniaxial effective anisotropy. ΔM technique was used to investigate the magnetic interaction among the nanoparticles. Only demagnetizing interactions were observed for the sample annealed up to 300 °C, while for the samples treated at 450 °C and 600 °C, both magnetizing and demagnetizing interactions were observed. The results are discussed considering the evolution of the nanoparticles' nanostructure with anneals and its effects on the magnetic properties.
Development of a 10 kHz high harmonic source up to 140 eV photon energy for ultrafast time-, angle-, and phase-resolved photoelectron emission spectroscopy on solid targets
Authors: Schmidt J. , Guggenmos A. , Chew S. H. , Gliserin A. , Högner M. , Kling M. F. , Zou J. , Späth C. , Kleineberg U.
Published: August 2017

We present a newly developed high harmonic beamline for time-, angle-, and carrier-envelope phase-resolved extreme ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy on solid targets for the investigation of ultrafast band structure dynamics in the low-fs to sub-fs time regime. The source operates at a repetition rate of 10 kHz and is driven by 5 fs few-cycle near-infrared laser pulses generating high harmonic radiation with photon energies up to 120 eV at a feasible flux. The experimental end station consists of a complementary combination of photoelectron detectors which are able to spectroscopically address electron dynamics both in real and in k-space. The versatility of the source is completed by a phase-meter which allows for tracking the carrier-envelope phase for each pulse and which is synchronized to the photoelectron detectors, thus enabling phase sensitive measurements on the one hand and the selection of single attosecond pulses for ultimate time resolution in pump-probe experiments on the other hand. We demonstrate the applicability of the source by an angle- and carrier-envelope phase-resolved photoemission measurement on a tungsten (110) surface with 95 eV extreme ultraviolet radiation.
Interaction of a highly radiative shock with a solid obstacle
Authors: Koenig M. , Michel Th. , Yurchak R. , Michaut C. , Albertazzi B. , Laffite S. , Falize E. , Van Box Som L. , Sakawa Y. , Sano T. , Hara Y. , Morita T. , Kuramitsu Y. , Barroso P. , Pelka A. , Gregori G. , Kodama R. , Ozaki N. , Lamb D. , Tzeferacos P.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we present the recent results obtained regarding highly radiative shocks (RSs) generated in a low-density gas filled cell on the GEKKO XII laser facility. The RS was generated by using an ablator-pusher two-layer target (CH/Sn) and a propagation medium (Xe). High velocity RSs have been generated (100–140 km/s), while limiting as much as possible the preheating produced by the corona emission. Both self-emission and visible probe diagnostics highlighted a strong emission in the shock and an electron density in the downstream gas. The RS characteristics that depend on the initial conditions are described here as well as its precursor interaction with an aluminium foil used as an obstacle. The obtained results are discussed which show a strong extension of the radiative precursor (1 mm) leading to an expansion velocity of the obstacle up to ≈30 km/s compatible to a 20 eV temperature.
Note: Progress on the use of MgB2 superconducting joint technique for the development of MgB2 magnets for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors: Kim Y. G. , Song J. B. , Kim J. C. , Kim J. M. , Yoo B. H. , Yun S. B. , Hwang D. Y. , Lee H. G.
Published: August 2017

This note presents a superconducting joint technique for the development of MgB2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets. The MgB2 superconducting joint was fabricated by a powder processing method using Mg and B powders to establish a wire–bulk–wire connection. The joint resistance measured using a field-decay method was <10−14 Ω, demonstrating that the proposed joint technique could be employed for developing “next-generation” MgB2 MRI magnets operating in the persistent current mode.
Fringe order correction for the absolute phase recovered by two selected spatial frequency fringe projections in fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Ding Yi , Peng Kai , Yu Miao , Lu Lei , Zhao Kun
Published: August 2017

The performance of the two selected spatial frequency phase unwrapping methods is limited by a phase error bound beyond which errors will occur in the fringe order leading to a significant error in the recovered absolute phase map. In this paper, we propose a method to detect and correct the wrong fringe orders. Two constraints are introduced during the fringe order determination of two selected spatial frequency phase unwrapping methods. A strategy to detect and correct the wrong fringe orders is also described. Compared with the existing methods, we do not need to estimate the threshold associated with absolute phase values to determine the fringe order error, thus making it more reliable and avoiding the procedure of search in detecting and correcting successive fringe order errors. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the experimental results.
Scaling behavior for (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 based lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Peng Ping , Nie Hengchang , Liu Zhen , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Duan Chungang , Tang Xiaodong
Published: August 2017

