bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute exercise-induced enhancement of fear inhibition is moderated by BDNF Val66Met polymorphism
Authors: Keyan Dharani , Bryant Richard A.
Published: April 2019

Rodent research indicates that acute physical exercise facilitates fear learning and inhibition. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may moderate the memory enhancing effects of acute exercise. We assessed the role of acute exercise in modulating extinction retention in humans, and investigated the extent to which the BDNF polymorphism influenced extinction retention. Seventy non-clinical participants engaged in a differential fear potentiated startle paradigm involving conditioning and extinction followed by random assignment to either intense exercise (n = 35) or no exercise (n = 35). Extinction retention was assessed 24 h later. Saliva samples were collected to index BDNF genotype. Exercised participants displayed significantly lower fear 24 h later relative to non-exercised participants. Moderation analyses indicated that after controlling for gender, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism moderated the relationship between exercise and fear recovery 24 h later, such that exercise was associated with greater fear recovery in individuals with the Met allele. These findings provide initial evidence that acute exercise can impact fear extinction in humans and this effect is reduced in Met-allele carriers. This finding accords with the role of BDNF in extinction learning, and has implications for augmenting exposure-based therapies for anxiety disorders.
Interfering trajectories in experimental quantum-enhanced stochastic simulation
Authors: Ghafari Farzad , Tischler Nora , Di Franco Carlo , Thompson Jayne , Gu Mile , Pryde Geoff J.
Published: April 2019

Simulations of stochastic processes play an important role in the quantitative sciences, enabling the characterisation of complex systems. Recent work has established a quantum advantage in stochastic simulation, leading to quantum devices that execute a simulation using less memory than possible by classical means. To realise this advantage it is essential that the memory register remains coherent, and coherently interacts with the processor, allowing the simulator to operate over many time steps. Here we report a multi-time-step experimental simulation of a stochastic process using less memory than the classical limit. A key feature of the photonic quantum information processor is that it creates a quantum superposition of all possible future trajectories that the system can evolve into. This superposition allows us to introduce, and demonstrate, the idea of comparing statistical futures of two classical processes via quantum interference. We demonstrate interference of two 16-dimensional quantum states, representing statistical futures of our process, with a visibility of 0.96 ± 0.02.
Entrainment of Lymphatic Contraction to Oscillatory Flow
Authors: Mukherjee Anish , Hooks Joshua , Nepiyushchikh Zhanna , Dixon J. Brandon
Published: April 2019

Lymphedema, a disfiguring condition characterized by an asymmetrical swelling of the limbs, is suspected to be caused by dysfunctions in the lymphatic system. A possible source of lymphatic dysfunction is the reduced mechanosensitivity of lymphangions, the spontaneously contracting units of the lymphatic system. In this study, the entrainment of lymphangions to an oscillatory wall shear stress (OWSS) is characterized in rat thoracic ducts in relation to their shear sensitivity. The critical shear stress above which the thoracic ducts show a substantial inhibition of contraction was found to be significantly negatively correlated to the diameter of the lymphangion. The entrainment of the lymphangion to an applied OWSS was found to be significantly dependent on the difference between the applied frequency and the intrinsic frequency of contraction of the lymphangion. The strength of the entrainment was also positively correlated to the applied shear stress when the applied shear was less than the critical shear stress of the vessel. The ejection fraction and fractional pump flow were also affected by the difference between the frequency of the applied OWSS and the vessel's intrinsic contraction frequency. The results suggest an adaptation of the lymphangion contractility to the existing oscillatory shear stress as a function of its intrinsic contractility and shear sensitivity. These adaptations might be crucial to ensure synchronized contraction of lymphangions through mechanosensitive means and might help explain the lymphatic dysfunctions that result from impaired mechanosensitivity.
A Computational Design Framework for Efficient, Fabrication Error-Tolerant, Planar THz Diffractive Optical Elements
Authors: Banerji Sourangsu , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate ultra-thin (1.5-3λ0), fabrication-error tolerant efficient diffractive terahertz (THz) optical elements designed using a computer-aided optimization-based search algorithm. The basic operation of these components is modeled using scalar diffraction of electromagnetic waves through a pixelated multi-level 3D-printed polymer structure. Through the proposed design framework, we demonstrate the design of various ultrathin planar THz optical elements, namely (i) a high Numerical Aperture (N.A.), broadband aberration rectified spherical lens (0.1 THz–0.3 THz), (ii) a spectral splitter (0.3 THz–0.6 THz) and (iii) an on-axis broadband transmissive hologram (0.3 THz–0.5 THz). Such an all-dielectric computational design-based approach is advantageous against metallic or dielectric metasurfaces from the perspective that it incorporates all the inherent structural advantages associated with a scalar diffraction based approach, such as (i) ease of modeling, (ii) substrate-less facile manufacturing, (iii) planar geometry, (iv) high efficiency along with (v) broadband operation, (vi) area scalability and (vii) fabrication error-tolerance. With scalability and error tolerance being two major bottlenecks of previous design strategies. This work is therefore, a significant step towards the design of THz optical elements by bridging the gap between structural and computational design i.e. through a hybrid design-based approach enabling considerably less computational resources than the previous state of the art. Furthermore, the approach used herein can be expanded to a myriad of optical elements at any wavelength regime.
Formation of tubules and helical ribbons by ceramide phosphoethanolamine-containing membranes
Authors: Inaba Takehiko , Murate Motohide , Tomishige Nario , Lee Yan-Fen , Hullin-Matsuda Françoise , Pollet Brigitte , Humbert Nicolas , Mély Yves , Sako Yasushi , Greimel Peter , Kobayashi Toshihide
Published: April 2019

Ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), a major sphingolipid in invertebrates, is crucial for axonal ensheathment in Drosophila. Darkfield microscopy revealed that an equimolar mixture of bovine buttermilk CPE (milk CPE) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (diC18:1 PC) tends to form tubules and helical ribbons, while pure milk CPE mainly exhibits amorphous aggregates and, at low frequency, straight needles. Negative staining electron microscopy indicated that helices and tubules were composed of multilayered 5–10 nm thick slab-like structures. Using different molecular species of PC and CPE, we demonstrated that the acyl chain length of CPE but not of PC is crucial for the formation of tubules and helices in equimolar mixtures. Incubation of the lipid suspensions at the respective phase transition temperature of CPE facilitated the formation of both tubules and helices, suggesting a dynamic lipid rearrangement during formation. Substituting diC18:1 PC with diC18:1 PE or diC18:1 PS failed to form tubules and helices. As hydrated galactosylceramide (GalCer), a major lipid in mammalian myelin, has been reported to spontaneously form tubules and helices, it is believed that the ensheathment of axons in mammals and Drosophila is based on similar physical processes with different lipids.
Experimental Quantum-enhanced Cryptographic Remote Control
Authors: Pang Xiao-Ling , Qiao Lu-Feng , Sun Ke , Liu Yu , Yang Ai-lin , Jin Xian-Min
Published: April 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT), as a cutting-edge integrated cross-technology, promises to informationize people’s daily lives, while being threatened by continuous challenges of eavesdropping and tampering. The emerging quantum cryptography, harnessing the random nature of quantum mechanics, may also enable unconditionally secure control network, beyond the applications in secure communications. Here, we present a quantum-enhanced cryptographic remote control scheme that combines quantum randomness and one-time pad algorithm for delivering commands remotely. We experimentally demonstrate this on an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) control system. We precharge quantum random numbers (QRN) into controller and controlee before launching UAV, instead of distributing QRN like standard quantum communication during flight. We statistically verify the randomness of both quantum keys and the converted ciphertexts to check the security capability. All commands in the air are found to be completely chaotic after encryption, and only matched keys on UAV can decipher those commands precisely. In addition, the controlee does not response to the commands that are not or incorrectly encrypted, showing the immunity against interference and decoy. Our work adds true randomness and quantum enhancement into the realm of secure control algorithm in a straightforward and practical fashion, providing a promoted solution for the security of artificial intelligence and IoT.
Super- and sub-radiance from two-dimensional resonant dipole-dipole interactions
Authors: Jen H. H.
Published: April 2019

We theoretically investigate the super- and sub-radiance from the resonant dipole-dipole interactions (RDDI) in a confined two-dimensional (2D) reservoir. The distinctive feature of 2D RDDI shows qualitatively and quantitatively different long-range behavior from RDDI in free space. We investigate the collective radiation properties of the singly-excited symmetric state under this 2D RDDI. This state also allows subradiant decays in much longer distances than the transition wavelength, showing longrange atom-atom correlations. We further study the dynamics of the subradiant states which can be accessed by imprinting spatially dependent phases on the atomic arrays. Our results demonstrate rich opportunities in engineering light-matter interactions in a confined 2D reservoir, and hold promise in applications of quantum light storage and single-excitation state manipulations.
p38 MAPK activation through B7-H3-mediated DUSP10 repression promotes chemoresistance
Authors: Flem-Karlsen Karine , Tekle Christina , Øyjord Tove , Flørenes Vivi A. , Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Fodstad Øystein , Nunes-Xavier Caroline E.
Published: April 2019

Immunoregulatory protein B7-H3 is involved in the oncogenic and metastatic potential of cancer cells, as well as in drug resistance. Resistance to conventional chemotherapy is an important aspect of melanoma treatment, and a better understanding of how B7-H3 enhances drug resistance may lead to the development of more effective therapies. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of chemotherapeutic agents dacarbazine (DTIC) and cisplatin in sensitive and drug resistant melanoma cells with knockdown expression of B7-H3. We found that knockdown of B7-H3 increased in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of melanoma cells to the chemotherapeutic agents dacarbazine (DTIC) and cisplatin, in parallel with a decrease in p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, in B7-H3 knockdown cells we observed an increase in the expression of dual-specific MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) DUSP10, a MKP known to dephosphorylate and inactivate p38 MAPK. DUSP10 knockdown by siRNA resulted in a reversion of the increased DTIC-sensitivity seen in B7-H3 knockdown cells. Our findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefit of combining chemotherapy with B7-H3 inhibition, and indicate that B7-H3 mediated chemoresistance in melanoma cells is driven through a mechanism involving DUSP10-mediated inactivation of p38 MAPK.
Gallstone Disease and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Fairfield Cameron J. , Wigmore Stephen J. , Harrison Ewen M.
Published: April 2019

