bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-19a contributes to gefitinib resistance and epithelial mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting c-Met
Authors: Cao Xiaonian , Lai Senyan , Hu Fayong , Li Guodong , Wang Guihua , Luo Xuelai , Fu Xiangning , Hu Junbo
Published: June 2017

Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is used as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, most NSCLC patients inevitably develop gefitinib resistance, and the mechanisms underlying this resistance are not fully understood. In this study, we show that miR-19a is significantly down-regulated in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines compared with gefitinib-sensitive cell lines. In addition, the down-regulation of miR-19a suppressed the expression of epithelial markers but induced the expression levels of mesenchymal markers. A mechanistic analysis revealed that miR-19a regulated c-Met expression by directly targeting the c-Met 3′UTR. Overexpression of miR-19a decreased c-Met expression and re-sensitized gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with the in vitro findings, the miR-19a serum level was significantly decreased in NSCLC patients with acquired gefitinib resistance compared with the level observed prior to the acquisition of resistance in each patient, indicating that miR-19a expression may be a valuable biomarker for the prediction of acquired gefitinib resistance in a clinical setting. Our data demonstrate that the miR-19a/c-Met pathway plays a critical role in acquired resistance to gefitinib and that the manipulation of miR-19a might provide a therapeutic strategy for overcoming acquired gefitinib resistance.
Synthesis method of asymmetric gold particles
Authors: Jun Bong-Hyun , Murata Michael , Hahm Eunil , Lee Luke P.
Published: June 2017

Asymmetric particles can exhibit unique properties. However, reported synthesis methods for asymmetric particles hinder their application because these methods have a limited scale and lack the ability to afford particles of varied shapes. Herein, we report a novel synthetic method which has the potential to produce large quantities of asymmetric particles. Asymmetric rose-shaped gold particles were fabricated as a proof of concept experiment. First, silica nanoparticles (NPs) were bound to a hydrophobic micro-sized polymer containing 2-chlorotritylchloride linkers (2-CTC resin). Then, half-planar gold particles with rose-shaped and polyhedral structures were prepared on the silica particles on the 2-CTC resin. Particle size was controlled by the concentration of the gold source. The asymmetric particles were easily cleaved from the resin without aggregation. We confirmed that gold was grown on the silica NPs. This facile method for synthesizing asymmetric particles has great potential for materials science.
White matter microstructural changes are related to cognitive dysfunction in essential tremor
Authors: Benito-León Julián , Mato-Abad Virginia , Louis Elan D. , Hernández-Tamames Juan Antonio , Álvarez-Linera Juan , Bermejo-Pareja Félix , Domingo-Santos Ángela , Collado Luis , Romero Juan Pablo
Published: June 2017

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have detected white matter microstructural changes in essential tremor (ET). However, it is still unclear whether these changes are related to cognitive deficits, which have been described in ET patients. DTI-derived fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity measures were compared between 23 ET patients and 23 age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy individuals, using whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics. Correlations of white matter changes with scores obtained from a detailed neuropsychological assessment were subsequently examined. ET patients demonstrated increases in MD in the bilateral posterior corona radiata, bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, bilateral fornix (cres)/stria terminalis, genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, bilateral anterior and posterior limbs of internal capsule, bilateral retrolenticular region part of internal capsule, and left posterior thalamic radiation. Except for the genu of the corpus callosum, an increase in AD values was also found in these same tracts. Furthermore, increased MD and AD values in different white matter areas was negatively correlated with performance on language and verbal memory and positively with visuospatial ability. These correlations suggest that white matter changes might be involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits in ET.
Pluronic F127 and D-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate (TPGS) Mixed Micelles for Targeting Drug Delivery across The Blood Brain Barrier
Authors: Meng Xin , Liu Jiansheng , Yu Xiangrong , Li Jiajia , Lu Xiaotong , Shen Teng
Published: June 2017

A novel polymeric mixed micelle composed of Pluronic F127 and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) was developed to improve the delivery of fluorescent dyes and protein across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Rhodamine 123 (Rho123) and DiR loaded mixed micelles, composed of Pluronic F127 and TPGS with proportion of 4:1 (FT), were prepared by thin-film hydration, and β-galactosidase (β-Gal) loaded FT mixed micelles were prepared by self-assembly. The brain-targeted capability of FT mixed micelles were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The FT mixed micelles showed that a average particle size of 20.03 nm, and a low CMC of 0.0031% in water. The in vitro release of Rho123 from Rho123 loaded FT mixed micelles (FT/Rho123) presented a sustained-release property. FT/Rho123 also showed higher efficiency for the accumulation in brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) and brain tissues. β-Gal, a model protein, was also delivered and accumulated efficiently in the brain by spontaneous loading in the FT mixed micelles. Therefore, the results indicated that F127/TPGS mixed micelles may be considered as an effective nanocarrier for the brain-targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic drugs.
GGNBP2 is necessary for testis morphology and sperm development
Authors: Chen Anqi , Li Jixi , Song Lesheng , Ji Chaoneng , Böing Marion , Chen Jinzhong , Brand-Saberi Beate
Published: June 2017

