bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical and altitudinal distribution ofBrachycephalus(Anura: Brachycephalidae) endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: Bornschein Marcos R. , Firkowski Carina R. , Belmonte-Lopes Ricardo , Corrêa Leandro , Ribeiro Luiz F. , Morato Sérgio A.A. , Antoniazzi-Jr. Reuber L. , Reinert Bianca L. , Meyer Andreas L.S. , Cini Felipe A. , Pie Marcio R.
Published: October 2016

Mountains of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest can act as islands of cold and wet climate, leading to the isolation and speciation of species with low dispersal capacity, such as the toadlet species of the genusBrachycephalus. This genus is composed primarily by diurnal species, with miniaturized body sizes (<2.5 cm), inhabiting microhabitats in the leaf litter of montane forests. Still, little is known about the geographical distribution, altitudinal range, and ecological limits of mostBrachycephalusspecies. In this study, we review the available data on the geographical and altitudinal distribution ofBrachycephalusbased on occurrence records compiled from literature and museums, both for the genus as a whole and separately for the three recently proposed groups of species (ephippium,didactylus, andpernix). The final ensemble dataset comprised 333 records, 120 localities, 28 described species, and six undescribed ones. Species were recorded in six relief units, the richest of which being the Serra do Mar, with 30 species. When the Serra do Mar is subdivided into three subunits, Northern, Central and Southern Serra do Mar, the number of species increase from north to the south, with records of six, nine, and 16 species, respectively. We were able to estimate the extent of occurrence of nearly half of the described species, and the resulting estimates indicate that many of them show remarkably small ranges, some of which less than 50 ha.Brachycephalusspecies are present from sea level to roughly 1,900 m a.s.l., with the highest richness being found between 751 and 1,000 m a.s.l. (21 spp.). The species with the broadest altitudinal range wereB. didactylus(1,075 m) andBrachycephalussp. 1 (1,035 m), both in thedidactylusgroup, andB. ephippium(1,050 m), of theephippiumgroup. The broadest altitudinal amplitude for species of thepernixgroup was recorded forB. brunneus(535 m). The lowest altitudinal records for thepernixgroup were at 845 m a.s.l. in the state of Paraná and at 455 m a.s.l. in the state of Santa Catarina. The altitudinal occurrence in thepernixspecies group seems to decrease southward. Syntopy between species is also reviewed.
Resistive Index Variability in Anterior Cerebral Artery Measurements During Daily Transcranial Duplex Sonography
Authors: Zamora Carlos A. , Oshmyansky Alexander , Bembea Melania , Berkowitz Ivor , Alqahtani Eman , Liu Shen , McGree James , Stern Steven , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. , Tekes Aylin
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of resistive index (RI) variability in predicting cerebrovascular complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

This retrospective study included 36 infants treated by ECMO. The RI was measured on daily transfontanellar duplex sonography, obtained first without fontanel compression and then after gentle compression with the transducer. The age at ECMO cannulation, sex, gestational age at birth, method of delivery, indication, and type and duration of ECMO were recorded.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in RI variability in infants who developed cerebrovascular complications as opposed to those who did not (P = .002). Resistive index variability of 10% or greater on any day was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular complications (P = .0482; χ2 = 3.9). Variability in the first 5 days was significantly higher than on following days (P < .0001). The age at ECMO cannulation showed a significant difference, with mean ± SD values of 1.1 ± 0.9 days in the complications group and 2.7 ± 2.2 days in the no‐complications group (P = .043).

Conclusions

Resistive index variability of 10% or greater on any day had a statistically significant risk of cerebrovascular complication development. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation at younger than 3 days conferred an increased risk of cerebrovascular complications.
Use of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department
Authors: Hall M. Kennedy , Hall Jane , Gross Cary P. , Harish Nir J. , Liu Rachel , Maroongroge Sean , Moore Christopher L. , Raio Christopher C. , Taylor R. Andrew
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Point‐of‐care ultrasound is a valuable tool with potential to expedite diagnoses and improve patient outcomes in the emergency department. However, little is known about national patterns of adoption. This study examined nationwide point‐of‐care ultrasound reimbursement among emergency medicine (EM) practitioners and examined regional and practitioner level variations.

Methods

Data from the 2012 Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Fee‐for‐Service Provider Utilization and Payment Data include all practitioners who received more than 10 Medicare Part B fee‐for‐service reimbursements for any Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code in 2012. Odds ratios (ORs) and descriptive statistics were calculated to assess relationships between ultrasound reimbursement and practice location, nearby presence of an EM residency, and time elapsed since practitioner graduation.

Results

Of 52,928 unique EM practitioners, 391 (0.7%) received limited ultrasound reimbursements for a total of 16,389 scans in 2012. Urban counties had an OR of 5.4 (95% confidence interval, 3.8–7.8) for receiving point‐of‐care ultrasound reimbursements compared to rural counties. Counties with an EM residency had an OR of 84.7 (95% confidence interval, 42.6–178.8) for reimbursement compared to counties without. The OR for receiving reimbursement was independent of medical school graduation year (P = .83); however, recent graduates performed more scans (P = .02).

