bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-dependent Changes in the Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone of C57BL/6 Mice after Surgical Destabilization of Medial Meniscus
Authors: Huang Henry , Skelly Jordan D. , Ayers David C. , Song Jie
Published: February 2017

Age is the primary risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), yet surgical OA mouse models such as destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) used for evaluating disease-modifying OA targets are frequently performed on young adult mice only. This study investigates how age affects cartilage and subchondral bone changes in mouse joints following DMM. DMM was performed on male C57BL/6 mice at 4 months (4 M), 12 months (12 M) and 19+ months (19 M+) and on females at 12 M and 18 M+. Two months after surgery, operated and unoperated contralateral knees were harvested and evaluated using cartilage histology scores and μCT quantification of subchondral bone plate thickness and osteophyte formation. The 12 M and 19 M+ male mice developed more cartilage erosions and thicker subchondral bone plates after DMM than 4 M males. The size of osteophytes trended up with age, while the bone volume fraction was significantly higher in the 19 M+ group. Furthermore, 12 M females developed milder OA than males as indicated by less cartilage degradation, less subchondral bone plate sclerosis and smaller osteophytes. Our results reveal distinct age/gender-dependent structural changes in joint cartilage and subchondral bone post-DMM, facilitating more thoughtful selection of murine age/gender when using this surgical technique for translational OA research.
Plasmonically enhanced metal–insulator multistacked photodetectors with separate absorption and collection junctions for near-infrared applications
Authors: Abedini Dereshgi Sina , Sisman Zulkarneyn , Topalli Kagan , Okyay Ali Kemal
Published: February 2017

Plasmonically enhanced metal-insulator-metal (MIM) type structures are popular among perfect absorbers and photodetectors in which the field enhancement (for increased absorption) mechanism is directly coupled with collection (photocurrent) processes. In this work we propose a device structure that decouples absorption and collection parts for independent optimization. Double-stacked MIM (i.e. MIMIM) photodetectors operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum up to 1200 nm wavelength are demonstrated. In the absorbing MIM (at the top side), we have used Silver nanoparticles resulting from dewetting, yielding a very low reflection of 10% for the most part of the 400 to 1000 nm wavelength range. An unconventional plasmonic material, Chromium, exhibits an absorption peak of over 80% at 1000 nm. The complete device has been fabricated and the photo-collection tunneling MIM (at the bottom) suppresses the leakage current by metal workfunction difference. An optimized stack consisting of Silver – Hafnium Oxide – Chromium – Aluminum Oxide – Silver nanoparticles (from bottom to top) yields a dark current of 7 nA and a photoresponsivity peak of 0.962 mA/W at 1000 nm and a full width at half maximum of 300 nm, while applied bias is 50 mV and device areas are 300 μm × 600 μm.
Mycorrhizas alter sucrose and proline metabolism in trifoliate orange exposed to drought stress
Authors: Wu Hui-Hui , Zou Ying-Ning , Rahman Mohammed Mahabubur , Ni Qiu-Dan , Wu Qiang-Sheng
Published: February 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance drought tolerance in plants, whereas little is known regarding AMF contribution to sucrose and proline metabolisms under drought stress (DS). In this study, Funneliformis mosseae and Paraglomus occultum were inoculated into trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) under well watered and DS. Although the 71-days DS notably (P < 0.05) inhibited mycorrhizal colonization, AMF seedlings showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher plant growth performance and leaf relative water content, regardless of soil water status. AMF inoculation significantly (P < 0.05) increased leaf sucrose, glucose and fructose concentration under DS, accompanied with a significant increase of leaf sucrose phosphate synthase, neutral invertase, and net activity of sucrose-metabolized enzymes and a decrease in leaf acid invertase and sucrose synthase activity. AMF inoculation produced no change in leaf ornithine-δ-aminotransferase activity, but significantly (P < 0.05) increased leaf proline dehydrogenase activity and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased leaf both Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase activity, resulting in lower proline accumulation in AMF plants under DS. Our results therefore suggest that AMF strongly altered leaf sucrose and proline metabolism through regulating sucrose- and proline-metabolized enzyme activities, which is important for osmotic adjustment of the host plant.
Penetration-enhancement underlies synergy of plant essential oil terpenoids as insecticides in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni
Authors: Tak Jun-Hyung , Isman Murray B.
Published: February 2017

Many plant essential oils and their terpenoid constituents possess bioactivities including insecticidal activity, and they sometimes act synergistically when mixed. Although several hypotheses for this have been proposed, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated thus far. In the present study, we report that in larvae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, most synergistic or antagonistic insecticidal activities among mixtures of plant essential oil constituents are pharmacokinetic effects, owing to changes in solubility as well as spreadability on a wax layer. Among the major constituents of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, in vitro analysis revealed up to a 19-fold increase in penetration of camphor in a binary mixture with 1,8-cineole through the larval integument, suggesting increased penetration as the major mechanism for synergy. A total of 138 synergistic or antagonistic interactions among 39 compounds were identified in binary mixtures via topical application, and these were highly correlated to changes in surface tension as measured by contact angle of the mixtures on a beeswax layer. Among compounds tested, trans-anethole alone showed evidence of internal synergy, whereas most of remaining synergistic or antagonistic combinations among the three most active compounds were identified as penetration-related interactions, confirmed via a divided-application bioassay.
Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Imaging of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Living Subjects Using a Probe Targeting Integrin αvβ6
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Yong , Hong Kai , Zhu Shu , Wan Jie
Published: February 2017

