bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kindliche Frakturen der Metaphyse und des Schaftes am Unterschenkel
Authors: Gremminger Ruth , Acklin Yves Pascal
Published: February 2018

Zusammenfassung. Unterschenkelfrakturen gehören zu den häufigsten Schaftfrakturen bei Kindern und werden mehrheitlich konservativ behandelt. Die Analyse der Frakturmorphologie und Kenntnis des Remodeling-Potenzials des kindlichen Skeletts sind wichtige Voraussetzungen zur Einleitung der korrekten Therapie. Die konservative Therapie besteht aus einer Gipstherapie über drei bis sechs Wochen je nach Alter des Kindes. Zudem besteht die Möglichkeit, über eine Gipskeilung das Repositionsresultat günstig zu beeinflussen. Die Indikation für eine operative Therapie beschränkt sich auf stark dislozierte oder instabile sowie offene Frakturen. Im Rahmen der Nachkontrollen werden sekundäre Dislokationen sowie Wachstumsstörungen erkannt und behandelt.
Fiber-Optic Networks Can Be Used as Seismic Arrays
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: February 2018

A new study repurposes telecommunications cables to harness sound from light. The method can accurately measure ground motion from distant earthquakes.
Methylphenidate enhances neuronal differentiation and reduces proliferation concomitant to activation of Wnt signal transduction pathways
Authors: Grünblatt Edna , Bartl Jasmin , Walitza Susanne
Published: February 2018

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed drug in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is suggested that in vivo, methylphenidate treatment supports cortical maturation, however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the potential effect of methylphenidate on cell proliferation and maturation in various cellular models, hypothesizing its interaction with the Wnt-signaling. The termination of cell proliferation concomitant to neuronal maturation following methylphenidate treatment was observed in all of the cell-models tested: murine neural stem-, rat PC12- and the human SH-SY5Y-cells. Inhibition of Wnt-signaling in SH-SY5Y cells with Dkk1 30 min before methylphenidate treatment suppressed neuronal differentiation but enhanced proliferation. The possible involvement of the dopamine-transporter in cell differentiation was discounted following the observation of opposing results after GBR-12909 treatment. Moreover, Wnt-activation via methylphenidate was confirmed in Wnt-luciferase-reporter assay. These findings reveal a new mechanism of action of methylphenidate that might explain long-term effects.
Psychogenic itch
Authors: Misery Laurent , Dutray Sabine , Chastaing Myriam , Schollhammer Martine , Consoli Sylvie G. , Consoli Silla M.
Published: February 2018

Psychogenic itch can be defined as “an itch disorder where itch is at the center of the symptomatology and where psychological factors play an evident role in the triggering, intensity, aggravation, or persistence of the pruritus.” The disorder is poorly known by both psychiatrists and dermatologists and this review summarizes data on psychogenic itch. Because differential diagnosis is difficult, the frequency is poorly known. The burden is huge for people suffering from this disorder but a management associating psychological and pharmacological approach could be very helpful. Classification, psychopathology, and physiopathology are still debating. New data from brain imaging could be very helpful. Psychological factors are known to modulate itch in all patients, but there is a specific diagnosis of psychogenic itch that must be proposed cautiously. Neurophysiological and psychological theories are not mutually exclusive and can be used to better understand this disorder. Itch can be mentally induced. Opioids and other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine, are probably involved in this phenomenon.
Benefit-risk profile of cytoreductive drugs along with antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy after transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: De Stefano Valerio , Carobbio Alessandra , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Guglielmelli Paola , Iurlo Alessandra , Finazzi Maria Chiara , Rumi Elisa , Cervantes Francisco , Elli Elena Maria , Randi Maria Luigia , Griesshammer Martin , Palandri Francesca , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Hernandez-Boluda Juan-Carlos , Cacciola Rossella , Miroslava Palova , Carli Giuseppe , Beggiato Eloise , Ellis Martin H. , Musolino Caterina , Gaidano Gianluca , Rapezzi Davide , Tieghi Alessia , Lunghi Francesca , Loscocco Giuseppe Gaetano , Cattaneo Daniele , Cortelezzi Agostino , Betti Silvia , Rossi Elena , Finazzi Guido , Censori Bruno , Cazzola Mario , Bellini Marta , Arellano-Rodrigo Eduardo , Bertozzi Irene , Sadjadian Parvis , Vianelli Nicola , Scaffidi Luigi , Gomez Montse , Cacciola Emma , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Barbui Tiziano
Published: February 2018

We analyzed 597 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) who presented transient ischemic attacks (TIA, n = 270) or ischemic stroke (IS, n = 327). Treatment included aspirin, oral anticoagulants, and cytoreductive drugs. The composite incidence of recurrent TIA and IS, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and cardiovascular (CV) death was 4.21 and 19.2%, respectively at one and five years after the index event, an estimate unexpectedly lower than reported in the general population. Patients tended to replicate the first clinical manifestation (hazard ratio, HR: 2.41 and 4.41 for recurrent TIA and IS, respectively); additional factors for recurrent TIA were previous TIA (HR: 3.40) and microvascular disturbances (HR: 2.30); for recurrent IS arterial hypertension (HR: 4.24) and IS occurrence after MPN diagnosis (HR: 4.47). CV mortality was predicted by age over 60 years (HR: 3.98), an index IS (HR: 3.61), and the occurrence of index events after MPN diagnosis (HR: 2.62). Cytoreductive therapy was a strong protective factor (HR: 0.24). The rate of major bleeding was similar to the general population (0.90 per 100 patient-years). In conclusion, the long-term clinical outcome after TIA and IS in MPN appears even more favorable than in the general population, suggesting an advantageous benefit-risk profile of antithrombotic and cytoreductive treatment.
Defining cure in multiple myeloma: a comparative study of outcomes of young individuals with myeloma and curable hematologic malignancies
Authors: Ravi Praful , Kumar Shaji K. , Cerhan James R. , Maurer Matthew J. , Dingli David , Ansell Stephen M. , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: February 2018

