bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of coupling-induced oscillations and broken symmetries in heterogeneously driven nonlinear reaction networks
Authors: Sreenivasan Varsha , Menon Shakti N. , Sinha Sitabhra
Published: May 2017

Many natural systems including the brain comprise coupled elements that are stimulated non-uniformly. In this paper we show that heterogeneously driven networks of excitatory-inhibitory units exhibit a diverse range of collective phenomena, including the appearance of spontaneous oscillations upon coupling quiescent elements. On varying the coupling strength a previously unreported transition is seen wherein the symmetries of the synchronization patterns in the stimulated and unstimulated groups undergo mutual exchange. The system also exhibits coexisting chaotic and non-chaotic attractors - a result that may be of interest in connection to earlier reports of varying degrees of chaoticity in the brain.
Paternal obesity modifies the effect of an antenatal lifestyle intervention in women who are overweight or obese on newborn anthropometry
Authors: Dodd Jodie M. , Du Plessis Lodewyk E. , Deussen Andrea R. , Grivell Rosalie M. , Yelland Lisa N. , Louise Jennie , Mcphee Andrew J. , Robinson Jeffrey S. , Owens Julie A.
Published: May 2017

The contribution of paternal obesity to pregnancy outcomes has been little described. Our aims were to determine whether the effect of an antenatal maternal dietary and lifestyle intervention among women who are overweight or obese on newborn adiposity, was modified by paternal obesity. We conducted a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomised trial. Pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 received either Lifestyle Advice or Standard Care. Paternal anthropometric measures included height, weight, BMI; waist, hip, calf and mid-upper arm circumferences; biceps and calf skinfold thickness measurements (SFTM); and percentage body fat. Newborn anthropometric outcomes included length; weight; head, arm, abdominal, and chest circumferences; biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, thigh, and lateral abdominal wall SFTM; and percentage body fat. The effect of an antenatal maternal dietary and lifestyle intervention among women who were overweight or obese on neonatal anthropometric measures, was significantly modified by paternal BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2, with a significantly smaller infant triceps, suprailiac, and thigh SFTM, and percent fat mass, compared with that observed in offspring of lean fathers. Further research is required to determine whether our observed associations are causal, and whether paternal weight loss prior to conception is a potential strategy to reduce the intergenerational effects of obesity.
Features of glycemic variations in drug naïve type 2 diabetic patients with different HbA1c values
Authors: Li Feng-fei , Liu Bing-li , Yan Reng-na , Zhu Hong-hong , Zhou Pei-hua , Li Hui-qin , Su Xiao-fei , Wu Jin-dan , Zhang Dan-feng , Ye Lei , Ma Jian-hua
Published: May 2017

To define the features of glycemic variations in drug naïve type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients with different HbA1c values using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), a total of 195 drug naïve T2D patients were admitted. The subjects were divided into the following groups: lower HbA1c values (≤8%), moderate HbA1c values (>8% and ≤10%), and higher HbA1c values (>10%). The patients underwent oral glucose tolerance tests and were then subjected to 3-day CGM. The primary endpoint was the differences in the 24-hr mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) in patients with different HbA1c values. Patients with higher HbA1c values had larger MAGEs than those in the moderate and lower groups (7.44 ± 3.00 vs. 6.30 ± 2.38, P < 0.05, 7.44 ± 3.00 vs. 5.20 ± 2.35, P < 0.01, respectively). The 24-hr mean glucose concentrations increased incrementally in the patients with lower, moderate and higher HbA1c values. Moreover, the patients with higher HbA1c values exhibited higher peak glucose concentrations and prolongation in the time to peak glucose. Patients with higher HbA1c values had larger MAGE compared with those with lower and moderate HbA1c values. Our data indicated patients with higher HbA1c values should receive special therapy aimed at reducing the larger glycemic variations.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of tyrosinase (Tyr) 3′ UTR induce graying in rabbit
Authors: Song Yuning , Xu Yuxin , Deng Jichao , Chen Mao , Lu Yi , Wang Yong , Yao Haobin , Zhou Lina , Liu Zhiquan , Lai Liangxue , Li Zhanjun
Published: May 2017

The 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), located at the end of mRNA molecules, are believed to play a role in RNA replication and/or protein translation. Mutations in the tyrosinase (Tyr) gene are known to cause recessive albinism in humans and other species. In this study, to test whether the CRISPR/Cas9 system works on the mutation of the UTRs regulatory region in rabbit, the 3′ UTR of the rabbit Tyr gene was deleted by a dual sgRNA directed CRISPR/Cas9 system. As expected, gray coat color and reduced melanin in hair follicles and irises was found in the mutated rabbit, thus increasing confidence in the association of the mutation of the Tyr 3′ UTR with graying in rabbit. The graying phenotype was also found in the F1 generation, suggesting that the mutated allele can be stably inherited by the offspring. Thus, we provide the first evidence that reduced melanin and graying can be caused by deletion of the Tyr 3′ UTR in rabbits. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated large fragment deletions can facilitate genotype to phenotype studies of UTRs or non-coding RNAs in future.
Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) methylation and its association with clinical prognosis in patients with chondrosarcoma
Authors: Liu Pei , Shen Jacson K. , Hornicek Francis J. , Liu Fuyun , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: May 2017

