bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-dimensional molecular chains formed by Sierpiński triangles on Au(111)
Authors: Zhang Xue , Gu Gaochen , Li Na , Wang Hao , Tang Hao , Zhang Yajie , Hou Shimin , Wang Yongfeng
Published: January 2018

One-dimensional molecular chains with Sierpiński triangles as building blocks were prepared on Au(111) and studied by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy.
A label-free electrochemical platform for the highly sensitive detection of hepatitis B virus DNA using graphene quantum dots
Authors: Xiang Qian , Huang Jingyun , Huang Huiyao , Mao Weiwei , Ye Zhizhen
Published: January 2018

Based on the interaction between single-stranded probe DNA and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), we have designed a simple but smart electrochemical platform to detect HBV-DNA by using GQDs modified glassy carbon electrode coupled with probe DNA.
Simultaneous removal of tetracycline and Cu(ii) by adsorption and coadsorption using oxidized activated carbon
Authors: Qin Qingdong , Wu Xian , Chen Liwei , Jiang Zhongshuai , Xu Yan
Published: January 2018

The enhanced coadsorption of TC and Cu(ii) was likely due to the formation of a TC–Cu(ii) complex bridging.
A three-dimensional hydroxyapatite/polyacrylonitrile composite scaffold designed for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Wu Shuyi , Wang Jieda , Zou Leiyan , Jin Lin , Wang Zhenling , Li Yan
Published: January 2018

A fluffy and porous (3D) HA composite fibrous scaffold was fabricated by employing an improved electrospinning technique combined with a bio-mineralization process.
The synergistic effect of a graphene nanoplate/Fe3O4@BaTiO3 hybrid and MWCNTs on enhancing broadband electromagnetic interference shielding performance
Authors: Jin Lun , Zhao Xiaomin , Xu Jianfeng , Luo Yanyu , Chen Danqing , Chen Guohua
Published: January 2018

In this work, methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ) nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending VMQ, graphene nanoplate/Fe3O4@BaTiO3 hybrid (GFBT) and MWCNTs, aiming to improve the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of VMQ.
Student perceptions of immediate feedback testing in student centered chemistry classes
Authors: Schneider Jamie L. , Ruder Suzanne M. , Bauer Christopher F.
Published: January 2018

Feedback is an important aspect of the learning process. The immediate feedback assessment technique (IF-AT®) form allows students to receive feedback on their answers during a testing event. Studies with introductory psychology students supported both perceived and real student learning gains when this form was used with testing. Knowing that negative student perceptions of innovative classroom techniques can create roadblocks, this research focused on gathering student responses to using IF-AT® forms for testing in general chemistry 1 and organic chemistry 2 classes at several institutions. Students’ perceptions on using the IF-AT® forms and how it influenced their thinking were gathered from a 16-item survey. The results of the student surveys are detailed and implementation strategies for using IF-AT® forms for chemistry testing are also outlined in this article.
NHC and nucleophile chelation effects on reactive iron(ii) species in alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling
Authors: Fleischauer Valerie E. , Muñoz III Salvador B. , Neate Peter G. N. , Brennessel William W. , Neidig Michael L.
Published: January 2018

Isolation and reactivity of iron–NHCs observed during catalysis demonstrate ligand effects on nucleophile chelation, suppressing β-hydride elimination within alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling.
Novel dual-function near-infrared II fluorescence and PET probe for tumor delineation and image-guided surgery
Authors: Sun Yao , Zeng Xiaodong , Xiao Yuling , Liu Changhao , Zhu Hua , Zhou Hui , Chen Ziyang , Xu Fuchun , Wang Jule , Zhu Mengyue , Wu Junzhu , Tian Mei , Zhang Hong , Deng Zixin , Cheng Zhen , Hong Xuechuan
Published: January 2018

The first small-molecule based αvβ3-targeted NIR-II/PET dual-modal probesviabase-catalyzed thiol-addition chemistry were concisely assembled and evaluated.
Capture of colloidal particles by a moving microfluidic bubble
Authors: Liascukiene Irma , Amselem Gabriel , Gunes Deniz Z. , Baroud Charles N.
Published: January 2018

We study particle capture at a microfluidic air–liquid interface and highlight the effects of confinement on colloidal adsorption.
Stretching and compression of DNA by external forces under nanochannel confinement
Authors: Bleha Tomáš , Cifra Peter
Published: January 2018

The free energy costs of extension of DNA molecules confined in square nanochannels are decoupled by means of Monte Carlo simulations into two modes attributable to confinement and external forces.
Doping of Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells with Na+ or K+ alkali ions
Authors: Sahayaraj Sylvester , Brammertz Guy , Vermang Bart , Mule Aniket , Schnabel Thomas , Meuris Marc , Vleugels Jef , Poortmans Jef
Published: January 2018

In this work, the addition of molar concentrations of Na+ and/or K+ in the form of fluorides during the processing of Cu2ZnSnSe4 absorber layers was investigated.
In situformation/carbonization of quinone-amine polymers towards hierarchical porous carbon foam with high faradaic activity for energy storage
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qu Tingting , Xiang Kun , Shen Yu , Chen Shanyong , Xie Mingjiang , Guo Xuefeng
Published: January 2018

A quinone-amine polymer-derived carbon foam with high faradaic activity presents excellent performance for energy storage.
Post-healing of defects: an alternative way for passivation of carbon-based mesoscopic perovskite solar cells via hydrophobic ligand coordination
Authors: Huang Guangguang , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Hao , Xu Shuhong , Xu Qingyu , Cui Yiping
Published: January 2018

