bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of target genes regulated by the Drosophila histone methyltransferase Eggless reveals a role of Decapentaplegic in apoptotic signaling
Authors: Kang Igojo , Choi Yourim , Jung Sueun , Lim Jae Yun , Lee Dooyoung , Gupta Sumeet , Moon Woongjoon , Shin Chanseok
Published: May 2018

Epigenetic gene regulation is essential for developmental processes. Eggless (Egg), the Drosophila orthologue of the mammalian histone methyltransferase, SETDB1, is known to be involved in the survival and differentiation of germline stem cells and piRNA cluster transcription during Drosophila oogenesis; however the detailed mechanisms remain to be determined. Here, using high-throughput RNA sequencing, we investigated target genes regulated by Egg in an unbiased manner. We show that Egg plays diverse roles in particular piRNA pathway gene expression, some long non-coding RNA expression, apoptosis-related gene regulation, and Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling during Drosophila oogenesis. Furthermore, using genetic and cell biological approaches, we demonstrate that ectopic upregulation of dpp caused by loss of Egg in the germarium can trigger apoptotic cell death through activation of two pro-apoptotic genes, reaper and head involution defective. We propose a model in which Egg regulates germ cell differentiation and apoptosis through canonical and noncanonical Dpp pathways in Drosophila oogenesis.
Control of Love waves by resonant metasurfaces
Authors: Palermo Antonio , Marzani Alessandro
Published: May 2018

Metasurfaces of mechanical resonators have been successfully used to control in-plane polarized surface waves for filtering, waveguiding and lensing applications across different length scales. In this work, we extend the concept of metasurfaces to anti-plane surface waves existing in semi-infinite layered media, generally known as Love waves. By means of an effective medium approach, we derive an original closed-form dispersion relation for the metasurface. This relation reveals the possibility to control the Love waves dispersive properties by varying the resonators mechanical parameters. We exploit this capability to manipulate the metasurface refractive index and design two gradient index (GRIN) metalenses, i.e. a Luneburg lens and a Maxwell lens. We confirm the performance of the designed lenses using full 3D finite element simulations. Our work demonstrates the possibility of realizing wave control devices for anti-plane waves.
Random Feedback Makes Listeners Tone-Deaf
Authors: Vuvan Dominique T. , Zendel Benjamin Rich , Peretz Isabelle
Published: May 2018

The mental representation of pitch structure (tonal knowledge) is a core component of musical experience and is learned implicitly through exposure to music. One theory of congenital amusia (tone deafness) posits that conscious access to tonal knowledge is disrupted, leading to a severe deficit of music cognition. We tested this idea by providing random performance feedback to neurotypical listeners while they listened to melodies for tonal incongruities and had their electrical brain activity monitored. The introduction of random feedback was associated with a reduction of accuracy and confidence, and a suppression of the late positive brain response usually elicited by conscious detection of a tonal violation. These effects mirror the behavioural and neurophysiological profile of amusia. In contrast, random feedback was associated with an increase in the amplitude of the early right anterior negativity, possibly due to heightened attention to the experimental task. This successful simulation of amusia in a normal brain highlights the key role of feedback in learning, and thereby provides a new avenue for the rehabilitation of learning disorders.
A Rout to Protect Quantum Gates constructed via quantum walks from Noises
Authors: Du Yi-Mu , Lu Li-Hua , Li You-Quan
Published: May 2018

The continuous-time quantum walk on a one-dimensional graph of odd number of sites with an on-site potential at the center is studied. We show that such a quantum-walk system can construct an X-gate of a single qubit as well as a control gate for two qubits, when the potential is much larger than the hopping strength. We investigate the decoherence effect and find that the coherence time can be enhanced by either increasing the number of sites on the graph or the ratio of the potential to the hopping strength, which is expected to motivate the design of the quantum gate with long coherence time. We also suggest several experimental proposals to realize such a system.
Evidence of CD4+ T cell-mediated immune pressure on the Hepatitis C virus genome
Authors: Lucas Michaela , Deshpande Pooja , James Ian , Rauch Andri , Pfafferott Katja , Gaylard Elouise , Merani Shahzma , Plauzolles Anne , Lucas Andrew , McDonnell Wyatt , Kalams Spyros , Pilkinton Mark , Chastain Cody , Barnett Louise , Prosser Amy , Mallal Simon , Fitzmaurice Karen , Drummer Heidi , Ansari M. Azim , Pedergnana Vincent , Barnes Ellie , John Mina , Kelleher Dermot , Klenerman Paul , Gaudieri Silvana
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell responses are critical for immune control of infection. Viral adaptation to these responses, via mutations within regions of the virus targeted by CD8+T cells, is associated with viral persistence. However, identifying viral adaptation to HCV-specific CD4+T cell responses has been difficult although key to understanding anti-HCV immunity. In this context, HCV sequence and host genotype from a single source HCV genotype 1B cohort (n = 63) were analyzed to identify viral changes associated with specific human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, as these variable host molecules determine the set of viral peptides presented to CD4+T cells. Eight sites across the HCV genome were associated with HLA class II alleles implicated in infection outcome in this cohort (p ≤ 0.01; Fisher’s exact test). We extended this analysis to chronic HCV infection (n = 351) for the common genotypes 1A and 3A. Variation at 38 sites across the HCV genome were associated with specific HLA class II alleles with no overlap between genotypes, suggestive of genotype-specific T cell targets, which has important implications for vaccine design. Here we show evidence of HCV adaptation to HLA class II-restricted CD4+T cell pressure across the HCV genome in chronic HCV infection without a priori knowledge of CD4+T cell epitopes.
Novel bifunctional cap for simultaneous electroencephalography and transcranial electrical stimulation
Authors: Wunder Sophia , Hunold Alexander , Fiedler Patrique , Schlegelmilch Falk , Schellhorn Klaus , Haueisen Jens
Published: May 2018