Conclusions

A small minority of EM practitioners received reimbursements for point‐of‐care ultrasound from Medicare beneficiaries. These practitioners were more likely to reside in urban and academic settings. Future efforts should assess the degree to which our findings reflect either low point‐of‐care ultrasound use or low rates of billing for ultrasound examinations that are performed.
Tuning Nanowires and Nanotubes for Efficient Fuel‐Cell Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Lv Fan , Lei Bo , Wan Sheng , Luo Mingchuan , Guo Shaojun
Published: October 2016

Developing new synthetic methods for the controlled synthesis of Pt‐based or non‐Pt nanocatalysts with low or no Pt loading to facilitate sluggish cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and organics oxidation reactions is the key in the development of fuel‐cell technology. Various nanoparticles (NPs), with a range of size, shape, composition, and structure, have shown good potential to catalyze the sluggish cathodic and anodic reactions. In contrast to NPs, one‐dimensional (1D) nanomaterials such as nanowires (NWs), and nanotubes (NTs), exhibit additional advantages associated with their anisotropy, unique structure, and surface properties. The prominent characteristics of NWs and NTs include fewer lattice boundaries, a lower number of surface defect sites, and easier electron and mass transport for better electrocatalytic activity and lower vulnerability to dissolution, Ostwald ripening, and aggregation than Pt NPs for enhanced stability. An overview of recent advances in tuning 1D nanostructured Pt‐based, Pd‐based, or 1D metal‐free nanomaterials as advanced electrocatalysts is provided here, for boosting fuel‐cell reactions with high activity and stability, including the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). After highlighting the different strategies developed so far for the synthesis of Pt‐based 1D nanomaterials with controlled size, shape, and composition, special emphasis is placed on the rational design of diverse NWs and NTs catalysts such as Pt‐based NWs or NTs, non‐Pt NTs, and carbon NTs with molecular engineering, etc. for enhancing the ORR, MOR, and EOR. Finally, some perspectives are highlighted on the development of more efficient fuel‐cell electrocatalysts featuring high stability, low cost, and enhanced performance, which are the key factors in accelerating the commercialization of fuel‐cell technology.
Schwingfestigkeitsbewertung von Nahtenden unter kombinierter Beanspruchung
Authors: Shams E. , Vormwald M.
Published: October 2016

In dieser Arbeit wird eine Methode zur Berechnung der Schwingfestigkeit von Nahtenden in Feinblechstrukturen unter kombinierter Normal‐ und Schubbeanspruchung basierend auf Kerbspannungen vorgestellt. Die Berechnung der Kerbspannungen erfolgte mit Hilfe der Methode der Finiten Elemente unter Zuhilfenahme der Submodelltechnik. Ein idealisiertes Nahtendmodell wurde verwendet, um die Beanspruchungssituation für solche Lastsituationen zu bewerten. Zudem wurde unter Einsatz eines Berechnungsverfahrens Größeneinflüsse zweier Arten, zum einen der spannungsmechanische und zum anderen der statistische Größeneinfluss, berücksichtigt. In Verbindung mit Bruchschwingspielzahlen aus Schwingversuchen wurde eine konzeptgebundene Kerbspannungswöhlerlinie ermittelt. Somit liegt erstmalig eine Bewertungsmethode nach dem Kerbspannungskonzept für die Schwingfestigkeit von Nahtenden unter kombinierter Beanspruchung vor.
Modellierung des Ermüdungsrisswachstums in Schweißverbindungen unter Berücksichtigung von Schweißeigenspannungen
Authors: Tchoffo Ngoula D. , Beier H. T. , Vormwald M.
Published: October 2016

Forschungsergebnisse, die am Fachgebiet Werkstoffmechanik der Technischen Universität Darmstadt innerhalb des DFG‐AiF‐Forschungsclusters IBESS (Integrale Bruchmechanische Ermittlung der Schwingfestigkeit von Schweißverbindungen) erzielt wurden, werden im Rahmen dieses Beitrags präsentiert [1]. Ziel ist es, die Lebensdauer für den technischen Anriss in Schweißverbindungen unter Berücksichtigung von Schweißeigenspannungen und der Nahtgeometrieparametern zu berechnen. Hierzu werden räumliche, mit rissartigen Imperfektionen versehene Finite Elemente (FE) Modelle erstellt. Die Simulation des Ermüdungsrisswachstums erfolgt unter Anwendung des Node‐Release‐Verfahrens mit dem kommerziellen Finite Elemente‐Programm ABAQUS. Die Schweißeigenspannungen sowie die plastizitätsinduzierten Rissschließeffekte werden berücksichtigt. Um die aus dem Schweißprozess resultierenden Eigenspannungsfelder im Finite Elemente‐Modell abbilden zu können, wurden Strukturberechnungen mit adäquaten thermischen Randbedingungen durchgeführt. Die gemessenen Schweißeigenspannungsprofile konnten damit gut angenähert werden. Als Rissspitzenbeanspruchungsparameter wird das effektive zyklische J‐Integral (ΔJeff) in einer Rissforschrittsgleichung in Verbindung mit einem Potenzgesetz verwendet. Zu diesem Zweck wurde ein Python‐Code geschrieben, um ΔJeff für jede Risslängenkonfiguration zu bestimmen. Die mit ΔJeff berechneten Anrisslebensdauern wurden mit experimentellen Daten verglichen: berechnete und experimentell bestimmte Lebensdauern stimmten gut überein. Der Einfluss von Schweißeigenspannungen auf ΔJeff als auch auf die Anrisslebensdauer wurde numerisch untersucht: Wie erwartet wirken sich Druckeigenspannungen bei niedriger Spannungsamplitude günstig auf die Lebensdauer aus und Zugeigenspannungen führen dagegen zu kürzeren Lebensdauer. Bei höheren Lastamplituden spielen Eigenspannungen praktisch keine Rolle mehr.
The Component Fatty Acids and Glycerides of Castor Oil
Authors: Achaya K. T. , Craig B. M. , Youngs C. G.
Published: October 2016

Gas‐liquid chromatographic analysis of methyl esters of two samples of castor oil gave the following (as wt %): palmitate 1.2, 0.9; stearate 0.7, 1.2; arachidate 0.3, 0.2; hexadecenoate 0.2, 0.2; oleate 3.2, 3.3; linoleate 3.4, 3.7; linolenate 0.2, 0.2; ricinolE'ate 89.4, 89.0; and dihydroxystearate 1.4, 1.3. Oxidative cleavage of purified methyl ricinoleate indicated that the double bond was exclusively in the 9舑10 position.

