bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A ratiometric and selective fluorescent chemosensor for Ca(ii) ions based on a novel water-soluble ionic Schiff-base
Authors: Saleh Sayed M. , Ali Reham , Elshaarawy Reda F. M.
Published: July 2016

A new, simple and water-soluble chemosensor, based on the ionic Schiff-base (ISB), 1-(4-hydroxy-3-((2-mercaptophenylimino)methyl)-5-methoxybenzyl)-4-methoxypyridiniumchloride (3), was synthesized and applied to fluorescently sense Ca(ii) ions.
Photo-doping of plasma-deposited polyaniline (PAni)
Authors: Elmas Sait , Beelders Wesley , Nash Joseph , Macdonald Thomas J. , Jasieniak Marek , Griesser Hans J. , Nann Thomas
Published: July 2016

Although polyaniline (PAni) has been studied extensively in the past, little work has been done on producing films of this materialviaplasma deposition.
Effect of the submicellar concentration of bile salts on structural alterations of β-casein micelles
Authors: Kuchlyan Jagannath , Roy Arpita , Dutta Rupam , Sen Swagata , Sarkar Nilmoni
Published: July 2016

The role of bile salts, sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) and sodium cholate (NaCh), on the self-assembly behavior of β-casein micelles (β-CMs) was investigated using various fluorescence techniques.
Efficient deep-blue non-doped organic light-emitting diode with improved roll-off of efficiency based on hybrid local and charge-transfer excited state
Authors: Liu Haichao , Bai Qing , Li Weijun , Guo Yachen , Yao Liang , Gao Yu , Li Jinyu , Lu Ping , Yang Bing , Ma Yuguang
Published: July 2016

Acceptor–donor–acceptor triphenylamine–phenanthroimidazole derivate (TPA–2PPI) servers as an emitter, whose device exhibits deep-blue emission, high efficiency and slow roll-off of efficiency.
Reduction-controlled substrate release from a polymer nanosphere based on a viologen-cavitand
Authors: Sultanova Elza D. , Atlanderova Anna A. , Mukhitova Rezeda D. , Salnikov Vadim V. , Osin Yuriy N. , Ziganshina Albina Y. , Konovalov Alexander I.
Published: July 2016

In this article, we present a new polymeric nanosphere (p(MVCA-co-SS)) for redox-controlled substrate release.
Preparation of porous reduced graphene oxide using cellulose acetate for high performance capacitive desalination
Authors: Wang Penghui , Lu Guoqian , Yan Huan , Ni Wei , Xu Min , Xue Yifei , Yan Yi-Ming
Published: July 2016

A three-dimensional porous graphene electrode is prepared by using cellulose acetate as a template. The electrode possesses ideal porous structure and large surface area, therefore resulting in high electrosorption capacity for CDI application.
Two-step three-component process for one-pot synthesis of 8-alkylmercaptocaffeine derivatives
Authors: Rad M. N. Soltani , Maghsoudi S.
Published: July 2016

A two-step three-component process for one-pot synthesis of some 8-alkylmercaptocaffeine derivatives has been described using alkyl bromides, thiourea, and 8-bromocaffeine.
Ni0.9Co1.92Se4 nanostructures: binder-free electrode of coral-like bimetallic selenide for supercapacitors
Authors: An Weidan , Liu Ling , Gao Yanfang , Liu Yang , Liu Jinrong
Published: July 2016

Coral-like Ni0.9Co1.92Se4 nanostructured materials have been prepared through a simple and controlled two-step solvothermal method, which present a handsome electrochemical performance.
Kerf loss silicon as a cost-effective, high-efficiency, and convenient energy carrier: additive-mediated rapid hydrogen production and integrated systems for electricity generation and hydrogen storage
Authors: Kao Tzu-Lun , Huang Wei-Hsiang , Tuan Hsing-Yu
Published: July 2016

Kerf loss silicon was used for additive-mediated rapid hydrogen production with a rate of 4.72 × 10−3g(H2) per s per g(Si) and a yield of 92%. A silicon-based integrated system for electricity generation and hydrogen storage was demonstrated.
One-step reactivity-driven synthesis of core–shell structured electrically conducting particles for biomedical applications
Authors: Mao Jifu , Zhang Ze
Published: July 2016

A simple one-pot and one-step emulsion polymerization of conductive and functional core–shell particles is reported, based on the difference in reactivity between pyrrole and its derivative.
Current emission from P-doped SiC nanowires with ultralow turn-on fields
Authors: Chen Shanliang , Shang Minghui , Yang Zuobao , Zheng Jinju , Wang Lin , Liu Qiao , Gao Fengmei , Yang Weiyou
Published: July 2016

We reported the current emission from P-doped SiC nanowires with an ultralow turn-on field of 0.47 V μm−1.
White light emission and temperature dependent chromaticity shifts by modification of luminescent ZrO(FMN) nanoparticles with rare earth halides
Authors: Wehner T. , Heck J. , Feldmann C. , Müller-Buschbaum K.
Published: July 2016