Neuromodulation induced by transcranial electric stimulation (TES) exhibited promising potential for clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanisms remain subject of research. The combination of TES and electroencephalography (EEG) offers great potential for investigating these mechanisms and brain function in general, especially when performed simultaneously. In conventional applications, the combination of EEG and TES suffers from limitations on the electrode level (gel for electrode-skin interface) and the usability level (preparation time, reproducibility of positioning). To overcome these limitations, we designed a bifunctional cap for simultaneous TES–EEG applications. We used novel electrode materials, namely textile stimulation electrodes and dry EEG electrodes integrated in a flexible textile cap. We verified the functionality of this cap by analysing the effect of TES on visual evoked potentials (VEPs). In accordance with previous reports using standard TES, the amplitude of the N75 component was significantly decreased post-stimulation, indicating the feasibility of using this novel flexible cap for simultaneous TES and EEG. Further, we found a significant reduction of the P100 component only during TES, indicating a different brain modulation effect during and after TES. In conclusion, the novel bifunctional cap offers a novel tool for simultaneous TES–EEG applications in clinical research, therapy monitoring and closed-loop stimulation.
A novel method for landslide displacement prediction by integrating advanced computational intelligence algorithms
Authors: Zhou Chao , Yin Kunlong , Cao Ying , Ahmed Bayes , Fu Xiaolin
Published: May 2018

Landslide displacement prediction is considered as an essential component for developing early warning systems. The modelling of conventional forecast methods requires enormous monitoring data that limit its application. To conduct accurate displacement prediction with limited data, a novel method is proposed and applied by integrating three computational intelligence algorithms namely: the wavelet transform (WT), the artificial bees colony (ABC), and the kernel-based extreme learning machine (KELM). At first, the total displacement was decomposed into several sub-sequences with different frequencies using the WT. Next each sub-sequence was predicted separately by the KELM whose parameters were optimized by the ABC. Finally the predicted total displacement was obtained by adding all the predicted sub-sequences. The Shuping landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir area in China was taken as a case study. The performance of the new method was compared with the WT-ELM, ABC-KELM, ELM, and the support vector machine (SVM) methods. Results show that the prediction accuracy can be improved by decomposing the total displacement into sub-sequences with various frequencies and by predicting them separately. The ABC-KELM algorithm shows the highest prediction capacity followed by the ELM and SVM. Overall, the proposed method achieved excellent performance both in terms of accuracy and stability.
Flood-conditioned place aversion as a novel non-pharmacological aversive learning procedure in mice
Authors: Goltseker Koral , Barak Segev
Published: May 2018

The place conditioning paradigm is an efficient, widely-used method to study mechanisms that underlie appetitive or aversive learning and memory processes. However, pharmacological agents used to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) or aversion (CPA) can per se interfere with learning and memory processing, hence confounding the results. Therefore, non-pharmacological place conditioning procedures are of high importance. Here, we introduce a novel procedure for induction of CPA in mice, by water flooding. We found that pairing a context with immersion in moderately cold shallow water resulted in aversion and avoidance of that context during a place preference test. Importantly, place aversion emerged only when mice experienced the onset of flood during conditioning training, but not when mice were placed in a compartment pre-filled with water. We also found that warm water was not sufficiently aversive to induce CPA. Moreover, CPA was observed after two or three context-flood pairings but not after one or four pairings, suggesting that moderate conditioning intensity produces optimal CPA expression. Thus, flood-induced CPA is a simple, cheap, and efficient procedure to form and measure place aversion memories in mice, using an ethologically-relevant threat.
A targeted boost-and-sort immunization strategy using Escherichia coli BamA identifies rare growth inhibitory antibodies
Authors: Vij Rajesh , Lin Zhonghua , Chiang Nancy , Vernes Jean-Michel , Storek Kelly M. , Park Summer , Chan Joyce , Meng Y. Gloria , Comps-Agrar Laetitia , Luan Peng , Lee Sophia , Schneider Kellen , Bevers Jack , Zilberleyb Inna , Tam Christine , Koth Christopher M. , Xu Min , Gill Avinash , Auerbach Marcy R. , Smith Peter A. , Rutherford Steven T. , Nakamura Gerald , Seshasayee Dhaya , Payandeh Jian , Koerber James T.
Published: May 2018

