bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early involvement of cellular stress and inflammatory signals in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial kidney disease due to UMOD mutations
Authors: Trudu Matteo , Schaeffer Celine , Riba Michela , Ikehata Masami , Brambilla Paola , Messa Piergiorgio , Martinelli-Boneschi Filippo , Rastaldi Maria Pia , Rampoldi Luca
Published: August 2017

Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) is an inherited disorder that causes progressive kidney damage and renal failure. Mutations in the UMOD gene, encoding uromodulin, lead to ADTKD-UMOD related. Uromodulin is a GPI-anchored protein exclusively produced by epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop. It is released in the tubular lumen after proteolytic cleavage and represents the most abundant protein in human urine in physiological condition. We previously generated and characterized a transgenic mouse model expressing mutant uromodulin (Tg
UmodC147W) that recapitulates the main features of ATDKD-UMOD. While several studies clearly demonstrated that mutated uromodulin accumulates in endoplasmic reticulum, the mechanisms that lead to renal damage are not fully understood. In our work, we used kidney transcriptional profiling to identify early events of pathogenesis in the kidneys of Tg
UmodC147W mice. Our results demonstrate up-regulation of inflammation and fibrosis and down-regulation of lipid metabolism in young Tg
UmodC147W mice, before any functional or histological evidence of kidney damage. We also show that pro-inflammatory signals precede fibrosis onset and are already present in the first week after birth. Early induction of inflammation is likely relevant for ADTKD-UMOD pathogenesis and related pathways can be envisaged as possible novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Optimised metrics for CRISPR-KO screens with second-generation gRNA libraries
Authors: Ong Swee Hoe , Li Yilong , Koike-Yusa Hiroko , Yusa Kosuke
Published: August 2017

Genome-wide CRISPR-based knockout (CRISPR-KO) screening is an emerging technique which enables systematic genetic analysis of a cellular or molecular phenotype in question. Continuous improvements, such as modifications to the guide RNA (gRNA) scaffold and the development of gRNA on-target prediction algorithms, have since been made to increase their screening performance. We compared the performance of three available second-generation human genome-wide CRISPR-KO libraries that included at least one of the improvements, and examined the effect of gRNA scaffold, number of gRNAs per gene and number of replicates on screen performance. We identified duplicated screens using a library with 6 gRNAs per gene as providing the best trade-off. Despite the improvements, we found that each improved library still has library-specific false negatives and, for the first time, estimated the false negative rates of CRISPR-KO screens, which are between 10% and 20%. Our newly-defined optimal screening parameters would be helpful in designing screens and constructing bespoke gRNA libraries.
Hybridization patterns in two contact zones of grass snakes reveal a new Central European snake species
Authors: Kindler Carolin , Chèvre Maxime , Ursenbacher Sylvain , Böhme Wolfgang , Hille Axel , Jablonski Daniel , Vamberger Melita , Fritz Uwe
Published: August 2017

Recent studies found major conflicts between traditional taxonomy and genetic differentiation of grass snakes and identified previously unknown secondary contact zones. Until now, little is known about gene flow across these contact zones. Using two mitochondrial markers and 13 microsatellite loci, we examined two contact zones. One, largely corresponding to the Rhine region, involves the western subspeciesNatrix natrix helveticaand the eastern subspeciesN. n. natrix, whereas in the other, more easterly, contact zone two lineages meet that are currently identified withN. n. natrixandN. n. persa. This second contact zone runs across Central Europe to the southern Balkans. Our analyses reveal that the western contact zone is narrow, with parapatrically distributed mitochondrial lineages and limited, largely unidirectional nuclear gene flow. In contrast, the eastern contact zone is very wide, with massive nuclear admixture and broadly overlapping mitochondrial lineages. In combination with additional lines of evidence (morphology, phylogeny, divergence times), we conclude that these differences reflect different stages in the speciation process and thatNatrix helveticashould be regarded as a distinct species. We suggest a nomenclatural framework for presently recognized grass snake taxa and highlight the need for reconciling the conflicts between genetics and taxonomy.
Graphene Enhanced Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (GESIMS)
Authors: Michałowski Paweł Piotr , Kaszub Wawrzyniec , Pasternak Iwona , Strupiński Włodek
Published: August 2017

The following invention - Graphene Enhanced Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry - (pending European patent application no. EP 16461554.4) is related to a method of analysing a solid substrate by means of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). It comprises the steps of providing a graphene layer over the substrate surface and analysing ejected secondary anions through mass spectrometry analysis. The graphene layer acts as a kind of filament that emits a lot of secondary electrons during the experiment which significantly increases the negative ionization probability and thus the intensity of the SIMS signal can be more than two orders of magnitude higher than that of a similar sample without graphene. The method is particularly useful for the analysis of surfaces, 2D materials and ultra-thin films. The intensity of dopants and contamination signals can be enhanced up to 35 times, which approaches the detection limit of ~1015atoms/cm3, otherwise unreachable in a standard static SIMS analysis.
Short-term treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid improves inflammation and affects colonic differentiation markers and microbiota in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Prossomariti Anna , Scaioli Eleonora , Piazzi Giulia , Fazio Chiara , Bellanova Matteo , Biagi Elena , Candela Marco , Brigidi Patrizia , Consolandi Clarissa , Balbi Tiziana , Chieco Pasquale , Munarini Alessandra , Pariali Milena , Minguzzi Manuela , Bazzoli Franco , Belluzzi Andrea , Ricciardiello Luigi
Published: August 2017

Patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC) have an increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. In this pilot study we evaluated the effect of Eicosapentaenoic acid as free fatty acid (EPA-FFA) supplementation on mucosal disease activity, colonic differentiation markers and microbiota composition in UC patients. Twenty long-standing UC patients in stable clinical remission and with fecal calprotectin (FC) > 150 µg/g were enrolled (T0) and supplemented with EPA-FFA 2 g/daily for 90 days (T3). Endoscopic and histologic disease activities were measured by Mayo and Geboes scores, respectively. HES1, KLF4, STAT3, IL-10 and SOCS3 levels were determined using western blotting and qRT-PCR, while phospho-STAT3 levels were assessed by western blotting. Goblet cells were stained by Alcian blue. Microbiota analyses were performed on both fecal and colonic samples. Nineteen patients completed the study; seventeen (89.5%) were compliant. EPA-FFA treatment reduced FC levels at T3. Patients with FC > 150 µg/g at T3 (n = 2) were assumed as non-responders. EPA-FFA improved endoscopic and histological inflammation and induced IL-10, SOCS3, HES1 and KLF4 in compliant and responder patients. Importantly, long-term UC-driven microbiota composition was partially redressed by EPA-FFA. In conclusion, EPA-FFA supplementation reduced mucosal inflammation, promoted goblet cells differentiation and modulated intestinal microbiota composition in long-standing UC patients.
Facial appearance reveals immunity in African men
Authors: Phalane Khutso G. , Tribe Catherine , Steel Helen C. , Cholo Moloko C. , Coetzee Vinet
Published: August 2017

Facial appearance is thought to indicate immunity in humans, but very few studies have tested this relationship directly. The aim of this study was to test the relationship between direct measures of immunity, perceived facial health and attractiveness, and facial cues in African men. We show that men with a stronger cytokine response are considered significantly more attractive and healthy. Men with more masculine, heavier facial features (i.e. muscular appearance) have a significantly higher cytokine response and appear significantly healthier and more attractive, while men with a yellower, lighter, “carotenoid” skin colour, have a marginally higher immune response and are also considered significantly more healthy and attractive. In contrast, more symmetrical, skinnier looking men appeared more attractive and healthier, but did not have a stronger cytokine response. These findings also shed new light on the “androgen-mediated” traits proposed by the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH) and we propose that facial muscularity serves as a better estimate of an “androgen-mediated” trait than facial masculinity. Finally, we build on previous evidence to show that men’s facial features do indeed reveal aspects of immunity, even better than more traditional measures of health, such as body mass index (BMI).
An improved database of coastal flooding in the United Kingdom from 1915 to 2016
Authors: Haigh Ivan D. , Ozsoy Ozgun , Wadey Matthew P. , Nicholls Robert J. , Gallop Shari L. , Wahl Thomas , Brown Jennifer M.
Published: August 2017

Coastal flooding caused by extreme sea levels can produce devastating and wide-ranging consequences. The ‘SurgeWatch’ v1.0 database systematically documents and assesses the consequences of historical coastal flood events around the UK. The original database was inevitably biased due to the inconsistent spatial and temporal coverage of sea-level observations utilised. Therefore, we present an improved version integrating a variety of ‘soft’ data such as journal papers, newspapers, weather reports, and social media. SurgeWatch2.0 identifies 329 coastal flooding events from 1915 to 2016, a more than fivefold increase compared to the 59 events in v1.0. Moreover, each flood event is now ranked using a multi-level categorisation based on inundation, transport disruption, costs, and fatalities: from 1 (Nuisance) to 6 (Disaster). For the 53 most severe events ranked Category 3 and above, an accompanying event description based upon the Source-Pathway-Receptor-Consequence framework was produced. Thus, SurgeWatch v2.0 provides the most comprehensive and coherent historical record of UK coastal flooding. It is designed to be a resource for research, planning, management and education.
Morphology of Dbx1 respiratory neurons in the preBötzinger complex and reticular formation of neonatal mice
Authors: Akins Victoria T. , Weragalaarachchi Krishanthi , Picardo Maria Cristina D. , Revill Ann L. , Del Negro Christopher A.
Published: August 2017

The relationship between neuron morphology and function is a perennial issue in neuroscience. Information about synaptic integration, network connectivity, and the specific roles of neuronal subpopulations can be obtained through morphological analysis of key neurons within a microcircuit. Here we present morphologies of two classes of brainstem respiratory neurons. First, interneurons derived from Dbx1-expressing precursors (Dbx1 neurons) in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) of the ventral medulla that generate the rhythm for inspiratory breathing movements. Second, Dbx1 neurons of the intermediate reticular formation that influence the motor pattern of pharyngeal and lingual movements during the inspiratory phase of the breathing cycle. We describe the image acquisition and subsequent digitization of morphologies of respiratory Dbx1 neurons from the preBötC and the intermediate reticular formation that were first recorded in vitro. These data can be analyzed comparatively to examine how morphology influences the roles of Dbx1 preBötC and Dbx1 reticular interneurons in respiration and can also be utilized to create morphologically accurate compartmental models for simulation and modeling of respiratory circuits.
New luminescent nanoparticles based on carbon dots/SiO2 for the detection of latent fingermarks
Authors: Zhao Ya-Bin , Ma Yu-jie , Song Dan , Liu Yun , Luo Yaping , Lin Sheng , Liu Chun-yan
Published: August 2017

Novel non-toxic CDs/SiO2 was successfully used to detect latent fingermarks on various surfaces with good selectivity, sensitivity and more ridge details.
Objective assessment of SERS thin films: comparison of silver on copper via galvanic displacement with commercially available fabricated substrates
Authors: Mabbott Samuel , Xu Yun , Goodacre Royston
Published: August 2017