Castor oil glycerides were fractionated in a 100‐tube CCD apparatus using 90% ethanol and commercial hexane as solvents. Analysis of pooled fractions showed (as mole %) triricinolein 68.2, diricinoleins 28.0, mono‐ricinoleins 2.9 and nonricinoleins 0.9. These results coupled with lipase hydrolysis of the whole oil and of the fractions agree well with the distribution pattern proposed by Vander Wal.
Improvement of Postoperative Pain Control Processes and Outcomes in Veterans of a Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: D’Andrea Melissa S. , Fisichella P. Marco
Published: October 2016

Background

Postoperative pain remains undertreated in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that the adequacy of pain control in our Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) was above the reported average of 71 % in the literature and that the introduction of the critical care pain observation tool (CPOT) could improve it. We used a Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve our processes and quantify our improvement.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively review 713 consecutive veterans admitted to our SICU. Between December 2014 and February 2015, postoperative pain was assessed every 2 h and rated “acceptable,” “unacceptable,” or “unable to assess”. Between March 2015 and October 2015, postoperative pain was assessed with CPOT. Concurrently, we implemented a postoperative pain education program and documented this activity in the electronic medical record.

Results

The baseline adequacy of pain control was 78 %, which improved to 99 % after the introduction of CPOT. We concurrently achieved a 100 % median documentation of postoperative pain education in the electronic medical record. The introduction of CPOT improved the process σ from 2.3 to 3.8. The process of documenting pain education achieved a process σ of 3.1.

Conclusions

The proportion of veterans with acceptable pain control in our SICU is higher than that reported in the literature and the application of a Six Sigma methodology that involved the introduction of the CPOT has allowed us to improve the perception of pain control and comply with the newest regulatory directives.
Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship Knowledge for Selected Infections Among Nursing Home Personnel
Authors: Trautner Barbara W. , Greene M. Todd , Krein Sarah L. , Wald Heidi L. , Saint Sanjay , Rolle Andrew J. , McNamara Sara , Edson Barbara S. , Mody Lona
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

To assess knowledge about infection prevention among nursing home personnel and identify gaps potentially addressable through a quality improvement collaborative.

DESIGN

Baseline knowledge assessment of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, asymptomatic bacteriuria, antimicrobial stewardship, and general infection prevention practices for healthcare-associated infections.

SETTING

Nursing homes across 14 states participating in the national “Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program for Long-Term Care: Healthcare-Associated Infections/Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.”

PARTICIPANTS

Licensed (RNs, LPNs, APRNs, MDs) and unlicensed (clinical nursing assistants) healthcare personnel.

METHODS

Each facility aimed to obtain responses from at least 10 employees (5 licensed and 5 unlicensed). We assessed the percentage of correct responses.

RESULTS

A total of 184 (78%) of 236 participating facilities provided 1 response or more. Of the 1,626 respondents, 822 (50.6%) were licensed; 117 facilities (63.6%) were for-profit. While 99.1% of licensed personnel recognized the definition of asymptomatic bacteriuria, only 36.1% knew that pyuria could not distinguish a urinary tract infection from asymptomatic bacteriuria. Among unlicensed personnel, 99.6% knew to notify a nurse if a resident developed fever or confusion, but only 27.7% knew that cloudy, smelly urine should not routinely be cultured. Although 100% of respondents reported receiving training in hand hygiene, less than 30% knew how long to rub hands (28.5% licensed, 25.2% unlicensed) or the most effective agent to use (11.7% licensed, 10.6% unlicensed).

CONCLUSIONS

This national assessment demonstrates an important need to enhance infection prevention knowledge among healthcare personnel working in nursing homes to improve resident safety and quality of care.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;1–6
THE RIGHT ANGLE TO LOOK AT ORTHOGONAL SETS
Authors: WAGNER FRANK O.
Published: October 2016

If X and Y are orthogonal hyperdefinable sets such that X is simple, then any group G interpretable in X ∪ Y has a normal hyperdefinable X-internal subgroup N such that G/N is Y-internal; N is unique up to commensurability. In order to make sense of this statement, local simplicity theory for hyperdefinable sets is developed. Moreover, a version of Schlichting’s Theorem for hyperdefinable families of commensurable subgroups is shown.
ON THE STRENGTH OF TWO RECURRENCE THEOREMS
Authors: DAY ADAM R.
Published: October 2016

This paper uses the framework of reverse mathematics to investigate the strength of two recurrence theorems of topological dynamics. It establishes that one of these theorems, the existence of an almost periodic point, lies strictly between WKL and ACA (working over RCA0). This is the first example of a theorem with this property. It also shows the existence of an almost periodic point is conservative over RCA0for${\rm{\Pi }}_1^1$-sentences.
Kinematic evolution of a fold-and-thrust belt developed during basin inversion: the Mesozoic Maestrat basin, E Iberian Chain
Authors: NEBOT MARINA , GUIMERÀ JOAN
Published: October 2016

