bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental excitatory-to-inhibitory GABA-polarity switch is disrupted in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a potential target for clinical therapeutics
Authors: Amin Hayder , Marinaro Federica , De Pietri Tonelli Davide , Berdondini Luca
Published: November 2017

Individuals with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) show cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions, developmental delays in childhood and risk of developing schizophrenia and autism. Despite extensive previous studies in adult animal models, a possible embryonic root of this syndrome has not been determined. Here, in neurons from a 22q11.2 DS mouse model (Lgdel+/−), we found embryonic-premature alterations in the neuronal chloride cotransporters indicated by dysregulated NKCC1 and KCC2 protein expression levels. We demonstrate with large-scale spiking activity recordings a concurrent deregulation of the spontaneous network activity and homeostatic network plasticity. Additionally, Lgdel+/− networks at early development show abnormal neuritogenesis and void of synchronized spontaneous activity. Furthermore, parallel experiments on Dgcr8+/− mouse cultures reveal a significant, yet not exclusive contribution of the dgcr8 gene to our phenotypes of Lgdel+/− networks. Finally, we show that application of bumetanide, an inhibitor of NKCC1, significantly decreases the hyper-excitable action of GABAA receptor signaling and restores network homeostatic plasticity in Lgdel+/− networks. Overall, by exploiting an on-a-chip 22q11.2 DS model, our results suggest a delayed GABA-switch in Lgdel+/− neurons, which may contribute to a delayed embryonic development. Prospectively, acting on the GABA-polarity switch offers a potential target for 22q11.2 DS therapeutic intervention.
An algorithm for the beat-to-beat assessment of cardiac mechanics during sleep on Earth and in microgravity from the seismocardiogram
Authors: Di Rienzo Marco , Vaini Emanuele , Lombardi Prospero
Published: November 2017

Seismocardiogram, SCG, is the measure of precordial vibrations produced by the beating heart, from which cardiac mechanics may be explored on a beat-to-beat basis. We recently collected a large amount of SCG data (>69 recording hours) from an astronaut to investigate cardiac mechanics during sleep aboard the International Space Station and on Earth. SCG sleep recordings are characterized by a prolonged duration and wide heart rate swings, thus a specific algorithm was developed for their analysis. In this article we describe the new algorithm and its performance. The algorithm is composed of three parts: 1) artifacts removal, 2) identification in each SCG waveform of four fiducial points associated with the opening and closure of the aortic and mitral valves, 3) beat-to-beat computation of indexes of cardiac mechanics from the SCG fiducial points. The algorithm was tested on two sleep recordings and yielded the identification of the fiducial points in more than 36,000 beats with a precision, quantified by the Positive Predictive Value, ≥99.2%. These positive findings provide the first evidence that cardiac mechanics may be explored by the automatic analysis of SCG long-lasting recordings, taken out of the laboratory setting, and in presence of significant heart rate modulations.
TDP-43 misexpression causes defects in dendritic growth
Authors: Herzog Josiah J. , Deshpande Mugdha , Shapiro Leah , Rodal Avital A. , Paradis Suzanne
Published: November 2017

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) share overlapping genetic causes and disease symptoms, and are linked neuropathologically by the RNA binding protein TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein-43 kDa). TDP-43 regulates RNA metabolism, trafficking, and localization of thousands of target genes. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which dysfunction of TDP-43 contributes to disease pathogenesis and progression remain unclear. Severe changes in the structure of neuronal dendritic arbors disrupt proper circuit connectivity, which in turn could contribute to neurodegenerative disease. Although aberrant dendritic morphology has been reported in non-TDP-43 mouse models of ALS and in human ALS patients, this phenotype is largely unexplored with regards to TDP-43. Here we have employed a primary rodent neuronal culture model to study the cellular effects of TDP-43 dysfunction in hippocampal and cortical neurons. We show that manipulation of TDP-43 expression levels causes significant defects in dendritic branching and outgrowth, without an immediate effect on cell viability. The effect on dendritic morphology is dependent on the RNA-binding ability of TDP-43. Thus, this model system will be useful in identifying pathways downstream of TDP-43 that mediate dendritic arborization, which may provide potential new avenues for therapeutic intervention in ALS/FTD.
Genetic, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the de novo L-cysteine biosynthetic pathway in the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Jeelani Ghulam , Sato Dan , Soga Tomoyoshi , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: November 2017

The de novo L-cysteine biosynthetic pathway is critical for the growth, antioxidative stress defenses, and pathogenesis of bacterial and protozoan pathogens, such as Salmonella typhimurium and Entamoeba histolytica. This pathway involves two key enzymes, serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and cysteine synthase (CS), which are absent in mammals and therefore represent rational drug targets. The human parasite E. histolytica possesses three SAT and CS isozymes; however, the specific roles of individual isoforms and significance of such apparent redundancy remains unclear. In the present study, we generated E. histolytica cell lines in which CS and SAT expression was knocked down by transcriptional gene silencing. The strain in which CS1, 2 and 3 were simultaneously silenced and the SAT3 gene-silenced strain showed impaired growth when cultured in a cysteine lacking BI-S-33 medium, whereas silencing of SAT1 and SAT2 had no effects on growth. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that, CS and SAT3 are involved in S-methylcysteine/cysteine synthesis. Furthermore, silencing of the CS1-3 or SAT3 caused upregulation of various iron-sulfur flavoprotein genes. Taken together, these results provide the first direct evidence of the biological importance of SAT3 and CS isoforms in E. histolytica and justify the exploitation of these enzymes as potential drug targets.
FUS toxicity is rescued by the modulation of lncRNA hsrω expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lo Piccolo Luca , Jantrapirom Salinee , Nagai Yoshitaka , Yamaguchi Masamitsu
Published: November 2017

