bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified device for fluid percussion injury in rodents
Authors: Ouyang Wei , Wu Wenhui , Fan Zhiheng , Wang Jihui , Pan Huiju , Yang Weibin
Published: May 2018

Fluid percussion (FP) injury model is a popular animal model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but still there are some issues need to be addressed. To increase the validity and reliability of this technique, we adapted the FP device using electromagnetic protractor, stainless‐steel cylinder, changing pressure transducer position, and foam pads to adjust the parameters of FP pulse. Besides, the adjusted FP device is more automatic. The FP pulse is promptly measured and displayed in a graphic user interface software. The modified device resulted in reliable FP pulse. The accuracy of the pendulum leveling was improved with using the electromagnetic protractor with slots. We then collected behavioral, cognition, electrophysiological, and immunohistochemical data to verify the percussion effects in TBI mice. Lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) or sham treatment was administered at the right frontal motorsensory region of male C57BL/6J mice. TBI mice showed evident motor, cognitive, and functional impairments, characterized by evaluation of neurological, righting, geotaxis and cliff aversion reflexes, limb asymmetrical use, rotarod running, and Morris water maze testing. The neurobehavioral damages were scaled with histopathological findings. Further, the overall firing rates and theta powers in hippocampal CA1 were significantly reduced in TBI mice compared to sham mice at Days 2 and 3 after electrode implanting. The adapted device induced effects on behavior and biology in mice that agree with existing models. These findings confirmed the validity of adjustments, and the modified device may boost the interest in TBI studies.
Cadmium‐induced changes in the production of siderophores by a plant growth promoting strain of Pseudomonas fulva
Authors: Thiem Dominika , Złoch Michał , Gadzała‐Kopciuch Renata , Szymańska Sonia , Baum Christel , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: May 2018

The impact of increasing Cd2+ exposure on the quality and quantity of siderophores produced by a plant growth promoting Pseudomonas fulva strain was tested to gain insight into the degree of change. P. fulva was cultured in the increasing concentrations of Cd2+ (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mM). The secreted siderophores were separated by HPLC and characterized by UHPLC‐QTOF/MS. In the presence of 2 mM Cd2+ synthesis of siderophores (hydroxamates, catecholates, phenolates) was mitigated compared to the treatments with lower concentrations of Cd2+ (0.5 and 1 mM). Increased synthesis of catecholates in 0.5 and 1 mM Cd2+ and of phenolates in 0.5–2 mM Cd2+ was revealed compared to the variant without Cd2+. Out of seven different hydroxamates, the secretion of ferrioxamine E was significantly decreased in the highest Cd2+ concentration. Two additional ferrioxamines, X2 and D2, were secreted independent of the presence or absence of Cd2+. Exposure to Cd2+ change the composition of siderophores secreted by P. fulva with selective promotion of catecholates and phenolates at the expense of hydroxamates. Successful adaptation in a Cd‐contaminated soil in the frame of practical applications to promote phytoremediation can be assumed.
Haererehalobacter sp. JS1, a bioemulsifier producing halophilic bacterium isolated from Indian solar salt works
Authors: Birdilla Selva Donio Mariathason , Chelladurai Karthikeyan Subbiahanadar , Michaelbabu Mariavincent , Uma Ganapathi , Raja Jeya Sekar Ramaiyan , Citarasu Thavasimuthu
Published: May 2018

Bioemulsifier (BE)‐producing Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was isolated and identified from the solar salt works in India. The BE was extracted, purified, and characterized by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. Emulsification activity was performed against different oils and dye degradation potential against different dyes. The production of BE was optimized using different carbon sources (C), nitrogen sources (N), pH, and NaCl. BE screening methods revealed that, Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was highly positive BE production. Identification by 16S rRNA sequencing and analyses was found that, the Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was closely related to Salinicoccus halophilus and Haererehalobacter sp. The structural characterization analysis confirmed that the partially purified bioemulsifier belongs to siloxane‐type. Emulsification activity (E24) revealed that the bioemulsifier significantly (p < = 0.001) emulsified the commercial oils including coconut oil, gingelly oil, olive oil, and palmolein oils. Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 also significantly (p < = 0.001) degraded the dyes such as orange MR, direct violet, cotton red, reactive yellow, nitro green, and azo dye. RSM regression co‐efficient and contour plot analysis clearly indicated that the combination of pH and NaCl helped to increase BE production. Siloxane‐type of BE obtained from Haererehalobacter sp. JS1 was able to emulsify different oils and commercial dyes.
Proanthocyanidins—Will they effectively restrain conspicuous bacterial strains devolving on urinary tract infection?
Authors: Jagannathan Venkataseshan , Viswanathan Pragasam
Published: May 2018

Struvite or infection stones are one of the major clinical burdens among urinary tract infection, which occur due to the interaction between microbes and urine mineral components. Numerous urinary tract infection (UTI) causing microbes regulate through biofilm formation for survival from host defense, it is often found difficult in its eradication with simple anti‐microbial agents and also the chance of recurrence and resistance development is significantly high. Cranberry consumption and maintenance of urinary tract health have been supported by clinical, epidemiological, and mechanistic studies. It predominantly contains proanthocyanidins that belong to the class of polyphenols with repeating catechin and epicatechin monomeric units. Numerous studies have correlated proanthocyanidin consumption and prevention of bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. Quorum sensing (QS) is the prime mechanism that drives bacteria to coordinate biofilm development and virulence expression. Reports have shown that proanthocyanidins are effective in disrupting cell–cell communication by quenching signal molecules. Overall, this review assesses the merits of proanthocyanidins and its effective oppression on adherence, motility, QS, and biofilm formation of major UTI strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis by comparing and evaluating results from many significant findings.
Accurate and sensitive determination of selected hormones, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after the multivariate optimization of switchable solvent liquid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Chormey Dotse Selali , Bodur Süleyman , Baskın Dilgeş , Fırat Merve , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: May 2018

