bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid inclusion and isotope geochemistry of the Atebayue Sb deposit, South Tianshan Orogen, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Zhou Zhenju , Chen Zhengle , Han Fengbin , Han Shuqin , Wang Zongxiu , Xiao Weifeng , Shen Tao , Wu Junjie
Published: June 2017

The Atebayue Sb deposit is hosted in the Silurian clastics in the South Tianshan Orogen in Kyrgyzstan. The Sb ores appear as veins/veinlets and disseminations, with stibnite being the main ore mineral. Gangue minerals comprise quartz, calcite, and clay minerals. The quartz at Atebayue only contains aqueous fluid inclusions with low homogenization temperature (215–336 °C) and salinity (3.4–6.9 wt.% NaCl equiv.), supporting an epizonogenic hydrothermal origin. The minimum trapping pressures estimated from the NaCl─H2O inclusions are 9–14 MPa, suggesting that the Sb mineralization mainly occurred at a depth of 0.9–1.4 km. Sulphur isotopes (δ34S = −0.4 to 6.2‰) suggest that the host rocks within the Silurian system to be a significant source of ore metals. The ores contain average 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values of 18.112, 15.547, and 38.064, respectively, and 2‐stage model ages of 337–381 Ma, indicating the ores were likely sourced from the Paleozoic strata. Integrating the data obtained from the studies including ore geology, fluid inclusion, and S─Pb isotope geochemistry, we conclude that that the Atebayue Sb deposit is best classified as epizonogenic type formed by the Tarim–Kazakhstan continent–continent collision.
Increasing Crop Productivity in an Eco‐Friendly Manner by Improving Sprinkler and Micro‐Irrigation Design and Management: A Review of 20 Years' Research at the IWHR, China
Authors: Li Jiusheng
Published: June 2017

The use of sprinkler and micro‐irrigation has progressed continuously from being a novelty that was employed by researchers to being widely accepted, efficient methods of irrigation for many crops during the past 30–40 years in China. This paper reviews the studies that have been conducted on sprinkler and micro‐irrigation at the WatSave Lab in the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) over the past two decades. These studies address several areas of concern and provide partial answers to the questions raised during the application and extension of these relatively new irrigation technologies. With the aim of exploring the consumption of sprinkled water that is intercepted by the canopy, the amount of water interception and the losses were quantified, confirming that sprinkler irrigation is an efficient irrigation method. The standards of sprinkler and micro‐irrigation uniformity were studied with respect to many aspects of water and solute dynamics, environmental effects, and crop yield and quality under a wide range of environments from arid to subhumid climates for typical wheat, cotton, maize and vegetable crops. As a result, new target uniformity values have been recommended. Other studies on water, solute and bacterial transport from normal water and sewage effluent can also be useful in the design, operation, maintenance and management of irrigation systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffractive corneal inlay for presbyopia
Authors: Furlan Walter D. , García‐Delpech Salvador , Udaondo Patricia , Remón Laura , Ferrando Vicente , Monsoriu Juan A.
Published: June 2017

A conceptually new type of corneal inlays for a customized treatment of presbyopia is presented. The diffractive inlay consists on a small aperture disc having an array of micro‐holes distributed inside the open zones of a Fresnel zone plate. In this way, the central hole of the disc lets pass the zero order diffraction and produces an extension of the depth of far focus of the eye, while the diffracted light through the holes in the periphery produce the near focus. Additionally, the micro‐holes in the inlay surface fulfill the essential requirement of allowing the flow of nutrients through it to the cells of the corneal stroma. Theoretical and optical‐bench experimental results for the polychromatic axial Point Spread Function (PSF) were obtained, showing an improved performance compared to the small aperture corneal inlay currently in the market (Kamra). Images of a test object, obtained at several vergences in the surroundings of the far and near foci, are also shown. Picture: Simulation of the appearance of the Diffractive corneal inlay on a real eye.
Doxorubicin kinetics and effects on lung cancer cell lines using in vitro Raman micro‐spectroscopy: binding signatures, drug resistance and DNA repair
Authors: Farhane Zeineb , Bonnier Franck , Howe Orla , Casey Alan , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: June 2017

Raman micro‐spectroscopy is a non‐invasive analytical tool, whose potential in cellular analysis and monitoring drug mechanisms of action has already been demonstrated, and which can potentially be used in pre‐clinical and clinical applications for the prediction of chemotherapeutic efficacy. To further investigate such potential clinical application, it is important to demonstrate its capability to differentiate drug mechanisms of action and cellular resistances. Using the example of Doxorubicin (DOX), in this study, it was used to probe the cellular uptake, signatures of chemical binding and subsequent cellular responses, of the chemotherapeutic drug in two lung cancer cell lines, A549 and Calu‐1. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to elucidate the spectroscopic signatures associated with DOX uptake and subcellular interaction. Biomarkers related to DNA damage and repair, and mechanisms leading to apoptosis were also measured and correlated to Raman spectral profiles. Results confirm the potential of Raman spectroscopic profiling to elucidate both drug kinetics and pharmacodynamics and differentiate cellular drug resistance associated with different subcellular accumulation rates and subsequent cellular response to DNA damage, pointing towards a better understanding of drug resistance for personalised targeted treatment.