FUS is an aggregation-prone hnRNP involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation that aberrantly forms immunoreactive inclusion bodies in a range of neurological diseases classified as FUS-proteinopathies. Although FUS has been extensively examined, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases have not yet been elucidated in detail. We previously reported that RNAi of the lncRNA hsrω altered the expression and sub-cellular localization of Drosophila FUS in the central nervous system of the fly. In order to obtain a clearer understanding of the role of hsrω in FUS toxicity, we herein drove the expression of human FUS in Drosophila eyes with and without a hsrω RNAi background. We found that hFUS was largely soluble and also able to form aggregates. As such, hFUS was toxic, inducing an aberrant eye morphology with the loss of pigmentation. The co-expression of hsrω double-stranded RNA reduced hFUS transcript levels and induced the formation of cytoplasmic non-toxic hFUS-LAMP1-insoluble inclusions. The combination of these events caused the titration of hFUS molar excess and a removal of hFUS aggregates to rescue toxicity. These results revealed the presence of a lncRNA-dependent pathway involved in the management of aggregation-prone hnRNPs, suggesting that properly formed FUS inclusions are not toxic to cells.
An exome sequencing based approach for genome-wide association studies in the dog
Authors: Broeckx Bart J. G. , Derrien Thomas , Mottier Stéphanie , Wucher Valentin , Cadieu Edouard , Hédan Benoît , Le Béguec Céline , Botherel Nadine , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Saunders Jimmy H. , Deforce Dieter , André Catherine , Peelman Luc , Hitte Christophe
Published: November 2017

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are widely used to identify loci associated with phenotypic traits in the domestic dog that has emerged as a model for Mendelian and complex traits. However, a disadvantage of GWAS is that it always requires subsequent fine-mapping or sequencing to pinpoint causal mutations. Here, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) and canine high-density (cHD) SNP genotyping of 28 dogs from 3 breeds to compare the SNP and linkage disequilibrium characteristics together with the power and mapping precision of exome-guided GWAS (EG-GWAS) versus cHD-based GWAS. Using simulated phenotypes, we showed that EG-GWAS has a higher power than cHD to detect associations within target regions and less power outside target regions, with power being influenced further by sample size and SNP density. We analyzed two real phenotypes (hair length and furnishing), that are fixed in certain breeds to characterize mapping precision of the known causal mutations. EG-GWAS identified the associated exonic and 3′UTR variants within theFGF5andRSPO2genes, respectively, with only a few samples per breed. In conclusion, we demonstrated that EG-GWAS can identify loci associated with Mendelian phenotypes both within and across breeds.
Revisiting the role of interleukin-8 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Risnik Denise , Podaza Enrique , Almejún María B. , Colado Ana , Elías Esteban E. , Bezares Raimundo F. , Fernández-Grecco Horacio , Cranco Santiago , Sánchez-Ávalos Julio C. , Borge Mercedes , Gamberale Romina , Giordano Mirta
Published: November 2017

The proliferation and survival of malignant B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) depend on signals from the microenvironment in lymphoid tissues. Among a plethora of soluble factors, IL-8 has been considered one of the most relevant to support CLL B cell progression in an autocrine fashion, even though the expression of IL-8 receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, on leukemic B cells has not been reported. Here we show that circulating CLL B cells neither express CXCR1 or CXCR2 nor they respond to exogenous IL-8 when cultured in vitro alone or in the presence of monocytes/nurse-like cells. By intracellular staining and ELISA we show that highly purified CLL B cells do not produce IL-8 spontaneously or upon activation through the B cell receptor. By contrast, we found that a minor proportion (<0.5%) of contaminating monocytes in enriched suspensions of leukemic cells might be the actual source of IL-8 due to their strong capacity to release this cytokine. Altogether our results indicate that CLL B cells are not able to secrete or respond to IL-8 and highlight the importance of methodological details in in vitro experiments.
Nkx6.1 decline accompanies mitochondrial DNA reduction but subtle nucleoid size decrease in pancreatic islet β-cells of diabetic Goto Kakizaki rats
Authors: Špaček Tomáš , Pavluch Vojtěch , Alán Lukáš , Capková Nikola , Engstová Hana , Dlasková Andrea , Berková Zuzana , Saudek František , Ježek Petr
Published: November 2017