Switchable solvent liquid‐phase microextraction was combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to improve the sensitivity and accuracy for the determination of selected endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and hormones. The extraction method was used to complement gas chromatography with mass spectrometry by preconcentrating analytes for trace determinations. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to evaluate the main variables and their interaction effects, and optimum parameters were selected based on the model of experimented results. Application of optimum extraction conditions to mixed standard solutions yielded limits of detection and quantitation values between 0.20–13 and 0.90–46 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy and the applicability of the developed method was checked in tap water and two different wastewater samples by spiked recovery tests. The percent recoveries recorded for the analytes were between 91 and 110%, and percent relative standard deviation values were all below 10%. The results indicate that the method can be used for the accurate and sensitive determination of these analytes in the presented matrixes.
Survival and harvest of ruffed grouse in central Maine, USA
Authors: Davis Samantha R. B. , Mangelinckx Joelle , Allen R. Bradford , Sullivan Kelsey , Blomberg Erik J.
Published: May 2018

Understanding population dynamics is central to population management, particularly for game species that experience human harvest and non‐harvest mortality. Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are a widely distributed and common game species in North America that have experienced population declines along their southern range margins, including portions of New England, primarily in response to forest succession and habitat loss. In the state of Maine, ruffed grouse are generally considered abundant, but there is a lack of state‐specific knowledge of ruffed grouse survival and harvest rates to inform harvest management. We estimated seasonal and annual survival rates, harvest rates, and documented cause‐specific mortality of 248 radio‐marked ruffed grouse at 2 study areas in central Maine from 2014 to 2016. We used Program MARK to evaluate sources of spatial, temporal, and individual variation that may affect ruffed grouse survival and harvest. Survival was lowest during October and during winter, and adult ruffed grouse had a higher survival probability than juveniles throughout the year with mean annual survival probabilities of 0.28 ± 0.01 (SE) and 0.13 ± 0.003, respectively. Harvest rates were greater in a state‐owned Wildlife Management Area and were lower within commercially managed private forest that was open to public hunting. Harvest results suggest harvest (H) was greatest at the beginning of the hunting season (Oct; Frye Mountain HOct = 0.14 ± 0.02; Stud Mill HOct = 0.07 ± 0.02), and was lower later in the season (Nov and Dec; Frye Mountain HNov‐Dec = 0.07 ± 0.02; Stud Mill HNov‐Dec = 0.03 ± 0.01). Pooled across all years and study areas, the ruffed grouse harvest rate was 0.16 (95% CI = 0.14–0.18). Our results are comparable to other range‐wide studies and suggest that current hunting regulations for ruffed grouse in Maine are consistent with sustainable population management. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Observation of Rotational Doppler Effect in Second Harmonic Generation in Reflection Mode
Authors: Li King Fai , Deng Jun Hong , Liu Xuan , Li Guixin
Published: May 2018

In linear optical regime, one important application of Rotational Doppler Effect (RDE) is to measure the spinning speed of either molecules or macroscopic objects. The RDE can be further magnified using nonlinear harmonic generations. However, the previous measurement of nonlinear RDE in transmission mode, which relies on two beam interferometry, is very challenging due to the critical requirement of optical alignment in both spatial and time domains. Here, the observation of nonlinear RDE of second harmonic generation (SHG) waves from one spinning quartz crystal with silver coating in reflection mode is reported. The utilization of the post‐selection and beating frequency techniques greatly simplify the conventional nonlinear RDE measurement setup.
Alteration of nociceptive integration in the spinal cord of a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Charles Keri‐Ann , Naudet Frédéric , Bouali‐Benazzouz Rabia , Landry Marc , De Deurwaerdère Philippe , Fossat Pascal , Benazzouz Abdelhamid
Published: May 2018

Background: Pain is a major non motor symptom that contributes to impaired quality of life in PD. However, its mechanism is unknown.

Objectives and Methods: We sought to identify the pain phenotypes and parallel changes in spinal integration of peripheral stimuli in a rat model of PD induced by lesions of SN dopamine neurons, using behavioral plantar and von Frey tests as well as electrophysiology of the dorsal horn.

Results: We show that dopamine depletion by 6‐OHDA induced hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli. These abnormal behaviors were paralleled by increased neuronal responses and hyperexcitability of wide dynamic range neurons of lamina V of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in response to electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the 6‐OHDA model as compared to sham rats.

Conclusions: These results provide evidence for alteration of nociceptive integration in the spinal dorsal horn neurons in 6‐OHDA rats that can reflect changes in pain behavior. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Deep convolutional neural network for segmentation of knee joint anatomy
Authors: Zhou Zhaoye , Zhao Gengyan , Kijowski Richard , Liu Fang
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To describe and evaluate a new segmentation method using deep convolutional neural network (CNN), 3D fully connected conditional random field (CRF), and 3D simplex deformable modeling to improve the efficiency and accuracy of knee joint tissue segmentation.

