bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open Source Adoption in Health Sector: Understanding the Stakeholder Relationships in a Resource Constrained Setting
Authors: Hewapathirana Roshan , Sahay Sundeep
Published: December 2017

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is increasingly being the choice to strengthen health information systems (HIS) in Low and Middle Income Country (LMIC) contexts. FOSS is becoming a commercially viable option in today's software industry. In LMIC context, bridging the gap between generic open source design and specific local contexts calls for the participation of multi‐sector stakeholders to realise FOSS implementations. This multi‐sector stakeholder network, together with the FOSS platform can be theorised to form a software ecosystem (SE) around FOSS implementations in a resource constrained setting.

In this new paradigm, governing the open source acquisition and implementation process becomes a central challenge, which is distinct from the governance of open source developer communities. This paper attempts to identify the essential stakeholder categories involved in FOSS HIS implementations in a LMIC context and; to understand the stakeholder interactions in this SE at different stages. The analysis is based on a longitudinal case study of two open source HIS implementations and an attempt to establish a FOSS governance body in the State health sector of Sri Lanka during the period 2011–2014. The paper contributes by suggesting a model to understand the essential stakeholder categories and their interactions in FOSS implementation SE in resource constrained settings.
Development of a Career Stress Scale for Hospital Nurses: Implications for Workplace Counseling
Authors: Yang Peter
Published: December 2017

The author performed 3 studies to investigate the construct validation and applicability of a Career Stress Scale for hospital nurses. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 141 nurses in the 1st study, the author examined divergent and convergent validity in the 2nd study, and performed a confirmatory factor analysis to test the hypothesized model on a sample of 284 teaching hospital nurses. The final study aimed to expand the findings, and the author used multigroup structural equation modeling to examine the measurement invariance of the Career Stress Scale for a district hospital, in a sample of 166 nurses. Recommendations for future studies and workplace counseling are discussed.
Toxicity trial of canine posterior cricoarytenoid intramuscular vincristine injections
Authors: Paniello Randal C. , Bhatt Neel K. , Chernock Rebecca
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

In animal studies, intramuscular vincristine injections have been shown to block reinnervation of the denervated target muscle. This application could be used selectively to influence recovery patterns following injury of recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs). However, vincristine is currently Food and Drug Administration approved only for intravenous use. A formal toxicity trial of intramuscular injections was performed.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Sixteen female canines underwent direct laryngoscopy with injection of moderate‐ (0.4 mg, n = 8) or high‐dose (0.6 mg, n = 8) vincristine into the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles. Plasma samples were collected at various time points postinjection and vincristine levels determined. At 24 hours (n = 7) or 14 days (n = 9) postinjection, animals were anesthetized and videolaryngoscopy documented vocal fold mobility and mucosal appearance. Adductor function was measured during stimulation of the RLN. Larynges were processed for histology.

Results

Fifteen minutes after injection, plasma vincristine levels averaged 10.2% ± 6.7% of the intravenous maximum, suggesting about 90% of the vincristine remained within the PCA muscle. Plasma levels were usually below detectable limits within 24 hours. At the end points, all animals had grossly normal‐appearing mucosa and full range of motion. Laryngeal adductor strength was normal in all cases. Histology showed moderate to severe acute inflammation in the submucosa only in the high‐dose group at 24 hours. There was no necrosis of muscle or mucosa.

Conclusions

Intramuscular vincristine injections into the canine PCA muscles resulted in no significant local toxicity, even at the maximum dose. It would be reasonable to evaluate this treatment strategy in a phase I human trial.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 128:E247–E250, 2018
Modeling of creep and stress relaxation of the nickel‐base alloy NiCr20TiAl at isothermal and non‐isothermal loading conditions
Authors: Hahn P. , Schwienheer M. , Kontermann C. , Oechsner M.
Published: December 2017

The design and dimensioning of new as well as the assessment of operating high‐temperature components in service require a precise prediction of creep and stress relaxation. The increasing share of renewable energies forces fossil‐fired power plants for increasing numbers of start‐ups and shut‐downs. Consequently, transient loading conditions need to be taken into account. In order to meet this demand, non‐isothermal creep equations are necessary, which enables a consistent prediction of creep strain and stress relaxation in a wide range of temperatures and stresses. In this paper, an approach for the visco‐plastic modeling of creep and stress relaxation for non‐isothermal loading conditions is presented. The strain portions creep, “negative creep” and initial plasticity, occurring at elevated temperatures are described by temperature‐dependent phenomenological equations. Within this paper, the adjustment of the parameters is based on a wide database of hot tensile tests, creep and annealing experiments. The nickel‐base alloy NiCr20TiAl has been examined in a temperature range from 450 °C to 650 °C. The developed material models have been successfully validated with isothermal and non‐isothermal relaxation experiments. Further, the recalculation of a staged relaxation test demonstrates the capability of the defined material laws in a wide stress range under isothermal and non‐isothermal loading conditions.
Determination of the fracture envelope of an adhesive joint as a function of moisture
Authors: Rodrigues Tânia A. F. , Chaves Filipe J. P. , Silva Lucas F. M. da , Costa Marcelo , Barbosa Ana Q.
Published: December 2017