Reproducibility of SERS signal acquired from thin films developed in-house and commercially has been assessed using seven data analysis methods.
Decomposition of selected chlorinated volatile organic compounds by ceria (CeO2)
Authors: Miran Hussein A. , Altarawneh Mohammednoor , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Oskierski Hans , Almatarneh Mansour , Dlugogorski Bogdan Z.
Published: August 2017

Guided by recent experimental measurements, this study theoretically investigates the initial steps operating in the interactions of ceria surface CeO2(111) with three CVOC model compounds, namely chloroethene (CE), chloroethane (CA) and chlorobenzene (CB).
Degradation of ibuprofen using ozone combined with peroxymonosulfate
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Sui Minghao , Yuan Bojie , Li Pan , Wang Jingyu , Qin Jie , Xu Guangyi
Published: August 2017

The O3/PMS oxidative system shows a compelling degradation efficiency towards ibuprofen due to the contribution of ˙OH and SO4˙−.
The anti-obesity properties of the proanthocyanidin extract from the leaves of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb.et Zucc.)
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhou , Chen Shiguo , Ye Xingqian
Published: August 2017

The anti-obesity effects of different proanthocyanidin extracts (PE) from Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubraSieb.et Zucc.) leaves were evaluated in a high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese rat model.
Tracking the restructuring of oxidized silver–indium nanoparticles under a reducing atmosphere by environmental HRTEM
Authors: Ramade Julien , Langlois Cyril , Pellarin Michel , Piccolo Laurent , Lebeault Marie-Ange , Epicier Thierry , Aouine Mimoun , Cottancin Emmanuel
Published: August 2017

Multimetallic nano-alloys display a structure and consequently physicochemical properties evolving in a reactive environment.
Growth kinetics and mechanisms of multinary copper-based metal sulfide nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Keqiang , Zhou Jing , Chen Wen , Zhong Qiaohui , Yang Tingqiang , Yang Xue , Deng Chunyu , Liu Yueli
Published: August 2017

Schematic for the possible mechanism of the phase tunable synthesis of multinary copper-based metal sulfide NCs.
A critical role of catalyst morphology in low-temperature synthesis of carbon nanotube–transition metal oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Lim Joohyun , Ha Yoonhoo , Kwon Nam Hee , Shin Hyeyoung , Kim In Young , Lee Nam-Suk , Kim Myung Hwa , Kim Hyungjun , Hwang Seong-Ju
Published: August 2017

A novel low-temperature synthetic route to functional CNT-transition metal oxide nanocomposites is developed.
Emission color tuning of core/shell upconversion nanoparticles through modulation of laser power or temperature
Authors: Shao Qiyue , Zhang Gongtuo , Ouyang Lilai , Hu Yanqing , Dong Yan , Jiang Jianqing
Published: August 2017

Ho/Tm co-doped core/shell UCNPs with temperature-responsive color-tuning properties were achieved, by taking advantage of the different spectral sensitivities to temperature of Ho3+ and Tm3+ emitters.
Dry spinning approach to continuous graphene fibers with high toughness
Authors: Tian Qishi , Xu Zhen , Liu Yingjun , Fang Bo , Peng Li , Xi Jiabin , Li Zheng , Gao Chao
Published: August 2017

A new green dry spinning method to fabricate continuous graphene fibers (GFs) is presented. The dry spun neat GFs possessed high toughness up to 19.12 MJ m−3, outperforming wet spun neat GFs. The methodology may be extended to other printing technologies for graphene complex architectures.
Dendrimers meet zwitterions: development of a unique antifouling nanoplatform for enhanced blood pool, lymph node and tumor CT imaging
Authors: Xiong Zhijuan , Wang Yue , Zhu Jingyi , Li Xin , He Yao , Qu Jiao , Shen Mingwu , Xia Jindong , Shi Xiangyang
Published: August 2017

Zwitterion-modified dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles having improved antifouling properties can be used for enhanced blood pool, lymph node, and tumor CT imaging.
‘Reactive’ nano-complex coated medical cotton: a facile avenue for tailored release of small molecules
Authors: Rather Adil Majeed , Mahato Sulendar , Maji Kousik , Gogoi Neeha , Manna Uttam
Published: August 2017

Here, the medical-cotton that coated with amine ‘reactive’ nanocomplex was exploited in tailoring the release rate (from 1 day to 100 days) of post-loaded small molecules through appropriate modulation of water wettability.
Label-free fluorescent immunoassay for Cu2+ ion detection based on UV degradation of immunocomplex and metal ion chelates
Authors: Shu Qi , Liu Mengli , Ouyang Hui , Fu Zhifeng
Published: August 2017

A label-free fluorescent immunoassay method has been designed for detection of Cu2+ ions based on UV degradation of immunocomplex and metal ion chelates.
Poly(ε-caprolactone) with pendant natural peptides: an old polymeric biomaterial with new properties
Authors: Ju Yuanyuan , Zhang Mingming , Zhao Hanying
Published: August 2017

Poly(ε-caprolactone) with pendant glutathione or l-carnosine was synthesized by a combination of ring-opening copolymerization, click chemistry and thiol-disulfide exchange reaction, and the self-assemblies of the polymers were investigated.
Photoredox meets gold Lewis acid catalysis in the alkylative semipinacol rearrangement: a photocatalyst with a dark side
Authors: Zidan M. , McCallum T. , Thai-Savard L. , Barriault L.
Published: August 2017