A new and efficient defect post-healing method for carbon-based mesoscopic perovskite solar cells was developed via hydrophobic ligand (TOPO) coordination.
Electric field effect on the microstructure and properties of Ba0.9Ca0.1Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCTZ) lead-free ceramics
Authors: Reyes-Montero A. , Rubio-Marcos F. , Pardo L. , Del Campo A. , López-Juárez R. , Villafuerte-Castrejón M. E.
Published: January 2018

Systematic evaluation of the effect that electric field application has on the structure, microstructure and piezo-ferroelectric properties of barium titanate-based lead-free piezoelectric ceramics reveals a field-induced phase transition underlying its high sensibility.
Recent progress towards high performance of tin chalcogenide thermoelectric materials
Authors: Li Shan , Li Xiaofang , Ren Zhifeng , Zhang Qian
Published: January 2018

This review summarizes the recent advances in tin chalcogenide (SnTe, SnSe, and SnS) bulk alloys, provides the possible directions for further improving the thermoelectric properties and elucidates the challenges for optimization and application of tin chalcogenides.
Chemical reaction between an ITIC electron acceptor and an amine-containing interfacial layer in non-fullerene solar cells
Authors: Hu Lin , Liu Yun , Mao Lin , Xiong Sixing , Sun Lulu , Zhao Nan , Qin Fei , Jiang Youyu , Zhou Yinhua
Published: January 2018

Non-fullerene acceptor ITIC can react with PEI (or PEIE), which destroys the original intramolecular charge transfer in ITIC.
Tuning the MnWO4 morphology and its electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Tiwari Aarti , Singh Vikram , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: January 2018

A novel MnWO4 oxygen reduction catalyst was morphologically tuned forming a bird feather-like morphology maximizing the active-site distribution for an efficient ORR.
Main-chain polyacetal conjugates with HIF-1 inhibitors: temperature-responsive, pH-degradable drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Samanta Sanjoy , De Silva Chathuranga C. , Leophairatana Porakrit , Koberstein Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2018

Main-chain polyacetal drug conjugates are temperature responsive and pH degradable and can be designed to selectively target, retain and release drug in hyperthermic tumor tissue.
TGF-β1 affinity peptides incorporated within a chitosan sponge scaffold can significantly enhance cartilage regeneration
Authors: Chen Jiaqing , Li Yijiang , Wang Bin , Yang Jiabei , Heng Boon Chin , Yang Zheng , Ge Zigang , Lin Jianhao
Published: January 2018

Scaffold incorporated with affinity peptides can efficiently promote cartilage regeneration without exogenous addition of growth factors and cells.
Supernovae from massive stars with extended tenuous envelopes
Authors: Dessart Luc , Yoon Sung-Chul , Livne Eli , Waldman Roni
Published: January 2018

Massive stars with a core-halo structure are interesting objects for stellar physics and hydrodynamics. Using simulations for stellar evolution, radiation hydrodynamics, and radiative transfer, we study the explosion of stars with an extended and tenuous envelope (i.e. stars in which 95% of the mass is contained within 10% or less of the surface radius). We consider both H-rich supergiant and He-giant progenitors resulting from close-binary evolution and dying with a final mass of 2.8–5 M⊙. An extended envelope causes the supernova (SN) shock to brake and a reverse shock to form, sweeping core material into a dense shell. The shock-deposited energy, which suffers little degradation from expansion, is trapped in ejecta layers of moderate optical depth, thereby enhancing the SN luminosity at early times. With the delayed 56Ni heating, we find that the resulting optical and near-IR light curves all exhibit a double-peak morphology. We show how an extended progenitor can explain the blue and featureless optical spectra of some Type IIb and Ib SNe. The dense shell formed by the reverse shock leads to line profiles with a smaller and near-constant width. This ejecta property can explain the statistically narrower profiles of Type IIb compared to Type Ib SNe, as well as the peculiar Hα profile seen in SN 1993J. At early times, our He-giant star explosion model shows a high luminosity, a blue colour, and featureless spectra reminiscent of the Type Ib SN 2008D, suggesting a low-mass progenitor.
Effects of cooling methods on the occurrence of sulfur in the low-titanium slag
Authors: Wang Baohua , Zhang Mingbo , Gong Yongyu , Huang Shiping , Qiu Shengtao , Zhu Rong
Published: January 2018

The distribution of sulfur existence in the mineral phase and occurrence in the low-titanium slag with different cooling methods (water cooling, air cooling, crucible cooling, and furnace cooling) were studied by XRD, EPMA and XPS. The results show that with the cooling rate decrease, the distribution of S changes from clustering dots to large sheet or surface, and the occurrence of S in the mineral phase transfers gradually from the vitreous, perovskite, merwinite and the intertwined phase of some mineral phases to the gehlenite. During the transfer, the velocity decreases with the increasing of the cooling rate. The S in the water cooling slag only exists in the form of SO32−and SO42−, while the occurrences of S in the air cooling slag, crucible cooling slag, and furnace cooling slag are S2−, SO32−and SO42−.
Comparative study on Ce (III) and La (III) solvent extraction and separation from a nitric acid medium by D2EHPA and Cyanex272
Authors: Habibpour R. , Dargahi M. , Kashi E. , Bagherpour M.
Published: January 2018