Adhesive joints in the transportation industry may be exposed to aggressive environments such as humidity during their service life, which may influence their reliability. This research aims to determine the fracture toughness of aluminium bonded joints under pure mode I, pure mode II and mixed mode I and II loadings in dry and wet condition, with the main purpose to predict the influence of humidity in the toughness properties of an adhesive. It was found that water does influence the fracture mechanics properties, increasing mode I fracture toughness and decreasing mode II fracture toughness.
The feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention for older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain: The iPOPP pilot trial protocol
Authors: Healey E.L. , Jinks C. , Foster N.E. , Chew‐Graham C.A. , Pincus T. , Hartshorne L. , Cooke K. , Nicholls E. , Proctor J. , Lewis M. , Dent S. , Wathall S. , Hay E.M. , McBeth J.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

This pilot trial will inform the design and methods of a future full‐scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) and examine the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of the Increasing Physical activity in Older People with chronic Pain (iPOPP) intervention, a healthcare assistant (HCA)‐supported intervention to promote walking in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain in a primary care setting.

Methods and analysis

The iPOPP study is an individually randomized, multicentre, three‐parallel‐arm pilot RCT. A total of 150 participants aged ≥65 years with chronic pain in one or more index sites will be recruited and randomized using random permuted blocks, stratified by general practice, to: (i) usual care plus written information; (ii) pedometer plus usual care and written information; or (iii) the iPOPP intervention. A theoretically informed mixed‐methods approach will be employed using semi‐structured interviews, audio recordings of the HCA consultations, self‐reported questionnaires, case report forms and objective physical activity data collection (accelerometry). Follow‐up will be conducted 12 weeks post‐randomization. Collection of the quantitative data and statistical analysis will be performed blinded to treatment allocation, and analysis will be exploratory to inform the design and methods of a future RCT. Analysis of the HCA consultation recordings will focus on the use of a checklist to determine the fidelity of the iPOPP intervention delivery, and the interview data will be analysed using a constant comparison approach in order to generate conceptual themes focused around the acceptability and feasibility of the trial, and then mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework to understand barriers and facilitators to behaviour change. A triangulation protocol will be used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data and findings.
Evaluating insulin pump functionality during ionising radiation exposure
Authors: Whicher Clare Alexandra , Humayun Malik , Jenkins Emma , Brooks Michael , Benbow Matthew , Critoph Chris , Partridge Helen
Published: December 2017

Concerns exist about the safety of ionising radiation on the components of insulin pumps and whether these will induce electronic failure or dysfunction. We therefore subjected six insulin pumps to two radiation exposure protocols; firstly in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and subsequently computerised tomography scanning.

The pumps were downloaded and functionality was monitored for four weeks after exposure. All pumps continued to work appropriately with no demonstrated loss of functionality, loss of bolus or basal delivery and no evidence of pump failure. Due to the nature of the method of this study we were unable to assess the accuracy of insulin dosing.

From our experience the probability of pump dysfunction being caused by radiation exposure seems unlikely but we would recommend close monitoring of blood glucose measurements before and after scanning. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Few‐Layered Black Phosphorus: From Fabrication and Customization to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Huaiyu , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: December 2017

As a new kind of 2D material, black phosphorus has gained increased attention in the past three years. Although few‐layered black phosphorus nanosheets (BPs) degrade quickly under ambient conditions to phosphate anions, which greatly hampers their optical and electronic applications, this property also makes BPs highly biocompatible and biodegradable, and is regarded as an advantage for various biomedical applications. This Concept summarizes the state‐of‐art progresses of BPs, from fabrication and surface modification to biomedical applications. It is expected that BPs with such fascinating properties will encourage more scientists to engage in expanding its biomedical applications by tackling the scientific challenges involved in their development.
Die Fachstelle Brückenmessung der DB Netz AG
Authors: Friebe Regina
Published: December 2017

Im Streckennetz der DB Netz AG befinden sich über 25 000 Eisenbahnbrücken. Zur Gewährleistung der Sicherheit beim Befahren der Brücken sind neben regelmäßigen Kontrollen durch entsprechend geschultes Fachpersonal Nachrechnungen in Bezug auf Tragsicherheit und Restnutzungsdauer erforderlich. Bereits im Jahre 1923 wurde nach Gründung der Deutschen Reichsbahn eine Abteilung Brückenmesswesen beim Zentralamt in Berlin geschaffen, um wirksam die Lösung der vielschichtigen brückentechnischen Fragen zu unterstützen. Messungen direkt am Bauwerk geben Aufschluss über das Systemverhalten unter den realen Bedingungen und ermöglichen damit eine objektive Beurteilung der Trag‐ und Ermüdungsreserven.
Phänomen der wirbelerregten Querschwingungen bei Netzwerkbogenbrücken im Eisenbahnverkehr
Authors: Fettke Manuela
Published: December 2017