Gametogenetin Binding Protein 2 (GGNBP2) was identified as a tumor suppressor and verified as such by several studies. GGNBP2 has also been reported to be essential for pregnancy maintenance via regulation of trophoblast stem cells. Gametogenetin (GGN) is a testicular germ cell-specific gene expressed in adult testes. As a potential GGN1-interacting protein, the role of GGNBP2 in spermatogenesis has not yet been clarified. We generated heterozygous GGNBP2 knockout mice and bred them by intercrossing. We found that among the offspring, homozygous GGNBP2 knockout (KO) mice were present in severely reduced numbers. The GGNBP2 KO pups developed normally, but the male siblings showed dramatically reduced fertility. In these male homozygous GGNBP2 KO mice, the only pathological finding was abnormal morphology of the testes and absence of spermatozoa. In addition, increased apoptosis was observed in the testes of GGNBP2 KO mice. SOX9 staining revealed that SOX9-positive Sertoli cells were absent in the seminiferous tubules. In homozygous mice, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were localized in the lumen of the convoluted seminiferous tubules. These results suggest that GGNBP2 plays a key role in spermatogenesis by affecting the morphology and function of SOX9-positive Sertoli cells.
Correction: Corrigendum: Intravenous administration of lidocaine directly acts on spinal dorsal horn and produces analgesic effect: An in vivo patch-clamp analysis
Authors: Kurabe Miyuki , Furue Hidemasa , Kohno Tatsuro
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26253; published online: 18 May 2016; updated: 01 June 2017. The Author Contributions statement in this Article is incomplete, where: “M.K. and T.K. designed the experiments; M.K. conducted experiments and analysed the data; H.F. and T.K. wrote the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript”.
Surface-induced assembly of sophorolipids
Authors: Peyre Jessie , Hamraoui Ahmed , Faustini Marco , Humblot Vincent , Baccile Niki
Published: June 2017

The surface self-assembly properties of acidic sophorolipids, a bolaform microbial glycolipid with pH-responsive properties, were studied based on the chemical nature of the support and pH of the solution.
Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of the anti-tubercular prodrug isoniazid and its analog by iridium(iv) as models for biological redox systems
Authors: Dong Jingran , Ren Yanli , Sun Sufang , Yang Jiao , Nan Chunxia , Shi Hongmei , Xu Jianzhong , Duan Jie , Shi Tiesheng , Elding Lars I.
Published: June 2017

Studies on oxidation of isoniazid and nicotinic hydrazide by [IrCl6]2− show that the predominant reactant at physiological pH is a protolytic species present in very low concentration but having extremely high reactivity.
Geometry and magnetic interaction modulations in dinuclear Dy2single-molecule magnets
Authors: Guo Mei , Xu Yonghui , Wu Jianfeng , Zhao Lang , Tang Jinkui
Published: June 2017

A series of dinuclear dysprosium compounds were synthesized, in which compound3combines the bridging modes of1and coordination geometry of2, resulting in better SMM performance.
Synthesis and photophysical and magnetic studies of ternary lanthanide(iii) complexes of naphthyl chromophore functionalized imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline and dibenzoylmethane
Authors: Josephine Kanimozhi A. , Alexander V.
Published: June 2017

The synthesis of ternary Eu(iii) and Tb(iii) complexes of dibenzoylmethane and naphthyl- and hydroxynaphthyl functionalized imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline as ancillary ligands and their luminescence and magnetic properties are reported in this work.
Hydrogen bonding liquid crystalline benzoic acids with alkylthio groups: phase transition behavior and insights into the cybotactic nematic phase
Authors: Arakawa Yuki , Sasaki Yukito , Igawa Kazunobu , Tsuji Hideto
Published: June 2017

A novel class of hydrogen bonding liquid crystalline benzoic acids with alkylthio groups was established and their phase transition behavior was investigated in detail.
Amidoxime platinum(ii) complexes: pH-dependent highly selective generation and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Bolotin Dmitrii S. , Demakova Marina Ya. , Legin Anton A. , Suslonov Vitaliy V. , Nazarov Alexey A. , Jakupec Michael A. , Keppler Bernhard K. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: June 2017

The reaction ofcis-[PtCl2(Me2S̲O)2] with amidoximes RC(NH2)NOH results in selective generation of two types of complexes,viz.open-chain and chelated, depending on the reaction media.
Synthesis and oxidative stability of hyperbranched macromolecule-bridged hindered phenols
Authors: Li Cuiqin , Sun Peng , Wang Hua , Ma Li , Kang Weiwei , Zhang Zhiqiu , Wang Jun
Published: June 2017

The oxidative stability of hyperbranched macromolecule-bridged hindered phenols was investigated using the DPPH method and the oxygen uptake method.
Low phase noise oscillator based on complementary split‐ring resonators loaded quarter‐mode circular SIW cavity
Authors: Xu Jie , Cui Yinjie , Xu Zhengbin , Guo Jian , Qian Cheng , Li Wenyuan
Published: June 2017