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Gram-negative bacteria are essential for a number of cellular functions including nutrient transport and drug efflux. Escherichia coli BamA is an essential component of the OMP β-barrel assembly machinery and a potential novel antibacterial target that has been proposed to undergo large (~15 Å) conformational changes. Here, we explored methods to isolate anti-BamA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that might alter the function of this OMP and ultimately lead to bacterial growth inhibition. We first optimized traditional immunization approaches but failed to identify mAbs that altered cell growth after screening >3000 hybridomas. We then developed a “targeted boost-and-sort” strategy that combines bacterial cell immunizations, purified BamA protein boosts, and single hybridoma cell sorting using amphipol-reconstituted BamA antigen. This unique workflow improves the discovery efficiency of FACS + mAbs by >600-fold and enabled the identification of rare anti-BamA mAbs with bacterial growth inhibitory activity in the presence of a truncated lipopolysaccharide layer. These mAbs represent novel tools for dissecting the BamA-mediated mechanism of β-barrel folding and our workflow establishes a new template for the efficient discovery of novel mAbs against other highly dynamic membrane proteins.
Research on oral microbiota of monozygotic twins with discordant caries experience - in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Wu Hongle , Zeng Benhua , Li Bolei , Ren Biao , Zhao Jianhua , Li Mingyun , Peng Xian , Feng Mingye , Li Jiyao , Wei Hong , Cheng Lei , Zhou Xuedong
Published: May 2018

Oral microbiome is potentially correlated with many diseases, such as dental caries, periodontitis, oral cancer and some systemic diseases. Twin model, as an effective method for studying human microbiota, is widely used in research of relationship between oral microbiota and dental caries. However, there were few researches focusing on caries discordant twins. In this study,in vitroassays were conducted combined with 16S rRNA sequencing analysis on oral microbiota sampled from twins who presented discordant caries experience and mice model was developed as well. Results showed that oral microbiota from caries-active twin possessed higher metabolic activity and produced more lactic production. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that more than 80% of family taxa could be transferred into gnotobiotic-mice. Key caries-associated genera were significantly different between twins and the same difference in genus level could be found in mice as well (p < 0.05). This study suggested that oral microbiota of twins could be distinguished from each other despite the similarities in genetic make-up, living environment, and lifestyle. The difference in microbiota was applied to develop a mice model which may facilitate the investigation of core microbiota of dental caries.
Effect of mixed partial occupation of metal sites on the phase stability of γ-Cr23−xFe
x
C6 (x = 0–3) carbides
Authors: Souissi Maaouia , Sluiter Marcel H. F. , Matsunaga Tetsuya , Tabuchi Masaaki , Mills Michael J. , Sahara Ryoji
Published: May 2018

The effect of mixed partial occupation of metal sites on the phase stability of the γ-Cr23−xFe
x
C6 (x = 0–3) carbides is explored as function of composition and temperature. Ab initio calculations combined with statistical thermodynamics approaches reveal that the site occupation of the carbides may be incorrectly predicted when only the commonly used approach of full sublattice occupation is considered. We found that the γ-M23C6 structure can be understood as a familiar sodium chloride structure with positively charged rhombic dodecahedron (M(4a) M12(48h)) and negatively charged cubo-octahedron (M8(32f) C6(24e)) super-ion clusters, together with interstitial metal atoms at the 8c sites. The stability of the partially occupied phase can be easily rationalized on the basis of a super-ion analysis of the carbide phase. This new understanding of γ-M23C6 carbides may facilitate further development of high-chromium heat-resistant steels.
Approach to high quality GaN lateral nanowires and planar cavities fabricated by focused ion beam and metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Pozina Galia , Gubaydullin Azat R. , Mitrofanov Maxim I. , Kaliteevski Mikhail A. , Levitskii Iaroslav V. , Voznyuk Gleb V. , Tatarinov Evgeniy E. , Evtikhiev Vadim P. , Rodin Sergey N. , Kaliteevskiy Vasily N. , Chechurin Leonid S.
Published: May 2018

We have developed a method to fabricate GaN planar nanowires and cavities by combination of Focused Ion Beam (FIB) patterning of the substrate followed by Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE). The method includes depositing a silicon nitride mask on a sapphire substrate, etching of the trenches in the mask by FIB with a diameter of 40 nm with subsequent MOVPE growth of GaN within trenches. It was observed that the growth rate of GaN is substantially increased due to enhanced bulk diffusion of the growth precursor therefore the model for analysis of the growth rate was developed. The GaN strips fabricated by this method demonstrate effective luminescence properties. The structures demonstrate enhancement of spontaneous emission via formation of Fabry-Perot modes.
Cuffless blood pressure estimation using only a smartphone
Authors: Matsumura Kenta , Rolfe Peter , Toda Sogo , Yamakoshi Takehiro
Published: May 2018

Cuffless blood pressure (BP) measurement is an all-inclusive term for a method that aims to measure BP without using a cuff. Recent cuffless technology has made it possible to estimate BP with reasonable accuracy. However, mainstream methods require an electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram measurements, and frequent calibration procedures using a cuff sphygmomanometer. We therefore developed a far simpler cuffless method, using only heart rate (HR) and modified normalized pulse volume (mNPV) that can be measured using a smartphone, based on the knowledge that ln BP = ln cardiac output (CO) + ln total peripheral resistance (TPR), where CO and TPR are correlated with HR and mNPV, respectively. Here, we show that mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic BP (SBP), and diastolic BP (DBP) could be estimated using the exponential transformation of linear polynomial equation, (a × ln HR) + (b × ln mNPV) + constant, using only a smartphone, with an accuracy of R > 0.70. This implies that our cuffless method could convert a large number of smartphones or smart watches into simplified sphygmomanometers.
Assessing the performance of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA methods. 7. Entropy effects on the performance of end-point binding free energy calculation approaches
Authors: Sun Huiyong , Duan Lili , Chen Fu , Liu Hui , Wang Zhe , Pan Peichen , Zhu Feng , Zhang John Z. H. , Hou Tingjun
Published: May 2018