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Improved hemodialysis with hemocompatible polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes: In vitro performance
Authors: Verma Surendra Kumar , Modi Akshay , Singh Atul Kumar , Teotia Rohit , Bellare Jayesh
Published: June 2017

We show that addition of nanozeolite (NZ) and vitamin E D‐α‐Tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS or T) considerably improves the performance of polyethersulfone (PES or P) hollow fiber membrane (HFM) for hemodialysis. Nanocomposite HFMs were manufactured using PES as a polymer, TPGS as an additive and NZ as a filler to give a composite membrane called PT‐NZ. HFMs were spun by dry‐wet spinning principle based on liquid‐liquid phase separation. TPGS and NZ were successfully incorporated in HFMs, as confirmed by EDX elemental mapping. The resultant PT‐NZ HFMs had improved hemocompatibility: lower percent hemolysis (0.28% in batch mode and 0.32% in continuous mode), lower platelet adhesion, higher coagulation time and lower protein adsorption (16.34 µg/cm2), compared with P, PT, and commercial (F60S) HFMs. The ultrafiltration coefficient of PT‐NZ HFM‐based module (274.59 mL/m2/h/mmHg) was ∼1.5‐times higher than that of F60S membranes (151.67 mL/m2/h/mmHg), and the solute rejection of both the membranes was comparable. The toxin clearance performance of lab‐scale PT‐NZ HFM‐based hemodialyzer with uremic toxin spiked goat blood was remarkably higher (five times) than that of F60S. Hence, the synthesized PT‐NZ HFMs are a potentially attractive membrane material for hemodialysis application, particularly due to decreased treatment time and minimal side reactions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1286–1298, 2018.
Influence of analyzed lubricant volumes on the amount and characteristics of generated wear particles from three different types of polyethylene liner materials
Authors: Markhoff Jana , Zietz Carmen , Fabry Christian , Fulda Gerhard , Bader Rainer
Published: June 2017

The articulating components of artificial joints consist mainly of metals, ceramics, or polymers. Resulting abrasive wear particles can promote osteolysis and aseptic loosening of the endo‐prosthetic implants. Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene is the material used most for bearing couples in total hip replacement. In the present study, three types of polyethylene (PE) liners varying in material composition, i.e., (1) conventional PE (C‐PE), (2) sequentially cross‐linked PE (SX‐PE), (3) cross‐linked PE blended with vitamin E (EX‐PE) articulating with two types of femoral heads were used. After ultrasound treatment of each simulator lubricant, different concentrations (0.1/0.25/0.5/1.0 mL) were taken and dissolved in hydrochloric acid (37%) in a similar manner. The aim was to analyze the characteristics of wear particles generated in a hip simulator, with respect to different volumes of the lubricant. Within the scope of particle analysis, distinct alterations for particle characteristics were determined in the lubricant volumes and types of PE material used. A significant decrease in particle number for SX‐PE liners, compared to the C‐PE inserts and even more for EX‐PE inserts, was detected at each lubricant volume. Particle morphologies varied depending on PE material. Alterations in particle size and other morphologic parameters between the four tested volumes, could be proven for each PE type. In general, particle sizes and parameters (e.g., length and width) increased with increasing serum volumes. In conclusion, the chosen volume of the simulator lubricant used for particle analysis has a crucial influence on detected particle number, size distribution, and morphologic parameters. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1299–1306, 2018.
Sensitive volume effects on Monte Carlo calculated ion chamber response in magnetic fields
Authors: Malkov Victor N. , Rogers D. W. O.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The development of magnetic resonance‐guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) necessitates accurate Monte Carlo (MC) models of ion chambers for computing ion chamber corrections to compensate for the presence of the magnetic field. This study evaluates the sensitivity of the ion chamber dose response in a magnetic field on the collection volume used in the MC simulation.

Methods

The EGSnrc system's egs_chamber application is used with a recently developed and validated magnetic field transport code. The calculated dose to the sensitive volume of the chamber per unit incident photon fluence, normalized to that at 0 T, is evaluated as a function of magnetic field for the PTW 30013, PTW 31006, PTW 31010, Exradin A12S, and Exradin A1SL chambers. The sensitive region is varied by excluding the volume corresponding to either 0, 0.5, or 1 mm of distance away from the stem. The photon field, magnetic field, and ion chamber are all oriented perpendicular to each other as in the majority of published experimental works.

Results

The calculations for a Co‐60 source demonstrate that variations from the 0 mm simulations are on the order of several percent with a maximum deviation, occurring at 0.5 T, of 1.75 ± 0.03% and 3.39 ± 0.06% for the 0.5 mm or 1 mm simulations, respectively, for a 0.057 cm3 A1SL chamber. Larger volume chambers showed smaller, but still non‐negligible, variations. Simulations of the A1SL chamber with a 7 MV photon source, corresponding to the Elekta MR‐linac machine, demonstrate that the effect is slightly reduced but still persists with a maximum deviation of 1.97 ± 0.08% for the 1 mm reduction.

