bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of genetically engineered maize on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits: a meta-analysis of 21 years of field data
Authors: Pellegrino Elisa , Bedini Stefano , Nuti Marco , Ercoli Laura
Published: February 2018

Despite the extensive cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) maize and considerable number of scientific reports on its agro-environmental impact, the risks and benefits of GE maize are still being debated and concerns about safety remain. This meta-analysis aimed at increasing knowledge on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits of GE maize by analyzing the peer-reviewed literature (from 1996 to 2016) on yield, grain quality, non-target organisms (NTOs), target organisms (TOs) and soil biomass decomposition. Results provided strong evidence that GE maize performed better than its near isogenic line: grain yield was 5.6 to 24.5% higher with lower concentrations of mycotoxins (−28.8%), fumonisin (−30.6%) and thricotecens (−36.5%). The NTOs analyzed were not affected by GE maize, except for Braconidae, represented by a parasitoid of European corn borer, the target of Lepidoptera active Bt maize. Biogeochemical cycle parameters such as lignin content in stalks and leaves did not vary, whereas biomass decomposition was higher in GE maize. The results support the cultivation of GE maize, mainly due to enhanced grain quality and reduction of human exposure to mycotoxins. Furthermore, the reduction of the parasitoid of the target and the lack of consistent effects on other NTOs are confirmed.
First evidence of an extensive Acheulean large cutting tool accumulation in Europe from Porto Maior (Galicia, Spain)
Authors: Méndez-Quintas E. , Santonja M. , Pérez-González A. , Duval M. , Demuro M. , Arnold L. J.
Published: February 2018

We describe a European Acheulean site characterised by an extensive accumulation of large cutting tools (LCT). This type of Lower Paleolithic assemblage, with dense LCT accumulations, has only been found on the African continent and in the Near East until now. The identification of a site with large accumulations of LCTs favours the hypothesis of an African origin for the Acheulean of Southwest Europe. The lithic tool-bearing deposits date back to 293–205 thousand years ago. Our chronological findings confirm temporal overlap between sites with clear “African” Acheulean affinities and Early Middle Paleolithic sites found elsewhere in the region. These complex technological patterns could be consistent with the potential coexistence of different human species in south-western Europe during the Middle Pleistocene.
Binge Alcohol Exposure Causes Neurobehavioral Deficits and GSK3β Activation in the Hippocampus of Adolescent Rats
Authors: Ji Zhe , Yuan Lin , Lu Xiong , Ding Hanqing , Luo Jia , Ke Zun-Ji
Published: February 2018

Heavy alcohol exposure causes profound damage to the adolescent brain, particularly the hippocampus, which underlie some behavioral deficits. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain inconclusive. The current study sought to determine whether binge alcohol exposure affects the hippocampus-related behaviors and key signaling proteins that may mediate alcohol neurotoxicity in adolescent rats. Alcohol exposure reduced the number of both NeuN-positive and doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus. Alcohol also induced neurodegeneration which was confirmed by ultrastructural analysis by electronic microscopy and was accompanied with the activation of microglia. Binge alcohol exposure impaired spatial learning and memory which was evaluated by the Morris water maze. However, alcohol did not alter the spontaneous locomotor activity which was determined by the open field test. GSK3β is a multi-function serine/threonine protein kinase regulating both neuronal survival and neurogenesis and plays an important role in various neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously shown that GSK3β is a key mediator of alcohol-induced neuron apoptosis in the developing brain. We showed here binge alcohol exposure caused GSK3β activation by inducing dephosphorylation at Ser9 without affecting the phosphorylation of Tyr216 in the hippocampus. Thus, GSK3β may be involved in binge alcohol exposure-induced neuronal damage to the adolescent hippocampus.
Subduction of a low-salinity water mass around the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea
Authors: Huang Zhida , Zhuang Wei , Liu Hailong , Hu Jianyu
Published: February 2018

Based on three climatologically observed temperature and salinity datasets (i.e., GDEM-V3, SCSPOD14 and WOA13), this paper reports a low-salinity (~34.32) water mass in the subsurface-to-intermediate layer around the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. This water mass mainly subducts from the surface layer into the intermediate layer, characterized by a relatively low potential vorticity tongue extending from the bottom of mixed layer to the thermocline, and accompanied by a thermocline ventilation in spring (especially in April). The potential dynamics are the joint effects of negative wind stress curl, and an anticyclonic eddy triggered by the inherent topographic effect of the Xisha Islands, reflecting that downward vertical motion dominates the subduction. Despite lacking of the homogenous temperature and density, the low-salinity water mass is to some extent similar to the classic mode water and can be regarded as a deformed mode water in the South China Sea.
Intravenous synthetic platelet (SynthoPlate) nanoconstructs reduce bleeding and improve ‘golden hour’ survival in a porcine model of traumatic arterial hemorrhage
Authors: Hickman DaShawn A. , Pawlowski Christa L. , Shevitz Andrew , Luc Norman F. , Kim Ann , Girish Aditya , Marks Joyann , Ganjoo Simi , Huang Stephanie , Niedoba Edward , Sekhon Ujjal D. S. , Sun Michael , Dyer Mitchell , Neal Matthew D. , Kashyap Vikram S. , Sen Gupta Anirban
Published: February 2018