Nmode entropy and interaction entropy were assessed for MM/PB(GB)SA based on >1500 systems and 6 force fields.
Up in the air: oxygen tolerance in controlled/living radical polymerisation
Authors: Yeow Jonathan , Chapman Robert , Gormley Adam J. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: May 2018

In this review, we outline the current strategies for achieving oxygen tolerance in controlled/living radical polymerisation.
Direct surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy of nucleic acids: from fundamental studies to real-life applications
Authors: Garcia-Rico Eduardo , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A. , Guerrini Luca
Published: May 2018

In this tutorial review, we summarize and discuss the most recent cutting-edge research in the field of direct surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis of nucleic acids.
Channel current analysis estimates the pore-formation and the penetration of transmembrane peptides
Authors: Sekiya Yusuke , Sakashita Shungo , Shimizu Keisuke , Usui Kenji , Kawano Ryuji
Published: May 2018

We measured the current signal of the transmembrane model peptides using the barrel-stave, toroidal pore, and penetration models in order to establish a precise assignment of the channel signals.
Determination of Cu2+and biothiols by novel red fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wang Zizhun , Hou Jiaze , Lei Lulu , Li Jiao , Bai Juan , Huang Hui , Li Yongxin
Published: May 2018

Red fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles (NPG@PFBD) have been designed and synthesized successfully.
A method combining a kit with the Bionic e-Eye for rapid on site detection of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning
Authors: Qiu Xianxin , Zhong Longjie , Gan Ying , Su Kaiqi , Hu Shihui , Wang Ping
Published: May 2018

A method combining a kit with the Bionic e-Eye for rapid and portable on site detection of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning.
Long sought synthesis of quaternary phosphonium salts from phosphine oxides: inverse reactivity approach
Authors: Vetter Anna C. , Nikitin Kirill , Gilheany Declan G.
Published: May 2018

Reaction of Grignard reagents with chlorophosphonium salts provides a conceptually new synthesis of quaternary phosphonium salts from phosphine oxides by using inverse reactivity at phosphorus.
The journey of tin chalcogenides towards high-performance thermoelectrics and topological materials
Authors: Banik Ananya , Roychowdhury Subhajit , Biswas Kanishka
Published: May 2018

Sn-Chalcogenides are recognized as high performance thermoelectrics and topological insulators due to their unique crystal and electronic structures and lattice dynamics.
Ion collision-induced chemistry in pure and mixed loosely bound clusters of coronene and C60 molecules
Authors: Domaracka Alicja , Delaunay Rudy , Mika Arkadiusz , Gatchell Michael , Zettergren Henning , Cederquist Henrik , Rousseau Patrick , Huber Bernd A.
Published: May 2018

We have studied ion-induced growth mechanisms in collisions between keV ions and loosely bound clusters of coronene and mixed clusters of coronene and C60.
Theoretical study on the optical and electronic properties of graphene quantum dots doped with heteroatoms
Authors: Feng Jianguang , Dong Hongzhou , Pang Beili , Shao Feifei , Zhang ChunKai , Yu Liyan , Dong Lifeng
Published: May 2018

By the TD-DFT approach, we demonstrate that heteroatoms can assist charge transfer and alter the distribution of electron densities in doped-GQDs.
Combined use of Mössbauer spectroscopy, XPS, HRTEM, dielectric and anelastic spectroscopy for estimating incipient phase separation in lead titanate-based multiferroics
Authors: Craciun Floriana , Cordero Francesco , Vasile Bogdan S. , Fruth Victor , Zaharescu Maria , Atkinson Irina , Trusca Roxana , Diamandescu Lucian , Tanase Liviu C. , Galizia Pietro , Cernea Marin , Galassi Carmen
Published: May 2018

Incipient phase separation is revealed in a multiferroic by combined spectroscopic techniques.
A Ag synchronously deposited and doped TiO2hybrid as an ultrasensitive SERS substrate: a multifunctional platform for SERS detection and photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Yang Libin , Sang Qinqin , Du Juan , Yang Ming , Li Xiuling , Shen Yu , Han Xiaoxia , Jiang Xin , Zhao Bing
Published: May 2018

We proposed a Ag synchronously deposited and doped TiO2hybrid as a dual-function platform for ultrasensitive SERS detection and efficient photocatalytic degradation.
Tailoring lumazine synthase assemblies for bionanotechnology
Authors: Azuma Yusuke , Edwardson Thomas G. W. , Hilvert Donald
Published: May 2018

The cage-forming protein lumazine synthase is readily modified, evolved and assembled with other components.
Adjusting the ratio of bulk single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancies/surface oxygen vacancies in TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Hou Lili , Guan Zhongjie , Zhang Min , He Chunqing , Li Qiuye , Yang Jianjun
Published: May 2018

Co-existence of bulk single-electron-trapped and surface oxygen vacancies favor the improvement of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Z-Selective alkyne semi-hydrogenation catalysed by piano-stool N-heterocyclic carbene iron complexes
Authors: Johnson Chloe , Albrecht Martin
Published: May 2018

Piano-stool NHC iron complexes catalyze the selective semi-hydrogenation of alkynes without any over-reduction and with high selectivity towards Z-alkynes when starting from disubstituted alkynes.
Double layer zinc–UDP coordination polymers: structure and properties
Authors: Qiu Qi-ming , Gu Leilei , Ma Hongwei , Yan Li , Liu Minghua , Li Hui
Published: May 2018