Gallstone disease (GD) is one of the most common presentations to surgical units worldwide and shares several risk factors with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD remains the most common cause of death worldwide and results in considerable economic burden. Recent observational studies have demonstrated an association between GD and CVD with some studies demonstrating a stronger association with cholecystectomy. We present the findings of a meta-analysis assessing the relationship between GD and CVD. A total of fourteen cohort studies with over 1.2 million participants were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for association with GD from a random-effects model is 1.23 (95%CI: 1.16–1.30) for fatal and non-fatal CVD events. The association was present in females and males. Three studies report the relationship between cholecystectomy and CVD with a pooled HR of 1.41 (95%CI: 1.21–1.64) which compares to a HR of 1.30 (95%CI: 1.07–1.58) when cholecystectomy is excluded although confounding may influence this result. Our meta-analysis demonstrates a significant relationship between GD and CVD events which is present in both sexes. Further research is needed to assess the influence of cholecystectomy on this association.
Royal jelly attenuates cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in male mice
Authors: Almeer Rafa S. , AlBasher Gadah I. , Alarifi Saud , Alkahtani Saad , Ali Daoud , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E.
Published: April 2019

Cadmium exposure induces nephrotoxicity by mediating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the protective effect of royal jelly on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. Adult male mice were distributed randomly into 4 clusters: untreated, royal jelly-treated (85 mg/kg, oral), CdCl2-treated (6.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and pretreated with royal jelly (85 mg/kg) 2 h before CdCl2 injection (6.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for seven consecutive days. Cd concentration in the renal tissue and absolute kidney weight of the Cd-treated mice were significantly higher than those of control group. The levels of kidney function markers, kidney injury molecules-1 (KIM-1), metallothionein, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and the apoptosis regulators Bax and caspases-3 also increased significantly in the renal tissue of Cd-treated mice, whereas the levels of glutathione, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2 were significantly reduced in the renal tissue of Cd-treated group. Histopathological studies showed vacuolation and congested glomeruli in the kidney tissue of Cd-treated mice. However, all aforementioned Cd-induced changes were attenuated by pretreatment with royal jelly. We therefore concluded that royal jelly attenuated Cd-induced nephrotoxicity and it is suggested that this nephroprotective effect could be linked to its ability to promote the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway.
Visible-light-driven photoreduction of CO2 to CO over porous nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride nanotubes
Authors: Guo Shien , Zhang Hongye , Yang Peng , Chen Yu , Yu Xiaoxiao , Yu Bo , Zhao Yanfei , Yang Zhenzhen , Liu Zhimin
Published: April 2019

The solar energy-driven photoreduction of CO2 with H2O to hydrocarbon fuels is an interesting but challenging topic.
Dietary methionine restriction improves glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle of obese mice
Authors: Luo Tingyu , Yang Yuhui , Xu Yuncong , Gao Qiuli , Wu Guoqing , Jiang Yuge , Sun Jin , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei
Published: April 2019

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) has many positive effects on metabolic health.
Highly diastereoselective construction of novel dispiropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivativesviamulticomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of cyclic diketones-based tetrahydroisoquinoliniumN-ylides
Authors: Boudriga Sarra , Haddad Saoussen , Askri Moheddine , Soldera Armand , Knorr Michael , Strohmann Carsten , Golz Christopher
Published: April 2019

A new series of dispiropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives was synthesized by multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of tetrahydroisoquinoliniumN-ylides and (E)-3-arylidene-1-phenyl-pyrrolidine-2,5-diones.
Electroreduction of CO2 to formate on amine modified Pb electrodes
Authors: Zouaoui Nidhal , Ossonon Benjamin D. , Fan Mengyang , Mayilukila Dilungane , Garbarino Sebastien , de Silveira Glynis , Botton Gianluigi A. , Guay Daniel , Tavares Ana C.
Published: April 2019

Grafting of polyarylene layers on the surface of Pb electrodes improves their selectivity for the CO2 reduction to formate.
Light induced coarsening of metal nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Liuxian , Liu Qianlang , Crozier Peter A.
Published: April 2019

Metal particle coarsening driven by light illumination of the supporting semiconducting substrate.
The theranostic nanoagent Mo2C for multi-modal imaging-guided cancer synergistic phototherapy
Authors: Zhang Qun , Huang Weicheng , Yang Chunyu , Wang Fei , Song Chuanqi , Gao Yan , Qiu Yunfeng , Yan Mei , Yang Bin , Guo Chongshen
Published: April 2019

Mo2C is an excellent photoactive material that can trigger hyperthermia and ROS generation, thus contributing to synergistic photothermal/photodynamic outcomes. Moreover, Mo2C is a potential photoacoustic and CT contrast agent.
PrOx catalysts for the combustion of soot generated in diesel engines: effect of CuO and 3DOM structures
Authors: Alcalde-Santiago Virginia , Bailón-García Esther , Davó-Quiñonero Arantxa , Lozano-Castelló Dolores , Bueno-López Agustín
Published: April 2019

PrOx and CuO/PrOx catalysts have been prepared with conventional (Ref) and three dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) structures, and the effect of the structure on soot combustion has been studied.
Synthesis of novel 10,11-methylenedioxy-camptothecin glycoside derivatives and investigation of their anti-tumor effects in vivo
Authors: Wu Guanzhao , Mai Xiaoyuan , Liu Feng , Lin Mingming , Dong Xueyang , Xu Qingliang , Hao Cui , Zhang Lijuan , Yu Rilei , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2019

