bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time genomic investigation underlying the public health response to a Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliO26:H11 outbreak in a nursery
Authors: MORAN-GILAD J. , ROKNEY A. , DANINO D. , FERDOUS M. , ALSANA F. , BAUM M. , DUKHAN L. , AGMON V. , ANUKA E. , VALINSKY L. , YISHAY R. , GROTTO I. , ROSSEN J. W. A. , GDALEVICH M.
Published: September 2017

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) is a significant cause of gastrointestinal infection and the haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). STEC outbreaks are commonly associated with food but animal contact is increasingly being implicated in its transmission. We report an outbreak of STEC affecting young infants at a nursery in a rural community (three HUS cases, one definite case, one probable case, three possible cases and five carriers, based on the combination of clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data) identified using culture-based and molecular techniques. The investigation identified repeated animal contact (animal farming and petting) as a likely source of STEC introduction followed by horizontal transmission. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used for real-time investigation of the incident and revealed a unique strain of STEC O26:H11 carryingstx2aand intimin. Following a public health intervention, no additional cases have occurred. This is the first STEC outbreak reported from Israel. WGS proved as a useful tool for rapid laboratory characterization and typing of the outbreak strain and informed the public health response at an early stage of this unusual outbreak.
Positive Psychosocial Factors and Cognition in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults
Authors: Zahodne Laura B. , Watson Caitlin W.-M. , Seehra Sonia , Martinez Michelle N.
Published: September 2017

Objectives: Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from largely non-Hispanic White cohorts suggests that positive psychosocial factors, particularly self-efficacy and social support, may protect against late-life cognitive decline. Identifying potentially protective factors in racial/ethnic minority elders is of high importance due to their increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The overall goal of this study was to characterize cross-sectional associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive domains among Black, Hispanic, and White older adults. Methods: A total of 548 older adults (41% Black, 28% Hispanic, 31% White) in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project completed cognitive and psychosocial measures from the NIH Toolbox and standard neuropsychological tests. Multiple-group regressions were used to compare cross-sectional associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognition across racial/ethnic groups, independent of demographics, depressive symptoms, and physical health. Results: Positive associations between self-efficacy and language did not significantly differ across race/ethnicity, although the bivariate association between self-efficacy and language was not significant among Hispanics. Additional positive associations were observed for Whites and Blacks, but not Hispanics. Negative associations between emotional support and purpose in life and working memory were seen only in Hispanics. Conclusions: Results confirm and extend the link between self-efficacy and cognition in late life, particularly for White and Black older adults. Previous studies on positive psychosocial factors in cognitive aging may not be generalizable to Hispanics. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to determine whether negative relationships between certain psychosocial factors and cognition in Hispanics reflect reverse causation, threshold effects, and/or negative aspects of having a strong social network. (JINS, 2018, 24, 294–304)
CASH-IN-ADVANCE CONSTRAINT WITH STATUS AND ENDOGENOUS GROWTH
Authors: Kaminoyama Ken-ichi , Kawagishi Taketo
Published: September 2017

This paper explores a one-sector AK model with a cash-in-advance (CIA) constraint that itself depends on relative income, which implies status. This constraint is referred to in this study as the CIA-status constraint and it means that agents with higher income are more creditworthy and can make purchases with fewer money holdings. We mainly show that the relationship between the endogenous growth rate and money growth changes from negative to positive when the elasticity of the CIA constraint with respect to status exceeds one.
The dosimetric impact of manual adjustments following automated registration in prostate image-guided radiotherapy
Authors: ElBeltagi Mohamed Nazmy , Harper Dean , Coleman Lisa
Published: September 2017

Aim

Although manual adjustment of automatic cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) matching may improve the target coverage in certain points of interest, concerns exist that this may lead to dosimetric uncertainties which would negate the theoretical benefit of this approach. The objective of this study is to evaluate the dosimetric impact of manual adjustments made after automatic bony registration on CBCT in prostate patients.

Methods

A total of 50 CBCT datasets of ten high-risk prostate cancer patients were randomly chosen. Each CBCT dataset was registered three times. Method (A): Automatic registration, Method (M1): Manual adjustment carried out by two experienced radiation therapists, Method (M2): Manual adjustment carried out by different radiation therapists with varying levels of experience. The clinical target volume (CTV), planning target volume (PTV), the bladder and the rectum were subsequently contoured on each CBCT dataset by a radiation oncologist blinded to the registration methods. The absolute difference of various dosimetric parameters were then analysed and compared with the original planning doses. A comparison of the three matching methods employed was also carried out.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the magnitude of move taken in the inferior superior direction between M1 and M2 method. There were no significant differences observed in any of the dosimetric parameters examined in relation to the rectum, bladder or CTV. The only significant difference observed was the volume of PTV covered by the prescription isodose (95%) which was statistically significant lower in method A compared with both M1 and M2. There was no difference observed between M1 and M2 methods. The mean duration of the automated registration and subsequent analysis was 64 seconds compared with 91 seconds for automated registrations which included the additional manual adjustment.