Netzwerkbogenbrücken erleben seit einigen Jahren eine Renaissance. Durch die Vielzahl an konstruktiven Details und Parametern, welche es insbesondere in der Planungsphase zu berücksichtigen gilt, ergibt sich ein komplexes Brückengebilde. Unbestritten ist die verbesserte Tragwirkung durch die netzwerkartige Anordnung der Hänger. Realität sind aber auch die aufgetretenen wirbelerregten Querschwingungen an ungedämpften Netzwerken. Aufgrund der erforderlichen Querschnitte, bedingt durch die hohen Eisenbahnverkehrslasten, können nur Flachstahlhänger bei der Deutschen Bahn AG zur Anwendung kommen. Die unterschiedlichen Neigungen der Hänger erforderten einen neuartigen Hängeranschluss am Bogen und Versteifungsträger, welcher speziell für diesen Konstruktionstyp entwickelt wurde und derzeitig noch nicht genormt ist. Der Einfluss und die Größe der unerwartet eingetragenen Schwingungen in Bezug auf die avisierte Lebensdauer galt es zu untersuchen. Als wirksame und notwendige Dämpfungsmaßnahme erweisen sich Querkopplungen in den Kreuzungspunkten der Hänger und teils zusätzliche Seillängsverspannungen, welche zwingend vor Inbetriebnahme einzubauen und deren Wirksamkeit nachzuweisen sind. Weitere Untersuchungen befassten sich mit der Thematik, ob es möglich ist, ein schwingungsunanfälliges Netzwerk zu kreieren. Auswertungen und Analysen der bis dato ausgeführten Eisenbahn‐Netzwerkbogenbrücken neueren Typs brachten Ergebnisse, welche zusammengefasst und optimiert im Planungsleitfaden Eingang fanden. Dieser Leitfaden soll 2018 veröffentlicht werden und für zukünftige Netzwerkbogenbrücken Anwendung finden.
Color modulation of Ag nanoparticle dispersion by light‐induced aggregation
Authors: Ebisawa Mizue , Yamaguchi Takashi , Teranishi Yoshikazu , Isoda Kazutaka
Published: December 2017

In this paper, it is demonstrated that aggregation of Ag nanoparticles dispersed in pure water is mediated by strong dipole–dipole interactions produced by light irradiation. Expecting the effect of attractive forces caused by the dipole moments arising from localized surface plasmon resonance, an irradiation source based on the spectrum of the scattering cross section calculated from the geometric characteristics and dielectric constants of Ag and pure water is employed. In this process, it is possible to modulate the optical color of the dispersion by controlling the degree of aggregation of particles using the irradiation time without a chemical reaction.
Hatchability of zooplankton egg in water after irradiation with pulsed intense relativistic electron beam
Authors: Shoji Kenta , Takahashi Kazumasa , Sasaki Toru , Kikuchi Takashi , Harada Nob. , Imada Go
Published: December 2017

Hatchability of zooplankton (Artemia Salina) eggs in water irradiated with pulsed intense relativistic electron beam (PIREB) was studied. The PIREB with a kinetic energy of up to 6 MeV, a peak current of −500 A and pulse duration of 80 ns (FWHM) is generated by using the intense pulsed power generator “ETIGO‐III.” The hatchability after PIREB irradiations reduced up to almost 0% in the higher‐dose region. Also, the hatchability on the outside of the penetration depth of PIREB reduced in comparison to one without PIREB irradiation.
Microprojection heating caused by the approach of a microparticle
Authors: Ejiri Haruki , Kumada Akiko , Hidaka Kunihiko , Donen Taiki , Tsukima Mitsuru
Published: December 2017

Vacuum circuit breakers have been widely used in a medium‐voltage class. In vacuum circuit breakers, late breakdowns sometimes occur after current interruptions. These late breakdowns are triggered by the microparticles and they occur when the microparticles collide with the electrode. In this paper, joule heating caused by field emission enhanced by the approach of a microparticle is simulated using the finite element method. It is turned out that the prolate hemi‐spheroidal microprojection can be vaporized by joule heating when h < 100 nm and w/h < 0.1, where h and w are the semimajor axis and semiminor axis of the microprojection, respectively. The temperature at the center of the microprojection increases exponentially with vrp2, where v and rp are the speed and the radius of the microparticle, respectively. It is important to remove the large microparticles in order to prevent late breakdowns caused by the microparticles.
Frequency‐dependent modeling of transmission lines using bergeron cells
Authors: Noda Taku
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes using Bergeron's equivalent circuit with traveling time equal to the simulation time step as an element for frequency‐dependent modeling of transmission lines for electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations of power systems. According to the simulation time step used, a transmission line is divided into aforementioned Bergeron's equivalents, each of which is called a ‘Bergeron cell’ in this paper. In this way, the traveling‐wave nature of a line is represented by the cascaded Bergeron cells. Then, the frequency‐dependent loss nature of the line is represented by a matrix partial fraction expansion, and this is inserted at each connection point of the Bergeron cells in the form of a multiphase Norton equivalent. Since the frequency‐dependent loss is modeled in the dimension of impedance, the change of the line length is easily taken into account by a simple multiplication. This methodology thus allows variable‐length modeling and completely avoids modal decomposition in both model identification and EMT simulation stages. The proposed methodology is applied to the frequency‐dependent modeling of overhead and submarine‐cable transmission lines, and its accuracy is assessed.
The impact of interface on ESL reading comprehension and strategy use: A comparison of e‐books and paper texts
Authors: Isaacson Sarah A.
Published: December 2017

