bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small molecule inhibitors block Gas6-inducible TAM activation and tumorigenicity
Authors: Kimani Stanley G. , Kumar Sushil , Bansal Nitu , Singh Kamalendra , Kholodovych Vladyslav , Comollo Thomas , Peng Youyi , Kotenko Sergei V. , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Bertino Joseph R. , Welsh William J. , Birge Raymond B.
Published: March 2017

TAM receptors (Tyro-3, Axl, and Mertk) are a family of three homologous type I receptor tyrosine kinases that are implicated in several human malignancies. Overexpression of TAMs and their major ligand Growth arrest-specific factor 6 (Gas6) is associated with more aggressive staging of cancers, poorer predicted patient survival, acquired drug resistance and metastasis. Here we describe small molecule inhibitors (RU-301 and RU-302) that target the extracellular domain of Axl at the interface of the Ig-1 ectodomain of Axl and the Lg-1 of Gas6. These inhibitors effectively block Gas6-inducible Axl receptor activation with low micromolar IC50s in cell-based reporter assays, inhibit Gas6-inducible motility in Axl-expressing cell lines, and suppress H1299 lung cancer tumor growth in a mouse xenograft NOD-SCIDγ model. Furthermore, using homology models and biochemical verifications, we show that RU301 and 302 also inhibit Gas6 inducible activation of Mertk and Tyro3 suggesting they can act as pan-TAM inhibitors that block the interface between the TAM Ig1 ectodomain and the Gas6 Lg domain. Together, these observations establish that small molecules that bind to the interface between TAM Ig1 domain and Gas6 Lg1 domain can inhibit TAM activation, and support the further development of small molecule Gas6-TAM interaction inhibitors as a novel class of cancer therapeutics.
Preparation of active 3D film patches via aligned fiber electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing
Authors: Wang Jun-Chuan , Zheng Hongxia , Chang Ming-Wei , Ahmad Zeeshan , Li Jing-Song
Published: March 2017

The design, preparation and application of three-dimensional (3D) printed structures have gained appreciable interest in recent times, particularly for drug dosage development. In this study, the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technique was developed to fabricate aligned-fiber antibiotic (tetracycline hydrochloride, TE-HCL) patches using polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and their composite system (PVP-PCL). Drug loaded 3D patches possessed perfectly aligned fibers giving rise to fibrous strut orientation, variable inter-strut pore size and controlled film width (via layering). The effect of operating parameters on fiber deposition and alignment were explored, and the impact of the film structure, composition and drug loading was evaluated. FTIR demonstrated successful TE-HCL encapsulation in aligned fibers. Patches prepared using PVP and TE-HCL displayed enhanced hydrophobicity. Tensile tests exhibited changes to mechanical properties arising from additive effects. Release of antibiotic from PCL-PVP dosage forms was shown over 5 days and was slower compared to pure PCL or PVP. The printed patch void size also influenced antibiotic release behavior. The EHDA printing technique provides an exciting opportunity to tailor dosage forms in a single-step with minimal excipients and operations. These developments are crucial to meet demands where dosage forms cannot be manufactured rapidly or when a personalized approach is required.
Non-destructive monitoring of mouse embryo development and its qualitative evaluation at the molecular level using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ishigaki Mika , Hashimoto Kosuke , Sato Hidetoshi , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: March 2017

Current research focuses on embryonic development and quality not only by considering fundamental biology, but also by aiming to improve assisted reproduction technologies, such as in vitro fertilization. In this study, we explored the development of mouse embryo and its quality based on molecular information, obtained nondestructively using Raman spectroscopy. The detailed analysis of Raman spectra measured in situ during embryonic development revealed a temporary increase in protein content after fertilization. Proteins with a β-sheet structure—present in the early stages of embryonic development—are derived from maternal oocytes, while α-helical proteins are additionally generated by switching on a gene after fertilization. The transition from maternal to embryonic control during development can be non-destructively profiled, thus facilitating the in situ assessment of structural changes and component variation in proteins generated by metabolic activity. Furthermore, it was indicated that embryos with low-grade morphology had high concentrations of lipids and hydroxyapatite. This technique could be used for embryo quality testing in the future.
Construction and immunogenicity of a recombinant swinepox virus expressing a multi-epitope peptide for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Lin Huixing , Ma Zhe , Hou Xin , Chen Lei , Fan Hongjie
Published: March 2017

To characterize neutralizing mimotopes, phages were selected from a 12-mer phage display library using three anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) neutralizing monoclonal antibodies: (1) A1; (2) A2; and (3) A7. Of these, A2 and A7 recognize the mimotope, P2, which contains the SRHDHIH motif, which has conserved consensus sequences from amino acid positions 156 to 161 in the N-terminal ectodomain of GP3. The artificial multi-epitope gene, mp2, was designed by combining three repeats of the mimotope P2. The resulting sequence was inserted into the swinepox virus (SPV) genome to construct a recombinant swinepox virus (rSPV-mp2). The rSPV-mp2 was able to stably express the multi-epitope peptide, mP2, in vitro. The rSPV-mp2 immunized pigs exhibited a significantly shorter fever duration compared with the wtSPV treated group (P < 0.05). There was an enhanced humoral and cellular immune response, decreased number of PRRSV genomic copies, and a significant reduction in the gross lung pathology (P < 0.05) was observed following PRRSV infection in rSPV-mp2-immunized animals. The results suggest that the recombinant rSPV-mp2 provided pigs with significant protection against PRRSV infection.
Aggravated myocardial infarction-induced cardiac remodeling and heart failure in histamine-deficient mice
Authors: Chen Jinmiao , Hong Tao , Ding Suling , Deng Long , Abudupataer Mieradilijiang , Zhang Weiwei , Tong Minghong , Jia Jianguo , Gong Hui , Zou Yunzeng , Wang Timothy C. , Ge Junbo , Yang Xiangdong
Published: March 2017