The alkylative semipinacol rearrangement of a variety of TMS protected α-styrenyl substituted cyclic alcohols with unactivated bromoalkanes that merge photoredox and Au(i)/Au(iii) catalysis has been achieved.
Ginkgolide B lowers body weight and ameliorates hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced obese mice correlated with pregnane X receptor activation
Authors: Luo Lingling , Li Yin , Wang Dongshan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Yahui , Li Fei , Fang Jinan , Chen Hui , Fan Shengjie , Huang Cheng
Published: August 2017

Ginkgolide B (GB) is a natural occurring terpene lactone and a selective agonistic ligand of hPXR.
Membrane destruction-mediated antibacterial activity of tungsten disulfide (WS2)
Authors: Liu Xu , Duan Guangxin , Li Weifeng , Zhou Zhufa , Zhou Ruhong
Published: August 2017

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) demonstrates clear antibacterial activity through inducing mechanical damage to the bacteria membrane integrity.
Agricultural waste-derived activated carbon for high performance lithium-ion capacitors
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Hongyou , Wang Dabin , Lv Hong , Zhang Cunman
Published: August 2017

The optimized AC//LTO LIC is worth noting that our device outperformed most of the similar constructions concerning carbonaceous materials as cathode and LTO as anode and some other constructions.
Ultrafast synthesis of 13X@NaA composites through plasma treatment for highly selective carbon capture
Authors: Huang Jiali , Hu Jun , Du Wenli , Liu Honglai , Qian Feng , Wang Meihong
Published: August 2017

The primary challenge in material design and fabrication is the achievement of excellent performance, economic materials, and fast and convenient synthesis for real-world applications.
Atorvastatin enhances radiosensitivity in hypoxia-induced prostate cancer cells related with HIF-1α inhibition
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhang Minguang , Xing Dongwei , Feng Yu
Published: August 2017

Hypoxia could enhance radioresistance in prostate cancer cells through up-regulating HIF-1α, which could be inhibited by statins in several cancer cells. However, this effect of statins in prostate cancer remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on HIF-1α expression and radiosensitivity in prostate cancer cells. The hypoxia-induced human prostate cancer PC3 cells were generated by incubating with 5% O2 for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were respectively analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. The HIF-1α protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. HIF-1α expression in PC3 cells was significantly increased after incubating with 5% O2 for 24 h. The viability of hypoxia-induced PC3 cells was inhibited by a higher dose of irradiation than control cells. The viability of hypoxia-induced PC3 cells were inhibited by astorvastatin with a higher concentration than control cells. Astorvastatin reduced the HIF-1α protein expression in hypoxia-induced PC3 cells, and induced apoptosis of both control and hypoxia-induced cells with and without irradiation. Atorvastatin could enhance radiosensitivity in hypoxia-induced prostate cancer cells, which may be related with inhibition of HIF-1α protein.
Using Multilinguistic Strategies to Improve Decoding in Older School-Age Students in a Contextualized and Motivational Approach
Authors: Collins Ginger , Wolter Julie A.
Published: August 2017

The multilinguistic skills of phonological, orthographic, and morphological awareness codevelop and appear to all be important for reading acquisition in the elementary years. By fourth grade, the academic vocabulary words to which students are exposed become more content-specific and frequently contain multiple morphological units. Struggling readers often lack motivation to read. The purpose of this article is to (a) review the evidence basis for providing multilinguistic instruction, and (b) provide a model for teaching multilinguistic strategies by using Latin and Greek roots within the context of creating superhero comics to promote decoding in an engaging manner.
Data processing pipeline for Herschel HIFI
Authors: Shipman R. F. , Beaulieu S. F. , Teyssier D. , Morris P. , Rengel M. , McCoey C. , Edwards K. , Kester D. , Lorenzani A. , Coeur-Joly O. , Melchior M. , Xie J. , Sanchez E. , Zaal P. , Avruch I. , Borys C. , Braine J. , Comito C. , Delforge B. , Herpin F. , Hoac A. , Kwon W. , Lord S. D. , Marston A. , Mueller M. , Olberg M. , Ossenkopf V. , Puga E. , Akyilmaz-Yabaci M.
Published: August 2017

Context. The HIFI instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory performed over 9100 astronomical observations, almost 900 of which were calibration observations in the course of the nearly four-year Herschel mission. The data from each observation had to be converted from raw telemetry into calibrated products and were included in the Herschel Science Archive.

Aims. The HIFI pipeline was designed to provide robust conversion from raw telemetry into calibrated data throughout all phases of the HIFI missions. Pre-launch laboratory testing was supported as were routine mission operations.

Methods. A modular software design allowed components to be easily added, removed, amended and/or extended as the understanding of the HIFI data developed during and after mission operations.

Results. The HIFI pipeline processed data from all HIFI observing modes within the Herschel automated processing environment as well as within an interactive environment. The same software can be used by the general astronomical community to reprocess any standard HIFI observation. The pipeline also recorded the consistency of processing results and provided automated quality reports. Many pipeline modules were in use since the HIFI pre-launch instrument level testing.