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide. Today, cSCC is diagnosed by visual inspection followed by invasive skin biopsy. There is a need to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools to achieve early and accurate detection. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) possesses high ultrasonic resolution and strong optical contrast at new depths (<1–5 cm). Together with exogenous contrast agents, PAI has found promising use in various tumors in living subjects. The expression of integrin αvβ6is significantly up-regulated in cSCC. We fabricated an anti-integrin αvβ6antibody and labeled it with indocyanine green (ICG) to form an ICG-αvβ6antibody. The results showed that the ICG-αvβ6antibody probe could be used to detect cSCC with high specificity (3-fold over the control by PAI) and deep penetration (approximately 1 cm) by PAI. This suggests that the ICG-αvβ6antibody is a promising probe targeting the integrin αvβ6for detection of cSCC tumors by PAI and fluorescence imaging. It may find clinical application in the early diagnosis of cSCC as well as in intraoperative navigation.
High-index {hk0} faceted platinum concave nanocubes with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for an ultrasensitive colorimetric immunoassay of the human prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Gao Zhuangqiang , Lv Shuzhen , Xu Mingdi , Tang Dianping
Published: February 2017

A novel colorimetric immunoassay is designed for the ultrasensitive detection of the human prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by using a unique type of nanolabel – high-index {hk0} faceted platinum concave nanocubes.
Vibrational intensities in the mobile block Hessian approximation
Authors: Terrett Richard , Stranger Rob , Frankcombe Terry , Pace Ronald J.
Published: February 2017

The mobile block Hessian approximation is used to obtain vibrational intensities for selected regions within a molecule while dramatically reducing computational expense.
Time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy reveals the influence of charged sensitizing quantum dots on the electron dynamics in ZnO
Authors: N. Sesha Bamini , Němec Hynek , Žídek Karel , Abdellah Mohamed , Al-Marri Mohammed J. , Chábera Pavel , Ponseca Carlito , Zheng Kaibo , Pullerits Tönu
Published: February 2017

Photoinitiated charge carrier dynamics in ZnO nanoparticles sensitized by CdSe quantum dots is studied using transient absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy.
Chemical control of dissolution-driven convection in partially miscible systems: nonlinear simulations and experiments
Authors: Budroni M. A. , Thomas C. , De Wit A.
Published: February 2017

Numerical simulations combined with experimental results from two laboratory-scale model systems show how to control convective dissolution by chemical reactions.
Enhanced activity and stability of Co3O4-decorated nitrogen-doped carbon hollow sphere catalysts for microbial fuel cells
Authors: Tan Liang , Yang Yi-Dong , Li Nan , Chen Shuang , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: February 2017

The unique hollow sphere structure, co-synergistic effect as well as ample macro/mesoporous lead to the superior ORR catalysis performance and outstanding MFCs practicability ability of HCN-Co3O4, even comparable to that of commercial Pt/C in the MFCs.
PtI2(DACH), the iodido analogue of oxaliplatin as a candidate for colorectal cancer treatment: chemical and biological features
Authors: Cirri D. , Pillozzi S. , Gabbiani C. , Tricomi J. , Bartoli G. , Stefanini M. , Michelucci E. , Arcangeli A. , Messori L. , Marzo T.
Published: February 2017

PtI2(DACH) has been prepared and tested. PtI2(DACH) shows different chemical and biological features than oxaliplatin, manifesting cellular effects nearly comparable to those of parent drug in three cellular lines of CRC.
Eight-membered-ring diaminocarbenes bearing naphthalene moiety in the backbone: DFT studies, synthesis of amidinium salts, generation of free carbene, metal complexes, and solvent-free copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction
Authors: Chesnokov Gleb A. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Dzhevakov Pavel B. , Gribanov Pavel S. , Tukov Aleksandr A. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Nechaev Mikhail S.
Published: February 2017

A new type of eight-membered NHC.
Pseudocapacitive performance of a solution-processed β-Co(OH)2 electrode monitored through its surface morphology and area
Authors: Gaikar P. S. , Navale S. T. , Gaikwad S. L. , Al-Osta Ahmed , Jadhav V. V. , Arjunwadkar P. R. , Naushad Mu. , Mane Rajaram S.
Published: February 2017

β-Co(OH)2 electrodes of various nanostructures and surface areas were synthesized using a wet chemical method and further envisaged in electrochemical supercapacitor application.
Facile synthesis of core–shell nanostructured hollow carbon nanospheres@nickel cobalt double hydroxides as high-performance electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Juan , Ma Chaojie , Cao Jianyu , Chen Zhidong
Published: February 2017