Findings

CBCT-based manual adjustments of automated bony-based registrations during the image-guided radiotherapy verification of prostate cancer patients can improve PTV coverage without impacting negatively on the doses received by the organs at risk. This strategy is associated with a small increase in overall treatment time.
Lymphologischer Kompressionsverband oder Standardbehandlung mit Kältepackung zur Schwellungsreduktion nach Knietotalprothesen-Operation
Authors: Stocker Brigitta , Babendererde Christine , Rohner-Spengler Manuela , Müller Urs W. , Meichtry André , Luomajoki Hannu
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung.Hintergrund: Nach Implantation einer Knietotalprothese ist es wichtig, wirksame Methoden zur Schwellungsreduktion einzusetzen. Ziel: Das Ziel dieser Pilotstudie (EKNZ 2014 – 225 DRKS00006271) war es, den Effekt des lymphologischen Kompressionsverbands (LKV) im Vergleich zur Standardtherapie mit Kältepackung zu untersuchen. Methode: In dieser randomisierten, kontrollierten Pilotstudie wurden 16 Patienten nach Knietotalprothesenoperation der Interventionsgruppe (IG) oder der Kontrollgruppe (KG) zugeteilt. Umfangmessungen wurden genutzt, um die Schwellung zu beurteilen. Beweglichkeit (Range of Motion, ROM), Schmerzen (numerische Ratingskala, NRS) und Gehgeschwindigkeit (fast Self Paced Walking Test, fSPWT) dienten als sekundäre Studienendpunkte. Ergebnisse: Frühpostoperativ sowie sechs Wochen nach der Operation konnten klinisch relevante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen in der Umfangreduktion beobachtet werden. Die Zeit-Gruppe-Interaktion (IE) zugunsten der IG betrug sechs Tage postoperativ −3,8 cm (95 % KI: −5,1; −2,4) bei den Messungen 10 cm proximal des Gelenkspalts und −2,7 cm (KI: −4,1; −1,3) bei Messungen 5 cm proximal. Gruppenunterschiede zugunsten der KG wurden bei den sekundären Endpunkten beobachtet. Sechs Tage postoperativ betrugen die IE −8.3 ° (KI: −22,0; 5,4) für die Knieflexion und 12,8 Sekunden (KI: −16,4; 41,3) für den fSPWT. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse geben erste Hinweise darauf, dass die Applikation eines LKV eine alternative Massnahme sein könnte, die Schwellung bei Patienten nach Knietotalprothese zu reduzieren, jedoch möglicherweise mit leicht negativen Auswirkungen auf Beweglichkeit und Funktion.
World’s Heavy Dependence on Fossil Fuels Projected to Continue
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: September 2017

The report forecasts a 2.8% annual increase in renewable energy through 2040, making it the world’s fastest growing source of energy for electricity generation.
A DNA nanoscope via auto-cycling proximity recording
Authors: Schaus Thomas E. , Woo Sungwook , Xuan Feng , Chen Xi , Yin Peng
Published: September 2017

Analysis of the spatial arrangement of molecular features enables the engineering of synthetic nanostructures and the understanding of natural ones. The ability to acquire a comprehensive set of pairwise proximities between components would satisfy an increasing interest in investigating individual macromolecules and their interactions, but current biochemical techniques detect only a single proximity partner per probe. Here, we present a biochemical DNA nanoscopy method that records nanostructure features in situ and in detail for later readout. Based on a conceptually novel auto-cycling proximity recording (APR) mechanism, it continuously and repeatedly produces proximity records of any nearby pairs of DNA-barcoded probes, at physiological temperature, without altering the probes themselves. We demonstrate the production of dozens of records per probe, decode the spatial arrangements of 7 unique probes in a homogeneous sample, and repeatedly sample the same probes in different states.
Stereoselective one-pot synthesis of polypropionates
Authors: Ho Guo-Ming , Zulueta Medel Manuel L. , Hung Shang-Cheng
Published: September 2017

Polypropionates—motifs with alternating methyl and hydroxy groups—are important segments of many natural products possessing high bioactivity and therapeutic value. Synthetic access to these structures remains an area of intensive interest, focusing on the establishment of the contiguous stereocentres and a desire for operational simplicity. Here we report an efficient strategy for the stereoselective assembly of polypropionates with three or four stereocentres through a three-step relay process that include Diels–Alder reaction, silylenol ether hydrolysis and Baeyer–Villiger oxidation. The stereochemistry and functionality of the resulting polypropionates depend on the substitution pattern of the diene and dienophile substrates of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition. More importantly, the relay sequence is effectively performed in one pot, and the product could potentially undergo the same sequence for further elaboration. Finally, the C1–C9 segment of the macrolide etnangien is constructed with four of the six stereogenic centres established using the relay sequence.
Pseudo-topotactic conversion of carbon nanotubes to T-carbon nanowires under picosecond laser irradiation in methanol
Authors: Zhang Jinying , Wang Rui , Zhu Xi , Pan Aifei , Han Chenxiao , Li Xin , Dan Zhao  , Ma Chuansheng , Wang Wenjun , Su Haibin , Niu Chunming
Published: September 2017