Advances in therapy in recent years have led investigators to challenge the dogma that multiple myeloma (MM) is incurable. We assessed overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of young patients ( ≤ 50 years) with MM and compared outcomes with follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). All patients ≤ 50 years with newly diagnosed MM (n = 212), FL (n = 168), DLBCL (n = 195), and HL (n = 233) between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015 were included. Observed vs. expected survival was summarized by standardized mortality ratios (SMR). Compared to the background US population, excess mortality risk was seen at diagnosis in all four cancers, SMR 19.5 (15.2–24.5) in MM, 4.2 (2.3–7.2) in FL, 13.0 (9.2–18.4) in DLBCL, and 5.2 (2.6–9.3) in HL. We reasoned that cure would most likely occur in the first 3 years after diagnosis and be reflected by an overall survival probability similar to the background population. From the 36-month landmark, excess mortality risk was seen in MM (SMR 20.7 [14.7–28.3]) and FL (SMR 3.8 [1.5–7.8]), but not with DLBCL (SMR 3.1 [0.8–8.0]) or HL (SMR 0.9 [0.0–5.1]). MM patients have 20-fold excess mortality risk compared to the background population at diagnosis and at 3 years after diagnosis, suggesting that MM remains an incurable cancer.
Disruption of ER−mitochondria signalling in fronto-temporal dementia and related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lau Dawn H. W. , Hartopp Naomi , Welsh Natalie J. , Mueller Sarah , Glennon Elizabeth B. , Mórotz Gábor M. , Annibali Ambra , Gomez-Suaga Patricia , Stoica Radu , Paillusson Sebastien , Miller Christopher C. J.
Published: February 2018

Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two related and incurable neurodegenerative diseases. Features of these diseases include pathological protein inclusions in affected neurons with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), dipeptide repeat proteins derived from the C9ORF72 gene, and fused in sarcoma (FUS) representing major constituent proteins in these inclusions. Mutations in C9ORF72 and the genes encoding TDP-43 and FUS cause familial forms of FTD/ALS which provides evidence to link the pathology and genetics of these diseases. A large number of seemingly disparate physiological functions are damaged in FTD/ALS. However, many of these damaged functions are regulated by signalling between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and this has stimulated investigations into the role of endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria signalling in FTD/ALS disease processes. Here, we review progress on this topic.
Andean surface uplift constrained by radiogenic isotopes of arc lavas
Authors: Scott Erin M. , Allen Mark B. , Macpherson Colin G. , McCaffrey Ken J. W. , Davidson Jon P. , Saville Christopher , Ducea Mihai N.
Published: February 2018

Climate and tectonics have complex feedback systems which are difficult to resolve and remain controversial. Here we propose a new climate-independent approach to constrain regional Andean surface uplift. 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios of Quaternary frontal-arc lavas from the Andean Plateau are distinctly crustal (>0.705 and <0.5125, respectively) compared to non-plateau arc lavas, which we identify as a plateau discriminant. Strong linear correlations exist between smoothed elevation and 87Sr/86Sr (R2 = 0.858, n = 17) and 143Nd/144Nd (R2 = 0.919, n = 16) ratios of non-plateau arc lavas. These relationships are used to constrain 200 Myr of surface uplift history for the Western Cordillera (present elevation 4200 ± 516 m). Between 16 and 26°S, Miocene to recent arc lavas have comparable isotopic signatures, which we infer indicates that current elevations were attained in the Western Cordillera from 23 Ma. From 23–10 Ma, surface uplift gradually propagated southwards by ~400 km.
ARMMs as a versatile platform for intracellular delivery of macromolecules
Authors: Wang Qiyu , Yu Jiujiu , Kadungure Tatenda , Beyene Joseph , Zhang Hong , Lu Quan
Published: February 2018

