bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land-surface initialisation improves seasonal climate prediction skill for maize yield forecast
Authors: Ceglar Andrej , Toreti Andrea , Prodhomme Chloe , Zampieri Matteo , Turco Marco , Doblas-Reyes Francisco J.
Published: January 2018

Seasonal crop yield forecasting represents an important source of information to maintain market stability, minimise socio-economic impacts of crop losses and guarantee humanitarian food assistance, while it fosters the use of climate information favouring adaptation strategies. As climate variability and extremes have significant influence on agricultural production, the early prediction of severe weather events and unfavourable conditions can contribute to the mitigation of adverse effects. Seasonal climate forecasts provide additional value for agricultural applications in several regions of the world. However, they currently play a very limited role in supporting agricultural decisions in Europe, mainly due to the poor skill of relevant surface variables. Here we show how a combined stress index (CSI), considering both drought and heat stress in summer, can predict maize yield in Europe and how land-surface initialised seasonal climate forecasts can be used to predict it. The CSI explains on average nearly 53% of the inter-annual maize yield variability under observed climate conditions and shows how concurrent heat stress and drought events have influenced recent yield anomalies. Seasonal climate forecast initialised with realistic land-surface achieves better (and marginally useful) skill in predicting the CSI than with climatological land-surface initialisation in south-eastern Europe, part of central Europe, France and Italy.
Impaired Functional Criticality of Human Brain during Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Authors: Jiang Lili , Sui Danyang , Qiao Kaini , Dong Hao-Ming , Chen Luonan , Han Ying
Published: January 2018

The progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has been proposed to comprise three stages, subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD. Was brain dynamics across the three stages smooth? Was there a critical transition? How could we characterize and study functional criticality of human brain? Based on dynamical characteristics of critical transition from nonlinear dynamics, we proposed a vertex-wise Index of Functional Criticality (vIFC) of fMRI time series in this study. Using 42 SCD, 67 amnestic MCI (aMCI), 34 AD patients as well as their age-, sex-, years of education-matched 54 NC, our new method vIFC successfully detected significant patient-normal differences for SCD and aMCI, as well as significant negative correlates of vIFC in the right middle temporal gyrus with total scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in SCD. In comparison, standard deviation of fMRI time series only detected significant differences between AD patients and normal controls. As an index of functional criticality of human brain derived from nonlinear dynamics, vIFC could serve as a sensitive neuroimaging marker for future studies; considering much more vIFC impairments in aMCI compared to SCD and AD, our study indicated aMCI as a critical stage across AD progression.
Butyrylcholinesterase and Acetylcholinesterase polymorphisms in Multiple Sclerosis patients: implication in peripheral inflammation
Authors: Reale Marcella , Costantini Erica , Di Nicola Marta , D’Angelo Chiara , Franchi Sara , D’Aurora Marco , Di Bari Maria , Orlando Viviana , Galizia Sabrina , Ruggieri Serena , Stuppia Liborio , Gasperini Claudio , Tata Ada Maria , Gatta Valentina
Published: January 2018

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, having not fully understood aetiology, and both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. The cholinergic system has been indicated as a mediator of neuro-immune interactions, as well as an internal regulator of immune responses. The aim of the present research was to assess the associations between BChE and AChE genetic variations and serum cholinergic and inflammatory profiles in 102 Relapsing Remitting-MS patients and 117 healthy controls. An increased frequency of the BChE K-allele in MS patients as compared to controls was found. In addition, data showed that patients had higher BChE enzymatic activity, which is increased by the presence of the polymorphic allele and reduced amounts of circulating ACh. AChE polymorphism was significantly associated to reduced activity in both patients and controls. We propose that serum BChE and AChE activity may be used as a secondary markers to assess the role of non-neuronal cholinergic system in regulating peripheral inflammation via ACh regulation. This pilot study shed light on the role of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in immune cells to better understand MS pathogenesis. The cross-talk between the periphery and the CNS could have a new undescribed crucial role for MS, regarded as a systemic disease.
Reversible 2D Supramolecular Organic Frameworks encompassing Viologen Cation Radicals and CB[8]
Authors: Madasamy Kanagaraj , Shanmugam Vellaiah Maruthiah , Velayutham David , Kathiresan Murugavel
Published: January 2018

Reversible 2D supramolecular organic frameworks encompassing branched viologen architectures and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) were constructed and investigated. UV-vis investigation clearly indicates the formation and intermolecular dimerization of monocation radicals and their encapsulation into the hydrophobic CB[8] cavity which is further complemented by EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy. Particle size measurements by dynamic light scattering method showed particle sizes in the range of several µm indicating larger aggregates. Zeta potential measurements suggested the instability of these particles and their tendency to form aggregates. TEM (transmission electron microscope) analysis further revealed the formation of supramolecular polymer (monocation radical with cucurbit[8]uril) whose diameter were in the range of several µm as indicated by DLS measurements; however the oxidized form, i.e., the viologen dication with cucurbit[8]uril showed dotted spots in the range of sub nanometer level. The internal periodicities of the supramolecular polymers were analyzed by SAXs (small angle X-ray scattering) measurements. Additionally, we have demonstrated that these supramolecular organic frameworks can be depolymerized by oxidation in air and again can be polymerized (intermolecular radical dimerization) by reduction under inert atmosphere demonstrating that these systems will be of broad interest.
Tunable band-gap structure and gap solitons in the generalized Gross-Pitaevskii equation with a periodic potential
Authors: Huang Changming , Dong Liangwei
Published: January 2018