The dynamic hysteresis and scaling behavior of unpoled 0.96(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.04BiAlO3 lead-free relaxor ceramics were investigated through the evolution of the hysteresis loops at a wide frequency (f) and electric-field amplitude (Eo) range. The variation of the hysteresis area ⟨A⟩ and remanent polarization Pr clearly suggested three stages of polarization reversal with increasing external electric fields. It was found that the dynamic hysteresis area in the low-Eo and high-Eo regions followed the power law relationships: 〈A〉∝f−0.14Eo3.30 (Eo ≤ 5.0 kV/mm) and 〈A〉∝f0.064Eo−0.6Eo1.65(Eo ≥ 6.2 kV/mm), respectively. Those power-law functions did not fit in the second stage (5.0 kV/mm < Eo < 6.2 kV/mm), where different numbers of polar nanoregions or nanodomains can be activated and transformed into macrodomains. The polarization mechanisms of above mentioned three stages were ascribed to the domain wall motion, then the formation of microdomains within the disordered nanodomains or polar nanoregions, followed by the induced macrodomains aligning parallel to the applied electric field.
Interplay of fast and slow dynamics in rare transition pathways: The disk-to-slab transition in the 2d Ising model
Authors: Moritz Clemens , Tröster Andreas , Dellago Christoph
Published: August 2017

Rare transitions between long-lived stable states are often analyzed in terms of free energy landscapes computed as functions of a few collective variables. Here, using transitions between geometric phases as example, we demonstrate that the effective dynamics of a system along these variables are an essential ingredient in the description of rare events and that the static perspective provided by the free energy alone may be misleading. In particular, we investigate the disk-to-slab transition in the two-dimensional Ising model starting with a calculation of a two-dimensional free energy landscape and the distribution of committor probabilities. While at first sight it appears that the committor is incompatible with the free energy, they can be reconciled with each other using a two-dimensional Smoluchowski equation that combines the free energy landscape with state dependent diffusion coefficients. These results illustrate that dynamical information is not only required to calculate rate constants but that neglecting dynamics may also lead to an inaccurate understanding of the mechanism of a given process.
Optically saturated and unsaturated collective resonances of flat metallic nanoantenna arrays
Authors: Sadeghi Seyed M. , Wing Waylin J. , Gutha Rithvik R. , Sharp Christina , Hatef Ali
Published: August 2017

We study collective optical properties of arrays of flat gold nanoantennas, demonstrating they can support optically saturated and unsaturated plasmonic lattice modes when the incident light is polarized along their short axes. The saturated mode is nearly immune to the variation of the refractive index of the environment, while the unsaturated mode undergoes a large red shift without degradation as the refractive index increases. Our results show that when the incident light becomes polarized along the long axes of the nanoantennas, an increase of the refractive index of the superstrate leads to the formation of secondary plasmon peaks. These peaks are spectrally narrow and can detect variations of the ambient refractive index with a sensitivity of up to 620 nm/RIU (refractive index unit). The results suggest that the periodic arrays of flat metallic nanostructures can support hybridization of their multipolar plasmonic resonances with diffraction orders with distinct similarities and differences compared to those seen in cases of arrays of metallic nanorods.
Salmonella in Australia: understanding and controlling infection
Authors: Newson Joshua PM
Published: August 2017

The bacterium Salmonella causes a spectrum of foodborne diseases ranging from acute gastroenteritis to systemic infections, and represents a significant burden of disease globally. In Australia, Salmonella is frequently associated with outbreaks and is a leading cause of foodborne illness, which results in a significant medical and economic burden. Salmonella infection involves colonisation of the small intestine, where the bacteria invades host cells and establishes an intracellular infection. To survive within host cells, Salmonella employs type-three secretion systems to deliver bacterial effector proteins into the cytoplasm of host cells. These bacterial effectors seek out and modify specific host proteins, disrupting host processes such as cell signalling, intracellular trafficking, and programmed cell death. This strategy of impairing host cells allows Salmonella to establish a replicative niche within the cell, where they can replicate to high numbers before escaping to infect neighbouring cells, or be transmitted to new hosts. While the importance of effector protein translocation to infection is well established, our understanding of many effector proteins remains incomplete. Many Salmonella effectors have unknown function and unknown roles during infection. A greater understanding of how Salmonella manipulates host cells during infection will lead to improved strategies to prevent, control, and eliminate disease. Further, studying effector proteins can be a useful means for exploring host cell biology and elucidating the details of host cell signalling.
Of hopes and plans
Authors: Bös Birte
Published: August 2017