The solvent extraction of Cerium(III) and Lanthanum(III) from nitric acid solution using the organophosphorous extractants Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphate (D2EHPA) and di-2,4,4- trimethylpentyl phosphoric acid (Cyanex272) in kerosene was investigated. In this study, the magnitude of the extraction of Ce(III) was found to be more significant with Cyanex272 than D2EHPA. D2EHPA was found to be a better extractant for La(III). Among the two extractants, Cyanex272 was used for the separation of Ce from La in three stages with an extraction efficiency of 90.2% for Ce. A 556 mg/L Ce solution was used for the scrubbing of La with an efficiency of ≈34%, which required multi stage scrubbing. The study of thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy impart the exothermic and non-spontaneous process. The chemical speciation curves for lanthanum and cerium in the aqueous phase as a function of pH showed that the free La(III) and Ce(III) metal ion species were largely predominate between a pH = 0 and pH = 7.
ACL status in arthroplasty patients, why not to preserve?
Authors: Abdelbadie Ahmed , Toreih Ahmed Ali , Radwan Mohamed Ahmed
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Only 70–85% of patients that had total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are satisfied with their knees. The need for a near to normal knee kinematics is crucial and maybe the solution to their needs. Addressing the cruciate ligaments during surgery along with the extent of arthrosis may give a solution to this problem.

Material and methods: One hundred consecutive patients in whom a total knee arthroplasty was indicated and performed were prospectively documented. During the knee replacement surgery, the condition of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and the degree of osteoarthritis (OA) in the medial and lateral compartments as well as in the patello-femoral joint were documented using the Outerbridge classification. The patients’ average age was 72.3 years, with the majority being female. In all patients, a total bi-compartmental knee replacement was indicated.

Results: Our results showed that in 78% of all patients the anterior, and in 98% the posterior cruciate ligament was still intact. Seventy-one percent of cases suffered from grade 4 medial osteoarthritis, 19% from grade 3 and 10% from grade 2. Thirty-six of patients suffered from grade 4 lateral osteoarthritis, 36% from grade 3, 24% from grade 2 and 4% from grade 1. Grade 4 patello-femoral osteoarthritis was present in 32% of all patients, grade 3 in 60% and grade 2 in 8% of all patients.

Discussion: The goal of arthroplasty is to approximate the function of a normal knee. The retention of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allows for better knee, kinematics, improved proprioception, increased flexion and an overall improvement in knee function. The decreased constraint that is possible with retention of both cruciates may decrease implant stresses and improve the implant survivorship. The distribution of OA shows that the medial and patello-femoral compartments of the joint are primarily affected. This could also allow for a more conservative and patient-tailored prosthetic design.
One-Stage Laparoscopic Surgery for Pulmonary Sequestration and Hiatal Hernia in a 2-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Miyagi Hisayuki , Honda Shohei , Hamada Hiromi , Minato Masashi , Ara Momoko , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: January 2018

We herein report a case of one-stage laparoscopic surgery for extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS) and hiatal hernia. Our patient was a 2-year-old girl who was diagnosed as a mediastinal mass lesion. Postnatal computed tomography revealed that the mediastinal mass was an EPS. Two weeks after birth, the patient developed gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and esophagography showed a hiatal hernia. At 2 years of age, she underwent one-stage laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication for GER with resection of the EPS in the posterior mediastinum. The sequestrated lung was grasped via the esophageal hiatus; three aberrant blood vessels were dissected to allow removal of the sequestration through the umbilical port site. The esophageal hiatus was repaired and Nissen's fundoplication was performed laparoscopically. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence of GER symptoms for 1 year. We conclude that one-stage laparoscopic surgery is useful for patients with EPS and hiatal hernia.
Absceso subpectoral como diagnóstico diferencial de hombro doloroso – reporte de un caso
Authors: Palma Concha José , Gómez Meier Andrés , Herrera Otto Enrique , Besser Mahuzier Juan , Ayres Henriquez George
Published: January 2018

Los síndromes dolorosos del hombro son relativamente comunes en la práctica clínica. Habitualmente son causados por un número limitado de patologías. Dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, el pinzamiento subacromial, las lesiones aisladas del manguito rotador, capsulitis adhesiva, tendinitis cálcica, patología degenerativa de las articulaciones glenohumeral y acromioclavicular, y la inestabilidad crónica del hombro, son causas comunes. Causas infrecuentes son la rotura del tendón del bíceps, neuralgias, patología infecciosa articular y tumores del hombro. Un absceso subpectoral sin sintomatología infecciosa clara es una causa extremadamente rara de hombro doloroso en el adulto. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 60 años, que inicia con un cuadro de hombro doloroso cuya causa se identifica como un absceso subpectoral por staphylococcus aureus que se maneja con drenaje quirúrgico y tratamiento antibiótico endovenoso con buenos resultados.
Zerebrale Sinus/-Venenthrombose durch zervikale Lymphadenopathie mit Jugularvenenkompression bei akuter EBV-Infektion
Authors: Willems Laurent , Wallenwein Stephanie , Lauer Arne , Schäfer Jan , Wagner Marlies , Reinhuber Franziska , Strzelczyk Adam , Steinmetz Helmuth , Pfeilschifter Waltraud
Published: January 2018

