bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure maps to assess bearing performances of glass composite laminates
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Fiore Vincenzo , Scalici Tommaso , Bruzzaniti Paolo , Valenza Antonino
Published: February 2018

Aim of this article is the assessment of the bearing mechanical performances of pin‐loaded glass laminates as function of their geometrical configuration. To this concern, 32 specimens having different hole diameter (D), laminate width (W), and hole center to laminate free edge distance (E) have been tested under bearing conditions. The maximum bearing stress and the stress‐displacement curves were analyzed as function both of hole to laminate free edge distance E and hole diameter D. Moreover, an experimental 2D failure map was created by placing the experimental results (i.e., the kind of failure mechanism occurred for each geometrical configuration) in the plane E/D versus W/D ratios. In order to identify a simplified methodology able to design mechanically fastened joints in an easy and effective way, a simplified theoretical failure map on E/D and W/D axes was proposed. The theoretical model showed a good matching with the experimental results validating the proposed approach. In particular, the proposed simplified failure map highlighted that woven glass fiber composite laminates fastened joints should have E/D and W/D ratios higher than 1.6 and 2.1, respectively, in order to stimulate a progressive bearing failure mechanism and achieve the full laminate strength. Finally, another goal of this article was to assess failure mechanisms evolution by drawing a 3D plot (i.e., at varying E/D and W/D geometrical ratios) of the failure index evaluated for each failure mechanism according to the maximum stress criterion. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1087–1096, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Integrated analytical methodology to investigate bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. flowers
Authors: Cusano Erica , Consonni Roberto , Petrakis Eleftherios A. , Astraka Konstantina , Cagliani Laura R. , Polissiou Moschos G.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The increasing interest on Crocus sativus L. over the last decades is caused by its potential employment as a source of biologically active molecules, endowed with antioxidant and nutraceutical properties. These molecules are present mainly in stigmas and tepals, these last generally considered as byproducts.

Objective

To characterise bioactive compounds in stigmas, stamens, and tepals of Crocus sativus L. for quality, cross‐contamination of tissues or fraudulent addition, joining spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.

Methodology

Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and Raman spectroscopies were initially employed, being very rapid in response; volatiles were more appropriately investigated by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), while finally nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD) were adopted for a more thorough characterisation of secondary metabolites. NMR was also used to investigate the anthocyanins content in tepals upon acid extraction.

Results

The results obtained highlighted the drying method as the dominant factor affecting the content of volatile constituents and contributing to the quality of saffron, while only slight differences were observed in the most abundant metabolites of stigmas, as well as in the anthocyanin content of tepals. In particular, for the first time, delphinidin and petunidin were detected by NMR in this latter tissue.

Conclusion

The integrated analytical methodology here proposed, allowed to achieve a deeper level of compositional and structural details of secondary metabolites in Crocus sativus L. flowers.
A novel chitosan gels: Supercritical CO2 drying and impregnation with thymol
Authors: Terzić Ivan , Ivanović Jasna , Žižović Irena , Lučić Škorić Marija , Milosavljević Nedeljko , Milašinović Nikola , Kalagasidis Krušić Melina
Published: February 2018

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) technology was used for preparation of functional pH sensitive chitosan‐based aerogels characterized with micron size pores and their impregnation with thymol as a natural bioactive substance. Hydrogels based on chitosan, itaconic and methacrylic acids were transformed to alcogels and dried in the air or with scCO2 to obtain xero‐ and aerogels, respectively. Applying 10 min of static and 120 min of dynamic scCO2 drying at 11 MPa and 45°C followed with the decompression at a rate of 1 MPa/min yielded an advantageous aerogel with favorable swelling kinetics and elasticity, compared to the xerogel and aerogels obtained at other decompression rates and drying times. This aerogel was successfully loaded with thymol (up to 4.6 wt.%) using supercritical scCO2 at 10 MPa and 35°C. In vitro studies of swelling in PBS at 37°C indicated a great potential of the obtained stimuli‐responsive chitosan gels for topical administration of thymol known for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2192–2199, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
High‐Speed, Sensitive Planar Perovskite Photodetector Based on Interdigitated Pt and Au Electrodes
Authors: Gegevičius Rokas , Franckevičius Marius , Pakštas Vidas , Augulis Ramūnas , Gulbinas Vidmantas
Published: February 2018