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a rare cancer, but it is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor and highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Aberrant DNA methylation in the promoter CpG island of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) has been observed in different cancers. However, no studies have shown the relationship between WIF1 methylation and CS. In this study, we found promoter methylated WIF1 in both CS cell lines (CS-1 and SW1353) and tumor tissues. Western blot analysis confirmed loss WIF1 expression and activation of Wnt pathway proteins (Wnt5a/b, LRP6, and Dvl2). We subsequently examined the correlation between levels of WIF1 methylation and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in CS patient samples with a follow-up spanning 234 months (mean: 57.6 months). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests revealed that high levels of WIF1 methylation were associated with lower OS and PFS rates (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis suggested that detection of high level methylation of WIF1 could be an independent prognostic factor in OS and PFS. In conclusion, we found that WIF1 is epigenetically silenced via promoter DNA methylation in CS and propose that WIF1 methylation may serve as a potential prognostic marker for patients with CS.
Sand Dune Encroachment and Desertification Processes of the Rigboland Sand Sea, Central Iran
Authors: Ahmady-Birgani Hesam , McQueen Kenneth G. , Moeinaddini Mazaher , Naseri Hamidreza
Published: May 2017

Early studies on sand dune movement and desertification in Iran have not always been convincingly demonstrated because of problems with the field-based measurements. In some areas where various land uses have been engulfed by aeolian sand dunes, desertification is clear, but in other less settled areas, it may not be so obvious. The objective of this study is to demonstrate encroachments of the Rigboland sand sea, central Iran, in its different directions and variable magnitude rates. Determining the rate and direction of the sand sea movements is critical for specifying which lands should be prioritized and quickly protected. The study has trialed a change detection technique which uses a Cross-Tabulation module to compare two available LandsatTM images over the Rigboland sand sea. This indicates that within a ten-year span (from 1988 to 1998) more than 200 ha/yr were added to the Rigboland sand sea, from the alluvial fan landforms in the eastern upstream, outer margins of the Rigboland sand sea. Coupled with GIS techniques, this type of analysis of the remote sensing (RS) images provides an effective tool for the monitoring and prognostication of sand dune movement and sand sea change.
Paternal spatial training enhances offspring’s cognitive performance and synaptic plasticity in wild-type but not improve memory deficit in Alzheimer’s mice
Authors: Zhang Shujuan , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Zhouyi , Liu Yanchao , Gao Yuan , Tan Lu , Liu Enjie , Zhou Qiuzhi , Xu Cheng , Wang Xin , Liu Gongping , Chen Haote , Wang Jian-Zhi
Published: May 2017

Recent studies suggest that spatial training can maintain associative memory capacity in Tg2576 mice, but it is not known whether the beneficial effects can be inherited from the trained fathers to their offspring. Here, we exposed male wild-type and male 3XTg Alzheimer disease (AD) mice (3-m old) respectively to spatial training for one week and assessed the transgenerational effects in the F1 offspring when they were grown to 7-m old. We found that the paternal spatial training significantly enhanced progeny’s spatial cognitive performance and synaptic transmission in wild-type mice. Among several synapse- or memory-associated proteins, we observed that the expression level of synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) was significantly increased in the hippocampus of the paternally trained-offspring. Paternal training increased histone acetylation at the promoter of SYT1 in both fathers’ and the offspring’s hippocampus, and as well as in the fathers’ sperm. Finally, paternal spatial training for one week did not improve memory and synaptic plasticity in 3XTg AD F1 offspring. Our findings suggest paternal spatial training for one week benefits the offspring’s cognitive performance in wild-type mice with the mechanisms involving an enhanced transgenerational histone acetylation at SYT1 promoter.
Role of Akt-independent mTORC1 and GSK3β signaling in sublethal NMDA-induced injury and the recovery of neuronal electrophysiology and survival
Authors: Swiatkowski Przemyslaw , Nikolaeva Ina , Kumar Gaurav , Zucco Avery , Akum Barbara F. , Patel Mihir V. , D’Arcangelo Gabriella , Firestein Bonnie L.
Published: May 2017

Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, mediated by overstimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, is a mechanism that causes secondary damage to neurons. The early phase of injury causes loss of dendritic spines and changes to synaptic activity. The phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/Akt/ mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway has been implicated in the modulation and regulation of synaptic strength, activity, maturation, and axonal regeneration. The present study focuses on the physiology and survival of neurons following manipulation of Akt and several downstream targets, such as GSK3β, FOXO1, and mTORC1, prior to NMDA-induced injury. Our analysis reveals that exposure to sublethal levels of NMDA does not alter phosphorylation of Akt, S6, and GSK3β at two and twenty four hours following injury. Electrophysiological recordings show that NMDA-induced injury causes a significant decrease in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents at both two and twenty four hours, and this phenotype can be prevented by inhibiting mTORC1 or GSK3β, but not Akt. Additionally, inhibition of mTORC1 or GSK3β promotes neuronal survival following NMDA-induced injury. Thus, NMDA-induced excitotoxicity involves a mechanism that requires the permissive activity of mTORC1 and GSK3β, demonstrating the importance of these kinases in the neuronal response to injury.
Unconventional electron states in δ-doped SmTiO3
Authors: Lechermann Frank
Published: May 2017