Traumatic non-compressible hemorrhage is a leading cause of civilian and military mortality and its treatment requires massive transfusion of blood components, especially platelets. However, in austere civilian and battlefield locations, access to platelets is highly challenging due to limited supply and portability, high risk of bacterial contamination and short shelf-life. To resolve this, we have developed an I.V.-administrable ‘synthetic platelet’ nanoconstruct (SynthoPlate), that can mimic and amplify body’s natural hemostatic mechanisms specifically at the bleeding site while maintaining systemic safety. Previously we have reported the detailed biochemical and hemostatic characterization of SynthoPlate in a non-trauma tail-bleeding model in mice. Building on this, here we sought to evaluate the hemostatic ability of SynthoPlate in emergency administration within the ‘golden hour’ following traumatic hemorrhagic injury in the femoral artery, in a pig model. We first characterized the storage stability and post-sterilization biofunctionality of SynthoPlate in vitro. The nanoconstructs were then I.V.-administered to pigs and their systemic safety and biodistribution were characterized. Subsequently we demonstrated that, following femoral artery injury, bolus administration of SynthoPlate could reduce blood loss, stabilize blood pressure and significantly improve survival. Our results indicate substantial promise of SynthoPlate as a viable platelet surrogate for emergency management of traumatic bleeding.
Temporal Differentiation of Crop Growth as One of the Drivers of Intercropping Yield Advantage
Authors: Dong Nan , Tang Ming-Ming , Zhang Wei-Ping , Bao Xing-Guo , Wang Yu , Christie Peter , Li Long
Published: February 2018

Intercropping studies usually focus on yield advantage and interspecific interactions but few quantify temporal niche differentiation and its relationship with intercropping yield advantage. A field experiment conducted in northwest China in 2013 and 2014 examined four intercropping systems (oilseed rape/maize, oilseed rape/soybean, potato/maize, and soybean/potato) and the corresponding monocultures. Total dry matter data collected every 20 d after maize emergence were fitted to logistic models to investigate the temporal dynamics of crop growth and interspecific interactions. All four intercropping systems showed significant yield advantages. Temporal niche complementarity between intercropped species was due to differences in sowing and harvesting dates or the time taken to reach maximum daily growth rate or both. Interspecific interactions between intercropped species amplified temporal niche differentiation as indicated by postponement of the time taken to reach maximum daily growth rate of late-maturing crops (i.e. 21 to 41 days in maize associated with oilseed rape or potato). Growth trajectories of intercropped maize or soybean recovered after the oilseed rape harvest to the same values as in their monoculture on a per plant basis. Amplified niche differentiation between crop species depends on the identity of neighboring species whose relative growth rate is crucial in determining the differentiation.
Cytoskeleton stability is essential for the integrity of the cerebellum and its motor- and affective-related behaviors
Authors: Muñoz-Castañeda Rodrigo , Díaz David , Peris Leticia , Andrieux Annie , Bosc Christophe , Muñoz-Castañeda José M. , Janke Carsten , Alonso José R. , Moutin Marie-Jo , Weruaga Eduardo
Published: February 2018

The cerebellum plays a key role in motor tasks, but its involvement in cognition is still being considered. Although there is an association of different psychiatric and cognitive disorders with cerebellar impairments, the lack of time-course studies has hindered the understanding of the involvement of cerebellum in cognitive and non-motor functions. Such association was here studied using the Purkinje Cell Degeneration mutant mouse, a model of selective and progressive cerebellar degeneration that lacks the cytosolic carboxypeptidase 1 (CCP1). The effects of the absence of this enzyme on the cerebellum of mutant mice were analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. These analyses were carried out longitudinally (throughout both the pre-neurodegenerative and neurodegenerative stages) and different motor and non-motor tests were performed. We demonstrate that the lack of CCP1 affects microtubule dynamics and flexibility, defects that contribute to the morphological alterations of the Purkinje cells (PCs), and to progressive cerebellar breakdown. Moreover, this degeneration led not only to motor defects but also to gradual cognitive impairments, directly related to the progression of cellular damage. Our findings confirm the cerebellar implication in non-motor tasks, where the formation of the healthy, typical PCs structure is necessary for normal cognitive and affective behavior.
Health-related quality of life in adolescents and the retinal microvascular structure
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Liew Gerald , Burlutsky George , Baur Louise A. , Mitchell Paul
Published: February 2018

We aimed to investigate whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with retinal vascular caliber, an indicator of subclinical cardiovascular disease risk. 1600 students aged between 11–19 years (821 girls and 779 boys) were examined during 2009–2011. Retinal vessel caliber was measured from digital retinal images. HRQoL was assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). In the overall cohort, each 1-unit increase in PedsQL total score and the psychosocial summary score was associated with ~0.05 μm narrowing in retinal arteriolar caliber (multivariable-adjusted p-value = 0.01). Participants in the lowest versus highest tertile of PedsQL total score, psychosocial summary, social and school item scores had significantly wider retinal arteriolar caliber: 161.7 μm versus 160.2 μm (p = 0.02); 161.6 μm versus 160.0 μm (p = 0.02); 161.6 μm versus 159.9 μm (p = 0.002); and 161.6 μm versus 159.9 μm (p = 0.01), respectively. Significant interactions (p < 0.05) were observed between gender and PedsQL total score with retinal arteriolar calibre. In boys, inverse associations were observed between PedsQL total score (p = 0.01), psychosocial summary (p = 0.01), and social scores (p = 0.01) and retinal arteriolar caliber. No significant associations were observed between PedsQL scores and retinal vessel caliber in girls. Diminished HRQoL in adolescents was independently associated with structural retinal microvascular changes.
Solar Thermo-coupled Electrochemical Oxidation of Aniline in Wastewater for the Complete Mineralization Beyond an Anodic Passivation Film
Authors: Yuan Dandan , Tian Lei , Li Zhida , Jiang Hong , Yan Chao , Dong Jing , Wu Hongjun , Wang Baohui
Published: February 2018