The Maestrat basin was one of the most subsident basins of the Mesozoic Iberian Rift system, developed by a normal fault system which divided it into sub-basins. Its Cenozoic inversion generated the N-verging Portalrubio–Vandellòs fold-and-thrust belt in its northern margin, detached in the Triassic evaporites. In the hinterland, a 40 km wide uplifted area, in the N–S direction, developed, bounded to the N by the E–W-trending, N-verging Calders monocline. This monocline is interpreted as a fault-bend fold over the ramp to flat transition of the E–W-trending, N-verging Maestrat Basement Thrust, and also indicates the transition from a thick-skinned (S) to a thin-skinned (N) style of deformation. This paper presents a kinematic evolutionary model for the northern margin of the basin and a reconstruction of the Maestrat Basement Thrust geometry, generated by the inversion of the Mesozoic normal fault system. It contains a low-dip ramp (9°) extended southwards more than 40 km, attaining a depth of 7.5 km. As this thrust reached the Mesozoic cover to the foreland, it propagated across the Middle Muschelkalk evaporitic detachment, generating a nearly horizontal thrust which transported northwards the supra-salt cover, and the normal fault segments within it, for c. 11–13 km. The displacement of the basement in the hanging-wall of the low-dip basement ramp generated the 40 km wide uplifted area, while the superficial shortening was accumulated in the northern margin of the basin – which contains the thinnest Mesozoic cover – developing the Portalrubio–Vandellòs fold-and-thrust belt.
Validity of LIDAS (LIfetime Depression Assessment Self-report): a self-report online assessment of lifetime major depressive disorder
Authors: Bot M. , Middeldorp C. M. , de Geus E. J. C. , Lau H. M. , Sinke M. , van Nieuwenhuizen B. , Smit J. H. , Boomsma D. I. , Penninx B. W. J. H.
Published: October 2016

Background

There is a paucity of valid, brief instruments for the assessment of lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) that can be used in, for example, large-scale genomics, imaging or biomarker studies on depression. We developed the LIfetime Depression Assessment Self-report (LIDAS), which assesses lifetime MDD diagnosis according to DSM criteria, and is largely based on the widely used Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Here, we tested the feasibility and determined the sensitivity and specificity for measuring lifetime MDD with this new questionnaire, with a regular CIDI as reference.

Method

Sensitivity and specificity analyses of the online lifetime MDD questionnaire were performed in adults with (n = 177) and without (n = 87) lifetime MDD according to regular index CIDIs, selected from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) and Netherlands Twin Register (NTR). Feasibility was tested in an additional non-selective, population-based sample of NTR participants (n = 245).

Results

Of the 753 invited persons, 509 (68%) completed the LIDAS, of which 419 (82%) did this online. User-friendliness of the instrument was rated high. Median completion time was 6.2 min. Sensitivity and specificity for lifetime MDD were 85% [95% confidence interval (CI) 80–91%] and 80% (95% CI 72–89%), respectively. This LIDAS instrument gave a lifetime MDD prevalence of 20.8% in the population-based sample.

Conclusions

Measuring lifetime MDD with an online instrument was feasible. Sensitivity and specificity were adequate. The instrument gave a prevalence of lifetime MDD in line with reported population prevalences. LIDAS is a promising tool for rapid determination of lifetime MDD status in large samples, such as needed for genomics studies.
Enhanced SPARQL-based design rationale retrieval
Authors: Li Luye , Gao Shuming , Liu Ying , Qin Xiaolian
Published: October 2016

Design rationale (DR) is an important category within design knowledge, and effective reuse of it depends on its successful retrieval. In this paper, an ontology-based DR retrieval approach is presented, which allows users to search by entering normal queries such as questions in natural language. First, an ontology-based semantic model of DR is developed based on the extended issue-based information system-based DR representation in order to effectively utilize the semantics embedded in DR, and a database of ontology-based DR is constructed, which supports SPARQL queries. Second, two SPARQL query generation methods are proposed. The first method generates initial SPARQL queries from natural language queries automatically using template matching, and the other generates initial SPARQL queries automatically from DR record-based queries. In addition, keyword extension and optimization is conducted to enhance the SPARQL-based retrieval. Third, a design rationale retrieval prototype system is implemented. The experimental results show the advantages of the proposed approach.
Local optionality with partial orders
Authors: Kaplan Aaron
Published: October 2016

In local optionality, an optional process may apply at some loci in a form but not at others. Some theories of optionality, such as Partial Orders Theory, produce optionality by making multiple strict constraint rankings available, and have been claimed to be incompatible with local optionality: if the process-triggering constraint outranks faithfulness, the process applies exhaustively; under the opposite ranking, it applies nowhere. On this view, candidates in which the process applies at some loci but not others are harmonically bounded. This paper argues against that position by showing that for a variety of locally optional processes each locus can be independently manipulated if the theory makes use of constraints that target particular prosodic or morphosyntactic units – constraints that are motivated independently of their utility in local optionality. The result is that, contrary to the harmonic-bounding argument, Partial Orders Theory can provide plausible accounts of local optionality.
No stress, no pitch accent, no prosodic focus: the case of Ambonese Malay
Authors: Maskikit-Essed Raechel , Gussenhoven Carlos
Published: October 2016