Hypertrophic pancreatic islets (PI) of Goto Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats contain a lower number of β-cellsvs. non-diabetic Wistar rat PI. Remaining β-cells contain reduced mitochondrial (mt) DNApernucleus (copy number), probably due to declining mtDNA replication machinery, decreased mt biogenesis or enhanced mitophagy. We confirmed mtDNA copy number decrease down to <30% in PI of one-year-old GK rats. Studying relations to mt nucleoids sizes, we employed 3D superresolution fluorescent photoactivable localization microscopy (FPALM) with lentivirally transduced Eos conjugate of mt single-stranded-DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) or transcription factor TFAM; or by 3D immunocytochemistry. mtSSB (binding transcription or replication nucleoids) contoured “nucleoids” which were smaller by 25% (less diameters >150 nm) in GK β-cells. Eos-TFAM-visualized nucleoids, composed of 72% localized TFAM, were smaller by 10% (immunochemically by 3%). A theoretical ~70% decrease in cell nucleoid number (spatial density) was not observed, rejecting model of single mtDNApernucleoid. The β-cell maintenance factor Nkx6.1 mRNA and protein were declining with age (>12-fold, 10 months) and decreasing with fasting hyperglycemia in GK rats, probably predetermining the impaired mtDNA replication (copy number decrease), while spatial expansion of mtDNA kept nucleoids with only smaller sizes than those containing much higher mtDNA in non-diabetic β-cells.
KLF5 promotes cervical cancer proliferation, migration and invasion in a manner partly dependent on TNFRSF11a expression
Authors: Ma Dong , Chang Ling-Ya , Zhao Shan , Zhao Jun-Jian , Xiong Yan-Jie , Cao Fu-Yuan , Yuan Lu , Zhang Qi , Wang Xin-Yue , Geng Mei-Li , Zheng Huan-Yu , Li Ou
Published: November 2017

Although the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) plays important roles in both inflammation and cancer, the mechanism by which this factor promotes cervical carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated a potential role for tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11a (TNFRSF11a), the corresponding gene of which is a direct binding target of KLF5, in tumour cell proliferation and invasiveness. Coexpression of KLF5 and TNFRSF11a correlated significantly with tumorigenesis in cervical tissues (P < 0.05) and manipulation of KLF5 expression positively affected TNFRSF11a mRNA and protein expression. Functionally, KLF5 promoted cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness in a manner dependent partly on TNFRSF11a expression. Moreover, in vivo functional TNFRSF11a-knockdown mouse studies revealed suppression of tumorigenicity and liver metastatic potential. Notably, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced KLF5 expression by activating the p38 signalling pathway and high KLF5 and TNFRSF11a expression increased the risk of death in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Our results demonstrate that KLF5 and TNFRSF11a promote cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness.
Hyperspectral Raman imaging of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brain tissue from Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Michael Ralph , Lenferink Aufried , Vrensen Gijs F. J. M. , Gelpi Ellen , Barraquer Rafael I. , Otto Cees
Published: November 2017

Neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are crucial morphological criteria for the definite diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. We evaluated 12 unstained frontal cortex and hippocampus samples from 3 brain donors with Alzheimer’s disease and 1 control with hyperspectral Raman microscopy on samples of 30 × 30 µm. Data matrices of 64 × 64 pixels were used to quantify different tissue components including proteins, lipids, water and beta-sheets for imaging at 0.47 µm spatial resolution. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to visualize regions with high Raman spectral similarities. The Raman images of proteins, lipids, water and beta-sheets matched with classical brain morphology. Protein content was 2.0 times, the beta-sheet content 5.6 times and Raman broad-band autofluorescence was 2.4 times higher inside the plaques and tangles than in the surrounding tissue. The lipid content was practically equal inside and outside. Broad-band autofluorescence showed some correlation with protein content and a better correlation with beta-sheet content. Hyperspectral Raman imaging combined with hierarchical cluster analysis allows for the identification of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in unstained, label-free slices of human Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue. It permits simultaneous quantification and distinction of several tissue components such as proteins, lipids, water and beta-sheets.
Comparison of (R)-ketamine and lanicemine on depression-like phenotype and abnormal composition of gut microbiota in a social defeat stress model
Authors: Qu Youge , Yang Chun , Ren Qian , Ma Min , Dong Chao , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: November 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests a key role of the gut–microbiota–brain axis in the antidepressant actions of certain compounds. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, showed rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depressed patients. In contrast, another NMDAR antagonist, lanicemine, did not exhibit antidepressant effects in such patients. (R)-ketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, has rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant effects in rodent models of depression. Here we compared the effects of (R)-ketamine and lanicemine on depression-like phenotype and the composition of the gut microbiota in susceptible mice after chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). In behavioral tests, (R)-ketamine showed antidepressant effects in the susceptible mice, whereas lanicemine did not. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of feces demonstrated that (R)-ketamine, but not lanicemine, significantly attenuated the altered levels of Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae in the susceptible mice after CSDS. At the genus level, (R)-ketamine significantly attenuated the marked increase of Clostridium in the susceptible mice. In contrast, the effects of lanicemine were less potent than those of (R)-ketamine. This study suggests that the antidepressant effects of (R)-ketamine might be partly mediated by the restoration of altered compositions of the gut microbiota in a CSDS model.
Sympathetic transmitters control thermogenic efficacy of brown adipocytes by modulating mitochondrial complex V
Authors: Xie Tao-Rong , Liu Chun-Feng , Kang Jian-Sheng
Published: November 2017