The Mott-insulating distorted perovskite SmTiO3, doped with a single SrO layer in a quantum-well architecture is studied by the combination of density functional theory with dynamical mean-field theory. A rich correlated electronic structure in line with recent experimental investigations is revealed by the given realistic many-body approach to a large-unit-cell oxide heterostructure. Coexistence of conducting and Mott-insulating TiO2 layers prone to magnetic order gives rise to multi-orbital electronic transport beyond standard Fermi-liquid theory. First hints towards a pseudogap opening due to electron-electron scattering within a background of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic fluctuations are detected.
Correction: Corrigendum: Suppression of Spry1 inhibits triple-negative breast cancer malignancy by decreasing EGF/EGFR mediated mesenchymal phenotype
Authors: He Qing , Jing Hongyu , Liaw Lucy , Gower Lindsey , Vary Calvin , Hua Shucheng , Yang Xuehui
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23216; published online: 15 March 2016; updated: 02 May 2017 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “We thank Dr. Robert Friesel for critical reading of the manuscript. We thank MMCRI histology core Armie Mangoba, Katrina Abramo and Dr. Volkhard Lindner for creating breast cancer tissue array (TMA) and histochemistry analysis.
Superoleophobic surfaces
Authors: Yong Jiale , Chen Feng , Yang Qing , Huo Jinglan , Hou Xun
Published: May 2017

This review systematically summarizes the recent developments of superoleophobic surfaces, focusing on their design, fabrication, characteristics, functions, and important applications.
Preparation of in situ forming and injectable alginate/mesoporous Sr-containing calcium silicate composite cement for bone repair
Authors: Qiu Manle , Chen Daoyun , Shen Chaoyong , Shen Ji , Zhao Huakun , He Yaohua
Published: May 2017

In situ formation of injectable alginate/mesoporous Sr-containing calcium silicate nanoparticle cements via internal crosslinking to obtain higher stability injectability and strength.
Beyond graduation: motivations and career aspirations of undergraduate chemistry students
Authors: Ogunde Jared C. , Overton Tina L. , Thompson Christopher D. , Mewis Ruth , Boniface Suzanne
Published: May 2017

This study investigated undergraduate chemistry students' career aspirations and how these vary from one educational system to another in different geographic regions. The participants of this study were undergraduate chemistry students from various institutions located in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The study took place in the form of an international cross-sectional survey. Findings of this study show that undergraduate students choose to study chemistry predominantly because they are interested in it or because they like it. This study also found that, whereas undergraduate students mainly have plans of pursuing a career that uses chemistry, they seem to be aware that a chemistry course can lead to many career options and as such only a few have chosen to study it as a route to a specific career. The findings of this study may be important in informing policies to attract and retain students in chemistry courses.
Heteroannulation enabled by a bimetallic Rh(iii)/Ag(i) relay catalysis: application in the total synthesis of aristolactam BII
Authors: Ji Wei-Wei , Lin E. , Li Qingjiang , Wang Honggen
Published: May 2017

A Rh(iii)/Ag(i) relay catalysis allowed the construction of 3-alkylidene isoindolinones and 3-alkylidene isobenzofuranones. The synthetic application in the total synthesis was accomplished.
Electrochemical ammonia compression
Authors: Tao Ye , Gibbons William , Hwang Yunho , Radermacher Reinhard , Wang Chunsheng
Published: May 2017

The first electrochemical ammonia compression was demonstrated with H2 as a carrier gas and a Nafion membrane as an NH4+ conducting polymer electrolyte.
Elucidating drug targets and mechanisms of action by genetic screens in mammalian cells
Authors: Kampmann Martin
Published: May 2017

Genome-wide CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screens in mammalian cells enable drug target identification and uncover genes controlling drug response.
A multifunctional silver nanocomposite for the apoptosis of cancer cells and intracellular imaging
Authors: Zhang Ting-Ting , Yang Fan , Li Xiang-ling , Zhao Wei , Xu Jing-Juan , Chen Hong-Yuan
Published: May 2017

A multifunctional silver nanoparticle based nanocomposite for specific cancer cell therapy andin situimaging.
Crystal chemistry of Mg substitution in NaMnPO4olivine: concentration limit and cation distribution
Authors: Boyadzhieva T. , Koleva V. , Stoyanova R.
Published: May 2017

In Mg-substituted NaMnPO4, Na+, Mg2+and metal vacancies reside in the M1 olivine position, while Mn2+ions are predominantly in the M2 position.
Efficient crystallization-induced emission in fluorenyl-tethered carboranes
Authors: Wang Zhaojin , Wang Tianyu , Zhang Chi , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: May 2017

(Aryl)(fluorenyl)-difunctionalized o-carboranes exhibit high quantum efficiency crystallization-induced emission; the origin of the CIE was rationalized from structural and theoretical studies.
Surveying macrocyclic chemistry: from flexible crown ethers to rigid cyclophanes
Authors: Liu Zhichang , Nalluri Siva Krishna Mohan , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: May 2017

This review features the progress made in the development of macrocycles since Pedersen's ground-breaking discovery of the crown ethers in 1967.
Post-cycloaddition modification of a porous MOF for improved GC separation of ethanol and water
Authors: Zhang Ya-Jun , Chen Cheng , Cai Li-Xuan , Tan Bin , Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Jie , Ji Min
Published: May 2017