Herein, we report the solar thermal electrochemical process (STEP) aniline oxidation in wastewater for totally solving the two key obstacles of the huge energy consumption and passivation film in the electrochemical treatment. The process, fully driven by solar energy without input of any other energies, sustainably serves as an efficient thermoelectrochemical oxidation of aniline by the control of the thermochemical and electrochemical coordination. The thermocoupled electrochemical oxidation of aniline achieved a fast rate and high efficiency for the full minimization of aniline to CO2 with the stability of the electrode and without formation of polyaniline (PAN) passivation film. A clear mechanism of aniline oxidation indicated a switching of the reactive pathway by the STEP process. Due to the coupling of solar thermochemistry and electrochemistry, the electrochemical current remained stable, significantly improving the oxidation efficiency and mineralization rate by apparently decreasing the electrolytic potential when applied with high temperature. The oxidation rate of aniline and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate could be lifted up to 2.03 and 2.47 times magnification compared to conventional electrolysis, respectively. We demonstrate that solar-driven STEP processes are capable of completely mineralizing aniline with high utilization of solar energy. STEP aniline oxidation can be utilized as a green, sustainable water treatment.
Facile emulsion mediated synthesis of phase-pure diopside nanoparticles
Authors: Tajuelo Rodriguez Elena , Anovitz Lawrence M. , Clement Caleb D. , Rondinone Adam J. , Cheshire Michael C.
Published: February 2018

Diopside is a common natural pyroxene that is rarely found in a pure state, since magnesium is often partially substituted by iron, and other elements (sodium and aluminum) are often present. This pyroxene, along with feldspars and olivines, is common in concrete. As the prospective license renewal of light water reactors to 80 years of operation has raised concerns on the effects of radiation in the concrete biological shield surrounding the reactors, mineral nanoparticles can be valuable to perform amorphization studies to inform predictive models of mechanical properties of irradiated concrete. The synthesis of diopside nanoparticles was achieved in this study using a reverse-micelle sol-gel method employing TEOS, calcium chloride and Mg(MeO)2 in a methanol/toluene solution. Tert-butylamine and water were used as hydrolysis agents, and dodecylamine as a surfactant. The resulting amorphous precursor was centrifuged to remove organics and fired at 800 °C. Additional reaction with hydrogen peroxide was used to remove amine remnants. TEM and SEM examinations revealed a product comprised of 50–100 nm diameter nanoparticles. XRD indicated phase pure diopside and BET indicated a surface area of 63.5 m2/g before peroxide treatment, which at a bulk density of 3.4 g/cm3 is equivalent to particles with diameter of 28 nm.
Rapid identification of a stripe rust resistant gene in a space-induced wheat mutant using specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing
Authors: Yin Jun-liang , Fang Zheng-wu , Sun Cai , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xing , Lu Chen , Wang Shu-ping , Ma Dong-fang , Zhu Yong-xing
Published: February 2018

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat. Resistant cultivars are the preferred strategy to control the disease. Space-induced wheat mutant R39 has adult-plant resistance (APR) to Pst. Genetic analysis indicated that a single recessive gene, designated YrR39, was responsible for the APR of R39 to Pst. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) combined with a SLAF sequencing (SLAF-seq) strategy was used to fine-map YrR39 to a 17.39 Mb segment on chromosome 4B. The region was confirmed by analysis with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 126 genes were annotated in the region and 21 genes with annotations associated with disease response were selected for further qRT-PCR analysis. The candidate gene Traes_4BS_C868349E1 (annotated as an F-box/LRR-repeat protein) was up-regulated after 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours post inoculation with Pst, suggesting it is likely involved in the resistance. The current study demonstrated that BSA combined with SLAF-seq for SNP discovery is an efficient approach for mapping and identifying candidate functional gene.
Predicting sex from brain rhythms with deep learning
Authors: van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Olbrich Sebastian , Arns Martijn
Published: February 2018

We have excellent skills to extract sex from visual assessment of human faces, but assessing sex from human brain rhythms seems impossible. Using deep convolutional neural networks, with unique potential to find subtle differences in apparent similar patterns, we explore if brain rhythms from either sex contain sex specific information. Here we show, in a ground truth scenario, that a deep neural net can predict sex from scalp electroencephalograms with an accuracy of >80% (p < 10−5), revealing that brain rhythms are sex specific. Further, we extracted sex-specific features from the deep net filter layers, showing that fast beta activity (20–25 Hz) and its spatial distribution is a main distinctive attribute. This demonstrates the ability of deep nets to detect features in spatiotemporal data unnoticed by visual assessment, and to assist in knowledge discovery. We anticipate that this approach may also be successfully applied to other specialties where spatiotemporal data is abundant, including neurology, cardiology and neuropsychology.
Enhanced release of acid sphingomyelinase-enriched exosomes generates a lipidomics signature in CSF of Multiple Sclerosis patients
Authors: Pieragostino Damiana , Cicalini Ilaria , Lanuti Paola , Ercolino Eva , di Ioia Maria , Zucchelli Mirco , Zappacosta Romina , Miscia Sebastiano , Marchisio Marco , Sacchetta Paolo , Onofrj Marco , Del Boccio Piero
Published: February 2018