The use of e‐books in postsecondary education is projected to increase, yet many English as a second language (ESL) institutions have not yet incorporated e‐books into their curricula, in part due to a dearth of research regarding their potential impacts on ESL reading comprehension and strategy use. This study fills a gap in the existing research by investigating the impacts of contemporary e‐books on ESL strategy use and reading comprehension, in comparison to paper texts. Twenty‐two high‐intermediate ESL participants were separated evenly into a paper text group and an e‐book group. They were given pretests, support strategy mini‐lessons, reading sessions with observation, posttests, surveys, and delayed posttests. Independent‐sample t‐tests revealed no significant difference between the groups’ reading comprehension rates; however, reading strategy use and frequency varied between groups. Though the majority of e‐book participants had not previously used e‐books for learning, they reported preferring them over paper texts after the reading sessions were completed. The study's findings offer some support for the incorporation of e‐books in ESL curricula. In addition, the findings suggest that instructors provide e‐book strategy lessons to students so they can appropriate the technology effectively.
Dose-responses for mortality from cerebrovascular and heart diseases in atomic bomb survivors: 1950–2003
Authors: Schöllnberger Helmut , Eidemüller Markus , Cullings Harry M. , Simonetto Cristoforo , Neff Frauke , Kaiser Jan Christian
Published: December 2017

The scientific community faces important discussions on the validity of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for radiation-associated cardiovascular diseases at low and moderate doses. In the present study, mortalities from cerebrovascular diseases (CeVD) and heart diseases from the latest data on atomic bomb survivors were analyzed. The analysis was performed with several radio-biologically motivated linear and nonlinear dose–response models. For each detrimental health outcome one set of models was identified that all fitted the data about equally well. This set was used for multi-model inference (MMI), a statistical method of superposing different models to allow risk estimates to be based on several plausible dose–response models rather than just relying on a single model of choice. MMI provides a more accurate determination of the dose response and a more comprehensive characterization of uncertainties. It was found that for CeVD, the dose–response curve from MMI is located below the linear no-threshold model at low and medium doses (0–1.4 Gy). At higher doses MMI predicts a higher risk compared to the LNT model. A sublinear dose–response was also found for heart diseases (0–3 Gy). The analyses provide no conclusive answer to the question whether there is a radiation risk below 0.75 Gy for CeVD and 2.6 Gy for heart diseases. MMI suggests that the dose–response curves for CeVD and heart diseases in the Lifespan Study are sublinear at low and moderate doses. This has relevance for radiotherapy treatment planning and for international radiation protection practices in general.
Parameterized Extended Finite Element Method for high thermal gradients
Authors: Zeller Christian , Surendran Binu , Zaeh Micheal F.
Published: December 2017

The Finite Element Method results in inaccuracies for temperature changes at the boundary if the mesh is too coarse in comparison with the applied time step. Oscillations occur as the adjacent elements balance the excessive energy of the boundary element. An Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) with extrinsic enrichment of the boundary element by a parameterized problem-specific ansatz function is presented. The method is able to represent high thermal gradients at the boundary with a coarse mesh as the enrichment function compensates for the excessive energy at the element affected by the temperature change. The parameterization covers the temporal change of the gradient and avoids the enrichment by further ansatz functions. The introduced parameterization variable is handed over to the system of equations as an additional degree of freedom. Analytical integration is used for the evaluation of the integrals in the weak formulation as the ansatz function depends non-linearly on the parameterization variable.

Highlights Parameterized problem-specific ansatz functions. Avoidance of a fine mesh in the area of high gradients. Representation of high gradients with one additional DOF.
Medieval Ireland
Authors: Downham Clare
Published: December 2017

Medieval Ireland is often described as a backward-looking nation in which change only came about as a result of foreign invasions. By examining the wealth of under-explored evidence available, Downham challenges this popular notion and demonstrates what a culturally rich and diverse place medieval Ireland was. Starting in the fifth century, when St Patrick arrived on the island, and ending in the fifteenth century, with the efforts of the English government to defend the lands which it ruled directly around Dublin by building great ditches, this up-to-date and accessible survey charts the internal changes in the region. Chapters dispute the idea of an archaic society in a wide-range of areas, with a particular focus on land-use, economy, society, religion, politics and culture. This concise and accessible overview offers a fresh perspective on Ireland in the Middle Ages and overthrows many enduring stereotypes.
The last Doge's groom: How the Villa Manin stable became a regional institute and library for Friuli-Venezia Giulia cultural heritage
Authors: Dell'Antonio Simonetta Pasqualis , Auriemma Rita , Giacomello Alessandro
Published: December 2017

The 1976 earthquake that devastated much of the Friuli region of Italy also marked the rebirth of the Villa Manin as a centre for cataloguing and restoration. This essay charts how this Venetian villa transformed into an important centre for restoring and conserving the cultural heritage of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
Kynische Argumentation im Römerbrief: Römer 1–2 und Ps.-Diogenes,Epistula28 im Vergleich
Authors: Jantsch Torsten
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have discussed Paul's letters against the backdrop of ancient Greek philosophy, particularly of Stoicism, Platonism and Cynicism. This article will take up the latter suggestion, as it shows significant similarities between Paul's argument in Rom 1–2 and the Cynic tradition, which is a neglected aspect in scholarly discussion. A comparison of Rom 1.18–32; 2.14–29 and the Cynic epistle Ps.-Diogenes,Epistula28 will outline decisive assumptions and argumentative patterns that both letters have in common.
‘A Sabbath Rest for the People of God’ (Heb 4.9): Hebrews and Philo on the Seventh Day of Creation
Authors: Lanzinger Daniel
Published: December 2017