A high Q‐factor substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity resonator and its application of X‐band low phase noise oscillator is proposed. Complementary split‐ring resonators are used to improve the Q‐factor of the proposed resonator. The size of the resonator is reduced by using quarter‐mode circular SIW cavity. The oscillator based on the proposed SIW cavity resonator can be easily designed and tested. Measured results demonstrate an output frequency of 10.11 GHz and a phase noise of −108.7 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset. The oscillator is also able to deliver an output power of 4.6 dBm and harmonic rejection of better than 30 dBc. The proposed oscillator is suitable for low‐cost high‐frequency systems.
Joint design of jammer selection and beamforming for securing MIMO cooperative cognitive radio networks
Authors: Gao Qinghe , Huo Yan , Ma Liran , Xing Xiaoshuang , Cheng Xiuzhen , Jing Tao , Liu Hang
Published: June 2017

In this study, the authors investigate the problem of jammer selection (JS) for enhancing the secrecy goodput in a cooperative cognitive radio network with the multiple‐input–multiple‐output capability. First, they propose an optimal stopping theory‐based JS scheme in the presence of a single eavesdropper. The proposed scheme can accommodate the cases of beamforming or non‐beamforming jamming signals. Furthermore, in the presence of multiple eavesdroppers, they develop a random JS scheme with the beamforming design. Their theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed schemes can effectively improve the secrecy goodput.
Optimal blade pitch control for enhancing the dynamic performance of wind power plants via metaheuristic optimisers
Authors: Soued Salah , Ebrahim Mohamed A. , Ramadan Haitham S. , Becherif Mohamed
Published: June 2017

Wind energy (WE) as an environment‐friendly resource is green, clean, and innovative solution for the globe energy dilemma. For the blade pitch control (BPC) of the WE, the gain scheduling of the BPC becomes important to cope with the wind intermittency. The innovative idea of this study is to employ the novel advanced MOTs for enhancing the dynamic behaviour of the wind power plant. For this purpose, the genetic algorithm (GA), artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm and grey Wolf optimiser (GWO) are used for the optimal tuning of the BPC system parameters. A comprehensive comparative study is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed MOTs over different conventional methods such as the conventional Zeigler–Nichols, and the simplex algorithm). This comparative analysis is based on the time response specifications such as maximum overshoot, settling time and steady‐state error. The proportional‐integral‐differential (PID) controller is applied to the multivariable BPC for a wind turbine generating system connected to a large power system. The simulation results show that the GWO‐PID is more effective than the ABC, GA and the conventional methods. Moreover,the GWO‐PID controller robustness is verified in the presence of system parameter variations, an abrupt change in the mechanical torque and the wind speed variation.
Hundred years of experience in the dynamic thermal modelling of power transformers
Authors: Djamali Mohammad , Tenbohlen Stefan
Published: June 2017

Loading capability of transformers depends strongly on their thermal conditions which can be investigated by means of a dynamic thermal model. It is typically a set of simple differential equations representing very complex physical phenomena; however, there are several factors affecting the accuracies of the models which should be kept in mind while using these models. This study provides a review on the dynamic thermal models of power transformers from very simple to rather complex thermal models proposed in the last hundred years, the affecting factors on their accuracies, and their fields of applications. It is worthwhile to note that this study focuses on the thermal models which are simple and accurate and able to be integrated into monitoring systems.
Lifetime efficiency index model for optimal maintenance of power substation equipment based on cuckoo optimisation algorithm
Authors: Afzali Peyman , Keynia Farshid
Published: June 2017

This study presents a lifetime efficiency index model for substation equipment and proposes an appropriate method for the optimal maintenance of substation equipment. Along the substation equipment lifetime, due to ageing and daily operations, the failure rate increases gradually. So it is needed to do a maintenance strategy for the aim of reduction in the failure rate and improvement in the reliability of equipment. The maintenance strategy for substation equipment typically consists of preventive and corrective maintenance. By the lifetime efficiency index, one can analyse the lifetime of the equipment under the conditions of with and without maintenance. In this study, the failure rate of the equipment is modelled by the appropriate Weibull distribution. Maintenance can keep equipment in normal condition, but it incurs cost. The maintenance strategy should be optimised for the minimum maintenance cost under the required reliability condition. In order to solve this objective problem, a cuckoo optimisation algorithm (COA) is used and results are evaluated. The results based on an example show that the proposed COA was indeed capable of obtaining higher quality solutions than other methods for the optimal maintenance.
Protection scheme for VSC‐HVDC transmission lines based on transverse differential current
Authors: Li Shilong , Chen Wei , Yin Xianggen , Chen Deshu
Published: June 2017

This study proposes a novel transverse differential protection for voltage sourced converter‐high‐voltage, direct current (VSC‐HVDC) to clear faults on DC‐line fast. The proposed scheme depends on the transient current of positive pole and negative pole at the same side. Transverse differential current can be used to distinguish DC and AC faults, novel criteria are built using the ratio of difference and sum current of bipolar. According to the variation characteristics of transient fault current, internal faults and external faults can be detected. The scheme can protect the whole transmission line without dead zone, simplify the algorithm and improve the speed of operation. A typical VSC‐HVDC model in PSCAD/EMTDC is built. The tolerance to grounding resistance of the scheme is researched in simulation. The results demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed scheme. The scheme can be used as supplementary criteria for primary protection or backup protection for VSC‐HVDC transmission lines.
Heuristic planning for dynamic VAR compensation using zoning approach
Authors: Guan Lin , Wu Liang , Li Feng , Zhao Qi
Published: June 2017