Wir berichten über eine 23-jährige Patientin, die sich in unserer Klinik aufgrund einer akut aufgetretenen, schweren Wesensveränderung sowie seit mehreren Wochen bestehender Cephalgien und fieberhaftem Infekt vorstellte. Als Ursache zeigte sich eine äußere und innere zerebrale Sinus/-Venenthrombose, welche auf eine venöse Drainagebehinderung bei Kompression der V. jugularis interna links durch eine ausgeprägte zervikale Lymphadenopathie bei Pfeifferschem Drüsenfieber (Epstein-Barr-Virus-Infektion) zurückzuführen war. Unter Therapie mit niedermolekularem Heparin bildete sich die Symptomatik weitgehend zurück.
Myasthenic Syndromes – Impact of Rehabilitation and Sports
Authors: Henze Thomas
Published: January 2018

Patients suffering from disorders of neuromuscular transmission are only rarely admitted to rehabilitation facilities. However, patients suffering from severe muscular weakness of arms or legs, dysphagia, dysarthria, or respiratory insufficiency, especially after myasthenic crisis, will benefit from rehabilitation. Its goal is maximal reduction of existing disabilities that will enable participation in social life. Besides extensive knowledge of the clinical course and potential complications of myasthenic syndromes, a comprehensive rehabilitation concept is an important prerequisite for successful rehabilitation that includes individual and multimodal physical training as well as coping with the disease, public health medical aspects, education, and assistive devices.
Sakrileg – oder die Reise zu den Anfängen der Wissenschaft
Authors: Winter Norbert
Published: January 2018

Die moderne Physik stellte die Physiker vor Rätsel, die nicht mit dem wissenschaftlichen Grundverständnis jener Zeit lösbar waren. Dies zwang Wolfgang Pauli dazu, die Hintergründe des naturwissenschaftlichen Denkens genauer zu hinterfragen. Dabei wurde deutlich, dass nicht allein rationale Erkenntnisse die treibende Kraft der Entwicklung der Naturwissenschaft waren, sondern dass diese bereits in ihrem Keim intuitive und spirituelle Dimensionen aufweist. Und somit genau das in sich trägt, was sie negiert.
Über den hohen Stellenwert der im TTB systematisierten, klinischen Erfahrungen Bönninghausens für die Alltagspraxis
Authors: Zwemke Hans
Published: January 2018

Der Artikel demonstriert die hohe Effektivität der mittels der Polaritätsanalyse auf der Grundlage des TTB aufgefundenen Arzneien bei der erfolgreichen Behandlung von 3 Fällen mit Infektionskrankheiten aus dem HNO-Bereich, und zwar trotz unklarer Auskunft der primären Materia medica und widersprüchlichen bis teilweise sogar irreführenden Informationen aus anderen Quellen. Er zeigt ferner die prinzipielle Bedeutung von Bönninghausens klinisch-homöopathischen Erfahrungen mit ihren daraus abgeleiteten Schlussfolgerungen, wie sie sich in den Modalitäten des TTB niederschlagen, als geradezu revolutionären und zukunftsweisenden Fortschritt in der Repertoriumskonzeption, deren Weiterentwicklung zur Erhöhung der Verschreibungssicherheit uns überlassen bleibt.
Regelungen zum Personalbedarf für Ärzte in neurologischen Kliniken – ein Plädoyer
Authors: Grau Armin , Maschke Matthias , Baier Bernhard , Wöhrle Johannes , Gröschel Klaus , Jobst Ulrich , Pfeiffer Uwe , Fiedler Manfred
Published: January 2018

Verkürzte Liegezeiten, wachsender administrativer Aufwand, eine zunehmende Komplexität in Diagnostik und Therapie und der wirtschaftliche Druck gehen mit einer Zunahme der Arbeitsdichte für Ärzte in neurologischen Kliniken einher. Eine zu hohe Arbeitsdichte kann die Behandlungsqualität beeinträchtigen und die Ausbildung von Assistenzärzten gefährden. In der Pflege, in psychiatrischen Kliniken und im Bereich der neurologischen Rehabilitation gibt es aktuell Ansätze, Mindestpersonalstandards einzuführen. Vor diesem Hintergrund plädieren die Autoren für:

– die Einführung von Personaluntergrenzen für Ärzte in neurologischen Kliniken, aber auch für andere Berufsgruppen und andere medizinische Fächer

– die Entwicklung eines Personalbemessungsinstruments, mit dessen Hilfe für jede Klinik ein angemessener Personalschlüssel festgelegt werden kann

– eine Verbindlichkeit der Personalstandards einschließlich einer kompletten Gegenfinanzierung

– realistische Übergangsfristen angesichts des aktuellen Ärztemangels
Ultrafast dynamics induced by the interaction of molecules with electromagnetic fields: Several quantum, semiclassical, and classical approaches
Authors: Antipov Sergey V. , Bhattacharyya Swarnendu , El Hage Krystel , Xu Zhen-Hao , Meuwly Markus , Rothlisberger Ursula , Vaníček Jiří
Published: January 2018