Novel core–shell nanostructured hollow carbon nanospheres@nickel cobalt double hydroxides (HCNs@NiCo-LDH) were fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method, exhibiting a high specific capacitance (2558 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and outstanding rate capability.
The rapid evolution of highly efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo , Abate Antonio , Saliba Michael , Tress Wolfgang , Jesper Jacobsson T. , Grätzel Michael , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: February 2017

The latest developments in the efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells are summarized.
The colonic metabolites dihydrocaffeic acid and dihydroferulic acid are more effective inhibitors of in vitro platelet activation than their phenolic precursors
Authors: Baeza Gema , Bachmair Eva-Maria , Wood Sharon , Mateos Raquel , Bravo Laura , de Roos Baukje
Published: February 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Improved in situ Li isotopic ratio analysis of silicates by optimizing signal intensity, isotopic ratio stability and intensity matching using ns-LA-MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Lin Jie , Liu Yongsheng , Tong Xirun , Zhu Lvyun , Zhang Wen , Hu Zhaochu
Published: February 2017

How to get accurate and precise in situ Li isotopic ratios of silicate glasses on a ns-LA-MC-ICP-MS (Neptune Plus).
Photobleaching kinetics-based bead encoding for multiplexed bioassays
Authors: Linz Thomas H. , Hampton Henley W. , Michael Ramsey J.
Published: February 2017

Encoding beads with dyes of differing photobleaching properties adds a novel dimension to bead encoding schemes.
Ethylene polymerization with a nickel diimine catalyst covalently anchored on spherical ZSM-5
Authors: Favero C. , Lima D. W. , de Souza R. F. , Bernardo-Gusmão K.
Published: February 2017

Late transition catalysts play an important role in the catalytic conversion of olefins into polymers with different microstructures.
Mechanistic studies for dirhodium-catalyzed ring expansion reactions
Authors: Wei Yin , Hu Xu-Bo , Chen Kai , Shi Min
Published: February 2017

Theoretical studies reveal the role of a dirhodium catalyst in the expansion reactions of azide tethered methylenecyclopropanes and account for the origin of product selectivity.
Synthesis of fully-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles via copper(i)-catalyzed three-component coupling of sulfoximines, alkynes and azides
Authors: Xu Jian , Song Qiuling
Published: February 2017

A copper(i)-catalyzed three-component reaction of sulfoximines, alkynes and azides is described, affording a variety of 1,2,3-triazolyl-5-sulfoximines in moderate to good yields.
Transparent conducting oxide thin films of Si-doped ZnO prepared by aerosol assisted CVD
Authors: Potter Dominic B. , Powell Michael J. , Darr Jawwad A. , Parkin Ivan P. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: February 2017

For the first time, aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) was used to deposit Si-doped ZnO thin films on glass.
Amidoximated poly(vinyl imidazole)-functionalized molybdenum disulfide sheets for efficient sorption of a uranyl tricarbonate complex from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shen Liang , Han Xiaoli , Qian Jun , Hua Daoben
Published: February 2017

A new method is developed for effective uranium(vi) sorption from aqueous solution through amidoximated poly(vinyl imidazole)-functionalized MoS2 sheets.
Self-assembled PEG–poly(l-valine) hydrogels as promising 3D cell culture scaffolds
Authors: Song Huijuan , Yang Guang , Huang Pingsheng , Kong Deling , Wang Weiwei
Published: February 2017

Self-assembled PEGylated poly(l-valine) hydrogels with combinational α-helix and β-sheet secondary structures represented new biomaterial scaffolds in biomedical fields including but not limited to 3D cell culture.
A NIR fluorescent probe for the detection of fluoride ions and its application in in vivo bioimaging
Authors: Yang Qiuyun , Jia Chunman , Chen Qing , Du Wei , Wang Yile , Zhang Qi
Published: February 2017

A near-infrared fluorescent probe has been developed, which is available for visualizing exogenous fluoride ions in vitro and in vivo.
Bisulfite-free approaches for DNA methylation profiling
Authors: Kurinomaru Takaaki , Kurita Ryoji
Published: February 2017

The determination of epigenetic modification, especially that of 5-methylcytosine in the CpG sequence in mammals, has attracted attention because it should prove valuable in a wide range of research fields including diagnosis, drug discovery and therapy. In this review, we introduce the recent development of bisulfite-free DNA methylation analysis, which we classify into two categories, namely labelling-based and labelling-free assays.
Highly efficient cold-white light emission in a [Au2CuCl2(P∩N)2]PF6type salt
Authors: Hobbollahi Elnaz , List Manuela , Hupp Benjamin , Mohr Fabian , Berger Raphael J. F. , Steffen Andreas , Monkowius Uwe
Published: February 2017

The metallophilic interactions in the cluster [Au2CuCl2(P∩N)2]PF6give rise to very efficient cold-white light emission.
Feedstock selection for polymer and chemical production: feedstock-specific recalcitrance
Authors: Wood Ian P. , Garcia-Gutierrez Enriqueta , Wellner Nikolaus , Waldron Keith W.
Published: February 2017