White light emission of composite suspensions is achieved by functionalization of ZrO(FMN) nanoparticles with lanthanide chlorides resulting in core–shell systems and a temperature dependent chromaticity shift.
Layer-modulated, wafer scale and continuous ultra-thin WS2 films grown by RF sputtering via post-deposition annealing
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Shehzad Muhammad Arslan , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Choi Dong-Chul , Song Wooseok , An Ki-Seok , Seo Yongho , Eom Jonghwa , Lee Wan-Gyu , Jung Jongwan
Published: July 2016

Synthesis of large-area WS2 films by direct sulfurization of RF-sputtered WO3 thin films on insulating substrates.
Periodic micro-patterned VO2thermochromic films by mesh printing
Authors: Lu Qi , Liu Chang , Wang Ning , Magdassi Shlomo , Mandler Daniel , Long Yi
Published: July 2016

This work demonstrates a novel approach that fabricates periodic, micro-patterned structures of VO2using a facile screen printing method with enhanced thermochromic properties.
Identification of PNGase-dependent ERAD substrates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hosomi Akira , Fujita Mika , Tomioka Azusa , Kaji Hiroyuki , Suzuki Tadashi
Published: July 2016

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) is a proteolytic pathway for handling misfolded or improperly assembled proteins that are synthesized in the ER. Cytoplasmic peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase) is a deglycosylating enzyme that cleaves N-glycans that are attached to ERAD substrates. While the critical roles of N-glycans in monitoring the folding status of carrier proteins in the ER lumen are relatively well understood, the physiological role of PNGase-mediated deglycosylation in the cytosol remained poorly understood. We report herein the identification of endogenous substrates for the cytoplasmic PNGase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using an isotope-coded glycosylation site-speciﬁc tagging (IGOT) method-based LC/MS analysis, 11 glycoproteins were specifically detected in the cytosol of PNGase-deletion cells (png1Δ). Among these molecules, at least five glycoproteins were clearly identified as ERAD substrates in vivo. Moreover, four out of the five proteins were found to be either deglycosylated by PNGase in vivo or the overall degradation was delayed in a png1Δ mutant. Our results clearly indicate that the IGOT method promises to be a powerful tool for the identification of endogenous substrates for the cytoplasmic PNGase.
Protein kinase C mechanisms that contribute to cardiac remodelling
Authors: Newton Alexandra C. , Antal Corina E. , Steinberg Susan F.
Published: July 2016

Protein phosphorylation is a highly-regulated and reversible process that is precisely controlled by the actions of protein kinases and protein phosphatases. Factors that tip the balance of protein phosphorylation lead to changes in a wide range of cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases sits at nodal points in many signal transduction pathways; PKC enzymes have been the focus of considerable attention since they contribute to both normal physiological responses as well as maladaptive pathological responses that drive a wide range of clinical disorders. This review provides a background on the mechanisms that regulate individual PKC isoenzymes followed by a discussion of recent insights into their role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer. We then provide an overview on the role of individual PKC isoenzymes in the regulation of cardiac contractility and pathophysiological growth responses, with a focus on the PKC-dependent mechanisms that regulate pump function and/or contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure.
Myocardial redox status, mitophagy and cardioprotection: a potential way to amend diabetic heart?
Authors: Bai Tao , Wang Fan , Zheng Yang , Liang Qiangrong , Wang Yuehui , Kong Jian , Cai Lu
Published: July 2016

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major cardiovascular complications in diabetes that increase the mortality of diabetic patients. Mechanisms underlying DCM have not been fully elucidated, hindering targeted design of effective strategies to delay or treat DCM. Mitochondrial dysfunction is recognized as the driving force for the pathogenesis of DCM; therefore, maintaining cardiac mitochondrial quality is crucial for DCM prevention. Mitophagy is the process by which cells degrade abnormal or superfluous mitochondria in order to correct mitochondrial dysfunction, improve mitochondrial quality and maintain cardiac homoeostasis. Although the roles of mitophagy in various cardiomyopathies have been suggested, it remains largely unknown how the process is regulated and whether it is altered in the diabetic heart. In this review, we summarize currently available studies that investigate mitophagy in the heart, including its pathways, features and protective roles in several situations, including DCM. Due to limited data about mitophagy in diabetic hearts, future studies are required to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy in the heart and to develop mitophagy-based strategies for protecting the heart from diabetic injury.
Sex differences in the brain–an interplay of sex steroid hormones and sex chromosomes
Authors: Grgurevic Neza , Majdic Gregor
Published: July 2016

Although considerable progress has been made in our understanding of brain function, many questions remain unanswered. The ultimate goal of studying the brain is to understand the connection between brain structure and function and behavioural outcomes. Since sex differences in brain morphology were first observed, subsequent studies suggest different functional organization of the male and female brains in humans. Sex and gender have been identified as being a significant factor in understanding human physiology, health and disease, and the biological differences between the sexes is not limited to the gonads and secondary sexual characteristics, but also affects the structure and, more crucially, the function of the brain and other organs. Significant variability in brain structures between individuals, in addition to between the sexes, is factor that complicates the study of sex differences in the brain. In this review, we explore the current understanding of sex differences in the brain, mostly focusing on preclinical animal studies.
Doppler ambiguity resolver via range blur in range–Doppler domain
Authors: Wang Zhirui , Xu Jia , Huang Zuzhen , Xia Xiang‐Gen , Zhang Xudong
Published: July 2016