Conclusions. Processing in steps facilitated data analysis to discover and address instrument artefacts and uncertainties. The availability of the same pipeline components from pre-launch throughout the mission made for well-understood, tested, and stable processing. A smooth transition from one phase to the next significantly enhanced processing reliability and robustness.
On the ab initio calculation of vibrational formation entropy of point defect: the case of the silicon vacancy
Authors: Seeberger Pia , Vidal Julien
Published: August 2017

Formation entropy of point defects is one of the last crucial elements required to fully describe the temperature dependence of point defect formation. However, while many attempts have been made to compute them for very complicated systems, very few works have been carried out such as to assess the different effects of finite size effects and precision on such quantity. Large discrepancies can be found in the literature for a system as primitive as the silicon vacancy. In this work, we have proposed a systematic study of formation entropy for silicon vacancy in its 3 stable charge states: neutral, +2 and –2 for supercells with size not below 432 atoms. Rationalization of the formation entropy is presented, highlighting importance of finite size error and the difficulty to compute such quantities due to high numerical requirement. It is proposed that the direct calculation of formation entropy of VSi using first principles methods will be plagued by very high computational workload (or large numerical errors) and finite size dependent results.
A Short and Scalable Synthesis of Orthogonally Protected Bis(aminomethyl)malonic Acid: Access to Bioactive Macrocyclic Peptides
Authors: Vetrichelvan Muthalagu , Bokkala Vijayabhaskar , Renganathan Surendran , Mathur Arvind , Rampulla Richard , Gupta Anuradha
Published: August 2017

A short and scalable process for the preparation of multi-gram quantities of orthogonally protected bis(aminomethyl)malonic acid in good yield from readily available starting material is described. These orthogonally protected amino acids are important building blocks to make peptides based drugs, glycoconjugates, and in the total synthesis of peptide natural products. The newly developed route has only six steps with an overall yield of 27%, which involves nucleophilic attack of a malonate on an imide as one of the key steps.
Highly Efficient Construction of Sugar-Fused Spirochromanono Pyrrolidines/Pyrrolizidines/Thiolizidines via 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides
Authors: Nallamala Sirisha , Mannem Srikumar , Raghavachary Raghunathan
Published: August 2017

A variety of sugar-fused chromanono pyrrolidines/pyrrolizidines/thiolizidines have been synthesized by intermolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides (generated from glucose aldehyde and different secondary amino acids) with various 3-arylidene chroman-4-ones as dipolarophiles. The solvent effect on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction is also studied.
Cluster Preface: Catalytic Aerobic Oxidations
Authors: Stahl Shannon , Rovis Tomislav
Published: August 2017

Shannon S. Stahl was an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a graduate student at Caltech (PhD, 1997), where he worked with Professor John Bercaw. He was an NSF postdoctoral fellow with Professor Stephen Lippard at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1997–1999. He is currently a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he began his independent career in 1999. His research group specializes in catalysis, with an emphasis on aerobic oxidation reactions and oxygen chemistry related to energy conversion.

Tomislav Rovis was born in Zagreb in former Yugoslavia but was largely raised in southern Ontario, Canada. He earned his PhD degree at the University of Toronto (Canada) in 1998 under the direction of Professor Mark Lautens. From 1998–2000, he was an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University (USA) with Professor David A. Evans. In 2000, he began his independent career at Colorado State University and was promoted in 2005 to Associate Professor and in 2008 to Professor. His group’s accomplishments have been recognized by a number of awards including an Arthur C. Cope Scholar, an NSF CAREER Award, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a ­Katritzky Young Investigator in Heterocyclic Chemistry. In 2016, he moved to Columbia University where he is currently Professor of Chemistry.
The Osteocutaneous Fibular Flap for Mandibular Replacement—Which Factors Influence Long-Term Success?
Authors: Kolk Andreas , Haidari S. , Wolff K.-D. , Fichter A. , Kehl V. , Götz C. , Kesting M. , Weitz J.
Published: August 2017

Background The free fibular flap (FFF) is established for mandibular reconstruction. Some complications, such as non-union, fistulas, and complete graft loss, are sometimes unavoidable. There are no clinically relevant data regarding the optimum selection of osteosynthesis and risk analysis prior to reconstruction.

Methods Eighty-three FFFs with up to four osteotomies were analyzed for possible complications during the course of a longitudinal analysis. Forty-one patients underwent simultaneous mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection, and another 42 subjects received FFFs due to infected osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Patients who experienced transplant losses due to vascular occlusion in the grafts were excluded from the study.

Results The most common complications were fistulas, bony non-union, and failure of osteosynthesis material. Major contributing risk factors were radiotherapy (p = 0.004), number of osteosynthesis plates >6 (p = 0.002), length of the harvested fibula (p = 0.027), the size of the skin island (p = 0.002), and the number of osteotomies (p = 0.001).

Conclusion For the success of FFF, there are many influencing factors. If the mentioned risk factors are considered, the number of osteotomies, size of the skin paddle, and fibula are as small as possible, and a suitable osteosynthesis material is chosen, the FFF is a safe solution for mandibular reconstruction.
Die körperdysmorphe Störung in der Plastischen Chirurgie – Eine systematische Übersicht der Screening
Methoden
Authors: Houschyar K. S. , Philipps H. M. , Duscher D. , Rein S. , Weissenberg K. , Nietzschmann I. , Maan Z. N. , Pyles M. N. , Siemers F.
Published: August 2017

Hintergrund Die körperdysmorphe Störung, englisch „body dysmorphic disorder“ (BDD), gilt als Unterform der somatoformen Störungen. BDD
kann sich in wahnhaftem Erleben, einer übermäßigen Bewertung und Beschäftigung des äußeren Erscheinungsbildes, insbesondere dem Gesicht
äußern. Vorläufige Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass Personen mit BDD nicht von plastisch-chirurgischen Behandlungen profitieren, so dass durch
ästhetische operative Eingriffe häufig sogar eine Aggravation ihrer Symptome resultiert. Somit ist die Identifikation von Anzeichen für ein
BDD entscheidend, ob ein Patient plastisch-ästhetisch operiert werden sollte. Diese Übersichtsarbeit erläutert die oft schwierige Diagnostik
der BDD, indem sie die aktuelle Literatur zu dessen Screening zusammenfasst.