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites are a new class of semiconducting materials currently yielding high‐performance solar cells. They are also attractive for fabrication of photodetectors, which are based on similar operating principles. Herein an easily producible perovskite photodetector with lateral architecture is reported fabricated by one‐step solution processing technique on planar interdigitated electrodes. Despite the simple structure, the planar photodetector demonstrates comparable, or even some superior characteristics to photodetectors based on a more complex architecture.
Hypericin Loaded Liposomes for Anti‐Microbial Photodynamic Therapy of Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Plenagl Nikola , Seitz Benjamin Sebastian , Reddy Pinnapireddy Shashank , Jedelská Jarmila , Brüßler Jana , Bakowsky Udo
Published: February 2018

Due to its highly lipophilic nature, poor solubility in aqueous media, and poor bioavailability, the naturally occurring photosensitizer hypericin has a limited therapeutic value. Liposomal encapsulation is a promising solution to overcome these limitations. Use of liposomes as delivery vehicles for hypericin in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is quite new. The aim of this work is therefore, to prepare various hypericin loaded liposomal formulations viz. DOPE/CHEMS/DPPC, DSPC/DPPC/DSPE‐PEG, and DPPC/DOTAP. The formulations are physicochemically characterized and tested for their binding affinity toward bacteria and for their photodynamic efficiency. All formulations achieve a 2.3–2.5 log reduction of Staphylococcus saprophyticus subsp. bovis and facilitate the binding and uptake of the photosensitizer through the bacterial cell wall.
TVolution: the evolution of TV research in Latin America
Authors: Sanchez Juan Carlos
Published: February 2018

From demographics to psychographics, the first viewer behavioural segmentation study across Latin America
Identifying the DNA of Successful Commercials Using an AI‐Based Tool
Authors: Buckler Frank
Published: February 2018

The artificial creativity project in six product categories
Recognition of Melamine by Chromium Tricarbonyl (Thio)barbituric Acid Derivatives: Theoretical Insight into Multiple Hydrogen‐Bond Modes
Authors: Liu Yidan , Yuan Yizhong , Tian Xiaohui , Yuan Jianyong , Sun Jinyu
Published: February 2018

Melamine‐contaminated milk products continually emerge in recent years and cause disease. Therefore, how to swiftly and efficiently differentiate melamine from protein becomes an urgent issue. In this work, three neutral receptorsp‐dimethylaminobenzaldehyde‐barbituric acid chromium tricarbonyl (PBC),p‐dimethylaminobenzaldehyde‐2‐thiobarbituric acid chromium tricarbonyl (2‐PTC), andp‐dimethylaminobenzaldehyde‐4‐thiobarbituric acid chromium tricarbonyl (4‐PTC) were constructed for recognition of melamine, and their non‐covalent interactions were systematically studied using density functional theory and several theoretical analysis methods. Our results suggest that melamine can be theoretically recognized by receptorsPBCand2‐/4‐PTCdue to the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds upon complexation, indicating the good detecting capability of the Cr(CO)3‐based (thio)barbituric acid moiety. Nevertheless, the IR analysis results show the receptors2‐/4‐PTCcannot distinctly detect melamine by evident frequency shift of metal carbonyl. Therefore, we further proposed a structural modification strategy by introducing the cyano group into the (thio)barbituric acid moiety, and the corresponding IR analysis exhibits large frequency shift of metal carbonyl, indicating the potential of modified receptors in the infrared neutral molecular recognition of melamine. The results reported herein will be very useful in the design of potent receptors distinguishing melamine from protein.
Tailoring the Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Peculiar Triplet Ground State Polybenzoid “Triangulene”
Authors: Sharma Vaishali , Som Narayan , Dabhi Shweta D , Jha Prafulla K
Published: February 2018