Histamine has pleiotropic pathophysiological effects, but its role in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) is the main enzyme involved in histamine production. Here, we clarified the roles of HDC-expressing cells and histamine in heart failure post-MI using HDC-EGFP transgenic mice and HDC-knockout (HDC−/−) mice. HDC+CD11b+ myeloid cell numbers markedly increased in the injured hearts, and histamine levels were up-regulated in the circulation post-MI. HDC−/− mice exhibited more adverse cardiac remodeling, poorer left ventricular function and higher mortality by increasing cardiac fibrogenesis post-MI. In vitro assays further confirmed that histamine inhibited heart fibroblast proliferation. Furthermore, histamine enhanced the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6 phosphorylation level in murine heart fibroblasts, and the inhibitive effects of histamine on fibroblast proliferation could be blocked by JAK3/STAT6 signaling selective antagonist. STAT6-knockout (STAT6−/−) mice had a phenotype similar to that of HDC−/− mice post-MI; however, in contrast to HDC−/− mice, the beneficial effects of exogenous histamine injections were abrogated in STAT6−/− mice. These data suggest that histamine exerts protective effects by modulating cardiac fibrosis and remodeling post-MI, in part through the STAT6-dependent signaling pathway.
Extensive wet episodes in Late Glacial Australia resulting from high-latitude forcings
Authors: Bayon Germain , De Deckker Patrick , Magee John W. , Germain Yoan , Bermell Sylvain , Tachikawa Kazuyo , Norman Marc D.
Published: March 2017

Millennial-scale cooling events termed Heinrich Stadials punctuated Northern Hemisphere climate during the last glacial period. Latitudinal shifts of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) are thought to have rapidly propagated these abrupt climatic signals southward, influencing the evolution of Southern Hemisphere climates and contributing to major reorganisation of the global ocean-atmosphere system. Here, we use neodymium isotopes from a marine sediment core to reconstruct the hydroclimatic evolution of subtropical Australia between 90 to 20 thousand years ago. We find a strong correlation between our sediment provenance proxy data and records for western Pacific tropical precipitations and Australian palaeolakes, which indicates that Northern Hemisphere cooling phases were accompanied by pronounced excursions of the ITCZ and associated rainfall as far south as about 32°S. Comparatively, however, each of these humid periods lasted substantially longer than the mean duration of Heinrich Stadials, overlapping with subsequent warming phases of the southern high-latitudes recorded in Antarctic ice cores. In addition to ITCZ-driven hydroclimate forcing, we infer that changes in Southern Ocean climate also played an important role in regulating late glacial atmospheric patterns of the Southern Hemisphere subtropical regions.
Distribution Analysis via Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Ephedrine in the Lungs of Rats Orally Administered the Japanese Kampo Medicine Maoto
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi , Kushida Hirotaka , Matsushita Shoko , Oyama Yoshiyuki , Suda Takafumi , Watanabe Junko , Kase Yoshio , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: March 2017

Maoto, a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, has been used to treat various respiratory diseases, including respiratory infections and influenza. Ephedrine (EPD), the main ingredient in maoto, is also clinically used to treat respiratory diseases. However, the pharmacokinetics and distribution of EPD in the lungs after the administration of maoto have not been demonstrated. This study aimed to determine the concentrations, distribution, and pharmacokinetics of EPD and its precursor methylephedrine (MEPD) in the lungs of rats orally administered maoto (1 and 4 g/kg). We used liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry to measure the ingredient concentrations. Both ingredients were detected in maoto-treated lung homogenates. Next, we examined the distribution of both ingredients in lung sections by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging, a powerful tool for the visualization of the distribution of biological molecules. The mass spectrometry imaging analysis detected only EPD and provided the first visual demonstration that EPD is distributed in the alveoli, bronchi, and bronchioles in the lungs of rats orally administered maoto (4 g/kg, three times at 2-h intervals). These results suggest that the pharmacological efficacy of maoto for the amelioration of respiratory symptoms is related to the distribution of EPD in the lung.
ENOblock, a unique small molecule inhibitor of the non-glycolytic functions of enolase, alleviates the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cho Haaglim , Um JungIn , Lee Ji-Hyung , Kim Woong-Hee , Kang Wan Seok , Kim So Hun , Ha Hyung-Ho , Kim Yong-Chul , Ahn Young-Keun , Jung Da-Woon , Williams Darren R.
Published: March 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly impacts on human health and patient numbers are predicted to rise. Discovering novel drugs and targets for treating T2DM is a research priority. In this study, we investigated targeting of the glycolysis enzyme, enolase, using the small molecule ENOblock, which binds enolase and modulates its non-glycolytic ‘moonlighting’ functions. In insulin-responsive cells ENOblock induced enolase nuclear translocation, where this enzyme acts as a transcriptional repressor. In a mammalian model of T2DM, ENOblock treatment reduced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Liver and kidney tissue of ENOblock-treated mice showed down-regulation of known enolase target genes and reduced enolase enzyme activity. Indicators of secondary diabetic complications, such as tissue apoptosis, inflammatory markers and fibrosis were inhibited by ENOblock treatment. Compared to the well-characterized anti-diabetes drug, rosiglitazone, ENOblock produced greater beneficial effects on lipid homeostasis, fibrosis, inflammatory markers, nephrotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy. ENOblock treatment was associated with the down-regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, which are known to produce anti-diabetic effects. In summary, these findings indicate that ENOblock has potential for therapeutic development to treat T2DM. Previously considered as a ‘boring’ housekeeping gene, these results also implicate enolase as a novel drug target for T2DM.
In vitro selection of random peptides against artificial lipid bilayers: a potential tool to immobilize molecules on membranes
Authors: Kobayashi Shota , Terai Takuya , Yoshikawa Yuki , Ohkawa Ryoya , Ebihara Mika , Hayashi Masahito , Takiguchi Kingo , Nemoto Naoto
Published: March 2017