Majority of disease-modifying therapeutic targets are restricted to the intracellular space and are therefore not druggable using existing biologic modalities. The ability to efficiently deliver macromolecules inside target cells or tissues would greatly expand the current landscape of therapeutic targets for future generations of biologic drugs, but remains challenging. Here we report the use of extracellular vesicles, known as arrestin domain containing protein 1 [ARRDC1]-mediated microvesicles (ARMMs), for packaging and intracellular delivery of a myriad of macromolecules, including the tumor suppressor p53 protein, RNAs, and the genome-editing CRISPR-Cas9/guide RNA complex. We demonstrate selective recruitment of these macromolecules into ARMMs. When delivered intracellularly via ARMMs, these macromolecules are biologically active in recipient cells. P53 delivered via ARMMs induces DNA damage-dependent apoptosis in multiple tissues in mice. Together, our results provide proof-of-principle demonstration that ARMMs represent a highly versatile platform for packaging and intracellular delivery of therapeutic macromolecules.
Author Correction: Long-range Stripe Nanodomains in Epitaxial (110) BiFeO3 Thin Films on (100) NdGaO3 Substrate
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Agarwal Radhe , Phatak Charudatta , Kim Bumsoo , Jeon Seokwoo , Katiyar Ram S. , Hong Seungbum
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Giant pandas can discriminate the emotions of human facial pictures
Authors: Li Youxu , Dai Qiang , Hou Rong , Zhang Zhihe , Chen Peng , Xue Rui , Feng Feifei , Chen Chao , Liu Jiabin , Gu Xiaodong , Zhang Zejun , Qi Dunwu
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
The influence of caging, bedding, and diet on the composition of the microbiota in different regions of the mouse gut
Authors: Ericsson Aaron C. , Gagliardi Jonalyn , Bouhan Delia , Spollen William G. , Givan Scott A. , Franklin Craig L.
Published: February 2018

Countless studies have identified differences between the gut microbiota of humans affected with myriad conditions and healthy individuals, and animal models are commonly used to determine whether those differences are causative or correlative. Recently, concerns have arisen regarding the reproducibility of animal models between institutions and across time. To determine the influence of three common husbandry-associated factors that vary between institutions, groups of weanling mice were placed in either static or ventilated microisolator caging, with either aspen or paperchip bedding, and with one of three commonly used rodent chows, in a fully crossed study design. After thirteen weeks, samples were collected from multiple regions of the gastrointestinal tract and characterized using culture-independent sequencing methods. Results demonstrated that seemingly benign husbandry factors can interact to induce profound changes in the composition of the microbiota present in certain regions of the gut, most notably the cecum, and that those changes are muted during colonic transit. These findings indicate that differences in factors such as caging and bedding can interact to modulate the gut microbiota that in turn may affect reproducibility of some animal models, and that cecal samples might be optimal when screening environmental effects on the gut microbiota.
Author Correction: Pathogenic p62/SQSTM1 mutations impair energy metabolism through limitation of mitochondrial substrates
Authors: Bartolome Fernando , Esteras Noemi , Martin-Requero Angeles , Boutoleau-Bretonniere Claire , Vercelletto Martine , Gabelle Audrey , Ber Isabelle Le , Honda Tadashi , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T. , Hardy John , Carro Eva , Abramov Andrey Y.
Published: February 2018

A correction has been published and is linked to the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Relationships of H. pylori infection and its related gastroduodenal morbidity with metabolic syndrome: a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Refaeli Rotem , Chodick Gabriel , Haj Saeda , Goren Sophy , Shalev Varda , Muhsen Khitam
Published: February 2018

The few published studies on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic homeostasis were relatively small and yielded inconsistent results. We examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in relation to H. pylori infection and its symptoms in a large and unselected population. Coded data from the computerised database of a large health maintenance organisation in Israel were accessed for 147,936 individuals 25–95 years of age who performed the urea breath test during 2002–2012. The classification of metabolic syndrome followed a modified definition of the international diabetes federation. Prevalences of H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome were 52.0% and 11.4% respectively. H. pylori infected patients had increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.15 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.10–1.19), as did patients with gastric ulcer: aOR 1.15 (95% CI 1.03–1.28) vs patients without these conditions. Duodenal ulcer was associated with metabolic syndrome only in persons aged 25–34 years: aOR 1.59 (95% CI 1.19-2.13), but not in older persons (P = 0.001 for heterogeneity). In conclusion, the likelihood of metabolic syndrome appeared significantly increased in relation to H. pylori infection and gastric and duodenal ulcers. These findings suggest that H. pylori long-term gastric inflammation might play a role in metabolic homeostasis.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals developmental heterogeneity of blastomeres during major genome activation in bovine embryos
Authors: Lavagi Ilaria , Krebs Stefan , Simmet Kilian , Beck Andrea , Zakhartchenko Valeri , Wolf Eckhard , Blum Helmut
Published: February 2018

Embryonic development is initially controlled by maternal RNAs and proteins stored in the oocyte, until gene products gradually generated by the embryo itself take over. Major embryonic genome activation (EGA) in bovine embryos occurs at the eight- to 16-cell stage. Morphological observations, such as size of blastomeres and distribution of microvilli, suggested heterogeneity among individual cells already at this developmental stage. To address cell heterogeneity on the transcriptome level, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of 161 blastomeres from 14 in vitro produced bovine embryos at Day 2 (n = 6) and Day 3 (n = 8) post fertilization. Complementary DNA libraries were prepared using the Single-Cell RNA-Barcoding and Sequencing protocol and sequenced. Non-supervised clustering of single-cell transcriptome profiles identified six clusters with specific sets of genes. Most embryos were comprised of cells from at least two different clusters. Sorting cells according to their transcriptome profiles resulted in a non-branched pseudo-time line, arguing against major lineage inclination events at this developmental stage. In summary, our study revealed heterogeneity of transcriptome profiles among single cells in bovine Day 2 and Day 3 embryos, suggesting asynchronous blastomere development during the phase of major EGA.
A state-space modelling approach to wildlife monitoring with application to flying-fox abundance
Authors: Westcott David A. , Caley Peter , Heersink Daniel K. , McKeown Adam
Published: February 2018