A new Doppler ambiguity resolver (DAR) is proposed for ground moving targets of synthetic aperture radar. After range migration correction in range–Doppler domain based on a static target, it is found that the absolute value and the sign of Doppler ambiguity integer can be determined according to the range blur and the inclination direction of a moving target signal response, respectively. The range blur based DAR is computationally efficient and works better in many scenarios compared with the existing Radon transform based DAR in 2D time domain. Finally, some numerical experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Three‐dimensional application of improved equivalent source method for noise source identification
Authors: Li Shu , Xu Zhongming , He Yansong , Zhang Zhifei , Wang Qinghua
Published: July 2016

Near‐field acoustical holography methods have bad resolution at medium‐to‐high frequencies. This is especially a problem for three‐dimensional source identification, when the microphone array is not arranged around the source. To overcome this issue, an improved equivalent source method (IESM) with two mutually perpendicular sub‐arrays is used. Similar to the equivalent source method, the equivalent source strengths of IESM can be evaluated by the steepest descend method on both sets of microphones. Using two perpendicular planar arrays surrounding the source, the spatial resolution of IESM can be improved in both directions. By introducing the steepest descend and threshold filtering method, IESM based on two mutually perpendicular planar arrays can suppress the ghost sources associated with the real sources. Hence, it can identify the main sources much more accurately at medium‐to‐high frequencies. The proposed method also is used on both synthetic and experimental data. The results also showed that IESM give source maps that are more interpretable than conventional near‐field acoustical holography methods.
Hermite interpolation method (HiM): compact surface potential MOSFET model based on the Hermite polynomial
Authors: Colalongo L. , Richelli A. , Kovács‐Vajna Zs. M.
Published: July 2016

An extremely accurate yet simple form of the charge‐sheet model (CSM) is developed using the third‐order Hermite interpolation polynomial to model the inversion charge in the channel. This new formulation of the drain current retains the same simplicity of the most advanced surface potential compact MOSFET models based on the symmetric linearisation method (SLM). However, unlike the SLM, it is developed without requiring the crude linearisation of the inversion charge, hence the asymmetry and the non‐linearity in the channel are accurately accounted for. Nevertheless, the expression of the drain current can be worked out to be analytically equivalent to SLM. Its mathematic formulation is even easier with respect to SLM since it does not require the evaluation of the inversion charge at the surface potential midpoint, but at source and drain only, as the conventional CSM.
Structural damage estimation in mid‐rise reinforced concrete structure based on time–frequency analysis of seismic accelerograms
Authors: Vrochidou Eleni , Alvanitopoulos Petros‐Fotios , Andreadis Ioannis , Elenas Anaxagoras
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the intensity and damage potential of seismic accelerograms on structures combining a fuzzy inference system with a set of new seismic intensity parameters. The proposed seismic parameters stem from the energy content of seismic signals. More specifically, a time‐window is utilised to define the strong motion duration of seismic excitations and the ensemble empirical mode decomposition is employed for a time–frequency analysis of the selected strong motion area. The maximum inter‐storey drift ratio is selected as the seismic structural damage index. Strong interdependence between the proposed seismic intensity parameters and the selected damage index is reported. The membership functions of the fuzzy system are tuned by means of a genetic algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy model is tested on a reinforced concrete frame structure. The methodology should be repeated for every new examined structure and it can be applied to other building types with minor changes. Numerical results indicate total mean square error <0.25 for the maximum inter‐storey drift ratio estimation and 91% correct classification rate to seismic categories, revealing the effectiveness of the fuzzy model to estimate numerically the structural damage.
Resistive‐switching and current‐conduction mechanisms in F8BT polymer resistive switch
Authors: Awais Muhammad N. , Mustafa Maria , Shehzad Muhammad N. , Farooq Umer , Hamayun Mirza T. , Choi Kyung H.
Published: July 2016

Poly[(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazol‐4,8‐diyl)] (F8BT) polymer has been investigated to elucidate the resistive‐switching properties in a sandwiched structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/F8BT/aluminium (Al). An active layer of F8BT polymer was deposited on the ITO‐coated polyethylene terepthalate through spin coating. Morphologically, the layer was characterised with field emission scanning electron microscope. The fabricated sample showed resistive‐switching properties within ±5 V with an OFF/ON ratio of 10:1. The switching characteristics were attributed to the transition of trap‐limited space charge‐limited conduction (SCLC) to trap‐filled SCLC. It is shown through energy band diagram that memory effects in the fabricated sample were due to the trapping of electrons in the F8BT active layer that were injected from the top Al electrode.
Active vibration isolator based on micromachined electrostatic actuators
Authors: Li Chong , Yang Haoyue , Dean Robert N. , Flowers George T.
Published: July 2016

Parallel plate actuators (PPAs) are widely used actuators in microelectromechanical systems. A PPA can be utilised as a passive/active vibration isolator. A novel active vibration isolator with a simple structure, which requires a constant voltage source and series capacitor, is proposed. The principle of the spring softening effect is analysed, which can avoid a specific external disturbance by changing its resonant frequency. A simulation study was performed to verify the feasibility of this type of isolator.
Diastereoselective Gold(I)-Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Oxo-1,5-enynes
Authors: Calleja Pilar , Muratore Michael , Jiménez Tania , Echavarren Antonio
Published: July 2016