An olefin-containing porous framework undergoes [2 + 2] cycloaddition to give post-modified pore space, accompanied by turn-on luminescence upon light irradiation. The photochemical modification reinforces the supramolecular network and improves GC separation performance of ethanol and water.
Mechanoenzymatic peptide and amide bond formation
Authors: Hernández José G. , Ardila-Fierro Karen J. , Crawford Deborah , James Stuart L. , Bolm Carsten
Published: May 2017

Mechanochemical chemoenzymatic peptide and amide bond formation catalysed by papain was studied by ball milling.
Revisiting the deoxydehydration of glycerol towards allyl alcohol under continuous-flow conditions
Authors: Tshibalonza Nelly Ntumba , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M.
Published: May 2017

Highly selective flash deoxydehydration of glycerol towards allyl alcohol under continuous-flow conditions.
On the enzymatic incorporation of an imidazole nucleotide into DNA
Authors: Röthlisberger Pascal , Levi-Acobas Fabienne , Sarac Ivo , Marlière Philippe , Herdewijn Piet , Hollenstein Marcel
Published: May 2017

We have evaluated the possibility for using an imidazole modified nucleoside triphosphate for the enzymatic construction of artificial metal base pair with view on an expansion of the genetic code.
Biocomposites from the reinforcement of a tung oil-based thermosetting resin with collagen
Authors: Scholz Audrey , Lewis Russell L. , Bachan Michael A. , Stewart Amanda L. , Quirino Rafael L.
Published: May 2017

Collagen from three different sources has been added to a tung oil-based thermosetting resin in order to enhance its mechanical properties for possible applications in the biomedical field as materials directly derived from biological molecules.
Sodium nitrite-promoted aerobic oxidative coupling of aryl methyl ketones with ammonium under metal-free conditions: a facile access to polysubstitution imidazoles
Authors: Liu Cheng-Kou , Yang Zhao , Zeng Yu , Guo Kai , Fang Zheng , Li Bo
Published: May 2017

A sodium nitrite-promoted aerobic oxidative synthesis of polysubstitution imidazoles from aryl methyl ketones under metal-free conditions has been developed.
Construction of efficient photoanodes for dye sensitized solar cells: TiO2 films with a gradient content of graphene
Authors: Wei Liguo , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin , Fan Ruiqing , Yang Yuze , Qiu Yonglian
Published: May 2017

Construction of TiO2 photoanodes with a gradient graphene content is a promising way to enhance the performance of DSSCs.
Direct C–H arylation: a “Greener” approach towards facile synthesis of organic semiconducting molecules and polymers
Authors: Bohra Hassan , Wang Mingfeng
Published: May 2017

Direct C–H arylation enables “greener” synthesis of π-conjugated small molecules and polymers without tedious preactivation of C–H bonds.
Enhanced photoactivity and conductivity in transparent TiO2nanocrystals/graphene hybrid anodes
Authors: Ingrosso C. , Bianco G. V. , Pifferi V. , Guffanti P. , Petronella F. , Comparelli R. , Agostiano A. , Striccoli M. , Palchetti I. , Falciola L. , Curri M. L. , Bruno G.
Published: May 2017

An optically transparent and UV-light active anode, characterized by high (photo)conductivity, charge mobility and exciton lifetime, based on CVD graphene, decorated with colloidal TiO2nanocrystals, has been fabricated, by a solution-based procedure.
A Fe3O4–carbon nanofiber/gold nanoparticle hybrid for enzymatic biofuel cells with larger power output
Authors: Ji Yusheng , Gai Panpan , Feng Jun , Wang Linlin , Zhang Jianrong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: May 2017

We developed an EBFC using a Fe3O4–carbon nanofiber/gold nanoparticle hybrid as a substrate electrode for improving the performance of the power output.
Na0.35MnO2as an ionic conductor with randomly distributed nano-sized layers
Authors: Adomkevicius Arturas , Cabo-Fernandez Laura , Wu Tzu-Ho , Ou Tzu-Man , Chen Ming-Guan , Andreev Yuri , Hu Chi-Chang , Hardwick Laurence J.
Published: May 2017

We present the synthesis of Na0.35MnO2, with isolated 2D nano-sheets that displays superior pseudocapacitance.
3,4-Donor- and 2,5-acceptor-functionalized dipolar siloles: synthesis, structure, photoluminescence and electroluminescence
Authors: Lin Gengwei , Chen Long , Peng Huiren , Chen Shuming , Zhuang Zeyan , Li Yinghao , Wang Bohan , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2017

Novel siloles substituted with electron donors and acceptors at the 2,3,4,5-positions exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and good electroluminescence properties.
AlCl3-Mediated Synthesis of 4-Aryl-2-quinolone-3-carboxylates
Authors: Shin Dongyun , Yang Seung-Hye , Jo Seohyun
Published: May 2017

4-Aryl-2-quinolones are important skeletons from both chemical and medicinal viewpoints. We herein report the development of an efficient synthetic method for 3-substituted 4-aryl-2-quinolones. The key reaction in this process involves an AlCl3-mediated intramolecular cyclization of substituted 2-(carbamoyl)-3-phenylacrylates, with optimized reaction conditions of 2.0 equivalents of AlCl3, nitrobenzene, 80 °C, and 3 hours. The chemical yields of cyclization were found to be sensitive to all reaction conditions.
In Situ Preparation and Consumption of O-Mesitylsulfonylhydroxylamine (MSH) in Continuous Flow for the Amination of Pyridines
Authors: Brocklehurst Cara , Koch Guido , Rothe-Pöllet Stephanie , La Vecchia Luigi
Published: May 2017