Conclusions

Usually, the geometric sensitive volume of the ion chamber is used in MC calculation as a substitute for the potentially unknown, smaller, true collection volume (governed by the complex electric field distribution inside the chamber). The calculations in this study demonstrate that even a small variation in simulated volume can lead to fairly large variations in the MC calculated ion chamber response in a magnetic field. This is an important effect that must be addressed to ensure proper calibration of MRgRT machines using MC ion chamber correction factors. This effect may play a role, even where there is no magnetic field, in small‐field dosimetry when volume averaging effect are important.
Modular transmit/receive arrays using very‐high permittivity dielectric resonator antennas
Authors: O'Reilly Thomas P.A. , Ruytenberg Thomas , Webb Andrew G.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Dielectric resonator antenna (DRAs) are compact structures that exhibit low coupling between adjacent elements and therefore can be used as MRI transmit arrays. In this study, we use very high permittivity materials to construct modular flexible transceive arrays of a variable numbers of elements for operation at 7T.

Methods

DRAs were constructed using rectangular blocks of ceramic (lead zirconate titanate, εr = 1070) with the transverse electric (TE)01 mode tuned to 298 MHz. Finite‐difference time‐domain simulations were used to determine the B1 and specific absorption rate distributions.
maps were acquired in a phantom to validate the simulations. Performance was compared to an equally sized surface coil. In vivo images were acquired of the wrist (four elements), ankle (seven elements), and calf muscle (16 elements).

Results

Coupling between DRAs spaced 5 mm apart on a phantom was −18.2 dB compared to −9.1 dB for equivalently spaced surface coils. DRAs showed a higher
intensity close to the antenna but a lower penetration depth compared to the surface coil.

Conclusion

DRAs show very low coupling compared to equally sized surface coils and can be used in transceive arrays without requiring decoupling networks. The penetration depth of the current DRA geometry means they are ideally suited to imaging of extremities. Magn Reson Med 79:1781–1788, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Why Narcissists Are Unwilling to Apologize: The Role of Empathy and Guilt
Authors: Leunissen Joost M. , Sedikides Constantine , Wildschut Tim
Published: June 2017

We hypothesized that narcissists would be unwilling to apologize for their interpersonal transgressions, and that reduced levels of self–reported empathy and guilt would serially mediate this effect. Narcissism is characterized by little empathy for the victim, which reduces guilt about one's transgressions. Low guilt, in turn, is associated with unwillingness to apologize. In Study 1, we assessed dispositional narcissism, empathy, guilt, and willingness to apologize. In Study 2, we assessed dispositional narcissism and obtained state measures of empathy, guilt, and willingness to apologize. In Study 3, we manipulated narcissism and collected state measures of empathy, guilt, and willingness to apologize. Narcissism was negatively associated with (Studies 1–2) and decreased (Study 3) willingness to apologize, with this link being explained (i.e., serially mediated) by low empathy and guilt. Finally, in Study 4, we showed that antagonistic narcissism (i.e., narcissistic rivalry), but not agentic narcissism (i.e., narcissistic admiration), was negatively associated with willingness to apologize and apologizing behaviour. In all, narcissists are unwilling to apologize for their transgressions, as they experience little empathy for their victims and lower guilt. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
Synthesis of Aminobismuthanes via Me3SnCl Elimination
Authors: Schulz Axel , Thomas Max , Villinger Alexander
Published: June 2017

The synthesis of N‐trimethylstannylamines of the type RN(SnMe3)H (stannylated anilines) with the sterically encumbered substituents R such as Ter [terphenyl, 2,6‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐phenyl], Ar* [2,6‐bis(diphenylmethyl)‐4‐methylphenyl], and Mes* (supermesityl, 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl) is described. These stannylated anilines were treated with BiCl3 leading to the formation of RN(H)BiCl2 (for R = Ter), (RNH)3Bi (for R = Mes*), and RN(BiCl2)2 (for R = Ar*). The synthesis and structure of the starting material RN(SnMe3)H and the new aminobismuthanes are reported.
Feeding Asian pangolins: An assessment of current diets fed in institutions worldwide
Authors: Cabana Francis , Plowman Amy , Van Nguyen Thai , Chin Shih‐Chien , Wu Sung‐Lin , Lo Hsuan‐Yi , Watabe Hirofumi , Yamamoto Fujio
Published: June 2017

Pangolins are ant specialists which are under intense threat from the illegal wildlife trade. Nutrition has notoriously been their downfall in captivity and is still an issue in regards to rescue and rehabilitation. We analyzed the nutrient content of diets used by institutions that are successfully keeping Asian pangolins and to assess the variety of the ingredients and nutrients, compared these with the nutritional requirements of potential nutritional model species. We performed intake studies at five institutions and also had data from three other institutions. We also analyzed five different wild food items to use as a proxy of wild diet. We observed two categories of captive diets: those mostly or completely composed of insects and those high in commercial feeds or animal meat. Nutrient values were broad and there was no clear rule. The non‐protein energy to protein energy ratio of the diets were much higher than the wild food items, more so for those which receive less insects. The average contribution of carbohydrate, fat and protein energy were also further away from the wild samples the less insects they contained. The previously suggested nutritional model for pangolins is the domestic dog which is supported by our relatively large nutrient ranges of apparently successful diets, however due to their highly carnivorous nature; the upper most nutrient intake data are not consistent with this and favor the feline nutrient recommendations. We are unable to render a conclusion of what model is more appropriate based on our data collected.
Promoting second-order historical domain knowledge through recursive and collaborative professional development
Authors: Callahan Cory
Published: June 2017