In the present work we have studied the structural and electronic properties of recently synthesized elusive free standing triangulene using density functional theory. Triangulene, which is a type of graphene quantum dot, is a molecule with an even number of electrons and atoms but the structure of molecule is such that it is impossible to pair all these electrons. The spins of these two unpaired electrons have two possible orientations: triplet (ferromagnetic) and singlet (antiferromagnetic) state. From the first principles study of free standing triangulene, we found energetically, by koopman's theory of global reactivity descriptors and frequency calculations that triplet (ferromagnetic) is more stable than singlet (antiferromagnetic) which is in good agreement with the previous results. These elementary studies are technologically compatible as open shell graphene quantum dots could be useful in spintronic and magnetic carbon materials. Further we have also studied the influence of magnetic elements Fe, Co, Ni and Cu on triangulene for their applications in spintronics. Our results suggest that the transitional metal (TM) doped graphene quantum dot is interesting for information readout devices where the TM‐ion spin states can be used to store information.
Antibody response to Influenza booster vaccination in Franches‐Montagnes stallions supplemented with Equi‐Strath®: a randomized trial
Authors: van Dorland Hendrika A. , Zanoni Reto , Gerber Vinzenz , Jeannerat Elise , Wiederkehr Danja , Burger Dominik
Published: February 2018

Bio‐Strath®is a plasmolyzed yeast product enriched with herbs, malt, honey and orange juice. In this study, the effect of Equi‐Strath®, the adapted product for horses, on the equine immune system was evaluated. A routine influenza booster vaccination was used as a model to study the effects of Equi‐Strath®supplementation on the immune response. Twenty healthy Franches‐Montagnes stallions with pre‐existing antibody levels were randomly divided into a study group (SG,n = 10) receiving 0.06 mL/kg bodyweight of Equi‐Strath®, and a control group (CG,n = 10), receiving the same amount of placebo, daily. The supplement and placebo were given from week 1 until week 14 of the trial. After 10 weeks, the horses were vaccinated with a commercial vaccine containing equine influenza strains of the H3N8 subtype. Antibody titres in blood were measured at day 0 before vaccination, and 14 and 32 days after vaccination. In addition, a complete blood count (CBC) was performed on day 0 and day 32. A linear increase of haemagglutination inhibition titres in both groups was observed after vaccination, but with no difference between treatment groups.CBCcomponents remained unaffected by treatment. In conclusion, daily Equi‐Strath®supplementation did not affect the adaptive immune response in stallions after a routine commercial H3N8 influenza booster vaccination.
A Review of Carbon-Composited Materials as Air-Electrode Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Metal–Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Yan-Jie , Fang Baizeng , Zhang Dan , Li Aijun , Wilkinson David P. , Ignaszak Anna , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jiujun
Published: February 2018

Metal–air batteries (MABs), particularly rechargeable MABs, have gained renewed interests as a potential energy storage/conversion solution due to their high specific energy, low cost, and safety. The development of MABs has, however, been considerably hampered by its relatively low rate capability and its lack of efficient and stable air catalysts in which the former stems mainly from the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the latter stems from the corrosion/oxidation of carbon materials in the presence of oxygen and high electrode potentials. In this review, various carbon-composited bifunctional electrocatalysts are reviewed to summarize progresses in the enhancement of ORR/OER and durability induced by the synergistic effects between carbon and other component(s). Catalyst mechanisms of the reaction processes and associated performance enhancements as well as technical challenges hindering commercialization are also analyzed. To facilitate further research and development, several research directions for overcoming these challenges are also proposed.
Role of Hand Hygiene Ambassador and Implementation of Directly Observed Hand Hygiene Among Residents in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Vincent C. C. , Chen Hong , Wong Shuk-Ching , Chen Jonathan H. K. , Ng Wing-Chun , So Simon Y. C. , Chan Tuen-Ching , Wong Sally C. Y. , Ho Pak-Leung , Mody Lona , Chan Felix H. W. , Wong Andrew T. Y. , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are increasingly reported in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs). We assessed whether implementation of directly observed hand hygiene (DOHH) by hand hygiene ambassadors can reduce environmental contamination with MDROs.

METHODS

From July to August 2017, a cluster-randomized controlled study was conducted at 10 RCHEs (5 intervention versus 5 nonintervention controls), where DOHH was performed at two-hourly intervals during daytime, before meals and medication rounds by a one trained nurse in each intervention RCHE. Environmental contamination by MRDOs, such as methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter species(CRA), and extended-spectrum β-lactamse (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae, was evaluated using specimens collected from communal areas at baseline, then twice weekly. The volume of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) consumed per resident per week was measured.