The first in vitro selection of binding peptides against artificial lipid membranes was performed using a cDNA display method.
A deconvoluted PL approach to probe the charge carrier dynamics of the grain interior and grain boundary of a perovskite film for perovskite solar cell applications
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Ava Tanzila Tasnim , Jeong Hyeon Jun , Jeong Mun Seok , Namkoong Gon
Published: March 2017

2D photoluminescence (PL) mapping revealed the blueshift of PL at grain boundaries while relatively very uniform but longer wavelengths were observed at grain interiors.
Synthesis of heteroatomic bridged paracyclophanes
Authors: Reuter K. , Maas R. G. M. , Reuter A. , Kilgenstein F. , Asfaha Y. , von Hänisch C.
Published: March 2017

Heteroatomic bridged paracyclophanes with Si2N, Si2P, Si2(NGa)2and Si2(PGa)2linkers were accessed by diverse synthetic approaches and were characterised among others by X-ray diffraction.
Cationic PCP iridaepoxide and carbene complexes for facile water elimination and activation processes
Authors: Doyle Lauren E. , Piers Warren E. , Bi David W.
Published: March 2017

Pathways for water activation and elimination at cationic iridium PCP pincer compounds are explored.
Speciation of indium(iii) chloro complexes in the solvent extraction process from chloride aqueous solutions to ionic liquids
Authors: Deferm Clio , Onghena Bieke , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Banerjee Dipanjan , Luyten Jan , Oosterhof Harald , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: March 2017

Indium(iii) exists as octahedral mixed complexes, [In(H2O)6−nCln]3−n (0 ≤ n ≤ 6), in acidic chloride media. After extraction, only the tetrahedral [InCl4]− complex is present in the ionic liquid phase.
Pd-Catalyzed 1,2-diarylation of vinylarenes at ambient temperature
Authors: Kuang Zhijie , Yang Kai , Song Qiuling
Published: March 2017

An efficient Pd-catalyzed three components reaction involving the 1,2-diarylation of vinylarenes has been disclosed. This reaction introduces two different aryl groups across vinylarenes at ambient temperature giving rise to multi-aryl substituted ethanes which are biologically relevant compounds prevailing in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry and materials science.
Correction: Few-layer TiO2–B nanosheets with N-doped graphene nanosheets as a highly robust anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Han Zhisong , Peng Jun , Liu Li , Wang Gang , Yu Feng , Guo Xuhong
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Few-layer TiO2–B nanosheets with N-doped graphene nanosheets as a highly robust anode for lithium-ion batteries’ by Zhisong Han et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 7864–7869.
Viewing oxidative stress through the lens of oxidative signalling rather than damage
Authors: Foyer Christine H. , Ruban Alexander V. , Noctor Graham
Published: March 2017

Concepts of the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants and animals have shifted in recent years from focusing on oxidative damage effects to the current view of ROS as universal signalling metabolites. Rather than having two opposing activities, i.e. damage and signalling, the emerging concept is that all types of oxidative modification/damage are involved in signalling, not least in the induction of repair processes. Examining the multifaceted roles of ROS as crucial cellular signals, we highlight as an example the loss of photosystem II function called photoinhibition, where photoprotection has classically been conflated with oxidative damage.
Echography-Guided Pinning for Prevention of Iatrogenic Injuries to the Radial Nerve during Fixation of Extra-articular Distal Radius Fracture: An Anatomical Study
Authors: Bouillis Jérémie , Ropars Mickaël , Lallouet Stéphanie
Published: March 2017

This study assesses the usefulness and feasibility of an osteosynthesis of the lower end of the radius under ultrasound imaging to avoid the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN). A single operator performed an initial echography of the wrist of 12 cadaveric upper limbs to identify the three main branches of the SBRN and the tendons. Then, three pins were placed according to Kapandji's procedure, avoiding the structures spotted under ultrasound imaging. After dissection, the safety distances for the branches of the SBRN, dorsal extensor tendons, and veins were measured, and injuries to these structures were noted. No lesion of the SBRN was found with an average safety distance of 8.1 for the third branch of the radial nerve (SR3) and 1.3 mm for the first and the second branches of the radial nerve (SR1–2). Three tendons were spiked. The average operative time was 38.3 minutes. Ultrasound secures percutaneous surgery to avoid the branches of the SBRN but requires a learning curve.
Dorsal Wrist Pain in the Extended Wrist-Loading Position: An MRI Study
Authors: Nance Erin , Byun David , Endo Yoshimi , Wolfe Scott , Lee Steve
Published: March 2017

Background The etiology of dorsal wrist pain associated with loading of the wrist in extension has not been clearly identified in the literature.