The tunable band-gap structure is fundamentally important in the dynamics of both linear and nonlinear modes trapped in a lattice because Bloch modes can only exist in the bands of the periodic system and nonlinear modes associating with them are usually confined to the gaps. We reveal that when a momentum operator is introduced into the Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE), the bandgap spectra of the periodic system can be shifted upward parabolically by the growth of the constant momentum coefficient. During this process, the band edges become asymmetric, in sharp contrast to the standard GPE with an external periodic potential. Extended complex Bloch modes with asymmetric profiles can be derived by applying a phase transformation to the symmetric profiles. We find that the inherent parity-time symmetry of the complex system is never broken with increasing momentum coefficient. Under repulsive interactions, solitons with different numbers of peaks bifurcating from the band edges are found in finite gaps. We also address the existence of embedded solitons in the generalized two-dimensional GPE. Linear stability analysis corroborated by direct evolution simulations demonstrates that multi-peaked solitons are almost completely stable in their entire existence domains.
Mitochondrial genome diversity and population structure of two western honey bee subspecies in the Republic of South Africa
Authors: Eimanifar Amin , Kimball Rebecca T. , Braun Edward L. , Ellis James D.
Published: January 2018

Apis mellifera capensisEschscholtz andA.m.scutellataLepeletier are subspecies of western honey bees that are indigenous to the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Both subspecies have invasive potential and are organisms of concern for areas outside their native range, though they are important bees to beekeepers, agriculture, and the environment where they are native. The aim of the present study was to examine genetic differentiation among these subspecies and estimate their phylogenetic relationships using complete mitochondrial genomes sequences. We used 25 individuals that were either assigned to one of the subspecies or designated hybrids using morphometric analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of mitogenome sequences by maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference identified a monophyletic RSA clade, subdivided into two clades. A haplotype network was consistent with the phylogenetic trees. However, members of both subspecies occurred in both clades, indicating thatA.m.capensisandA.m.scutellataare neither reciprocally monophyletic nor do they exhibit paraphyly with one subspecies nested within the other subspecies. Furthermore, no mitogenomic features were diagnostic to either subspecies. All bees analyzed from the RSA expressed a substantial level of haplotype diversity (most samples had unique haplotypes) but limited nucleotide diversity. The number of variable codons across protein-coding genes (PCGs) differed among loci, withCO3exhibiting the most variation andATP6the least.
Serum miR-375-3p increase in mice exposed to a high dose of ionizing radiation
Authors: Chiba Mitsuru , Monzen Satoru , Iwaya Chihiro , Kashiwagi Yuri , Yamada Sunao , Hosokawa Yoichiro , Mariya Yasushi , Nakamura Toshiya , Wojcik Andrzej
Published: January 2018

Exposure to high-doses of ionizing radiation (IR) leads to development of a strong acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in mammals. ARS manifests after a latency period and it is important to develop fast prognostic biomarkers for its early detection and assessment. Analysis of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes is the gold standard of biological dosimetry, but it fails after high doses of IR. Therefore, it is important to establish novel biomarkers of exposure that are fast and reliable also in the high dose range. Here, we investigated the applicability of miRNA levels in mouse serum. We found significantly increased levels of miR-375-3p following whole body exposure to 7 Gy of X-rays. In addition, we analyzed their levels in various organs of control mice and found them to be especially abundant in the pancreas and the intestine. Following a dose of 7 Gy, extensive cell death occurred in these tissues and this correlated negatively with the levels of miR-375-3p in the organs. We conclude that high expressing tissues of miR-375-3p may secrete this miRNA in serum following exposure to 7 Gy. Therefore, elevated miR-375-3p in serum may be a predictor of tissue damage induced by exposure to a high radiation dose.
GSK3β modulates NF-κB activation and RelB degradation through site-specific phosphorylation of BCL10
Authors: Abd-Ellah Ali , Voogdt Cornelia , Krappmann Daniel , Möller Peter , Marienfeld Ralf B.
Published: January 2018

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase involved in the regulation of various cellular functions, such as energy homoeostasis, cell growth and developmental processes. More recently, GSK3β has been identified as a part of a protein complex involved in the regulation of the CARMA1-BCL10-MALT1 complex (CBM complex) formation, which is a key signalling event upon antigen receptor engagement of B and T cells, required for the activation of the NF-κB and JNK pathways. However, conflicting reports have been published regarding the role of GSK3β for the activation of the NF-κB signalling pathways. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of GSK3β on the NF-κB signalling induced upon T cell activation. Blocking GSK3β by either pharmacologic inhibitors (SB216763 and SB415286) or by RNAi caused a reduced proteolysis of the MALT1 targets CYLD1, BCL10 and RelB as well as diminished IκBα degradation, NF-κB DNA binding and NF-κB activity. This negative effect on NF-κB appears to be due to a diminished CBM complex formation caused by a reduced BCL10 phosphorylation. Taken together, we provide here evidence for a novel regulatory mechanism by which GSK3β affects NF-κB signalling in activated T cells.
A gigantic marine ostracod (Crustacea: Myodocopa) trapped in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: Xing Lida , Sames Benjamin , McKellar Ryan C. , Xi Dangpeng , Bai Ming , Wan Xiaoqiao
Published: January 2018

The mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (~99 Ma, Myanmar), widely known for exquisite preservation of theropods, also yields microfossils, which can provide important contextual information on paleoenvironment and amber formation. We report the first Cretaceous ostracod in amber—the gigantic (12.9 mm) right valve of an exclusively marine group (Myodocopa: Myodocopida) preserved in Burmese amber. Ostracods are usually small (0.5–2 mm), with well-calcified carapaces that provide an excellent fossil record extending to at least the Ordovician (~485 million years ago), but they are rarely encountered in amber. The new specimen effectively doubles the age of the ostracod amber record, offering the first representative of the Myodocopa, a weakly calcified group with a poor fossil record. Its carapace morphology is atypical and likely plesiomorphic. The preserved valve appears to be either a moulted exuvium or a dead and disarticulated specimen, and subsequent resin flows contain forest floor inclusions with terrestrial arthropods, i.e., fragmentary remains of spiders, and insect frass. These features resolve an enigmatic taphonomic pathway, and support a marginal marine setting for resin production.
China CO2 emission accounts 1997–2015
Authors: Shan Yuli , Guan Dabo , Zheng Heran , Ou Jiamin , Li Yuan , Meng Jing , Mi Zhifu , Liu Zhu , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2018

China is the world’s top energy consumer and CO2 emitter, accounting for 30% of global emissions. Compiling an accurate accounting of China’s CO2 emissions is the first step in implementing reduction policies. However, no annual, officially published emissions data exist for China. The current emissions estimated by academic institutes and scholars exhibit great discrepancies. The gap between the different emissions estimates is approximately equal to the total emissions of the Russian Federation (the 4th highest emitter globally) in 2011. In this study, we constructed the time-series of CO2 emission inventories for China and its 30 provinces. We followed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emissions accounting method with a territorial administrative scope. The inventories include energy-related emissions (17 fossil fuels in 47 sectors) and process-related emissions (cement production). The first version of our dataset presents emission inventories from 1997 to 2015. We will update the dataset annually. The uniformly formatted emission inventories provide data support for further emission-related research as well as emissions reduction policy-making in China.
The reconstruction of 2,631 draft metagenome-assembled genomes from the global oceans
Authors: Tully Benjamin J. , Graham Elaina D. , Heidelberg John F.
Published: January 2018

Microorganisms play a crucial role in mediating global biogeochemical cycles in the marine environment. By reconstructing the genomes of environmental organisms through metagenomics, researchers are able to study the metabolic potential of Bacteria and Archaea that are resistant to isolation in the laboratory. Utilizing the large metagenomic dataset generated from 234 samples collected during the Tara Oceans circumnavigation expedition, we were able to assemble 102 billion paired-end reads into 562 million contigs, which in turn were co-assembled and consolidated in to 7.2 million contigs ≥2 kb in length. Approximately 1 million of these contigs were binned to reconstruct draft genomes. In total, 2,631 draft genomes with an estimated completion of ≥50% were generated (1,491 draft genomes >70% complete; 603 genomes >90% complete). A majority of the draft genomes were manually assigned phylogeny based on sets of concatenated phylogenetic marker genes and/or 16S rRNA gene sequences. The draft genomes are now publically available for the research community at-large.
Applying macromolecular crowding to 3D bioprinting: fabrication of 3D hierarchical porous collagen-based hydrogel constructs
Authors: Ng Wei Long , Goh Min Hao , Yeong Wai Yee , Naing May Win
Published: January 2018

3D bioprinting of hierarchical porous structures for tissue engineering.
Selective high adsorption capacity for Congo red dye of a new 3D supramolecular complex and its magnetic hybrid
Authors: Beheshti Azizolla , Hashemi Faezeh , Behvandi Fatemeh , Mayer Peter , Atzei Davide
Published: January 2018

A new pentacoordinated Cd(ii)-CP based on a flexible nitrogen donor ligand (L) and a corresponding core–shell magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2@Cd(ii)-CP hybrid have been synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation. The products can be proposed as good recyclable adsorbents for the selective adsorption of Congo red dye.
Ultrathin two-dimensional metallic nanomaterials
Authors: Ma Yang , Li Bin , Yang Shubin
Published: January 2018

This review provides a systematic introduction to the various synthesis routes as well as some main applications for two-dimensional metallic nanosheets, aiming to contribute to the choice of fabrication methods and studies in this domain.
Mechanism in the existent difference in form of wogonin/wogonoside between plasma and intestine/liver in rats
Authors: Wang Qian , Shi Rong , Dai Yan , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Tianming , Ma Yueming , Cheng Nengneng
Published: January 2018

OATPs, MRPs, UGTs and β-glucuronidase mediate the difference of exposure form of wogonin and wogonoside in plasma and tissues.
Microfluidic flow switching via localized acoustic streaming controlled by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Jung Jin Ho , Destgeer Ghulam , Park Jinsoo , Ahmed Husnain , Park Kwangseok , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: January 2018