The intramolecular gold(I)-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of oxo-1,5-enynes bearing protected homopropargylic alcohols provides access to oxatricyclic adducts with good to excellent diastereoselectivity.
Synthesis of β-Hydroxynaphthoate Derivatives from Ketodioxinones via Benzyne Acyl-Alkylation and Aldol Condensation Cascade
Authors: Takikawa Hiroshi , Nishii Arata , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: July 2016

A variety of highly functionalized β-hydroxynaphthoate derivatives are prepared by a two-step protocol: (1) acyl-alkylation of benzynes with ketodioxinones and (2) intramolecular aldol condensation. The substitution pattern of the products is related to polycyclic natural products derived from the type-II polyketide biosynthesis.
Fabrication and control of simple low Reynolds number microswimmers
Authors: Cheang U Kei , Kim Min Jun
Published: July 2016

The development of miniaturized robotic swimmers is hindered by technical limitations in micro- and nanofabrication. To circumvent these limitations, we investigated the minimal geometrical requirements for swimming in low Reynolds number. Micro- and nanofabrication of complex shapes, such as helices, on a massive scale requires sophisticated state of the art technologies and has size limitations. In contrast, simple shaped structures, such as spherical particles, can be fabricated massively using chemical synthesis with relative ease. Here, simple microswimmers were fabricated using two microparticles with debris attached to their surface. The debris on the microswimmer's surface creates a geometry with two or more planes of symmetry, allowing the microswimmer to swim in bulk fluid at low Reynolds number. The microswimmers are magnetically actuated and controlled via a uniform rotating magnetic field generated by an approximate Helmholtz electromagnetic coil system. We characterized the microswimmer's velocity profile with respect to rotating frequency and analyzed the motion of the microswimmer using image processing. Finally, we demonstrated the controllability of the microswimmers by freely steering them in any desired directions.
Particle organization after viscous sedimentation in tilted containers
Authors: Palma Sergio , Ihle Christian F. , Tamburrino Aldo , Dalziel Stuart B.
Published: July 2016

A series of sedimentation experiments and numerical simulations have been conducted to understand the factors that control the final angle of a static sediment layer formed by quasi-monodisperse particles settling in an inclined container. The set of experiments includes several combinations of fluid viscosity, container angle, and solids concentration. A comparison between the experiments and a set of two-dimensional numerical simulations shows that the physical mechanism responsible for the energy dissipation in the system is the collision between the particles. The results provide new insights into the mechanism that sets the morphology of the sediment layer formed by the settling of quasi-monodisperse particles onto the bottom of an inclined container. Tracking the interface between the suspension solids and the clear fluid zone reveals that the final angle adopted by the sediment layer shows strong dependencies on the initial particle concentration and the container inclination, but not the fluid viscosity. It is concluded that (1) the hindrance function plays an important role on the sediment bed angle, (2) the relation between the friction effect and the slope may be explained as a quasi-linear function of the projected velocity along the container bottom, and (3) prior to the end of settling there is a significant interparticle interaction through the fluid affecting to the final bed organization. We can express the sediment bed slope as a function of two dimensionless numbers, a version of the inertial number and the particle concentration. The present experiments confirm some previous results on the role of the interstitial fluid on low Stokes number flows of particulate matter.
Metal dependent motif transition in a self-assembled monolayer of bipyridine derivatives via coordination: An STM study
Authors: Wang Yi , Yuan Qunhui , Xu Hongbo , Zhu Xuefeng , Gan Wei
Published: July 2016

Low-dimensional molecular motifs with diversity developed via the on-surface chemistry are attracting growing interest for their potential in advanced nanofabrication. In this work, scanning tunneling microscopy was employed to investigate the in situ and ex situ metal coordinations between 4,4′-ditetradecyl-2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and Zn(ii) or Cu(ii) ions at a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)/1-phenyloctane interface under ambient conditions. The results demonstrate that the bpy adopts a flat-lying orientation with its substituted alkyl chains in a tail-to-tail arrangement in a bpy monolayer. For the in situ coordination, the bpy/Zn(ii) and bpy/Cu(ii) complexes are aligned in edge-on fashions, wherein the bpy stands vertically on the HOPG surface and interdigitates at the alkyl chains. In the two-dimensional arrays of ex situ coordinated complexes, metal dependent motifs have been observed with Zn(ii) and Cu(ii), wherein the bipyridine moieties are parallel to the graphite surface. These results suggest that the desired on-surface coordination architectures may be achieved by the intentional selection of the metal centers.
Schrödinger equation for non-pure dipole potential in 2D systems
Authors: Moumni M. , Falek M.
Published: July 2016