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and results from excessive energy intake or inefficient energy expenditure. It is promising to utilize the thermogenic function of brown adipose tissue for obesity intervention. However, the mechanisms controlling the efficacy of norepinephrine-induced thermogenesis in brown adipocytes remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that norepinephrine (NE) induces low-efficacy thermogenesis, evoking both heterogeneous changes (ΔΨm and ΔpH) and homogenous responses, one of which is that NE stimulation causes large amounts of ATP consumption in brown adipocytes. We reveal that the proton-ATPase activity of mitochondrial complex V is a key factor that antagonizes proton leakage by UCP1 and determines the efficacy of NE-induced thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary and undesired heat production, we reveal that ATP is a necessary sympathetic cotransmitter for the high efficacy and specificity of NE-induced thermogenesis in brown adipocytes as it increases intracellular calcium concentrations and upregulates the ATP synthase activity of complex V. Thus, we demonstrate the modulation mechanism of thermogenic efficacy in brown adipocytes. These findings imply new strategies to partially or fully utilize the thermogenic capacity of brown adipocytes to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Detection of sepsis in patient blood samples using CD64 expression in a microfluidic cell separation device
Authors: Zhang Ye , Li Wenjie , Zhou Yun , Johnson Amanda , Venable Amanda , Hassan Ahmed , Griswold John , Pappas Dimitri
Published: November 2017

A microfluidic affinity separation device was developed for the detection of sepsis in critical care patients.
Physiological pH-dependent gelation for 3D printing based on the phase separation of gelatin and oxidized dextran
Authors: Du Zengmin , Li Ningfeng , Hua Yujie , Shi Yong , Bao Chunyan , Zhang Hongbo , Yang Yi , Lin Qiuning , Zhu Linyong
Published: November 2017

An extrudable hydrogel with tunable gelation time under physiological pH ranges based on the phase separation of gelatin and oxidized dextran was demonstrated.
Highlights from the Faraday Discussion meeting “Atmospheric chemistry in the Anthropocene”, York, 2017
Authors: Carpenter Lucy J. , Arnold Steve R. , Heald Colette L. , Ravishankara A. R. , Williams Jonathan
Published: November 2017

We discuss the three main areas of new understanding that emerged from the meeting.
Studies on enantioselectivity of chiral 4-acetylamino-6-alkyloxy-2-alkylthiopyrimidines acting as antagonists of the human A3 adenosine receptor
Authors: Cosimelli Barbara , Greco Giovanni , Laneri Sonia , Novellino Ettore , Sacchi Antonia , Collina Simona , Rossi Daniela , Cosconati Sandro , Barresi Elisabetta , Taliani Sabrina , Trincavelli Maria Letizia , Martini Claudia
Published: November 2017

Chiral pyrimidines were identified as potent and selective hA3 AR antagonists.
Subphthalocyanine basicity: reversible protonation at the azomethine bridge
Authors: Bernhard Yann , Lioret Vivian , Decréau Richard A.
Published: November 2017

Protonation of subphthalocyanine azomethine bridges is reversible and was evidenced by UV/Vis, 1H-NMR and IR.
ZnII doped and immobilized on functionalized magnetic hydrotalcite (Fe3O4/HT-SMTU-ZnII): a novel, green and magnetically recyclable bifunctional nanocatalyst for the one-pot multi-component synthesis of acridinediones under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Zarei Z. , Akhlaghinia B.
Published: November 2017

Herein, the catalytic activity of a novel synthesized Fe3O4/HT-SMTU-ZnII nanocatalyst, in the green and efficient synthesis of acridinediones, is described.
Syntheses, crystal structures, DNA binding, DNA cleavage, molecular docking and DFT study of Cu(ii) complexes involving N2O4donor azo Schiff base ligands
Authors: Banerjee Saikat , Ghorai Pravat , Brandão Paula , Ghosh Dipanjan , Bhuiya Sutanwi , Chattopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Das Suman , Saha Amrita
Published: November 2017

DNA binding and cleavage properties of three novel copper(ii) complexes involving azo Schiff base ligands have been studied.
A novel enzyme-mediated gold nanoparticle synthesis and its application forin situdetection of horseradish peroxidase inhibitor phenylhydrazine
Authors: Parashar Abhinav , Sachin Kedare Prachi , Alex Sruthi Ann , Chandrasekaran N. , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: November 2017

Biocatalyzed gold nanoparticle synthesis for thein situdetection of horseradish peroxidase inhibitor (phenylhydrazine) has been demonstrated.
Photoinduced electron transfer reaction in mitochondria for spatiotemporal selective photo-oxidation of lipids by donor/acceptor linked molecules
Authors: Takano Yuta , Hanai Erina , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

Electron donor/acceptor linked molecules demonstrated a selective accumulation in mitochondria and a successful photoinduction of oxidation reaction of mitochondrial lipids.
Surface-confined [2 + 2] cycloaddition towards one-dimensional polymers featuring cyclobutadiene units
Authors: Tran Bay V. , Pham Tuan Anh , Grunst Michael , Kivala Milan , Stöhr Meike
Published: November 2017

The formation of 1,3-butadiene units between pyrene moieties through surface-confined [2 + 2] cycloaddition polymerization is reported using H-treatment under UHV conditions.
Adaptable piezoelectric hemispherical composite strips using a scalable groove technique for a self-powered muscle monitoring system
Authors: Alluri Nagamalleswara Rao , Vivekananthan Venkateswaran , Chandrasekhar Arunkumar , Kim Sang-Jae
Published: November 2017