Several strategies for simulating the ultrafast dynamics of molecules induced by interactions with electromagnetic fields are presented. After a brief overview of the theory of molecule-field interaction, we present several representative examples of quantum, semiclassical, and classical approaches to describe the ultrafast molecular dynamics, including the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree method, Bohmian dynamics, local control theory, semiclassical thawed Gaussian approximation, phase averaging, dephasing representation, molecular mechanics with proton transfer, and multipolar force fields. In addition to the general overview, some focus is given to the description of nuclear quantum effects and to the direct dynamics, in which the ab initio energies and forces acting on the nuclei are evaluated on the fly. Several practical applications, performed within the framework of the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research “Molecular Ultrafast Science and Technology,” are presented: These include Bohmian dynamics description of the collision of H with H2, local control theory applied to the photoinduced ultrafast intramolecular proton transfer, semiclassical evaluation of vibrationally resolved electronic absorption, emission, photoelectron, and time-resolved stimulated emission spectra, infrared spectroscopy of H-bonding systems, and multipolar force fields applications in the condensed phase.
Covalent nitrogen doping in molecular beam epitaxy-grown and bulk WSe2
Authors: Khosravi Ava , Addou Rafik , Smyth Christopher M. , Yue Ruoyu , Cormier Christopher R. , Kim Jiyoung , Hinkle Christopher L. , Wallace Robert M.
Published: January 2018

Covalent p-type doping of WSe2 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy and WSe2 exfoliated from bulk crystals is achieved via remote nitrogen plasma exposure. X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies indicate covalently bonded nitrogen in the WSe2 lattice as well as tunable nitrogen concentration with N2 plasma exposure time. Furthermore, nitrogen incorporation induces compressive strain on the WSe2 lattice after N2 plasma exposure. Finally, atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy reveal that N2 plasma treatment needs to be carefully tuned to avoid any unwanted strain or surface damage.
Manipulating the immune system for pigs to optimise performance
Authors: Pluske J. R. , Kim J. C. , Black J. L.
Published: January 2018

Disease and enhanced microbial load are considered to be major factors limiting the performance and overall efficiency of feed use by pigs in Australian piggeries. It is recognised that pigs exposed to conventional housing systems with high microbial loads grow 10–20% more slowly than do gnotobiotic pigs or pigs kept in ‘clean’ environments. Consequently, a proportion of pigs in any production cycle are continuously being challenged by their immediate environment, which can cause an immune response to be mounted. Such a process is physiologically expensive in terms of energy and protein (comprised of amino acids), with, for example, the enhanced rate of protein turnover associated with the production of immune cells, antibodies and acute-phase proteins increasing energy expenditure by 10–15% of maintenance needs and protein requirements by 7–10%. The requirements for lysine, tryptophan, sulfur-containing amino acids and threonine can be increased by a further 10%. The over-stimulation of the immune response with excess production of pro-inflammatory cytokines causes excessive production primarily of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which contributes to anorexia, fever and increased proteolysis, and a concomitant reduction in pig performance. Prostaglandin E2 is produced from dietary and cell-membrane phospholipids via secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) to produce arachidonic acid, which is catalysed by the COX-2 enzyme. Negating the negative effects of PGE2 appears not to adversely affect the ability of the immune system to combat pathogens, but improves pig performance. There are negative outcomes for pig health and productivity through both under- and over-stimulation of the immune response. This review briefly outlines the impact of immune stimulation on pigs and discusses strategies to optimise the immune response for pig health and performance.
A Theoretical Study of the Astrochemical 13C12CS + H → 12C13CS + H Reaction
Authors: Talbi Dahbia
Published: January 2018

A quantitative ab initio study of the carbon isotope-exchange reaction 13C12CS + H → 12C13CS + H was performed at the RCCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ//M06–2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory, revealing that this reaction is barrier-less. This result validates the chemical hypothesis of Furuya et al., who suggested this reaction to be responsible for the 12C13CS/13C12CS isotopomer ratio observed to be higher than unity in cold interstellar clouds.
XopR TTSS-effector regulates in planta growth, virulence of Indian strain of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae via suppressing reactive oxygen species production and cell wall-associated rice immune responses during blight induction
Authors: Verma Geeta , Sharma Manju , Mondal Kalyan K.
Published: January 2018

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causing bacterial blight of rice is a global problem in rice production. Phytopathogenic Xanthomonads overpower PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) through secreting effectors via type III secretion system (TTSS). We previously screened the TTSS effector repository of an Indian strain of Xoo (race 4), a predominant strain from north-west India that contains 21 Xop and 18 TALE effectors. Here, we demonstrate that Xoo race 4 employs XopR for in planta colonisation, virulence and for the suppression of cell wall-associated immune responses in its natural host. XopR null mutant (Xoo ΔxopR) produced 2.6-fold less-severe lesion as compared with Xoo wild type. Xoo ΔxopR showed 1.58-fold reduced colonisation compared with wild indicating that XopR is required for maximum colonisation in rice. Xoo ΔxopR produced 3.8-fold more callose deposits compared with wild. Xoo ΔxopR caused significantly higher production of ROS in rice. RT-qPCR expression analysis of immune responsive genes of rice indicated 10- to 43-fold upregulation upon challenged inoculation with Xoo ΔxopR over wild. Altogether, our study revealed that XopR of Indian Xoo strain supports its in planta growth and contributes immensely for successful blight development through suppressing defence related events like reactive oxygen species production, callose deposition and transcript abundance of immune responsive genes during rice::Xoo interaction.
Steroid hormone concentrations and body mass are differently affected by polyunsaturated fatty acids during the oestrous cycle in guinea pigs
Authors: Nemeth Matthias , Wallner Bernard , Siutz Carina , Pschernig Elisabeth , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Millesi Eva
Published: January 2018