This study investigates a specialised corpus of prefatory metadiscourse, i.e. newsmakers’ comments published in the first editions of their newspapers which appeared on the market at the end of the seventeenth century and in the first decades of the eighteenth century. The material analysed provides insights into contemporary journalistic practices and ideals, the ways newsmakers positioned themselves and projected their audiences. Certain structural similarities, e.g. a recurrent three-step argumentation structure, suggest that newsmakers often resorted to prevalent rhetorical patterns. Yet, the period under investigation also displays some diachronic changes, from a preference for relatively concise, practically oriented comments to more elaborate metadiscursive passages featuring fictional editorial personae and an ornate literary style.
Strengthening of beam - column joint with steel fibre reinforced concrete under seismic loading
Authors: Prasanna K , Ramasubramani R , Anandh K S , Saisabarish  , Maddu Vijay Krupaker
Published: August 2017

Earthquakes not only kill the human beings but the structures too. Considering this above fact, there is a necessity to take care of the beam column joint region in a structure. Under seismic excitation, the bar segment joint district is subjected to even and the vertical shear force extents are normally commonly greater than those in the adjoining bits of the structural segments. In the event that the joint is not precisely nitty gritty, the shaft segment joint may end up plainly frail. To keep this, an adequate control ought to be given in the joint area. The seismic examination and outline technique ought to be utilised as a part of the plan of the building structures and their segments ought to be recommended in the segment. The building structures incorporate finish sidelong and vertical drive opposing frameworks fit for giving satisfactory quality. Stiffness and the vitality dissemination ability to withstand the outline ground movements inside the recommended furthest reaches of twisting and quality request. The plan ground movements are accepted to happen along any even headings of a building structure. This work focuses on behaviour of M20 concrete in beam-column joint subjected to seismic loading, by using steel fibre (1.5%). The specimens detailed as per IS: 456-2000 and IS: 13920-1993 were casted and tested under cyclic and reverse cyclic loading. The parameters analysed were ductility, energy dissipation, load v/s displacement curve, beam-column reinforcement strain and crack pattern. From the experimental investigation, it is found that the fibre reinforced beam-column joint with fibre (1.50% of steel fibre) performs better ductility, load carrying capacity, energy dissipation and strength by 10% more than conventional reinforced beam-column joint.
PyLasso: a PyMOL plugin to identify lassos
Authors: Gierut Aleksandra M , Niemyska Wanda , Dabrowski-Tumanski Pawel , Sułkowski Piotr , Sulkowska Joanna I
Published: August 2017

Entanglement in macromolecules is an important phenomenon and a subject of multidisciplinary research. As recently discovered, around 4% of proteins form new entangled motifs, called lassos. Here we present the PyLasso—a PyMOL plugin to identify and analyse properties of lassos in proteins and other (bio)polymers, as well as in other biological, physical and mathematical systems. The PyLasso is a useful tool for all researchers working on modeling of macromolecules, structure prediction, properties of polymers, entanglement in fluids and fields, etc.

Availability and implementation

The PyLasso and tutorial videos are available at http://pylasso.cent.uw.edu.pl
Conditional asymptotic inference for the kernel association test
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: August 2017

Motivation

The kernel association test (KAT) is popular in biological studies for its ability to combine weak effects potentially of opposite direction. Its P-value is typically assessed via its (unconditional) asymptotic distribution. However, such an asymptotic distribution is known only for continuous traits and for dichotomous traits. Furthermore, the derived P-values are known to be conservative when sample size is small, especially for the important case of dichotomous traits. One alternative is the permutation test, a widely accepted approximation to the exact finite sample conditional inference. But it is time-consuming to use in practice due to stringent significance criteria commonly seen in these analyses.