Multiple Sclerosis (MuS) is a complex multifactorial neuropathology, resulting in heterogeneous clinical presentation. A very active MuS research field concerns the discovery of biomarkers helpful to make an early and definite diagnosis. The sphingomyelin pathway has emerged as a molecular mechanism involved in MuS, since high levels of ceramides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were related to axonal damage and neuronal dysfunction. Ceramides are the hydrolysis products of sphingomyelins through a reaction catalyzed by a family of enzymes named sphingomyelinases, which were recently related to myelin repair in MuS. Here, using a lipidomic approach, we observed low levels of several sphingomyelins in CSF of MuS patients compared to other inflammatory and non-inflammatory, central or peripheral neurological diseases. Starting by this result, we investigated the sphingomyelinase activity in CSF, showing a significantly higher enzyme activity in MuS. In support of these results we found high number of total exosomes in CSF of MuS patients and a high number of acid sphingomyelinase-enriched exosomes correlated to enzymatic activity and to disease severity. These data are of diagnostic relevance and show, for the first time, high number of acid sphingomyelinase-enriched exosomes in MuS, opening a new window for therapeutic approaches/targets in the treatment of MuS.
Thinning Effects on Biomass and Carbon Stock for Young Taiwania Plantations
Authors: Lin Jiunn-Cheng , Chiu Chih-Ming , Lin Yu-Jen , Liu Wan-Yu
Published: February 2018

Forests play an important role as carbon sinks by sequestrating carbon through photosynthesis. Thinning treatments have large impacts on carbon storage, in addition to strengthening quality and quantity of plantations. This study analyzed the effects of different thinning treatments on carbon stocks in both individual trees and stands of Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides) plantations. Repeated field measurements and allometric equations were used to calculate total C storage and sequestration rates oflivetrees. The results of this study showed that the total carbon stock of stands with thinning treatments was less than that of the non-thinned stands. The non-thinned 23-year old stands had an estimated carbon stock of 96.8 Mg C ha−1, which is higher than the carbon stock found in either medium- (84.1 Mg C ha−1) or heavily-thinned (74.7 Mg C ha−1) treatment plots of the same age. If the objective of Taiwania plantations was to store large amounts of carbon in the young growth stage, without regard to the initial rate of storage, a better option is no-thinning. However, the medium thinned forests seem to be more promising for carbon sequestration than the no-thinned forests if a longer period is considered.
A Water Droplet Pinning and Heat Transfer Characteristics on an Inclined Hydrophobic Surface
Authors: Al-Sharafi Abdullah , Yilbas Bekir Sami , Ali Haider , AlAqeeli N.
Published: February 2018

A water droplet pinning on inclined hydrophobic surface is considered and the droplet heat transfer characteristics are examined. Solution crystallization of polycarbonate is carried out to create hydrophobic characteristics on the surface. The pinning state of the water droplet on the extreme inclined hydrophobic surface (0° ≤ δ ≤ 180°, δ being the inclination angle) is assessed. Heat transfer from inclined hydrophobic surface to droplet is simulated for various droplet volumes and inclination angles in line with the experimental conditions. The findings revealed that the hydrophobic surface give rise to large amount of air being trapped within texture, which generates Magdeburg like forces between the droplet meniscus and the textured surface while contributing to droplet pinning at extreme inclination angles. Two counter rotating cells are developed for inclination angle in the range of 0° < δ < 20° and 135° < δ < 180°; however, a single circulation cell is formed inside the droplet for inclination angle of 25° ≤ δ ≤ 135°. The Nusselt number remains high for the range of inclination angle of 45° ≤ δ ≤ 135°. Convection and conduction heat transfer enhances when a single and large circulation cell is formed inside the droplet.
Directional preparation of anticoagulant-active sulfated polysaccharides from Enteromorpha prolifera using artificial neural networks
Authors: Cui Jiefen , Li Yinping , Wang Shixin , Chi Yongzhou , Hwang Hueymin , Wang Peng
Published: February 2018

The sulfated polysaccharides from Enteromorpha prolifera (PE) are a potential source of anticoagulant agents. In this study, the PE was degraded by specific degradase and five hydrolysis products with different molecular weights were prepared. The product of 206 kDa is a kind of high rhamnose-containing polysaccharide with sulfate ester (34.29%). It could effectively prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which indicated inhibition of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The artificial neural network (ANN) was built to realize the directional preparation of anticoagulant-active polysaccharides. Based on monitoring glucose concentration on-line, a visualization system of enzymatic hydrolysis was developed to simplify the operation of ANN. The model could be further applied to predict molecular weights of polysaccharides that possess diverse biological activities.
Electrochemical Performance of Supercapacitor with Stacked Copper Foils Coated with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Chiam S. L. , Lim H. N. , Hafiz S. M. , Pandikumar A. , Huang N. M.
Published: February 2018