Purpose Many exercise disciplines incorporate upper extremity weight-bearing exercises in an extended wrist posture, for example push-ups, plank position, and various yoga and Pilates poses. This study evaluates patients with dorsal wrist pain in the extended wrist-loading position and identifies anatomic abnormalities in the wrist using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed comparing MRI of patients who complained of dorsal wrist pain while performing weight bearing in a wrist extension position with a control group of patients who complained of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The primary MRI outcome was dorsal wrist pathology, including occult dorsal ganglion cyst, scapholunate ligament tear or degeneration, and dorsal capsulitis.

Results Dorsal wrist pathology was significantly more prevalent in patients with dorsal wrist pain (84%) than in the patient cohort with ulnar-sided wrist pain (12%). Occult dorsal ganglion cysts were the most common sources of pathology (76%).

Conclusion MRI demonstrated an identifiable dorsal abnormality in 84% of patients with dorsal wrist pain associated with weight bearing on the extended wrist. Occult dorsal ganglion cysts are the most common cause of dorsal wrist pain, followed by partial scapholunate tears. When patients complain of dorsal wrist pain during specific extended loading wrist positions such as push-ups, yoga, or Pilates poses, an MRI may be warranted to help identify anatomic abnormalities that may help guide treatment choices.

Level of Evidence Diagnostic, Level III.
Erfassung und Bewertung der Kosten von Präventions- und Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahmen – Entwicklung eines Konzepts am Beispiel ‚Bewegungsförderung‘
Authors: Korber Katharina , Wolfenstetter Silke
Published: March 2017

Es ist sowohl ein medizinisches als auch gesundheitsökonomisches Ziel, mit gegebenen finanziellen Ressourcen die bestmöglichen gesundheitlichen Effekte zu erreichen. Das Abschätzen der Kosten von Interventionsprogrammen ist hierfür notwendig und nicht immer vorab möglich. Eine Möglichkeit, Informationen über Kosten, bzw. Kosteneffektivität bestimmter Maßnahmen zu erhalten, ist es, bereits existierende Programme diesbezüglich zu überprüfen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, eine einfache, gut verständliche und praktikable Möglichkeit zur Dokumentation von Kosten von Präventions- und Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahmen zu schaffen. Basierend auf den wesentlichen Grundlagen, welche generell für eine Kostenerhebung nötig sind, wurden ein Fragebogen sowie ein Modul zur Erfassung der verbrauchten Ressourcen und der daraus resultierenden Kosten entwickelt. Diese wurden im Rahmen eines Pretests angewendet, überprüft und verbessert. Das entwickelte Kostenmodul ist wie folgt aufgebaut: In der linken Spalte sind 5 zentrale Kostenkategorien aufgelistet: Personal, Räumlichkeiten, Ausstattung und Ablauf, Verwaltung, Sonstiges. Das Kostenmodul ist ein Kompromiss zwischen mehreren nur schwer miteinander zu vereinbarenden Zielen. Einerseits sollten die Kosten so detailliert wie möglich erfasst werden und andererseits muss das Modul sehr einfach umzusetzen sein, da es sonst in der Praxis keine Anwendung findet. Hierfür könnte es auch sinnvoll sein, für jeden Akteur ein Modul zu entwickeln, dass so genau wie möglich auf sein spezielles Aktivitätsspektrum hin ausgerichtet ist. Es wurden alle Rückmeldungen und Vorschläge aus dem Pretest eingearbeitet, von denen einige jedoch projektspezifisch waren. Hier wurde versucht, einen Kompromiss aus Detailliertheit und Praktikabilität zu finden. Aus diesem Grund wurde vor allem die Anleitung um ausführlichere Beschreibungen und Beispiele erweitert. Das hier vorgestellte Modul ist allgemein gehalten. Das ist zugleich ein großer Vorteil da es damit für die Dokumentation der Kosten bei ganz unterschiedlichen Akteuren genutzt werden kann. Somit bietet das vorgestellte Grundgerüst zur Kostenerhebung einen zentralen, ersten Baustein für eine detaillierte Dokumentation der Programmkosten und bietet die Möglichkeit die Vergleichbarkeit sowie die Übertragbarkeit der Präventionsprogramme zu prüfen.
Phase Transition Enthalpy Measurements of Organic and Organometallic Compounds and Ionic Liquids. Sublimation, Vaporization, and Fusion Enthalpies from 1880 to 2015. Part 2. C11–C192
Authors: Acree William , Chickos James S.
Published: March 2017