In this work, we analytically study the Schrödinger equation for the (non-pure) dipolar ion potential V(r) = q/r + Dcosθ/r2, in the case of 2D systems (systems in two-dimensional Euclidean plane) using the separation of variables and the Mathieu equations for the angular part. We give the expressions of eigenenergies and eigenfunctions and study their dependence on the dipole moment D. Imposing the condition of reality on the energies En,m implies that the dipole moment must not exceed a maximum value, otherwise the corresponding bound state disappears. We also find that the s states (m = 0) can no longer exist in the system as soon as the dipole term is present.
Reviving oscillation with optimal spatial period of frequency distribution in coupled oscillators
Authors: Deng Tongfa , Liu Weiqing , Zhu Yun , Xiao Jinghua , Kurths Jürgen
Published: July 2016

The spatial distributions of system's frequencies have significant influences on the critical coupling strengths for amplitude death (AD) in coupled oscillators. We find that the left and right critical coupling strengths for AD have quite different relations to the increasing spatial period m of the frequency distribution in coupled oscillators. The left one has a negative linear relationship with m in log-log axis for small initial frequency mismatches while remains constant for large initial frequency mismatches. The right one is in quadratic function relation with spatial period m of the frequency distribution in log-log axis. There is an optimal spatial period m0 of frequency distribution with which the coupled system has a minimal critical strength to transit from an AD regime to reviving oscillation. Moreover, the optimal spatial period m0 of the frequency distribution is found to be related to the system size N. Numerical examples are explored to reveal the inner regimes of effects of the spatial frequency distribution on AD.
AlN-on-SOI platform-based micro-machined hydrophone
Authors: Xu Jinghui , Zhang Xiaolin , Fernando Sanchitha N. , Chai Kevin Tshunchuan , Gu Yuandong
Published: July 2016

This paper reports a piezoelectric aluminum nitride (AlN) based micro-machined infrasonic hydrophone. We have conducted a systematic design study for the hydrophone sensor to meet the stringent requirements of underwater applications. The hydrophone sensor was fabricated on a cavity silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate using an in-house CMOS-compatible AlN-on-SOI process platform. A 5 × 5 arrayed hydrophone sensor was characterized thoroughly using an industry-standard hydrophone calibration instrument. The results show that the hydrophone achieved a sound sensitivity of −182.5 dB ± 0.3 dB (ref. to 1 V rms/μPa) and an eligible acceleration sensitivity of only −196.5 dB (ref. to 1 V rms/μg), respectively, a non-linearity of 0.11%, a noise resolution of 57.5 dB referenced to 1 μPa/√Hz within an ultra-low operation bandwidth of 10 Hz∼100 Hz, the highest noise resolution of micro-machined hydrophones reported to date, and better than traditional bulky hydrophones in terms of the same application. The size of the 5 × 5 arrayed hydrophone sensor is about 2 mm × 2 mm.
Modeling of the effective permittivity of insulating presspaper
Authors: Huang Jianwen , Zhou Yuanxiang , Dong Longyu , Huang Meng , Zhou Zhongliu , Liu Rui
Published: July 2016

Effective permittivity model of insulating presspaper is built on the basis of the microstructure of the material. Due to the essentially layered structure in z-direction of presspaper, air voids inside the mixture can be treated as right prismatic inclusions. Analytical formula for the prediction of the effective permittivity of insulating presspaper is derived. Interestingly, the derived formula equals to the mixing equation applied for dielectrics in series. Numerical simulation was used to validate the analytical results by considering the air voids as cubical inclusions. Results show a good agreement between the analytically and numerically calculated effective permittivity values. Furthermore, dielectric permittivity results of commercial kraft paper and laboratory-made presspaper at 50 Hz were measured and compared with modeled data. It turns out that the deduced results give a good accuracy for the effective permittivity determination.
Targeted field testing of wildlife road-crossing structures: koalas and canopy rope-bridges
Authors: Goldingay Ross L. , Taylor Brendan D.
Published: July 2016

The suitability of structures installed to enable safe passage of wildlife across a road is most frequently determined by monitoring of structures after new roads are built. Rarely are new structures field tested before installation. We installed canopy rope-bridges in an area frequented by koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with the explicit aim of determining whether koalas might use such structures. Rope-bridges were of four different designs to maximise the likelihood that one might be used, as a precursor to further replication. Infrared cameras were installed on the rope-bridges as well as on two nearby reference trees to compare frequency of use. Over a monitoring period of 2.9 years no koalas were detected on the rope-bridges whereas koalas were recorded on the reference trees on 34 and 41 different 24-h periods. Rope-bridges may not be suited to an arboreal mammal that is inclined to travel along the ground to move between trees.
Do koalas really get the blues? Critique of ‘Aversive behaviour by koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) during the course of a music festival in northern New South Wales, Australia'
Authors: FitzGibbon Sean I. , Gillett Amber K. , Barth Ben J. , Taylor Brendan , Ellis William A.
Published: July 2016