In a RM-1 xenograft model, 11b had superior in vivo antitumor efficacy (TGI = 44.9%) at a dose of 9 mg kg−1.
Effect of gold addition by the recharge method on silver supported catalysts in the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol
Authors: Silahua-Pavón Adib A. , Torres-Torres Gilberto , Arévalo-Pérez Juan Carlos , Cervantes-Uribe Adrián , Guerra-Que Zenaida , Cordero-García Adrián , Espinosa de los Monteros Alejandra , Beltramini Jorge N.
Published: April 2019

Addition of gold changed the properties of silver monometallic catalysts by inhibiting the low formation of intermediates and changed of reaction route by formic acid to CO2 and water. Furthermore, the bimetallic catalyst showed in the reuse cycles the better stability in CWAO of phenol.
Novel synthesis of a clay supported amorphous aluminum nanocomposite and its application in removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions
Authors: Khandelwal Nitin , Singh Nisha , Tiwari Ekta , Darbha Gopala Krishna
Published: April 2019

Synthesis and application of bentonite supported amorphous aluminum nanocomposite as promising material for the removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous solutions.
Chitin nano-whiskers (CNWs) as a bio-based bio-degradable reinforcement for epoxy: evaluation of the impact of CNWs on the morphological, fracture, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal characteristics of DGEBA epoxy resin
Authors: Anwer Muhammad A. S. , Wang Jintian , Guan Aaron (Qi) , Naguib Hani E.
Published: April 2019

Chitin nano-whiskers (CNWs) reinforcement for producing optically transparent epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced fracture, mechanical and thermal characteristics.
Electro-deposition of bactericidal and corrosion-resistant hydroxyapatite nanoslabs
Authors: Sharma Manisha , Nagar Rohit , Meena Vijay Kumar , Singh Suman
Published: April 2019

Herein, nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HA) with a slab-like morphology was synthesized. The synthesized material has been studied for their bactericidal and corrosion resistive behavior.
Ultrafine nanoparticles of W-doped SnO2for durable H2S sensors with fast response and recovery
Authors: Wang Pengjian , Hui Junfeng , Yuan Tingbiao , Chen Peng , Su Yue , Liang Wenjie , Chen Fulin , Zheng Xiaoyan , Zhao Yuxin , Hu Shi
Published: April 2019

5% W-doped SnO2HRTEM, long-term stability and schematic image.
The use of polyhydroxylated carboxylic acids and lactones to diminish biofilm formation of the pathogenic yeastCandida albicans
Authors: Ishchuk Olena P. , Sterner Olov , Strevens Helena , Ellervik Ulf , Manner Sophie
Published: April 2019

Treatment ofCandida albicanswith glucono δ-lactone results in less formation of hyphae and diminish biofilm formation.
Novel waterborne UV-curable coatings based on hyperbranched polymersviaelectrophoretic deposition
Authors: Chen Junhua , Peng Kaimei , Tu Weiping
Published: April 2019

Two modified types of polymer were based on hyperbranched polyether (HBPE) and used for UV-curable EPD coatings. The properties of the coatings were analyzed from the perspective of hyperbranched structures.
Enhanced up-conversion luminescence in transparent glass-ceramic containing KEr3F10:Er3+ nanocrystals and its application in temperature detection
Authors: Xia Zhijun , Huang Huixiang , Chen Zhi , Fang Zaijin , Qiu Jianrong
Published: April 2019

Transparent Er3+ doped glass-ceramics containing KEr3F10:Er3+ nanocrystals were prepared via the traditional melt-quenching technique.
Correction: Transition rates for slip-avalanches in soft athermal disks under quasi-static simple shear deformations
Authors: Saitoh Kuniyasu , Oyama Norihiro , Ogushi Fumiko , Luding Stefan
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Transition rates for slip-avalanches in soft athermal disks under quasi-static simple shear deformations’ by Kuniyasu Saitoh et al., Soft Matter, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01966e.
Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 by two-dimensional transition metal porphyrin sheets
Authors: Liu Jin-Hang , Yang Li-Ming , Ganz Eric
Published: April 2019

The first transition metal series TM–PP monolayer catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance during the process of electroreduction of CO2. The products have 2e− CO (Sc, Mn and Ni), HCOOH (Cr, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn), 8e− CH4 (Ti and V), and the overpotential of the reaction can be as low as 0.127 V.
Chain rigidity modification to promote the electrochemical performance of polymeric battery electrode materials
Authors: Niu Zhihui , Wu Huaxi , Liu Lei , Dai Gaole , Xiong Shiyun , Zhao Yu , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: April 2019

Tuning the chain rigidity enables high power density without sacrificing the volumetric energy density for polymeric battery materials.
Rational nanostructure design of graphitic carbon nitride for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Tian Na , Huang Hongwei , Du Xin , Dong Fan , Zhang Yihe
Published: April 2019

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the nanostructure design of g-C3N4with various dimensional structures and promising applications.
High-performance binary cross-linked alkaline anion polymer electrolyte membranes for all-solid-state supercapacitors and flexible rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Wang Min , Xu Nengneng , Fu Jing , Liu Yuyu , Qiao Jinli
Published: April 2019