A feasible groove technique was developed to fabricate adaptable HS-CSPNG devices to monitor all non-linear motions of human body movements.
Correction: Controlled synthesis of lanthanide-doped Gd2O2S nanocrystals with novel excitation-dependent multicolor emissions
Authors: Lei Lei , Zhang Shengjun , Xia Han , Tian Ying , Zhang Junjie , Xu Shiqing
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Controlled synthesis of lanthanide-doped Gd2O2S nanocrystals with novel excitation-dependent multicolor emissions’ by Lei Lei, et al., Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 5718–5724.
Recyclable and efficient polyurethane-Ir catalysts for direct borylation of aromatic compounds
Authors: Kimura Akihiro , Hayama Haruka , Hasegawa Jun-ya , Nageh Hassan , Wang Yue , Naga Naofumi , Nishida Mayumi , Nakano Tamaki
Published: November 2017

Four polyurethanes comprising 2,2′-bipyridyl moieties incorporated in the main chain were synthesized as novel polymer ligands for the Ir(i)-catalyzed direct borylation of aromatic compounds.
Microwave-assisted fast synthesis of hierarchical NiCo2O4 nanoflower-like supported Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles with an enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation
Authors: Wang Bingrong , Cao Yang , Chen Yong , Wang Ruzhi , Wang Xiaohong , Lai Xiaoyong , Xiao Chunhui , Tu Jinchun , Ding Shujiang
Published: November 2017

NiCo2O4/Ni(OH)2 synthesizing through microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and coordination of homogeneous precipitation, exhibiting excellent electrocatalytic activity.
Direct growth of a graphitic nano-layer on optical fibers for ultra-fast laser application
Authors: Yang Conghao , Yun Ling , Qiu Yang , Dai Hanqing , Zhu Detao , Zhu Zhijia , Zhang Zuxing , Yu Kehan , Wei Wei
Published: November 2017

A clean and uniform graphitic nano-layer (GNL) is grown in a controllable manner on the fiber-end by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Using the GNL coated fiber, 991 fs soliton pulse generation at 1559 nm is achieved.
Electrochemical properties of lithium–titanium oxide, modified with Ag–Cu particles, as a negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Krajewski Michal , Hamankiewicz Bartosz , Michalska Monika , Andrzejczuk Mariusz , Lipinska Ludwika , Czerwinski Andrzej
Published: November 2017

Composites of Li4Ti5O12 with Ag–Cu particles were successfully synthesized by solid-state reaction followed by thermal decomposition of the metal substrates.
Synthesis of polyethylene/exfoliated MoS2 nanocomposites by in situ exfoliation polymerization using Ziegler–Natta catalyst intercalated MoS2
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang He-Xin , Yoon Keun-Byoung
Published: November 2017

A new synthetic route for polyethylene (PE)/exfoliated MoS2 (EMoS2) nanocomposites using novel Ziegler–Natta catalyst intercalated MoS2 was designed.
A biocompatible betaine-functionalized polycation for coacervation
Authors: Hwang Mintai P. , Ding Xiaochu , Gao Jin , Acharya Abhinav P. , Little Steven R. , Wang Yadong
Published: November 2017

Betaine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is conjugated onto a polyester backbone, in which the quaternary ammonium group imparts additional functionality to the resulting polycation (B-PED). B-PED demonstrates excellentin vitroandin vivobiocompatibility and is also assessed for its effect on angiogenesis, anti-bacterial activity, and complex coacervation.
Flexible, aqueous-electrolyte supercapacitors based on water-processable dioxythiophene polymer/carbon nanotube textile electrodes
Authors: Lang Augustus W. , Ponder James F. , Österholm Anna M. , Kennard Nicole J. , Bulloch Rayford H. , Reynolds John R.
Published: November 2017

Water soluble-solvent resistant approach for aqueous supercapacitors.
Fe/Fe3C@C nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped graphene–CNTs framework as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for robust rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Wang Qichen , Lei Yongpeng , Chen Zhiyan , Wu Nan , Wang Yaobing , Wang Bing , Wang Yingde
Published: November 2017

3d transition metals or their derivatives encapsulated in nitrogen-doped nanocarbon show promising potential in non-precious metal oxygen electrocatalysts.
Sub-nano CoOx attached onto WO3 for efficient photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Huang Xiubing , Zhao Guixia , Wang Ge
Published: November 2017

Sub-nano CoOx was attached onto a WO3 surface using Co-EDTA as precursor, which greatly improved the WO3 performance in photocatalytic O2 evolution and photoelectrochemical water oxidation.
Oxygen vacancy mediated construction of anatase/brookite heterophase junctions for high-efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: An Xiaoqiang , Hu Chengzhi , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui
Published: November 2017

The formation and subsequent rearrangement of oxygen vacancies in anatase/brookite heterophase junctions led to 12-fold increased photoactivity for hydrogen evolution.
Electrospun organic–inorganic nanohybrids as sustained release drug delivery systems
Authors: Gao Yanshan , Teoh Tian Wei , Wang Qiang , Williams Gareth R.
Published: November 2017

Novel organic–inorganic nanohybrids have been prepared, and are found to provide long-term extended drug release.
Facile formation of a microporous chitosan hydrogel based on self-crosslinking
Authors: Chen Yin , Huang Lu , Dai Xin , Tian Qian , Yu Miao , Agheb Maria , Chan Ho Nam , Poon Ellen , Guo Zhihong , Boheler Kenneth Richard , Wu Hongkai
Published: November 2017