Double layer Zn–UDP coordination polymers with potentially open sites can be used for heterogeneous fluorescent sensors of amino acids.
ROY revisited, again: the eighth solved structure
Authors: Tan Melissa , Shtukenberg Alexander G. , Zhu Shengcai , Xu Wenqian , Dooryhee Eric , Nichols Shane M. , Ward Michael D. , Kahr Bart , Zhu Qiang
Published: May 2018

X-ray powder diffraction and crystal structure prediction algorithms are used in synergy to establish the crystal structure of the eighth polymorph of ROY, form R05.
Quantum and classical IR spectra of (HCOOH)2, (DCOOH)2 and (DCOOD)2 using ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces
Authors: Qu Chen , Bowman Joel M.
Published: May 2018

Full-dimensional (24 modes) quantum calculation of the IR spectrum of (DCOOD)2, and comparison with classical MD one.
A simplified sheathless cell separation approach using combined gravitational-sedimentation-based prefocusing and dielectrophoretic separation
Authors: Luo Tao , Fan Lei , Zeng Yixiao , Liu Ya , Chen Shuxun , Tan Qiulin , Lam Raymond H. W. , Sun Dong
Published: May 2018

A hybrid technique that combines the gravitational-sedimentation-based simple prefocusing and dielectrophoresis-based flexible separation.
Amorphous saturated cerium–tungsten–titanium oxide nanofiber catalysts for NOx selective catalytic reaction
Authors: Dankeaw Apiwat , Gualandris Fabrizio , Silva Rafael Hubert , Norrman Kion , Gudik-Sørensen Mads , Hansen Kent Kammer , Ksapabutr Bussarin , Esposito Vincenzo , Marani Debora
Published: May 2018

A nano-fibrous, amorphous supersaturated CeO2/W–TiO2 SCR catalyst endowed with well-connected and open porosity, high reactivity, and tunable chemistry is herein proposed.
DABCO-based ionic liquids: introduction of two metal-free catalysts for one-pot synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines
Authors: Jamasbi N. , Irankhah-Khanghah M. , Shirini F. , Tajik H. , Langarudi M. S. N.
Published: May 2018

In this study, structurally functionalized 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines were synthesized by two non-metal DABCO-based ionic liquids which were compared in catalytic activity in both reactions.
Nonlinear optical potassium niobate nanocrystals as harmonic markers: the role of precursors and stoichiometry in hydrothermal synthesis
Authors: Wang Zunhao , Kijatkin Christian , Urban Alexander , Haase Markus , Imlau Mirco , Kömpe Karsten
Published: May 2018

Hydrothermal synthesis of KNbO3 leads to crystallite sizes down to 30 nm. They exhibit significant SHG-signals throughout the visible range.
A bumpy gold nanostructure exhibiting DNA-engineered stimuli-responsive SERS signals
Authors: Shang Yingxu , Shi Jia , Liu Huan , Liu Xinfeng , Wang Zhen-Gang , Ding Baoquan
Published: May 2018

A DNA-modified bumpy gold nanostructure with built-in electromagnetic hotspots was synthesized, and the DNA conformational changes that were triggered by the external stimuli (K+/kryptofix or H+/OH−) induced reversible on/off switching of SERS signals.
Plasmonics with two-dimensional semiconductors: from basic research to technological applications
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Vitiello Miriam S. , Viti Leonardo , Cupolillo Anna , Politano Antonio
Published: May 2018

Herein, we discuss the features, applications, open challenges and prospects of plasmonics with various classes of two-dimensional semiconductors “beyond graphene”.
Dramatic impact of the lattice solvent on the dynamic magnetic relaxation of dinuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets
Authors: Zhang Wan-Ying , Zhang Yi-Quan , Jiang Shang-Da , Sun Wen-Bin , Li Hong-Feng , Wang Bing-Wu , Chen Peng , Yan Peng-Fei , Gao Song
Published: May 2018

The significantly improvement of single-molecule magnetic performance was achieved by removing or replacing the lattice solvents in dinuclear Dy2 SMMs.
Thermodynamic and reactivity studies of a tin corrole–cobalt porphyrin heterobimetallic complex
Authors: Wang Zikuan , Yao Zhengmin , Lyu Zeyu , Xiong Qinsi , Wang Bingwu , Fu Xuefeng
Published: May 2018

A rare tin–cobalt bond dissociates homolytically with accurately measured energetics, reversibly releasing a four-coordinate tin radical that catalyzes alkyne trimerization.
Hunting mermaids in real space: known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns
Authors: Royall C. Patrick
Published: May 2018

We review efforts to realise so-called mermaid (or short-ranged attraction/long ranged repulsion) interactions in 3d real space.
White-light emission in a chiral one-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite
Authors: Peng Yu , Yao Yunpeng , Li Lina , Wu Zhenyue , Wang Sasa , Luo Junhua
Published: May 2018

A chiral one-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite exhibits white-light emission with ultrahigh CRI.
Combining RtL and LtR HMMs to recognise handwritten Farsi words of small‐ and medium‐sized vocabularies
Authors: Abbaszadeh Arani Seyed Ali Asghar , Kabir Ehsanollah , Ebrahimpour Reza
Published: May 2018