Plant cell wall materials derived from a range of waste biomass sources have great potential as a source of sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals. Perhaps the most straightforward way of realising this potential would be to hydrolyse the most efficiently fermentable polymers into their constituent sugars and use yeast to ferment these into useful chemicals. However, it also makes sense to pre-extract components which have a greater value in polymeric form. This is particularly true for non-cellulosic polymers, which are rich in poorly-fermentable pentose sugars. Liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment can be used to extract non-cellulosic carbohydrates in a cost-effective manner, leaving a cellulose-rich substrate which is easier to hydrolyse using commercial cellulases. However, inherent differences in the plant cell wall structure and composition mean that some biomass sources may be more suitable for exploitation than others. Here, we examine eight different feedstocks (two each from hardwood, softwood, cereal straws and dicotyledonous crops), expose them to 26 different LHW pretreatment conditions and hydrolyse the entire pretreated slurry with a commercial cellulase. This enables side-by-side comparisons, in terms of saccharification yield, of the feedstocks. The results clearly demonstrate considerable differences in suitability between the feedstocks, in relation to the quantity of products released and the processes needed to obtain them.
Tuning the work functions of graphene quantum dot-modified electrodes for polymer solar cell applications
Authors: Zhang L. , Ding Z. C. , Tong T. , Liu J.
Published: February 2017

The work functions of graphene quantum dot (GQD) modified electrodes can be finely tuned within the range of 4.0–4.5 eV using alkali metal cations. Owing to their low work function, GQD derivatives can be used as cathode interlayers for polymer solar cells with good device performance.
One-pot synthesis of α,β-epoxy ketones through domino reaction between alkenes and aldehydes catalyzed by proline based chiral organocatalysts
Authors: Ashokkumar Veeramanoharan , Siva Ayyanar
Published: February 2017

A proline based metal free organocatalysts developed by new approach for the synthesis of epoxide derivatives through domino reaction. This domino reaction allows the direct access to epoxide from various alkene and aldehyde through C–H functionalization and C–C/C–O bond formation. The catalytic efficiencies of organocatalysts were also determined by domino reaction with very good yield (up to 95 %) and ee's (up to 99 %).
Computational studies on the cyclization of squalene to the steroids and hopenes
Authors: Hess B. Andes
Published: February 2017

A review of computational studies of the related biosyntheses of steroids and hopenes reported during the last two decades is presented.
Synthesis of fluorinated gradient copolymers via in situ transesterification with fluoroalcohols in tandem living radical polymerization
Authors: Ogura Yusuke , Terashima Takaya , Sawamoto Mitsuo
Published: February 2017

Fluorinated gradient copolymers were synthesized by the tandem catalysis of ruthenium-catalyzed living radical polymerization and titanium alkoxide-mediated transesterification of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with fluoroalcohols.
Switchable catalytic processes involving the copolymerization of epoxides and carbon dioxide for the preparation of block polymers
Authors: Darensbourg Donald J.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis of block polymersviaa one-pot process with segments prepared by different or the same mechanistic pathways.
Solvent-free ruthenium trichloride-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes and cyanamides: a convenient access to 2-aminopyridines
Authors: Ye Fei , Haddad Mansour , Michelet Véronique , Ratovelomanana-Vidal Virginie
Published: February 2017

A convenient access to functionalized 2-aminopyridinesviaa solventless Ru-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of α,ω-diynes and cyanamides is described.
Applying direct heteroarylation synthesis to evaluate organic dyes as the core component in PDI-based molecular materials for fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: McAfee Seth M. , Dayneko Sergey V. , Hendsbee Arthur D. , Josse Pierre , Blanchard Philippe , Cabanetos Clément , Welch Gregory C.
Published: February 2017

A streamlined synthetic approach to easily access complex pi-conjugated molecular materials.
A furazan-fused pyrazole N-oxide via unusual cyclization
Authors: Tang Yongxing , He Chunlin , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: February 2017

A highly energetic fused nitrogen-rich anion, 6-nitro-pyrazolo-[3,4-c]furazanate 5-oxide, was synthesized by an unusual cyclization reaction.
A capillary force-induced Au nanoparticle–Ag nanowire single hot spot platform for SERS analysis
Authors: Li Pan , Yan Xiunan , Zhou Fei , Tang Xianghu , Yang Liangbao , Liu Jinhuai
Published: February 2017

A capillary force-induced single hot spot platform with simple fabrication and maximum uniformity demonstrated high quality SERS spectra from various molecules.
PDF‐based tuning of stochastic optimal controller design for cyber‐physical systems with uncertain delay dynamics
Authors: Bi Shanshan , Zawodniok Maciej
Published: February 2017