A high-performance binary cross-linked alkaline anion polymer electrolyte membrane was fabricated for energy storage and conversion devices.
Simultaneously increasing the hydrophobicity and interfacial adhesion of carbon fibres: a simple pathway to install passive functionality into composites
Authors: Arnold Chantelle L. , Eyckens Daniel J. , Servinis Linden , Nave Mark D. , Yin Huaying , Marceau Ross K. W. , Pinson Jean , Demir Baris , Walsh Tiffany R. , Henderson Luke C.
Published: April 2019

Hydrophobic carbon fibres were developed and show improved interfacial adhesion.
Impedance analysis of perovskite solar cells: a case study
Authors: Contreras-Bernal Lidia , Ramos-Terrón Susana , Riquelme Antonio , Boix Pablo P , Idígoras Jesús , Mora-Seró Iván , Anta Juan A.
Published: April 2019

Metal halide perovskites are mixed electronic–ionic semiconductors with an extraordinarily rich optoelectronic behavior and the capability to function very efficiently as active layers in solar cells, with a record efficiency surpassing 23% nowadays.
A quinacridone derivative with intensive emission in both solution and the solid state via a facile preparation for cell imaging applications
Authors: Tian Guoqing , Wang Wenli , Huang Baojing , Shi Lei , Li Lu , Xiao Jie , Pan Yuyu , Chen Shanyong , Jia Tao , Sun Tiedong
Published: April 2019

tert-Butyloxycarbonyl (TBOC) substituted quinacridone (QA) derivative TBOC-QA was synthesized via a one-step simple chemical reaction and showed intense emission in both solution and the solid state.
Enhanced performance of perovskite solar cells by the incorporation of the luminescent small molecule DBP: perovskite absorption spectrum modification and interface engineering
Authors: Ding Saisai , Li Shiqi , Sun Qinjun , Wu Yukun , Liu Yifan , Li Zhanfeng , Cui Yanxia , Wang Hua , Hao Yuying , Wu Yucheng
Published: April 2019

Luminescent organic small molecule DBP ultrathin layer were incorporated into the interface between perovskite and electron transport layer for high efficiency and stability PSCs by absorption spectrum modification and interface engineering.
Microwave growth and tunable photoluminescence of nitrogen-doped graphene and carbon nitride quantum dots
Authors: Gu Siyong , Hsieh Chien-Te , Ashraf Gandomi Yasser , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Li Ju , Li Jianlin , Zhang Houan , Guo Qing , Lau Kah Chun , Pandey Ravindra
Published: April 2019

Tunable photoluminescent nitrogen-doped graphene and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) quantum dots are synthesized via a facile solid-phase microwave-assisted (SPMA) technique utilizing the pyrolysis of citric acid and urea precursors.
Polyacrylic acid coated carbon nanotube–paper composites for humidity and moisture sensing
Authors: Zhang Jinyuan , Dichiara Anthony B. , Novosselov Igor , Gao Dayong , Chung Jae-Hyun
Published: April 2019

Resistive humidity sensors made of carbon nanotube–paper composites (CPCs) coated with polyacrylic acid.
Genome editing for blood disorders: state of the art and recent advances
Authors: Romito Marianna , Rai Rajeev , Thrasher Adrian J. , Cavazza Alessia
Published: April 2019

In recent years, tremendous advances have been made in the use of gene editing to precisely engineer the genome. This technology relies on the activity of a wide range of nuclease platforms — such as zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the CRISPR–Cas system — that can cleave and repair specific DNA regions, providing a unique and flexible tool to study gene function and correct disease-causing mutations. Preclinical studies using gene editing to tackle genetic and infectious diseases have highlighted the therapeutic potential of this technology. This review summarizes the progresses made towards the development of gene editing tools for the treatment of haematological disorders and the hurdles that need to be overcome to achieve clinical success.
Evaluating the Hydrodynamic Response of Coastal Bridges during an Extreme Weather Event
Authors: Nasouri Reza , Shahriar Adnan , Matamoros Adolfo , Montoya Arturo , Testik First
Published: April 2019

The frequency and intensity of recent hurricanes have demonstrated the need of taking proactive actions to prevent major damages during an extreme weather event. This work presents the results of a numerical study evaluating the hydrodynamic response of coastal bridges during an extreme hurricane event. A finite element model of a concrete bridge girder superstructure with a pier-substructure was developed in the commercial software Abaqus. The Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian technique was used to model the interaction between water waves and the bridge as the structure deformed due to wave impacts. The wave velocity and the angle of wave impact were varied in the simulation to determine their effects on the response of the bridge. It was found that the resultant shear and uplift forces increase with wave velocity, while the angle of impact only had a significant effect on the resultant shear forces. The developed numerical framework will support further studies that will investigate variations in the bridge design and construction practices in order to enhance the resilience of coastal bridges against extreme weather events.
Control of Thermal Deflection in Concrete Structures Using Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Edmiston Brady , Davis Allen , Mirsayar Mirmilad , Hartl Darren
Published: April 2019