In this study, a method for holistic recognition of handwritten Farsi words is proposed, which fuses the outputs of right‐to‐left (RtL) and left‐to‐right (LtR) hidden Markov models (HMMs). The experimental results on 16,000 images of 200 names of Iranian cities, from the ‘Iranshahr 3’ are presented and compared with those methods using only RtL or LtR models. Experimental results show that the main sources of error are similar beginnings or similar endings of the words. Since RtL and LtR models when dealing with the words behave differently, there is notable error diversity between the two classifiers in such a way that their combination increases the recognition rate. Compared to the RtL‐HMM, the product of output scores of the RtL and LtR‐HMMs reduces the classification error to about 6, 6 and 3%, for three different feature sets. A subjective error analysis on the results is also provided.
Adaptive spatio‐temporal background subtraction using improved Wronskian change detection scheme in Gaussian mixture model framework
Authors: Panda Deepak Kumar , Meher Sukadev
Published: May 2018

Background subtraction (BS) is a fundamental step for moving object detection in various video surveillance applications. Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is a widely used BS technique which provides a good compromise between robustness to the background variations and real‐time constraints. However, GMM does not support the spatial relationship among neighbouring pixels and it uses a fixed learning rate for every pixel during the parameter update. On the other hand, Wronskian change detection model (WM) is a spatial‐domain BS technique which solves misclassification of pixels but fails in the presence of dynamic background. In this study, a novel spatio‐temporal BS technique is proposed that exploits spatial relation of Wronskian function and employs it with a new fuzzy adaptive learning rate in a GMM framework. Instead of using WM directly, an improved WM is proposed by adaptively finding out the ratio of the current pixel to the background pixel or its reciprocal, and a weighted Wronskian is developed to mitigate the effect of dynamic background pixels. Additionally, a new fuzzy adaptive learning rate is employed in the GMM framework. Experimental results of the proposed framework yield better silhouette of the moving objects as compared with the state‐of‐the‐art techniques.
Wideband bandpass‐to‐all‐stop reconfigurable filtering power divider with bandwidth control and all‐passband isolation
Authors: Zhuang Zheng , Wu Yongle , Liu Yuanan , Ghassemlooy Zabih
Published: May 2018

A novel wideband bandpass‐to‐all‐stop reconfigurable filtering power divider is proposed in this study, which allows for four‐order bandpass‐to‐all‐stop reconfigurable operating function and equal power division. Its circuit configuration includes the cascaded coupled‐line sections with tight coupling to extend the impedance transforming. Furthermore, with the introduction of the half‐wavelength open‐circuit stubs, which controls the bandwidth, extra transmission poles located at the cut‐off frequency are generated, thus resulting in high frequency selectivity. Moreover, by using a single resistor between input coupled‐lines, the high all‐passband isolation can be achieved. The grounding are then loaded to the output coupled‐lines to enable bandpass‐to‐all‐stop operating functionality. For demonstration, a prototype operating at 2 GHz is designed, simulated, and measured with a 15 dB bandwidth of 51%, 19 dB stopband rejection up to 5 GHz, and 14.5 dB all‐passband isolation, which shows a good agreement between the simulated and measured results.
Frequency notched balanced antipodal tapered slot antenna with very low cross‐polarised radiation
Authors: Sarkar Chittajit , Saha Chinmoy , Shaik Latheef A. , Siddiqui Jawad Y. , Antar Yahia M. M.
Published: May 2018

The authors present the design and realisation of balanced antipodal tapered slot antenna (BATSA) with frequency notched ultra‐wideband impedance characteristics, very high gain and extremely low cross‐polarised radiation. The proposed antenna comprises a central elliptic conductor sandwiched between two elliptic conductors etched on two dielectric substrates both of which acts as the ground planes and thereby provide an electromagnetic balance for the radiating electric field. The proposed BATSA is fed by a microstrip line. The microstrip section is followed by the radiating flared section of the antenna. The notch frequency is achieved by introducing a quarter wavelength spur line in the feeding microstrip line of the antenna. The fabricated prototype of the antenna was characterised for impedance and radiation performance revealing a very good correspondence with simulation results. Radiation pattern characterisation confirms high gain in the end‐fire direction and very low cross‐polarisation compared to antipodal tapered slot antenna.
Cu‐doped CdS QDs for sensitisation in solar cell
Authors: Ganguly Abhigyan , Nath Siddhartha S. , Choudhury Madhuchhanda
Published: May 2018

Copper (Cu)‐doped cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) sensitised zinc oxide photoelectrodes have been fabricated for a solar cell (SC). For the synthesis of QDs, simple chemical methods have been adapted and the QDs were prepared on poly‐vinyl alcohol capping agent. The influences of doping on structural properties of QDs have been studied using X‐ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy images. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy reveals an enhanced optical absorption in doped QDs. The photovoltaic performance of the Cu‐doped CdS QDs was studied by measuring the current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics of the fabricated SC. An enhanced photo‐conversion efficiency was observed in doped CdS QDs compared with the undoped QDs sensitised SC.
Ethanol Extract of Crataegus Oxyacantha L. Ameliorate Dietary Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rat
Authors: Saeedi Golbahar , Jeivad Fereshteh , Goharbari Mohammadhadi , Gheshlaghi Gholamreza , Sabzevari Omid
Published: May 2018

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is one the most prevalent disease worldwide which characterized by fat accumulation in liver with no established efficient therapy. We designed this study to investigate protective and therapeutic effect of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (C. oxyacantha) on NAFLD induced by high fat diet in rat models.