Methods

A segmentation pipeline was built by combining a semantic segmentation CNN, 3D fully connected CRF, and 3D simplex deformable modeling. A convolutional encoder‐decoder network was designed as the core of the segmentation method to perform high resolution pixel‐wise multi‐class tissue classification for 12 different joint structures. The 3D fully connected CRF was applied to regularize contextual relationship among voxels within the same tissue class and between different classes. The 3D simplex deformable modeling refined the output from 3D CRF to preserve the overall shape and maintain a desirable smooth surface for joint structures. The method was evaluated on 3D fast spin‐echo (3D‐FSE) MR image data sets. Quantitative morphological metrics were used to evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the method in comparison to the ground truth data.

Results

The proposed segmentation method provided good performance for segmenting all knee joint structures. There were 4 tissue types with high mean Dice coefficient above 0.9 including the femur, tibia, muscle, and other non‐specified tissues. There were 7 tissue types with mean Dice coefficient between 0.8 and 0.9 including the femoral cartilage, tibial cartilage, patella, patellar cartilage, meniscus, quadriceps and patellar tendon, and infrapatellar fat pad. There was 1 tissue type with mean Dice coefficient between 0.7 and 0.8 for joint effusion and Baker's cyst. Most musculoskeletal tissues had a mean value of average symmetric surface distance below 1 mm.

Conclusion

The combined CNN, 3D fully connected CRF, and 3D deformable modeling approach was well‐suited for performing rapid and accurate comprehensive tissue segmentation of the knee joint. The deep learning‐based segmentation method has promising potential applications in musculoskeletal imaging.
In vivo characterization of 3D skull and brain motion during dynamic head vibration using magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Yin Ziying , Sui Yi , Trzasko Joshua D. , Rossman Phillip J. , Manduca Armando , Ehman Richard L. , Huston John
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To introduce newly developed MR elastography (MRE)‐based dual‐saturation imaging and dual‐sensitivity motion encoding schemes to directly measure in vivo skull–brain motion, and to study the skull–brain coupling in volunteers with these approaches.

Methods

Six volunteers were scanned with a high‐performance compact 3T‐MRI scanner. The skull–brain MRE images were obtained with a dual‐saturation imaging where the skull and brain motion were acquired with fat‐ and water‐suppression scans, respectively. A dual‐sensitivity motion encoding scheme was applied to estimate the heavily wrapped phase in skull by the simultaneous acquisition of both low‐ and high‐sensitivity phase during a single MRE exam. The low‐sensitivity phase was used to guide unwrapping of the high‐sensitivity phase. The amplitude and temporal phase delay of the rigid‐body motion between the skull and brain was measured, and the skull–brain interface was visualized by slip interface imaging (SII).

Results

Both skull and brain motion can be successfully acquired and unwrapped. The skull–brain motion analysis demonstrated the motion transmission from the skull to the brain is attenuated in amplitude and delayed. However, this attenuation (%) and delay (rad) were considerably greater with rotation (59 ± 7%, 0.68 ± 0.14 rad) than with translation (92 ± 5%, 0.04 ± 0.02 rad). With SII the skull–brain slip interface was not completely evident, and the slip pattern was spatially heterogeneous.

Conclusion

This study provides a framework for acquiring in vivo voxel‐based skull and brain displacement using MRE that can be used to characterize the skull–brain coupling system for understanding of mechanical brain protection mechanisms, which has potential to facilitate risk management for future injury.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Fluoro‐glycosylated Porphyrins that can be Utilized as Theranostic Agents
Authors: Arja Katriann , Elgland Mathias , Appelqvist Hanna , Konradsson Peter , Lindgren Mikael , Nilsson K. Peter R.
Published: May 2018

Small molecules with modalities for a variety of imaging techniques as well as therapeutic activity are essential, as such molecules render opportunities to simultaneously conduct diagnosis and targeted therapy, so called theranostics. In this regard, glycoporphyrins have proven useful as theranostic agents towards cancer, as well as noncancerous conditions. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of heterobifunctional glycoconjugated porphyrins with two different sugar moieties, a common monosaccharide at three sites, and a 2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy glucose (FDG) moiety at the fourth site are presented. The fluoro‐glycoconjugated porphyrins exhibit properties for multimodal imaging and photodynamic therapy, as well as specificity towards cancer cells. We foresee that our findings might aid in the chemical design of heterobifunctional glycoconjugated porphyrins that could be utilized as theranostic agents.
Analysis of PNGase F‐Resistant N‐Glycopeptides Using SugarQb for Proteome Discoverer 2.1 Reveals Cryptic Substrate Specificities
Authors: Stadlmann Johannes , Hoi David M. , Taubenschmid Jasmin , Mechtler Karl , Penninger Josef M.
Published: May 2018

SugarQb (www.imba.oeaw.ac.at/sugarqb) is a freely available collection of computational tools for the automated identification of intact glycopeptides from high‐resolution HCD MS/MS datasets in the Proteome Discoverer environment. We report the migration of SugarQb to the latest and free version of Proteome Discoverer 2.1, and apply it to the analysis of PNGase F‐resistant N‐glycopeptides from mouse embryonic stem cells. The analysis of intact glycopeptides highlights unexpected technical limitations to PNGase F‐dependent glycoproteomic workflows at the proteome level, and warrants a critical reinterpretation of seminal datasets in the context of N‐glycosylation‐site prediction.
Effect of Substrate Thermal Conductivity on the Properties of Mn‐Co‐Ni‐O Thin Film Thermo‐Sensitive Infrared Detector
Authors: Zhang Fei , Huang ZhiMing
Published: May 2018