Mitigating the structural damage brought about by thermal expansion is a primary objective in the design of vital concrete infrastructures, such as bridges or buildings. Shape memory alloys (SMAs), through their ability to recover strains through thermal loading-induced phase transformations, offer a distinct advantage in achieving this design goal as such strain recovery in embedded components could be used to oppose thermal expansion in a surrounding matrix (e.g. concrete). This study seeks to characterize the thermal expansion of system, comprised of an SMA rod embedded in a concrete block undergoing a thermal loading cycle. Characterization is produced through a full factorial analysis, wherein evaluation is performed through the Abaqus unified finite element analysis suite. This preliminary analysis indicates that, while iron-based SMAs show promise in this field due to their low manufacturing costs, their large thermal hysteresis may lead to limited phase transformation in this application.
Freight Consolidation Problem with Time Windows, Pickup and Delivery Sequence
Authors: Krishnan Devaraj R. , Liu Tieming
Published: April 2019

The number of online market places for freight matching is on the rise. Online market places help small trucking companies find shipping customers. However, they do not provide cargo consolidation strategies. This lack of effective consolidation has adverse effects on the shipping industry and greenhouse gas emission. To that extent, this article addresses Multiple Vehicle Pickup and Delivery Problem with Time Windows (MVPDPTW). We propose a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model and a branch-and-cut algorithm geared towards identifying effective freight consolidation opportunities. For emission studies, we used a cost conversion technique from the literature to convert emission levels into monetary values. On real-world logistics company test instances, our model identified routes with lower cost and lower emission levels than the actual routes.
Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Shear Keys in Concrete Bridge Superstructures
Authors: Flores Elsy Y. , Varbel Jordan , Newtson Craig M. , Weldon Brad D.
Published: April 2019

Many existing bridges have adjacent girders that utilize grouted shear keys to transfer loads laterally across the superstructure. Cracking and leaking often cause degradation of the shear key and the girder. This work investigates the potential for using non-proprietary ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as a grouting material for repair of deteriorated shear keys by testing bond strength between UHPC and substrate concrete surfaces that were either formed or scarified by chipping. Bond strengths were adequate for both surface textures even though texture depth was substantially less than recommended by ACI 546. Scanning electron microscopy has also been used to investigate the bonded area. This microscopic scanning has shown fly ash residue remaining on the substrate after bond failure, indicating that the supplementary cementitious materials produce much of the bond. Ongoing work for this project also includes full-scale testing of UHPC shear keys between pre-stressed channel girders.
Automated Road Damage Recognition based on the Sparse Coding Analysis of Vehicle Vibrations
Authors: Du Jing , Li Zishuo , Wang Chao
Published: April 2019

Road pavement damage inspection is a critical yet challenging task. At present, road pavement damage inspection is usually done by DOTs using a manual process. Another emerging method of inspection is via the use of sensors, such as the use of LiDAR. This study proposes an automated road damage recognition method via the Sparse Coding analysis of vehicle vibrations. Sparse Coding is a class of unsupervised methods that learn data patterns based on extracted overcomplete bases. Unlike frequency domain-based analysis, e.g. Spectral Analysis, Sparse Coding analysis preserves the temporal information of the vehicle vibration that contains important patterns related to road pavement damage. A preliminary study was performed with vehicle vibration data collected in College Station, Texas. Results confirm the feasibility of the proposed method in automated road pavement damage recognition. More data points should be collected in the future to further benchmark the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Efficacy of palliative chemotherapy in elderly patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Bohle Wolfram , Pachlhofer Amelie , Zoller Wolfram
Published: April 2019

Background The number of old patients suffering from colorectal cancer rises. In clinical trials, old patients are underrepresented, and chemotherapy is significantly less often performed in elderly patients. We analyzed the impact of elder age for palliative chemotherapy in patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer, according to therapeutic drugs used, intensity of treatment performed, and therapeutic results.

Materials and methods We analyzed consecutive patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated in palliative intention in our department. Assessed data included age (</> 75 years), sex, comorbidity, site of primary tumor, k-ras-status, site and amount of metastasis, number and kind of chemotherapeutic agents used, number of consecutive therapy lines performed, dose intensity, toxicity, time between start and end of palliative chemotherapy, and overall survival. Prognostic variables were tested in uni- and multivariate analysis.

Results Ninety-seven patients (69 < 75, 18 > 75 years) were included. Age groups were well balanced according to site of primary tumor, k-ras-mutational status, localization, and number of metastatic sites. Cardial and renal comorbidity was more frequent in elderly patients. The median number of chemotherapeutic drugs used and lines of therapy performed did not differ between age groups, except of oxaliplatin, which was significantly less often used in old patients. Median survival did not differ between age groups (23.4 vs. 23.5 months). In multivariate analysis, only left-sided primary tumor and more than 3 lines of therapy performed were prognostic positive variables.