Studiendesign Systematische Übersichtsarbeit

Methoden Es wurde eine elektronische Suche in der deutsch- und englischsprachigen Literatur durchgeführt, um alle
Screening-Instrumente für die BDD zu identifizieren. Es werden die spezifischen Entwicklungs- und Validierungsprozesse beurteilt, ob die
Screening-Instrumente einen positiven prädiktiven Wert für die BDD haben.

Ergebnisse Sechs verschiedene Screening-Instrumente wurden für die BDD identifiziert. Davon wurden nur zwei in einem kosmetischen
Rahmen evaluiert: der „Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire–Dermatology Version“ (BDDQ-DV) und der „Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire“
(DCQ). Der Einfluss auf die subjektiven Ergebnisse nach einem plastisch-ästhetischen Eingriff wurde nur für den DCQ gemessen.

Schlussfolgerung Die begrenzte Verfügbarkeit von validierten Screening-Instrumenten für die BDD in der plastischen Chirurgie steht in
bemerkenswerten Gegensatz zu der vermeintlich hohen Prävalenz der Erkrankung von 2,4 %. Unter den derzeit verwendeten Screening-Tools
scheinen die BDDQ-DV und der DCQ am besten geeignet zu sein. Weitere Forschungsbemühungen zur Etablierung besserer Screeningmethoden für die
BDD in der plastischen chirurgischen Patientenpopulation und zur Untersuchung der Auswirkungen von BDD auf Behandlungsergebnisse sind
notwendig.
Mastopexie nach massivem Gewichtsverlust – Erweiterte Ribeiro-Technik und Einsatz der lateralen
Interkostalarterien-Perforatorlappenplastik (LICAP-Flap) zur Autoaugmentation
Authors: Wolter Andreas , Scholz Till , Pluto Naja , Diedrichson Jens , Arens-Landwehr Andreas , Liebau Jutta
Published: August 2017

Hintergrund Eine Mastopexie nach massivem Gewichtsverlust stellt eine besondere Herausforderung in der Mammachirurgie dar. Der
Brusthügel ist oft stark abgeflacht mit reduzierter Hautqualität. Die chirurgische Vorgehensweise basiert in erster Linie auf einer
Umformung des Drüsengewebes statt auf einer Straffung des Hautmantels. Publizierte Techniken beinhalten eine Plikation, Suspension und
Autoaugmentation. Das vorhandene ortsständige Gewebe (Brustdrüse, Fettgewebe, Dermofettlappen) wird vollumfänglich verwendet mit dem Ziel,
eine Brust mit stabiler Projektion nachhaltig zu formen. Die Entwicklung einer solchen Technik wird präsentiert.

Patienten und Methoden Es handelt sich um eine retrospektive Analyse von 68 Patientinnen (136 Brüste), bei denen eine modifizierte
Ribeiro-Technik mit superomedialer Mamillenstielung durch eine Suspension mit einem inferioren dermoglandulären Lappen durchgeführt wurde.
Darüberhinaus beinhaltet die vorgestellte Technik eine Einbeziehung der lateralen Interkostalarterien-Perforatorlappenplastik (LICAP flap)
sowie des medialen Brustpfeilers als zusätzliche Volumengewinnung zum Ribeiro-Lappen. Dies trägt wesentlich zur Autoaugmentation des oberen
Brustpols bei, führt zur Verschmälerung der verbreiterten Brust, bildet einen internen BH und redefiniert die Inframammärfalte. Die
Ergebnisse zur Komplikationsrate, Patientenzufriedenheit, Brustwarzensensibilität und Korrekturrate wurden überprüft.

Ergebnisse Von 01/2011–12/2016 führten wir 136 Auto-Augmentationsmastopexien durch. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 41,2 Jahre, der
durchschnittliche Body-Mass-Index (BMI) war 27,1 kg/m2, der durchschnittliche Gewichtsverlust war 54,3 kg, der durchschnittliche
Mamillen-Jugulum-Abstand war 32,3 cm, die durchschnittliche OP-Dauer betrug 109 Minuten. Bei 12 Brüsten erfolgte eine freie
Brustwarzentransplantation. Die Komplikationsrate lag bei insgesamt 5,1 %, die Korrekturrate bei 17,6 %. 95 % der Patientinnen waren „sehr
zufrieden“ bis „zufrieden“ mit dem ästhetischen Ergebnis bei in 85 % „sehr gut“ bis „gut“ erhaltener Brustwarzensensibilität.