Acoustic streaming flow induced by high-frequency surface acoustic waves has been used to switch streams of two immiscible fluids flowing in parallel through a bifurcating microchannel with an H-shaped junction at the centre.
Theoretical investigation on the ground state properties of the hexaamminecobalt(iii) and nitro–nitrito linkage isomerism in pentaamminecobalt(iii) in vacuo
Authors: Muya Jules Tshishimbi , Chung Hoeil , Lee Sang Uck
Published: January 2018

Nitro–nitrito isomerization in Co(NH3)5NO22+ linkage isomers was investigated with a focus on the geometries, relative stabilities and chemical bonding using ωB97XD/6-31+G(d,p) to elucidate the photo-salient effect in [Co(NH3)5NO2]NO3Cl.
Light weight and flexible poly(ether ether ketone) based composite film with excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties for wide-band electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Na Ruiqi , Liu Jinying , Wang Guibin , Zhang Shuling
Published: January 2018

Capitalizing on wrapped MWCNTs and high-temperature lubricants produce a light weight and flexible poly(ether ether ketone) composite film with excellent thermal stability and mechanical property for wide-band electromagnetic interference shielding.
Crystal growth kinetics, microstructure and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/carbon nanocomposites fabricated using a chelating structure phosphorus source
Authors: He Liping , Zha Wenke , Chen Dachuan
Published: January 2018

The LFP/C, fabricated using BHMTPMPA as new phosphorus source, displays a lower activation energy, nanosphere structure and good electrochemical properties.
Electrochemical measurements and theoretical studies for understanding the behavior of catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone on the boron doped diamond surface
Authors: Lopes da Silva Amison Rick , Jhones dos Santos Alexsandro , Martínez-Huitle Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2018

Using electrochemical techniques it was possible to study the behavior of hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol, at boron doped diamond surface in aqueous solutions as well as to associate the electrochemical profiles with computational simulations.
Co-production of microbial oil and exopolysaccharide by the oleaginous yeastSporidiobolus pararoseusgrown in fed-batch culture
Authors: Han Mei , Xu Jian-Zhong , Liu Zhen-Min , Qian He , Zhang Wei-Guo
Published: January 2018

The production cost of microbial oil was reduced by improving the exopolysaccharide (EPS) production to share the production cost usingSporidiobolus pararoseusJD-2.
Selective imaging of cathepsin L in breast cancer by fluorescent activity-based probes
Authors: Poreba Marcin , Rut Wioletta , Vizovisek Matej , Groborz Katarzyna , Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Finlay Darren , Vuori Kristiina , Turk Dusan , Turk Boris , Salvesen Guy S. , Drag Marcin
Published: January 2018

Highly-selective fluorogenic substrate and activity-based probe for monitoring cathepsin L activity in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.
Synthesis, structure and aromaticity of carborane-fused carbo- and heterocycles
Authors: Chan Tek Long , Xie Zuowei
Published: January 2018

The results of molecular structures, NMR data, and NICS (nucleus-independent chemical shift) and ISE (isomerization stabilization energy) values as well as molecular orbital analyses clearly suggest the presence of considerable aromatic character in the exo five-membered ring of carborane-fused carbo- and heterocycles and considerable conjugation between a 3-D carborane and a fused 2-D π-ring system.
Layer-by-layer assembled graphene multilayers on multidimensional surfaces for highly durable, scalable, and wearable triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Chung Il Jun , Kim Wook , Jang Wonjun , Park Hyun-Woo , Sohn Ahrum , Chung Kwun-Bum , Kim Dong-Wook , Choi Dukhyun , Park Yong Tae
Published: January 2018

Layer-by-layer multilayers are demonstrated for low-cost, durable, scalable, and wearable graphene-TENGs on flat or undulated polymer substrates and fabric textiles.
Triptycene-based quinone molecules showing multi-electron redox reactions for large capacity and high energy organic cathode materials in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kwon Ji Eon , Hyun Chang-Seok , Ryu Young Jun , Lee Joungphil , Min Dong Joo , Park Moon Jeong , An Byeong-Kwan , Park Soo Young
Published: January 2018

Triptycene bearing three benzoquinone moieties in a rigid 3-D tripod structure is capable of utilizing five-electron redox reactions that can provide a large capacity and high energy density in Li-ion cells.
Porous silaphosphorene, silaarsenene and silaantimonene: a sweet marriage of Si and P/As/Sb
Authors: Lin Shiru , Gu Jinxing , Wang Yu , Wang Yanchao , Zhang Shengli , Liu Xinghui , Zeng Haibo , Chen Zhongfang
Published: January 2018

The computational design of porous silaphosphorene (pSiP), silaarsenene (pSiAs) and silaantimonene (pSiSb), and the systematic investigation of their stability, electronic and optical properties, as well as their potential as photocatalysts for water splitting.
Polydopamine–polyethylene glycol–albumin antifouling coatings on multiple substrates
Authors: Goh S. C. , Luan Y. , Wang X. , Du H. , Chau C. , Schellhorn H. E. , Brash J. L. , Chen H. , Fang Q.
Published: January 2018