The paper demonstrates a safe method in which highly unstable O-mesitylsulfonylhydroxylamine (MSH) can be prepared and consumed in continuous flow. MSH was prepared in situ and used for the flow amination of a range of pyridines, which were subsequently transformed into useful pyrazolopyridine building blocks.
Cascade Regioselective Heterocyclization of 2-Acyl-1,1,3,3-tetracyanopropenides: Synthesis of Pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine and Pyrrolo[3,4-d]thieno[2,3-b]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Karpov Sergey , Grigor’ev Arthur , Kayukov Yakov , Gracheva Iuliia , Tafeenko Victor
Published: May 2017

2-Acyl-1,1,3,3-tetracyanopropenides (ATCN) undergo cascade heterocyclization under the action of aliphatic thiols, resulting in the formation of 6-(alkylthio)-4-amino-1-aryl(alkyl)-1-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-7-carbonitriles. The involvement of methyl mercaptoacetate to this reaction leads to the formation of the methyl 4,8-diamino-1-aryl-1-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-d]thieno[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxylates, containing a new fused heterocyclic scaffold.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism. Is a New Pregnancy Possible? Case Report
Authors: Caeiro Ana Filipa Cabrita , Ramilo Irina Dulce Tapadinhas Matos , Santos Ana Paula , Ferreira Elizabeth , Batalha Isabel Santos
Published: May 2017

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but potentially catastrophic clinical condition, characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms that reflect respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Its pathogenesis is still unclear. More recently, the traditional view of obstruction of pulmonary capillary vessels by amniotic fluid emboli as the main explanation for the etiology has been ruled out, and immunologic factors and the activation of the inflammatory cascade took on an important role. Amniotic fluid embolism has an unpredictable character, its diagnosis is exclusively clinical, and the treatment consists mainly of cardiovascular support and administration of blood products to correct the DIC. No diagnostic test is recommended until now, though multiple blood markers are currently being studied. The authors present a case report of a woman who had survived AFE in her previous pregnancy and had a subsequent pregnancy without recurrence, providing one more clinical testimony of the low risks for the pregnancy after AFE.
Augmentation Techniques for Meniscus Repair
Authors: Ghazi zadeh Leili , Chevrier Anik , Farr Jack , Rodeo Scott , Buschmann Michael
Published: May 2017

Menisci display exquisitely complex structure and play an essential weight-bearing role in the knee joint. A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries which can result in pain and mechanical abnormalities. Tear location is one aspect which determines the endogenous healing response; tears that occur in the peripheral densely vascularized zone of the meniscus have the potential to heal while the healing capacity is more limited in the less vascularized inner zones. Meniscectomy was once widely performed, but led to poor radiographic and patient-reported mid- and long-term outcomes. After the advent of arthroscopy, orthopaedic opinion in the 1980s has been swaying toward salvaging or repairing the torn meniscus tissue to prevent osteoarthritis rather than performing meniscectomy. Meniscus repair in young active individuals has been shown to be effective, reproducible, and reliable if indications are met; however, only a small proportion of all tears are considered repairable with available technologies. Biological augmentation techniques and meniscus tissue engineering strategies are being devised to enhance the likelihood and rate of healing in meniscus repair. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that introduction of cellular elements of the blood, bone marrow, and related growth factors have the potential to enhance meniscus repair. This article reviews the current state of clinical management of meniscus tears (primary repair) as well as augmentation techniques to improve healing by meniscus wrapping with extracellular matrix materials, trephination, synovial rasping and abrasion, fibrin/blood clot placement, and platelet-rich plasma injections. In addition, the rationale for using polymer/autologous blood component implants to improve meniscus repair will be discussed.
Effect of Prophylactic Thoracic Duct Ligation in Reducing the Incidence of Postoperative Chylothorax during Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Yiyan , Feng Yanfen , Zeng Bo , Zhang Xin , Chen Jingfu , Zou Jianyong , Su Chunhua , Liu Zhenguo , Zhang Shuishen , Luo Honghe
Published: May 2017

Objectives There is no consensus on the effectiveness of prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (PLG) in esophagectomy for reducing the incidence of postoperative chylothorax. We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis to study its efficacy.

Methods A systemic review of the publications was performed on three databases to identify all the relevant literature on comparative outcomes of PLG and nonprophylactic thoracic duct ligation (NPLG). The primary end point was the incidence of postoperative chylothorax.

Results Seven studies with comparative data on PLG (n = 2,178) versus NPLG (n = 3,048) were identify from the current publications. Comparison showed no significant difference between PLG and NPLG on the incidence of postoperative chylothorax (relative risk = 0.431; 95% confidence interval, 0.186 to 1.002; p = 0.050).

Conclusions Although some studies showed that PLG during the esophagectomy was effective to lower the incidence of postoperative chylothorax, no evidence was observed in the present meta-analysis. Further research is warranted to validate the findings.
Penile Self-amputation
Authors: Manganiello Marc , Knaus William , Cohen Justin , Lee Bernard
Published: May 2017

Background A 24-year-old man was urgently transferred from an outside institution after self-amputating his penis.