It is imperative that the reported results of scientific studies are based on sound data analyses and unbiased interpretation, especially where they may be used to guide government policy and regulation. A recent paper by Phillips (2016) evaluated the behavioural response of radio-collared koalas to an inaugural large music festival held in 2010 in northern New South Wales. The study concluded that six of seven koalas showed an aversive response. However, we regard the paper as misleading because it contains serious errors in the examination of koala home ranges and in the subsequent assessment of ‘aversive behaviour’ during the music festival. We conclude that Phillips’ paper is based on sufficient data to state that three, not six, of the koalas he studied displayed a short-term behavioural response to the music festival. These koalas temporarily moved outside of their estimated ranges during the festival period (10–80 m). Further, Phillips fails to report crucial ecological data regarding the high level of disease and mortality he recorded, which are presented in their entirety in the author’s prior, unpublished report. For the two deaths that are reported, no mention is made that these koalas had pre-existing disease. Rather, the author raises the possibility that the mortalities may have been related to festival-induced stress. The omission of such key data is prejudicial to the interpretation of results. The reported short-term impact of the festival upon some of the study animals is indeed noteworthy; however, it is apparent that the impact has been considerably overstated due to errors of analysis and the omission of critical ecological data. Our critique highlights our concerns by drawing on the author’s unpublished report as well as our own research at the same site over the past five years. Our aim is to ensure that debate over the impact of music festivals on wildlife is based on sound data analyses and unbiased interpretation, to provide guidance to relevant regulators and land managers.
Neurodevelopmental origins of lifespan changes in brain and cognition
Authors: Walhovd Kristine B. , Krogsrud Stine K. , Amlien Inge K. , Bartsch Hauke , Bjørnerud Atle , Due-Tønnessen Paulina , Grydeland Håkon , Hagler Donald J. , Håberg Asta K. , Kremen William S. , Ferschmann Lia , Nyberg Lars , Panizzon Matthew S. , Rohani Darius A. , Skranes Jon , Storsve Andreas B. , Sølsnes Anne Elisabeth , Tamnes Christian K. , Thompson Wesley K. , Reuter Chase , Dale Anders M. , Fjell Anders M.
Published: July 2016

Significance

Brain and cognition change with age, with early gains and later declines. Attempts have been made to identify age-specific mechanisms, focusing on when and how declines begin in adults. However, even though general cognitive ability declines with age, there is a high stability in individuals’ cognitive ability relative to their same-age peers. Here we show that the relation between brain and cognition appears remarkably stable through the human lifespan. The cortical area change trajectories of higher and lower cognitive ability groups were parallel through life. Birth weight and parental education were identified as predictors, which provides novel evidence for stability in brain–cognition relationships throughout life, and indicates that early life factors impact brain and cognition for the entire life course.
Human phylogeography and diversity
Authors: Harcourt Alexander H.
Published: July 2016

Homo sapiensphylogeography begins with the species’ origin nearly 200 kya in Africa. First signs of the species outside Africa (in Arabia) are from 125 kya. Earliest dates elsewhere are now 100 kya in China, 45 kya in Australia and southern Europe (maybe even 60 kya in Australia), 32 kya in northeast Siberia, and maybe 20 kya in the Americas. Humans reached arctic regions and oceanic islands last—arctic North America about 5 kya, mid- and eastern Pacific islands about 2–1 kya, and New Zealand about 700 y ago. Initial routes along coasts seem the most likely given abundant and easily harvested shellfish there as indicated by huge ancient oyster shell middens on all continents. Nevertheless, the effect of geographic barriers—mountains and oceans—is clear. The phylogeographic pattern of diasporas from several single origins—northeast Africa to Eurasia, southeast Eurasia to Australia, and northeast Siberia to the Americas—allows the equivalent of a repeat experiment on the relation between geography and phylogenetic and cultural diversity. On all continents, cultural diversity is high in productive low latitudes, presumably because such regions can support populations of sustainable size in a small area, therefore allowing a high density of cultures. Of course, other factors operate. South America has an unusually low density of cultures in its tropical latitudes. A likely factor is the phylogeographic movement of peoples from the Old World bringing novel and hence, lethal diseases to the New World, a foretaste, perhaps, of present day global transport of tropical diseases.
Global biogeography of microbial nitrogen-cycling traits in soil
Authors: Nelson Michaeline B. , Martiny Adam C. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: July 2016

Microorganisms drive much of the Earth’s nitrogen (N) cycle, but we still lack a global overview of the abundance and composition of the microorganisms carrying out soil N processes. To address this gap, we characterized the biogeography of microbial N traits, defined as eight N-cycling pathways, using publically available soil metagenomes. The relative frequency of N pathways varied consistently across soils, such that the frequencies of the individual N pathways were positively correlated across the soil samples. Habitat type, soil carbon, and soil N largely explained the total N pathway frequency in a sample. In contrast, we could not identify major drivers of the taxonomic composition of the N functional groups. Further, the dominant genera encoding a pathway were generally similar among habitat types. The soil samples also revealed an unexpectedly high frequency of bacteria carrying the pathways required for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, a little-studied N process in soil. Finally, phylogenetic analysis showed that some microbial groups seem to be N-cycling specialists or generalists. For instance, taxa within the Deltaproteobacteria encoded all eight N pathways, whereas those within the Cyanobacteria primarily encoded three pathways. Overall, this trait-based approach provides a baseline for investigating the relationship between microbial diversity and N cycling across global soils.
Regulatory role of the respiratory supercomplex factors in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rydström Lundin Camilla , von Ballmoos Christoph , Ott Martin , Ädelroth Pia , Brzezinski Peter
Published: July 2016