The second part of this compendium concludes with a collection of phase change enthalpies of organic molecules inclusive of C11–C192 reported over the period 1880–2015. Also included are phase change enthalpies including fusion, vaporization, and sublimation enthalpies for organometallic, ionic liquids, and a few inorganic compounds. Paper I of this compendium, published separately, includes organic compounds from C1 to C10 and describes a group additivity method for evaluating solid, liquid, and gas phase heat capacities as well as temperature adjustments of phase changes. Paper II of this compendium also includes an updated version of a group additivity method for evaluating total phase change entropies which together with the fusion temperature can be useful in estimating total phase change enthalpies. Other uses include application in identifying potential substances that either form liquid or plastic crystals or exhibit additional phase changes such as undetected solid–solid transitions or behave anisotropically in the liquid state.
Nature of low dimensional structural modulations and relative phase stability in RexMo(W)1-xS2 transition metal dichalcogenide alloys
Authors: Sahu R. , Bhat U. , Batra N. M. , Sharona H. , Vishal B. , Sarkar S. , Assa Aravindh S. , Peter S. C. , Roqan I. S. , Costa P. M. F. J. , Datta R.
Published: March 2017

We report on the various types of Peierls like two dimensional structural modulations and relative phase stability of 2H and 1T poly-types in the RexMo1-xS2 and RexW1-xS2 alloy system. Theoretical calculation predicts a polytype phase transition cross over at ∼50 at. % of Mo and W in ReS2 in both monolayer and bulk form, respectively. Experimentally, two different types of structural modulations at 50% and a modulation corresponding to trimerization at 75% alloy composition are observed for RexMo1-xS2 and only one type of modulation is observed at the 50% RexW1-xS2 alloy system. The 50% alloy system is found to be a suitable monolithic candidate for metal semiconductor transition with minute external perturbation. ReS2 is known to be in the 2D Peierls distorted 1Td structure and forms a chain like superstructure. Incorporation of Mo and W atoms into the ReS2 lattice modifies the metal-metal hybridization between the cations and influences the structural modulation and electronic properties of the system. The results offer yet another effective way to tune the electronic structure and poly-type phases of this class of materials other than intercalation, strain, and vertical stacking arrangement.
Breakdown electric fields in dissociated hot gas mixtures of sulfur hexafluoride including teflon: Calculations with experimental validations and utilization in fluid dynamics arc simulations
Authors: Yousfi M. , Merbahi N. , Reichert F. , Petchanka A.
Published: March 2017

Measurements of breakdown voltage Vb, gas temperature Tg, and density N and the associated critical electric field Ecr/N are performed in hot dissociated SF6 highly diluted in argon and in hot dissociated SF6 mixed with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene or C2F4) also highly diluted in argon. Gases are heated using a microwave source and optical emission spectroscopy is used for measurements of Tg and N while Vb is measured from a specific inter-electrode arrangement placed inside of the cell of the hot gas conditioning. The experimental Ecr/N data in the numerous considered cases of gas temperatures and compositions have been used to evaluate and validate the sets of the collision cross sections of the 11 species involved in hot dissociated SF6 (i.e., SF6, SF5, SF4, S2F2, SF3, SF2, SF, S2, F2, F, and S), the 13 additional species involved either in hot C2F4 or CF4 (C2F6, C2F4, C2F2, CF4, CF3, CF2, CF, F2, F and carbon species as C, C2, C3, C4) and also the 2 further species (CS and CS2) present only in the considered mixtures SF6 + C2F4. The fitted sets of collision cross sections of all these 26 species are then used without argon dilution in hot SF6 and hot SF6 + C2F4 mixtures to calculate and to analyze the Ecr/N data obtained for a wide range of gas temperature (up to 4000 K) and gas pressure (8 bar and more) using a rigorous multi-term solution of the Boltzmann equation for electron energy distribution function and standard calculations of hot gas composition for the species proportions. Such Ecr/N data have been then successfully used to evaluate from a Computational Fluid Dynamics model the switching capacity at terminal fault from a coupled simulation of the electrostatic field and the hot gas flow after current zero.
Coexistence of bulk and surface polaritons in a magnetic-semiconductor superlattice influenced by a transverse magnetic field
Authors: Tuz Vladimir R. , Fesenko Volodymyr I. , Fedorin Illia V. , Sun Hong-Bo , Han Wei
Published: March 2017

It is demonstrated that the effect of coexistence of bulk and surface polaritons within the same frequency band and the wavevector space can be achieved in a magnetic-semiconductor superlattice, providing a conscious choice of characteristic resonant frequencies and material fractions of the structure's underlying components as well as geometry of the external static magnetic field. The study is based on the effective medium theory, which is involved to calculate dispersion characteristics of the long-wavelength electromagnetic modes of ordinary and extraordinary bulk polaritons, and hybrid surface polaritons with dominant longitudinal component of either magnetic (HE) or electric (EH) field derived via averaged expressions with respect to the effective constitutive parameters of the superlattice.
Three-dimensional thermographic imaging using a virtual wave concept
Authors: Burgholzer Peter , Thor Michael , Gruber Jürgen , Mayr Günther
Published: March 2017