Results

Based on a previous theoretical result a conditional asymptotic distribution for the KAT is introduced. This distribution provides an alternative approximation to the exact distribution of the KAT. An explicit expression of this distribution is provided from which P-values can be easily computed. This method applies to any type of traits. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated via extensive simulation studies using real genotype data and an analysis of genetic data from the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. Numerical results showed that the new method can control the type I error rate and is a bit conservative when compared to the permutation method. Nevertheless the proposed method may be used as a fast screening method. A time-consuming permutation procedure may be conducted at locations that show signals of association.

Availability and implementation

An implementation of the proposed method is provided in the R package iGasso.
“I Want to Know the Answer! Give Me Fish ’n’ Chips!”: The Impact of Curiosity on Indulgent Choice
Authors: Wang Chen , Huang Yanliu
Published: August 2017

This research examines how incidentally induced consumer curiosity influences subsequent indulgent decisions. Prior research has primarily focused on the effect of curiosity on information seeking in the present domain. The current research goes further to propose that the curiosity effect can spill over to prompt consumers to prefer indulgent options in other, unrelated domains (e.g., food, money). This situation is likely to occur because curiosity motivates individuals to seek the missing information as the specific information reward in the current domain. Such desire to obtain the information reward primes a reward-seeking goal, which in turn leads to increased preferences for indulgent options in subsequent, unrelated domains. Furthermore, the impact of curiosity on indulgent options possesses goal-priming properties as identified by the literature. That is, the effect should (1) persist after a time delay, and (2) diminish when the reward-seeking goal is satiated by the obtainment of a reward before the indulgent task. We conduct a series of studies to provide support for our hypotheses. This research contributes to both curiosity and indulgence decision literature and offers important practical implications.
i-Factor™ Bone Graft vs Autograft in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: 2-Year Follow-up of the Randomized Single-Blinded Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption Study
Authors: Arnold Paul M , Sasso Rick C , Janssen Michael E , Fehlings Michael G , Heary Robert F , Vaccaro Alexander R , Kopjar Branko
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

i-Factor™ Bone Graft (Cerapedics Inc, Westminster, Colorado) is a composite bone substitute material consisting of P-15 synthetic collagen fragment adsorbed onto anorganic bone mineral suspended in an inert biocompatible hydrogel carrier. A pivotal, noninferiority, US FDA Investigational Device Exemption study demonstrated the benefits of i-Factor™ compared to local autograft bone in single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at 1-yr postoperative.

OBJECTIVE

To report 2-yr follow-up.

METHODS

Subjects randomly received either autograft (n = 154) or i-Factor™ (n = 165) in a cortical ring allograft and followed using radiological, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

At 2 yr, the fusion rate was 97.30% and 94.44% in i-Factor™ and autograft subjects, respectively (P = .2513), and neurological success rate was 94.87% (i-Factor™) and 93.79% (autograft; P = .7869). Neck Disability Index improved 28.30 (i-Factor™) and 26.95 (autograft; P = .1448); Visual Analog Scale arm pain improved 5.43 (i-Factor™) and 4.97 (autograft) (p = .2763); Visual Analog Scale neck pain improved 4.78 (i-Factor™) and 4.41 (autograft; P = .1652), Short Form-36 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Score improved 10.23 (i-Factor™) and 10.18 (autograft; P = .4507), and SF36v2 Mental Component Score improved 7.88 (i-FactorTM) and 7.53 (autograft; P = .9872). The composite endpoint of overall success (fusion, Neck Disability Index improvement >15, neurological success, and absence of re-operations) was greater in i-Factor™ subjects compared to autograft subjects (69.83% and 56.35%, respectively, P = .0302). Twelve (7.45%) i-Factor™ subjects and 16 (10.53%) autograft subjects underwent re-operation (P = .3411). There were no allergic reactions associated with i-Factor™.