This article examines the background of the concept of Sabbath rest (σαββατισμός) in Heb 4.1–11. Special attention is given to the relation between God's rest and God's activity, which seemingly are in tension with each other: on the one hand, the author's argument is based on the assumption that God entered his rest at the seventh day of creation and stopped working forever (4.10); on the other hand, there is a clear reference to God's worksaftercreation (3.9–10). A comparison with Philo's explanations of the seventh day of creation, however, reveals that for a Jewish Middle Platonist this tension does not appear to be a problem because rest and activity in God are two sides of the same coin. It is argued that this background helps to explain Hebrews’ concept of Sabbath rest. A concluding outlook shows that the suggested Middle Platonic understanding of Hebrews 4 fits well the context of the epistle as a whole, as the same coexistence of rest and activity can also be found in Hebrews 7 in relation to Jesus’ intercession in the heavenly tabernacle.
A Practically Informed Morality of War: Just War, International Law, and a Changing World Order
Authors: Johnson James Turner
Published: December 2017

Just war, international law, and world order are all historically conditioned realities that interrelate with one another in complex ways. This paper explores their historical development and current status while critically examining their interrelationship. It begins with exploring just war as a basic frame for analysis and interconnection with the other two realities. Just war is not an abstract body of moral thought but instead a practically informed morality of war rooted in Christian thought and law, Roman law, and the practice of statecraft. The essay notes the importance of the ideas of jus gentium and jus naturale in just war's fundamental formation, as well as the parallel between its three basic features—sovereign authority, just cause, and the end of peace—and the three goods or ends of politics as classically defined, namely, order, justice, and peace. The essay then moves out to explore the historical and thematic relations between just war tradition and international law, especially the law of war, arguing that these together define a moral and legal structure that is normative for world order. The final section of the paper considers the functioning of the institutions of world order in the context of challenges from rival cultural understandings of war, law, and world order and from the rise of nonstate actors in the international sphere, arguing for dialogical efforts aimed at strengthening both the moral and legal basis for world order against contemporary threats to that order.
Response to commentaries
Authors: Hodder Ian , Lucas Gavin
Published: December 2017

We would like to begin by thanking all the commentators for taking the time to read and reflect on our dialogue and offer their own reactions; it can be particularly challenging to insert oneself as a third interlocutor within a dialogue between two people, but as Rizvi remarks at the end of her commentary, the important thing is to keep the conversation going and so what started as a dialogue between two people is now a dialogue between six. As a collection, though, the commentators provide a very diverse set of views and perspectives, which means that picking up common threads is not an easy option. Instead, we will try and respond to each of the commentators in turn, addressing what we see as their key points.
Social geographies, the practice of marronage and the archaeology of absence in colonial Mexico
Authors: Amaral Adela
Published: December 2017

Drawing from colonial documents and archaeological evidence, this article challenges our conceptions of the Maroon colonial social category. The article focuses on Maroon testimonies recorded by colonial officials and the archaeological record of a Maroon group that settled Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Morenos de Amapa, from 18th-century Spanish colonial Mexico. By reconstructing how Maroons practised and altered Spanish colonial social and geographic landscapes, this article demonstrates that Maroons were not constrained to the ‘inaccessible’ areas that colonial officials attached them to and that present-day studies of Maroons have habituated. Amapa's absent archaeological record and the complaints waged against the Maroons concerning the absence of civility in the newly established town also challenge straightforward notions of Maroons and space.
In Situ High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Observation of Sn Nanoparticles on SnO2 Nanotubes Under Lithiation
Authors: Cheong Jun Young , Chang Joon Ha , Kim Sung Joo , Kim Chanhoon , Seo Hyeon Kook , Shin Jae Won , Yuk Jong Min , Lee Jeong Yong , Kim Il-Doo
Published: December 2017

We trace Sn nanoparticles (NPs) produced from SnO2 nanotubes (NTs) during lithiation initialized by high energy e-beam irradiation. The growth dynamics of Sn NPs is visualized in liquid electrolytes by graphene liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. The observation reveals that Sn NPs grow on the surface of SnO2 NTs via coalescence and the final shape of agglomerated NPs is governed by surface energy of the Sn NPs and the interfacial energy between Sn NPs and SnO2 NTs. Our result will likely benefit more rational material design of the ideal interface for facile ion insertion.
Actin polymerization is reduced in the anterior cingulate cortex of elderly patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Bhambhvani Hriday P. , Mueller Toni M. , Simmons Micah S. , Meador-Woodruff James H.
Published: December 2017