Fazit Die Modifikation der Ribeiro-Technik mit zusätzlicher Anwendung der medialen und lateralen Brustanteile (LICAP flap) erlaubt
eine Autoaugmentation des oberen Brustpols bei Patientinnen nach massivem Gewichtsverlust. Die Brustumformung durch Raffung und Suspension
des residualen Brustgewebes soll die Langzeitformstabilität der Brust verbessern und die Inzidenz einer erneuten Ptosis verringern. Die
präsentierte Vorgehensweise stellt eine reproduzierbare, verlässliche Methode mit geringer Komplikationsrate dar.
17.9.24 Phthalocyanines and Related Compounds (Update 2017)
Authors: Rodríguez-Morgade M. S. , Torres T.
Published: August 2017

This review updates the original Science of Synthesis chapter (Section 17.9) on phthalocyanines and various ring-fused, ring-contracted, and ring-expanded analogues. It adds some recently published methods, examples, and variations on the synthesis of unsubstituted phthalocyanines and metal phthalocyanines, as well as identically and nonidentically substituted phthalocyanine derivatives. Besides peripheral substitution, axial functionalization is also discussed, but attention is focused only on those methods that represent appreciable progress for a particular type of metal coordination and axial functionalization, provide phthalocyanines with specific features such as chirality, or allow the functionalization of phthalocyanines with entities that are difficult to introduce at the peripheral sites. This account also includes sections on new types of phthalocyanine derivatives and analogues that were not covered in the original chapter, as well as the progress made in the synthesis of some of these families in the decade since 2003.
34.1.6.4 Synthesis of Fluoroalkanes with Retention of the Functional Group (Update 2017)
Authors: Yamazaki T.
Published: August 2017

This chapter is an update to the earlier Science of Synthesis contribution (Section 34.1.6) describing methods for the synthesis of monofluorinated compounds with a C(sp3)—F bond by way of a wide variety of transformations of molecules already bearing the key C—F bond. The focus is on methods published in the period 2005–2015.
“Cycles upon cycles, stories upon stories”: contemporary audio media and podcast horror’s new frights
Authors: Hancock Danielle , McMurtry Leslie
Published: August 2017

During the last ten years the ever-fertile horror and Gothic genres have birthed a new type of fright-fiction: podcast horror. Podcast horror is a narrative horror form based in audio media and the properties of sound. Despite association with oral ghost tales, radio drama, and movie and TV soundscapes, podcast horror remains academically overlooked. Podcasts offer fertile ground for the revitalization and evolution of such extant audio-horror traditions, yet they offer innovation too. Characterized by their pre-recorded nature, individualized listening times and formats, often “amateur” or non-corporate production, and isolation from an ongoing media stream more typical of radio or TV, podcasts potentialize the instigation of newer audio-horror methods and traits. Podcast horror shows vary greatly in form and content, from almost campfire-style oral tales, comprising listener-produced and performed content (Drabblecast; Tales to Terrify; NoSleep); to audio dramas reminiscent of radio’s Golden Era (Tales from Beyond the Pale; 19 Nocturne Boulevard); to dramas delivered in radio-broadcast style (Welcome to Night Vale; Ice Box Theatre); to, most recently, dramas, which are themselves acknowledging and exploratory of the podcast form (TANIS; The Black Tapes Podcast; Lime Town). Yet within this broad spectrum, sympathies and conventions arise which often not only explore and expand notions of Gothic sound, but which challenge broader existing horror and Gothic genre norms. This article thus demonstrates the extent to which podcast horror uses its audio form, technology and mediation to disrupt and evolve Gothic/horror fiction, not through a cumulative chronological formulation of podcast horror but through a maintained and alternately synthesized panorama of forms. Herein new aspects of generic narration, audience, narrative and aesthetic emerge. Exploring a broad spectrum of American and British horror podcasts, this article shows horror podcasting to utilize podcasting’s novel means of horror and Gothic distribution/consumption to create fresh, unique and potent horror forms. This article reveals plot details about some of the podcasts examined.
Magnetoelectronic transport of double stack FePt nanodots
Authors: Makihara Katsunori , Kawase Taiga , Ohta Akio , Ikeda Mitsuhisa , Miyazaki Seiichi
Published: August 2017

We designed and fabricated double stack FePt-nanodots (FePt-NDs) with different coercivities between the lower and upper NDs, in which the FePt-NDs were formed by exposing Pt/Fe bilayer stacks of different thicknesses to a remote H2 plasma. The double-stacked NDs show a clear change in their resistive state depending on the relative directions of magnetization between the upper and lower dots. From the high on/off current ratio between the high and low resistive states observed in the current-voltage characteristics, the FePt-NDs can be regarded as a spin-diode gate.
Single step vacuum-free and hydrogen-free synthesis of graphene
Authors: Orellana Christian , Cunha Thiago , Fantini Cristiano , Jaques Alonso , Häberle Patricio
Published: August 2017

We report a modified method to grow graphene in a single-step process. It is based on chemical vapor deposition and considers the use of methane under extremely adverse synthesis conditions, namely in an open chamber without requiring the addition of gaseous hydrogen in any of the synthesis stages. The synthesis occurs between two parallel Cu plates, heated up via electromagnetic induction. The inductive heating yields a strong thermal gradient between the catalytic substrates and the surrounding environment, promoting the enrichment of hydrogen generated as fragments of the methane molecules within the volume confined by the Cu foils. This induced density gradient is due to thermo-diffusion, also known as the Soret effect. Hydrogen and other low mass molecular fractions produced during the process inhibit oxidative effects and simultaneously reduce the native oxide on the Cu surface. As a result, high quality graphene is obtained on the inner surfaces of the Cu sheets as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy.
Grain growth mechanism and magnetic properties in L1-FePt thin films
Authors: Li W. , Chen L.
Published: August 2017