Pseudo-topotactic conversion of carbon nanotubes into one-dimensional carbon nanowires is a challenging but feasible path to obtain desired diameters and morphologies. Here, a previously predicted but experimentally unobserved carbon allotrope, T-carbon, has been produced from pseudo-topotactic conversion of a multi-walled carbon nanotube suspension in methanol by picosecond pulsed-laser irradiation. The as-grown T-carbon nanowires have the same diameter distribution as pristine carbon nanotubes, and have been characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, fast Fourier transform, electron energy loss, ultraviolet–visible, and photoluminescence spectroscopies to possess a diamond-like lattice, where each carbon is replaced by a carbon tetrahedron, and a lattice constant of 7.80 Å. The change in entropy from carbon nanotubes to T-carbon reveals the phase transformation to be first order in nature. The computed electronic band structures and projected density of states are in good agreement with the optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the T-carbon nanowires.
New Zealand supereruption provides time marker for the Last Glacial Maximum in Antarctica
Authors: Dunbar Nelia W. , Iverson Nels A. , Van Eaton Alexa R. , Sigl Michael , Alloway Brent V. , Kurbatov Andrei V. , Mastin Larry G. , McConnell Joseph R. , Wilson Colin J. N.
Published: September 2017

Multiple, independent time markers are essential to correlate sediment and ice cores from the terrestrial, marine and glacial realms. These records constrain global paleoclimate reconstructions and inform future climate change scenarios. In the Northern Hemisphere, sub-visible layers of volcanic ash (cryptotephra) are valuable time markers due to their widespread dispersal and unique geochemical fingerprints. However, cryptotephra are not as widely identified in the Southern Hemisphere, leaving a gap in the climate record, particularly during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Here we report the first identification of New Zealand volcanic ash in Antarctic ice. The Oruanui supereruption from Taupo volcano (25,580  ±  258 cal. a BP) provides a key time marker for the LGM in the New Zealand sector of the SW Pacific. This finding provides a high-precision chronological link to mid-latitude terrestrial and marine sites, and sheds light on the long-distance transport of tephra in the Southern Hemisphere. As occurred after identification of the Alaskan White River Ash in northern Europe, recognition of ash from the Oruanui eruption in Antarctica dramatically increases the reach and value of tephrochronology, providing links among climate records in widely different geographic areas and depositional environments.
Exploitation of a newly-identified entry pathway into the malaria parasite-infected erythrocyte to inhibit parasite egress
Authors: Glushakova Svetlana , Busse Brad L. , Garten Matthias , Beck Josh R. , Fairhurst Rick M. , Goldberg Daniel E. , Zimmerberg Joshua
Published: September 2017

While many parasites develop within host cells to avoid antibody responses and to utilize host cytoplasmic resources, elaborate egress processes have evolved to minimize the time between escaping and invading the next cell. In human erythrocytes, malaria parasites perforate their enclosing erythrocyte membrane shortly before egress. Here, we show that these pores clearly function as an entry pathway into infected erythrocytes for compounds that inhibit parasite egress. The natural glycosaminoglycan heparin surprisingly inhibited malaria parasiteegress, trapping merozoites within infected erythrocytes. Labeled heparin neither bound to nor translocated through the intact erythrocyte membrane during parasite development, but fluxed into erythrocytes at the last minute of the parasite lifecycle. This short encounter was sufficient to significantly inhibit parasite egress and dispersion. Heparin blocks egress by interacting with both the surface of intra-erythrocytic merozoites and the inner aspect of erythrocyte membranes, preventing the rupture of infected erythrocytes but not parasitophorous vacuoles, and independently interfering with merozoite disaggregation. Since this action of heparin recapitulates that of neutralizing antibodies, membrane perforation presents a brief opportunity for a new strategy to inhibit parasite egress and replication.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence of Silicon Phthalocyanine Carboxylate Esters
Authors: Pal Amlan K. , Varghese Shinto , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Samuel Ifor D. W. , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: September 2017

Seven silicon(IV) phthalocyanine carboxylate esters (SiPcs, 1–7) with non-, partially- and per-fluorinated aliphatic (linear or branched at the alpha-carbon) and aromatic ester groups have been synthesized, their solid-state structures determined and their optoelectronic properties characterized. The SiPcs exhibit quasi-reversible oxidation waves (vs. Fc+/Fc) at 0.58–0.75 V and reduction waves at −0.97 to −1.16 V centered on the phthalocyanine ring with a narrow redox gap range of 1.70–1.75 V. Strong absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region is observed for 1–7 with the lowest-energy absorption maximum (Q band) varying little as a function of ester between 682 and 691 nm. SiPcs 1–7 fluorescence in the near-infrared with emission maxima at 691–700 nm. The photoluminescence quantum yields range from 40 to 52%. As a function of esterification, the SiPcs 1–7 exhibit moderate-to-good solubility in chlorinated solvents, such as 1,2-dichlorobenzene and chloroform.
Changes in regional heatwave characteristics as a function of increasing global temperature
Authors: Perkins-Kirkpatrick S. E. , Gibson P. B.
Published: September 2017