Recent reports suggest abnormalities in the regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics in schizophrenia, despite consistent evidence for normal actin expression. We hypothesized that this may be explained by changes in the polymerization state of actin, rather than in total actin expression. To test this, we prepared filamentous actin (F-actin, polymeric) and globular actin (G-actin, monomeric) fractions from postmortem anterior cingulate cortex from 16 patients with schizophrenia and 14 comparison subjects. Additionally, binding of fluorescently-labeled phalloidin, a selectively F-actin-binding peptide, was measured in unfractionated samples from the same subjects. Western blot analysis of fractions revealed decreased F-actin, increased G-actin, and decreased ratios of F-actin/total actin and F-actin/G-actin in schizophrenia. Decreased phalloidin binding to F-actin in parallel experiments in the same subjects independently supports these findings. These results suggest a novel aspect of schizophrenia pathophysiology and are consistent with previous evidence of reduced dendritic spine density and altered synaptic plasticity in schizophrenia, both of which have been linked to cytoskeletal abnormalities.
Lipid bodies containing oxidatively truncated lipids block antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells in cancer
Authors: Veglia Filippo , Tyurin Vladimir A. , Mohammadyani Dariush , Blasi Maria , Duperret Elizabeth K. , Donthireddy Laxminarasimha , Hashimoto Ayumi , Kapralov Alexandr , Amoscato Andrew , Angelini Roberto , Patel Sima , Alicea-Torres Kevin , Weiner David , Murphy Maureen E. , Klein-Seetharaman Judith , Celis Esteban , Kagan Valerian E. , Gabrilovich Dmitry I.
Published: December 2017

Cross-presentation is a critical function of dendritic cells (DCs) required for induction of antitumor immune responses and success of cancer immunotherapy. It is established that tumor-associated DCs are defective in their ability to cross-present antigens. However, the mechanisms driving these defects are still unknown. We find that impaired cross-presentation in DCs is largely associated with defect in trafficking of peptide–MHC class I (pMHC) complexes to the cell surface. DCs in tumor-bearing hosts accumulate lipid bodies (LB) containing electrophilic oxidatively truncated (ox-tr) lipids. These ox-tr-LB, but not LB present in control DCs, covalently bind to chaperone heat shock protein 70. This interaction prevents the translocation of pMHC to cell surface by causing the accumulation of pMHC inside late endosomes/lysosomes. As a result, tumor-associated DCs are no longer able to stimulate adequate CD8 T cells responses. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a mechanism regulating cross-presentation in cancer and suggests potential therapeutic avenues.
Efficient transgenesis and annotated genome sequence of the regenerative flatworm model Macrostomum lignano
Authors: Wudarski Jakub , Simanov Daniil , Ustyantsev Kirill , de Mulder Katrien , Grelling Margriet , Grudniewska Magda , Beltman Frank , Glazenburg Lisa , Demircan Turan , Wunderer Julia , Qi Weihong , Vizoso Dita B. , Weissert Philipp M. , Olivieri Daniel , Mouton Stijn , Guryev Victor , Aboobaker Aziz , Schärer Lukas , Ladurner Peter , Berezikov Eugene
Published: December 2017

Regeneration-capable flatworms are informative research models to study the mechanisms of stem cell regulation, regeneration, and tissue patterning. However, the lack of transgenesis methods considerably hampers their wider use. Here we report development of a transgenesis method for Macrostomum lignano, a basal flatworm with excellent regeneration capacity. We demonstrate that microinjection of DNA constructs into fertilized one-cell stage eggs, followed by a low dose of irradiation, frequently results in random integration of the transgene in the genome and its stable transmission through the germline. To facilitate selection of promoter regions for transgenic reporters, we assembled and annotated the M. lignano genome, including genome-wide mapping of transcription start regions, and show its utility by generating multiple stable transgenic lines expressing fluorescent proteins under several tissue-specific promoters. The reported transgenesis method and annotated genome sequence will permit sophisticated genetic studies on stem cells and regeneration using M. lignano as a model organism.
Stable transgenerational epigenetic inheritance requires a DNA methylation-sensing circuit
Authors: Williams Ben P. , Gehring Mary
Published: December 2017

Epigenetic states are stably propagated in eukaryotes. In plants, DNA methylation patterns are faithfully inherited over many generations but it is unknown how the dynamic activities of cytosine DNA methyltransferases and 5-methylcytosine DNA glycosylases interact to maintain epigenetic homeostasis. Here we show that a methylation-sensing gene regulatory circuit centered on a 5-methylcytosine DNA glycosylase gene is required for long-term epigenetic fidelity in Arabidopsis. Disrupting this circuit causes widespread methylation losses and abnormal phenotypes that progressively worsen over generations. In heterochromatin, these losses are counteracted such that methylation returns to a normal level over four generations. However, thousands of loci in euchromatin progressively lose DNA methylation between generations and remain unmethylated. We conclude that an actively maintained equilibrium between methylation and demethylation activities is required to ensure long-term stable inheritance of epigenetic information.
Chiral expression from molecular to macroscopic level via pH modulation in terbium coordination polymers
Authors: Huang Jian , Ding Hong-ming , Xu Yan , Zeng Dai , Zhu Hui , Zang Dong-Mian , Bao Song-Song , Ma Yu-qiang , Zheng Li-Min
Published: December 2017