Polydopamine–PEG coatings on different substrates: effects of PDA layer properties on PEG grafting and anti-biofouling properties.
Synthesis and characterization of porphyrin–DNA constructs for the self-assembly of modular energy transfer arrays
Authors: Anderson Nathaniel T. , Dinolfo Peter H. , Wang Xing
Published: January 2018

A new type of modular energy transfer system has been synthesized using ssDNA and a porphyrin molecule through CuAAC reactivity.
Case examples of an evaluation of the human relevance of the pyrethroids/pyrethrins-induced liver tumours in rodents based on the mode of action
Authors: Yamada Tomoya
Published: January 2018

Rodent carcinogenicity studies are useful for screening for human carcinogens but they are not perfect. Some modes of action (MOAs) lead to cancers in both experimental rodents and humans, but others that lead to cancers in rodents do not do so in humans. Therefore, analysing the MOAs by which chemicals produce tumours in rodents and determining the relevance of such tumour data for human risk are critical. Recently, experimental data were obtained as case examples of an evaluation of the human relevance of pyrethroid (metofluthrin and momfluorothrin)- and pyrethrins-induced liver tumours in rats based on MOA. The MOA analysis, based on the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) framework, concluded that experimental data strongly support that the postulated MOA for metofluthrin-, momfluorothrin- and pyrethrins-produced rat hepatocellular tumours is mediated by constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation. Since metofluthrin and momfluorothrin are close structural analogues, reproducible outcomes for both chemicals provide confidence in the MOA findings. Furthermore, cultured human hepatocyte studies and humanized chimeric mouse liver studies demonstrated species difference between human hepatocytes (refractory to the mitogenic effects of these compounds) and rat hepatocytes (sensitive to their mitogenic effects). These data strongly support the hypothesis that the CAR-mediated MOA for liver tumorigenesis is of low carcinogenic risk for humans. In this research, in addition to cultured human hepatocyte studies, the usefulness of the humanized chimeric liver mouse models was clearly demonstrated. These data substantially influenced decisions in regulatory toxicology. In this review I comprehensively discuss the human relevance of the CAR-mediated MOA for rodent liver tumorigenesis based on published information, including our recent molecular research on CAR-mediated MOA.
When an Unexpected Diagnosis Occurs: a Vaginal Premenopausal Sarcoma
Authors: Marcos-Figueiredo Pedro , Moreira Diana de Sousa da Costa , Morim Manuel Gonçalves , Pereira Júlia Leite , Salgado Lurdes Silva
Published: January 2018

Vaginal cancer is a rare entity. The evidence on its management resides mostly in clinical cases or small case series. Of the histological types, the most frequent is the squamous cell carcinoma, followed by adenocarcinoma. But what to do when identifying an even more infrequent sarcoma in a premenopausal woman? In this study, we describe the case of a 53-year-old woman presenting with metrorrhagia for two months, who was evaluated after an intense episode. A necrotic and ulcerative vaginal swelling was documented and then submitted to biopsy, which revealed a vaginal sarcoma. The patient was referred to radiation therapy with 50 Gy (aiming to control the symptoms and to cause tumor reduction for posterior pelvic exenteration with intraoperative radiotherapy) and developed an extra-pelvic metastization at the end of the treatment, which caused a fast negative outcome. Despite the initial poor prognosis, a chemo-irradiation or primary surgery regimen might have achieved (although with greater side effects) a better survival. This case-report entails a discussion about the strategies to manage vaginal sarcoma in advanced stage and in premenopausal women.
Endocrinological Abnormalities and Growth Impairment in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children
Authors: John B. , Gupta Rakesh , Pandey Abhishek
Published: January 2018

Background Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an important emerging disease and many children are surviving into adulthood with effective antiretroviral therapy. Growth dysregulation is common in these children and endocrine abnormalities are likely to be a possible comorbidity. There is a paucity of data on these endocrinological abnormalities in this population. Against this background, a study to evaluate the endocrinological profile in HIV-infected children and its relationship with growth failure was performed.

Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in children less than 18 years attending the pediatric HIV clinic at a tertiary care hospital in central India. Blood samples for T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were collected during routine visit, preserved at –70°C, and subsequently assayed. Statistical analysis for the data with respect to the endocrinological abnormalities and growth failure was performed.

Results A total of 100 children were included in the study. The prevalence of growth failure was high. Nineteen percent children had height less than − 3 standard deviation (SD) and 59% children had height less than 2SD. The prevalence of endocrinological abnormalities was also high. Fifty-four percent children had low T3 levels, 12% had low T4 levels, 4% had high TSH levels, 44% had low cortisol levels, and 25% had low DHEA. Fifty-eight percent children had low GH levels, while IGFBP3 levels were low in the entire cohort. There was a statistically significant association between growth failure and levels of T3 and GH.

Conclusion Our results show a high prevalence of growth failure and endocrinological abnormalities in HIV-infected children. A significant association between growth failure and endocrine abnormalities was found for T3 and GH.
Can Neonatal Brain MRI be Performed during Active Cooling?
Authors: Rajderkar Dhanashree , Copenhaver Nicole , Boykin Kristine , Weiss Michael , Pacella Marisa
Published: January 2018

Objective Due to logistical constraints, physicians traditionally delay diagnostic imaging for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) until the neonate has completed all 72 hours of therapeutic hypothermia and rewarming. In some cases, neonates may require neuroimaging before 72 hours has passed.