RESULTS

The overall environmental contamination of communal areas was culture-positive for MRSA in 33 of 100 specimens (33%), CRA in 26 of 100 specimens (26%), and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in 3 of 100 specimens (3%) in intervention and nonintervention RCHEs at baseline. Serial monitoring of environmental specimens revealed a significant reduction in MRSA (79 of 600 [13.2%] vs 197 of 600 [32.8%];P<.001) and CRA (56 of 600 [9.3%] vs 94 of 600 [15.7%];P=.001) contamination in the intervention arm compared with the nonintervention arm during the study period. The volume of ABHR consumed per resident per week was 3 times higher in the intervention arm compared with the baseline (59.3±12.9 mL vs 19.7±12.6 mL;P<.001) and was significantly higher than the nonintervention arm (59.3±12.9 mL vs 23.3±17.2 mL;P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The direct observation of hand hygiene of residents could reduce environmental contamination by MDROs in RCHEs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:571–577
Effects of surface roughness on a separating turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Wu Wen , Piomelli Ugo
Published: February 2018

Separating turbulent boundary layers over smooth and rough flat plates are studied by large-eddy simulations. A suction–blowing velocity distribution imposed at the top boundary of the computation domain produces an adverse-to-favourable pressure gradient and creates a closed separation bubble. The Reynolds number based on the momentum thickness and the free-stream velocity before the pressure gradient begins is 2500. Virtual sand grain roughness in the fully rough regime is modelled by an immersed boundary method. Compared with a smooth-wall case, streamline detachment occurs earlier and the separation region is substantially larger for the rough-wall case, due to the momentum deficit caused by the roughness. The adverse pressure gradient decreases the form drag, so that the point where the wall stress vanishes does not coincide with the detachment of the flow from the surface. A thin reversed-flow region is formed below the roughness crest; the presence of recirculation regions behind each roughness element also affects the intermittency of the near-wall flow, so that upstream of the detachment point the flow can be reversed half of the time, but its average velocity can still be positive. The separated shear layer exhibits higher turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the rough-wall case, the growth of the TKE there begins earlier relative to the separation point, and the peak TKE occurs close to the separation point. The momentum deficit caused by the roughness, again, plays a critical role in these changes.
Another perspective on the age and origin of the Berelyokh mammoth site (northeast Siberia)
Authors: Lozhkin Anatoly V. , Anderson Patricia M.
Published: February 2018

The Berelyokh site includes an exceptional bone horizon consisting of 8431 remains of Mammuthus primigenius. Previous investigations, spanning ~40 years, concluded that the deaths and bone concentration were caused by spring flooding, possibly related to wetter Bølling climates. We review work from these studies with emphasis on under-reported palynological data to provide more detail on paleoenvironmental reconstructions and an alternative interpretation for the age and origin of the bone bed. Palynological results suggest the horizon formed under cool conditions of the last glacial maximum, rather than during a Bølling-type oscillation. Presence of permafrost features and associated tundra pollen taxa in the Berelyokh sections suggest that thermokarst processes, unrelated to climate change, could account for the formation of the bone horizon. The penetration of surface waters into frozen sediments of a high floodplain terrace resulted in the formation of hidden thaw sinks. As thaw continued, the pits expanded with surface soils supported by a viscous water-sediment mixture. The weakened surface gave way under the weight of the mammoths, with the hillside collapsing either due to the animals’ struggles or destabilization related to the thaw sinks. This scenario highlights the hazards of thermokarst terrain for present and future populations of northern animals.
Procedures, Products and Pictures
Authors: Harré Rom , Llored Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2018

In several recent publications in the philosophy of chemistry we have made use of a repertoire of analytical concepts to guide our investigations. Perhaps studies of other sophisticated knowledge garnering practices could benefit from adopting this analytical scheme if we want to understand their merits and drawbacks. Our suggestions for shaping methodologies for philosophical studies in particular fields of interest includes both the natural sciences, legal systems in action, economies and their management, warfare, preparing the dishes of a cuisine, and so on. Adopting our proposals would encourage philosophers to examine our world seen as fields of material and cultural/social entities affording opportunities for action. At a certain level of analysis, the products of such action, appear to be perfectly identical entities, fungibles. There are no fungibles in nature. They must therefore be thought of as constituents of iconic models. Our scheme for critically examining the practices of investigators is meant to ensure the intelligibility both of the relevant discourse and the trustworthiness of the practices of the discipline in question. The Third Wittgenstein's ‘hinges’ that function as necessities and yet are vulnerable to empirical assessment provide a generic frame for analyses of human practices.
Does thinner right entorhinal cortex underlie genetic liability to cannabis use?
Authors: Paul Subhadip , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: February 2018

Background

Although alterations in medial temporal lobe structures have been previously associated with use of cannabis, one of the most widely used illicit drugs, whether such alterations are a cause or effect of cannabis use has been unclear.

Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study involving 404 twins/siblings, we have compared cortical thickness and surface area between groups of gender-matched sibling-pairs (concordant cannabis unexposed, concordant exposed and discordant for cannabis exposure) using permutation tests after controlling for potential confounds. Bi-variate polygenic model was used to assess the genetic and environmental contributions underlying cortical morphological phenotypes and frequency of cannabis use.

Results

Cortical thickness of the right entorhinal cortex was significantly lower in the concordant exposed siblings compared to both discordant unexposed and discordant exposed groups [false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected, q < 0.05]. The association between the right entorhinal cortex thickness and frequency of cannabis use is due to the contribution of significant shared additive genetic (ρg = −0.19 ± 0.08; p = 0.02) factors but not unique environment (ρe = 0.05 ± 0.09; p = 0.53). Significantly lower surface area of the right entorhinal cortex in discordant exposed group compared with the discordant unexposed group furnishes preliminary evidence in support of causal effect of cannabis use (FDR-corrected, q < 0.05). However, bi-variate polygenic model-based analysis did not show any significant effect.

Conclusions

Shared genetic liability may underlie the association between cannabis exposure and thinner right entorhinal cortex. Prospective longitudinal studies are necessary to definitively disentangle the cause–effect relationships of cannabis use.
FURTHER RESULTS ON QUANTILE ENTROPY IN THE PAST LIFETIME
Authors: Qiu Guoxin
Published: February 2018

Bounds of the quantile entropy in the past lifetime of some ageing classes are explored firstly. The quantile entropy in the past lifetime of a random variable is shown to be increasing if its expected inactivity time is increasing. Some closure properties of the less quantile entropy in the past lifetime order are obtained under the model of generalized order statistics. Moreover, sufficient conditions are given for a function of a random variable and for a weighted random variable to have more quantile entropy in the past lifetime than original random variable.
A Study of the Relation between the Reproductive Organs and Dementia Præcox
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Mott Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

Dr. Matsumoto, who came to study neuro-pathology under my direction, having acquired a thorough knowledge of the methods employed in investigating the histology of the central nervous system and the endocrine glands, expressed a desire to study the microscopic specimens which I had prepared during the last six years of the testes and resicula: seminales in one hundred cases of all ages dying in hospitals and asylums from injury or disease. A full report of this work was published in theBritish Medical Journalof November 22nd, 29th, and December 6th, 1919.
Is the Binding Pattern of Zinc(II) Equal in Different Bryophyte Species?
Authors: Sabovljević Marko S. , Weidinger Marieluise , Sabovljević Aneta D. , Adlassnig Wolfram , Lang Ingeborg
Published: February 2018

Bryophytes are usually taken as good bioindicators. However, they represent a large group of terrestrial plants and they express an enormous range of peculiarities within the plant kingdom. With the aim to search for a common pattern of zinc binding, we established axenical in vitro cultures of a dozen bryophyte species that include hornworts, thallose, and leafy liverworts, as well as acrocarp and pleurocarp mosses. The species were grown free of contaminants for many years prior to the application of different treatments, i.e. offering Zn(II) from solid and liquid media and in combination with different anions. The localization and binding of zinc was detected by confocal microscopy using the zinc-specific dye FluoZin™-3. In one of the species, Hypnum cupressiforme (which is widely used for atmospheric heavy metal deposition studies in biomonitoring), semi-quantitative analyses of zinc were performed by energy dispersive X-ray microspectrometry (EDX) in a scanning electron microscope. The results suggest no common pattern of Zn(II) binding in different bryophyte species. Instead, the binding pattern seems to be species specific. Zinc is located in certain areas or cellular compartments, as clearly shown by the EDX measurements in H. cupressiforme.
Mapping child growth failure in Africa between 2000 and 2015
Authors: Osgood-Zimmerman Aaron , Millear Anoushka I. , Stubbs Rebecca W. , Shields Chloe , Pickering Brandon V. , Earl Lucas , Graetz Nicholas , Kinyoki Damaris K. , Ray Sarah E. , Bhatt Samir , Browne Annie J. , Burstein Roy , Cameron Ewan , Casey Daniel C. , Deshpande Aniruddha , Fullman Nancy , Gething Peter W. , Gibson Harry S. , Henry Nathaniel J. , Herrero Mario , Krause L. Kendall , Letourneau Ian D. , Levine Aubrey J. , Liu Patrick Y. , Longbottom Joshua , Mayala Benjamin K. , Mosser Jonathan F. , Noor Abdisalan M. , Pigott David M. , Piwoz Ellen G. , Rao Puja , Rawat Rahul , Reiner Robert C. , Smith David L. , Weiss Daniel J. , Wiens Kirsten E. , Mokdad Ali H. , Lim Stephen S. , Murray Christopher J. L. , Kassebaum Nicholas J. , Hay Simon I.
Published: February 2018