The Paris Agreement calls for global warming to be limited to 1.5–2 °C. For the first time, this study investigates how different regional heatwave characteristics (intensity, frequency and duration) are projected to change relative to increasing global warming thresholds. Increases in heatwave days between 4–34 extra days per season are projected per °C of global warming. Some tropical regions could experience up to 120 extra heatwave days/season if 5 °C is reached. Increases in heatwave intensity are generally 0.5–1.5 °C above a given global warming threshold, however are higher over the Mediterranean and Central Asian regions. Between warming thresholds of 1.5 °C and 2.5 °C, the return intervals of intense heatwaves reduce by 2–3 fold. Heatwave duration is projected to increase by 2–10 days/°C, with larger changes over lower latitudes. Analysis of two climate model ensembles indicate that variation in the rate of heatwave changes is dependent on physical differences between different climate models, however internal climate variability bears considerable influence on the expected range of regional heatwave changes per warming threshold. The results of this study reiterate the potential for disastrous consequences associated with regional heatwaves if global mean warming is not limited to 2 degrees.
Human Cerebrospinal fluid promotes long-term neuronal viability and network function in human neocortical organotypic brain slice cultures
Authors: Schwarz Niklas , Hedrich Ulrike B. S. , Schwarz Hannah , P.A. Harshad , Dammeier Nele , Auffenberg Eva , Bedogni Francesco , Honegger Jürgen B. , Lerche Holger , Wuttke Thomas V. , Koch Henner
Published: September 2017

Pathophysiological investigation of CNS-related diseases, such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative disorders, largely relies on histological studies on human post mortem tissue, tissue obtained by biopsy or resective surgery and on studies using disease models including animal models, heterologous expression systems or cell culture based approaches. However, in general it remains elusive to what extent results obtained in model systems can be directly translated to the human brain, calling for strategies allowing validation or even primary investigation in live human CNS tissue. In the work reported here, we prepared human organotypic slice cultures from access tissue of resective epilepsy surgery. Employing different culture conditions, we systematically compared artificial culturing media versus human cerbrospinal fluid (hCSF) obtained from patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Presented data demonstrates sustained cortical neuronal survival including not only maintenance of typical cellular electrophysiological properties and activity, such as robust action potential generation and synaptic connectivity, but also preservation of tonic and phasic network activity up to several weeksin vitro. As clearly delineated by immunocytochemistry, single cell patch clamp and extracellular recordings, we find that in contrast to artificial culturing media, hCSF significantly enhances neuron viability and maintenance of network activity.
Optimization-based Dielectric Metasurfaces for Angle-Selective Multifunctional Beam Deflection
Authors: Cheng Jierong , Inampudi Sandeep , Mosallaei Hossein
Published: September 2017

Synthesization of multiple functionalities over a flat metasurface platform offers a promising approach to achieving integrated photonic devices with minimized footprint. Metasurfaces capable of diverse wavefront shaping according to wavelengths and polarizations have been demonstrated. Here we propose a class of angle-selective metasurfaces, over which beams are reflected following different and independent phase gradients in the light of the beam direction. Such powerful feature is achieved by leveraging the local phase modulation and the non-local lattice diffraction via inverse scattered field and geometry optimization in a monolayer dielectric grating, whereas most of the previous designs utilize the local phase modulation only and operate optimally for a specific angle. Beam combiner/splitter and independent multibeam deflections with up to 4 incident angles are numerically demonstrated respectively at the wavelength of 700 nm. The deflection efficiency is around 45% due to the material loss and the compromise of multi-angle responses. Flexibility of the approach is further validated by additional designs of angle-switchable metagratings as splitter/reflector and transparent/opaque mirror. The proposed designs hold great potential for increasing information density of compact optical components from the degree of freedom of angle.
Fingerprint of local disorder in long range ordered isometric pyrochlores
Authors: Martel Laura , Naji Mohamed , Popa Karin , Vigier Jean-François , Somers Joseph
Published: September 2017

The detailed characterization of local order and disorder in isometric A2B2O7 crystalline pyrochlores is of significant importance in view of their wide range and sensitive technological applications. Nevertheless, much remains to be understood concerning their atomic scale structures. Here we specifically pinpoint local order and disorder in four stoichiometric Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm and Eu) pyrochlores using a combination of three standard easily available laboratory techniques: XRD, 17O solid-state MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopy. The evolution of the oxygen sub-lattice identifies specific features (extra 17O NMR signals and Raman bands) which undoubtedly reveal local oxygen order and disorder in these stoichiometric long range ordered crystalline pyrochlores. These results complete the understanding of the atomic scale in these stoichiometric pyrochlores necessitating the need for new microscopic structural models.
Radioactive isotopes reveal a non sluggish kinetics of grain boundary diffusion in high entropy alloys
Authors: Vaidya M. , Pradeep K. G. , Murty B. S. , Wilde G. , Divinski S. V.
Published: September 2017

High entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as a new class of multicomponent materials, which have potential for high temperature applications. Phase stability and creep deformation, two key selection criteria for high temperature materials, are predominantly influenced by the diffusion of constituent elements along the grain boundaries (GBs). For the first time, GB diffusion of Ni in chemically homogeneous CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi HEAs is measured by radiotracer analysis using the 63Ni isotope. Atom probe tomography confirmed the absence of elemental segregation at GBs that allowed reliable estimation of the GB width to be about 0.5 nm. Our GB diffusion measurements prove that a mere increase in number of constituent elements does not lower the diffusion rates in HEAs, but the nature of added constituents plays a more decisive role. The GB energies in both HEAs are estimated at about 0.8–0.9 J/m2, they are found to increase significantly with temperature and the effect is more pronounced for the CoCrFeMnNi alloy.
Polygenic loading for major depression is associated with specific medical comorbidity
Authors: McCoy T H , Castro V M , Snapper L , Hart K , Januzzi J L , Huffman J C , Perlis R H
Published: September 2017