Monitoring flying-foxes is challenging as their extreme mobility produces highly dynamic population processes, considerable logistic difficulty, and variability in estimated population size. We report on methods for inferring population trend for the population of the spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) in Australia. Monthly monitoring is conducted at all known roost sites across the species’ range in the Wet Tropics Region. The proportion of animals in camps varies seasonally and stochastic environmental events appear to be influential. We develop a state-space model that incorporates these processes and enables inference on total population trends and uses early warning analysis to identify the causes of population dynamics. The model suggests that population growth rate is stable in the absence of cyclones, however, cyclones appear to impact on both survival and reproduction. The population recovered after two cyclones but declined after a third. The modelling estimates a population decline over 15 years of c. 75% (mean r = − 0.12yr−1 and belief of negative trend is c. 83%) suggesting that conservation action is warranted. Our work shows that a state-space modelling approach is a significant improvement on inference from raw counts from surveys and demonstrates that this approach is a workable alternative to other methods.
Interactions mediated by a public good transiently increase cooperativity in growing Pseudomonas putida metapopulations
Authors: Becker Felix , Wienand Karl , Lechner Matthias , Frey Erwin , Jung Heinrich
Published: February 2018

Bacterial communities have rich social lives. A well-established interaction involves the exchange of a public good in Pseudomonas populations, where the iron-scavenging compound pyoverdine, synthesized by some cells, is shared with the rest. Pyoverdine thus mediates interactions between producers and non-producers and can constitute a public good. This interaction is often used to test game theoretical predictions on the “social dilemma” of producers. Such an approach, however, underestimates the impact of specific properties of the public good, for example consequences of its accumulation in the environment. Here, we experimentally quantify costs and benefits of pyoverdine production in a specific environment, and build a model of population dynamics that explicitly accounts for the changing significance of accumulating pyoverdine as chemical mediator of social interactions. The model predicts that, in an ensemble of growing populations (metapopulation) with different initial producer fractions (and consequently pyoverdine contents), the global producer fraction initially increases. Because the benefit of pyoverdine declines at saturating concentrations, the increase need only be transient. Confirmed by experiments on metapopulations, our results show how a changing benefit of a public good can shape social interactions in a bacterial population.
The early effects of external and internal strategies on working memory updating training
Authors: Laine Matti , Fellman Daniel , Waris Otto , Nyman Thomas J.
Published: February 2018

The mechanisms underlying working memory training remain unclear, but one possibility is that the typically limited transfer effects of this training reflect adoption of successful task-specific strategies. Our pre-registered randomized controlled trial (N = 116) studied the early effects of externally given vs. internally generated strategies in an updating task (n-back) over a 5-day period with a single 30-minute training session. Three groups were employed: n-back training with strategy instruction (n = 40), n-back training without strategy instruction (n = 37), and passive controls (n = 39). We found that both external and internal strategy use was associated with significantly higher posttest performance on the trained n-back task, and that training with n-back strategy instruction yielded positive transfer on untrained n-back tasks, resembling the transfer pattern typically seen after the ordinary uninstructed 4–6-week working memory training. In the uninstructed participants, the level of detail and type of internally generated n-back strategies at posttest was significantly related to their posttest n-back performance. Our results support the view that adoption of task-specific strategies plays an important role in working memory training outcomes, and that strategy-based effects are apparent right at the start of training.
Patient-derived conditionally reprogrammed cells maintain intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Correa Bruna R. S. , Hu Joanna , Penalva Luiz O. F. , Schlegel Richard , Rimm David L. , Galante Pedro A. F. , Agarwal Seema
Published: February 2018

Preclinical in vitro models provide an essential tool to study cancer cell biology as well as aid in translational research, including drug target identification and drug discovery efforts. For any model to be clinically relevant, it needs to recapitulate the biology and cell heterogeneity of the primary tumor. We recently developed and described a conditional reprogramming (CR) cell technology that addresses many of these needs and avoids the deficiencies of most current cancer cell lines, which are usually clonal in origin. Here, we used the CR cell method to generate a collection of patient-derived cell cultures from non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Whole exome sequencing and copy number variations are used for the first time to address the capability of CR cells to keep their tumor-derived heterogeneity. Our results indicated that these primary cultures largely maintained the molecular characteristics of the original tumors. Using a mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) score, we showed that CR cells are able to keep and maintain most of the intra-tumoral heterogeneity, suggesting oligoclonality of these cultures. CR cultures therefore represent a pre-clinical lung cancer model for future basic and translational studies.
Ecrg4 peptide is the ligand of multiple scavenger receptors
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuo , Takeda Shuji , Iwashita Shinzo , Enomoto Kei , Sawamura Tatsuya , Koshimizu Uichi , Kondo Toru
Published: February 2018