Insufficient growth during childhood is associated with poor health outcomes and an increased risk of death. Between 2000 and 2015, nearly all African countries demonstrated improvements for children under 5 years old for stunting, wasting, and underweight, the core components of child growth failure. Here we show that striking subnational heterogeneity in levels and trends of child growth remains. If current rates of progress are sustained, many areas of Africa will meet the World Health Organization Global Targets 2025 to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition, but high levels of growth failure will persist across the Sahel. At these rates, much, if not all of the continent will fail to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target—to end malnutrition by 2030. Geospatial estimates of child growth failure provide a baseline for measuring progress as well as a precision public health platform to target interventions to those populations with the greatest need, in order to reduce health disparities and accelerate progress.
Uncovering the balance of forces driving microtubule aster migration in C. elegans zygotes
Authors: De Simone A. , Spahr A. , Busso C. , Gönczy P.
Published: February 2018

Microtubule asters must be positioned precisely within cells. How forces generated by molecular motors such as dynein are integrated in space and time to enable such positioning remains unclear. In particular, whereas aster movements depend on the drag caused by cytoplasm viscosity, in vivo drag measurements are lacking, precluding a thorough understanding of the mechanisms governing aster positioning. Here, we investigate this fundamental question during the migration of asters and pronuclei in C. elegans zygotes, a process essential for the mixing of parental genomes. Detailed quantification of these movements using the female pronucleus as an in vivo probe establish that the drag coefficient of the male-asters complex is approximately five times that of the female pronucleus. Further analysis of embryos lacking cortical dynein, the connection between asters and male pronucleus, or the male pronucleus altogether, uncovers the balance of dynein-driven forces that accurately position microtubule asters in C. elegans zygotes.
Time-dependent in situ measurement of atmospheric corrosion rates of duplex stainless steel wires
Authors: Örnek Cem , Léonard Fabien , McDonald Samuel A. , Prajapati Anuj , Withers Philip J. , Engelberg Dirk L.
Published: February 2018

Corrosion rates of strained grade UNS S32202 (2202) and UNS S32205 (2205) duplex stainless steel wires have been measured, in situ, using time-lapse X-ray computed tomography. Exposures to chloride-containing (MgCl2) atmospheric environments at 50 °C (12–15 M Cl− and pH ~5) with different mechanical elastic and elastic/plastic loads were carried out over a period of 21 months. The corrosion rates for grade 2202 increased over time, showing selective dissolution with shallow corrosion sites, coalescing along the surface of the wire. Corrosion rates of grade 2205 decreased over time, showing both selective and pitting corrosion with more localised attack, growing preferentially in depth. The nucleation of stress corrosion cracking was observed in both wires.
In situ electrochemical dissolution of platinum and gold in organic-based solvent
Authors: Jovanovič Primož , Šelih Vid Simon , Šala Martin , Hodnik Nejc
Published: February 2018

In situ highly sensitive potential- and time-resolved monitoring of polycrystalline gold and platinum electrochemical dissolution in pure organic media is reported. This was achieved by successfully upgrading electrochemical flow cell coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Similar to the aqueous media, aggressive transient dissolution takes place during oxide formation and reduction. In contrary to the aqueous electrolyte, both gold and platinum exhibit enhanced anodic compared to the cathodic oxide-assisted dissolution in organic media. This study intends to highlight the capabilities of the new methodology, which will expand the studies of metals dissolution to the fields like organic electrocatalysis, corrosion, battery research, and sensors among others.
Broadband multiresonator quantum memory-interface
Authors: Moiseev S. A. , Gerasimov K. I. , Latypov R. R. , Perminov N. S. , Petrovnin K. V. , Sherstyukov O. N.
Published: February 2018