The Mn‐Co‐Ni‐O thin film thermo‐sensitive infrared detector has important application prospects and still need further research and development. The effects of substrate thickness and probe element spacing on the detector thermal conductivity are studied in this paper to improve the performance of linear and planar array infrared detector. It is found that the thermal conductivity of fabricated detector mainly rely on the Cu socket for thin substrates. However, the heat is mainly transferred by Al2O3 substrate and the influence of Cu socket can be ignored for thick substrates. The decrescent probe element spacing will reduce the effective thermal conductivity Ge for infrared detectors. Both of the time constant τ and the responsivity will increase with the expansion of element area. For the responsivity, its alterations are mainly affected by the changes of Ge value for the chopping frequency f less than 20 Hz. Comparably, the alternations are affected by the changes of Ge, f, τ values in 20–64 Hz and Ge, f values above 64 Hz.
Enhancing the Lifetime of Photoinduced Charge Carriers in CuFeO2 Nanoplates by Hydrothermal Doping of Mg for Photoelectrochemical Water Reduction
Authors: Jiang Tengfei , Zhao Yu , Liu Mingyue , Chen Yu , Xia Zhengquan , Xue Huaiguo
Published: May 2018

Highly active and stable photocathodes are desirable for efficient photoelectrochemical water reduction. However, most photocathode materials suffer from the short lifetime of photoinduced charge carriers resulting in low energy conversion efficiency. Herein, the authors present a novel strategy to enhance the lifetime of photoinduced charge carriers for hexagonal CuFeO2 platelets based photocathode. The enhancement is realized by simply hydrothermal doping of Mg into CuFeO2. Quantitative phase composition analysis and characterizations are carried out for the Mg doped CuFeO2 materials with varied doping contents. This doping route not only induces to more acceptor‐type states to increase the p‐type carrier concentration, but also improves conductivity of CuFeO2 and facilitates easier carriers transport, which are the key factors for the lifetime enhancement. After systematical tuning of the doping amount, the authors find that when the Mg content reaches 0.1%, the CuFeO2 presents the longest lifetime for the photoinduced charge carriers (0.8485 s) referring to an enhancement of 94% in the lifetime compared with pure CuFeO2.
Tuning the Luminescence of Tin Oxide Low Dimensional Structures in the Near Infrared Range by In‐Situ Doping During a Vapor–Solid Growth Process
Authors: García‐Tecedor Miguel , del Prado Félix , Torres Dorcas , Maestre David , Cremades Ana
Published: May 2018

Tin oxide low dimensional structures increasingly attract attention due to their wide application area. Indeed, by attaining new morphologies and properties the potential applications might increase the device portfolio. Furthermore, an adequate combination of doped SnO2 nano‐ and micro‐structures could enable multi‐functionality and totally new applications. The latter might be the case of low dimensional tin oxide structures emitting in the near infrared range, which is below the energy of the common visible luminescence of tin oxide. The ability to obtain near infrared luminescence from tin oxide is tested by doping in‐situ during a vapor–solid growth using Li, Cu, and Cr containing precursors in the initial mixture with tin oxide or metallic tin powders. Luminescence around 1.5 eV is obtained for all the samples with morphologies varying from microtubes to rods and belts depending on the specific dopant and the Sn‐based precursor.
A probabilistic model to describe the interference produced by VSAT MF‐TDMA networks
Authors: Rubin de Celis Vidal Américo Ariel , Fortes José Mauro
Published: May 2018

This paper develops a mathematical model to describe the statistical behavior of the interference produced by VSAT/MF‐TDMA networks. The model is used to assess the interference produced by the uplinks of a VSAT/MF‐TDMA network into links of a network that uses a neighboring satellite. In the proposed model, analytical expressions were developed to account for the effects of variations in transmitting powers, antenna sizes, and transmitting antenna pointing errors. The earth station locations are modeled by a 2‐dimensional Poisson point process. The model is general enough to accommodate other types of point processes and can be applied to situations involving service areas containing multiple types of earth station geographical distribution. Numerical results obtained with the proposed model are compared with those based on the actual parameter values (eg, earth station locations, antenna sizes, and transmitting powers), which were provided by a Brazilian satellite operator.
Solvent‐Engineered Scalable Production of Polysulfide‐Blocking Shields to Enhance Practical Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Qin Jin‐Lei , Peng Hong‐Jie , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Kong Long , Xie Jin , Zhao Meng , Liu Ruiping , Zhao Huiyou , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are very promising next‐generation energy‐storage devices due to the extremely high energy density. However, the low capacity and poor cycling life induced by the shuttle effect of polysulfide intermediates impede the practical application of Li–S batteries. Here, a very effective solvent‐engineering strategy is proposed to fabricate thin, compact, and multifunctional binary solvent–engineered polysulfide‐blocking shields (BBSs) with a superior capability of retarding the shuttle and stabilizing the cathode/anode. The Li–S batteries with a BBS separator exhibit enhanced cell kinetics, superb cycling stability with a low decay rate of 0.078% per cycle for 400 cycles at 0.5 C, and a high areal capacity of 4.91 mAh cm−2 after 100 cycles at 2.37 mA cm−2. In addition, the industrially viable fabrication of BBS is readily employed in practical Li–S pouch cells. The concept of solvent engineering not only renders functional interlayers/separators that significantly improve the Li–S battery performance but also is simple, versatile, and scalable to be adopted for many other promising research fields of energy storage and materials chemistry.
Influence of soil‐structure interaction on performance of a super tall building using a new eddy‐current tuned mass damper
Authors: Zhou Zhiguang , Wei Xiaodong , Lu Zheng , Jeremic Boris
Published: May 2018