This paper describes a thirteen-month, Lesson Study-type professional development project that sought to form and support a community of in-service social studies teachers who could design and implement lessons informed by second-order historical domain knowledge. Here, the researcher reports on the experiences of a subgroup of participants, three secondary history teachers, as they planned, taught, revised, and re-taught a collaborative research lesson. The teachers increasingly incorporated second-order historical domain knowledge into their respective practice: facilitating students’ use of historical photographs as evidence to begin to answer a compelling question. Findings also suggest the teachers began to effectively support students’ abilities to make claims about the past. Implications include: the foregrounding of compelling questions during planning, and the need for explicit guidance to help teachers analyze student work products.
Brexit Time
Authors: Armstrong Kenneth A.
Published: June 2017

The result of the UK referendum in June 2016 on membership of the European Union had immediate repercussions across the UK, the EU and internationally. As the dust begins to settle, attention is now naturally drawn to understanding why this momentous decision came about and how and when the UK will leave the EU. What are the options for the new legal settlements between the UK and the EU? What will happen to our current political landscape within the UK in the time up to and including its exit from the EU? What about legal and political life after Brexit? Within a series of short essays, Brexit Time explores and contextualises each stage of Brexit in turn: pre-referendum; the result; the process of withdrawal; rethinking EU relations; and post-Brexit. During a time of intense speculation and commentary, this book offers an indispensable guide to the key issues surrounding a historic event and its uncertain aftermath.
Self-Making Man
Authors: Streeck Jürgen
Published: June 2017

This book portrays one day in the communicative life of the owner of an auto repair-shop in Texas. He walks, looks, points, shows and explains engines, makes sense by gesture, speaks, manages, makes his life-world, and in the process reproduces social structures and himself as individual. Self-Making Man is the first comprehensive study of a communicating person; it reveals socially shared and personal practices, as well as improvisational actions by which a person inhabits and makes sense of the world with others. After decades of discussion on embodiment, this study is the first to investigate one body in its full range of communicative activities. Grounded in phenomenology and committed to the methodological rigor of context analysis and conversation analysis, Self-Making Man departs radically from contemporary research practice: it shows that, to take embodiment in human interaction seriously, we must conceive of it as individuation and organic, self-sustaining life: as autopoeisis.
Multistate Modeling to Analyze Nosocomial Infection Data: An Introduction and Demonstration
Authors: Wolkewitz Martin , von Cube Maja , Schumacher Martin
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Multistate and competing risks models have become an established and adequate tool with which to quantify determinants and consequences of nosocomial infections. In this tutorial article, we explain and demonstrate the basics of these models to a broader audience of professionals in health care, infection control, and hospital epidemiology.

METHODS

Using a publicly available data set from a cohort study of intensive care unit patients, we show how hospital infection data can be displayed and explored graphically and how simple formulas are derived under some simplified assumptions for illustrating the basic ideas behind multistate models. Only a few simply accessible values (event counts and patient days) and a pocket calculator are needed to reveal basic insights into cumulative risk and clinical outcomes of nosocomial infection in terms of mortality and length of stay.

RESULTS

We show how to use these values to perform basic multistate analyses in own data or to correct biased estimates in published data, as these values are often reported. We also show relationships between multistate-based hazard ratios and odds ratios, which are derived from the popular logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

No sophisticated statistical software is required to apply a basic multistate model and to avoid typical pitfalls such as time-dependent or competing-risks bias.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:953–959
Surveillance of Endoscopes: Comparison of Different Sampling Techniques
Authors: Cattoir Lien , Vanzieleghem Thomas , Florin Lisa , Helleputte Tania , De Vos Martine , Verhasselt Bruno , Boelens Jerina , Leroux-Roels Isabel
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

To compare different techniques of endoscope sampling to assess residual bacterial contamination.

DESIGN

Diagnostic study.

SETTING

The endoscopy unit of an 1,100-bed university hospital performing ~13,000 endoscopic procedures annually.

METHODS

In total, 4 sampling techniques, combining flushing fluid with or without a commercial endoscope brush, were compared in an endoscope model. Based on these results, sterile physiological saline flushing with or without PULL THRU brush was selected for evaluation on 40 flexible endoscopes by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement and bacterial culture. Acceptance criteria from the French National guideline (<25 colony-forming units [CFU] per endoscope and absence of indicator microorganisms) were used as part of the evaluation.