Dynamic VAR compensation (DVC) is gaining increasing attentions with growing construction of high‐voltage DC systems and renewable power plants in modern power system. This study proposes a novel zoning‐based heuristic planning method to reduce the sites and capacity of DVC installation. Clustering algorithm based on buses’ dynamic behaviour correlation and voltage control ability is developed to partition the system into several control zones. Then, candidate DVC sites are determined by zones, which narrow the searching space and avoid excessive installation of DVCs on adjacent buses. The voltage control index is proposed to find proper DVC installation locations by zones and capacity optimisation is then carried out to reduce investment. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on a modified New England 39‐bus test system with wind farm integration. Performance comparison with conventional planning scheme confirms the advantages of the new heuristic planning scheme in practical applications.
Master self‐tuning VDCOL function for hybrid multi‐terminal HVDC connecting renewable resources to a large power system
Authors: Nguyen Mai Huong , Saha Tapan Kumar , Eghbal Mehdi
Published: June 2017

To take advantage of line commutated converter (LCC) and voltage source converter high‐voltage, direct current (HVDC) technologies a hybrid multi‐terminal HVDC (MTDC) is designed to exploit the power from renewable resources. A previous study showed that the voltage dependent current order limiter (VDCOL), an emergency function to reduce the current order of an HVDC converter station when voltage is depressed, should be installed in all of the LCC stations of the hybrid MTDC. This study presents a design for a master self‐tuning VDCOL function implemented in a hybrid multi‐terminal HVDC system. This controller aims to generate an adaptive current reference for each LCC station of the VDCOL in a low‐voltage condition. The parameter of this adaptive VDCOL can be chosen according to the summary table of practical experiences; therefore, no tuning technique is required. The developed HVDC control algorithm is implemented on the simplified South East (SE) Australian 14 generator system using DIgSILENT PowerFactory. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control function in reducing the complexity of the control system and operation along with improving system transient stability.
High‐efficiency voltage source converter with low switching power losses for application in islanded microgrids
Authors: Saremi Hasari Seyyed Abbas , Salemnia Ahmad , Hamzeh Mohsen
Published: June 2017

In the conventional inverter, the switching power losses cause the inverter efficiency to decrease at high switching frequencies. In this study, a new structure of a single‐phase voltage‐source inverter with low switching losses is proposed, for application in islanded AC grids. This converter is composed of two single‐phase series inverters, with different switching frequencies. The main feature of the proposed converter is that, the total losses of the proposed converter are fewer than the total losses of a conventional single‐phase inverter, at high switching frequencies. The proposed converter is designed by the appropriate power transistors in the market. By providing a suitable method for calculating the transistor power losses, the switching and conduction losses of the proposed converter are calculated, and compared with losses of a conventional single‐phase inverter. The mathematical model of the proposed converter is derived and used along with root‐locus and frequency‐response analysis, for designing the controllers. The performance of the proposed converter has been assessed using the simulation studies in MATLAB/SIMULINK software environment.
Pouring‐type gravity‐driven oil–water separation without water bridge
Authors: Liu Ziai , Wang Xuyue , Song Jinlong , Roy Tamal , Li Shude , Liu Jiyu , Huang Liu , Liu Xin , Jin Zhuji , Zhao Danyang
Published: June 2017

Oil pollution brings great challenge to environmental protection. Utilising oil–water separation device to separate and recycle oils is an environment‐friendly approach to dispose mixtures containing oils. Pouring‐type gravity‐driven oil–water separation method based on extremely wettable materials is an interesting area of research because of its high separation velocity, selectivity and purity. However, the presence of water bridge results in low separation efficiency. Herein, the authors first synthesised a facile etching method and a dip‐coating method to fabricate contrary extreme wettability sponges including superhydrophilic–underwater‐superoleophobic (SHI–U‐SOO) sponge and superhydrophobic–superoleophilic (SHO–SOI) sponge. Accordingly, they designed a three‐way oil–water separation system whose left and right bottom tubes were installed with the SHI–U‐SOO sponge and the SHO–SOI sponge, respectively. Water and oil separately flow out from the left and right tubes, thereby eliminating the water bridge and increasing separation efficiency, and still having ideal separation selectivity and separation purity. The developed three‐way oil–water separation system has promising application prospects in disposing oil spills, oil leakage from factories and industrial effluents.
Spatial distribution of star formation related to ionized regions throughout the inner Galactic plane
Authors: Palmeirim P. , Zavagno A. , Elia D. , Moore T. J. T. , Whitworth A. , Tremblin P. , Traficante A. , Merello M. , Russeil D. , Pezzuto S. , Cambrésy L. , Baldeschi A. , Bandieramonte M. , Becciani U. , Benedettini M. , Buemi C. , Bufano F. , Bulpitt A. , Butora R. , Carey D. , Costa A. , Deharveng L. , Di Giorgio A. , Eden D. , Hajnal A. , Hoare M. , Kacsuk P. , Leto P. , Marsh K. , Mège P. , Molinari S. , Molinaro M. , Noriega-Crespo A. , Schisano E. , Sciacca E. , Trigilio C. , Umana G. , Vitello F.
Published: June 2017