CONCLUSION

Use of i-Factor™ in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is effective and safe, and results in similar outcomes compared to local autograft bone at 2 yr following surgery.
Micromagnetic Measurements on Electrochemically Grown Mesoscopic Superconductors
Authors: Müller A. , Dale S.E.C. , Engbarth M.A.
Published: August 2017

This article examines the behavior of superconductivity in mesoscopic type-I superconductors based on micromagnetic measurements on two electrochemically grown mesoscopic superconductors, namely lead and tin. It first provides an overview of the basic properties of mesoscopic superconductivity and the interface between two different superconductors that are in close contact with one another. It then describes the electrochemical preparation of β-tin samples in a variety of shapes and sizes in the mesoscopic regime. It also presents the results of micromagnetic measurements, carried out using micro-Hall probes, including observations of the vortex states in mesoscopic tin and lead triangles and of proximity effects in lead/tin core–shell structures.
Growth and Characterization of HTSc Nanowires and Nanoribbons
Authors: Koblischka M.R.
Published: August 2017

This article describes the fabrication of high-temperature superconducting nanowires and their characterization by magnetic and electric transport measurements. In the literature, nanowires of high-temperature superconductors (HTSc) are obtained by means of lithography, using thin film material as a base. However, there are two main problems with this approach: first, the substrate often influences the HTSc nanowire, and second, only electric transport measurements can be performed. This article explains how nanowires and nanobelts of high-temperature superconducting cuprates can be prepared by the template method and by electrospinning. It also considers the possibilities for employing substrate-free HTSc nanowires as building blocks to realize new, nanoporous bulk superconducting materials for a variety of applications.
Mesoscopic Structures and Their Effects on High-Tc Superconductivity
Authors: Zhang H.
Published: August 2017

This article presents the results of model calculations carried out to determine the mesoscopic structural features of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) crystal structures, and especially their characteristic high critical temperature (Tc) and anisotropy. The crystal structure of high-temperature superconductors (HTSc) is unique in having some mesoscopic features. For example, the structures of a majority of cuprite superconductors are comprised of two structural blocks, perovskite and rock salt, stacked along the c-direction. This article calculates the interaction between the perovskite and rock salt blocks in the form of combinative energy in order to elucidate the effects of mesoscopic structures on high-Tc superconductivity. Both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy show that a ‘fixed triangle’ exists in the samples under investigation. The article also examines the importance of electron–phonon coupling in high-Tc superconductors.
NanoSQUIDs Applied to the Investigation of Small Magnetic Systems
Authors: Martínez-Pérez M.J. , Kleiner R. , Koelle D.
Published: August 2017

This article discusses the use of nanoSQUIDs for investigating small magnetic systems. It begins with an overview of the basics of superconducting quantum interference devices, focusing on how a dc SQUID operates and the use of resistively and capacitively shunted junction model to describe the phase dynamics of Josephson junctions (JJs). It then considers the motivation for using nanoSQUIDs, along with the importance of their size and geometry. It also evaluates micro- and nanoSQUIDs made of various types of JJs including nanoSQUIDs based on sandwich-like junctions, constriction-like junctions, and proximized structures. After reviewing different nanoSQUID readout methods that can be used to directly sense the stray magnetic field created by a nanoscale magnetic sample, the article concludes by highlighting some of the practical constraints and challenges encountered in using nanoSQUID technology, including particle positioning with respect to the sensor’s surface.
Proximity Effect A New Insight from In Situ Fabricated Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Cuevas J.C. , Roditchev D. , Cren T. , Brun C.
Published: August 2017

This article investigates the proximity effect on small length and energy scales in novel low-dimensional systems using in situ fabricated superconducting nanostructures (SNSs) and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) techniques. After a brief historical review of research on superconductivity and the proximity effect, the article describes how to build a variety of in situ superconducting hybrid nanostructures and how to investigate the proximity density of states with the help of STM/STS. It then considers the proximity effect in a correlated 2D disordered metal and in diffusive SNS junctions before discussing proximity Josephson vortices. It also examines the proximity effect between two dissimilar superconductors and concludes by highlighting several fundamental problems related to proximity effect in the framework of quasiclassical microscopic Usadel theory.
Prologue
Authors: Chemla Karine , Chorlay Renaud , Rabouin David
Published: August 2017

This book examines generality in mathematics and the sciences and how it has been shaped by actors, in part by introducing specific terminologies to distinguish between different levels or forms of generality. Focusing on early modern and modern Europe, it investigates how actors from Gottfried Leibniz and Henri Poincaré to René Descartes and James Clerk Maxwell worked out what the meaningful types of generality were for them, in relation to their project, and the issues they chose to deal with. Such a view implies that there are different ways of understanding the general in different contexts. Accordingly, it suggests a nonlinear pattern for a history of generality. The book considers actors’ historiography of generality and their reflections upon its epistemological value, the historicity of the statements used by actors to formulate the general, and the ways that actors tackle the general using specific practices.
The value of generality in Michel Chasles’s historiography of geometry
Authors: Chemla Karine
Published: August 2017