The energy density of conventional supercapacitors is in the range of 6–10 Wh kg−1, which has restricted them from many applications that require devices with long durations. Herein, we report a method for enhancing the energy density of a device through the parallel stacking of five copper foils coated on each side with graphene nanoplatelets. Microporous papers immersed in 2 M aqueous sodium sulphate were used as separators. With a low contact resistance of 0.05 Ω, the supercapacitor yielded an optimum specific energy density and a specific power density of 24.64 Wh kg−1 and 402 W kg−1 at 0.8 V, respectively. The working potential was increased to 2.4 V when three of the supercapacitors were connected in series, forming a tandem device. Its potential for real applications was manifested by the ability to light up a light-emitting diode for 40 s after charging for 60 s.
Recent advances in manganese-catalysed C–H activation: scope and mechanism
Authors: Cano Rafael , Mackey Katrina , McGlacken Gerard P.
Published: February 2018

Manganese catalysed C–H activation has emerged as a promising green alternative to transition metal mediated processes.
Spin-encoded subwavelength all-optical logic gates based on single-element optical slot nanoantennas
Authors: Yang Zichen , Fu Yang , Yang Jing , Hu Chuang , Zhang Jiasen
Published: February 2018

By employing a spin-encoded scheme, we achieve OR, AND, NOT, NAND and NOR logic gates via an L-shaped optical slot nanoantenna with a footprint of 300 nm by 300 nm, and a XNOR logic gate via a rectangle optical slot nanoantenna with a footprint of 220 nm by 60 nm.
Electrically enhanced hot hole driven oxidation catalysis at the interface of a plasmon–exciton hybrid
Authors: Lin Weihua , Cao En , Zhang Liqiang , Xu Xuefeng , Song Yuzhi , Liang Wenjie , Sun Mengtao
Published: February 2018

In this work, an electro-optical device based on a graphene–Ag nanoparticle hybrid is fabricated as the substrate of graphene mediated surface enhanced Raman scattering (G-SERS) manipulated by the gate and bias voltages.
Experimental and theoretical investigation on corrosion inhibitive properties of steel rebar by a newly designed environmentally friendly inhibitor formula
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Yang Huaiyu , Cui Xin , Chen Di , Li Guofu
Published: February 2018

A new corrosion inhibitor formula was designed and the inhibitive mechanism was analyzed based on HSAB theory and the PDM model.
Design of triphasic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles containing a perfluorocarbon phase for biomedical applications
Authors: Swider Edyta , Staal Alexander H. J. , Koen van Riessen N. , Jacobs Linsey , White Paul B. , Fokkink Remco , Janssen Geert-Jan , van Dinther Eric , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Koshkina Olga , Srinivas Mangala
Published: February 2018

The influence of different synthesis parameters on the characteristics of polymeric particles with a third perfluorocarbon phase.
JSFit: a method for the fitting and prediction of J- and S-shaped concentration–response curves
Authors: Wang Ze-Jun , Liu Shu-Shen , Qu Rui
Published: February 2018

S- and J-shaped concentration–response curves (CRCs) can be satisfactorily described by one classical Hill equation and combines with two Hill equations respectively.
Isolation, identification and bioactivities of abietane diterpenoids from Premna szemaoensis
Authors: Pu De-Bing , Wang Ting , Zhang Xing-Jie , Gao Jun-Bo , Zhang Rui-Han , Li Xiao-Nian , Wang Yong-Mei , Li Xiao-Li , Wang He-Yao , Xiao Wei-Lie
Published: February 2018

Active abietane diterpenoids with two rearranged-abietane skeletons: 17(15 → 16)-abeo-abietane and 17(15 → 16),18(4 → 3)-diabeo-abietane were isolated from Premna szemaoensis.
On-chip measurements of protein unfolding from direct observations of micron-scale diffusion
Authors: Zhang Yuewen , Yates Emma V. , Hong Liu , Saar Kadi L. , Meisl Georg , Dobson Christopher M. , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: February 2018

The unfolding process of BSA in solution as a function of pH was studied by microfluidic diffusional sizing device.
Catalytic conversion of cyanobacteria-derived fatty acids to alkanes for biorenewable synthetic paraffinic kerosene
Authors: Schulz Taylor C. , Oelschlager Mason , Thompson Simon T. , Vermaas Wim F. J. , Nielsen David R. , Lamb H. Henry
Published: February 2018

A two-step catalytic process for converting cyanobacteria-derived fatty acids to linear and branched alkanes for synthetic paraffinic kerosene was demonstrated.
Knots modify the coil–stretch transition in linear DNA polymers
Authors: Soh Beatrice W. , Narsimhan Vivek , Klotz Alexander R. , Doyle Patrick S.
Published: February 2018

Single-molecule DNA experiments are performed to investigate relaxation dynamics of knotted polymers and examine steady-state behavior of knotted polymers in elongational fields.
Water desorption from a confined biopolymer
Authors: Pradipkanti L. , Satapathy Dillip K.
Published: February 2018

Water desorbs from biopolymer filmsviathree distinct desorption rates revealing the existence of characteristic temperatures which are correlated with thickness.
Modeling solvent evaporation during thin film formation in phase separating polymer mixtures
Authors: Cummings John , Lowengrub John S. , Sumpter Bobby G. , Wise Steven M. , Kumar Rajeev
Published: February 2018

A methodology based on principles of linear non-equilibrium thermodynamics is developed to model solvent evaporation, which enables fundamental understanding of various effects in solvent-based polymer processing.
Microfluidic channels incorporating organic distributed Bragg reflector lasers forin situsensing applications
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Qiao Wen , Wang Qinhua , Chen Linsen , Huang Wenbin
Published: February 2018