RESULTS

On biofilm-coated PTFE tubes, physiological saline in combination with a PULL THRU brush generated higher mean ATP values (2,579 relative light units [RLU]) compared with saline alone (1,436 RLU; P=.047). In the endoscope samples, culture yield using saline plus the PULL THRU (mean, 43 CFU; range, 1–400 CFU) was significantly higher than that of saline alone (mean, 17 CFU; range, 0–500 CFU; P<.001). In samples obtained using the saline+PULL THRU brush method, ATP values of samples classified as unacceptable were significantly higher than those of samples classified as acceptable (P=.001).

CONCLUSION

Physiological saline flushing combined with PULL THRU brush to sample endoscopes generated higher ATP values and increased the yield of microbial surveillance culture. Consequently, the acceptance rate of endoscopes based on a defined CFU limit was significantly lower when the saline+PULL THRU method was used instead of saline alone.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1062–1069
Electric Spring, Huddersfield, 22–26 February 2017.
Authors: Ledger Kate
Published: June 2017

In the heart of the University of Huddersfield's Creative Arts Building sits the unassuming Phipps Hall, which has given itself over to five days of total electronic sound immersion. The University has grown accustomed to attracting pioneering artists in contemporary music over the last four decades, both to its in-house research centre CeReNeM, and to the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival every November. The relatively younger Electric Spring Festival takes place every February and is now able to stand alongside its older sibling, offering the public an impressive and diverse programme of composers and artists specialising in electronic sound manipulation. This year was no exception. Running from 22 to 26 February, there was something to suit everyone, from improvised live-coded dance music to classic musique concrète masterpieces. From its conception in 1995, the aim of the festival has been to offer breadth and surprise to its audience.
Early Bilingualism Through the Looking Glass: Latino Preschool Children's Language and Self-Regulation Skills
Authors: Melzi Gigliana , Schick Adina R. , Escobar Kelly
Published: June 2017

During the early years, children's language skills are developing rapidly. For bilingual children, the development of both languages is highly sensitive to environmental input. Thus, capturing bilingualism in the early years poses a great challenge for researchers, especially those interested in examining how bilingualism might relate to other developmental areas, such as self-regulation. Traditionally, child development researchers have operationalized bilingualism as a categorical variable, most often relying on the use of self-reported data. In the present study, we compared various ways of capturing childhood bilingualism and demonstrated how these different measures privileged divergent aspects of children's bilingual experience, as well as how they were differentially related to children's self-regulation skills.
Synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction pattern of the M8 murataite polytype
Authors: Maki Ryosuke S. S. , Morgan Peter E. D.
Published: June 2017

The authors present here the superior result of synchrotron X-ray diffraction indexing of the 8 × 8 × 8 fluorite supercell, murataite, M8 (formula Ca66.37Mn29.33Ti186.76Zr83.35Al46.30Fe74.09O817, a = 39.277(3) Å, Z = 4). The authors present evidence that Fd$\bar 3$m (227) is the most likely space group.
First report on the successful hybridization ofPangasianodon hypophthalmus(Sauvage, 1878) andClarias gariepinus(Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Okomoda V.T. , Koh I.C.C. , Shahreza M.S.
Published: June 2017

Breeding and larval performance of novel hybrids from reciprocal crosses of Asian catfishPangasianodon hypophthalmus(Sauvage, 1878) and African catfishClarias gariepinus(Burchell, 1822) were investigated in this study. Spawning was by hormonal injection of brood fish, artificial fertilization, and incubation in triplicate aquarium tanks (0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 m3) with continuous aeration. Reciprocal crosses (♀C. gariepinus× ♂P. hypophthalmusand ♀P. hypophthalmus× ♂C. gariepinus) had lower hatchability (≤50%) than their pure siblings (≥75%). Fish from all crosses survived until the juvenile stage but survival at 35 days post hatching (dph) was higher for pureC. gariepinussib. ♀C. gariepinus× ♂P. hypophthalmuswas observed to be less resistant to degradation of water quality than the other crosses, however it had higher body weight compared with the other crosses that showed similar performance. Morphological comparison of surviving juvenile at 35 dph, showed that all ♀P. hypophthalmus× ♂C. gariepinusand 13% of the ♀C. gariepinus× ♂P. hypophthalmusexhibited the very same morphology as that of their maternal parent species, while the other portion of the ♀C. gariepinus× ♂P. hypophthalmuscross exhibited morphological traits that were intermediate between those of both parent species. This study been the first successful attempt to hybridize both species and therefore, laid the groundwork for further studies on the aquaculture potentials of the novel hybrids.
Protective effects of ethanol extracts of Artemisia asiatica Nakai ex Pamp. on ageing-induced deterioration in mouse oocyte quality
Authors: Jeon Hyuk-Joon , You Seung Yeop , Kim Dong Hyun , Jeon Hong Bae , Oh Jeong Su
Published: June 2017