Significance

The last steps of energy conversion in aerobic eukaryotes take place in cellular organelles called mitochondria. The process involves a number of protein complexes, referred to as the respiratory chain, that reside in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This chain shuttles electrons, which originate from degradation of foodstuff, to the acceptor dioxygen. The process is regulated to optimize the energy supply, depending on requirements and external factors. We found that two small proteins that have been found to associate with the respiratory–enzyme complexes regulate the electron flux at the last two components of the chain. Furthermore, we identified the regulatory mechanism at the molecular level.
Alternative splicing of interleukin-33 and type 2 inflammation in asthma
Authors: Gordon Erin D. , Simpson Laura J. , Rios Cydney L. , Ringel Lando , Lachowicz-Scroggins Marrah E. , Peters Michael C. , Wesolowska-Andersen Agata , Gonzalez Jeanmarie R. , MacLeod Hannah J. , Christian Laura S. , Yuan Shaopeng , Barry Liam , Woodruff Prescott G. , Ansel K. Mark , Nocka Karl , Seibold Max A. , Fahy John V.
Published: July 2016

Significance

Type 2 inflammation occurs in a large subgroup of asthmatics and is the target of multiple novel therapies for asthma; however, the mechanisms that drive type 2 inflammation in chronic asthma are poorly understood. In this study, we identify a previously unidentified mechanism of IL-33 activity involving alternative RNA transcript splicing and provide evidence that mast cells and basophils are major cellular targets of IL-33 activity driving type 2 cytokine production in stable asthma. These data advance our understanding of the mechanisms of type 2-high asthma and guide the selection of asthmatics likely to benefit from IL-33 inhibitor therapies.
HIF2α–arginase axis is essential for the development of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Cowburn Andrew S. , Crosby Alexi , Macias David , Branco Cristina , Colaço Renato D. D. R. , Southwood Mark , Toshner Mark , Crotty Alexander Laura E. , Morrell Nicholas W. , Chilvers Edwin R. , Johnson Randall S.
Published: July 2016

Significance

The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α in pulmonary endothelium of mice influences pulmonary vascular resistance and development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PH) via an arginase-1–dependent mechanism. The HIF-2α:arginase-1 axis influences the homeostatic regulation of nitric oxide synthesis in the lung. Impaired generation of this vasoactive agent contributes to the initial development and vascular remodeling process of PH.
Human high intelligence is involved in spectral redshift of biophotonic activities in the brain
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Wang Niting , Li Zehua , Xiao Fangyan , Dai Jiapei
Published: July 2016

Significance

It is still unclear why human beings hold higher intelligence than other animals on Earth and which brain properties might explain the differences. The recent studies have demonstrated that biophotons may play a key role in neural information processing and encoding and that biophotons may be involved in quantum brain mechanism; however, the importance of biophotons in relation to animal intelligence, including that of human beings, is not clear. Here, we have provided experimental evidence that glutamate-induced biophotonic activities and transmission in brain slices present a spectral redshift feature from animals (bullfrog, mouse, chicken, pig, and monkey) to humans, which may be a key biophysical basis for explaining why human beings hold higher intelligence than that of other animals.
Psychometric Functions of Dual-Task Paradigms for Measuring Listening Effort
Authors: Wu Yu-Hsiang , Stangl Elizabeth , Zhang Xuyang , Perkins Joanna , Eilers Emily
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

The purpose of the study was to characterize the psychometric functions that describe task performance in dual-task listening effort measures as a function of signal to noise ratio (SNR).

Design:

Younger adults with normal hearing (YNH, n = 24; experiment 1) and older adults with hearing impairment (n = 24; experiment 2) were recruited. Dual-task paradigms wherein the participants performed a primary speech recognition task simultaneously with a secondary task were conducted at a wide range of SNRs. Two different secondary tasks were used: an easy task (i.e., a simple visual reaction-time task) and a hard task (i.e., the incongruent Stroop test). The reaction time (RT) quantified the performance of the secondary task.

Results:

For both participant groups and for both easy and hard secondary tasks, the curves that described the RT as a function of SNR were peak shaped. The RT increased as SNR changed from favorable to intermediate SNRs, and then decreased as SNRs moved from intermediate to unfavorable SNRs. The RT reached its peak (longest time) at the SNRs at which the participants could understand 30 to 50% of the speech. In experiments 1 and 2, the dual-task trials that had the same SNR were conducted in one block. To determine if the peak shape of the RT curves was specific to the blocked SNR presentation order used in these experiments, YNH participants were recruited (n = 25; experiment 3) and dual-task measures, wherein the SNR was varied from trial to trial (i.e., nonblocked), were conducted. The results indicated that, similar to the first two experiments, the RT curves had a peak shape.

Conclusions:

Secondary task performance was poorer at the intermediate SNRs than at the favorable and unfavorable SNRs. This pattern was observed for both YNH and older adults with hearing impairment participants and was not affected by either task type (easy or hard secondary task) or SNR presentation order (blocked or nonblocked). The shorter RT at the unfavorable SNRs (speech intelligibility < 30%) possibly reflects that the participants experienced cognitive overload and/or disengaged themselves from the listening task. The implication of using the dual-task paradigm as a listening effort measure is discussed.
Tinnitus and Sleep Difficulties After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Pierzycki Robert H. , Edmondson-Jones Mark , Dawes Piers , Munro Kevin J. , Moore David R. , Kitterick Pádraig T.
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

To estimate and compare the prevalence of and associations between tinnitus and sleep difficulties in a sample of UK adult cochlear implant users and those identified as potential candidates for cochlear implantation.