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) can be used as vibration control devices to improve the vibration performance of high‐rise buildings. The Shanghai Tower (SHT) is a 632‐m high landmark building in China, featuring a new eddy‐current TMD. Special protective mechanisms have been adopted to prevent excessively large amplitude of the TMD under extreme wind or earthquake loading scenarios. This paper presents a methodology for simulating behavior of the new eddy‐current TMD that features displacement‐dependent damping behavior. The TMD model was built into the SHT finite element model to perform frequency analysis and detailed response analyses under wind and earthquake loads. Furthermore, soil‐structure interaction (SSI) effects on wind and seismic load responses of the SHT model were investigated, as SSI has a significant impact on the vibration performance of high‐rise buildings. It was found that SSI has more significant effects on acceleration response for wind loads with a short return period than for wind loads with a long return period. Some of the acceleration responses with SSI effects exceed design limits of human comfort for wind loads with shorter return periods. As to the seismic analyses, it was found that SSI slightly reduces the displacement amplitude, the damping force, and the impact force of the TMD.
Investigation of cavity PD physical processes at DC voltage by simulation
Authors: Pan Cheng , Tang Ju , Song Wenbin , Luo Yi , Wang Dibo , Zhuo Ran , Fu Mingli
Published: May 2018

In order to reveal partial discharge (PD) physical processes at DC voltage, a model with regard to PD taking place within a cavity embedded in polyethylene is established, in which the charge fluid equations and the Poisson equation are employed to simulate streamer propagation and surface charge accumulation processes after it arrives at the gas–solid interface. Meanwhile, parameters such as discharge current and discharge time during a PD sequence are obtained by considering surface charge decay and discharge time lag variation in the discharge time interval. It is found from the simulation results that the electrons generated by the discharge accumulate on the upper surface of the cavity and the time taken to accumulate is less that 1 ns when a positive voltage is applied to the upper electrode. On the contrary, positive ions accumulate on the lower surface, and the time taken is about 90 ns. Besides, the density of positive ions is slightly higher than that of the electrons. During a PD sequence, the decay of surface charges resulting from previous discharge can be considered to be the key factor contributing to the occurrence of subsequent one, and electric field within the cavity mainly depends on negative surface charges just before the subsequent PD takes place, because of the lower decay rate of the negative charges than the positive ones. The discharge time interval can be divided into two parts: discharge time lag and discharge recovery time, which depend on the surface charge decay rate. As surface charge decay rate increases or the discharge time lag decreases, the discharge time interval decreases. Moreover, the discharge current is affected by discharge time lag and the surface charge decay rate. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phosphine Functionalized NHC Ligands and Their Cyclopentadienide Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Trampert Jens , Nagel Marcel , Grimm Tobias , Sun Yu , Thiel Werner R.
Published: May 2018

By reaction of phosphine functionalized imidazolium salts with nickelocene, a series of cationic 18 VE nickel(II) half‐sandwich complexes were obtained in high yields. Herein the central nickel(II) atoms are coordinated in a chelating fashion by the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and the phosphine donor sites. The so obtained chelating ring can be opened by cyanide leading to neutral cyanidonickel(II) NHC complexes. Application of imidazolium salts functionalized with thiophosphine groups prevents the formation of chelate complexes. Instead neutral chloridonickel(II) NHC species are obtained.
vh@nnlo-v2: new physics in Higgs Strahlung
Authors: Harlander Robert V. , Klappert Jonas , Liebler Stefan , Simon Lukas
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Introducing version 2 of the code vh@nnlo [1], we study the effects of a number of new-physics scenarios on the Higgs-Strahlung process. In particular, the cross section is evaluated within a general 2HDM and the MSSM. While the Drell-Yan-like contributions are consistently taken into account by a simple rescaling of the SM result, the gluon-initiated contribution is supplemented by squark-loop mediated amplitudes, and by the s-channel exchange of additional scalars which may lead to conspicuous interference effects. The latter holds as well for bottom-quark initiated Higgs Strahlung, which is also included in the new version of vh@nnlo. Using an orthogonal rotation of the three Higgs CP eigenstates in the 2HDM and the MSSM, vh@nnlo incorporates a simple means of CP mixing in these models. Moreover, the effect of vector-like quarks in the SM on the gluon-initiated contribution can be studied. Beyond concrete models, vh@nnlo allows to include the effect of higher-dimensional operators on the production of CP-even Higgs bosons. Transverse momentum distributions of the final state Higgs boson and invariant mass distributions of the Vϕ final state for the gluon- and bottom-quark initiated contributions can be studied. Distributions for the Drell-Yan-like component of Higgs Strahlung can be included through a link to MCFM. vh@nnlo can also be linked to FeynHiggs and 2HDMC for the calculation of Higgs masses and mixing angles. It can also read these parameters from an SLHA-file as produced by standard spectrum generators. Throughout the manuscript, we highlight new-physics effects in various numerical examples, both at the inclusive level and for distributions.
Downregulated MALAT1 relates to recurrent pregnancy loss via sponging miRNAs
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Hui‐Ze , Liu Yang , Wang Hui‐Juan , Pang Wen‐Wen , Zhang Jian‐Jun
Published: May 2018