Thein situsensing capabilities of organic distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser sensors are demonstrated by exploiting the operation advantages of microfluidic channels.
Optical sensing at the nanobiointerface of metal ion–optically-active nanocrystals
Authors: Hu Hao , He Hengwei , Zhang Jinyi , Hou Xiandeng , Wu Peng
Published: February 2018

Optically-active nanocrystals (such as quantum dots and plasmonic noble metal nanoparticles) have received great attention due to their size-tunable optical properties.
Effect of nanostructured silicon on surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Lu Gang , Wang Guilin , Li Hai
Published: February 2018

The surface morphology of non-metallic silicon has a big effect on the SERS enhancement of silver nanoparticle-coated silicon surfaces.
Differences in photoinduced optical transients in perovskite absorbers for solar cells
Authors: Pydzińska Katarzyna , Karolczak Jerzy , Szafrański Marek , Ziółek Marcin
Published: February 2018

Striking differences in transient absorption signal are observed for perovskite absorbers prepared with different methods.
A simple synthesis of nanoporous Sb/C with high Sb content and dispersity as an advanced anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yuan Yating , Jan Safeer , Wang Zhiyong , Jin Xianbo
Published: February 2018

Amorphous Sb/C with a nanoporous structure and subnanometric dispersity is synthesized by a simple, bottom up solid state reaction between Sb2O3and CaC2. It exhibits an unprecedented performance of sodium storage.
Enhancement of safety and comfort of cyclists at intersections
Authors: Lu Meng , Blokpoel Robbin , Joueiai Mahtab
Published: February 2018

Cyclist safety is increasingly becoming a societal problem in Europe, as shown by road safety statistics. Frequent stops for red traffic lights at intersections are experienced by cyclists as a major inconvenience. This study introduces a green wave concept for cyclists, with focus on the traffic management and control aspects under cooperative intelligent transport systems applications. It especially addresses increasing stability of the adaptive control system, to overcome the drawbacks of both actuated and traditional adaptive control (which are too unpredictable for a green wave speed advice). In addition, solutions for avoiding increased delays for other traffic are investigated, as generally result from a classic green wave approach (with only fixed‐time control) and traditional adaptive control. This study introduces an adaptive control algorithm for a real‐time model‐predictive controller and implements a plan‐deviation cost function to address stabilisation. Simulation results show that the developed method increases stability of the adaptive control system, limits extra delays for other traffic and yields a high success rate for the green wave concept.
Performance evaluation of multiphase induction generator in stand‐alone and grid‐connected wind energy conversion system
Authors: Chinmaya K.A. , Singh Girish Kumar
Published: February 2018

This study presents a detailed performance analysis of multi‐phase (six‐phase) induction generator in conjunction with different types of wind energy conversion systems (WECS). It targets to emphasise the advantages of considering an asymmetrical six‐phase induction generator (ASIG) in stand‐alone, grid‐connected fixed speed and grid‐connected variable speed operation. Various aspects such as efficiency, reliability and productivity are considered while performing the analysis. In stand‐alone mode, reliability and efficiency of the self‐excited ASIG are ascertained by disconnecting one of the two three‐phase sets connected to a resistive load. In grid‐connected fixed speed mode, two different scenarios are implemented to pursue the applicability of ASIG. In the first scenario, only one three‐phase winding set is connected to the grid and another set is connected to a local resistive load. In the second scenario, both three‐phase windings are connected to the grid via Y−/Y three‐winding transformer. Variable speed operation in grid‐connected mode is accomplished by employing back‐to‐back pulse‐width modulation converters between the generator and grid. In this configuration, ASIG is operated with indirect field oriented control to obtain maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Transmission of active and reactive power is monitored with vector‐oriented control. Experimental results of considered scenarios are presented to verify the viability of ASIG in various configurations of WECS.
Description de deux espèces nouvelles du genre Lychnus (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Anadromidae) au Rognacien (Maastrichtien supérieur) de Vitrolles (Bouches-du-Rhône, France)
Authors: Turin Guy
Published: February 2018

Sur la commune de Vitrolles (Bouches-du-Rhône), le Rognacien (Maastrichtien supérieur) calcaire surplombant la partie orientale de l'étang de Berre comprend principalement la barre calcaire de Rognac (Rognacien moyen) avec des niveaux marneux intermédiaires, suivi de 12 m au-dessus d'une cuesta calcaire attribuée au Rognacien supérieur. Le genre Lychnus décrit par Matheron en 1832, comprend dans ce Rognacien terminal deux espèces Lychnus matheroni Requien, 1842 et L. vitrollensis Répelin, 1920, ces taxons sont accompagnés par deux nouvelles espèces Lychnus siruguei nov. sp. et Lychnus applanatus nov. sp. Ces deux nouvelles espèces n'ont jamais été décrites, ni figurées, elles font l'objet de la présente publication.
Innover dans le secteur de la transformation agroalimentaire en Afrique de l’Ouest
Authors: Ferré Thierry , Medah Ignace , Cruz Jean-François , Dabat Marie-Hélène , Le Gal Pierre-Yves , Chtioui Matthieu , Devaux-Spatarakis Agathe
Published: February 2018