Major depressive disorder frequently co-occurs with medical disorders, raising the possibility of shared genetic liability. Recent identification of 15 novel genetic loci associated with depression allows direct investigation of this question. In cohorts of individuals participating in biobanks at two academic medical centers, we calculated polygenic loading for risk loci reported to be associated with depression. We then examined the association between such loading and 50 groups of clinical diagnoses, or topics, drawn from these patients' electronic health records, determined using a novel application of latent Dirichilet allocation. Three topics showed experiment-wide association with the depression liability score; these included diagnostic groups representing greater prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders, greater prevalence of cardiac ischemia, and a decreased prevalence of heart failure. The latter two associations persisted even among individuals with no mood disorder diagnosis. This application of a novel method for grouping related diagnoses in biobanks indicate shared genetic risk for depression and cardiac disease, with a pattern suggesting greater ischemic risk and diminished heart failure risk.
An evaluation of the effects of intensity and duration on outcomes across treatment domains for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Linstead E , Dixon D R , Hong E , Burns C O , French R , Novack M N , Granpeesheh D
Published: September 2017

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is considered an effective treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and many researchers have further investigated factors associated with treatment outcomes. However, few studies have focused on whether treatment intensity and duration have differential influences on separate skills. The aim of the current study was to investigate how treatment intensity and duration impact learning across different treatment domains, including academic, adaptive, cognitive, executive function, language, motor, play, and social. Separate multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate these relationships. Participants included 1468 children with ASD, ages 18 months to 12 years old, M=7.57 years, s.d.=2.37, who were receiving individualized ABA services. The results indicated that treatment intensity and duration were both significant predictors of mastered learning objectives across all eight treatment domains. The academic and language domains showed the strongest response, with effect sizes of 1.68 and 1.85 for treatment intensity and 4.70 and 9.02 for treatment duration, respectively. These findings are consistent with previous research that total dosage of treatment positively influences outcomes. The current study also expands on extant literature by providing a better understanding of the differential impact that these treatment variables have across various treatment domains.
Switching the surface homochiral assembly by surface host–guest chemistry
Authors: Li Shu-Ying , Chen Ting , Yue Jie-Yu , Wang Dong , Wan Li-Jun
Published: September 2017

Surface chirality could be switched by host–guest chemistry.
Interplay between superparamagnetic and blocked behavior in an ensemble of lanthanum–strontium manganite nanoparticles
Authors: Kalita V. M. , Polishchuk D. M. , Kovalchuk D. G. , Bodnaruk A. V. , Solopan S. O. , Tovstolytkin A. I. , Ryabchenko S. M. , Belous A. G.
Published: September 2017

Magnetic nanoparticles constitute promising tools for addressing medical and health-related issues based on the possibility to obtain various kinds of responses triggered by safe remote stimuli.
An interesting 1,4,2,5-dioxadiazine-furazan system: structural modification by incorporating versatile functionalities
Authors: Yu Qiong , Cheng Guangbin , Ju Xuehai , Lu Chunxu , Lin Qiuhan , Yang Hongwei
Published: September 2017

An N-trinitroethylamino derivative and amminonium salt based on the 1,4,2,5-dioxadiazene-furazan system are synthesized and characterized. Due to their layer-by-layer structure, these two compounds show good thermal stabilities and low sensitivities.
Pseudo electron-deficient organometallics: limited reactivity towards electron-donating ligands
Authors: Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Lupan Alexandru , Zegke Markus , Swift Thomas , Attia Amr A. A. , Lord Rianne M. , Barry Nicolas P. E.
Published: September 2017

This work presents the unusual reactivity of a family of electron-deficient half-sandwich metal complexes.
A porous copper–organic framework with intersecting channels and gas adsorption properties
Authors: Xue Zhen-Zhen , Zhang Di , Pan Jie , Han Song-De , Li Jin-Hua , Wang Guo-Ming
Published: September 2017

Integration of [CuI2I2] and [CuII2(COO)4(H2O)2] clusters produces a porous copper–organic framework, exhibiting high H2 uptake capacity and excellent adsorption selectivity for CO2 over N2 and CH4.
Quantitative SERS by hot spot normalization – surface enhanced Rayleigh band intensity as an alternative evaluation parameter for SERS substrate performance
Authors: Wei Haoran , McCarthy Alexis , Song Junyeob , Zhou Wei , Vikesland Peter J.
Published: September 2017

The performance of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates is typically evaluated by calculating an enhancement factor (EF). However, it is challenging to accurately calculate EF values since the calculation often requires the use of model analytes and requires assumptions about the number of analyte molecules within the laser excitation volume. Furthermore, the measured EF values are target analyte dependent and thus it is challenging to compare substrates with EF values obtained using different analytes. In this study, we propose an alternative evaluation parameter for SERS substrate performance that is based on the intensity of the surface plasmon enhanced Rayleigh band (IRayleigh) that originates from the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of the laser. Compared to the EF, IRayleigh reflects the enhancing capability of the substrate itself, is easy to measure without the use of any analytes, and is universally applicable for the comparison of SERS substrates. Six SERS substrates with different states (solid, suspended in liquid, and hydrogel), different plasmonic nanoparticle identities (silver and gold), as well as different nanoparticle sizes and shapes were used to support our hypothesis. The results show that there are excellent correlations between the measured SERS intensities and IRayleigh as well as between the SERS homogeneity and the variation of IRayleigh acquired with the six SERS substrates. These results suggest that IRayleigh can be used as an evaluation parameter for both SERS substrate efficiency and reproducibility.
Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative activity and bioaccessibility of Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoidesL.) berries as affected byin vitrodigestion
Authors: Guo Ruixue , Chang Xiaoxiao , Guo Xinbo , Brennan Charles Stephen , Li Tong , Fu Xiong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: September 2017