Esophageal cancer-related gene 4 (Ecrg4) encodes a hormone-like peptide that is believed to be involved in a variety of physiological phenomena, including tumour suppression. Recent progress in the study of Ecrg4 has shown that Ecrg4 is a proinflammatory factor and induces the expression of several cytokines and chemokines in macrophages/microglia. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of Ecrg4 signalling, especially the Ecrg4 receptors, remain poorly understood. Here, using retrovirus-mediated expression cloning, we identified lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) as a membrane protein that binds amino acid residues 71–132 of Ecrg4 (Ecrg4(71–132)). Moreover, in addition to LOX-1, several scavenger receptors, such as Scarf1, Cd36 and Stabilin-1, facilitated the efficient internalisation of Ecrg4(71–132) into cells. A broad competitive inhibitor of scavenger receptors, polyinosinic acid, reduced both the binding of Ecrg4(71–132) and the activation of NF-κB in microglia. This activation was dependent on MyD88, an adaptor protein that recruits signalling proteins to Toll-like receptors (TLRs), with the consequent induction of various immune responses. These data suggest that multiple scavenger receptors recognise Ecrg4(71–132) and transduce its signals, together with TLRs, in microglia.
Duck plague virus Glycoprotein J is functional but slightly impaired in viral replication and cell-to-cell spread
Authors: You Yu , Liu Tian , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Jia Renyong , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhu Dekang , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng , Zhao XinXin , Zhang Shaqiu , Liu Yunya , Yu Yanling , Zhang Ling
Published: February 2018

To analyse the function of the duck plague virus (DPV) glycoprotein J homologue (gJ), two different mutated viruses, a gJ deleted mutant ΔgJ and a gJR rescue mutant gJR with US5 restored were generated. All recombinant viruses were constructed by using two-step of RED recombination system implemented on the duck plague virus Chinese virulent strain (DPV CHv) genome cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome. DPV-mutants were characterized on non-complementing DEF cells compared with parental virus. Viral replication kinetics of intracellular and extracellular viruses revealed that the ΔgJ virus produce a 10-fold reduction of viral titers than the gJR and parental virus, which especially the production of extracellular infectivity was affected. In addition, the ΔgJ virus produced viral plaques on DEF cells that was on average approximately 11% smaller than those produced by the gJR and parental viruses. Electron microscopy confirmed that although DPV CHv without gJ could efficiently carry out viral replication, virion assembly and envelopment within infected cells, the ΔgJ virus produced and accumulated high levels of anuclear particles in the nuclear and cytoplasm. These results show that the gJ slightly impaired in viral replication, virion assembly and cell-to-cell spread, and is not essential in virion envelopment.
Charge Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in superconducting NbTiN films
Authors: Mironov Alexey Yu. , Silevitch Daniel M. , Proslier Thomas , Postolova Svetlana V. , Burdastyh Maria V. , Gutakovskii Anton K. , Rosenbaum Thomas F. , Vinokur Valerii V. , Baturina Tatyana I.
Published: February 2018

Three decades after the prediction of charge-vortex duality in the critical vicinity of the two-dimensional superconductor-insulator transition (SIT), one of the fundamental implications of this duality—the charge Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition that should occur on the insulating side of the SIT—has remained unobserved. The dual picture of the process points to the existence of a superinsulating state endowed with zero conductance at finite temperature. Here, we report the observation of the charge BKT transition on the insulating side of the SIT in 10 nm thick NbTiN films, identified by the BKT critical behavior of the temperature and magnetic field dependent resistance, and map out the magnetic-field dependence of the critical temperature of the charge BKT transition. Finally, we ascertain the effects of the finite electrostatic screening length and its divergence at the magnetic field-tuned approach to the superconductor-insulator transition.
Black Sea outflow response to Holocene meltwater events
Authors: Herrle Jens O. , Bollmann Jörg , Gebühr Christina , Schulz Hartmut , Sheward Rosie M. , Giesenberg Annika
Published: February 2018

During the Holocene, North American ice sheet collapse and rapid sea-level rise reconnected the Black Sea with the global ocean. Rapid meltwater releases into the North Atlantic and associated climate change arguably slowed the pace of Neolithisation across southeastern Europe, originally hypothesized as a catastrophic flooding that fueled culturally-widespread deluge myths. However, we currently lack an independent record linking the timing of meltwater events, sea-level rise and environmental change with the timing of Neolithisation in southeastern Europe. Here, we present a sea surface salinity record from the Northern Aegean Sea indicative of two meltwater events at ~8.4 and ~7.6 kiloyears that can be directly linked to rapid declines in the establishment of Neolithic sites in southeast Europe. The meltwater events point to an increased outflow of low salinity water from the Black Sea driven by rapid sea level rise >1.4 m following freshwater outbursts from Lake Agassiz and the final decay of the Laurentide ice sheet. Our results shed new light on the link between catastrophic sea-level rise and the Neolithisation of southeastern Europe, and present a historical example of how coastal populations could have been impacted by future rapid sea-level rise.
Plant-made Salmonella bacteriocins salmocins for control of Salmonella pathovars
Authors: Schneider Tobias , Hahn-Löbmann Simone , Stephan Anett , Schulz Steve , Giritch Anatoli , Naumann Marcel , Kleinschmidt Martin , Tusé Daniel , Gleba Yuri
Published: February 2018

Salmonella enterica causes an estimated 1 million illnesses in the United States each year, resulting in 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths, and is one of the four major global causes of diarrhoeal diseases. No effective treatments are available to the food industry. Much attention has been given to colicins, natural non-antibiotic proteins of the bacteriocin class, to control the related pathogen Escherichia coli. We searched Salmonella genomic databases for colicin analogues and cloned and expressed in plants five such proteins, which we call salmocins. Among those, SalE1a and SalE1b were found to possess broad antimicrobial activity against all 99 major Salmonella pathovars. Each of the two salmocins also showed remarkably high potency (>106 AU/µg recombinant protein, or >103 higher than colicins) against major pathogenic target strains. Treatment of poultry meat matrices contaminated with seven key pathogenic serovars confirmed salmocin efficacy as a food safety intervention against Salmonella.
Digital biomarkers of cognitive function
Authors: Dagum Paul
Published: February 2018