Study Design We present a case in which an MRI was acquired during active hypothermia.

Results Upon return to the NICU, Baby X's temperature probe read 33.6 degrees, indicating that hypothermia was likely maintained at the target temperature.

Conclusion Active hypothermia is possible during MRI.
Expert-led didactic versus self-directed audiovisual training of confocal laser endomicroscopy in evaluation of mucosal barrier defects
Authors: Huynh Roy , Ip Matthew , Chang Jeff , Haifer Craig , Leong Rupert
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) allows mucosal barrier defects along the intestinal epithelium to be visualized in vivo during endoscopy. Training in CLE interpretation can be achieved didactically or through self-directed learning. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of expert-led didactic with self-directed audiovisual teaching for training inexperienced analysts on how to recognize mucosal barrier defects on endoscope-based CLE (eCLE).

Materials and methods This randomized controlled study involved trainee analysts who were taught how to recognize mucosal barrier defects on eCLE either didactically or through an audiovisual clip. After being trained, they evaluated 6 sets of 30 images. Image evaluation required the trainees to determine whether specific features of barrier dysfunction were present or not. Trainees in the didactic group engaged in peer discussion and received feedback after each set while this did not happen in the self-directed group. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of both groups were compared.

Results Trainees in the didactic group achieved a higher overall accuracy (87.5 % vs 85.0 %, P = 0.002) and sensitivity (84.5 % vs 80.4 %, P = 0.002) compared to trainees in the self-directed group. Interobserver agreement was higher in the didactic group (k = 0.686, 95 % CI 0.680 – 0.691, P < 0.001) than in the self-directed group (k = 0.566, 95 % CI 0.559 – 0.573, P < 0.001). Confidence (OR 6.48, 95 % CI 5.35 – 7.84, P < 0.001) and good image quality (OR 2.58, 95 % CI 2.17 – 2.82, P < 0.001) were positive predictors of accuracy.

Conclusion Expert-led didactic training is more effective than self-directed audiovisual training for teaching inexperienced analysts how to recognize mucosal barrier defects on eCLE.
Self-expandable metal stent placement in a child for treatment of achalasia after failed Heller myotomy
Authors: Gugig Roberto , Muñoz Jurado Guillermo , Huang Clifton , Oleas Roberto , Robles-Medranda Carlos
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Childhood achalasia treatment remains inconclusive. What is next after myotomy failure? Repeated pneumatic-dilation put patients at greater risk of perforation with possible symptom recurrence. We report on a 12-year-old patient with a 1-year history of achalasia whom underwent Heller myotomy with fundoplication and recurred with symptoms 1 week after surgery. Pneumatic dilatation was considered but not done because of the risk of esophageal perforation. The decision was made to place a fully covered self-expanding metallic stent (FC-SEMS) for 3 months, which resolved the stenosis as confirmed by esophagram. The patient has remained asymptomatic since the procedure was performed 2 years ago. FC-SEMS is an alternative for treatment of refractory achalasia in children who do not respond to conventional treatment.
The use of fully-covered self-expanding metallic stents for intraprocedural management of post-sphincterotomy perforations: a single-center study (with video)
Authors: Trikudanathan Guru , Hoversten Patrick , Arain Mustafa , Attam Rajeev , Freeman Martin , Amateau Stuart
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims Management of post-sphincterotomy perforations is variable, with some patients managed conservatively and other requiring surgery. Fully-covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMs) have been used in the past, but data is limited. The aim of this study was to report the clinical characteristics and outcomes following placement of anchored FCSEMSs for the immediate management of post-sphincterotomy perforation.

Patients and methods All patients undergoing an ERCP procedure between June 2011 and December 2015 at our institution were reviewed for post-sphincterotomy perforation. All intra-procedurally recognized perforations underwent placement of FCSEMs with flexible anchoring fins and were included in this study. Data extracted included patient demographics, indication, peri-procedural details, clinical course and long-term outcome following anchored FCSEMS placement.

Results A total of 15 patients (12 females, median age-66 years) with post-sphincterotomy perforation were included. Major indications included choledocholithiasis in 9 (60 %), and 5 (33.3 %) patients had intra-ampullary or periampullary diverticula. All patients underwent placement of FCSEMS without any complication and had immediate resolution of perforation as evidenced by decrease in fluoroscopic gas and lack of contrast extravasation. None of the patients became symptomatic or needed surgery with a median 2 days of hospitalization following the procedure. Stents were removed after a median of 30.5 days and no complications were noted during follow-up after stent removal.

Conclusions Anchored FCSEMs are safe and effective for management of intra-procedurally recognized post-sphincterotomy perforations and obviates need for surgery.
Endoscopic full-thickness resection with an over-the-scope clip device (FTRD) in the colorectum: results from a university tertiary referral center
Authors: Vitali Francesco , Naegel Andreas , Siebler Juergen , Neurath Markus , Rath Timo
Published: January 2018

Background and study aims The full-thickness resection device (FTRD) represents a novel endoscopic treatment method for lesions unresectable with conventional endoscopic techniques. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate technical success and in toto resection rates, recurrence rates, as well as immediate or late complications in patients who underwent polyp removal with the FTRD.