Methods The patient was suffering from a paranoid schizophrenic delusional episode. Voices told him to amputate his own penis with a utility knife. He was taken emergently to the operating room by urology and plastic surgery. Cystoscopy was performed and a 14F percutaneous suprapubic catheter was placed. The amputated distal penis and the proximal stump were debrided. The urethra, dorsal artery, and neurovascular bundles were mobilized. The distal urethra was spatulated dorsally and the proximal urethra was spatulated ventrally. The urethra was reanastomosed over a 16F Foley catheter with interrupted, 4–0 absorbable, monofilament suture. The corpora were reanastomosed with interrupted, 2–0 and 3–0, absorbable, monofilament suture. The arteries and nerve were reanastomosed. Total ischemia time was between 4 and 5 hours.

Results The patient initially developed edema, ecchymosis, and mild incisional skin necrosis from the resulting reperfusion injury. However, the penile graft successfully maintained perfusion. He was discharged 2 weeks after his injury in stable psychiatric condition. His Foley catheter and suprapubic tube remained in place for 10 weeks. A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) demonstrated a patent urethra without evidence of urinary leakage or stricture. At the time of his VCUG, he experienced return of distal penile sensation and partial erections.

Conclusion Penile reimplantation after self-amputation is successful if ischemic time is minimized and a multidisciplinary approach with plastic surgery and microvascular anastomosis is performed.
Reversible Dilated Cardiomyopathy Due to Combination of Vitamin D–Deficient Rickets and Primary Hypomagnesemia in an 11-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Kesici Selman , Demirbilek Hüseyin , Tanyıldız Murat , Gumustas Mehmet , Bayrakci Benan , Yazici Mutlu
Published: May 2017

Vitamin D–deficient rickets is still an important and common health problem in developing countries. Since calcium is an essential ion for cardiac muscle contraction, calcium deficiency caused by rickets can cause secondary dilated cardiomyopathy. This situation can be exacerbated by coexisting hypomagnesemia. Here, we report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy due to hypocalcemia induced by vitamin D–deficient rickets and accompanying primary hypomagnesemia in an infant whose cardiomyopathy was successfully treated by replacement of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. In addition to genetic causes, viral infections, and idiopathic factors, metabolic abnormalities are important etiologic factors in pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy and since they are treatable, prompt diagnosis of these disorders is crucial.
Clinical Features and Treatment of Fibrous Histiocytomas of the Tongue: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nguyen Austin , Vaudreuil Adam , Haun Paul , Caponetti Gabriel , Huerter Christopher
Published: May 2017

Introduction Benign fibrous histiocytomas are common lesions of the skin that rarely affect the tongue. Such cases are available in the literature exclusively as case reports. Similarly, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, now classified as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, is exceedingly rare in the tongue and not fully understood.

Objectives This study systematically reviews the available literature discussing the clinical and pathological features of malignant and benign fibrous histiocytomas.

Data Synthesis A total of 20 cases were included in this review. Patient-level data were extracted from cases to include clinical presentation, workup, treatment, and outcome.

Conclusion Benign fibrous histiocytomas are consistent in clinical and histopathologic presentation. Surgical treatment provides excellent outcome, with no recurrence in all excised cases. Malignant tumors have a more aggressive clinical and pathological presentation. Surgical treatment with possible adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in recurrence in 40% of cases (follow-up of 24 months), and death due to disease in 47% of patients (follow-up of 19 months).
The Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tourette Syndrome in Childhood: An Overview of Shared Characteristics
Authors: Gulisano Mariangela , Domini Carla , Ferro Maria , Curatolo Paolo , Rizzo Renata
Published: May 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) are neurodevelopmental disorders. ASD and TS are traditionally considered to be separate conditions. Nevertheless, these disorders have a high degree of overlap, and “pure” cases are rare in both clinical and population-based studies. The aim of the present review was to analyze the similarities and differences between ASD and TS on the basis of genetic and neuroradiological findings.
“Publicationism” and scientists’ satisfaction depend on gender, career stage and the wider academic system
Authors: Husemann Martin , Rogers Rebecca , Meyer Sebastian , Habel Jan Christian
Published: May 2017

The biological sciences have experienced a significant increase in journals and hence in publications in recent decades. The increasing number of research contributions reflects the “publish-or-perish” culture of science. The resulting pressure to publish may affect the publishing and working behaviour of researchers. However, the pressure to publish and the satisfaction while publishing scientific results may vary between genders and across career stages. Little effort has been taken to understand how scientists are affected by this pressure and how it may differ among groups of scientists. Therefore, we anonymously interviewed almost 1000 scientists from the field of the biological sciences, including female and male researchers at all career stages, to investigate potential negative effects of the pressure to publish, but also positive feelings (i.e. satisfaction) resulting from publishing. We assessed basic personal attributes (i.e. age, gender, career stage), and the personal attitude and feeling towards publishing. Our data indicates that “publicationism”, an index of stress arising from the pressure to publish, depends on age and gender. Female scientists suffered stronger from publicationism (publicationism score=2.577) than male scientists (score=2.364). Publicationism decreased with increasing age (drop of 0.19 index points), and was more intense for scientists from the United States (score=2.91) than for Germans (score=2.20). Most scientists felt satisfied when contributing to science by publishing their work and satisfaction lasted longer with increasing age. Our data show a weak negative correlation between publicationism and satisfaction. Thus, publishing in the biological sciences produces an ambivalent situation, which positively stimulates older, experienced scientists, but which may stress young researchers, in particular females. Publicationism further depends on the academic system and employer of the scientist.
Ultrafast energy transfer with competing channels: Non-equilibrium Förster and Modified Redfield theories
Authors: Seibt Joachim , Mančal Tomáš
Published: May 2017