Uncertain dynamics in communication network, including random delays and packet losses make it difficult to guarantee stability of cyber‐physical systems (CPSs). Many existing works consider the uncertainties of network channel with strong assumptions that network delay bounds and its distribution are known a priori and time‐invariant. However, these assumptions could be invalidated in realistic CPSs by malicious attacks, system hardware faults, topology changes etc. A probability density function (PDF)‐based tuning of stochastic optimal control (PTSOC) is proposed to manage the unknown dynamics in the embedded network. The update law of the proposed controller is derived and updated based on the PDF estimation of network delays that explicitly consider delays and its time‐varying distribution. The results illustrate that the proposed PTSOC has a better performance in terms of the overshoot, convergence time, and cost when compared with the conventional stochastic optimal control.
Assessment of inflow and outflow stenoses using big spectral data and radial‐based colour relation analysis on in vitro arteriovenous graft biophysical experimental model
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ling , Kan Chung‐Dann , Lin Chia‐Hung
Published: February 2017

Dialysis vascular accesses are critical for dialysis therapy, but they frequently suffer from stenotic complications. Higher patency rates and thrombosis rates are a concern to nephrology nurses and patients. These complications are complex events, including inflow stenosis, outflow stenosis, and coexistence of both. Therefore, a biophysical experimental model is employed to mimic the various combinations of stenoses and dialysis circulation circuits on a virtual adult hand. Considering the suggested signal preprocessing specifications, auscultation method and frequency analysis technique are used to extract the key frequency components from sufficient big spectral data. Key frequency components, depending on the degree of stenosis (DOS) (positive correlation), are validated using multiple regression models with multiple explanatory variables and response variables. A new machine learning method, radial‐based colour relation analysis, is employed to identify the level of DOS at the inflow and outflow sites. In contrast to the multiple linear regression and traditional machine learning method, the experimental results indicated that the proposed screening model had higher accuracy (hit rate), true‐positive rate, and true‐negative rate in clinical indication.
Chaos‐based fast colour image encryption scheme with true random number keys from environmental noise
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Kadir Abdurahman , Sun Xiaobo
Published: February 2017

The paper proposes a chaos‐based colour image encryption scheme, the highlight is that the randomly sampled noise signal is applied to serve as the initial values of a chaotic system. The 256‐bit hash value of noise is transformed into the one‐time initial values of the Liu system. The sequences generated by Liu system are subjected to three batteries of TestU01. Exclusive OR, the only operation, is applied to diffuse the pixels, and some measures are taken to speed up the encryption process. Finally, some statistical tests are performed to assess reliability and efficiency of the proposed cryptosystem in terms of time complexity and security.
Total least‐square‐based receiver for asymmetrically clipped optical‐orthogonal frequency divisional multiplexing visible light communication system
Authors: Niaz Muhammad Tabish , Imdad Fatima , Kim Soomi , Kim Hyung Seok
Published: February 2017

This study proposes a receiver for an asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing system that utilises the total least‐squares (TLS) technique. Commonly used estimation techniques such as least squares, diversity combining, minimum‐mean‐square‐error, and pairwise maximum likelihood ignore the perturbation present while estimating the received signal, which causes the estimated signal to be inaccurate. In this study, a TLS‐based receiver is proposed, which takes into consideration the errors present in both the data matrix (channel) and the observation matrix (received signal). While this technique is suboptimal, it is shown that with reasonable computational complexity it has an acceptable performance in a scenario with low processing capability and low battery power. Simulations are carried out for both line‐of‐sight and non‐line‐of‐sight optical channels and the performance is analysed on the basis of bit error rate versus Eb /N0 where Eb is the energy received per information bit and N0 is the noise power spectral density.
Prenatal and Postnatal Management of Gastroschisis in German-Speaking Countries: Is There a Standardized Management?
Authors: Schib Katharina , Schumacher Marc , Meuli Martin , Tharakan Sasha , Subotic Ulrike
Published: February 2017

Introduction Evidence-based guidelines or protocols regarding the perinatal management of babies born with gastroschisis are lacking. The aim of this work is to evaluate the different current treatment modalities for newborns with gastroschisis during the perinatal period in the German-speaking countries Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These data could serve as a starting point for the development of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Materials and Methods A questionnaire was developed with 30 questions divided into five sections: (1) prenatal diagnosis, (2) fetal therapy, (3) mode and timing of delivery, (4) operative management, and (5) postoperative management. All pediatric surgery institutions that treat newborns with gastroschisis were identified and asked to participate. Data were categorized by country and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage).

Results The return rate of the questionnaire was 95% (89 hospitals). A standard procedure was identified regarding prenatal ultrasound monitoring, interdisciplinary team approach, planned delivery through cesarean section, postnatal coverage of the intestine with a silastic bag, first intervention within the first 6 hours after birth, attempt of primary abdominal wall closure, and perioperative antibiotic treatment. For many crucial parameters, management was not standardized.