This article discusses the value of generality in Michel Chasles’s historiography of geometry, articulated in his 1837 book Aperçu historique sur l’origine et le développement des méthodes en géométrie, particulièrement de celles qui se rapportent à la géométrie moderne, suivi d’un mémoire de géométrie sur deux principes généraux de la science: la dualité et l’homographie. In the book, mathematics and history were combined as two kinds of tools useful in achieving a single aim: to show how the recent advances in geometry allowed the strictly geometrical methods in this domain to rival the analytical approach to geometry. Generality, and the related property of simplicity, are Leitmotive in Aperçu historique. This article first examines Chasles’s historical analysis of geometry and his methods related to generality in geometry before considering some aspects of the problem of generality in geometry.
Generality in Leibniz’s mathematics
Authors: Knobloch Eberhard
Published: August 2017

This article discusses generality in Gottfried Leibniz’s mathematics. In principle, Leibnizian mathematics has a philosophical-theological basis. From the beginning everything that exists is to be found in an orderly relation. The general and inviolable laws of the world are an ontological a priori. The universal harmony of the world consists in the largest possible variety being given the largest possible order so that the largest possible perfection is involved. After considering the relationship between the value of generality and the harmonies that are at the center of Leibniz’s concern, this article explores his view that generality implies beauty as well as conciseness and simplicity. It also examines how the interest in generality relates to notations, taking the examples of determinants and sums of powers, and to utility and fecundity. Finally, it demonstrates how generality is connected with laws of formation.
Elaboration of a statement on the degree of generality of a property: Poincaré’s work on the recurrence theorem
Authors: Robadey Anne
Published: August 2017

This article examines the statement that a property is true for ‘almost all’ considered objects, in a precise mathematical sense, by referring to Henri Poincaré’s reflections on the generality of recurring trajectories. In 1890, Poincaré introduces a statement of a new type in which he formulates mathematically the remark that he had previously made in vague terms: ‘the trajectories that have this property [of stability, AR] are more general than those that do not’. This article first considers how Poincaré adapts the calculus of probability to show that the non-recurring trajectories are exceptional before analyzing the proofs of the recurrence theorem and the corollary that Poincaré added to the theorem. It also discusses the change of status of the recurrence theorem between 1889 and 1891 and suggests that the confinement inside the trajectory surfaces seemed to be the key property for the definition of stability.
Nanostructured surfaces: Dimensionally constrained electrons and correlation
Authors: Bertel E. , Menzel A.
Published: August 2017

This article examines dimensionally constrained electrons and electronic correlation in nanostructured surfaces. Correlation effects play an important role in spatial confinement of electrons by nanostructures. The effect of correlation will become increasingly dominant as the dimensionality of the electron wavefunction is reduced. This article focuses on quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) confinement, i.e. more or less strongly coupled one-dimensional nanostructures, with occasional reference to 2D and 0D systems. It first explains how correlated systems exhibit a variety of electronically driven phase transitions, and especially the phases occurring in the generic phase diagram of correlated materials. It then describes electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions in low-dimensional systems and the phase diagram of real quasi-1D systems. Two case studies are considered: metal chains on silicon surfaces and quasi-1D structures on metallic surfaces. The article shows that spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs for many quasi-1D systems on both semiconductor and metal surfaces at low temperature.
Theoretical simulations of scanning tunnelling microscope images and spectra of nanostructures
Authors: Yang Jinlong , Li Qunxiang
Published: August 2017

This article presents theoretical simulations of scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) images and spectra of nanostructures. It begins with an overview of the theories of STM and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS), focusing on four main approaches: the perturbation or Bardeen approach, the Tersoff–Hamann approach and its extension, the scattering theory or Landauer–Bütticker approach, and the non-equilibrium Green's function or Keldysh approach. It then considers conventional STM and STS experimental investigations of various systems including clean surfaces, ad-atoms, single molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and nanostructures. It also discusses STM activities that go beyond conventional STM images and STS, such as functionalized STM tip, inelastic spectroscopy identification, manipulation, molecular electronics and molecular machines.