We derive equations of motion for the reduced density matrix of a molecular system which undergoes energy transfer dynamics competing with fast internal conversion channels. Environmental degrees of freedom of such a system have no time to relax to quasi-equilibrium in the electronic excited state of the donor molecule, and thus the conditions of validity of Förster and Modified Redfield theories in their standard formulations do not apply. We derive non-equilibrium versions of the two well-known rate theories and apply them to the case of carotenoid-chlorophyll energy transfer. Although our reduced density matrix approach does not account for the formation of vibronic excitons, it still confirms the important role of the donor ground-state vibrational states in establishing the resonance energy transfer conditions. We show that it is essential to work with a theory valid in a strong system-bath interaction regime to obtain correct dependence of the rates on donor-acceptor energy gap.
A frequency-modulated continuous-wave reflectometer for the Lithium Tokamak Experiment
Authors: Kubota S. , Majeski R. , Peebles W. A. , Bell R. E. , Boyle D. P. , Kaita R. , Kozub T. , Lucia M. , Merino E. , Nguyen X. V. , Rhodes T. L. , Schmitt J. C.
Published: May 2017

The frequency-modulated continuous-wave reflectometer on LTX (Lithium Tokamak Experiment) and the data analysis methods used for determining electron density profiles are described. The diagnostic uses a frequency range of 13.1–33.5 GHz, for covering a density range of 0.21–1.4×1013 cm−3 (in O-mode polarization) with a time resolution down to 8 μs. The design of the diagnostic incorporates the concept of an “optimized” source frequency sweep, which minimizes the large variation in the intermediate frequency signal due to a long dispersive transmission line. The quality of the raw data is dictated by the tuning characteristics of the microwave sources, as well as the group delay ripple in the transmission lines, which can generate higher-order nonlinearities in the frequency sweep. Both effects are evaluated for our diagnostic and best practices are presented for minimizing “artifacts” generated in the signals. The quality of the reconstructed profiles is also improved using two additional data analysis methods. First, the reflectometer data are processed as a radar image, where clutter due to echoes from the wall and backscattering from density fluctuations can be easily identified and removed. Second, a weighed least-squares lamination algorithm POLAN (POLynomial ANalysis) is used to reconstruct the electron density profile. Examples of density profiles in LTX are presented, along with comparisons to measurements from the Thomson scattering and the λ = 1 mm interferometer diagnostics.
Non-uniqueness of quantum transition state theory and general dividing surfaces in the path integral space
Authors: Jang Seogjoo , Voth Gregory A.
Published: May 2017

Despite the fact that quantum mechanical principles do not allow the establishment of an exact quantum analogue of the classical transition state theory (TST), the development of a quantum TST (QTST) with a proper dynamical justification, while recovering the TST in the classical limit, has been a long standing theoretical challenge in chemical physics. One of the most recent efforts of this kind was put forth by Hele and Althorpe (HA) [J. Chem. Phys. 138, 084108 (2013)], which can be specified for any cyclically invariant dividing surface defined in the space of the imaginary time path integral. The present work revisits the issue of the non-uniqueness of QTST and provides a detailed theoretical analysis of HA-QTST for a general class of such path integral dividing surfaces. While we confirm that HA-QTST reproduces the result based on the ring polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD) rate theory for dividing surfaces containing only a quadratic form of low frequency Fourier modes, we find that it produces different results for those containing higher frequency imaginary time paths which accommodate greater quantum fluctuations. This result confirms the assessment made in our previous work [Jang and Voth, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 084110 (2016)] that HA-QTST does not provide a derivation of RPMD-TST in general and points to a new ambiguity of HA-QTST with respect to its justification for general cyclically invariant dividing surfaces defined in the space of imaginary time path integrals. Our analysis also offers new insights into similar path integral based QTST approaches.
Implementation of a novel projector-splitting integrator for the multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree approach
Authors: Kloss Benedikt , Burghardt Irene , Lubich Christian
Published: May 2017

The variational equations of motion of the multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach contain the inverse of reduced density matrices which are typically ill-conditioned and therefore lead to small stepsizes for numerical time integration. This problem is usually dealt with via regularization of the density matrices, which works well in many cases but still calls for systematic improvement schemes. Recently this problem, its implications and possible solutions have become the subject of increased interest. Notably, a projector splitting integrator for the MCTDH approach that does not require the inversion of reduced density matrices has been proposed [C. Lubich, Appl. Math. Res. Express 2015, 311]. Here, we present the first implementation of this integration scheme. Results for low-dimensional benchmark systems are presented, and the case of initially unoccupied single-particle functions is discussed.
Polarization map of correlated sideband generation in vectorial four-wave mixing
Authors: Petrov N. L. , Voronin A. A. , Fedotov A. B. , Zheltikov A. M.
Published: May 2017