L’article analyse, à l’aide de la méthode ImpresS conçue par le Cirad, un processus d’innovation impulsé par les utilisatrices d’un équipement de transformation : le décortiqueur et blanchisseur de fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) en Afrique de l’Ouest. L’identification du système d’acteurs et le récit chronologique du processus d’innovation ont été mobilisés pour caractériser les mécanismes et les conditions qui expliquent la réussite de cette innovation. Ils mettent en évidence le rôle déterminant d’un partenariat autour d’objectifs partagés entre plusieurs acteurs (chercheurs, transformatrices et équipementiers) et l’importance de la mobilisation d’un capital de connaissances chez ces acteurs pour résoudre un problème sociétal : la pénibilité du décorticage du fonio. Les apprentissages croisés, formels ou informels, entre les parties prenantes, ont été essentiels à l’émergence de solutions aux problèmes rencontrés en cours de processus.
Cavisoma magnum (Cavisomidae), a unique Pacific acanthocephalan redescribed from an unusual host, Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae), in the Arabian Gulf, with notes on histopathology and metal analysis
Authors: Amin Omar M. , Heckmann Richard A. , Bannai Majid A.
Published: February 2018

Cavisoma magnum (Southwell, 1927) Van Cleave, 1931 was originally described from a sea bass, Serranus sp. and spotted surgeonfish, Ctenochaetus strigosus (Perciformes) off Sri Lanka before its more recent redescription from milkfish in the Philippines in 1995. These reports were based on only light infections of their host fishes. Of the few flathead grey mullets, Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae), that we examined in the Arabian Gulf, one fish was infected with 1,450 worms. One milkfish, Chanos chanos (Chanidae), from the same location in the Arabian Gulf, was also heavily infected with specimens of C. magnum. The descriptions of this unique large worm are revised and for the first time, we provide SEM images, new systematic observations, metal analysis of hooks showing extremely high levels of sulfur, and histopathology in the mullet intestinal tissue. Adjustments and corrections of previous descriptive accounts are made. The histopathology studies show extensive damage to the host intestinal tissue including epithelial necrosis, hemorrhaging and worm encapsulation. There is an extensive amount of host connective tissue surrounding the worm. Results of x-ray analysis displayed high levels of sulfur in proboscis hooks, especially at the tips and edges of these attachment structures.
Propofol Reduces Microelectrode-Recording Artefacts caused by Parkinsonian Tremor during Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Chui Jason , Alamri Rizq , Bihari Frank , Hebb Matthew , Venkatraghavan Lakshmikumar
Published: February 2018

A 51-year-old male with medically refractory Parkinson's disease was scheduled for bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS). During microelectrode recordings (MERs) of right side DBS, the patient developed severe sustained whole-body tremors causing severe artefacts in MER. The right side DBS electrode was inserted with suboptimal MER. For the creation of left burr hole, propofol infusion at a rate of 20 μg/kg/min, was used and soon after, all tremor activity ceased. Propofol infusion was continued during left side MER. With the absence of tremors, left subthalamic nucleus spike activity was better identified and neurological testing could take place. At 6 months after DBS, the patient’s symptoms had improved significantly without the need for levodopa.
Measurement of Portal Pressure and its Application in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Esparaz Anthony , Malik Raza , Pierce Jonathan
Published: February 2018

Portal hypertension is a severe, yet common sequela of patients with chronic liver disease and is responsible for many of the complications seen in this population. Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the current gold standard technique for identifying and evaluating the severity of portal hypertension. Any increase in HVPG to ≥10 mm Hg is considered clinically significant portal hypertension. Above this threshold, complications of portal hypertension begin to manifest. In addition to assessing portal hypertension, various HVPG thresholds have been shown to have strong prognostic value for risk of complications and therapeutic failure, as well as survival in patients with chronic liver disease. These clinical applications include quantification of disease progression and regression in chronic viral hepatitis, acute alcoholic hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Other applications include preoperative evaluation of liver resection and transplantation in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, assessment of response to therapy for portal hypertension, and identification of the need for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) revision.
Zervikogener Kopfschmerz
Authors: Frese A. , Schilgen M. , Evers S.
Published: February 2018

Der zervikogene Kopfschmerz beruht auf einer Dysfunktion der oberen Segmente der Halswirbelsäule mit einem übertragenen Schmerz, der zumeist einsichtig und temporal empfunden wird. Sowohl von der International Headache Society als auch von einer speziellen Arbeitsgruppe liegen klare diagnostische Kriterien vor. Grundlage der Kopfschmerzen ist das Konzept des “referred pain”. Zur Diagnose gehört auch eine manualmedizinische Untersuchung. Differenzialdiagnosen sind Unterformen der Migräne und die temporomandibuläre Dysfunktion. Die Therapie ist primär manualmedizinisch, kann aber durch Analgetika und Adjuvantien ergänzt werden.
Die Differenzialdiagnose von Gesichtsschmerzen – meistens sekundär?
Authors: Lukic N. , Sandor P. S. , Gantenbein A. R.
Published: February 2018