Methods NAFLD was induced by High Fat Diet+fructose (HFD), 45 Wistar rats were divided to 8 groups including control, HFD, HFD+diet change, HFD+diet change+C. oxyacantha 20 mg/kg, co treatment of HFD+C. oxyacantha 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, and normal diet+C. oxyacantha 40 mg. C. oxyacantha was administered orally. Effectiveness of the C. oxyacantha was assessed through measuring the biochemical factors, and oxidative stress marker (FRAP, GSH, and MDA). Histopathological study was performed using H & E staining.

Results The diet change from high fat to low fat ameliorated liver damage. However, consumption of C. oxyacantha (10 & 20 mg/kg) caused significant reduction in the level of all examined liver biomarkers specially LDH, that showed C. oxyacantha can restore the hepatocyte damage due to HFD. The C. oxyacantha showed a protective effect which was more prominent in the animals treated with the 20 mg/kg C. oxyacantha. The administration of C. oxyacantha caused increased antioxidant status (GSH and FRAP levels) and decreased lipid peroxidation in treated animals.

Major Conclusion Accordingly, C. oxyacantha have both therapeutic and protective effect for NAFLD and may be a potential candidate for further assessments in clinical studies.
ICU Readmission after Cardiac Surgery—Still a Matter of Concern?
Authors: Kolat Philipp , Guttenberger Patricia , Ried Michael , Kapahnke Julia , Haneya Assad , Schmid Christof , Diez Claudius
Published: May 2018

Background Despite improvements in diagnostics and perioperative care, readmission to intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery is still a severe drawback for patients with considerable morbidity, mortality, and costs. Aim of this retrospective analysis was to disentangle independent risk factors for ICU readmission.

Material and Methods Between 01/2004 and 12/2012, 336 out of 9,555 (3.5%) patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Regensburg (Germany) were readmitted to ICU. A matched-pair analysis (readmission vs control group) was conducted, matching for gender, age, and surgical procedure. Operations included coronary artery bypass grafting, valve reconstruction/replacement, aortic surgery, combined procedures, and others. Mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 2.3 years.

Results Median age of the readmitted patients was 71 years (65; 76), and the majority was male (67.9%). Median logistic Euroscore as a parameter for perioperative risk was significantly higher as compared with the control group (5.8 vs 5.2, p = 0.045) as was the prevalence of comorbidities including hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior myocardial infarction, stroke, and PAOD. Most common reasons for readmission were cardiopulmonary instability (27.4%), respiratory failure (20.8%), and surgery for deep sternal infection (8.6%). Twenty-one percent required more than one readmission. Overall mortality was significantly higher in readmitted patients (21.1 vs 12.5%).

Conclusions In conclusion, readmission to the ICU after cardiac surgery is a rare complication that is still associated with excessive mortality. Establishment of an intermediate care unit proved to be an excellent means to reduce ICU stay without endangering post-surgery patients and significantly reduced the ICU readmission rate.
Rib Radiography versus Chest Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Rib Fractures
Authors: Sano Atsushi
Published: May 2018

Background The accurate diagnosis of rib fractures is important in chest trauma. Diagnostic images following chest trauma are usually obtained via chest X-ray, chest computed tomography, or rib radiography. This study evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of rib radiography and chest computed tomography.

Methods Seventy-five rib fracture patients who underwent both chest computed tomography and rib radiography between April 2008 and December 2013 were included. Rib radiographs, centered on the site of pain, were taken from two directions. Chest computed tomography was performed using a 16-row multidetector scanner with 5-mm slice-pitch without overlap, and axial images were visualized in a bone window.

Result In total, 217 rib fractures were diagnosed in 75 patients. Rib radiography missed 43 rib fractures in 24 patients. The causes were overlap with organs in 15 cases, trivial fractures in 21 cases, and injury outside the imaging range in 7 cases. Left lower rib fractures were often missed due to overlap with the heart, while middle and lower rib fractures were frequently not diagnosed due to overlap with abdominal organs. Computed tomography missed 21 rib fractures in 17 patients. The causes were horizontal fractures in 10 cases, trivial fractures in 9 cases, and insufficient breath holding in 1 case.

Conclusion In rib radiography, overlap with organs and fractures outside the imaging range were characteristic reasons for missed diagnoses. In chest computed tomography, horizontal rib fractures and insufficient breath holding were often responsible. We should take these challenges into account when diagnosing rib fractures.
Etiology of Fever in Neonates: Is It Just Due to Infection?
Authors: Baysal Bahar , Calkavur Sebnem , Atlihan Fusun , Baysal Bora
Published: May 2018

Objectives Fever is an abnormal elevation of body temperature that occurs as part of a specific biologic response that is mediated and controlled by the central nervous system. In neonates, it may indicate a serious underlying disease. With this study, we aimed to investigate the causes of fever in neonates.

Methods Medical charts were reviewed retrospectively for all term newborn infants treated at the Behcet Uz Children's Hospital between 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2009 who subsequently developed fever during their first 28 days. The history of the newborn included type of feeding (formula or breast); weight loss, environmental temperature, and symptoms of infection (lethargy-poor suck, irritability, vomiting, abdominal distention, respiratory distress, and diarrhea) were noted; and physical examination also established. The standard laboratory workup for febrile infants included blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and stool cultures, blood count, C-reactive protein, and analysis of serum electrolytes.