Reproductive functions in female mammals can be significantly affected by the actions of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on steroid hormone secretion rates. Nevertheless, the effects of plasma free PUFAs on the oestrous cycle have seldom been considered. Therefore, in the present study, the diet of domestic guinea pigs was supplemented with high concentrations of different PUFAs and the effects of altered plasma PUFA patterns on steroid hormone concentrations, measured non-invasively, and body mass during oestrus and dioestrus were analysed. The oestrous cycle was characterised by increased oestrogen and cortisol concentrations in oestrus, corroborated by lowest bodyweight, whereas progesterone concentrations were highest in dioestrus. Plasma concentrations of the long-chain PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 ω3) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:5 ω6) affected steroid hormone concentrations differently in oestrus and dioestrus. DHA positively affected oestrogen and progesterone concentrations and diminished cortisol concentrations only in oestrus. In contrast, AA negatively affected oestrogen and stimulated cortisol concentrations in oestrus and reduced progesterone concentrations in general. These findings imply selective and opposite contributions of DHA and AA to ovarian functions during different stages of the oestrous cycle, indicating a high biological relevance of plasma free PUFAs in female reproductive function.
Patterns of conceptus development and of progesterone concentrations in maternal blood preceding spontaneous early pregnancy failure in mares
Authors: Betteridge Keith J. , Raeside James I. , Waelchli Rudolf O. , Christie Heather L. , Hayes M. Anthony
Published: January 2018

Sixteen cases of spontaneous pregnancy loss (11 of singletons and five of pairs of twins) are described. The losses occurred between gestation Days 13 and 25 in 12 mares being monitored almost daily by transrectal ultrasonography (for measurement of conceptus growth) and blood sampling (for determination of maternal plasma progesterone concentrations as evidence of luteolysis) in experimental studies of early pregnancy. In 10 of the 16 cases the uterus was flushed and eight conceptuses were recovered for morphological assessment. Five of the 11 losses of singletons occurred before Day 16 and, with one exception, were preceded or accompanied by luteolysis. The remaining six singleton pregnancies failed after Day 16, with two cases evidencing luteolysis beforehand. Thus, overall, 6/11 singleton losses were associated with luteolysis while 5/11 were not. The five cases of simultaneous loss or degeneration of twin conceptuses all occurred on Day 19 or 20, preceded by luteolysis in only one case. These observations suggest that while the causes of spontaneous early pregnancy failure are multifactorial, luteolysis might contribute to the problem more often than has been previously contended.
Signaling by the Epstein–Barr virus LMP1 protein induces potent cytotoxic CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell responses
Authors: Choi Il-Kyu , Wang Zhe , Ke Qiang , Hong Min , Qian Yu , Zhao Xiujuan , Liu Yuting , Kim Hye-Jung , Ritz Jerome , Cantor Harvey , Rajewsky Klaus , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Zhang Baochun
Published: January 2018

Significance

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) drives human B cell proliferation and transformation, but also potent T cell surveillance. When surveillance fails, EBV-driven malignancies arise. T cells can be stimulated/expanded on EBV-transformed B cells for adoptive therapy. Clinical data point to the therapeutic importance of CD4 T cells, perhaps through direct cytotoxicity; the mechanism underlying such an activity remains unknown. Previous studies show that signaling by the EBV oncoprotein LMP1 enhances antigen presentation. Here, we show that LMP1
+
B cells provide costimulation through CD70 and OX40L to drive cytotoxic CD4 (and CD8) differentiation. In a mouse model of LMP1 (EBV)-driven lymphoma, cytotoxic CD4 cells have superior antitumor activity. These findings provide a mechanism for the EBV-mediated cytotoxic CD4 response and suggest strategies for immunotherapy in EBV-related and other cancers.
Preferences for moral vs. immoral traits in others are conditional
Authors: Melnikoff David E. , Bailey April H.
Published: January 2018

Significance

It is commonly argued that humans have a dominant preference for morality traits vs. immorality traits in others—that is, irrespective of the surrounding context, morality fosters liking, and immorality fosters disliking. The results of four experiments oppose this view by showing that situational goals can eliminate and even reverse the preference for morality vs. immorality in others. These findings suggest that our preference for morality vs. immorality is conditional on the demands of our current goals and cannot be attributed solely to innate, “hardwired” links or personal learning experiences. They also suggest that immoral people sometimes win public adoration, and the power that comes with it, not in spite of but precisely because of their immorality.
Phenotypic selection as the biological mode of epigenetic conversion and reversion in cell transformation
Authors: Rubin Harry , Rubin Andrew L.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Single exposure of a certain mouse cell line to carcinogens causes delayed neoplastic transformation of most, if not all its cells. In the absence of carcinogens, the extended maintenance at high density of another cell line or of cells recently explanted from mice leads to increased saturation density, neoplastically transformed foci in culture, and tumor formation in mice. These properties are reversed to normal by frequent passages at low cell density in high serum concentrations. Such population-wide dynamics are incompatible with somatic mutation but are characteristic of epigenetic behavior. They represent phenotypic selection of cells from a normal population which progresses either to cancer or to the reversion of transformed cells to pretreatment phenotype, depending on differing microenvironments.
The Influence of Choice Feminism on Women’s and Men’s Attitudes towards Name Changing at Marriage: An Analysis of Online Comments on UK Social Media
Authors: Peters Eleanor
Published: January 2018