Chiral expression from the molecular to macroscopic level is common in biological systems, but is difficult to realise for coordination polymers (CPs). The assembly of homochiral CPs in both crystalline and helical forms can provide a bridge for understanding the relationship between the molecular and macroscopic scales of chirality. Herein, we report homochiral helices of [Tb(R- or S-pempH)3]∙2H2O (R- or S-1) (pempH2 = (1-phenylethylamino)methylphosphonic acid) and their crystalline counterparts (R- or S-3), which are formed at different pH of the reaction mixtures under hydrothermal conditions. By combining the experiments and molecular simulations, we propose that the formation of helices of R-1 or S-1 occurs via a hierarchical self-assembly route, which involves twisted packing due to the geometric incompatibility of the different types of chains. The observed chiral transcription from molecules to morphologies is significant for understanding bio-related self-assembly processes on the nano- to macro-scale.
Hepatitis B virus persistence in mice reveals IL-21 and IL-33 as regulators of viral clearance
Authors: Shen Zhongliang , Yang Huijuan , Yang Sisi , Wang Wei , Cui Xiaoxian , Zhou Xian , Liu Wei , Pan Shaokun , Liu Yanfeng , Zhang Junqi , Zhang Jiming , Xie Youhua , Liu Jing
Published: December 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) generally causes self-limiting infection in immunocompetent adults, but establishes chronic infection in some adults and in most maternally infected infants. Factors determining clearance versus persistence are not fully understood. Hydrodynamic injection (HDI) of HBV replicon plasmid via tail vein generally results in quick clearance in immunocompetent adult mice. Here, we report the identification of strain-specific persistence of HBV in mice: one genotype B strain, designated BPS, persisted up to 33 weeks in ~50% of HDI mice. BPS persistence requires viral replication and multiple viral features. Compared to quickly cleared strains, BPS fails to induce robust post-exposure serum IL-21/IL-33 responses. Injection of IL-21-expressing or IL-33-expressing plasmids facilitates clearance of pre-established BPS persistence and protects cured mice from BPS re-challenge. IL-21 and IL-33 also induce clearance of pre-established HBV persistence in another mouse model. These data reveal IL-21 and IL-33 as potent regulators of HBV clearance and valid drug candidates.
Timing and Amount of Physical Therapy Treatment are Associated with Length of Stay in the Cardiothoracic ICU
Authors: Johnson Audrey M. , Henning Angela N. , Morris Peter E. , Tezanos Alejandro G. Villasante , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E.
Published: December 2017

Significant variability exists in physical therapy early mobilization practice. The frequency of physical therapy or early mobilization of patients in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit and its effect on length of stay has not been investigated. The goal of our research was to examine variables that influence physical therapy evaluation and treatment in the intensive care unit using a retrospective chart review. Patients (n = 2568) were categorized and compared based on the most common diagnoses or surgical procedures. Multivariate semi-logarithmic regression analyses were used to determine correlations. Differences among patient subgroups for all independent variables other than age and for length of stay were found. The regression model determined that time to first physical therapy evaluation, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, mean days of physical therapy treatment and mechanical ventilation were associated with increased hospital length of stay. Time to first physical therapy evaluation in the intensive care unit and the hospital, and mean days of physical therapy treatment associated with hospital length of stay. Further prospective study is required to determine whether shortening time to physical therapy evaluation and treatment in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit could influence length of stay.
Nanofluid based on self-nanoencapsulated metal/metal alloys phase change materials with tuneable crystallisation temperature
Authors: Navarrete Nuria , Gimeno-Furio Alexandra , Mondragon Rosa , Hernandez Leonor , Cabedo Luis , Cordoncillo Eloisa , Julia J. Enrique
Published: December 2017

Nanofluids using nanoencapsulated Phase Change Materials (nePCM) allow increments in both the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the base fluid. Incremented heat capacity is produced by the melting enthalpy of the nanoparticles core. In this work two important advances in this nanofluid type are proposed and experimentally tested. It is firstly shown that metal and metal alloy nanoparticles can be used as self-encapsulated nePCM using the metal oxide layer that forms naturally in most commercial synthesis processes as encapsulation. In line with this, Sn/SnOx nanoparticles morphology, size and thermal properties were studied by testing the suitability and performance of encapsulation at high temperatures and thermal cycling using a commercial thermal oil (Therminol 66) as the base fluid. Secondly, a mechanism to control the supercooling effect of this nePCM type based on non-eutectic alloys was developed.
Automatic multiple zebrafish larvae tracking in unconstrained microscopic video conditions
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Cheng Eva , Burnett Ian S. , Huang Yushi , Wlodkowic Donald
Published: December 2017

The accurate tracking of zebrafish larvae movement is fundamental to research in many biomedical, pharmaceutical, and behavioral science applications. However, the locomotive characteristics of zebrafish larvae are significantly different from adult zebrafish, where existing adult zebrafish tracking systems cannot reliably track zebrafish larvae. Further, the far smaller size differentiation between larvae and the container render the detection of water impurities inevitable, which further affects the tracking of zebrafish larvae or require very strict video imaging conditions that typically result in unreliable tracking results for realistic experimental conditions. This paper investigates the adaptation of advanced computer vision segmentation techniques and multiple object tracking algorithms to develop an accurate, efficient and reliable multiple zebrafish larvae tracking system. The proposed system has been tested on a set of single and multiple adult and larvae zebrafish videos in a wide variety of (complex) video conditions, including shadowing, labels, water bubbles and background artifacts. Compared with existing state-of-the-art and commercial multiple organism tracking systems, the proposed system improves the tracking accuracy by up to 31.57% in unconstrained video imaging conditions. To facilitate the evaluation on zebrafish segmentation and tracking research, a dataset with annotated ground truth is also presented. The software is also publicly accessible.
Investigation of bioaccessibility of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in market vegetables in the colon using PBET combined with SHIME
Authors: Yin Naiyi , Cai Xiaolin , Chen Xiaochen , Du Huili , Xu Jiayan , Wang Lihong , Sun Guoxin , Cui Yanshan
Published: December 2017