We present a comprehensive statistical analysis of star-forming objects located in the vicinities of 1360 bubble structures throughout the Galactic plane and their local environments. The compilation of ~70 000 star-forming sources, found in the proximity of the ionized (Hii) regions and detected in both Hi-GAL and GLIMPSE surveys, provided a broad overview of the different evolutionary stages of star-formation in bubbles, from prestellar objects to more evolved young stellar objects (YSOs). Surface density maps of star-forming objects clearly reveal an evolutionary trend where more evolved star-forming objects (Class II YSO candidates) are found spatially located near the center, while younger star-forming objects are found at the edge of the bubbles. We derived dynamic ages for a subsample of 182 H ii regions for which kinematic distances and radio continuum flux measurements were available. We detect approximately 80% more star-forming sources per unit area in the direction of bubbles than in the surrounding fields. We estimate the clump formation efficiency (CFE) of Hi-GAL clumps in the direction of the shell of the bubbles to be ~15%, around twice the value of the CFE in fields that are not affected by feedback effects. We find that the higher values of CFE are mostly due to the higher CFE of protostellar clumps, in particular in younger bubbles, whose density of the bubble shells is higher. We argue that the formation rate from prestellar to protostellar phase is probably higher during the early stages of the (H ii ) bubble expansion. Furthermore, we also find a higher fraction of massive YSOs (MYSOs) in bubbles at the early stages of expansion (<2 Myr) than older bubbles. Evaluation of the fragmentation time inside the shell of bubbles advocates the preexistence of clumps in the medium before the bubble expansion in order to explain the formation of MYSOs in the youngest H ii regions (<1 Myr), as supported by numerical simulations. Approximately 23% of the Hi-GAL clumps are found located in the direction of a bubble, with 15% for prestellar clumps and 41% for protostellar clumps. We argue that the high fraction of protostellar clumps may be due to the acceleration of the star-formation process cause by the feedback of the (Hii) bubbles.
Chirurgie: Asklepios setzt auf Robosharing
Authors: Bonnet Jens
Published: June 2017

Der Hamburger Klinikkonzern setzt auf den teuren OP-Roboter Da Vinci. Für die hohen laufenden Kosten hat das Unternehmen einen „Innovationsfonds“ eingerichtet, langfristig könnten aber auch die Patienten zur Kasse gebeten werden.
Psychology of the Facelift Patient
Authors: Adamson Peter , Sarcu David
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an extensive literature review of the psychology of facelift patients as it has evolved over the past 50 years. Earlier studies revealed significant levels of pre and perioperative depression. Facelift patients generally exhibit emotional and social concerns about facial appearance that are higher than the general population. Many are undergoing midlife situational stresses and may lack the positive characteristics to deal with them. The most common diagnoses seen include depression, impulsivity, unstable personality, and passive dependence, albeit not necessarily serious. Improvement in body image is the major driver for surgery. Characteristics of female patients as defined by their age are described. These include the younger emotionally dependent group, the worker group of middle age, and the older grief group. Male patients are seen to have a higher level of psychological dysfunction, but a higher improvement in postoperative quality of life. Motivations for surgery include increasing self-esteem, making new friends, improving relationships, and getting better jobs. Overall patient satisfaction is more than 95%, with improvement seen in positive changes in their life, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, decreased self-consciousness about their appearance, and overall improvement in quality of life. Postoperative psychological reactions are seen in about half the patients, these primarily being anxiety and depression of varying degrees. Predictors of patient satisfaction include the desire for self-image improvement in contradistinction to a change in life situation. Negative predictors include male sex, young age, unrealistic expectations, relationship disturbances, and preexisting psychological pathology. The importance of good patient selection in achieving a satisfied patient is outlined and emphasized.
Therapeutic Ultrasound and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sundaram Karthik , Chang Sam , Penson David , Arora Sandeep
Published: June 2017

Therapeutic ultrasound approaches including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are emerging as popular minimally invasive alternative treatments for localized, low-to-intermediate risk prostate cancer. FDA approval was recently granted for two ultrasound-guided HIFU devices. Clinical trials for devices using MRI guidance are ongoing. The current level of evidence for whole-gland ultrasound ablation suggests that its clinical efficacy and adverse event rates including erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are similar to current definitive therapies such as radical prostatectomy and external-beam radiotherapy. Short-term data suggest that more focal therapy could reduce the rates of adverse events.
Surgical Anatomy for Facelift
Authors: Batniji Rami
Published: June 2017

Knowledge of surgical anatomy is of paramount importance during surgical dissection for facelift surgery, regardless of the type of facelift procedure performed. This article reviews the relevant surgical anatomy for facelift, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), and course of the facial nerve relative to the SMAS, zygomatic arch, and mandible. Also, this article reviews the various retaining ligaments, and some types of facelift procedures recommend release of these ligaments to achieve a more effective aesthetic result.
Bioactive Bafilomycins and a New N-Arylpyrazinone Derivative from Marine-derived Streptomyces sp. HZP-2216E
Authors: Zhang Zhizhen , Chen Lu , Zhang Xiufang , Liang Ying , Anjum Komal , Chen Lei , Lian Xiao-Yuan
Published: June 2017