In this work, it is shown that image reconstruction methods from ultrasonic imaging can be employed for thermographic signals. Before using these imaging methods, a virtual signal is calculated by applying a local transformation to the temperature evolution measured on a sample surface. The introduced transformation describes all the irreversibility of the heat diffusion process and can be used for every sample shape. To date, one-dimensional methods have been primarily used in thermographic imaging. The proposed two-stage algorithm enables reconstruction in two and three dimensions. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated through simulations and experiments. For the latter, small steel beads embedded in an epoxy resin are imaged. The resolution limit is found to be proportional to the depth of the structures and to be inversely proportional to the logarithm of the signal-to-noise ratio. Limited-view artefacts can arise if the measurement is performed on a single planar detection surface. These artifacts can be reduced by measuring the thermographic signals from multiple planes, which is demonstrated by numerical simulations and by experiments performed on an epoxy cube.
Shape recognition of acoustic scatterers using the singularity expansion method
Authors: Cao Pei , Wu Jiu Hui
Published: March 2017

Acoustic target recognition for two-dimensional (2D) acoustic scatterers is investigated using the singularity expansion method (SEM). Based on the Watson transformation series of the scattering field, the SEM poles can be calculated and their physical interpretation given, along with the exact normal mode for any acoustic scattering problem. Typical oscillatory phenomena appear as a series of damped sinusoidal signals in the time domain and as a standing-wave distribution in the space. These external oscillation modes are associated with the SEM poles. We note that the positions of these poles in the complex frequency plane are uniquely determined by the shape and flexible characteristics of the target regardless of the waveforms and positions of the incident signals. We then infer that SEM poles can be used as the characteristic parameters for target shape recognition. The relationship between the positions of SEM poles and the geometrical characters of 2D scatterers has been established not only for cylinders but also for other general 2D scatterers. The new method and the related calculation results provide an effective way to perform shape recognition using an acoustic scattering field, with potential applications in non-destructive testing and acoustic imaging.
Transient renormalization of the Josephson plasma frequency
Authors: Krasniqi F. S.
Published: March 2017

Layered superconductors are emerging as compact sources of intense, continuous and coherent terahertz (THz) waves [Welp et al., Nat. Photonics 7, 702 (2013)]. Apart from that, they also represent nonlinear media that can exhibit a host of nonlinear optical effects such as odd harmonic generation, slowing down of THz waves, self-focusing and self-induced transparency [Savel'ev et al., Nat. Phys. 2, 521 (2006)] that further widen their range of applications. In the linear regime, electromagnetic waves can penetrate them only if their frequency is larger than a gap-frequency, the so-called Josephson plasma frequency, whose signature is characterized by an edge in the THz reflectivity spectrum. In this work, transient renormalization of the Josephson plasma frequency in THz-perturbed La1.84Sr0.16CuO4 has been experimentally observed using the time-resolved THz time-domain spectroscopy. As the perturbing THz field evolves in time, the reflectivity edge measured from the raw-reflectivity data is found to exhibit a red shift, thus implying a reduction in the Josephson plasma frequency. This is a nonlinear effect that renders the layered superconductor transparent over a narrow spectral range close to the Josephson plasma frequency—THz waves with frequencies smaller than the unperturbed Josephson plasma frequency can penetrate the sample. The results presented in this paper should stimulate the development of nonlinear physics in layered superconductors and contribute in developing new concepts for well-controllable THz devices.
Antisite disorder induced spin glass and exchange bias effect in Nd2NiMnO6 epitaxial thin film
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Chauhan Samta , Chandra Ramesh
Published: March 2017

We report the observation of the exchange bias effect and spin glass behaviour at low temperature in a ferromagnetic Nd2NiMnO6 epitaxial thin film. Along with the ferromagnetic transition at ∼194 K, an additional transition is observed at lower temperature (∼55 K) as seen from M-T curves of the sample. A shift in the ac susceptibility peak with frequency has been observed at low temperature, which is a signature of a glassy phase within the sample. The detailed investigation of the memory effect and time dependent magnetic relaxation measurements reveals the presence of a spin glass phase in the Nd2NiMnO6 thin film. The exchange bias effect observed at low temperature in the sample has been associated with an antisite disorder induced spin glass phase, which results in a ferromagnetic/spin glass interface at low temperature. The exchange bias behaviour has been further confirmed by performing cooling field and temperature dependence of exchange bias along with training effect measurements.
Partitioning of dietary nitrogen in response to feeding cereal grain supplements to dairy cows during four periods of an extended lactation
Authors: Moate P. J. , Williams S. R. O. , Hannah M. C. , Marett L. C. , Auldist M. J. , Jacobs J. L. , Wales W. J.
Published: March 2017

Holstein–Friesian dairy cows managed in pasture-based systems are capable of lactating for considerably longer than the traditional 300 days. However, the partitioning of dietary nutrients in the second 300 days of an extended lactation has been shown to be different from that in the first 300 days. The partitioning of dietary nitrogen (N) was investigated using two groups of eight Holstein cows in four experimental periods of 6 days, at 110, 270, 450 and 560 days in milk (DIM). During each period, cows were housed in individual stalls where N intake and output were measured. Cows in a control group received a forage-based diet ad libitum, whereas cows in a second group received 5 kg DM of cereal grain and the basal forage diet ad libitum. N intake was positively related to outputs of milk N, urinary N and faecal N, and negatively to N-use efficiency (NUE). DIM was positively related to output of urinary N and negatively related to NUE and outputs of milk N and faecal N. The partitioning of N in the second year of an extended lactation was different from that in the first year, meaning that the partitioning of N reported for cows up to 300 DIM cannot be used to accurately predict the partitioning of N in cows beyond 300 DIM. Adding grain to the diet increased total nitrogen intake but decreased NUE. However, it is plausible for the addition of cereal grain to the diet of dairy cows to increase NUE, but only when the concentration of dietary crude protein decreases and any increase in dry-matter intake is small, such that total nitrogen intake is decreased.
Improvements in diagnosis of disease caused by Mycoplasma bovis in cattle
Authors: Wawegama Nadeeka K. , Browning Glenn F.
Published: March 2017