Conclusion Old patients can profit from palliative chemotherapy to the same extent as younger ones.
Vibrotactile Feedback During Physical Exercise: Perception of Vibrotactile Cues in Cycling
Authors: Peeters Thomas , van Breda Eric , Saeys Wim , Schaerlaken Evi , Vleugels Jochen , Truijen Steven , Verwulgen Stijn
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of vibrotactile signals during physical exercise by comparing differences in recognition between stationary and cycling positions. The impact of physical exercise on the ability to perceive vibrotactile cues is unknown, whereas the recognition in stationary position has been shown previously. Vibrating elements were positioned at 3 locations on the thighs and spine of 9 athletes to apply various vibrotactile cues. Subjects performed at 0, 50, 70 and 90% of their maximal cycling power output and denoted the interpretation of the vibration signals on a touchscreen. The results show a similarity in correct recognition between stationary position and physical exercise for the thighs and spine (p>0.1) and demonstrate a decrease in response time for 70 and 90% levels of physical exercise compared to 0 and 50% (p<0.001). Furthermore, vibrotactile signals at the spine are noticed more accurately and more rapidly compared to the thighs (p<0.01). These results suggest that vibrotactile feedback also has potential in applications during physical exercise. The potential use of vibrotactile feedback can be in cycling for, among other, correcting the aerodynamic position. Applications in other sports and health-related domains are feasible as well.
Kopf- und Halstumore: langfristige Behandlungsfolgen
belasten Patienten
Authors: Schneider Gerlind
Published: April 2019

Nilsen ML et al. Burden of treatment: Reported outcomes in a head and neck cancer
survivorship clinic. Laryngoscope 2019; doi: 10.1002/lary.27801

Mit der Intensivierung und Anwendung der multimodalen Behandlung haben die
akuten Toxizitäten zugenommen, jedoch ist die Häufigkeit der
Behandlungsfolgen bei Langzeit-Überlebenden von Kopf- und Halstumoren (HNC)
nur unzureichend beschrieben. Daher wurde im Rahmen einer
Querschnittsanalyse Prävalenz und Prädiktoren der von Patienten gemeldeten
späten und langfristigen Behandlungsfolgen von HNC-Überlebenden
bestimmt.
Intensivtherapie im Terminal – mobile Blutgasanalyse bei der Reanimation
Authors: Sroka Michael , Czerwonka Holger , Lauer Daniel
Published: April 2019

Der Case Report diskutiert die vorgezogene Intensivtherapie in einem Flughafenterminal. Während einer Reanimation kommt eine mobile Blutgasanalyse zum Einsatz und ermöglich so die zielgerichtete Behandlung „reversibler Ursachen“ vor Ort.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Successful Palliation of Absent Aortic Valve with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Qasim Amna , Johnson Chelsea , Aly Muhammad , Aly Ashraf
Published: April 2019

Introduction Congenital absence of the aortic valve leaflets is a rare association with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Case A 37-year-old pregnant woman was referred for fetal evaluation of possible HLHS at 22 weeks of gestation. The fetal echocardiogram (ECHO) was remarkable for a hypoplastic left atrium, nearly atretic mitral valve, small left ventricle, and a hypoplastic aortic valve with severe aortic insufficiency. A female infant was born at term and postnatal ECHO confirmed the above findings. In addition, there was complete absence of the aortic valve leaflets. The patient underwent Norwood's procedure at day 5 of life with atrial septectomy, over-sewing of the aortic valve annulus, and a 4 mm Sano's shunt between the right ventricle and the main pulmonary artery. She tolerated this surgery well and subsequently underwent a bidirectional Glenn's procedure at 8 months of life.

Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis of absent aortic valve should be suspected in the presence of severe aortic insufficiency in the fetal ECHO. Early postnatal intervention is critical as those patients are likely to deteriorate quickly. The over-sewing of the aortic valve may be important to prevent coronary steal and myocardial hypoperfusion which could potentially be detrimental.
Pentalogy of Cantrell in Full Term Neonate
Authors: Taee Nadereh , Goodarzi Mojgan , Safdari Mohammad , Bajelan Amir
Published: April 2019

Pentalogy of Cantrell (PC) is an uncommon congenital disorder characterized by severe defects in the chest and abdomen, including abdominal visceral prolapsed via umbilical cord (omphalocele), defect in the lower part of the sternum, defect in the front of the diaphragm, defects in the anterior part of the pericardium, and the ectopiacordis. Here, we report a 2-hour-old girl, weighing 3,500 g, who was referred to Shahid Madani Hospital in Khorramabad due to the large omphalocele on her chest with pulsating mass above it. The baby was the first child of a 24-year-old mother who was born with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Very rare cases of PC are born as a term new-born.
Formation of electronic defects in crystalline silicon during hydrogen plasma treatment
Authors: Nunomura Shota , Sakata Isao , Matsubara Koji
Published: April 2019

Electronic defects in crystalline silicon induced by hydrogen plasma treatments are studied, based on in-situ photocurrent measurements and real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry. The electronic defects are generated by the plasma treatments, and annihilated partially by postannealing. The generation and annihilation of defects strongly depends on both the treatment time and the annealing temperature. A long-time plasma treatment results in the formation of the residual defects in the silicon bulk. The density of these defects is estimated to be of the order of 1013 cm−2. Interestingly, the electronic defects are formed even before a strong modification of the surface structure, i.e., the formation of a nanometer-scale disordered surface layer.
Integrative taxonomy widens our knowledge of the diversity, distribution and biology of the genus Plakina (Homosclerophorida: Plakinidae)
Authors: Muricy Guilherme , Domingos Celso , Lage Anaíra , Lanna Emilio , Hardoim Cristiane C. P. , Laport Marinella S. , Zilberberg Carla
Published: April 2019