To identify digital biomarkers associated with cognitive function, we analyzed human–computer interaction from 7 days of smartphone use in 27 subjects (ages 18–34) who received a gold standard neuropsychological assessment. For several neuropsychological constructs (working memory, memory, executive function, language, and intelligence), we found a family of digital biomarkers that predicted test scores with high correlations (p < 10−4). These preliminary results suggest that passive measures from smartphone use could be a continuous ecological surrogate for laboratory-based neuropsychological assessment.
β-Functionalized trans-A2B2 push–pull tetrabenzoporphyrins
Authors: Kumar Siddhartha , Jiang Xiaoqin , Shan Wenqian , Jinadasa R. G. Waruna , Kadish Karl M. , Wang Hong
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of push–pull A2B2 tetrabenzoporphyrins was achieved. These porphyrins exhibit unique patterns of UV-Vis absorptions and emissions.
DMPC vesicle structure and dynamics in the presence of low amounts of the saponin aescin
Authors: Sreij Ramsia , Dargel Carina , Geisler Philippe , Hertle Yvonne , Radulescu Aurel , Pasini Stefano , Perez Javier , Moleiro Lara H. , Hellweg Thomas
Published: February 2018

Vesicle shape and bilayer parameters are studied by small-angle X-ray (SAXS) and small-angle neutron (SANS) scattering in the presence of the saponin aescin. Bilayer dynamics is studied by neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectroscopy.
Structural investigations of amorphous metal–organic frameworks formed via different routes
Authors: Keen D. A. , Bennett T. D.
Published: February 2018

The structures of an amorphous ZIF produced via melt-quenching, ball-milling and heating—refined against total scattering data—are remarkably similar.
Molecules for security measures: from keypad locks to advanced communication protocols
Authors: Andréasson J. , Pischel U.
Published: February 2018

Complex schemes in information security can be performed using molecular and supramolecular constructs. The progress in this research field over the last ten years is summarized in this Tutorial Review. Examples include keypad locks, parity devices, steganography, encryption/decryption and authentication protocols.
Dual-mode holographic microscopy imaging platform
Authors: Sanz M. , Picazo-Bueno J. A. , García J. , Micó V.
Published: February 2018

We report on a novel layout capable of dual-mode imaging in real time with different magnifications and resolution capabilities in lensless microscopy.
Analysis of the extremely rapidly cooled molten system (LiF–CaF2)eut–LaF3
Authors: Šimurda Michal , Boča Miroslav , Švec Peter , Švec Peter , Janičkovič Dušan , Shi Zhongning , Mlynáriková Jarmila
Published: February 2018

A rapid solidification process (melt spinning) was applied to the fluoride molten salt system (LiF–CaF2)eut–xLaF3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 mol%).
Expanding the roles for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases in plant metabolism
Authors: Hagel J. M. , Facchini P. J.
Published: February 2018

This review of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases and other oxidases involved in plant metabolism provides a framework for continued enzyme discovery.
Versatile two-dimensional silicon diphosphide (SiP2) for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Matta Sri Kasi , Zhang Chunmei , Jiao Yalong , O'Mullane Anthony , Du Aijun
Published: February 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) photocatalysts with excellent light absorption and favorable band alignment are critical for highly-efficient water splitting.
Polyethylene oxide film coating enhances lithium cycling efficiency of an anode-free lithium-metal battery
Authors: Assegie Addisu Alemayehu , Cheng Ju-Hsiang , Kuo Li-Ming , Su Wei-Nien , Hwang Bing-Joe
Published: February 2018

Uniform PEO coating on copper foil improves the anode-free design by allowing the even deposition of lithium.
Advanced emulsions via noncovalent interaction-mediated interfacial self-assembly
Authors: Han Songling , An Huijie , Tao Hui , Li Lanlan , Qi Yuantong , Ma Yongchang , Li Xiaohui , Wang Ruibing , Zhang Jianxiang
Published: February 2018

The traditional emulsification theory is enriched by a self-assembly approach, in which hydrophilic copolymers with one block exhibiting electrostatic or hydrogen-bonding forces with the oil phase self-assemble at the oil–water interface, thereby reducing interfacial tension and forming emulsions.
Fe3C nanoparticles encapsulated in highly crystalline porous graphite: salt-template synthesis and enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution activity and stability
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zai Jiantao , He Kai , Qian Xuefeng
Published: February 2018

Fe3C nanoparticles encapsulated in highly crystalline porous graphite were prepared via an in situ salt template method and showed enhanced electrocatalytic OER activity and long-term stability.
Suppressed hydration in metoclopramide hydrochloride by salt cocrystallisation
Authors: Nugraha Yuda Prasetya , Uekusa Hidehiro
Published: February 2018

Salt cocrystallisation method successfully suppressed hydration and lowered the dissolution rate of the pharmaceutical salt crystals.
Impacts of hydroxylation on the photophysics of chalcones: insights into the relation between the chemical composition and the electronic structure
Authors: Kalchevski Dobromir A. , Petrov Vesselin , Tadjer Alia , Nenov Artur
Published: February 2018