Patients and methods Data from a prospectively collected database of 12 patients who underwent 13 over-the-scope clip-based full-thickness resections between June 2015 and June 2017 were analyzed. Follow-up endoscopy was performed in 11 out of 12 patients.

Results 13 full-thickness resections were performed in 7 males and 5 females (mean age 64.3 ± 6.3 years). Mean size of the lesions removed with FTRD was 17 ± 4 mm. Location was rectum (n = 6), cecum (n = 2), ascending colon (n = 2), left flexure (n = 1) and right flexure (n = 2). Mean procedure time was 68 ± 35 minutes and mean hospital stay was 2.5 ± 1.2 days. 2 patients developed post-polypectomy syndrome, which resolved after conservative treatment. No perforations and no immediate surgical revision were needed. Histology of the 13 lesions removed with FTRD showed 5 adenomas with low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN), 4 high grade IEN, 1 fibrosis, 1 fibrosis without dysplasia and 2 adenocarcinomas. Technical success was achieved in all procedures (13/13, 100 %). R0 resection was achieved in 10/12 patients (83.3 %). 2 patients underwent surgery because of recurrence or not evaluable margins. In 1 patient no residual malignancy was proven in histological examination, in the other patient residual low grade IEN adenoma.

Conclusion FTRD is a minimally invasive approach with good success rate of complete resection and minimal side effects.
Epifaszial verlagerte tiefe inferiore epigastrische Gefäße als Anschlussgefäße für die mikrochirurgische Rekonstruktion
komplexer onkochirurgischer Defekte des Abdomens und des Oberschenkels
Authors: Simunovic F. , Wittel U. , Passlick B. , Wiesemann S. , Czerny M. , Südkamp M. , Stark G. B. , Bannasch H.
Published: January 2018

Hintergrund Die Resektion großer Weichteilsarkome erfordert die Rekonstruktion mit freiem Gewebstransfer. Hierbei stellt die Selektion
geeigneter Anschlussgefäße einen entscheidenden Faktor für den operativen Erfolg dar.

Patienten Wir berichten über vier Fälle mit sehr großen Tumoren und mit besonders komplexem anatomischem Bezug: zwei Sarkome in der
Leiste mit Infiltration der Gefäß-Nervenstraße und zwei Sarkome in der Flanke mit ausgedehnter thorakoabdomineller und viszeraler
Beteiligung. In allen Fällen erfolgten interdisziplinäre Operationen innerhalb eines multimodalen Therapieansatzes. In zwei Fällen wurde ein
anterolateraler Oberschenkellappen (ALT) und in zwei ein myokutaner Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Lappen zur Defektdeckung benutzt. In allen Fällen
erfolgte eine epifasziale Verlagerung der tiefen inferioren epigastrischen Gefäße zum mikrochirurgischen Gefäßanschluss.

Ergebnisse Die durchschnittliche Operationszeit betrug 694 ± 149 Minuten. Das mittlere Resektatgewicht war 3069 ± 1267 g. Drei
Lappenplastiken heilten primär ein, in einem Fall kam es zu einer Spitzennekrose, welche operativ behandelt wurde.

Schlussfolgerung Die Verlagerung der tiefen inferioren epigastrischen Gefäßen nach epifaszial stellt in dieser selektionierten Gruppe
eine gute Option zum Anschluss freier Lappen dar. Aufgrund der oberflächlichen Lage ist die Durchführung der Anastomose erleichtert.
Insbesondere bei großen Defekten mit bestrahltem Lager erweitert diese technische Modifikation die rekonstruktiven Optionen.
Method and strategy for predicting daily global solar radiation using one and two input variables for Indian stations
Authors: Siva Krishna Rao K. D. V. , Premalatha M. , Naveen C.
Published: January 2018

Estimation of daily global solar radiation (GSR) for a particular location is a key parameter in modeling and designing any solar energy system. Very limited observatory stations are available to collect solar radiation data. This demands solar radiation estimation for new locations where there is no observatory station. In the present study, solar radiation models are developed for estimating daily GSR for sunny locations of India. Solar radiation data are collected for a period of three years from in situ measurements. Angstrom-Prescott linear correlation and nonlinear correlations such as quadratic, cubic, exponential, and power models are developed based on the bright sunshine duration. In this new approach, the “bright sunshine duration” is estimated by a new variable named “approximate bright sunshine duration.” The developed linear one input parameter model is applied to predict the daily GSR for five other Indian locations, namely, Allahabad, Bhopal, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The developed linear one input parameter model was further modified as a latitude dependent model to improve the accuracy of the model and named as the latitude model. The performance of all the models is analysed by using the statistical tools, namely, Relative Root Mean Square Error, Mean Percentage Error, and Mean Absolute Percentage Error. The latitude model resulted in fair to good estimations for Tiruchirappalli and the other five Indian locations of latitudes ranging from 10°N to 26°N. Further, other solar radiation models from the literature were considered to identify their applicability for the same selected locations. The models recommended for the selected Indian locations are presented. Out of all the universal models, the monthly mean daily GSR model of Page and out of all Indian models, the monthly mean daily GSR models of Katiyar and Mani showed satisfactory performance for the majority of selected Indian locations.
Fabrication of Au nanoparticles on poly(vinylpyrrolidone) nanowires exhibiting reversible frequency change of localized surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Tsukuda Satoshi , Seki Shu , Omichi Masaaki , Sugimoto Masaki , Idesaki Akira , Sekino Tohru , Omata Takahisa
Published: January 2018