Following ovulation, oocytes undergo a time-dependent deterioration in quality referred to as post-ovulatory ageing. Although various factors influence the post-ovulatory ageing of oocytes, oxidative stress is a key factor involved in deterioration of oocyte quality. Artemisia asiatica Nakai ex Pamp. has been widely used in East Asia as a food ingredient and traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, cancer, and microbial infections. Recent studies have shown that A. asiatica exhibits antioxidative effects. In this study, we investigated whether A. asiatica has the potential to attenuate deterioration in oocyte quality during post-ovulatory ageing. Freshly ovulated mouse oocytes were cultured with 0, 50, 100 or 200 μg/ml ethanol extracts of A. asiatica Nakai ex Pamp. After culture for up to 24 h, various ageing-induced oocyte abnormalities, including morphological changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, apoptosis, chromosome and spindle defects, and mitochondrial aggregation were determined. Treatment of oocytes with A. asiatica extracts reduced ageing-induced morphological changes. Moreover, A. asiatica extracts decreased ROS generation and the onset of apoptosis by preventing elevation of the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio during post-ovulatory ageing. Furthermore, A. asiatica extracts attenuated the ageing-induced abnormalities including spindle defects, chromosome misalignment and mitochondrial aggregation. Our results demonstrate that A. asiatica can relieve deterioration in oocyte quality and delay the onset of apoptosis during post-ovulatory ageing.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 is Regulated Through Dietary Fat Intake and Heritability: Studies in Twins
Authors: Engstler Anna Janina , Frahnow Turid , Kruse Michael , Pfeiffer Andreas Friedrich Hermann , Bergheim Ina
Published: June 2017

In different pathophysiological conditions plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plasma concentrations are elevated. As dietary patterns are considered to influence PAI-1 concentration, we aimed to determine active PAI-1 plasma concentrations and mRNA expression in adipose tissue before and after consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) and the impact of additive genetic effects herein in humans. For 6 weeks, 46 healthy, non-obese pairs of twins (aged 18–70) received a normal nutritionally balanced diet (ND) followed by an isocaloric HFD for 6 weeks. Active PAI-1 plasma levels and PAI-1 mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue were assessed after the ND and after 1 and 6 weeks of HFD. Active PAI-1 plasma concentrations and PAI-1 mRNA expression in adipose tissue were significantly increased after both 1 and 6 weeks of HFD when compared to concentrations determined after ND (p< .05), with increases of active PAI-1 being independent of gender, age, or changes of BMI and intrahepatic fat content, respectively. However, analysis of covariance suggests that serum insulin concentration significantly affected the increase of active PAI-1 plasma concentrations. Furthermore, the increase of active PAI-1 plasma concentrations after 6 weeks of HFD was highly heritable (47%). In contrast, changes in PAI-1 mRNA expression in fatty tissue in response to HFD showed no heritability and were independent of all tested covariates. In summary, our data suggest that even an isocaloric exchange of macronutrients — for example, a switch to a fat-rich diet — affects PAI-1 concentrations in humans and that this is highly heritable.
Innovative Postage Stamp Celebrates Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2017

The eclipse expert whose photographs appear on the stamp said he is thrilled about the opportunities that the stamp and the eclipse afford to excite people about science.
Development and Validation of Non simultaneous Retinal Image Acquisition–Based Retinal Oximeter
Authors: Singh Sumeer , Velu Gunasekaran , Raman Rajiv
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a tool for the measurement of retinal oxygen saturation using a conventional fundus camera–based nonsimultaneous imaging technique. Retinal oximetry setup comprising a conventional Zeiss FF450IR fundus camera, dual wavelength band-pass filters of wavelengths 570 and 600 nm were used. Image analysis was performed using MATLAB R2013b. All the study participants underwent comprehensive eye examination, fundus examination, complete hemogram analysis, and evaluation of systemic hemodynamics. Fundus images were captured by a nonsimultaneous retinal oximetry. A total of 45 subjects were included in the analysis. Median age of the subjects was 21 years ranging from 19 to 34 years. The median retinal arteriolar and venular oxygen saturation was 94.7% and 55.8%. Comparison of retinal oxygen saturation between three visits showed no statistically significant difference for both arteriolar (p = 0.33)and venular oxygen saturation (p = 0.79). Intraclass correlation coefficients for test–retest, short-term, and day-to-day repeatability were 0.84, 0.90, and 0.86 for arteriolar oxygen saturation and 0.92, 0.98, and 0.98 for retinal venular oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation in retinal arteriolar and venular blood vessels can be measured by nonsimultaneous image acquisition technique using a conventional fundus camera with good repeatability.
Automatic Thalamus Segmentation from Magnetic Resonance Images Using Multiple Atlases Level Set Framework (MALSF)
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Lu Zhentai , Feng Qianjin , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we present an original multiple atlases level set framework (MALSF) for automatic, accurate and robust thalamus segmentation in magnetic resonance images (MRI). The contributions of the MALSF method are twofold. First, the main technical contribution is a novel label fusion strategy in the level set framework. Label fusion is achieved by seeking an optimal level set function that minimizes energy functional with three terms: label fusion term, image based term, and regularization term. This strategy integrates shape prior, image information and the regularity of the thalamus. Second, we use propagated labels from multiple registration methods with different parameters to take full advantage of the complementary information of different registration methods. Since different registration methods and different atlases can yield complementary information, multiple registration and multiple atlases can be incorporated into the level set framework to improve the segmentation performance. Experiments have shown that the MALSF method can improve the segmentation accuracy for the thalamus. Compared to ground truth segmentation, the mean Dice metrics of our method are 0.9239 and 0.9200 for left and right thalamus.
Fullerene-Containing Electrically Conducting Electron Beam Resist for Ultrahigh Integration of Nanometer Lateral-Scale Organic Electronic Devices
Authors: Nakajima Anri , Tabei Tetsuo , Yasukawa Tatsuya
Published: June 2017