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is three or more times of consecutive spontaneous loss of pregnancy. The underlying cause is complicated and the etiology of over 50% of RPL patients is unclear. Metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript‐1 (MALAT‐1), a multiple lncRNA functions as key regulators of diverse cellular processes. In this study, we found a reduced MALAT1 level in the villus samples of 36 RPL patients. Predicted by bioinformatics tool and confirmed by dual luciferase assay, we identified that MALAT1 directly interacts with miRNAs. Subsequent functional study in HTR‐8/SVneo and HUVEC cells indicated that MALAT1 modulates the cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion via directly interact with miR‐383, miR‐15, miR‐205 and miR‐375. By modulating the VEGFA expression, MALAT1 controls the capillary formation of HUVEC cells. In conclusion, MALAT1 as a functional lncRNA controls cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and modulates blood vessel formation. Down regulated MALAT1 induced disordered cross‐talk between embryo and mother is one of the factor contributes to the pathogenesis of RPL.
A More Precise Electromyographic Needle Approach for Examination of the Rhomboid Major
Authors: Kim Ki Hoon , Kim Goo Young , Lim Seong Gyu , Park Byung Kyu , Kim Dong Hwee
Published: May 2018

Background

Safe and accurate needle access to the rhomboid major (RM) during electromyography is challenging due to the overlying trapezius muscle and the risk of pneumothorax.

Objective

To investigate the RM anatomy associated with the trapezius using ultrasonography and to determine a safe and accurate needle insertion point for needle electromyography of the RM.

Design

Descriptive study.

Setting

Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation of a tertiary clinic center.

Participants

Participants between 23 and 71 years of age without any diseases (N = 25; 13 men, 12 women; 50 scapulae) were included.

Interventions

Ultrasonography of the RM and trapezius muscles around the scapula.

Main Outcome Measures

The point at which the lateral margin of the trapezius crosses the medial border of the scapula (point A) was determined. The probe was positioned at the level of the midpoint (point M) between point A and the inferior angle of the scapula. The horizontal distance from the point at which the RM was the thickest (point X) to point M was measured. At point X, the depth of the RM, RM thickness, and the depth of the pleura were measured.

Results

The mean age and body mass index were 37.4 ± 12.0 years and 22.3 ± 2.1 kg/m2, respectively. Point M was located at a mean distance of 3.9 ± 0.6 cm proximal to the inferior angle of the scapula. The mean distance between point X and point M was 1.0 ± 0.2 cm. At point X, the RM was at a mean depth of 9.7 ± 3.1 mm from the skin and had a mean thickness of 9.9 ± 1.8 mm. The pleura was observed at a mean depth of 28.4 ± 3.8 mm from the skin.

Conclusion

Needle electromyographic examination of the RM can be performed easily and safely through the lower part of the RM that is not covered by the trapezius.

Level of Evidence

not applicable.
Reliability of the Star Excursion Balance Test and Two New Similar Protocols to Measure Trunk Postural Control
Authors: López‐Plaza Diego , Juan‐Recio Casto , Barbado David , Ruiz‐Pérez Iñaki , Vera‐Garcia Francisco J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Although the Star Excursion Balance test (SEBT) has shown a good intrasession reliability, the intersession reliability of this test has not been deeply studied. Furthermore, there is an evident high influence of the lower limbs in the performance of the SEBT, so even if it has been used to measure core stability, it is possibly not the most suitable measurement.

Objective

(1) To assess the absolute and relative between‐session reliability of the SEBT and 2 novel variations of this test to assess trunk postural control while sitting, ie, the Star Excursion Sitting Test (SEST) and the Star Excursion Timing Test (SETT); and (2) to analyze the relationships between these 3 test scores.

Design

Correlational and reliability test–retest study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory environment.

Participants

Twenty‐seven physically active men (age: 24.54 ± 3.05 years).

Method

Relative and absolute reliability of the SEBT, SEST, and SETT were calculated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. A Pearson correlation analysis was carried out between the variables of the 3 tests.

Main Outcome Measures

Maximum normalized reach distances were assessed for different SEBT and SEST directions. In addition, composite indexes were calculated for SEBT, SEST, and SETT.

Results

The SEBT (dominant leg: ICC = 0.87 [0.73‐0.94], SEM = 2.12 [1.66‐2.93]; nondominant leg: ICC = 0.74 [0.50‐0.87], SEM = 3.23 [2.54‐4.45]), SEST (ICC = 0.85 [0.68‐0.92], SEM = 1.27 [1.03‐1.80]), and SETT (ICC = 0.61 [0.30‐0.80], SEM = 2.31 [1.82‐3.17]) composite indexes showed moderate‐to‐high 1‐month reliability. A learning effect was detected for some SEBT and SEST directions and for SEST and SETT composite indexes. No significant correlations were found between SEBT and its 2 variations (r ≤ .366; P > .05). A significant correlation was found between the SEST and SETT composite indexes (r = .520; P > .01).