Varieties of Malay, including Indonesian, have been variously described as having word stress on the penultimate syllable, as having variable word stress and as having a phrase-final pitch accent without word stress. In Ambonese Malay, the alignment of sentence-final pitch peaks fails to support the existence of either word stress or phrase-final pitch accents. Also, the shape of its pitch peaks fails to vary systematically with the information status of the phrase-final word. The two intonation melodies of the language include phrase-final boundary-tone complexes which do not associate with any syllables. The declarative rise-fall would appear to be timed so as to occur within the last word of the sentence. Minimal stress pairs presented in earlier descriptions show a contrast between /a/ and a segmentally distinct weak /ă/, a contrast that also appears in positions that have not been claimed to have stress. A preliminary phonological analysis concludes the account.
Dormancy and germination responses of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) seeds to environmental cues
Authors: Windauer Liliana B. , Insausti Pedro , Biganzoli Fernando , Benech-Arnold Roberto , Izaguirre Miriam M.
Published: October 2016

Seed germination of the kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosaA. Chev. C.F. Liang and A.R. Ferguson), a deciduous, perennial vine, is low because of seed dormancy. The main purpose of this study was to characterize kiwifruit seed dormancy and germination in response to environmental factors such as temperature and light. Dormancy of hydrated seeds is alleviated by the perception of a period at low temperatures (stratification) of at least 3 weeks at 2 or 5°C. Alleviation of dormancy is accomplished by incubation at fluctuating temperatures (20/30°C). A red light pulse did not affect germination, whereas a far-red light pulse strongly inhibited germination. This inhibition was readily reverted by a second pulse of red light, indicating that phytochromes are also involved in dormancy alleviation. Although seed germination was inhibited by the fruit pulp, the latter prevented neither perception of low temperature nor changes in the light sensitivity of the seeds. Therefore, it can be advanced that kiwifruit seeds will only germinate after dispersal if the time–temperature requirement for dormancy alleviation and fluctuating temperatures for dormancy termination are fulfilled. Perception of a closed canopy might interfere with dormancy termination.
Decontamination in the Electron Probe Microanalysis with a Peltier-Cooled Cold Finger
Authors: Buse Ben , Kearns Stuart , Clapham Charles , Hawley Donovan
Published: October 2016

A prototype Peltier thermoelectric cooling unit has been constructed to cool a cold finger on an electron microprobe. The Peltier unit was tested at 15 and 96 W, achieving cold finger temperatures of −10 and −27°C, respectively. The Peltier unit did not adversely affect the analytical stability of the instrument. Heat conduction between the Peltier unit mounted outside the vacuum and the cold finger was found to be very efficient. Under Peltier cooling, the vacuum improvement associated with water vapor deposition was not achieved; this has the advantage of avoiding severe degradation of the vacuum observed when warming up a cold finger from liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures. Carbon contamination rates were reduced as cooling commenced; by −27°C contamination rates were found to be comparable with LN2-cooled devices. Peltier cooling, therefore, provides a viable alternative to LN2-cooled cold fingers, with few of their associated disadvantages.
Alte Muskeln und Anabole Substanzen – Sinn oder Unsinn?
Authors: Münzer Thomas
Published: October 2016

Zusammenfassung. Anabole Hormone werden als Strategie zur Behandlung der Sarkopenie eingesetzt. Frühere Studien schlossen meist körperlich gesunde und weitgehend robuste Personen ein. Die Zahl der Untersuchungen bei gebrechlichen Menschen ist gering. Studienendpunkte richteten sich nicht nach für die Geriatrie relevanten Endpunkten. Daher sind Studien bei gebrechlichen Menschen von Interesse. Wachstumshormon hat sich durch die Steigerung der Insulinresistenz bei älteren Menschen als obsolet erwiesen. Studien mit Testosteron bei älteren Männern könnten aus geriatrischer Sicht durchaus Sinn machen, wenn entsprechende Endpunkte gewählt werden. Neu und erfolgversprechend ist die Behandlung der Sarkopenie mit Myostatinantagonisten. Weitere Studien werden dieses Konzept belegen müssen, wahrscheinlich folgen im Verlauf auch kombinierte Interventionen aus Agonist und Antagonisten. Bis weitere Ergebnisse vorliegen, ist Muskeltraining wohl der wichtigste anabole Stimulus.
Dysfonction thyroïdienne et fonctions cognitives: mythe ou réalité?
Authors: Papaefthymiou Olga , N’Guyen Sylvain , Smith Cindi , Büla Christophe , Demonet Jean François , Lang Pierre Olivier
Published: October 2016

Zusammenfassung. Zur Abklärung und Behandlung von kognitiver Dysfunktion empfehlen schweizerische Guidelines ein Screening auf eine mögliche Schilddrüsendysfunktion. Die Rolle des Schilddrüsenhormons bei normaler zerebraler Funktion sowie in der Pathogenese der kognitiven Dysfunktion bei Erwachsenen und insbesondere bei betagten Menschen wird jedoch kontrovers diskutiert. Basierend auf Daten der jüngsten Literatur geben wir einen Überblick hierzu.
Seismic Wave Videos Combine Sight and Sound
Authors: Jacobsen Elizabeth
Published: October 2016