Design:

The study was conducted using the UK Biobank resource, a population-based cohort of 40- to 69-year olds. Self-report data on hearing, tinnitus, sleep difficulties, and demographic variables were collected from cochlear implant users (n = 194) and individuals identified as potential candidates for cochlear implantation (n = 211). These “candidates” were selected based on (i) impaired hearing sensitivity, inferred from self-reported hearing aid use and (ii) impaired hearing function, inferred from an inability to report words accurately at negative signal to noise ratios on an unaided closed-set test of speech perception. Data on tinnitus (presence, persistence, and related distress) and on sleep difficulties were analyzed using logistic regression models controlling for gender, age, deprivation, and neuroticism.

Results:

The prevalence of tinnitus was similar among implant users (50%) and candidates (52%; p = 0.39). However, implant users were less likely to report that their tinnitus was distressing at its worst (41%) compared with candidates (63%; p = 0.02). The logistic regression model suggested that this difference between the two groups could be explained by the fact that tinnitus was less persistent in implant users (46%) compared with candidates (72%; p < 0.001). Self-reported difficulties with sleep were similar among implant users (75%) and candidates (82%; p = 0.28), but participants with tinnitus were more likely to report sleep difficulties than those without (p < 0.001). The prevalence of sleep difficulties was not related to tinnitus persistence (p = 0.28) or the extent to which tinnitus was distressing (p = 0.55).

Conclusions:

The lack of association between tinnitus persistence and sleep difficulties is compatible with the notion that tinnitus is suppressed in implant users primarily during active electrical stimulation and may return when the implant is switched off at night time. This explanation is supported by the similar prevalence of sleep problems among implant users and potential candidates for cochlear implantation, despite differences between the groups in tinnitus persistence and related emotional distress. Cochlear implantation may therefore not be an appropriate intervention where the primary aim is to alleviate sleep difficulties.
Evidence for the use of robotically assisted surgery in gynecologic cancers
Authors: Ngô Charlotte , Cornou Caroline , Rossi Léa , Bats Anne-Sophie , Bensaid Chérazade , Frati Albane , Nos Claude , Lécuru Fabrice
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

Robotically assisted laparoscopy has been introduced in the armamentarium of gynaecologic oncology surgeons. A lot of studies compared robotic surgery and laparotomy when the real issue is to demonstrate the interest and added value of robotically assisted laparoscopy versus standard laparoscopy. In this review, we will describe the most meaningful indications and advantages of robotically assisted laparoscopy in gynaecologic oncology.

Recent findings

The learning curve for advanced procedures in robot-assisted laparoscopy is shorter and easier than with the standard laparoscopy, especially for beginners. In most of the series, operating time is longer with robot, but complication rates are often decreased, especially in obese patients with a conversion rate to laparotomy that is decreased compared with standard laparoscopy. Robot-assisted laparoscopy can be used for surgery of high-risk endometrial cancer, staging of early-ovarian cancer, and pelvic exenteration in case of recurrent malignancies. Furthermore, more recent robots allow performing sentinel node biopsy in endometrial or cervical cancer using fluorescence detection with indocyanine green.

The spreading of robotic surgery led to an enhancement of minimal invasive surgical approach in general, and to the development of new indications in gynaecologic oncology. The superiority of robot-assisted laparoscopy still has to be demonstrated with properly designed trials.
Vulvar Recurrences After Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus
Authors: Bagshaw Hilary P. , Sause William T. , Gawlick Ute , Kim H. Tae , Whisenant Jonathan , Cannon George M.
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

The objective is to determine localregional control (LRC), distant metastasis free survival, disease-free survival, overall survival (OS), and toxicity for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus treated with definitive chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated using IMRT for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus at our institution since 2005. Patients with local recurrences were identified and reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier curves were used for LRC and OS.

Results:

From 2005 to 2014, 52 patients were treated with IMRT-based chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. Median dose to the primary tumor was 54 Gy. LRC, distant metastasis free survival, OS, and disease-free survival were 92.3%, 88.5%, 86.5%, and 84.6%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 20 months. Two local failures occurred at the anal primary site and 2 in the vulva. Despite subsequent palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, neither patient with a vulvar recurrence achieved disease control.

Conclusions:

In a cohort of patients treated with IMRT-based chemoradiation, 2 vulvar recurrences were identified within the avoided external genitalia despite limited recurrence rates within the cohort overall. This experience suggests that for patients with a locally advanced primary tumor and bulky bilateral inguinal or pelvic disease, the in-transit vulvar dermal lymphatics may be at risk for subclinical involvement and subsequent recurrence. If substantiated by a similar pattern of recurrence at other institutions, the external genitalia may need to be reclassified from an avoidance structure to a clinical treatment volume in patients with locally advanced anal cancer.