Despite the evolutionary significance of Homoscleromorpha, their diversity and biology are largely unknown. Here we integrate data of morphology, cytology, microbiology, ecology, reproduction, and mitochondrial cox-1 and cob gene sequences to resolve a complex of sympatric species of Plakina in South-eastern Brazil. All datasets congruently supported the delimitation of three species, two of which are new to science. Plakina coerulea has its distribution extended from one locality to over 2360 km wide. Plakina cabofriense, sp. nov. also occurs in North-eastern Brazil. Plakina cyanorosea, sp. nov. occurs only in a single, small tide pool and may be critically endangered. Plakina cyanorosea, sp. nov. produces conspicuous, abundant larvae useful for laboratory investigations. A thin, bright orange organic coat covers some spicules of P. cabofriense, sp. nov. and P. cyanorosea, sp. nov. The three Plakina species harbour diverse microbial symbiont communities, including previously unknown morphologies. Molecular phylogenies and barcoding gaps based on cox-1 and cob sequences supported that each species is monophyletic and distinct from other congeners. The genus Plakina is paraphyletic and strongly needs redefinition. The integrative approach provides new data that widens our knowledge of Homoscleromorpha diversity, distribution and biology.
Is immunisation for children and young people in statutory care in Victoria 'all too hard'? A qualitative study with
health professionals
Authors: Thornton Katherine , Webster Susan , Temple-Smith Meredith
Published: April 2019

This formative study aimed to identify health professionals’ perspectives on vaccination issues among children in statutory out-of-home care in Victoria. Eight health professionals, drawn from a purposive Victorian sample known to be proactive in addressing the vaccination needs of children in out-of-home care, took part in semi-structured interviews. Questions addressed participants’ views about roles and responsibilities, barriers and enabling factors affecting vaccination, and ideas about systems improvements. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. The main themes that emerged were health professionals’ observations about vaccine hesitancy among significant adults in the out-of-home care sector, the paucity of child medical history information available and diffuse responsibility for the provision of legal consent to vaccination. More accurate immunisation status monitoring appears warranted for children in out-of-home care. Unless the collection and maintenance of child medical records improves and vaccination consent processes are streamlined, health professionals will be limited in their capacity to provide efficient vaccination services to these children. Research on vaccine hesitancy among staff and carers in the statutory care sector may be of value. This study supports other Australian research that indicates these children may require more targeted, inter-sectoral immunisation approaches.
A dated molecular perspective of eucalypt taxonomy, evolution and diversification
Authors: Thornhill Andrew H. , Crisp Michael D. , Külheim Carsten , Lam Kristy E. , Nelson Leigh A. , Yeates David K. , Miller Joseph T.
Published: April 2019

The eucalypts, which include Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia, are native to Australia and Malesia and include over 800 named species in a mixture of diverse and depauperate lineages. We assessed the fit of the eucalypt taxonomic classification to a phylogeny of 711 species scored for DNA sequences of plastid matK and psbA–trnH, as well as nuclear internal transcribed spacer and external transcribed spacer. Two broadly similar topologies emerge from both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses, showing Angophora nested within Corymbia, or Angophora sister to Corymbia. The position of certain species-poor groups on long branches fluctuated relative to the three major Eucalyptus subgenera, and positions of several closely related species within those subgenera were unstable and lacked statistical support. Most sections and series of Eucalyptus were not recovered as monophyletic. We calibrated these phylogenies against time, using penalised likelihood and constraints obtained from fossil ages. On the basis of these trees, most major eucalypt subgenera arose in the Late Eocene and Early Oligocene. All Eucalyptus clades with taxa occurring in south-eastern Australia have crown ages <20 million years. Several eucalypt clades display a strong present-day geographic disjunction, although these clades did not have strong phylogenetic statistical support. In particular, the estimated age of the separation between the eudesmids (Eucalyptus subgenus Eudesmia) and monocalypts (Eucalyptus subgenus Eucalyptus) was consistent with extensive inland water bodies in the Eocene. Bayesian analysis of macroevolutionary mixture rates of net species diversification accelerated in five sections of Eucalyptus subgenus Symphyomyrtus, all beginning 2–3 million years ago and associated with semi-arid habitats dominated by mallee and mallet growth forms, and with open woodlands and forests in eastern Australia. This is the first time that a calibrated molecular study has shown support for the rapid diversification of eucalypts in the recent past, most likely driven by changing climate and diverse soil geochemical conditions.
Digital mapping of topsoil pH by random forest with residual kriging (RFRK) in a hilly region
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Wei , Liu Hong-Bin
Published: April 2019

Soil pH is a vital attribute of soil fertility. The accurate and efficient prediction of soil pH can provide the necessary basic information for agricultural development. In the present study, random forest with residual kriging (RFRK) was used to predict soil pH based on stratum, climate, vegetation and topography in a hilly region. The performance of RFRK was compared with those of the classification and regression tree (CART) and the random forest (RF). Comparative results showed that RFRK provided the best performance. The corresponding values of Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination, mean absolute error and root mean square error were as follows: 0.70, 0.51, 0.44 and 0.61 for CART; 0.80, 0.70, 0.34 and 0.48 for RF; and 0.88, 0.80, 0.25 and 0.39 for RFRK. Stratum and average annual temperature were the most important factors affecting the soil pH in the study area. Results indicate that RFRK is a feasible and reliable tool for predicting soil pH in hilly regions.