The in vitro bioaccessibility of trace metals associated with oral ingestion of market vegetables (lettuce, pak choi, cole, and leaf lettuce) of Beijing, China was studied. The physiologically based extraction test (PBET) combined with the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) was applied to simulate stomach, small intestine, and colon of human. In the gastro-intestinal phases, the bioaccessibility of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn varied within 5.7–75.5%, 17.3–50.4%, 13.3–49.1%, and 19.9–63.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the metal bioaccessibility between the gastric and small intestinal phases, except for higher Cu bioaccessibility in the small intestine. Besides, the bioaccessibility of the four trace metals in the colon phase was first ever reported. A significant decline in Cu bioaccessibility (1.8–63.7%) and slight increases in the bioaccessibility of Fe (16.7–56.4%), Mn (21.2–71.6%), and Zn (15.7–69.7%) were revealed, which could mainly be attributed to the effect of colon microbiota. In addition, the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were worked out to be 0.7, 8.8, 2.7, and 4.5 μg kg−1 body weight d−1, based on which the potential influences of these trace metals in vegetables on the health of the local consumers was demonstrated.
Fiber enhanced Raman sensing of levofloxacin by PCF bandgap-shifting into the visible range
Authors: Yan Di , Popp Jürgen , Pletz Mathias W. , Frosch Torsten
Published: December 2017

Fiber enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique for chemically selective and sensitive monitoring of antibiotics in aqueous media.
1,2-Dihalodigermenes bearing bulky Eind groups: synthesis, characterization, and conversion to halogermylenoids
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Sugahara Tomohiro , Numata Yasuyuki , Kawaai Hotaka , Yamatani Kenta , Nishimura Shogo , Goda Shun , Suzuki Yuko , Tanikawa Tomoharu , Nakai Hidetaka , Hashizume Daisuke , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro , Matsuo Tsukasa
Published: December 2017

We present the transformation of low-coordinate germanium(ii) compounds.
Single source precursor driven phase selective synthesis of Au–CuGaS2 heteronanostructures: an observation of plasmon enhanced photocurrent efficiency
Authors: Ghosh Abhisek Brata , Saha Namrata , Sarkar Arpita , Dutta Amit Kumar , Satra Jit , Adhikary Bibhutosh
Published: December 2017

Coupling of metallic Au with CuGaS2, synthesized from single molecule precursor [Ga(acda)3Cu(PPh3)2]NO3, results Au–CuGaS2 heterostructure which shows remarkably high photocurrent response compared to CuGaS2.
Unravelling the mechanisms that determine the uptake and metabolism of magnetic single and multicore nanoparticles in aXenopus laevismodel
Authors: Marín-Barba M. , Gavilán H. , Gutiérrez L. , Lozano-Velasco E. , Rodríguez-Ramiro I. , Wheeler G. N. , Morris C. J. , Morales M. P. , Ruiz A.
Published: December 2017

Nanoparticles' structure (single or multicore) and their surface chemistry determine how the embryos absorb and activate the iron metabolic pathway.
Hybrid FePt/SiO2/Au nanoparticles as a theranostic tool: in vitro photo-thermal treatment and MRI imaging
Authors: Kostevšek N. , Abramovič I. , Hudoklin S. , Kreft M. E. , Serša I. , Sepe A. , Vidmar J. , Šturm S. , Spreitzer M. , Ščančar J. , Kobe S. , Žužek Rožman K.
Published: December 2017

Innovative hybrid FePt/SiO2/Au NPs as both, highly efficient and selective photo-thermal therapy agents and MRI contrast agents.
Two-dimensional silicon crystals with sizable band gaps and ultrahigh carrier mobility
Authors: Zhuo Zhiwen , Wu Xiaojun , Yang Jinlong
Published: December 2017

Two-dimensional silicon crystals with sizeable band gaps and ultrahigh carrier mobility are reported by using first-principles calculations.
Intramolecular nucleophilic addition of carbanions generated from N-benzylamides to cyclopropenes
Authors: Maslivetc Vladimir , Barrett Colby , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Rubina Marina , Rubin Michael
Published: December 2017

An unusual reaction is described, involving a formal intramolecular nucleophilic substitution of bromocyclopropanes with nitrogen ylides generated in situ from N-benzyl carboxamides. This reaction involves cyclopropene intermediates and allows for the facile preparation of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ones.
Synthesis of azulene-substituted benzofurans and isocoumarins via intramolecular cyclization of 1-ethynylazulenes, and their structural and optical properties
Authors: Shoji Taku , Tanaka Miwa , Takagaki Sho , Miura Kota , Ohta Akira , Sekiguchi Ryuta , Ito Shunji , Mori Shigeki , Okujima Tetsuo
Published: December 2017

The preparation of azulene-substituted benzofurans and isocoumarins was established by two types of intramolecular cyclization reaction of 1-ethynylazulenes.
Bifunctional catalysis in the stereocontrolled synthesis of tetrahydro-1,2-oxazines
Authors: Moczulski Marek , Drelich Piotr , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: December 2017

The application of bifunctional catalysis for the synthesis of tetrahydro-1,2-oxazines is described.