The major disease problems associated with Mycoplasma bovis are contagious mastitis and respiratory disease in cattle. Its importance has increased worldwide due to its increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents and the lack of an effective vaccine. Chronically infected silent carriers introduce infection to naïve herds and M. bovis diseases can cause significant economic losses to the affected herds. Availability of a suitable diagnostic tool for extensive screening will improve the ability to determine the appropriate treatment and the full impact of M. bovis in both beef and dairy cattle industries. The present review focuses on the past and present improvements in the diagnosis of disease caused by M. bovis in cattle.
Growth and reproductive traits of F1-generation transgenic goats for human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
Authors: Batista R. I. T. P. , Souza-Fabjan J. M. G. , Teixeira D. Í. A. , Melo L. M. , Freitas V. J. F.
Published: March 2017

To ensure that animal welfare requirements and phenotypic characteristics of the newly produced transgenic lines are not compromised, an evaluation of all individuals is necessary. This can be inferred by the analysis of the growth and reproduction parameters. The present study was designed to determine the impact of the insertion of human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (hG-CSF) transgene on growth and reproductive characteristics in first-generation (F1) goats from two transgenic lines. Bodyweight (BW) development (BW at birth, mean BW gain before weaning, BW at weaning, mean BW gain after weaning, BW at puberty), as well as reproductive parameters (age at puberty, ejaculate volume, concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, massal motility, progressive individual motility, major and minor defects) were similar (P > 0.05) between transgenic (T) and non-transgenic (NT) goats. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in mean (±s.d.) white blood cell count were observed between T and NT in first day of life (174.6 ± 14.7 × 103 and 15.0 ± 4.0 × 103 cells/µL), and during (66.8 ± 21.1 × 103 and 17.0 ± 4.6 × 103 cells/µL) and after (36.6 ± 4.0 × 103 and 15.5 ± 2.2 × 103 cells/µL) suckling, even though hG-CSF has not been detected in blood serum in any analysis. Although other cell counts were occasionally higher in T animals, differential counts showed that this difference was mainly due to an increased number of neutrophils, which represents 84.6%, 67.2% and 56.8% of total white blood cell count respectively, in the three time periods. Kidney and liver biochemical analyses indicated that all goats were healthy. Thus, it is possible to assume that all animals are normal and had no deleterious effects on either growth or reproductive parameters by the presence of transgene or as a consequence of leukocyte profile alteration.
Full Cleavage of C≡C Bond in Electron-Deficient Alkynes via Reaction with Ethylenediamine
Authors: Vasilevsky Sergei F. , Davydova Maria P. , Mamatyuk Victor I. , Tsvetkov Nikolay , Hughes Audrey , Baranov Denis S. , Alabugin Igor V.
Published: March 2017

Reaction of 1,2-diaminioethane (ethylenediamine) with electron-deficient alkynes leads to full scission of the C≡C bond even in the absence of a keto group directly attached to the alkyne. This process involves oxidation of one of the alkyne carbons into C2 of a 2-R-4,5-dihydroimidazole with the concomitant reduction of the other carbon to a methyl group. The sequence of Sonogashira coupling with the ethylenediamine-mediated fragmentation described in this work can be used for selective formal substitution of halogen in aryl halides by a methyl group or a 4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-yl moiety.
Physiological and biochemical responses to elevated temperature in a threatened freshwater crayfish, Euastacus sulcatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae)
Authors: Bone James W. P. , Renshaw Gillian M. C. , Wild Clyde H.
Published: March 2017

Projected elevations in environmental temperature are expected to have a detrimental effect on organisms with distributions that are already restricted to high-altitude refugia, especially where dispersal is compromised due to population isolation by unsuitable intervening habitats. The present study was carried out on such an organism, namely Euastacus sulcatus, to determine: (1) the temperature at which thermal stress occurs under laboratory conditions; and (2) whether thermal stress is already occurring naturally in contemporary field-acclimatised individuals. The laboratory data provided evidence that biochemical and physiological stress occurred in E. sulcatus at 22.5°C or higher. In the field, oxidative stress was characterised by an increase in the oxidised redox state of glutathione within a low-altitude population accompanied by significantly elevated protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation. The data confirmed that potential thermal stress was present in E. sulcatus residing at the lower end of its altitudinal distribution, indicating that this threatened species is already challenged within localised populations in their natural environment. Together, these results reveal that future increases in environmental temperature are not only likely to result in increased baseline levels of stress in E. sulcatus, but also forecast further restriction in the altitudinal distribution of the species in a warming climate.
Sex education: findings from the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships
Authors: Yeung Anna , Aggleton Peter , Richters Juliet , Grulich Andrew , de Visser Richard , Simpson Judy M. , Rissel Chris
Published: March 2017