Analysis of name changing choices women have undertaken in English-speaking Western countries such as the USA and in the UK indicate that there are various predictors of whether women change their name at marriage or not, one of which is whether they identify as a feminist. This research examines the views of women and men on the issue of choice in name changing at marriage on a UK-based internet forum, Mumsnet, and in the British newspaper The Guardian online and explores whether identification with feminism has an influence on traditional name changing choices performed by women and men. The paper concludes that societal change is necessary to accommodate genuine free choice in name changing at marriage.
The Namework of Ursula K. Le Guin
Authors: Robinson Christopher L.
Published: January 2018

With its focus on sound and form in language, Sigmund Freud’s concept of jokework provides a useful analogy for studying invented names in fiction. This is especially true of a writer like Ursula K. Le Guin, who describes the onomastic creation in her stories and novels as a largely subconscious process. The namework in her fiction recalls the kind of wordplay and verbal experimentation in which children like to indulge, an activity that both Freud and Le Guin claim is inhibited in the course of growing up. It moreover privileges names in and of themselves as objects of aesthetic delight for the ears, eyes and minds of both the author and her readers. Finally, the concept of namework helps to explain how and why Le Guin recreates names that look and sound alike in her fantasy and science fiction.
Spatial analysis of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton diversity in the north China Sea
Authors: Fan Jingfeng , Li Hongjun , Chang Yongkai , Wang Xiaohui , Ming Hongxia , Su Jie , Li Hongbo
Published: January 2018

In this study, we investigated the bacterial diversity in the surface microlayer (<1 mm) and its corresponding subsurface layer (0.5 m in depth) and compared their bacterial communities in seven sites located across the northern Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea in China. Bacterial cell abundance was determined by flow cytometry; the structure of the bacterial assemblage was quantitatively assessed through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Bacterial cell abundant was not significantly different between bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton. The colony-forming units in the surface microlayer were significantly enriched compared with that in the subsurface layer. Enrichment factors (the ratio of abundance in the surface layer to that in the subsurface layer) led to high total cell counts in the surface microlayer of the cultivated bacteria (46.92 and 1.28 for colony-forming units and cells, respectively). The fraction of neustonic bacteria was similar among the sites, despite large differences in environmental conditions. Moreover, the community structures of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton exhibited distinct and consistent differences.
When multi-functional landscape meets Critical Zone science: advancing multi-disciplinary research for sustainable human well-being
Authors: Luo Ying , Lü Yihe , Fu Bojie , Harris Paul , Wu Lianhai , Comber Alexis
Published: January 2018

Environmental degradation has become one of the major obstacles to sustainable development and human well-being internationally. Scientific efforts are being made to understand the mechanism of environmental degradation and sustainability. Critical Zone (CZ) science and research on the multi-functional landscape are emerging fields in Earth science that can contribute to such scientific efforts. This paper reviews the progress, similarities and current status of these two scientific research fields, and identifies a number of opportunities for their synergistic integration through functional and multi-functional approaches, process-based monitoring, mechanistic analyses and dynamic modeling, global long-term and networked monitoring and systematic modeling supported by scaling and deep coupling. These approaches proposed in this paper have the potential to support sustainable human well-being by strengthening a functional orientation that consolidates multi-functional landscape research and CZ science. This is a key challenge for sustainable development and human well-being in the twenty-first century.
Numerical Investigation of the Influence of Blade Radial Gap Flow on Axial Blood Pump Performance
Authors: Liu Guang-Mao , Jin Dong-Hai , Zhou Jian-Ye , Zhang Yan , Chen Hai-bo , Sun Han-Song , Hu Sheng-shou , Gui Xing-Min
Published: January 2018

The gaps between the blades and the shroud (or hub) of an axial blood pump affect the hydraulics, efficiency, and hemolytic performance. These gaps are critical parameters when a blood pump is manufactured. To evaluate the influence of blade gaps on axial blood pump performance, the flow characteristics inside an axial blood pump with different radial blade gaps were numerically simulated and analyzed with special attention paid to the hydraulic characteristics, gap flow, hydraulic efficiency, and hemolysis index (HI).In vitrohydraulic testing and particle image velocimetry testing were conducted to verify the numerical results. The simulation results showed that the efficiency and pressure rise decreased when the gap increased. The efficiency of the axial blood pump at design point decreased from 37.1% to 27.1% and the pressure rise decreased from 127.4 to 71.2 mm Hg when the gap increased from 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Return and vortex flows were present in the outlet guide vane channels when the gap was larger than 0.2 mm. The HI of the blood pump with a 0.1 mm gap was 1.5-fold greater than that with a 0.3 mm gap. The results illustrated poor hydraulic characteristics when the gap was larger than 0.15 mm and rapidly deteriorated hemolysis when the gap was larger than 0.1 mm. The numerical and experimental results demonstrated that the pressure rise, pump efficiency, and scalar shear stress decreased when the gap increased. The HI did not strictly decrease with gap increases. The preliminary results encourage the improvement of axial blood pump designs.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Suicide Risk in Male Firefighters
Authors: Boffa Joseph W. , Stanley Ian H. , Smith Lia J. , Mathes Brittany M. , Tran Jana K. , Buser Sam J. , Schmidt Norman B. , Vujanovic Anka A.
Published: January 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are positively related to suicide risk among firefighters. One mechanism that may account for this relationship is anxiety sensitivity (AS) cognitive concerns—the fear that cognitive symptoms of anxiety will have catastrophic consequences. We sought to replicate the mediating effect of AS cognitive concerns on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and suicide risk among 214 trauma-exposed male firefighters with non-zero suicide risk. Bootstrap mediation analyses tested AS cognitive concerns as a statistical mediator of PTSD symptoms (total and symptoms clusters scores) and suicide risk, controlling for depression symptoms and relevant demographic variables. AS cognitive concerns statistically mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms (total score, as well as intrusion, avoidance, and arousal-reactivity symptoms clusters) and suicide risk; however, the reverse was also true. AS cognitive concerns may confer risk for suicide among trauma-exposed firefighters. Firefighters may benefit from AS-specific interventions, which are shown to reduce PTSD symptoms and suicidality.
Is the Garden Gun (Flobert 9 mm) Capable of Inducing Fatal Injury?
Authors: Pavlidis Pavlos , Karakasi Maria-Valeria , Kouroupi Maria , Theodoropoulou Efthimia , Birbilis Theodossios A.
Published: January 2018