A MeOH extract prepared from culture of an actinomycete Streptomyces sp. HZP-2216E isolated from marine green algae Ulva pertusa was found to significantly inhibit proliferation of human glioma cells. Two different media were applied to culture this marine actinomycete, which produced two new compounds of 23-O-butyrylbafilomycin D and streptoarylpyrazinone A, together with known bafilomycin D, 9-hydroxybafilomycin D, and bafilomycin A1. Structures of new compounds were determined by extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses and HRESIMS data. Bioactive assay indicated that all isolated bafilomycins significantly inhibited the proliferation of different glioma cell lines and the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with 23-O-butyrylbafilomycin D as the most active compound. Streptoarylpyrazinone A is a new N-arylpyrazinone derivative existing as a zwitterion, and this type of compounds was rarely found from natural resources.
The effects of bending on the resistance of elastically stretchable metal conductors, and a comparison with stretching
Authors: Graudejus O. , Li T. , Cheng J. , Keiper N. , Ponce Wong R. D. , Pak A. B. , Abbas J.
Published: June 2017

Microcracked gold films on elastomeric substrates can function as stretchable and deformable interconnects and sensors. In response to stretch or deformation, the design would seek to minimize the change in resistance for stretchable or deformable interconnects; if used as resistive sensors, a large change in resistance would be desired. This research examines the change in resistance upon bending of a microcracked conductor and compares the results with stretching such a conductor. The resistance depends on the strain in the film, which, for bending, is a function of the bending radius and the location of the film within the structure with respect to the neutral plane. The resistance decreases when the gold conductor is under compression and increases when it is under tension. The decrease in resistance under compression is small compared to the increase in resistance under tension, marginally depending on the bending radius. In contrast, the resistance under tension significantly increases with decreasing bending radius. The mechanics model presented here offers a mechanistic understanding of these observations. These results provide guidance for the design of interconnects for flexible and stretchable electronics and for flexible sensors to monitor the magnitude and direction of bending or stretching.
Temporal variations of electron density and temperature in Kr/Ne/H2 photoionized plasma induced by nanosecond pulses from extreme ultraviolet source
Authors: Saber I. , Bartnik A. , Wachulak P. , Skrzeczanowski W. , Jarocki R. , Fiedorowicz H.
Published: June 2017

Spectral investigations of low-temperature photoionized plasmas created in a Kr/Ne/H2 gas mixture were performed. The low-temperature plasmas were generated by gas mixture irradiation using extreme ultraviolet pulses from a laser-plasma source. Emission spectra in the ultraviolet/visible range from the photoionized plasmas contained lines that mainly corresponded to neutral atoms and singly charged ions. Temporal variations in the plasma electron temperature and electron density were studied using different characteristic emission lines at various delay times. Results, based on Kr II lines, showed that the electron temperature decreased from 1.7 to 0.9 eV. The electron densities were estimated using different spectral lines at each delay time. In general, except for the Hβ line, in which the electron density decreased from 3.78 × 1016 cm−3 at 200 ns to 5.77 × 1015 cm−3 at 2000 ns, most of the electron density values measured from the different lines were of the order of 1015 cm−3 and decreased slightly while maintaining the same order when the delay time increased. The time dependences of the measured and simulated intensities of a spectral line of interest were also investigated. The validity of the partial or full local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions in plasma was explained based on time-resolved electron density measurements. The partial LTE condition was satisfied for delay times in the 200 ns to 1500 ns range. The results are summarized, and the dominant basic atomic processes in the gas mixture photoionized plasma are discussed.
Head-on collision of dust acoustic shock waves in quantum plasma
Authors: Kohli Ripin , Saini N. S.
Published: June 2017

An investigation is presented to study head-on collision of two dust acoustic (DA) shock waves in quantum dusty plasma comprising negative dust, electrons, and ions. Using an extended Poincare-Lighthill-Kuo perturbation method, two Kortweg-de Vries-Burgers equations for shock waves are derived in this plasma. The analytical phase shifts of DA shock waves after collision has been deduced. The effect of various physical parameters such as quantum diffraction, quantum statistics, kinematic viscosity, and temperature ratio on the characteristics of DA shock waves is explored. This study may be of relevance in astrophysical plasmas such as neutron stars and white dwarfs.
Supercharacters of queer Lie superalgebras
Authors: Cheng Shun-Jen
Published: June 2017

Let g=g0¯ ⊕ g1¯ be the queer Lie superalgebra and let L be a finite-dimensional non-trivial irreducible g-module. Restricting the g-action on L to g0¯, we show that the space of g0¯-invariants Lg0¯ is trivial. As a consequence, we establish a conjecture first formulated by Gorelik, Grantcharov and Mazorchuk on the triviality of the supercharacter of irreducible g-modules in the case when the modules are finite dimensional.
Josephson coupling across a long single-crystalline Cu nanowire
Authors: Skryabina O. V. , Egorov S. V. , Goncharova A. S. , Klimenko A. A. , Kozlov S. N. , Ryazanov V. V. , Bakurskiy S. V. , Kupriyanov M. Yu. , Golubov A. A. , Napolskii K. S. , Stolyarov V. S.
Published: June 2017