An outstanding issue with organic devices is the difficulty of simultaneously controlling the lateral size and position of structures at submicron or nanometer scales. In this study, nanocomposite electron beam (EB) organic resists are proved to be excellent candidates for electrically conductive and/or memory component materials for submicron or nanometer lateral-scale organic electronic devices. The memory and the resist patterning characteristics are investigated for a positive electron beam resist of ZEP520a containing [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Regarding the memory characteristics, good programming and excellent retention characteristics are obtained for electrons. The carrier transfer and retention mechanisms are also investigated. Regarding the resist patterning characteristics, it is found that line patterns (square patterns) of ZEP520a containing PCBM can be made with widths (side lengths) of less than 200 nm by using an extremely simple process with only EB exposures and developments. The distribution of PCBM molecules or their aggregations is also clarified in ZEP520a containing PCBM. The results of this study open the door to the simple fabrication of highly integrated flexible memories and electrical wires as well as of single-electron or quantum devices, including quantum information devices and sensitive biosensors for multiplexed and simultaneous diagnoses.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of the porcine hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Long , Zhang Zhe , Li Bin , Gao Ning , Zhang Hao , Sangild Per Torp , Li Jia-Qi
Published: June 2017

Previous studies have suggested that DNA methylation in both CpG and CpH (where H = C, T or A) contexts plays a critical role in biological functions of different tissues. However, the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of porcine hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) tissues remain virtually unexplored. In this study, methylomes of HPO tissues were profiled to investigate their differences and similarities. We found that HPO methylomes displayed tissue-specific methylation patterns in both CpG and CpH contexts. At gene locations, the methylation and density of CpGs was negatively linked at transcription start sites but positively linked at transcription end sites. The densities of CpGs and CpHs at CpG island (CGI) locations were negatively correlated with their methylation. Moreover, the methylation interactions between CGIs and genes showed similar pattern in the CpG context but tissue-specific pattern in the CpH context. CpGs located in CGIs, upstream regions and exons were protected from methylation dynamics, whereas CGI shores, CGI shelves and intergenic regions were more likely to be targets of methylation changes. The methylation dynamics enriching in a tissue-specific manner appeared to maintain and establish the biological functions of HPO tissues. Our analyses provided valuable insights into the tissue-specific methylomes of porcine HPO tissues.
Effects of organic cations on the defect physics of tin halide perovskites
Authors: Shi Tingting , Zhang Hai-Shan , Meng Weiwei , Teng Qiang , Liu Meiyue , Yang Xiaobao , Yan Yanfa , Yip Hin-Lap , Zhao Yu-Jun
Published: June 2017

The schematic diagram of different Sn-5s and I-5p antibonding strengths of FASnI3 and MASnI3 due to various bond lengths of Sn–I.
Teaching Transnasal Endoscopy to Graduate Students Without a Hospital or Simulation Laboratory: Pool Noodles and Cadavers
Authors: Berkowitz Shari Salzhauer
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study reports on a training opportunity in endoscopy in which speech-language pathology graduate students use inanimate objects and cadavers. Best practices for transnasal endoscopy in vivo require a physician to be nearby, but many graduate programs do not have this access.

Method

Endoscopy was offered as a graduate elective. Students (13 women) initially learned to manipulate the endoscope through the lumen of a swimming pool noodle that was embedded with trinkets. Endoscopic examination of inanimate objects became increasingly complex, followed by endoscopic examination of a cadaver.

Results

Pre- and postexamination measures and qualitative data from the 13 students revealed that students increased in confidence and in interest in this aspect of the field. All students met practical competencies for handling the endoscope, passing the endoscope on a narrow tube, and visualizing objects. Some students had the opportunity to pass the endoscope on a peer and did so successfully.

Conclusion

For programs with a cadaver lab available, this protocol offers an affordable option compared with purchasing a simulator. For those with neither a cadaver lab nor a simulation lab, passing the endoscope on inanimate objects alone is beneficial to student development and learning.
Matrix approach to model matching of composite asynchronous sequential machines
Authors: Wang Biao , Feng Jun‐e , Meng Min
Published: June 2017

Composite asynchronous sequential machines (ASMs) are studied by a matrix‐based approach in this study. A composite ASM consists of several input/state asynchronous machines in a cascading fashion. By using the semi‐tensor product method, the algebraic expression of composite ASMs is presented, based on which reachability of composite ASMs is investigated. Then, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a controller for model matching is obtained and an algorithm to design the corresponding controller is established. Finally, an example is proposed to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Topological structure of implicit Boolean networks
Authors: Yu Yongyuan , Feng Jun‐e , Meng Min , Wang Biao
Published: June 2017