A computational study of the photochemistry and photophysics of hydroxylated chalcones is presented which rationalises discrepancies in linear absorption spectra.
Clathrate ice sL: a new crystalline phase of ice with ultralow density predicted by first-principles phase diagram computations
Authors: Liu Yuan , Ojamäe Lars
Published: February 2018

A new crystalline ice phase (clathrate ice sL) with ultralow density under negative pressure predicted by the first-principles phase diagram computations.
Cobalt(ii) liquid metal salts for high current density electrodeposition of cobalt
Authors: Sniekers Jeroen , Geysens Pieter , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Van Meervelt Luc , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: February 2018

Cobalt-containing liquid metal salts were synthesized and characterized. Reversible thermochromism was observed and the electrodeposition of cobalt layers with different morphologies was investigated.
Metal complexes of a novel heterocyclic benzimidazole ligand formed by rearrangement-cyclization of the corresponding Schiff base. Electrosynthesis, structural characterization and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Casanova I. , Durán M. L. , Viqueira J. , Sousa-Pedrares A. , Zani F. , Real J. A. , García-Vázquez J. A.
Published: February 2018

One-pot electrochemical synthesis of metal complexes containing a novel heterocyclic benzimidazole ligand is reported and characterized.
A waste-minimized protocol for copper-catalyzed Ullmann-type reaction in a biomass derived furfuryl alcohol/water azeotrope
Authors: Ferlin Francesco , Trombettoni Valeria , Luciani Lorenzo , Fusi Soliver , Piermatti Oriana , Santoro Stefano , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: February 2018

We report the use of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol as an effective bidentate ligand able to promote the Ullmann-type copper-catalyzed coupling of aryl halides with heteroaromatic or aliphatic amines.
Bioimaging of isosteric osmium and ruthenium anticancer agents by LA-ICP-MS
Authors: Klose Matthias H. M. , Theiner Sarah , Kornauth Christoph , Meier-Menches Samuel M. , Heffeter Petra , Berger Walter , Koellensperger Gunda , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: February 2018

Two isosteric organometallic drug candidates revealed distinct in vivo antitumour activities and spatial distributions in mouse tissues.
The fungicide effect of HKUST-1 on Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani and Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Celis-Arias Vanessa , Loera-Serna Sandra , Beltrán Hiram I. , Álvarez-Zeferino J. Carlos , Garrido Efrain , Ruiz-Ramos Rubén
Published: February 2018

We evaluated the fungicide effect of HKUST-1 and related materials on Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani and Penicillium chrysogenum strains.
Ferrocene amphiphilic D–π–A dyes: synthesis, redox behavior and determination of band gaps
Authors: López-Mayorga B. , Sandoval-Chávez C. I. , Carreón-Castro P. , Ugalde-Saldívar V. M. , Cortés-Guzmán F. , López-Cortés J. G. , Ortega-Alfaro M. C.
Published: February 2018

We reported the synthesis, optical and redox behavior of six ferrocenyl D–π–A dyes. Optical and electrochemical band gaps were determined and corroborated by TD-DFT calculations. Compounds4exhibit the smallest band gap of this series.
Substantially enhanced rate capability of lithium storage in Na2Ti6O13 with self-doping and carbon-coating
Authors: Liao Jin-Yun , Smith Taylor W. , Pandey Raja R. , He Xiaoqing , Chusuei Charles C. , Xing Yangchuan
Published: February 2018

Ti3+ self-doping and carbon-coating are efficient approaches to simultaneously improve the rate capability and cyclability of Na2Ti6O13 nanowires for lithium storage.
Adsorption dynamics of tannin on deacetylated electrospun Konjac glucomannan fabric
Authors: Ryosuke Sato , Yamaguchi Gaku , Nagai Daisuke , Maki Yasuyuki , Yoshiba Kazuto , Yamamoto Takao , Chu Benjamin , Dobashi Toshiaki
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate the adsorption dynamics of Konjac glucomannan electrospun nanofabrics consisting of an initial diffusion-limited stage and a late stoichiometric relaxation stage and show how to design efficient adsorption using the crossover time.
Prevalence and type distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in Malaysian women with and without cervical cancer: an updated estimate
Authors: Tan Shing Cheng , Ismail Mohd Pazudin , Duski Daniel Roza , Othman Nor Hayati , Ankathil Ravindran
Published: February 2018

Information on the prevalence and type distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) among Malaysian women is currently limited. The present study therefore aimed to provide an updated estimate on the prevalence and type distribution of HPV among Malaysian women with and without cervical cancer. Total DNA was isolated from the cervical cell specimens of 185 histopathologically confirmed cervical cancer patients and 209 cancer-free healthy females who were tested negative in a recent Pap test. Viral-specific DNA was subsequently amplified with biotinylated primers and hybridized to HPV type-specific probes via a proprietary “flow-through hybridization” process for determination of HPV genotype. It was demonstrated that 83.2% of the cervical cancer patients and none (0.0%) of the cancer-free females were positive for HPV infection. Among HPV-positive subjects, 14 different viral genotypes were observed, namely HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, 53, 58, 66/68, 73, 81, 82, and 84/26. A total of 91.6% of the HPV-positive subjects had single-type HPV infections and the remaining 8.4% were simultaneously infected by two HPV genotypes. The most common HPV infections found were HPV16 (35.7%), HPV18 (26.0%), HPV58 (9.1%), and HPV33 (7.1%) single-type infections, followed by HPV16 + HPV18 co-infections (5.2%). The study has successfully provided an updated estimate on the prevalence and type distribution of HPV among Malaysian women with and without cervical cancer. These findings could contribute valuable information for appraisal of the impact and cost-effectiveness of prophylactic HPV vaccines in the Malaysian population.
The fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) superfamily of enzymes: multifunctional enzymes from microbes to mitochondria
Authors: Weiss Alexander K.H. , Loeffler Johannes R. , Liedl Klaus R. , Gstach Hubert , Jansen-Dürr Pidder
Published: February 2018