We report on a fabrication method and electron-transport measurements for submicron Josephson junctions formed by Cu nanowires coupling to superconducting planar Nb electrodes. The Cu nanowires with a resistivity of ρCu≃1 μΩ cm at low temperatures consisting of single-crystalline segments have been obtained by templated electrodeposition using anodic aluminum oxide as a porous matrix. The current-voltage characteristics of the devices have been studied as a function of temperature and magnetic field. For all junctions, the critical current monotonically decreases with a magnetic field. The measured temperature and magnetic field dependencies are consistent with the model for one-dimensional diffusive superconductor/normal metal/superconductor (SNS) Josephson junctions within the quasiclassical theory of superconductivity.
Communication: Density functional theory embedding with the orthogonality constrained basis set expansion procedure
Authors: Culpitt Tanner , Brorsen Kurt R. , Hammes-Schiffer Sharon
Published: June 2017

Density functional theory (DFT) embedding approaches have generated considerable interest in the field of computational chemistry because they enable calculations on larger systems by treating subsystems at different levels of theory. To circumvent the calculation of the non-additive kinetic potential, various projector methods have been developed to ensure the orthogonality of molecular orbitals between subsystems. Herein the orthogonality constrained basis set expansion (OCBSE) procedure is implemented to enforce this subsystem orbital orthogonality without requiring a level shifting parameter. This scheme is a simple alternative to existing parameter-free projector-based schemes, such as the Huzinaga equation. The main advantage of the OCBSE procedure is that excellent convergence behavior is attained for DFT-in-DFT embedding without freezing any of the subsystem densities. For the three chemical systems studied, the level of accuracy is comparable to or higher than that obtained with the Huzinaga scheme with frozen subsystem densities. Allowing both the high-level and low-level DFT densities to respond to each other during DFT-in-DFT embedding calculations provides more flexibility and renders this approach more generally applicable to chemical systems. It could also be useful for future extensions to embedding approaches combining wavefunction theories and DFT.
Interrelation between domain structures and polarization switching in hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3(Mn,Ti)2O7
Authors: Gao Bin , Huang Fei-Ting , Wang Yazhong , Kim Jae-Wook , Wang Lihai , Lim Seong-Joon , Cheong Sang-Wook
Published: June 2017

Ca3Mn2O7 and Ca3Ti2O7 have been proposed as the prototypical hybrid improper ferroelectrics (HIFs), and a significant magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in magnetic Ca3Mn2O7 is, in fact, reported theoretically and experimentally. Although the switchability of polarization is confirmed in Ca3Ti2O7 and other non-magnetic HIFs, there is no report of switchable polarization in the isostructural Ca3Mn2O7. We constructed the phase diagram of Ca3Mn2-xTixO7 through our systematic study of a series of single crystalline Ca3Mn2-xTixO7 (x = 0, 0.1, 1, 1.5, and 2). Using transmission electron microscopy, we have unveiled the unique domain structure of Ca3Mn2O7: the high-density 90° stacking of a- and b-domains along the c-axis due to the phase transition through an intermediate Acca phase and the in-plane irregular wavy ferroelastic twin domains. The interrelation between domain structures and physical properties is unprecedented: the stacking along the c-axis prevents the switching of polarization and causes the irregular in-plane ferroelastic domain pattern. In addition, we have determined the magnetic phase diagram and found complex magnetism of Ca3Mn2O7 with isotropic canted moments. These results lead to negligible observable ME coupling in Ca3Mn2O7 and guide us to explore multiferroics with large ME coupling.
Room temperature ferromagnetic and ambipolar behaviors of MoS2 doped by manganese oxide using an electrochemical method
Authors: Park Chang-Soo , Chu Dongil , Shon Yoon , Lee Juwon , Kim Eun Kyu
Published: June 2017

We report the room temperature ferromagnetic and ambipolar behaviours of MoS2 thin flakes doped with MnO2 by electrochemical adsorption. The MoS2 thin film was determined to be multilayered over four layers from Raman analysis. The Mn-oxide doped MoS2 has a ferromagnetic hysteresis at room temperature and showed a weak remnant magnetization, 0.02 emu/g. From the gate dependent transfer characteristics of the MoS2 field effect transistor, it appeared that the Mn-oxide doped MoS2 has ambipolar behaviours with field effect mobilities of about 3.7 and 16.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, for electrons and holes.
Thermal combination therapies for local drug delivery by magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Hijnen Nicole , Kneepkens Esther , de Smet Mariska , Langereis Sander , Heijman Edwin , Grüll Holger
Published: June 2017

Significance

MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is noninvasive technology able to focally heat tumor tissue from hyperthermic up to ablative temperatures. Although ablative temperatures can be used to destroy cancerous tissue directly, adequate ablation of tumor margins is often impossible due to the vicinity of vital structures, leaving a potential source for local recurrence. Another therapeutic option in oncology is hyperthermia-triggered local drug delivery using MR-HIFU in combination with temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSLs). In this study, we compare different MR-HIFU treatment schemes comprising ablation and hyperthermia-triggered drug delivery with respect to drug distribution and therapeutic efficacy. We show that a combination protocol of hyperthermia-induced drug delivery followed by ablation resulted in a homogeneous drug distribution and the highest therapeutic effect.
Hidden role of intermolecular proton transfer in the anomalously diffuse vibrational spectrum of a trapped hydronium ion
Authors: Craig Stephanie M. , Menges Fabian S. , Duong Chinh H. , Denton Joanna K. , Madison Lindsey R. , McCoy Anne B. , Johnson Mark A.
Published: June 2017