Phenolics, antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of Sea buckthorn berries were evaluated using a simulatedin vitrodigestion.
B(C6F5)3 catalysed reduction of para-quinone methides and fuchsones to access unsymmetrical diaryl- and triarylmethanes: elaboration to beclobrate
Authors: Mahesh Sriram , Vijaya Anand Ramasamy
Published: September 2017

An effective method for the synthesis of diaryl- and triarylmethane derivatives through a Lewis acid catalyzed reduction of para-quinone methides and fuchsones, respectively, using the Hantzsch ester as a hydride surrogate is described.
Synthesis and self-assembly of unconventional C3-symmetrical trisubstituted triphenylenes
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Yi-Xuan , Ren Xiang-Kui , Chen Long
Published: September 2017

Unconventional C3-symmetric triphenylenes bearing three amide groups at the 1-, 5-, and 9-positions were synthesized. Their self-assembly behavior was investigated in detail through adjustment of the length of the alkyl chains.
Tuning of the interval in a nanohole array of anodic porous alumina through deformation of polymer templates
Authors: Kondo T. , Nagao S. , Miyazaki H. , Yanagishita T. , Masuda H.
Published: September 2017

A new type of process for the fabrication of ideally ordered anodic porous alumina with the desired hole interval is demonstrated.
Proposed heptagon graph for DGA interpretation of oil transformers
Authors: Gouda Osama E. , El‐Hoshy Salah H. , El‐Tamaly Hassan H.
Published: September 2017

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is one of the most acceptable methods used for detecting and evaluating gases dissolved in mineral oil and also in the solid insulation of internal incipient faults in the power and distribution transformers based on the oil samples. DGA has been proved the most accurate method for condition assessment of power and distribution transformers. The fault types depend upon type and concentrations of each gas dissolved in oil. IEC, Rogers, Doernenburg and Duval techniques, in spite of their importance in diagnosing certain types of faults, do not consider the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to evaluate cellulose insulation degradation. Some of these techniques do not take into account the impact of ethane (C2 H6) and hydrogen (H2) for the evaluation of fault types. A new graphical method “Heptagon” based on seven gases produced in faulty transformer oil decomposition is presented. Based on about 452 test samples of transformer oil DGA, the Heptagon figure is drawn and the zones of different fault types are determined. The suggested technique is tested and compared with other techniques.
Detecting transit signatures of exoplanetary rings using SOAP3.0
Authors: Akinsanmi B. , Oshagh M. , Santos N. C. , Barros S. C. C.
Published: September 2017

Context. It is theoretically possible for rings to have formed around extrasolar planets in a similar way to that in which they formed around the giant planets in our solar system. However, no such rings have been detected to date.

Aims. We aim to test the possibility of detecting rings around exoplanets by investigating the photometric and spectroscopic ring signatures in high-precision transit signals.

Methods. The photometric and spectroscopic transit signals of a ringed planet is expected to show deviations from that of a spherical planet. We used these deviations to quantify the detectability of rings. We present SOAP3.0 which is a numerical tool to simulate ringed planet transits and measure ring detectability based on amplitudes of the residuals between the ringed planet signal and best fit ringless model.

Results. We find that it is possible to detect the photometric and spectroscopic signature of near edge-on rings especially around planets with high impact parameter. Time resolution ≤7 min is required for the photometric detection, while 15 min is sufficient for the spectroscopic detection. We also show that future instruments like CHEOPS and ESPRESSO, with precisions that allow ring signatures to be well above their noise-level, present good prospects for detecting rings.
Detection of a repeated transit signature in the light curve of the enigma star KIC 8462852: A possible 928-day period
Authors: Kiefer F. , Lecavelier des Étangs A. , Vidal-Madjar A. , Hébrard G. , Bourrier V. , Wilson P. A.
Published: September 2017

As revealed by its peculiar Kepler light curve, the enigmatic star KIC 8462852 undergoes short and deep flux dimmings at a priori unrelated epochs. This star presents nonetheless all other characteristics of a quiet 1 Gyr old F3V star. These dimmings resemble the absorption features expected for the transit of dust cometary tails. The exocomet scenario is therefore most commonly advocated. We reanalysed the Kepler data and extracted a new high-quality light curve to allow for the search of shallow signatures of single or a few exocomets. We discovered that among the 22 flux dimming events that we identified, two events present a striking similarity. These events occurred 928.25 days apart and lasted for 4.4 days with a drop in the star brightness by 1000 ppm. We show that the light curve of these events is well explained by the occultation of the star by a giant ring system or by the transit of a string of half a dozen exocomets with a typical dust production rate of 105–106 kg s-1. Assuming that these two similar events are related to the transit of the same object, we derive a period of 928.25 days. The following transit was expected in March 2017 but bad weather prohibited us from detecting it from ground-based spectroscopy. We predict that the next event will occur between 3−8 October 2019.
Otitis Externa in Secondary Care: A Change in Our Practice Following a Full Cycle Audit
Authors: Liu Zhaobo , Slim Mohd , Scally Catherine
Published: September 2017

Introduction Patients presenting with otitis externa are a common thing in otolaryngology units. However, the practice has not been standardized due to a lack of consensus over the management of this condition in secondary care. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline has been published targeting the general practitioners, but it may be relevant in cases of hospital first-time attenders.