Results It was determined that the most admissions were made in summer and most frequently in July. The most frequent cause of fever was infection, followed by unexplained fever and dehydration. Clinical sepsis was more frequent than proven sepsis. Risk for neonatal infection was increased by normal spontaneous vaginal birth, whereas the risk for dehydration was increased by cesarean section.

Conclusions Environmental factors and dehydration may also be a factor in the newborn who is admitted for fever. But given our results, a newborn with a complaint of fever should be managed as an infection until proven otherwise.
Application of Stem Cells to Infertility Treatment with Emphasis on Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Ovarian Stem Cells
Authors: Kazemirad Nastaran , Lorzadeh Nahid
Published: May 2018

Stem cells are a population of undifferentiated cells that originated from embryonic and fetal stages of development. Stem cells possess the potency to produce cells that ultimately form different tissues and organs. They are considered as potential alternative novel therapeutic agents for patients suffering from infertility due to their unlimited source and high differentiation potency. There are several studies that have shown that different types of stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic, endometrial, and ovarian stem cells) can be differentiated into both spermatozoa and oocytes in vitro, proving their potential clinical use in management and cure of infertility issues. Furthermore, mouse model studies have shown that ovarian stem cells, when cultured in vitro, can differentiate into a mature oocyte; however, there are still a lot of debates and complications attached to this concept. In addition, this is yet to be established using human ovarian stem cells, but, if established, would be a novel fertility preservation and treatment technique for women with infertility-related complications. This review gives comprehensive details of the available clinical application of stem cells in infertility treatment.
The vampirisation of the novel: narrative crises in Dracula
Authors: Lasa Cecilia
Published: May 2018

This article sets out to explore howDraculanarrates the crisis that the novel as a genre faces by the end of the nineteenth century. The fictional female characters play a particular role in such process: whereas the status of women in Bram Stoker’s piece has been widely studied in terms of how their vampiric sexualisation affects their position in society and their relationships with men, there has been little analysis of their condition as writers and their relation to the novel as a genre. InDracula, Mina Harker is a character who manages to record in her journal the events that unfold in the work of fiction, as well as her analysis of them. Similarly, her fiancé Jonathan Harker, the vampiric Count’s solicitor, documents their adventures in order to keep some sanity in the light of the sexual, psychological and social disorder Dracula triggers. This chaos gains special significance infin-de-siècleGreat Britain, sieged by the decadence of the empire and the conflicts brought about by industrialisation. While Jonathan’s accounts display features of the realist novel, Mina attempts to create a new narrative that entails a particular conception of the woman writer: a bourgeoning member of the middle class whose insights into reality are analytically critical and who incipiently acknowledges her sexual dimension, as suggested by the process of vampirisation she experiences. It is through writing that she becomes different from other highly sexualised vampires in the novel, namely her friend Lucy Westenra and the three women who inhabit the Count’s castle. Mina’s chronicles destabilise the novel as a form by proposing a new language for women and, specifically, for the woman writer. This proposal is one of the greatest threats thatDraculaposes to the Victorian period through the use of the gothic. All male main characters in Stoker’s piece put in constant effort to counter such menace. Given these men’s success, Mina’s writing does not thrive and, as the anticipatory note to the novel promises, a “sequence will be made manifest”, which will realistically organise the events unchained by the vampire. In this way, both Mina’s writing and Stoker’s narrative, made up of fragments of different genres that can be nevertheless, appreciated as a whole, undergo an interrupted process of vampirisation.
Performance modelling of plasma microthruster nozzles in vacuum
Authors: Ho Teck Seng , Charles Christine , Boswell Rod
Published: May 2018

Computational fluid dynamics and plasma simulations of three geometrical variations of the Pocket Rocket radiofrequency plasma electrothermal microthruster are conducted, comparing pulsed plasma to steady state cold gas operation. While numerical limitations prevent plasma modelling in a vacuum environment, results may be obtained by extrapolating from plasma simulations performed in a pressurised environment, using the performance delta from cold gas simulations performed in both environments. Slip regime boundary layer effects are significant at these operating conditions. The present investigation targets a power budget of ∼10 W for applications on CubeSats. During plasma operation, the thrust force increases by ∼30% with a power efficiency of ∼30 μNW−1. These performance metrics represent instantaneous or pulsed operation and will increase over time as the discharge chamber attains thermal equilibrium with the heated propellant. Additionally, the sculpted nozzle geometry achieves plasma confinement facilitated by the formation of a plasma sheath at the nozzle throat, and fast recombination ensures a neutral exhaust plume that avoids the contamination of solar panels and interference with externally mounted instruments.
A fully electric field driven scalable magnetoelectric switching element
Authors: Ahmed R. , Victora R. H.
Published: May 2018

A technique for micromagnetic simulation of the magnetoelectric (ME) effect in Cr2O3 based structures has been developed. It has been observed that the microscopic ME susceptibility differs significantly from the experimentally measured values. The deviation between the two susceptibilities becomes more prominent near the Curie temperature, affecting the operation of the device at room temperature. A fully electric field controlled ME switching element has been proposed for use at technologically interesting densities: it employs quantum mechanical exchange at the boundaries instead of the applied magnetic field needed in traditional switching schemes. After establishing temperature dependent physics-based parameters, switching performances have been studied for different temperatures, applied electric fields, and Cr2O3 cross-sections. It has been found that our proposed use of quantum mechanical exchange favors reduced electric field operation and enhanced scalability while retaining reliable thermal stability.