In a national telephone-based survey, information on sexual behaviour and outcomes were collected from 20091 randomly selected Australians in 2012–13. Data were weighted and analysed to determine the proportion of those who had received school-based sex education and to examine the associations between sex education and sexual health outcomes, specifically a history of a sexually transmissible infection (STI), early pregnancy, contraception use at first sex, and level of STI knowledge. Just over half the respondents (53%; n = 19836) reported receiving sex education that included information about condoms and contraception. Using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, education and non-English-speaking background, we found that sex education was strongly associated with increased odds of using contraception at first vaginal intercourse (odds ratio (OR) = 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–1.71; P < 0.001) and higher levels of STI knowledge (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.46–2.12; P < 0.001).
Impact of savings groups on the lives of the poor
Authors: Karlan Dean , Savonitto Beniamino , Thuysbaert Bram , Udry Christopher
Published: March 2017

Significance

We conducted a large randomized evaluation of a savings-led microfinance program across three countries. This evaluation provides important evidence on the impact of a popular development intervention on the lives of low-income households in rural communities by looking at its effects on usage of financial services, microenterprise activity, income, female empowerment, consumption, and the ability to cope with shocks.
mTORC1/2 inhibition preserves ovarian function and fertility during genotoxic chemotherapy
Authors: Goldman Kara N. , Chenette Devon , Arju Rezina , Duncan Francesca E. , Keefe David L. , Grifo Jamie A. , Schneider Robert J.
Published: March 2017

Significance

A major unresolved issue for premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy is infertility due to the loss of nonrenewable ovarian primordial follicles. We show that pharmacologic down-regulation of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway during chemotherapy in a mouse model prevents activation of primordial follicles, preserves ovarian function, and maintains normal fertility using clinically available inhibitors of mTOR complex (C)1 and mTORC1/2. These findings represent a feasible pharmacologic approach for preservation of ovarian function and fertility during treatment with conventional chemotherapy.
Accurate model annotation of a near-atomic resolution cryo-EM map
Authors: Hryc Corey F. , Chen Dong-Hua , Afonine Pavel V. , Jakana Joanita , Wang Zhao , Haase-Pettingell Cameron , Jiang Wen , Adams Paul D. , King Jonathan A. , Schmid Michael F. , Chiu Wah
Published: March 2017

Significance

Electron cryomicroscopy is a rapidly growing field for macromolecular structure determination. We establish a computational protocol to construct a de novo atomic model from a cryo-EM density map, along with associated metadata that describe coordinate uncertainty and the density at each atom. This model faithfully replicates experimental map densities, as evidenced by cross-correlation and other metrics. Our method of annotation will be especially informative for macromolecular assemblies that exhibit resolvability variations in different parts of their structure. This procedure was applied to a 3.3-Å-resolution structure of the P22 bacteriophage to delineate interactions that stabilize the neighboring subunits in a
T
= 7 icosahedral capsid.
A Call for Evidence-Based Conservation and Management of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , Wesch Sean , Donaldson Lisa A. , Wilson Alexander D. M. , Haddaway Neal R.
Published: March 2017

Natural resource management agencies implement conservation policies with the presumption that they are effective and of benefit to aquatic ecosystems. However, it is often difficult to decide what management action to implement and what will be most effective. Here we call for natural resource management agencies to fully adopt and implement evidence-based management (EBM) for conservation and fisheries management. We support this call by providing a primer on systematic reviews, a core tool in evidence synthesis but one that is rarely used in the context of fisheries management. We highlight the benefits and challenges associated with implementing EBM, with a particular focus on the routine decisions and management actions undertaken by natural resource practitioners. We submit that by adopting EBM, practitioners would have access to the best available evidence on the effectiveness of various management and conservation interventions, while providing defensible and credible evidence to inform decision-making processes and policies.
Standard Methods for Sampling Freshwater Fishes: Opportunities for International Collaboration
Authors: Bonar Scott A. , Mercado-Silva Norman , Hubert Wayne A. , Beard T. Douglas , Dave Göran , Kubečka Jan , Graeb Brian D. S. , Lester Nigel P. , Porath Mark , Winfield Ian J.
Published: March 2017

With publication of Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes in 2009, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) recommended standard procedures for North America. To explore interest in standardizing at intercontinental scales, a symposium attended by international specialists in freshwater fish sampling was convened at the 145th Annual AFS Meeting in Portland, Oregon, in August 2015. Participants represented all continents except Australia and Antarctica and were employed by state and federal agencies, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and consulting businesses. Currently, standardization is practiced mostly in North America and Europe. Participants described how standardization has been important for management of long-term data sets, promoting fundamental scientific understanding, and assessing efficacy of large spatial scale management strategies. Academics indicated that standardization has been useful in fisheries education because time previously used to teach how sampling methods are developed is now more devoted to diagnosis and treatment of problem fish communities. Researchers reported that standardization allowed increased sample size for method validation and calibration. Group consensus was to retain continental standards where they currently exist but to further explore international and intercontinental standardization, specifically identifying where synergies and bridges exist, and identify means to collaborate with scientists where standardization is limited but interest and need occur.