This paper focuses on the grain growth mechanisms and magnetic properties of FePt thin films during an annealing process. The grain size and grain orientation distribution have been quantitatively investigated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and the grain growth kinetics of thin films were described by the phenomenological kinetic grain growth model. The results show that the grain growth exponent and activation energy of the FePt thin films were 4.26 and 136 kJ/mol respectively, indicating that the grain growth mechanism is mainly controlled by the stochastic jumping of atoms crossing the grain boundaries. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that disorder-order transformation was concurrent with grain growth during the annealing process, slowing down the velocity of grain growth. The hysteresis loops reveal that the out-of-plane coercivity and squareness is enhanced with increasing annealing temperature and this can be attributed to the improvement of L10-ordered phase volume fraction and texture intensity.
Investigation of microstructural details in low thermal conductivity thermoelectric Sn1-xSbxTe alloy
Authors: Vishal B. , Sahu R. , Bhat U. , Datta R.
Published: August 2017

We report on the detailed microstructural features in a low thermal conductivity Sn1-xSbxTe (x = 0.04, 0.08, 0.15) alloy investigated by transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory calculation. A near theoretical minimum thermal conductivity is obtained for Sn0.85Sb0.15Te alloy composition containing distinct microstructures. The crisscross lines along {111} planes forming nano-scale structures have been identified as areas with Sb replacing both regular Sn sites and Te anti-sites. This leads to the modulation in the {111} inter-planar spacing (d111) and results in superstructure spots in the electron diffraction pattern. The formation of such structures is supported by theoretical calculation. In general, two different phases are observed in the system, one with Sb replacing the regular Sn sites and another with crisscross lines where Sb replaces both the Sn and Te sites. Theoretical calculation further reveals that while the areas with Sb at the regular site give rise to large thermo-power, the areas with Sb substituting regular and anti-sites combination forming a superstructure contribute towards low lattice thermal conductivity and the combined effect increases the zT to ∼1.
Thermal oxidation kinetics of germanium
Authors: Wang X. , Nishimura T. , Yajima T. , Toriumi A.
Published: August 2017

Thermal oxidation kinetics of Ge was investigated by the 18O tracing study and re-oxidation experiments of the SiO2/GeO2 stacked oxide-layer. The results suggest that Ge oxidation kinetics is completely different from that expected from the Deal-Grove model and that Ge is oxidized by GeO2 on Ge instead of O2 at the interface. This oxidation process forms large amounts of oxygen vacancies in GeO2, which facilitate the diffusion of oxygen atoms in GeO2. This means that oxygen atoms diffuse through GeO2 with an exchange type of process. Based on experimental results, a possible kinetics for Ge oxidation is discussed.
Giant undersea craters were blown out by decomposing methane hydrates
Authors: Wilson R. Mark
Published: August 2017

Although the craters likely formed about 12 000 years ago, methane is still leaking profusely around and between them.
In the digital age, physics students and professors prefer paper textbooks
Authors: Baldwin Melinda
Published: August 2017

Whether electronic textbooks become more popular may depend on making them more interactive and user-friendly.
Why is the Sun’s corona so hot? Why are prominences so cool?
Authors: Zirker Jack B. , Engvold Oddbjørn
Published: August 2017

Over the past several decades, solar physicists have made steady progress in answering the two long-standing questions, but puzzles remain.
Interplanetary sand traps
Authors: Shinbrot Troy
Published: August 2017

Images from the asteroid Itokawa reveal unexpected seas of sand. New research suggests that the origin of those seas may be known to every golfer: It is easy to get trapped in sand, but hard to get out.
The contribution of p53 and Y chromosome long arm genes to regulation of apoptosis in mouse testis
Authors: Lech Tomasz , Styrna Józefa , Kotarska Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

Apoptosis of excessive or defective germ cells is a natural process occurring in mammalian testes. Tumour suppressor protein p53 is involved in this process both in developing and adult male gonads. Its contribution to testicular physiology is known to be modified by genetic background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined influence of the p53 and Y chromosome long arm genes on male germ cell apoptosis. Knockout of the transformation related protein 53 (Trp53) gene was introduced into congenic strains: B10.BR (intact Y chromosome) and B10.BR-Ydel (Y chromosome with a deletion in the long arm). The level of apoptosis in the testes of 19-day-old and 3-month-old male mice was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate in situ nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method. The study revealed that although p53 is involved in germ cell apoptosis in peripubertal testes, this process can also be mediated by p53-independent mechanisms. However, activation of p53-independent apoptotic pathways in the absence of the p53 protein requires engagement of the multicopy Yq genes and was not observed in gonads of B10.BR-Ydel-p53−/− males. The role of Yq genes in the regulation of testicular apoptosis seems to be restricted to the initial wave of spermatogenesis and is not evident in adult gonads. The study confirmed, instead, that p53 does participate in spontaneous apoptosis in mature testes.
Engineered gray mold resistance, antioxidant capacity, and pigmentation in betalain-producing crops and ornamentals
Authors: Polturak Guy , Grossman Noam , Vela-Corcia David , Dong Yonghui , Nudel Adi , Pliner Margarita , Levy Maggie , Rogachev Ilana , Aharoni Asaph
Published: August 2017

Significance

In plants, three major classes of pigments are generally responsible for colors seen in fruits and flowers: anthocyanins, carotenoids, and betalains. Betalains are red-violet and yellow plant pigments that have been reported to possess strong antioxidant and health-promoting properties, including anticancer, antiinflammatory, and antidiabetic activity. Here, heterologous betalain production was achieved for the first time in three major food crops: tomato, potato, and eggplant. Remarkably, betalain production in tobacco resulted in significantly enhanced resistance toward gray mold (
Botrytis cinerea
), a plant pathogen responsible for major crop losses. Considering the significant characteristics of these molecules, heterologous betalain production now offers exciting opportunities for creating new value for consumers, producers, and suppliers of food crops and ornamental plants.