Objective To conduct an audit of the investigative and prescription practice for hospital first-time attenders in our department against the NICE guideline for otitis externa.

Methods The case notes of the patients presenting with otitis externa were reviewed. The data collation included the performance of ear swabs and choice of eardrops.

Results An initial audit showed that ear swabs were sent in 14 out of 19 cases, of which 11 grew either Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus (organisms that are sensitive to empirical treatment). A re-audit showed higher adherence to NICE recommendations, with ear swabs sent in only 3 out of 25 cases. The initial audit also demonstrated Sofradex (Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) as the most popular empirical eardrop. Following our recommendation, the re-audit showed that Betnesol-N (GSK, Brentford, UK) was administered in 24 out of 25 cases.

Conclusion We recommend Betnesol-N due to its cost-effectiveness. Ear swabs should be reserved for refractory cases only. Posters and email reminders are effective means of disseminating information within the hospital.
The Amelioration of Insulin Resistance in Salt Loading Subjects by Potassium Supplementation is Associated with a Reduction in Plasma IL-17A Levels
Authors: Wen Wen , Wan Zhaofei , Zhou Dong , Zhou Juan , Yuan Zuyi
Published: September 2017

Background High dietary salt intake contributes to the development of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases including metabolic syndrome (MetS) which potassium supplementation can potentially reverse. T helper (Th) 17 cells as well as its production interleukin (IL)-17A are involved in the pathogenesis of MetS. The polarization of Th17 cells and enhanced IL-17A production induced by high salt might increase the risk of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.

Methods 45 normotensive subjects (aged 29 to 65 years) were enrolled from a rural community of Northern China at random. All of the participants were maintained on a low-salt (3 g/day) diet for 7 days, a high-salt (18 g/day) diet for 7 days, and then a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation (4.5 g/day, KCl) for another 7 days. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined based on the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR).

Results Participants exhibited increased plasma insulin level, as well as progressed HOMA-IR, during a high-salt diet intervention, which potassium supplementation reversed. Moreover, after salt loading, the plasma IL-17A concentrations increased significantly (4.2±2.1 pg/mL to 9.7±5.1 pg/mL; P<0.01), whereas dropped considerably when dietary potassium was supplemented (9.7±5.1 pg/mL to 2.0±0.9 pg/mL; P<0.001). Statistically significant correlations were found between changes in HOMA-IR and changes in plasma IL-17A concentrations during the interventions (low- to high-salt: r=0.642, P<0.01; high-salt to potassium supplementation: r=0.703, P<0.01). Based on multivariate regression analysis, plasma IL-17A showed as an independent predictor of IR.

Conclusions The amelioration of salt-loading-induced IR by potassium supplementation in participants may be related to the reduction in plasma IL-17A concentration.
Das Parsonage-Turner-Syndrom
Authors: Katzer Alexander , Niedermauntel Wolf-Peter , Rump Jörg
Published: September 2017

Die neuralgische Schultermyatrophie (Parsonage-Turner-Syndrom) ist eine selten auftretende, akute periphere Neuropathie des Plexus cervicobrachialis. Die genaue Ursache der Erkrankung ist nicht bekannt. Die Diagnose kann aufgrund der Anamnese und körperlichen Untersuchung gestellt werden. Ergänzend ist die Durchführung einer Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) der betroffenen Schulter und ggf. der HWS zum Ausschluss konkurrierender Ursachen sinnvoll. Eine spezifische Therapie existiert nicht. Die Erkrankung heilt in Abhängigkeit von der Intensität der Erstmanifestation in etwa 50 – 67% der Fälle innerhalb von 2 bis 3 Jahren aus. Bei unvollständiger Erholung können neurologische Defizite verbleiben, insbesondere nach wiederholten Attacken an derselben Extremität.
Psychoneuroimmunologie und Autoimmunerkrankungen – eine paradigmatische Herausforderung
Authors: Schubert Christian , Hannemann Julian
Published: September 2017

Die Psychoneuroimmunologie (PNI) befasst sich mit dem Einfluss psychischer Faktoren auf das Immunsystem und die körperliche Gesundheit, wobei neuroendokrine netzwerkartige Verbindungen als vermittelnd gelten. Die Autoimmunerkrankungen (AIK) gehören zu jenen Krankheiten, bei der psychoneuroimmunologische Untersuchungen klare Zusammenhänge zwischen Stressoren und Entzündungsanstiegen aufzeigen. Weiter konnten bei AIK-Patienten Entzündungsreduktionen bei positiven Emotionen nachgewiesen werden. Forschungsergebnisse integrativer Einzelfallstudien, deren biopsychosozialer Untersuchungszugang der Komplexität der PNI besser Rechnung trägt als die konventionellen Forschungsdesigns der Biomedizin (z.B. Randomized Controlled Trials [RCT]), bestätigen diese Zusammenhänge und geben darüber hinaus wertvolle Hinweise auf mögliche biopsychosoziale Entstehungswege von AIK. Gerade weil die Ursachen vieler AIK bisher ungeklärt sind, gewinnt der ganzheitliche Behandlungsansatz der Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin vor diesem Hintergrund an Bedeutung.
Lebensstil und Demenz – Befunde und Überlegungen
Authors: Walach Harald , Loef Martin
Published: September 2017