Conclusions There is no gold standard in German-speaking countries on how to manage fetuses and babies with gastroschisis. Moreover, this report unveils some questionable elements of daily practice for which there is no evidence at all and which can jeopardize outcome and even prove fatal (fetal therapy, preterm delivery, lack of abdominal pressure monitoring). Prospective randomized-controlled multicenter studies are needed to set a standard.
Role of geometry on the frequency spectra of U-shaped atomic force microscope probes
Authors: Rezaei E. , Turner J. A.
Published: February 2017

Contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) is a specific technique that is used to determine elastic or viscoelastic properties of materials. The success of this technique is highly dependent on the accuracy of frequency spectra that must be measured for both noncontact and the case in which the tip is in contact with the sample of interest. Thus, choosing the right probe is crucial for accurate experiments. U-shaped probes also offer new opportunities for CR-AFM measurements because of certain specific modes that have tip motion parallel to the sample surface such that these resonances can access in-plane sample properties. However, analysis of the spectra from U-shaped probes is much more challenging due to these modes. The geometry of these probes is the main driver for the spectral response. Here, this influence on the resonance frequencies of the commercially fabricated U-shaped probe AN2-300 is evaluated with respect to geometry in terms of leg width, crossbeam width, and crossbeam length. Both noncontact and contact cases are examined with respect to variations of the nominal geometry. An energy distribution approach is also presented to assist with the identification of modes that have close resonances. Finally, this analysis allows recommendations to be made in order to minimize the convergence of multiple resonances for a specific range of measurement parameters.
Resonant absorption induced fast melting studied with mid-IR QCLs
Authors: Lu Jie , Lv Yankun , Ji Youxin , Tang Xiaoliang , Qi Zeming , Li Liangbin
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate the use of a pump-probe setup based on two mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) to investigate the melting and crystallization of materials through resonant absorption. A combination of pump and probe beams fulfills the two-color synchronous detection. Furthermore, narrow linewidth advances the accuracy of measurements and the character of broad tuning range of QCLs enables wide applications in various sample and multiple structures. 1-Eicosene was selected as a simple model system to verify the feasibility of this method. A pulsed QCL was tuned to the absorption peak of CH2 bending vibration at 1467 cm−1 to resonantly heat the sample. The other QCL in continuous mode was tuned to 1643 cm−1 corresponding the C=C stretching vibration to follow the fast melting dynamics. By monitoring the transmission intensity variation of pump and probe beams during pump-probe experiments, the resonant absorption induced fast melting and re-crystallization of 1-Eicosene can be studied. Results show that the thermal effect and melting behaviors strongly depend on the pump wavelength (resonant or non-resonant) and energy, as well as the pump time. The realization and detection of melting and recrystallization can be performed in tens of milliseconds, which improves the time resolution of melting process study based on general mid-infrared spectrum by orders of magnitude. The availability of resonant heating and detections based on mid-infrared QCLs is expected to enable new applications in melting study.
Effects of photon reabsorption phenomena in confocal micro-photoluminescence measurements in crystalline silicon
Authors: Roigé A. , Alvarez J. , Jaffré A. , Desrues T. , Muñoz D. , Martín I. , Alcubilla R. , Kleider J.-P.
Published: February 2017

Confocal micro-photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy has become a powerful characterization technique for studying novel photovoltaic (PV) materials and structures at the micrometer level. In this work, we present a comprehensive study about the effects and implications of photon reabsorption phenomena on confocal micro-PL measurements in crystalline silicon (c-Si), the workhorse material of the PV industry. First, supported by theoretical calculations, we show that the level of reabsorption is intrinsically linked to the selected experimental parameters, i.e., focusing lens, pinhole aperture, and excitation wavelength, as they define the spatial extension of the confocal detection volume, and therefore, the effective photon traveling distance before collection. Second, we also show that certain sample properties such as the reflectance and/or the surface recombination velocity can also have a relevant impact on reabsorption. Due to the direct relationship between the reabsorption level and the spectral line shape of the resulting PL emission signal, reabsorption phenomena play a paramount role in certain types of micro-PL measurements. This is demonstrated by means of two practical and current examples studied using confocal PL, namely, the estimation of doping densities in c-Si and the study of back-surface and/or back-contacted Si devices such as interdigitated back contact solar cells, where reabsorption processes should be taken into account for the proper interpretation and quantification of the obtained PL data.
Compressibility and heat capacity of rotating plasma
Authors: Geyko V. I. , Fisch N. J.
Published: February 2017

A rotating plasma column is shown to exhibit unusual heat capacity effects under compression. For near equilibrium thermodynamics and smooth wall conditions, the heat capacity depends on the plasma density, on the speed of the rotation, and on the mass ratio. For a certain range of parameters, the storage of energy in the electric field produces a significant increase in the heat capacity.
Modeling complexity in engineered infrastructure system: Water distribution network as an example
Authors: Zeng Fang , Li Xiang , Li Ke
Published: February 2017

The complex topology and adaptive behavior of infrastructure systems are driven by both self-organization of the demand and rigid engineering solutions. Therefore, engineering complex systems requires a method balancing holism and reductionism. To model the growth of water distribution networks, a complex network model was developed following the combination of local optimization rules and engineering considerations. The demand node generation is dynamic and follows the scaling law of urban growth. The proposed model can generate a water distribution network (WDN) similar to reported real-world WDNs on some structural properties. Comparison with different modeling approaches indicates that a realistic demand node distribution and co-evolvement of demand node and network are important for the simulation of real complex networks. The simulation results indicate that the efficiency of water distribution networks is exponentially affected by the urban growth pattern. On the contrary, the improvement of efficiency by engineering optimization is limited and relatively insignificant. The redundancy and robustness, on another aspect, can be significantly improved through engineering methods.
Material screening metrics and optimal performance of an active magnetic regenerator
Authors: Niknia I. , Trevizoli P. V. , Christiaanse T. V. , Govindappa P. , Teyber R. , Rowe A.
Published: February 2017