Significance

Understanding the origin of the extremely diffuse vibrational spectrum of an excess proton in water presents a grand challenge for contemporary physical chemistry. Here, we report the key observation that such diffuse bands occur even when the hydronium ion is held in the binding pocket of a rigid crown ether scaffold at 10 K. The broadening is traced to the zero-point vibrational displacements of the ion in the crown. The diffuse spectra are therefore an intrinsic property of the system and mimic the action of thermal fluctuations at elevated temperatures. We treat the mechanics underlying this phenomenon with a vibrationally adiabatic ansatz, from which emerges a qualitative picture that emphasizes the hidden role of vibrationally driven, intermolecular proton transfer.
The Typological Primacy Model and bilingual types
Authors: Child Michael W.
Published: June 2017

The Typological Primacy Model (TPM; Rothman, 2011, 2013, 2015) proposes that transfer in the initial stages of L3 acquisition will come from the most structurally similar background language, regardless of the order and context of previous language acquisition. However, research on L3 Brazilian Portuguese acquisition by Spanish speaking bilinguals has hinted at differences in transfer based on order and context of acquisition (Carvalho & da Silva, 2006; Johnson, 2004). Consequently, the present study measures three groups of Spanish/English bilinguals’ knowledge of mood in non-obligatory contexts in Spanish and subsequently in Portuguese. Results suggest that participants transfer from Spanish, although there are significant differences in their knowledge of mood distinctions and in the transfer of that knowledge to L3 Portuguese.
Prosodic transfer among Spanish-K’ichee’ bilinguals
Authors: Baird Brandon O.
Published: June 2017

This chapter presents a case of prosodic transfer among Spanish-K’ichee’ (Mayan) bilinguals from two communities in Guatemala: Nahualá and Cantel. Specifically, it analyzes the use of duration to mark contrastive focus in both Spanish and K’ichee’. The results of a production task demonstrate that there is a phonological restriction on the use of a longer duration to mark contrastive focus in Nahualá K’ichee’ but not in Cantel K’ichee’. The surface pattern of this restriction is transferred into the prosodic contrastive focus marking of the Spanish of several bilinguals from Nahualá. However, this prosodic transfer is more likely to occur among Nahualá females and in stress patterns that are present in both languages, i.e., word-final stress.
Experimentally inducing Spanish-English code-switching
Authors: Valdés Kroff Jorge R. , Fernández-Duque Matías
Published: June 2017

U.S. Spanish-English bilinguals intentionally engage in code-switching. Its experimental study is challenging, due to the lack of a meaningful context or turn-taking between speakers. We report on the use of a referential communication task to experimentally elicit code-switching. Data from 10 sessions indicate participants’ willingness to code-switch but that frequency of code-switching is constrained by individual factors. Self-reported code-switching use is correlated with the proportion of English and Spanish spoken, validating self-reported measures of code-switching use but not exposure. The results underscore an asymmetric contribution of the bilingual’s languages in code-switching. The use of this task paves the way for experimental studies on naturalistic and spontaneous code-switching and provides a potential avenue for a more quantified measure of code-switching proficiency.
Nominal complex in West Circassian
Authors: Lander Yury
Published: June 2017

The paper presents a description and an analysis of the nominal complex, a peculiar construction which includes a noun and its modifiers, in West Circassian, a polysynthetic language of the Northwest Caucasian family. The nominal complex shows properties of a single word and tends to follow the template proposed for the word in West Circassian. However, its parts may themselves have a complex structure based on a similar template. This is argued to result from a principle that requires these subparts to be interpreted without appealing to a broader morphological context. In addition, the nominal complex may contain complex syntactic constituents as its proper parts. It is shown that the nominal complex in West Circassian is currently undergoing demorphologization and syntacticization.
Intensive Care Units (ICUs), and Ordinary Means: Turning Virtue into Vice
Authors: Bole Thomas J.
Published: June 2017

There is a social process by which what have been virtues in one social context can become vices in another.

Alasdair MacIntyre 1
Contraception and the Contralife Will
Authors: Connor R. A.
Published: June 2017

Father Connor received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the Lateran University in Rome. He points out that “Intending the good is a subjective operation deriving from an intellectual objective perception of being. The being that I perceive is the esse of my personal self which is thrusting to fulfillment through acts. The person and his/her acts are the grounding of what I mean by “good” or “bad”. The evil of contraception, then is not an intention against the life of a future child, but the nonconformity of the will with the double structure (love-making/life giving) of the coital act which is a manifestation of the intercoursing process.

“The evident weakness of the contralife will shows in the inability to apply it uniformly throughout sexual morality. For example, in in vitro fertilization, the will is pro-life, yet the “manufacturing” of the child is evil. They then have recourse to other principles ad hoc.”