A facile approach for the formation of microporous (chitosan) hydrogel scaffolds based on self-crosslinking is presented. It is simple and does not require any sacrificial porogen, toxic initiator/catalyst, harmful irradiation, or sophisticated equipment.
Interfering With Inner Speech Selectively Disrupts Problem Solving and Is Linked With Real-World Executive Functioning
Authors: Wallace Gregory L. , Peng Cynthia S. , Williams David
Published: November 2017

Purpose

According to Vygotskian theory, verbal thinking serves to guide our behavior and underpins critical self-regulatory functions. Indeed, numerous studies now link inner speech usage with performance on tests of executive function (EF). However, the selectivity of inner speech contributions to multifactorial executive planning performance and links with real-world functioning are limited. Therefore, the present study seeks to fill this gap in our knowledge.

Method

Fifty-one adults completed the Tower of London under 2 conditions, (a) articulatory suppression and (b) foot tapping, and provided self-ratings of real-world executive functioning (utilizing the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version; Roth, Isquith, & Gioia, 2006).

Results

Interfering with inner speech selectively disrupted Tower of London performance over and above a simultaneous motor task (i.e., foot tapping). Furthermore, this selectivity in performance was linked with real-world self-monitoring.

Conclusion

These results provide further evidence for specific links between verbal thinking and EF (particularly using multifactorial tasks of planning) and suggest that inner speech might serve as a key intervention target in clinical disorders where EF deficits are prominent.
FPA using a three‐layer PSS for gain enhancement
Authors: Zhou Lin , Chen Xing , Duan Xin , Li Jie
Published: November 2017

For the Fabry–Perot antenna (FPA), the non‐uniform electromagnetic (EM) field phase distribution on its aperture adversely affects its gain. To uniformise the FPA's aperture phase distribution and thereby improve the gain, a three‐layer phase‐shifting structure (PSS) is proposed. By using a hybrid method combining the equivalent circuit method and the full‐wave simulation, the PSS is designed to shift the phase of EM wave within a large range of about 360°, while allowing EM wave to penetrate it smoothly. As a sample, a PSS is fabricated and applied to a cylindrical FPA working at 5.8 GHz. Simulation and measurement show that the proposed PSS successfully transforms the field phase distribution on the FPA's aperture to a much more uniform one, and achieve a significant gain enhancement of 4.76 dB (from 15.09 to 19.85 dB). The three‐layer structure causes an insertion loss of only 0.88 dB.
Acute Pituitary Apoplexy following Snake Bite: A Rare but Treatable Complication
Authors: Barad Narendrakumar
Published: November 2017

Poisonous snake bite is one of the important public health hazards in developing countries, such as India, where majority of the population resides in rural areas. Among various poisonous species of snakes, Russell's viper venom causes neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, hemolysis, and coagulopathies leading to shock and acute kidney injury. Pituitary apoplexy causing acute hypopituitarism is an extremely rare but treatable complication following viper bite. Here in, we report the case of a 14-year-old boy admitted with Russell's viper bite complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute kidney injury, and pituitary apoplexy with secondary acute hypopituitarism.
Effects of Drop-height and Surface Instability on Jump Performance and Knee Kinematics
Authors: Lesinski Melanie , Prieske Olaf , Beurskens Rainer , Behm David , Granacher Urs
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of drop-height and surface condition on drop jump (DJ) performance and knee joint kinematics. DJ performance, sagittal and frontal plane knee joint kinematics were measured in jump experienced young male and female adults during DJs on stable, unstable and highly unstable surfaces using different drop-heights (20, 40, 60 cm). Findings revealed impaired DJ performance (Δ5–16%; p<0.05; 1.43≤d≤2.82), reduced knee valgus motion (Δ33–52%; p<0.001; 2.70≤d≤3.59), and larger maximum knee flexion angles (Δ13–19%; p<0.01; 1.74≤d≤1.75) when using higher (60 cm) compared to lower drop-heights (≤40 cm). Further, lower knee flexion angles and velocity were found (Δ8-16%; p<0.01; 1.49≤d≤2.38) with increasing surface instability. When performing DJs from high (60 cm) compared to moderate drop-heights (40 cm) on highly unstable surfaces, higher knee flexion velocity and maximum knee valgus angles were found (Δ15–19%; p<0.01; 1.50≤d≤1.53). No significant main and/or interaction effects were observed for the factor sex. In conclusion, knee motion strategies were modified by the factors ‘drop-height’ and/or ‘surface instability’. The combination of high drop-heights (>40 cm) together with highly unstable surfaces should be used cautiously during plyometrics because this may increase the risk of injury due to higher knee valgus stress.
The Force-Velocity Relationship in Older People: Reliability and Validity of a Systematic Procedure
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Rodriguez-Lopez Carlos , Ara Ignacio , Alfaro-Acha Ana , Mañas-Bote Asier , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia , García-García Francisco , Alegre Luis
Published: November 2017