Conclusions

SEBT, SEST, and SETT are reliable field protocols to measure postural control. However, whereas the SEBT assesses postural control in single‐leg stance, SEST and SETT provide trunk postural control measures with lower influence of the lower‐limbs.

Level of Evidence

III
Psychometric Properties of Dispositional Hope Scale for Brazilian Sport Context
Authors: Moreira Caio Rosas , Nascimento-Junior José Roberto Andrade , Codonhato Renan , Fiorese Lenamar
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS) for the Brazilian sport context. The sample for construct validity consisted of 474 athletes; internal validity was assessed with 101 athletes; and external validity was tested in 81 athletes, from which, were 55 had further participated in the temporal stability assessment. Data analysis was conducted through the following tests: Cronbach’s alpha, Composite Reliability (CR), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Spearman Correlation Coefficient and intraclass correlation. Results had shown that the DHS presents satisfactory internal consistency (.79 ≤ α ≤ .83; .58 ≤ r ≤ .75). The EFA model revealed a two-factor solution to be the most adequate, while CFA confirmed such model (χ2= 59.88; p< .001; χ2/df = 3.15; CFI = .90; AGFI = .94; TLI = .90; RMSEA = .07 CI [.05, .08]). The hope dimensions were positively correlated with Self-esteem (r > .50). Temporal stability was achieved (ICC > .70). It was concluded that the DHS is a valid measure for the assessment of hope in Brazilian sports context; this instrument has potential practical applications for professionals working with Sport Psychology.
Modulation of Extratropical Cyclones by Previous Cyclones via the Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly Over the Sea of Japan in Winter
Authors: Zhao Ning , Iwasaki Shinsuke , Yamamoto Masaru , Isobe Atsuhiko
Published: May 2018

The effects of a cyclone‐induced sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the Sea of Japan on following cyclones were investigated using a regional numerical model. The model was conducted with and without an SST anomaly due to cooling from a single extratropical cyclone in winter. Twenty‐six pairs of sensitivity experiments demonstrated that cyclones were not always sensitive to the SST anomaly. The low‐level trough (strong northwesterly winds) affected cyclone sensitivity via a cold air intrusion over the Sea of Japan. A strong (weak) cold air intrusion formed a relatively unstable (stable) and higher (lower) convective layer and the concentration of cyclone paths over the oceans, making the cyclones sensitive to the underlying SST. Two specific cyclones were analyzed to demonstrate two distinct patterns (wave‐like and path shifting, respectively) in cyclone modulations revealed in the wavelet spectra. The wave‐like pattern was formed by the superposition of multiple anomalous waves with different periods and scales, which originated from upper‐level potential vorticity anomalies and temperature advection. The path‐shifting pattern was caused by the diabatic heating‐induced potential vorticity anomalies, which were supplied by the intense heat and moisture from the regions surrounding the Sea of Japan. Therefore, a cyclone can modulate a following cyclone by reducing the SST over the Sea of Japan; however, the modulation can vary in different ways, depending on the atmospheric background and dynamics of the cyclone development.
Thermodynamic Control of the Carbon Budget of a Peatland
Authors: Worrall Fred , Moody Catherine S. , Clay Gareth D. , Burt Tim P. , Kettridge Nicholas , Rose Rob
Published: May 2018

The transformations and transitions of organic matter into, through, and out of an ecosystem must obey the second law of thermodynamics. This study considered the transition in the solid components of the organic matter flux through an entire ecosystem. Organic matter samples were taken from each organic matter reservoir and fluvial transfer pathway in a 100% peat‐covered catchment (Moor House National Nature Reserve, North Pennines, UK) and were analyzed by elemental analysis and bomb calorimetry. The samples analyzed were as follows: bulk aboveground and belowground biomass; individual plant functional types (heather, mosses, and sedges); plant litter layer; peat soil; and samples of particulate and dissolved organic matter (POM and DOM). Samples were compared to standards of lignin, cellulose, and plant protein. It was possible to calculate: enthalpy of formation (
); entropy of formation (
); and Gibbs free energy of formation (
) for each of the samples and standards. The increase (decreasing negative values) in
through the ecosystem mean that for all but litter production, the transformations through the system must be balanced by production of low (large negative values)
products, not only CO2 or CH4 but also DOM. The change in
down the peat profile shows that reaction of the soil organic matter decreases or even ceases at depth and the majority of the reaction has occurred above 40 cm below the surface. This approach represents a new objective way to test and trace organic matter transformations in and through an ecosystem.
Phenotype and genotype predictors of BMI variability among European adults
Authors: Goni Leticia , García-Granero Marta , Milagro Fermín I. , Cuervo Marta , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: May 2018

Background/Objective

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial disease resulting from the interactions among genetics, metabolic, behavioral, sociocultural and environmental factors. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to identify phenotype and genotype variables that could be relevant determinants of body mass index (BMI) variability.

Subjects/Methods

In the present study, a total of 1050 subjects (798 females; 76%) were included. Least angle regression (LARS) analysis was used as regression model selection technique, where the dependent variable was BMI and the independent variables were age, sex, energy intake, physical activity level, and 16 polymorphisms previously related to obesity and lipid metabolism.