Researchers convert seismic data into sounds and animations, providing scientists with a new way to view what happens to Earth during earthquakes.
Structure of the Neisseria meningitidis Type IV pilus
Authors: Kolappan Subramania , Coureuil Mathieu , Yu Xiong , Nassif Xavier , Egelman Edward H. , Craig Lisa
Published: October 2016

Neisseria meningitidis use Type IV pili (T4P) to adhere to endothelial cells and breach the blood brain barrier, causing cause fatal meningitis. T4P are multifunctional polymers of the major pilin protein, which share a conserved hydrophobic N terminus that is a curved extended α-helix, α1, in X-ray crystal structures. Here we report a 1.44 Å crystal structure of the N. meningitidis major pilin PilE and a ∼6 Å cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of the intact pilus, from which we built an atomic model for the filament. This structure reveals the molecular arrangement of the N-terminal α-helices in the filament core, including a melted central portion of α1 and a bridge of electron density consistent with a predicted salt bridge necessary for pilus assembly. This structure has important implications for understanding pilus biology.
Donor and host photoreceptors engage in material transfer following transplantation of post-mitotic photoreceptor precursors
Authors: Pearson R. A. , Gonzalez-Cordero A. , West E. L. , Ribeiro J. R. , Aghaizu N. , Goh D. , Sampson R. D. , Georgiadis A. , Waldron P. V. , Duran Y. , Naeem A. , Kloc M. , Cristante E. , Kruczek K. , Warre-Cornish K. , Sowden J. C. , Smith A. J. , Ali R. R.
Published: October 2016

Photoreceptor replacement by transplantation is proposed as a treatment for blindness. Transplantation of healthy photoreceptor precursor cells into diseased murine eyes leads to the presence of functional photoreceptors within host retinae that express an array of donor-specific proteins. The resulting improvement in visual function was understood to be due to donor cells integrating within host retinae. Here, however, we show that while integration occurs the majority of donor-reporter-labelled cells in the host arises as a result of material transfer between donor and host photoreceptors. Material transfer does not involve permanent donor–host nuclear or cell–cell fusion, or the uptake of free protein or nucleic acid from the extracellular environment. Instead, RNA and/or protein are exchanged between donor and host cells in vivo. These data require a re-evaluation of the mechanisms underlying rescue by photoreceptor transplantation and raise the possibility of material transfer as a strategy for the treatment of retinal disorders.
Factors controlling bark decomposition and its role in wood decomposition in five tropical tree species
Authors: Dossa Gbadamassi G. O. , Paudel Ekananda , Cao Kunfang , Schaefer Douglas , Harrison Rhett D.
Published: October 2016

Organic matter decomposition represents a vital ecosystem process by which nutrients are made available for plant uptake and is a major flux in the global carbon cycle. Previous studies have investigated decomposition of different plant parts, but few considered bark decomposition or its role in decomposition of wood. However, bark can comprise a large fraction of tree biomass. We used a common litter-bed approach to investigate factors affecting bark decomposition and its role in wood decomposition for five tree species in a secondary seasonal tropical rain forest in SW China. For bark, we implemented a litter bag experiment over 12 mo, using different mesh sizes to investigate effects of litter meso- and macro-fauna. For wood, we compared the decomposition of branches with and without bark over 24 mo. Bark in coarse mesh bags decomposed 1.11–1.76 times faster than bark in fine mesh bags. For wood decomposition, responses to bark removal were species dependent. Three species with slow wood decomposition rates showed significant negative effects of bark-removal, but there was no significant effect in the other two species. Future research should also separately examine bark and wood decomposition and consider bark-removal experiments to better understand roles of bark in wood decomposition.
Entrainment of circadian rhythms to irregular light/dark cycles: a subterranean perspective
Authors: Flôres Danilo E. F. L. , Jannetti Milene G. , Valentinuzzi Veronica S. , Oda Gisele A.
Published: October 2016

Synchronization of biological rhythms to the 24-hour day/night has long been studied with model organisms, under artificial light/dark cycles in the laboratory. The commonly used rectangular light/dark cycles, comprising hours of continuous light and darkness, may not be representative of the natural light exposure for most species, including humans. Subterranean rodents live in dark underground tunnels and offer a unique opportunity to investigate extreme mechanisms of photic entrainment in the wild. Here, we show automated field recordings of the daily light exposure patterns in a South American subterranean rodent, the tuco-tuco (Ctenomys aff. knighti ). In the laboratory, we exposed tuco-tucos to a simplified version of this natural light exposure pattern, to determine the minimum light timing information that is necessary for synchronization. As predicted from our previous studies using mathematical modeling, the activity rhythm of tuco-tucos synchronized to this mostly simplified light/dark regimen consisting of a single light pulse per day, occurring at randomly scattered times within a day length interval. Our integrated semi-natural, lab and computer simulation findings indicate that photic entrainment of circadian oscillators is robust, even in face of artificially reduced exposure and increased phase instability of the synchronizing stimuli.
Increased nicotine response in iPSC-derived human neurons carrying the CHRNA5 N398 allele
Authors: Oni Eileen N. , Halikere Apoorva , Li Guohui , Toro-Ramos Alana J. , Swerdel Mavis R. , Verpeut Jessica L. , Moore Jennifer C. , Bello Nicholas T. , Bierut Laura J. , Goate Alison , Tischfield Jay A. , Pang Zhiping P. , Hart Ronald P.
Published: October 2016