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) superfamily members, sharing conserved regions that form the so-called FAH-domain, catalyze a remarkable variety of reactions. These enzymes are essential in the metabolic pathways to degrade aromatic compounds in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It appears that prokaryotic FAH superfamily members evolved mainly to allow microbes to generate energy and useful metabolites from complex carbon sources. We review recent findings, indicating that both prokaryotic and eukaryotic members of the FAH superfamily also display oxaloacetate decarboxylase (ODx) activity. The identification of human FAH domain-containing protein 1 as mitochondrial ODx regulating mitochondrial function supports the new concept that, during evolution, eukaryotic FAH superfamily members have acquired important regulatory functions beyond catabolism of complex carbon sources. Molecular studies on the evolution and function of FAH superfamily members are expected to provide new mechanistic insights in their physiological roles.
Structural components involved in plastid protein import
Authors: Schwenkert Serena , Dittmer Sophie , Soll Jürgen
Published: February 2018

Import of preproteins into chloroplasts is an essential process, requiring two major multisubunit protein complexes that are embedded in the outer and inner chloroplast envelope membrane. Both the translocon of the outer chloroplast membrane (Toc), as well as the translocon of the inner chloroplast membrane (Tic) have been studied intensively with respect to their individual subunit compositions, functions and regulations. Recent advances in crystallography have increased our understanding of the operation of these proteins in terms of their interactions and regulation by conformational switching. Several subdomains of components of the Toc translocon have been studied at the structural level, among them the polypeptide transport-associated (POTRA) domain of the channel protein Toc75 and the GTPase domain of Toc34. In this review, we summarize and discuss the insight that has been gained from these structural analyses. In addition, we present the crystal structure of the Toc64 tetratrico-peptide repeat (TPR) domain in complex with the C-terminal domains of the heat-shock proteins (Hsp) Hsp90 and Hsp70.
A Pilot Study to Investigate the Relationship Between Interaural Differences in Temporal Bone Anatomy and Normal Variations in Caloric Asymmetry
Authors: Carpenter David , Kaylie David , Piker Erin , Frank-Ito Dennis
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study assesses interaural differences in temporal bone anatomy in subjects with normal caloric findings.

Method

Eligible patients included those referred to the Duke University Medical Center otology clinic complaining of dizziness, with a head computed tomography scan and caloric stimulation results within normal ranges (inter-ear difference ≤ 10% or < 25% unilateral weakness). Three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography scans in 11 patients were used to calculate the surface area and volume of lateral semicircular canals (LSCCs), mastoid airspaces, mastoid bones, and internal auditory canal diameter and circumference. Percent differences in interaural temporal bone anatomy (i.e., left-to-right asymmetry) were analyzed and correlated with warm caloric inter-ear difference (WCD) and clinically indicated caloric predictor asymmetry.

Results

A multivariate model predicting WCD from 9 interaural anatomic variables demonstrated a Pearson's coefficient of 0.999. A similarly constructed model of the clinically indicated caloric predictor demonstrated a Pearson's coefficient of 0.999. The univariate correlation was strongest for WCD versus Proctor internal auditory canal diameter (
r
= 0.476;
p
= .139) and WCD versus lateral semicircular canal surface-area-to-volume ratio (
r
= −0.474;
p
= .141).

Conclusions

This pilot study provides multivariate models that predict caloric asymmetry in subjects without vestibular pathologic findings per caloric testing, based on interaural differences across variables of the temporal bone anatomy.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5895988
Accurate measurement of drone's blade length and rotation rate using pattern analysis with W‐band radar
Authors: Singh A.K. , Kim Y.H.
Published: February 2018

Characteristics of a target are essential for the classification purpose. Input parameters such as blade length, rotation rate and a number of rotors can be used for classification of drone. An algorithm for accurate measurement of blade length and rotation rate using pattern analysis has been proposed. The time–frequency domain image is used for calculation of maximum Doppler frequency and the rotational speed of the blade. Accuracy and precision of the proposed technique are validated by experimental data using W‐band radar system.
Mid‐symbol duration antenna transition approach for performance enhancement of spatial modulation
Authors: Arafa M. , Elwekeil M. , Dessoky M.
Published: February 2018

In this Letter, a novel approach for spatial modulation is presented. The main idea of the proposed approach is to change the active antenna at the middle of the symbol duration. The main advantages of the proposed approach are the improved BER performance and the saving in the number of required transmitter antennas, compared to traditional spatial modulation, generalised spatial modulation, and variable generalised spatial modulation at certain spectral efficiency. The BER performance enhancement of the proposed algorithm is affirmed by Monte‐Carlo simulations.