In this study, implicit Boolean networks (IBNs), which are more general than classic BNs, are proposed for the first time motivated by the river‐crossing decision problem. By resorting to the admissible set, some necessary and sufficient conditions are established, under which IBNs can be equivalently converted into classic BNs or restricted BNs. Subsequently, an improved approach is presented to determine the topological structure of dynamic‐algebraic BNs (D‐ABNs), based on which transformation relations between IBNs and D‐ABNs are given. Finally, a biochemical oscillator example is used to show the application of the obtained results.
Analysis for step‐size optimisation on MPPT algorithm for photovoltaic systems
Authors: Tang Lei , Xu Wei , Mu Chaoxu
Published: June 2017

As the output characteristic of photovoltaic arrays is a non‐linear function of external environment, the step‐size of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm should be regulated dynamically to improve the MPPT efficiency. However, the step‐size, essentially determining the performance of MPPT algorithm, is often designed for a particular system with certain working conditions. To solve this problem, an optimisation algorithm is proposed in this study, which can adjust the step‐size automatically. From the essence of optimisation problem, the tracking process can be converted into a maximum sequence which can be solved by several iteration algorithms. This study provides a simple and effective way to obtain the step‐size. Once the iteration method is selected, the performance of the MPPT algorithm has been decided. The analysis of convergence, convergence order and stability are presented in this study. Comprehensive simulation and experimental results demonstrate that this proposed algorithm has a good stable and dynamic characteristic.
Fast 2D super resolution ISAR imaging method under low signal‐to‐noise ratio
Authors: Li Shaodong , Chen Wenfeng , Liu Weijian , Yang Jun , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: June 2017

Sparse representation (SR)‐based inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging method can achieve super‐resolution image of a target. However, it is computationally expensive and sensitive to noise. To overcome these two drawbacks, the authors propose the coupled Nesterov linearised Bregman iteration algorithm based on two–dimensional (2D) real‐valued dictionaries (CNLBI‐TRD) for ISAR imaging. First, the ISAR echoes are taken as a 2D joint SR model in the range frequency‐azimuth Doppler domain. Then the 2D complex‐valued dictionaries are converted into real‐valued ones through unitary transformations. The computational complexity is thus decreased by a factor of at least four. Finally, the CNLBI algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the 2D SR model directly. It combines the Nesterov's accelerated gradient method with the condition number optimisation of sensing matrices. An adaptive‐adjustment strategy of the soft threshold parameter is presented. Thus the total iteration numbers can be greatly reduced. The simulation results and real data experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed imaging algorithm.
Impedance matching network for ground eliminated open‐ended resonant coil structure in distributed wireless power transmission systems
Authors: Zarifi Telnaz , Moez Kambiz , Mousavi Pedram
Published: June 2017

This study reports a novel technique utilising a standing‐wave node as a virtual ground to implement an impedance matching network and power level tuning in a ground eliminated (GE) open‐ended resonant coil structure. This technique with GE open‐ended coils can potentially be used in wireless power transmission (WPT) systems, where an unknown metallic, ungrounded, arbitrary environment is used as a signal propagation medium to deliver electric power to several distributed nodes. To satisfy WPT standards the proposed resonant WPT system with the matching network is implemented and tested at 13.56 MHz. A comprehensive study of the GE open‐ended resonant coil structure demonstrates ground‐plane effects and the necessity of an impedance matching network in no‐ground signal situations. The experimental results confirm the theoretical analysis presenting 9% improvements in mismatch efficiency, and 13.1 times in power transmission efficiency at 13.56 MHz when the matching network is deployed.
Metal-free Oxidative Cross-Coupling Reaction of Aromatic Compounds Containing Heteroatoms
Authors: Morimoto Koji , Dohi Toshifumi , Kita Yasuyuki
Published: June 2017

The biaryl unit containing a heteroatom is a key structure in a large number of natural products and π-conjugated organic systems. The cross-couplings can provide powerful methods for the construction of biaryls and heterobiaryls; thus the development of a new coupling method has been intensively studied by synthetic chemists. Therefore, the oxidative biaryl coupling reaction of arenes containing a heteroatom is a significantly attractive, convenient, and straightforward route to the synthesis of biaryls due to its operational simplicity avoiding the preparation of the corresponding halogenated and metallated arenes. In this report, recent progress in the field of metal-free oxidative cross-coupling reactions of aromatic compounds using hypervalent iodine(III) reagents, is presented.

1 Introduction

2 Cyanation and Halogenation Reactions of Heteroaromatic Compounds

3 Biaryl Coupling Reaction of Heteroaromatic Compounds

3.1 Regioselective Coupling Reaction of Thiophenes

3.2 Cross-Coupling Reaction of Thiophenes

3.3 Coupling Reaction of EDOT and Pyrroles

3.4 Cross-Coupling Reaction of Pyrroles

4 Cross-Coupling Reaction of Anilines

5 Cross-Coupling Reaction of Phenols

6 Cross-Coupling Reaction of N-Heteroaromatics with Aryl Radicals from Diaryliodonium(III) Salts

7 Conclusion