This article presents both a fatal suicide incident by Flobert 9 mm-type smoothbore weapon with a single-shot projectile and a nonfatal case of a suicide attempt by the same weapon type with a dispersion cartridge from the authors' forensic record. A retrospective study was conducted examining 84 cases involving cases of headshots inflicted by all kinds of weapons deriving from the broader region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Northern Greece) between 2000 and 2015, among which only 1 involved lethal wounding by a Flobert 9 mm (1.19%). Only a single case report of a fatality with such a weapon has been described throughout international literature. A comparative study also follows between the 3 incidents. The authors argue that a prerequisite for the lethal outcome of the shooting is the absolute contact of the weapon to the head as well as its placement at an anatomical point where the bone resistance is relatively lower, so that the intracranial entry of the projectile is possible. It is also more harmful if the cartridge contains a single-shot projectile rather than multiple projectiles of smaller diameter.
Clarifying the Distinction Between Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor and Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma
Authors: Makise Naohiro , Sekimizu Masaya , Kubo Takashi , Wakai Susumu , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Komiyama Motokiyo , Fukayama Masashi , Kawai Akira , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Yoshida Akihiko
Published: January 2018

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) are 2 major types of pleomorphic spindle cell sarcoma. The differentiation of MPNST and DDLPS by histomorphology alone can be problematic. Although MDM2 amplification and PRC2 alteration leading to H3K27me3 deficiency are genetic hallmarks of DDLPS and MPNST, respectively, a small number of MDM2-amplified MPNSTs and H3K27me3-deficient DDLPSs have been reported in the literature. We systematically compared MDM2 and H3K27me3 status in 68 MPNSTs and 47 DDLPSs. Of the 62 MPNSTs, 22 were immunopositive for MDM2, mostly in a weak and/or focal manner. Of the 21 MDM2-positive MPNSTs successfully tested by fluorescence in situ hybridization, high-level MDM2 amplification was observed in 1 case. In contrast, MDM2 staining and high-level MDM2 amplification were positive in all the DDLPS tested (28/28 and 20/20). Of the 68 MPNSTs, 42 cases (62%) exhibited complete loss of H3K27me3. All the 13 MPNSTs that showed heterologous differentiation were deficient in H3K27me3. Of the 47 DDLPSs, 3 cases (6%) had complete loss of H3K27me3, all of which exhibited heterologous differentiation. One case of H3K27me3-deficient DDLPS exhibited homozygous loss of EED according to targeted next-generation sequencing, whereas there were no alterations in NF1 and CDKN2A. In conclusion, high-level MDM2 amplification strongly suggests DDLPS over MPNST. Although a good marker for MPNST, H3K27me3 deficiency also uncommonly occurs in DDLPS in association with PRC2 mutational inactivation. Because both markers are imperfectly specific, rare sarcomas with dual features could be encountered, and their classification should integrate other parameters.
Days Gained: A Simulation-Based, Response Metric in the Assessment of Glioblastoma
Authors: De Leon Gustavo , Singleton Kyle W. , Swanson Kristin R.
Published: January 2018

We show the application of a minimally based, patient-specific mathematical model in the evaluation of glioblastoma response to therapy. Days Gained uses computational models of glioblastoma growth dynamics derived from clinically acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the post-treatment tumor lesion to the expected untreated tumor lesion at the same time point. It accounts for the inter-patient variability in growth dynamics and response to therapy. This allows for the accurate assessment of therapeutic response and provides insight into overall survival as it relates to treatment response.
Abnormal spontaneous neural activity of auditory cortex and auditory pathway in tinnitus: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Cai Wei-Wei , Liang Jian-Gang , Li Zhi-Hui , Huang Yu-lin , Wang Li , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2018

This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study in tinnitus patients was conducted to observe the spontaneous neural activity of the central auditory system using a derived index, mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (mALFF). Tinnitus subjects with right-ear hearing impairment (THL) and without hearing loss (TNH) and two age-, sex-, and education-matched control groups (NC1 and NC2) were recruited for rs-fMRI. mALFF maps of the tinnitus and matched NC groups were plotted in the central auditory system, including the primary auditory cortex (PAC), higher auditory cortex (HAC), and hubs of the central auditory pathway. mALFF values of the activity clusters in the central auditory system of THL and TNH patients were extracted and correlated with each clinical characteristic. Significantly increased mALFF clusters were found in bilateral PAC and HAC of THL-NC1 maps and in the left inferior colliculus and right HAC of TNH-NC2 maps. Thus, subgroups of tinnitus with and without hearing impairment might exhibit different homeostatic plasticity in the central auditory system. mALFF values of aberrant active clusters in the central auditory system are partly associated with specific clinical tinnitus characteristics.