Polarization analysis of vectorial four-wave mixing (FWM) in birefringent photonic-crystal fibers reveals physically significant tendencies in the behavior of FWM sideband correlations as a function of fiber birefringence, dispersion, and nonlinearity, as well as the pump intensity and bandwidth. Scanning over this parameter space is shown to steer vectorial FWM from largely decoupled sideband generation by individual polarization modes of the pump to FWM scenarios enabling multipartite entanglement generation.
Reconfigurable magnetic domain wall pinning using vortex-generated magnetic fields
Authors: Hurst Aaron C. H. , Izaac Joshua A. , Altaf Fouzia , Baltz Vincent , Metaxas Peter J.
Published: May 2017

Although often important for domain wall device applications, reproducible fabrication of pinning sites at the nano-scale remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate that the stray magnetic field generated beneath magnetic vortex cores can be used to generate localized pinning sites for magnetic domain walls in an underlying, perpendicularly magnetized nanostrip. Moreover, we show that the pinning strength can be tuned by switching the vortex core polarity: switching the core polarity so that it is aligned with the magnetization of the expanding domain (rather than against it) can reduce the vortex-mediated wall depinning field by between 40% and 90%, depending on the system geometry. Significant reductions in the depinning field are also demonstrated in narrow strips by shifting the core away from the strips' centers.
Highly hydrogen-sensitive thermal desorption spectroscopy system for quantitative analysis of low hydrogen concentration (∼1 × 1016 atoms/cm3) in thin-film samples
Authors: Hanna Taku , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Sakaguchi Isao , Hosono Hideo
Published: May 2017

We developed a highly hydrogen-sensitive thermal desorption spectroscopy (HHS-TDS) system to detect and quantitatively analyze low hydrogen concentrations in thin films. The system was connected to an in situ sample-transfer chamber system, manipulators, and an rf magnetron sputtering thin-film deposition chamber under an ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) atmosphere of ∼10−8 Pa. The following key requirements were proposed in developing the HHS-TDS: (i) a low hydrogen residual partial pressure, (ii) a low hydrogen exhaust velocity, and (iii) minimization of hydrogen thermal desorption except from the bulk region of the thin films. To satisfy these requirements, appropriate materials and components were selected, and the system was constructed to extract the maximum performance from each component. Consequently, ∼2000 times higher sensitivity to hydrogen than that of a commercially available UHV-TDS system was achieved using H+-implanted Si samples. Quantitative analysis of an amorphous oxide semiconductor InGaZnO4 thin film (1 cm × 1 cm × 1 μm thickness, hydrogen concentration of 4.5 × 1017 atoms/cm3) was demonstrated using the HHS-TDS system. This concentration level cannot be detected using UHV-TDS or secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) systems. The hydrogen detection limit of the HHS-TDS system was estimated to be ∼1 × 1016 atoms/cm3, which implies ∼2 orders of magnitude higher sensitivity than that of SIMS and resonance nuclear reaction systems (∼1018 atoms/cm3).
Giant-spin nonlinear response theory of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia: A field dependence study
Authors: Carrião M. S. , Aquino V. R. R. , Landi G. T. , Verde E. L. , Sousa M. H. , Bakuzis A. F.
Published: May 2017

Understanding high-field amplitude electromagnetic heat loss phenomena is of great importance, in particular, in the biomedical field, because the heat-delivery treatment plans might rely on analytical models that are only valid at low field amplitudes. Here, we develop a nonlinear response model valid for single-domain nanoparticles of larger particle sizes and higher field amplitudes in comparison to the linear response theory. A nonlinear magnetization expression and a generalized heat loss power equation are obtained and compared with the exact solution of the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation assuming the giant-spin hypothesis. The model is valid within the hyperthermia therapeutic window and predicts a shift of optimum particle size and distinct heat loss field amplitude exponents, which is often obtained experimentally using a phenomenological allometric function. Experimental hyperthermia data with distinct ferrite-based nanoparticles and third harmonic magnetization data support the nonlinear model, which also has implications for magnetic particle imaging and magnetic thermometry.
Solution electrostatic levitator for measuring surface properties and bulk structures of an extremely supersaturated solution drop above metastable zone width limit
Authors: Lee Sooheyong , Jo Wonhyuk , Cho Yong chan , Lee Hyun Hwi , Lee Geun Woo
Published: May 2017

We report on the first integrated apparatus for measuring surface and thermophysical properties and bulk structures of a highly supersaturated solution by combining electrostatic levitation with real-time laser/x-ray scattering. Even today, a proper characterization of supersaturated solutions far above their solubility limits is extremely challenging because heterogeneous nucleation sites such as container walls or impurities readily initiate crystallization before the measurements can be performed. In this work, we demonstrate simultaneous measurements of drying kinetics and surface tension of a potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) aqueous solution droplet and its bulk structural evolution beyond the metastable zone width limit. Our experimental finding shows that the noticeable changes of the surface properties are accompanied by polymerizations of hydrated monomer clusters. The novel electrostatic levitation apparatus presented here provides an effective means for studying a wide range of highly concentrated solutions and liquids in deep metastable states.