Gesichtsschmerzen sind häufig und im akuten Stadium meist durch Sinusitiden oder Zahnpathologien bedingt. Bei chronischen Formen steht ursächlich der Kauapparat zuvorderst. Im Diagnoseprozess entscheiden bereits die Patienten, welchen Mediziner oder Fachspezialisten sie aufsuchen, entsprechend ist eine offene interdisziplinäre. Haltung wichtig. Der Kliniker sollte aber auch gefährlichere sekundäre Formen nicht verpassen und auch an die Manifestation von typischen primären Kopfschmerzen, wie Migräne oder Clusterkopfschmerz, im Gesichtsbereich denken. In der folgenden Übersichtsarbeit werden die wichtigsten und häufigsten Formen sekundärer und symptomatischer Gesichtsschmerzen besprochen.
Gibt es einen psychogenen Kopfschmerz?
Authors: Henkel K.
Published: February 2018

Es besteht eine hohe Komorbidität zwischen primären Kopfschmerzen und psychischen Erkrankungen. Eine gegenseitige Verstärkung und gemeinsame ätiologische Faktoren werden vermutet und wurden zum Teil nachgewiesen, so zum Beispiel bei Migräne und Depressionen. Eine nosologische Einteilung als sekundärer “Kopfschmerz zurückzuführen auf eine psychiatrische Störung“ verlangt eine hinreichende Evidenz für eine Auslösung oder wesentliche Verstärkung des Kopfschmerzes durch die psychische Erkrankung. Dieser Nachweis kann nur in Einzelfällen erfolgen. Größere systematische Untersuchungen fehlen. Die International Classification of Headache Disorders der International Headache Society erkennt auch in ihrer dritten Auflage (Beta-Version) nur die Somatisierungsstörung und die psychotische Störung als mögliche psychische Erkrankungen für die Auslösung sekundärer Kopfschmerzen an. Im Anhang der Klassifikation finden sich weitere psychische Erkrankungen, die möglicherweise sekundäre Kopfschmerzen auslösen können. Weitere prospektive und Längsschnittstudien sind nötig, um diese Zusammenhänge künftig besser beurteilen zu können.
Anorektale Malformationen
Authors: Lacher M. , Gosemann J.-H.
Published: February 2018

Anorektale Malformationen (ARM) umfassen ein breites Spektrum angeborener anorektaler Fehlbildungen mit unterschiedlicher Komplexität und Prognose. Die Komplexität der ARM und das funktionelle Ergebnis werden durch häufig assoziierte Fehlbildungen des Urogenitaltrakts, der lumbosakralen Wirbelsäule sowie des Spinalkanals bestimmt.

Obwohl teratogene und auch genetische Einflüsse diskutiert werden, bleibt die Ätiologie dieser kongenitalen Malformationen unklar. Aufgrund der Komplexität des Krankheitsbildes sollten Kinder mit einer ARM in einem spezialisierten Zentrum für Kinderchirurgie behandelt werden. Für die Verhinderung postoperativer Probleme und zum Erreichen des bestmöglichen funktionellen Langzeitergebnisses sind eine hohe Expertise des behandelnden Teams und die genaue Kenntnis der individuellen Besonderheiten der einzelnen ARM obligat. Durch eine gute operative Versorgung, interdisziplinäre Betreuung und engmaschige Nachbehandlung können eine hohe Rate an Stuhl- und Urinkontinenz sowie eine möglichst normale psychosoziale Entwicklung des betroffenen Kindes erreicht werden.
Chronisch-entzündliche Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Schweinitz D. v. , Hubertus J.
Published: February 2018

Die Behandlung der chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen (CED) ist im Wesentli-chen eine konservative. Allerdings gibt es Krankheitsverläufe, die trotz der Ausschöpfung aller konservativer Maßnahmen keine Besserung bringen. In diesen Fällen kann die Chirurgie weitere Optionen bieten. Da jedoch das chirurgische Vorgehen eine ganze Reihe an Besonderheiten hat, was die präoperative Vorbereitung, das intraoperative Vorgehen und schließlich auch die postoperative Nachsorge anbelangt, muss der Chirurg mit diesen besonderen Aspekten bei der operativen Versorgung der CED vertraut sein.

Die Entscheidung zur operativen Intervention sollte im interdisziplinären Team nach einer eingehenden präoperativen Diagnostik fallen.
Nierenersatzverfahren bei akuter Nierenschädigung – Indikation und Durchführung
Authors: Küllmar Mira , Zarbock Alexander
Published: February 2018

Die akute Nierenschädigung ist eine häufige Komplikation kritisch kranker Patienten auf Intensivstationen, die mit einer hohen Morbidität und Letalität einhergeht [1]. Sie ist ein unabhängiger Risikofaktor für ein verschlechtertes Outcome kritisch kranker Patienten [2]. Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst die verfügbare Evidenz für die Indikation und den Einsatz von Nierenersatzverfahren bei akuter Nierenschädigung anhand aktueller Literatur zusammen.
Massive thorakale Blutung – 25 Jahre nach Nephrektomie
Authors: Rupprecht H. , Dormann H. , Marx A. , Gaab K.
Published: February 2018

Wir berichten von einem 62 jährigen Patienten, der im massiven hämorrhagischen Schock eingeliefert wurde. Als Ursache fand sich – erstmalig in der Literatur beschrieben – eine Ruptur der Arteria pulmonalis verursacht durch die Metastase eines Nierenzellkarzinoms. Der Primärtumor (pT2,pN0,M0,R0) war 25 Jahre zuvor reseziert worden. Der Fall demonstriert, dass noch nach Jahrzehnten nach einer kurativen Nephrektomie, eine pulmonale Metastasierung erfolgen kann. Deshalb müssen diese Patienten lebenslang nachbetreut werden.