A variety of metrics to rank the magnetocaloric materials can be found in the literature, but a quantitative assessment showing their efficacy has not been reported. A numerical model of an active magnetic regenerator cycle is used to assess the predictive ability of a set of material metrics. The performance of eight cases of known magnetocaloric material (including first order MnFeP1-xAsx and second order materials Gd, GdDy, Tb), and 15 cases of hypothetical materials are considered. Using a fixed regenerator matrix geometry, magnetic field, and flow waveforms, the maximum exergetic cooling power of each material is identified. Several material screening metrics such as relative cooling power (RCP) are tested and a linear correlation is found between maximum RCP and the maximum exergetic cooling power. The sensitivity of performance to variations in the hot side and cold side temperatures from the conditions giving maximum exergetic power are determined.
Platinum(IV) Chloride Complex Ions Adsorption on Activated Carbon Organosorb 10CO
Authors: Wojnicki Marek , Rudnik Ewa , Socha Robert P. , Fitzner Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

Kinetic studies on the recovery of platinum(iv) chloride complex ions from acidic solutions using commercially available activated carbon (AC) were carried out using spectrophotometric methods. The overall process obeyed first-order reaction model. The overall process is complex and consists of two steps: the first one is related to the reversible adsorption–desorption of PtIV complex and the second one is related to the reduction of PtIV complex on the AC surface. The first step of the overall process was limited by diffusion, whereas the second step ran under kinetic control. The activation energies of the individual reactions in both steps were determined and corresponded to 18.27, 7.85, and 31.2 kJ mol–1 for the adsorption, desorption, and reduction reactions, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed that the chemical reaction was related to the reduction of PtIV to PtII on the AC surface. The results show that the investigated AC can be applied for platinum recovery from highly diluted aqueous systems.
Oxidation of Cobalt(II) Bispidine Complexes with Dioxygen
Authors: Comba Peter , Pokrandt Bianca , Wadepohl Hubert
Published: February 2017

Bispidine (3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) ligands, derivatives of diazaadamantane, possess a very rigid backbone and have a high degree of pre-organization for cis-octahedral coordination geometries. Despite their rigidity, they exert a flexible coordination sphere, resulting in stable complexes with a variety of metal ions in various oxidation states. Due to the known high III/II redox potentials of their cobalt complexes, the CoII bispidine complexes are generally resistant to oxidation by dioxygen. Discussed in the present study are various CoII bispidine complexes with tetra- and pentadentate bispidines, with one of these complexes shown to be unstable under aerobic conditions. The decay process has been identified as an oxidative elimination of the 2-methylene pyridine substituent at one of the tertiary amine donors, resulting in picolinate, which is found coordinated to a CoIII product, where the dealkylated N-donor remains unprotonated. The mechanism of this interesting reaction has been studied, and details of the resulting structure of the product complex are discussed.
The interplay between viruses and the immune system of bats
Authors: Leech Stacey , Baker Michelle L
Published: February 2017

Bats are an abundant and diverse group of mammals with an array of unique characteristics, including their well-known roles as natural reservoirs for a variety of viruses. These include the deadly zoonotic paramyxoviruses; Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV)1,2, lyssaviruses3, coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV)4 and filoviruses such as Marburg5. Although these viruses are highly pathogenic in other species, including humans, bats rarely show clinical signs of disease whilst maintaining the ability to transmit virus to susceptible vertebrate hosts. In addition, bats are capable of clearing experimental infections with henipaviruses, filoviruses and lyssaviruses at doses of infection that are lethal in other mammals6–12. Curiously, the ability of bats to tolerate viral infections does not appear to extend to extracellular pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and parasites13. Over the past few years, considerable headway has been made into elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the ability of bats to control viral replication, with evidence for unique differences in the innate immune responses of bats14–20. However, many questions remain around mechanisms responsible for the ability of bats to co-exist with viruses, including their ability to tolerate constitutive immune activation, the triggers associated with viral spillover events and the sites of viral replication. Although bats appear to have all of the major components of the immune system present in other species, their unique ecological characteristics (including flight, high density populations and migration) combined with their long co-evolutionary history with viruses has likely shaped their immune response resulting in an equilibrium between the host and its pathogens.
Serpin1 and WSCP differentially regulate the activity of the cysteine protease RD21 during plant development in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rustgi Sachin , Boex-Fontvieille Edouard , Reinbothe Christiane , von Wettstein Diter , Reinbothe Steffen
Published: February 2017