This study compared the reliability and validity of different protocols evaluating the force-velocity (F-V) relationship and muscle power in older adults. Thirty-one older men and women (75.8±4.7 years) underwent two F-V tests by collecting the mean and peak force and velocity data exerted against increasing loads until one repetition maximum (1RM) was achieved in the leg press exercise. Two attempts per load were performed, with a third attempt when F-V points deviated from the linear F-V regression equation. Then, the subjects performed 2×3 repetitions at 60% 1RM to compare purely concentric and eccentric-concentric repetitions. The Short Physical Performance Battery was conducted to assess the validity of the different protocols. Significant differences were found in maximal power (Pmax) between mean and peak values and between protocols differing in the number of attempts per load (p<0.01). Registering mean values, a third attempt, and multiple loads (>3), was significantly more reliable (Pmax: CV=2.6%; ICC=0.99) than the other alternatives. Mean values were also observed to be more associated with physical function than peak values (R2=0.34 and 0.15, respectively; p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between concentric and eccentric-concentric repetitions. Thus, collecting mean force and velocity values against multiple loads, while monitoring the linearity of the F-V relationship, seemed to be the more adequate procedure to assess the F-V profile and muscle power in older adults.
PROMs – Patient Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Zwaan Martina de
Published: November 2017

Es handelt sich nicht um den bekannten Abschlussball an amerikanischen Highschools sondern um sogenannte „Patient Reported Outcome Measures“. Wie in vielen Ausgaben unserer Zeitschrift finden Sie auch in diesem Heft psychometrische Überprüfungen von Fragebögen, die von Patienten selbst ausgefüllt werden und subjektiv empfundene Zustände messen. Es handelt sich um das ICD-10-Symptom-Ratung (ISR) und den Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ).
Autogenes Training bei Morbus Raynaud – Finger zum Leben erwecken
Authors: Kroggel Lena
Published: November 2017

Stress, Kälte oder auch ein Temperaturwechsel können bei Menschen mit Morbus Raynaud dazu führen, dass ihre Finger eiskalt und blass werden. Die Attacken sind mit Bewegungseinschränkungen und Schmerzen verbunden und treten meist in den ungünstigsten Situationen auf. Autogenes Training kann den Symptomen entgegenwirken.
Multiasistencia: Transforming the Digital Ecosystem
Authors: Busquets Javier
Published: November 2017

Multiasistencia was an ecosystem in 2017 managing a network-based service called the “Comprehensive Claim Management Service” (CCMS). The firm offered home repair services to its 100 Corporate Clients (Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies) which attended to some 8 Million end customers, managing a network of some 6.000 Trade Professionals (SME and self-employee). The service was supported by an advanced digital platform to coordinate all actions in that ecosystem. The case shows the challenges of digitalization, namely (1) new digital entrants, (2) the Smart Home trends, (3) the digital effects on banking, and (4) the demand of personalization. Those strategic changes lead to Multiasistencia to create a Digital Hub to manage Big Data so placing students on the managerial situation to decide priorities in business model, processes, and new ways to grow.
Digital society and capitalism
Authors: Grimshaw Mike
Published: November 2017

Digital society has been lauded as emancipatory and freeing individuals from the constrictions of time and place and yet also critiqued as introducing a type of techno-feudalism of data extraction. The vaunted freedom of work and leisure time, work-space and leisure-place, has occurred to some, yet for many others it has created the collapse of work and non-work time and space into a digital surveillance of work, identity and social interaction. There are also issues of technological inequality and generational differences. This paper introduces some of the questions that arise concerning the impacts and challenges that digital society provides for and against capitalism.
Lyapunov exponents for binary substitutions of constant length
Authors: Mañibo Neil
Published: November 2017

A method of confirming the absence of absolutely continuous diffraction for binary constant-length substitutions, which are primitive and aperiodic, via the positivity of Lyapunov exponents derived from the corresponding Fourier matrices is presented, which provides an approach that is independent of previous results on the basis of Dekking’s criterion.
Effect of ionic substitutions on the magnetic properties of strontium hexaferrite: A first principles study
Authors: Dixit Vivek , Kim Seong-Gon , Park Jihoon , Hong Yang-Ki
Published: November 2017

We investigated the effect of substitution of various ions at the Fe sites on magnetic properties of strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) using first principles method based on density functional theory. The site occupancies of substituted atoms were estimated by calculating the substitution energies of different configurations. The formation probabilities of configurations were used to calculate magnetic properties of substituted strontium hexaferrite. A total of 21 elements (M) were screened for their possible substitution in strontium hexaferrite, SrFe12−xMxO19 with x = 0.5. In each case the site preference of the substituted atom and the magnetic properties were calculated. We found that Bi, Sb, Sn, and Sc can effectively increase the magnetization and P, Co, Al, Ga, and Ti can enhance the anisotropy field when substituted into strontium hexaferrite.
Energy management systems for hybrid distributed generation sources in grid connected and stand-alone micro-grids
Authors: Conteh Foday , Tobaru Shota , Howlader Harun Or Rashid , Yona Atsushi , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes energy management systems for micro-grids. In recent years, the use of renewable energy sources in micro-grids has become an effective means of power decentralization especially in remote areas where the extension of the main power grid is an impediment. But a mixture of renewable energy sources and conventional generation poses serious challenges in the operation and control of micro-grids as a result of the uncertainty associated with renewable sources. Therefore, excellent energy management with regards to the power production, control, reliability, and consumption is needed in the power system. The main objective of the energy management system is to minimize the system cost as well as meeting the demand. In order to take into account the uncertainties of distributed generators (DGs) and load consumption, demand response participation and load shedding is taken into account. Two different types of algorithms are used to solve the smart energy management system of the micro-grid. To minimize system costs, which includes unit commitment and demand response, a genetic algorithm is used. To further balance the supply and demand during extreme cases, load shedding is employed through the use of the artificial neural network. The simulation results displayed corroborate the merit of the proposed method.
Organic/hybrid thin films deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE)
Authors: Stiff-Roberts Adrienne D. , Ge Wangyao
Published: November 2017