Genetic variation in nicotinic receptor alpha 5 (CHRNA5) has been associated with increased risk of addiction-associated phenotypes in humans yet little is known the underlying neural basis. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were derived from donors homozygous for either the major (D398) or the minor (N398) allele of the nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs16969968, in CHRNA5. To understand the impact of these nicotinic receptor variants in humans, we differentiated these iPSCs to dopamine (DA) or glutamatergic neurons and then tested their functional properties and response to nicotine. Results show that N398 variant human DA neurons differentially express genes associated with ligand receptor interaction and synaptic function. While both variants exhibited physiological properties consistent with mature neuronal function, the N398 neuronal population responded more actively with an increased excitatory postsynaptic current response upon the application of nicotine in both DA and glutamatergic neurons. Glutamatergic N398 neurons responded to lower nicotine doses (0.1 μM) with greater frequency and amplitude but they also exhibited rapid desensitization, consistent with previous analyses of N398-associated nicotinic receptor function. This study offers a proof-of-principle for utilizing human neurons to study gene variants contribution to addiction.
A fossil biting midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from early Eocene Indian amber with a complex pheromone evaporator
Authors: Stebner Frauke , Szadziewski Ryszard , Rühr Peter T. , Singh Hukam , Hammel Jörg U. , Kvifte Gunnar Mikalsen , Rust Jes
Published: October 2016

The life-like fidelity of organisms captured in amber is unique among all kinds of fossilization and represents an invaluable source for different fields of palaeontological and biological research. One of the most challenging aspects in amber research is the study of traits related to behaviour. Here, indirect evidence for pheromone-mediated mating behaviour is recorded from a biting midge (Ceratopogonidae) in 54 million-year-old Indian amber. Camptopterohelea odora n. sp. exhibits a complex, pocket shaped structure on the wings, which resembles the wing folds of certain moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and scent organs that are only known from butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) so far. Our studies suggests that pheromone releasing structures on the wings have evolved independently in biting midges and might be much more widespread in fossil as well as modern insects than known so far.
Formal nomenclature and description of cryptic species of the Encyrtus sasakii complex (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhou Qing-Song , Qiao Hui-Jie , Zhang Ai-Bing , Yu Fang , Wang Xu-Bo , Zhu Chao-Dong , Zhang Yan-Zhou
Published: October 2016

With the recent development of molecular approaches to species delimitation, a growing number of cryptic species have been discovered in what had previously been thought to be single morpho-species. Molecular methods, such as DNA barcoding, have greatly enhanced our knowledge of taxonomy, but taxonomy remains incomplete and needs a formal species nomenclature and description to facilitate its use in other scientific fields. A previous study using DNA barcoding, geometric morphometrics and mating tests revealed at least two cryptic species in the Encyrtus sasakii complex. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). To describe these two new species formally (Encyrtus eulecaniumiae sp. nov. and Encyrtus rhodococcusiae sp. nov.), a detailed morphometric study of Encyrtus spp. was performed in addition to the molecular analysis and evaluation of biological data. Morphometric analyses, a multivariate ratio analysis (MRA) and a geometric morphometric analysis (GMA) revealed a great number of differences between the species, but reliable characteristics were not observed for diagnosing the cryptic species. We thus diagnosed these three Encyrtus species on the basis of the characteristics that resulted from genetic markers (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear 28S rRNA) and biological data. A formal nomenclature and description of cryptic species was provided on the basis of an integrated taxonomy.
Observation of a hybrid state of Tamm plasmons and microcavity exciton polaritons
Authors: Rahman SK. Shaid-Ur , Klein Thorsten , Klembt Sebastian , Gutowski Jürgen , Hommel Detlef , Sebald Kathrin
Published: October 2016

We present evidence for the existence of a hybrid state of Tamm plasmons and microcavity exciton polaritons in a II-VI material based microcavity sample covered with an Ag metal layer. The bare cavity mode shows a characteristic anticrossing with the Tamm-plasmon mode, when microreflectivity measurements are performed for different detunings between the Tamm plasmon and the cavity mode. When the Tamm-plasmon mode is in resonance with the cavity polariton four hybrid eigenstates are observed due to the coupling of the cavity-photon mode, the Tamm-plasmon mode, and the heavy- and light-hole excitons. If the bare Tamm-plasmon mode is tuned, these resonances will exhibit three anticrossings. Experimental results are in good agreement with calculations based on the transfer matrix method as well as on the coupled-oscillators model. The lowest hybrid eigenstate is observed to be red shifted by about 13 meV with respect to the lower cavity polariton state when the Tamm plasmon is resonantly coupled with the cavity polariton. This spectral shift which is caused by the metal layer can be used to create a trapping potential channel for the polaritons. Such channels can guide the polariton propagation similar to one-dimensional polariton wires.
Cr(VI) induces premature senescence through ROS-mediated p53 pathway in L-02 hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Zhang Yiyuan , Zhong Caigao , Xiao Fang
Published: October 2016

Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)], which can be found of various uses in industries such as metallurgy and textile dying, can cause a number of human disease including inflammation and cancer. Unlike previous research that focused on Cr(VI)-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis, this study placed emphasis on premature senescence that can be induced by low-dose and long-term Cr(VI) exposure. We found Cr(VI) induced premature senescence in L-02 hepatocytes, as confirmed by increase in senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity. Cr(VI) stabilized p53 through phosphorylation at Ser15 and increased expression of p53-transcriptional target p21. Mechanism study revealed Cr(VI) targeted and inhibited mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) I and II to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By applying antioxidant Trolox, we also confirmed that ROS mediated p53 activation. A tetracycline-inducible lentiviral expression system containing shRNA to p53 was used to knockout p53. We found p53 could inhibit pro-survival genes B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and S phase related cell cycle proteins cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), Cyclin E to induce premature senescence, and the functional role of ROS in Cr(VI)-induced premature senescence is depend on p53. The results suggest that Cr(VI) has a role in premature senescence by promoting ROS-dependent p53 activation in L-02 hepatocytes.
Tuning Fullerene Intercalation in a Poly (thiophene) derivative by Controlling the Polymer Degree of Self-Organisation
Authors: Paternò G. M. , Skoda M. W. A. , Dalgliesh Robert , Cacialli F. , Sakai V. García
Published: October 2016

Controlling the nanoscale arrangement in polymer-fullerene organic solar cells is of paramount importance to boost the performance of such promising class of photovoltaic diodes. In this work, we use a pseudo-bilayer system made of poly(2,5-bis(3-hexadecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (PBTTT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), to acquire a more complete understanding of the diffusion and intercalation of the fullerene-derivative within the polymer layer. By exploiting morphological and structural characterisation techniques, we observe that if we increase the film solidification time the polymer develops a higher crystalline order, and, as a result, it does not allow fullerene molecules to intercalate between the polymer side-chains. Gaining insight into the detailed fullerene intercalation mechanism is important for the development of organic photovoltaic diodes (PVDs).
Triggering signaling pathways using F-actin self-organization
Authors: Colin A. , Bonnemay L. , Gayrard C. , Gautier J. , Gueroui Z.
Published: October 2016

The spatiotemporal organization of proteins within cells is essential for cell fate behavior. Although it is known that the cytoskeleton is vital for numerous cellular functions, it remains unclear how cytoskeletal activity can shape and control signaling pathways in space and time throughout the cell cytoplasm. Here we show that F-actin self-organization can trigger signaling pathways by engineering two novel properties of the microfilament self-organization: (1) the confinement of signaling proteins and (2) their scaffolding along actin polymers. Using in vitro reconstitutions of cellular functions, we found that both the confinement of nanoparticle-based signaling platforms powered by F-actin contractility and the scaffolding of engineered signaling proteins along actin microfilaments can drive a signaling switch. Using Ran-dependent microtubule nucleation, we found that F-actin dynamics promotes the robust assembly of microtubules. Our in vitro assay is a first step towards the development of novel bottom-up strategies to decipher the interplay between cytoskeleton spatial organization and signaling pathway activity.
Lichen elemental composition distinguishes anthropogenic emissions from dust storm inputs and differs among species: Evidence from Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Hua-Jie , Fang Shi-Bo , Liu Si-Wa , Zhao Liang-Cheng , Guo Xiu-Ping , Jiang Yun-Jun , Hu Jian-Sen , Liu Xiao-Di , Xia Yu , Wang Yi-Dan , Wu Qing-Feng
Published: October 2016

To test the applicability of lichens in the biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition in a typical steppe zone of Inner Mongolia, China, six foliose lichens (Physcia aipolia, PA; P. tribacia, PT; Xanthoria elegans, XE; X. mandschurica, XM; Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis, XPC; and Xp. tinctina, XPT) were sampled from the Xilin River Basin, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Twenty-five elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in the lichens were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that Cd, Pb and Zn were mainly atmospheric in origin, whereas the other elements were predominantly of crustal origin. Compared with other studies, our data were higher in crustal element concentrations and lower in atmospheric element concentrations, matching with the frequent, severe dust storms and road traffic in the area. The elemental concentrations in lichens are both species- and element-specific, highlighting the importance of species selection for biomonitoring air pollution using lichens. We recommend PT, XE, XM and XPT for monitoring atmospheric deposition of crustal elements; XPC and XPT for Cd and Pb; PA for Cd and Zn; and PT for Cd.
Scaffold Hopping Toward Agomelatine: Novel 3, 4-Dihydroisoquinoline Compounds as Potential Antidepressant Agents
Authors: Yang Yang , Ang Wei , Long Haiyue , Chang Ying , Li Zicheng , Zhou Liangxue , Yang Tao , Deng Yong , Luo Youfu
Published: October 2016

A scaffold-hopping strategy toward Agomelatine based on in silico screening and knowledge analysis was employed to design novel antidepressant agents. A series of 3, 4-dihydroisoquinoline compounds were selected for chemical synthesis and biological assessment. Three compounds (6a-1, 6a-2, 6a-9) demonstrated protective effects on corticosterone-induced lesion of PC12 cells. Compound 6a-1 also displayed low inhibitory effects on the growth of HEK293 and L02 normal cells and it was further evaluated for its potential antidepressant effects in vivo. The forced swim test (FST) results revealed that compound 6a-1 remarkably reduced the immobility time of rats and the open field test (OFT) results indicated a better general locomotor activity of the rats treated with compound 6a-1 than those with Agomelatine or Fluoxetine. Mechanism studies implied that compound 6a-1 can significantly reduce PC12 cell apoptosis by up-regulation of GSH and down-regulation of ROS in corticosterone-induced lesion of PC12 cells. Meanwhile, the down-regulation of calcium ion concentration and up-regulation of BDNF level in PC12 cells may account for the neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, compound 6a-1 can increase cell survival and cell proliferation, promote cell maturation in the rat hippocampus after chronic treatment. The acute toxicity data in vivo indicated compound 6a-1 exhibited less hepatotoxicity than Agomelatine.