Significance

Nature has evolved highly specific protease inhibitors comprising serpin and Kunitz proteins. In humans, loss- or gain-of-function mutations in many protease inhibitor (PI) genes lead to compromised innate immune responses, dementia, thrombosis, and other diseases. Here, we report how plants make use of serpin and Kunitz PIs to control papain-like cysteine proteases over plant development and exploit them for defense.
Cytotoxic compounds against cancer cells from Bombyx mori inoculated with Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Qiu Weitao , Wu Jing , Choi Jae-Hoon , Hirai Hirofumi , Nishida Hiroshi , Kawagishi Hirokazu
Published: February 2017

Two compounds, 3′-deoxyinosine and cordycepin, were isolated from Bombyx mori inoculated with Cordyceps militaris. In the bioassay examining cytotoxicity against cancer cells, both compounds showed toxicity against A549, PANC-1, and MCF-7 cancer cells.
Skap2 is required for β2 integrin–mediated neutrophil recruitment and functions
Authors: Boras Mark , Volmering Stephanie , Bokemeyer Arne , Rossaint Jan , Block Helena , Bardel Bernadette , Van Marck Veerle , Heitplatz Barbara , Kliche Stefanie , Reinhold Annegret , Lowell Clifford , Zarbock Alexander
Published: February 2017

Integrin activation is required for neutrophil functions. Impaired integrin activation on neutrophils is the hallmark of leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) syndrome in humans, characterized by impaired leukocyte recruitment and recurrent infections. The Src kinase–associated phosphoprotein 2 (Skap2) is involved in integrin functions in different leukocyte subtypes. However, the role of Skap2 in β2 integrin activation and neutrophil recruitment is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate the crucial role of Skap2 in regulating actin polymerization and binding of talin-1 and kindlin-3 to the β2 integrin cytoplasmic domain, thereby being indispensable for β2 integrin activation and neutrophil recruitment. The direct interaction of Skap2 with the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein via its SH3 domain is critical for integrin activation and neutrophil recruitment in vivo. Furthermore, Skap2 regulates integrin-mediated outside-in signaling events and neutrophil functions. Thus, Skap2 is essential to activate the β2 integrins, and loss of Skap2 function is sufficient to cause a LAD-like phenotype in mice.
Friends and Interveners
Authors: Collins Paul M. , McCarthy Lauren A.
Published: February 2017

Interest groups attempt to shape the content of law and policy in a variety of venues, including the legal system. Though the bulk of research dedicated to understanding interest group participation in litigation occurs in the context of the United States, there have been growing efforts to explore this important topic from a cross-national perspective. We contribute to this literature by investigating interest group amicus curiae and intervener activity across 11 English-speaking high courts during the 1969–2002 era. Our results support our theoretical argument that institutional features of courts and nations heavily shape levels of organizational litigation, including the power of judicial review, the rules governing third-party participation, and the presence of a bill of rights. This research informs our understanding of institutional design, social movement litigation, and the democratic nature of courts.
Summer heat waves over Eastern China: dynamical processes and trend attribution
Authors: Freychet Nicolas , Tett Simon , Wang Jun , Hegerl Gabriele
Published: February 2017

Recent trends in summer heat waves (HW) over Central-Eastern China and their atmospheric drivers are investigated using the ERA Interim re-analysis. A composite analysis shows that these events are preceded by an increase in 500 hPa geopotential height. Consequently, a subsidence anomaly develops over the region and surface solar radiation increases. An increase in the northward moisture transport from the tropical region is also found to increase specific humidity, leading to warmer night-time temperatures. Feedback effects are also important: decrease of precipitation and enhanced evaporation also increases the specific humidity and North-Westerlies due to the low pressure lead to more heat convergence. HW occurrence increases, especially during the last decade, and is largely due to an increase in the mean temperature rather than to a change in dynamics, suggesting a human influence.
Practical method for targeted disruption of cilia-related genes by using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated, homology-independent knock-in system
Authors: Katoh Yohei , Michisaka Saki , Nozaki Shohei , Funabashi Teruki , Hirano Tomoaki , Takei Ryota , Nakayama Kazuhisa
Published: February 2017

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized genome editing in virtually all organisms. Although the CRISPR/Cas9 system enables the targeted cleavage of genomic DNA, its use for gene knock-in remains challenging because levels of homologous recombination activity vary among various cells. In contrast, the efficiency of homology-independent DNA repair is relatively high in most cell types. Therefore the use of a homology-independent repair mechanism is a possible alternative for efficient genome editing. Here we constructed a donor knock-in vector optimized for the CRISPR/Cas9 system and developed a practical system that enables efficient disruption of target genes by exploiting homology-independent repair. Using this practical knock-in system, we successfully disrupted genes encoding proteins involved in ciliary protein trafficking, including IFT88 and IFT20, in hTERT-RPE1 cells, which have low homologous recombination activity. The most critical concern using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is off-target cleavage. To reduce the off-target cleavage frequency and increase the versatility of our knock-in system, we constructed a universal donor vector and an expression vector containing Cas9 with enhanced specificity and tandem sgRNA expression cassettes. We demonstrated that the second version of our system has improved usability.