Results

The LARS analysis obtained the following formula for BMI explanation: (64.7 + 0.10 × age [years] + 0.42 × gender [0, men; 1, women] + −40.6 × physical activity [physical activity level] + 0.004 × energy intake [kcal] + 0.74 × rs9939609 [0 or 1–2 risk alleles] + −0.72 × rs1800206 [0 or 1–2 risk alleles] + −0.86 × rs1801282 [0 or 1–2 risk alleles] + 0.87 × rs429358 [0 or 1–2 risk alleles]. The multivariable regression model accounted for 21% of the phenotypic variance in BMI. The regression model was internally validated by the bootstrap method (r2 original data set = 0.208, mean r2 bootstrap data sets = 0.210).

Conclusion

In conclusion, age, physical activity, energy intake and polymorphisms in FTO, APOE, PPARG and PPARA genes are significant predictors of the BMI trait.
A medial prefrontal cortex-nucleus acumens corticotropin-releasing factor circuitry for neuropathic pain-increased susceptibility to opioid reward
Authors: Kai Yuanzhong , Li Yanhua , Sun Tingting , Yin Weiwei , Mao Yu , Li Jie , Xie Wen , Chen Shi , Wang Likui , Li Juan , Zhang Zhi , Tao Wenjuan
Published: May 2018

Recent studies have shown that persistent pain facilitates the response to morphine reward. However, the circuit mechanism underlying this process remains ambiguous. In this study, using chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in mice, we found that persistent neuropathic pain reduced the minimum number of morphine conditioning sessions required to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) behavior. This dose of morphine had no effect on the pain threshold. In the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is involved in both pain and emotion processing, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expressing neuronal activity was increased in CCI mice. Chemogenetic inhibition of mPFC CRF neurons reversed CCI-induced morphine CPP facilitation. Furthermore, the nucleus acumens (NAc) received mPFC CRF functional projections that exerted excitatory effects on NAc neurons. Optogenetic inhibition of mPCF neuronal terminals or local infusion of the CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) antagonist in the NAc restored the effects of neuropathic pain on morphine-induced CPP behavior, but not in normal mice. On a molecular level, in CCI mice, CRFR1 protein expression was increased in the NAc by a histone dimethyltransferase G9a-mediated epigenetic mechanism. Local G9a knockdown increased the expression of CRFR1 and mimicked CCI-induced hypersensitivity to acquiring morphine CPP. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a previously unknown and specific mPFC CRF engagement of NAc neuronal circuits, the sensitization of which facilitates behavioral responses to morphine reward in neuropathic pain states via CRFR1s.
Dual origin of relapses in retinoic-acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Lehmann-Che Jacqueline , Bally Cécile , Letouzé Eric , Berthier Caroline , Yuan Hao , Jollivet Florence , Ades Lionel , Cassinat Bruno , Hirsch Pierre , Pigneux Arnaud , Mozziconacci Marie-Joelle , Kogan Scott , Fenaux Pierre , de Thé Hugues
Published: May 2018

Retinoic acid (RA) and arsenic target the t(15;17)(q24;q21) PML/RARA driver of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), their combination now curing over 95% patients. We report exome sequencing of 64 matched samples collected from patients at initial diagnosis, during remission, and following relapse after historical combined RA-chemotherapy treatments. A first subgroup presents a high incidence of additional oncogenic mutations disrupting key epigenetic or transcriptional regulators (primarily WT1) or activating MAPK signaling at diagnosis. Relapses retain these cooperating oncogenes and exhibit additional oncogenic alterations and/or mutations impeding therapy response (RARA, NT5C2). The second group primarily exhibits FLT3 activation at diagnosis, which is lost upon relapse together with most other passenger mutations, implying that these relapses derive from ancestral pre-leukemic PML/RARA-expressing cells that survived RA/chemotherapy. Accordingly, clonogenic activity of PML/RARA-immortalized progenitors ex vivo is only transiently affected by RA, but selectively abrogated by arsenic. Our studies stress the role of cooperating oncogenes in direct relapses and suggest that targeting pre-leukemic cells by arsenic contributes to its clinical efficacy.
Rhodopsin-cyclases for photocontrol of cGMP/cAMP and 2.3 Å structure of the adenylyl cyclase domain
Authors: Scheib Ulrike , Broser Matthias , Constantin Oana M. , Yang Shang , Gao Shiqiang , Mukherjee Shatanik , Stehfest Katja , Nagel Georg , Gee Christine E. , Hegemann Peter
Published: May 2018

The cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are important second messengers that orchestrate fundamental cellular responses. Here, we present the characterization of the rhodopsin-guanylyl cyclase from Catenaria anguillulae (CaRhGC), which produces cGMP in response to green light with a light to dark activity ratio >1000. After light excitation the putative signaling state forms with τ = 31 ms and decays with τ = 570 ms. Mutations (up to 6) within the nucleotide binding site generate rhodopsin-adenylyl cyclases (CaRhACs) of which the double mutated YFP-CaRhAC (E497K/C566D) is the most suitable for rapid cAMP production in neurons. Furthermore, the crystal structure of the ligand-bound AC domain (2.25 Å) reveals detailed information about the nucleotide binding mode within this recently discovered class of enzyme rhodopsin. Both YFP-CaRhGC and YFP-CaRhAC are favorable optogenetic tools for non-invasive, cell-selective, and spatio-temporally precise modulation of cAMP/cGMP with light.