Der Fokus der Demenzforschung liegt nach wie vor auf der Untersuchung der molekularen, pathophysiologischen Mechanismen. Wir umreißen in diesem Beitrag einige unserer Befunde, die aus systematischen Überblicksarbeiten der Literatur herrühren. Daraus kann man ableiten, dass Demenz sehr wohl einige Zusammenhänge mit Verhalten, vor allem mit dem Lebensstil und der Ernährung aufweist und daher auch durch entsprechende Lebensstiländerungen präventiv und aktiv angegangen werden kann. Die Empfehlungen, die wir daraus für unser lebensstilbasiertes Präventionsprogramm abgeleitet haben, sind ähnlich denen, die relativ generisch auch für andere chronische Krankheiten gelten, mit einigen demenzspezifischen Besonderheiten. Wichtig ist dabei neben der Vermeidung und allenfalls sachgerechten Ausleitung von Schwermetallen in der Ernährung eine gute Balance von Omega-3- und Omega-6-Fettsäuren, Vorsicht mit Zucker und mit rasch in Zucker metabolisierbaren Kohlehydraten und daher eher eine ketogene bzw. dieser ähnliche Ernährungsform mit viel Antioxidantien, ein normaler Body-Mass-Index sowie ausreichende Bewegung, gute Sozialkontakte und am besten eine regelmäßige Form der Bewusstseinskultur, etwa Meditation oder Achtsamkeit. Wir haben eine Lebensstildiagnostik zusammengestellt, die allgemein verfügbar ist.
Integrative Behandlung von Patienten mit Parkinson
Authors: Mutter Joachim
Published: September 2017

In den meisten Fällen ist die Ursache einer Morbus-Parkinson-Erkrankung unklar. Die konventionellen Behandlungsoptionen sind nicht immer ausreichend oder werden aufgrund unerwünschter Wirkungen von den Patienten abgelehnt.

Verschiedene Studien legen den Einfluss von Umweltfaktoren auf die Entstehung neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen wie Morbus Parkinson nahe. Insbesondere Schwermetallbelastungen durch Zahnmaterialien scheinen eine Rolle zu spielen.

Mit einer integrativen Therapie, die u. a. die Ernährung, den Mikronährstoffstatus, Schwermetallbelastungen und mögliche neurotrope Infektionen berücksichtigt, kann der Behandlungserfolg erheblich verbessert bzw. die Krankheitsprogression gestoppt werden.
„Sozial bedeutet nicht unbedingt nett“
Authors: Niklas Anke
Published: September 2017

Franca Parianen hat in Münster und Utrecht Sozial- und Neurowissenschaften studiert. Nach Stationen am Helmholtz Institut Utrecht, der Universität Oxford, am Jacobs Center for Lifelong Learning in Bremen, forschte sie 2014–2017 am Max-Planck-Institut für Kognitions- und Neurowissenschaften in Leipzig. Seit 08/2017 ist sie wieder am Helmholtz Institut in Utrecht tätig. Zu ihren Forschungsschwerpunkten zählen die neuronalen und evolutionären Grundlagen des menschlichen Sozialverhaltens. Neben ihrer Forschungsarbeit tritt Parianen bei Science Slams, u. a. bei medizinischen Kongressen, auf.
Evaluation of Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Content: Cannabis Flower Compared to Supercritical CO2 Concentrate
Authors: Sexton Michelle , Shelton Kyle , Haley Pam , West Mike
Published: September 2017

A recent cannabis use survey revealed that 60% of cannabis users rely on smelling the flower to select their cannabis. Olfactory indicators in plants include volatile compounds, principally represented by the terpenoid fraction. Currently, medicinal- and adult-use cannabis is marketed in the United States with relatively little differentiation between products other than by a common name, association with a species type, and Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol potency. Because of this practice, how terpenoid compositions may change during an extraction process is widely overlooked. Here we report on a comparative study of terpenoid and cannabinoid potencies of flower and supercritical fluid CO2 (SC-CO2) extract from six cannabis chemovars grown in Washington State. To enable this comparison, we employed a validated high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector methodology for quantification of seven cannabinoids and developed an internal gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for quantification of 42 terpenes. The relative potencies of terpenoids and cannabinoids in flower versus concentrate were significantly different. Cannabinoid potency increased by factors of 3.2 for Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and 4.0 for cannabidiol in concentrates compared to flower. Monoterpenes were lost in the extraction process; a ketone increased by 2.2; an ether by 2.7; monoterpene alcohols by 5.3, 7 and 9.4; and sesquiterpenes by 5.1, 4.2, 7.7, and 8.9. Our results demonstrate that the product of SC-CO2 extraction may have a significantly different chemotypic fingerprint from that of cannabis flower. These results highlight the need for more complete characterization of cannabis and associated products, beyond cannabinoid content, in order to further understand health-related consequences of inhaling or ingesting concentrated forms.