Au nanoparticles (NPs) are formed on gel nanowires (NWs) based on poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) via photoreduction in a HAuCl4-containing MeOH solution. The particle size and number density of the Au NPs increase with the photoreduction time. At a photoreduction time of 15 min, the surfaces of the PVP NWs are almost completely covered by Au NPs. The hybrid material exhibited visible optical absorption based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the Au NPs. The peak LSPR absorption wavelength under dry conditions red-shifted slightly as the particle size and number density increased owing to increased coupling of the plasmonic bands of each particle. In water, the LSPR wavelength is blue-shifted compared with under dry conditions because of an increase in the interparticle distance between the Au NPs owing to the swelling of the PVP gel NWs; this causes a decrease of the plasmonic coupling of the particles. The absorption peak wavelength shifts reversibly when the hybrid NWs is alternately exposed to either air or water because the distance between the Au NPs is altered in response to the volume change of PVP gel during swelling and drying.
On the Da Vinci size effect in tensile strengths of nanowires: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Zhao Ziyu , Liu Jinxing , Soh Ai Kah
Published: January 2018

In recent decades, size effects caused by grain size, strain gradient, typical defects etc., have been widely investigated. Nevertheless, the dependence of tensile strength on the specimen length, addressed by Da Vinci around 500 hundred years ago, has received rather limited attention, even though it is one unavoidable question to answer if people attempt to bring materials’ amazing nano-scale strengths up to macro-level. Therefore, we make efforts to study tensile behaviors of copper nanowires with a common cross-section and various lengths by employing the molecular dynamics simulations. Surprisingly, a strong size effect of Da Vinci type indeed arises. We have shown the influences of lattice orientation, temperature and prescribed notch on such a Da Vinci size effect. Two different theoretical explanations are briefly proposed for a qualitative understanding. Finally, a simple scaling rule is summarized to cover the tendencies observed.
Voltage control of a magnetic switching field for magnetic tunnel junctions with low resistance and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Tezuka N. , Oikawa S. , Matsuura M. , Sugimoto S. , Nishimura K. , Irisawa T. , Nagamine Y. , Tsunekawa K.
Published: January 2018

The authors investigated the voltage control of a magnetic anisotropy field for perpendicular-magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) with low and high resistance-area (RA) products and for synthetic antiferromagnetic free and pinned layers. It was found that the sample with low RA products was more sensitive to the applied bias voltage than the sample with high RA products. The bias voltage effect was less pronounced for our sample with the synthetic antiferromagnetic layer for high RA products compared to the MTJs with single free and pinned layers.
Polythiophenes as emitter layers for crystalline silicon solar cells: Parasitic absorption, interface passivation, and open circuit voltage
Authors: Zellmeier M. , Brenner T. J. K. , Janietz S. , Nickel N. H. , Rappich J.
Published: January 2018

We investigated the influence of the emitter (amorphous-Si, a-Si, or polythiophene derivatives: poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, and poly(3-[3,6-dioxaheptyl]-thiophene), P3DOT) and the interface passivation (intrinsic a-Si or SiOX and methyl groups or SiOX) on the c-Si based 1 × 1 cm2 planar hybrid heterojunction solar cell parameters. We observed higher short circuit currents for the P3HT or P3DOT/c-Si solar cells than those obtained for a-Si/c-Si devices, independent of the interface passivation. The obtained VOC of 659 mV for the P3DOT/SiOX/c-Si heterojunction solar cell with hydrophilic 3,6-dioxaheptyl side chains is among the highest reported for c-Si/polythiophene devices. The maximum power conversion efficiency, PCE, was 11% for the P3DOT/SiOX/c-Si heterojunction solar cell. Additionally, our wafer lifetime measurements reveal a field effect passivation in the wafer induced by the polythiophenes when deposited on c-Si.
Magnetic vortices in nanocaps induced by curvature
Authors: Abdelgawad Ahmed M. , Nambiar Nikhil , Bapna Mukund , Chen Hao , Majetich Sara A.
Published: January 2018

Magnetic nanoparticles with room temperature remanent magnetic vortices stabilized by their curvature are very intriguing due to their potential use in biomedicine. In the present study, we investigate room temperature magnetic chirality in 100 nm diameter permalloy spherical caps with 10 nm and 30 nm thicknesses. Micromagnetic OOMMF simulations predict the equilibrium spin structure for these caps to form a vortex state. We fabricate the permalloy caps by sputtering permalloy on both close-packed and sparse arrays of polystyrene nanoparticles. Magnetic force microscopy scans show a clear signature of a vortex state in close-packed caps of both 10 nm and 30 nm thicknesses. Alternating gradient magnetometry measurements of the caps are consistent with a remnant vortex state in 30 nm thick caps and a transition to an onion state followed by a vortex state in 10 nm thick caps. Out-of-plane measurements supported by micromagnetic simulations shows that an out-of-plane field can stabilize a vortex state down to a diameter of 15 nm.