Some of the most exciting materials research in the 21st century attempts to resolve the challenge of simulating, synthesizing, and characterizing new materials with unique properties designed from first principles. Achievements in such development for organic and organic-inorganic hybrid materials make them important options for electronic and/or photonic devices because they can impart multi-functionality, flexibility, transparency, and sustainability to emerging systems, such as wearable electronics. Functional organic materials include small molecules, oligomers, and polymers, while hybrid materials include inorganic nanomaterials (such as zero-dimensional quantum dots, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, or two-dimensional nanosheets) combined with organic matrices. A critically important step to implementing new electronic and photonic devices using such materials is the processing of thin films. While solution-based processing is the most common laboratory technique for organic and hybrid materials, vacuum-based deposition has been critical to the commercialization of organic light emitting diodes based on small molecules, for example. Therefore, it is desirable to explore vacuum-based deposition of organic and hybrid materials that include larger macromolecules, such as polymers. This review article motivates the need for physical vapor deposition of polymeric and hybrid thin films using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), which is a type of pulsed laser deposition. This review describes the development of variations in the MAPLE technique, discusses the current understanding of laser-target interactions and growth mechanisms for different MAPLE variations, surveys demonstrations of MAPLE-deposited organic and hybrid materials for electronic and photonic devices, and provides a future outlook for the technique.
Electric polarization of He II caused by second and first sound
Authors: Adamenko I. N. , Nemchenko E. K.
Published: November 2017

It is shown that in a three-component gas of superfluid helium (He II) quasiparticles made up of phonons, rotons, and quantized vortex rings (QVR), equilibrium is established instantaneously on experimental time scales. This results in the formation of a common normal component which can move relative to the superfluid component with a velocity w. When a velocity w is present, an electric field develops in the He II that has been observed experimentally. The reasons for this are an anisotropic dependence of the QVR energy on its momentum when w is present and the existence of a QVR dipole moment. The case where the dipole moment of a QVR is made up of its intrinsic dipole moment plus the dipole moment created by an external field is considered. The problem of the electric potential in a standing wave of second sound in a constant external electric field is solved. The electric potentials in a first sound wave owing to the flexoelectric effect, acceleration of the liquid, and an external electric field are obtained. These formulas are used in numerical calculations for comparing theory and experiments, and they can stimulate the setting up of new experiments.
Quantum vibrations of a pair of vertical Bloch lines in the domain wall of a magnetic stripe domain
Authors: Shevchenko A. B. , Barabash M. Yu.
Published: November 2017

It is demonstrated that quantum oscillations of a pair of interacting vertical Bloch lines occur in the domain wall of a magnetic stripe domain. It is established that this effect corresponds to the sub-helium temperature range.
Instability of plastic deformation of nanocrystalline titanium at low temperatures
Authors: Smolianets R. V. , Moskalenko V. A.
Published: November 2017

A study of how changes to the grain size from micrometer to nanoscale values impact the titanium plastic deformation localization under quasi-static tension, at low temperatures. The impact the strain hardening rate, true stress and its strain rate sensitivity have on the sharp decrease in uniform deformation when nanocrystalline titanium is subjected to tension is determined. It is found that the appearance of submicron-sized grains in the nanomatrix (the creation of a bimodal structure) leads to an increase in the plasticity of titanium. This effect is enhanced at low temperatures as a result of the activation of twinning in larger grains.
The Common Agricultural Policy.
Authors: Shucksmith M. , Thomson K. J. , Roberts D.
Published: November 2017

This chapter summarizes the territorial aspects of the rural areas and agricultural sector in the enlarged EU, and describes the Common Agricultural Policy/Rural Development Policy (CAP/RDP) in some detail, emphasizing its territorial elements, or lack of them. CAP/RDP measures and expenditures, current CAP reforms, and the pre-accession and enlargement aspects of the CAP/RDP, are examined.
Dynamics of the United States high fructose corn sweetener market.
Authors: Evans E. A. , Davis C. G.
Published: November 2017

The dynamics of the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) industry in the USA was analysed based on the space-state model and the Kalman-Filter technique. The results demonstrated that structural drift has been an important component of the derived demand for HFCS in the USA over time. The intercept coefficient of HFCS was significant, and indicated an asymptotic growth pattern. This characteristic supports the view, held by some industry experts, that the HFCS industry in 1998 is in a mature stage and has reached the limit of its technological applicability to various uses as far as the US sweetener market is concerned. The results also revealed that the demand for HFCS has become relatively less elastic. This finding is consistent with the views of some industry experts that HFCS is establishing its own market and is being regarded in certain uses as a superior product to liquid sugar (LS). Thus, the shift away from LS, which has occurred in the sweetener market in some uses, might be structural, and a simple reduction in the price of sugar might not cause a major reversal of the pattern of sweetener use in the USA. The cross-price elasticity of HFCS with respect to sugar was found to be nonsignificant at any reasonable level.