In this paper we experimentally demonstrated a broadband scheme of the multiresonator quantum memory-interface. The microwave photonic scheme consists of the system of mini-resonators strongly interacting with a common broadband resonator coupled with the external waveguide. We have implemented the impedance matched quantum storage in this scheme via controllable tuning of the mini-resonator frequencies and coupling of the common resonator with the external waveguide. Proof-of-principal experiment has been demonstrated for broadband microwave pulses when the quantum efficiency of 16.3% was achieved at room temperature. By using the obtained experimental spectroscopic data, the dynamics of the signal retrieval has been simulated and promising results were found for high-Q mini-resonators in microwave and optical frequency ranges. The results pave the way for the experimental implementation of broadband quantum memory-interface with quite high efficiency η > 0.99 on the basis of modern technologies, including optical quantum memory at room temperature.
Microbead-based spoligotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Ziehl-Neelsen-stained microscopy preparations in Ethiopia
Authors: Molina-Moya Barbara , Agonafir Mulualem , Blanco Silvia , Dacombe Russell , Gomgnimbou Michel K. , Spinasse Lizania , Gomes-Fernandes Meissiner , Datiko Daniel G. , Edwards Thomas , Cuevas Luis E. , Dominguez Jose , Sola Christophe
Published: February 2018

The worldwide dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains has led to the study of their genetic diversity. One of the most used genotyping methods is spoligotyping, based on the detection of spacers in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) locus. This study assessed the performance of a microbead-based spoligotyping assay using samples extracted from Ziehl-Neelsen-stained smear-microscopy preparations and described the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among new TB patients in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) in Ethiopia. Among the 91 samples analysed, 59 (64.8%) generated spoligotyping patterns. Fifty (84.7%) samples were classified into 12 clusters (mostly Lineage 4 or 3) comprising 2–11 samples and nine had unique spoligotyping patterns. Among the 59 spoligotyping patterns, 25 belonged to the T1 sublineage, 11 to the T3-ETH, 5 to the URAL, 4 to the H3 and 14 to other L4 sublineages. There was a remarkable variation in genetic distribution in SNNPR compared to other regions of the country. Microbead-based spoligotyping is an easy-to-perform, high-throughput assay that can generate genotyping information using material obtained from smear microscopy preparations. The method provides an opportunity to obtain data of the M. tuberculosis genetic epidemiology in settings with limited laboratory resources.
Efficient detection of Zika virus RNA in patients’ blood from the 2016 outbreak in Campinas, Brazil
Authors: Judice Carla Cristina , Tan Jeslin J. L. , Parise Pierina Lorencini , Kam Yiu-Wing , Milanez Guilherme Paier , Leite Juliana Almeida , Caserta Leonardo Cardia , Arns Clarice Weis , Resende Mariangela Ribeiro , Angerami Rodrigo , Amaral Eliana , Junior Renato Passini , Freitas André Ricardo Ribas , Costa Fabio Trindade Maranhão , Proenca-Modena Jose Luiz , Ng Lisa F. P. ,   The Zika-Unicamp Network, Pastore Glaucia Maria , Mayer-Milanez Helaine Maria Besteti Pires , Ribeiro-do-Valle Carolina C. , Calil Roseli , Costa Maria Laura , Junior João Renato Bennini , Lajos Giuliane Jesus , Garcia Márcia Teixeira , Fertrin Kleber Yotsumoto , Moretti Maria Luiza , da Silva Marcos Tadeu Nolasco , Coan Ana Carolina , Colella-Santos Maria Francisca , von Zuben Andrea Paula Bruno , Vinolo Marco Aurélio Ramirez , Catharino Rodrigo Ramos , do Nascimento Gabriela Mansano , Martini Matheus , de Moraes Ana Paula , Soledade Ana Lucia Rodrigues , de Toledo Teixeira Daniel Augusto , de Morais Évellyn Ribeiro , Santos Felipe Rebelo , Fontana Monique
Published: February 2018

Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus has been casually linked with increased congenital microcephaly in Brazil from 2015 through 2016. Sensitive and specific diagnosis of patients with Zika fever (ZIKF) remains critical for patient management. We developed a ZIKV NS5 qRT-PCR assay by combining primers described by Balm et al. and a new Taqman probe. The assay was evaluated and compared with another assay described by Lanciotti et al. (ZIKV 1107) using 51 blood and 42 urine samples from 54 suspected ZIKV patients. ZIKV NS5 performed better in terms of sensitivity with more samples detected as ZIKV-positive (n = 37) than ZIKV 1107 (n = 34) for urine, and ZIKV-positive (n = 29) than ZIKV 1107 (n = 26) for blood. Both assays displayed good overall agreement for urine (κappa = 0.770) and blood (κappa = 0.825) samples. Improved availability of validated diagnostic tests, such ZIKV NS5 qRT-PCR, will be critical to ensure adequate and accurate ZIKV diagnosis.
Shear Viscosity of Uniform Fermi Gases with Population Imbalance
Authors: Cai Weimin , Guo Hao , He Yan , Chien Chih-Chun
Published: February 2018

The shear viscosity has been an important topic in ultracold Fermi gases, and it has served as a diagnostic of various theories. Due to the complicated phase structures of population-imbalanced (polarized) Fermi gases with tunable attraction, past works on the shear viscosity mainly focused on unpolarized Fermi gases. Here we investigate the shear viscosity of homogeneous, population-imbalanced Fermi superfluid at finite temperatures by a pairing fluctuation theory for thermodynamical quantities and a gauge-invariant linear response theory for transport coefficients. The Cooper pairs lead to the anomalous shear viscosity analogous to the shear viscosity. We derive an exact relation connecting certain thermodynamic quantities and transport coefficients at the mean-field level for polarized unitary Fermi superfluids. An approximate relation beyond mean-field is proposed and only exhibits mild deviations from our numerical results. In the unitary and Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) regimes, the total shear viscosity increases with the polarization because the excess majority fermions cause gapless excitations acting like a normal fluid. Moreover, competition among the excess fermions, noncondensed pairs, and fermionic quasiparticles may lead to non-monotonic behavior of the ratio between the shear viscosity and relaxation time as the polarization increases.
Radiomics analysis at PET/CT contributes to prognosis of recurrence and survival in lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Oikonomou Anastasia , Khalvati Farzad , Tyrrell Pascal N. , Haider Masoom A. , Tarique Usman , Jimenez-Juan Laura , Tjong Michael C. , Poon Ian , Eilaghi Armin , Ehrlich Lisa , Cheung Patrick
Published: February 2018

We sought to quantify contribution of radiomics and SUVmax at PET/CT to predict clinical outcome in lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). 150 patients with 172 lung cancers, who underwent SBRT were retrospectively included. Radiomics were applied on PET/CT. Principal components (PC) for 42 CT and PET-derived features were examined to determine which ones accounted for most of variability. Survival analysis quantified ability of radiomics and SUVmax to predict outcome. PCs including homogeneity, size, maximum intensity, mean and median gray level, standard deviation, entropy, kurtosis, skewness, morphology and asymmetry were included in prediction models for regional control (RC) [PC4-HR:0.38, p = 0.02], distant control (DC) [PC4-HR:0.51, p = 0.02 and PC1-HR:1.12, p = 0.01], recurrence free probability (RFP) [PC1-HR:1.08, p = 0.04], disease specific survival (DSS) [PC2-HR:1.34, p = 0.03 and PC3-HR:0.64, p = 0.02] and overall survival (OS) [PC4-HR:0.45, p = 0.004 and PC3-HR:0.74, p = 0.02]. In combined analysis with SUVmax, PC1 lost predictive ability over SUVmax for RFP [HR:1.1, p = 0.04] and DC [HR:1.13, p = 0.002], while PC4 remained predictive of DC independent of SUVmax [HR:0.5, p = 0.02]. Radiomics remained the only predictors of OS, DSS and RC. Neither SUVmax nor radiomics predicted recurrence free survival. Radiomics on PET/CT provided complementary information for prediction of control and survival in SBRT-treated lung cancer patients.
Insulin-signalling dysregulation and inflammation is programmed trans-generationally in a female rat model of poor maternal nutrition
Authors: Tarry-Adkins Jane L. , Aiken Catherine E. , Ashmore Thomas J. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: February 2018

Developmental programming phenotypes can be recapitulated in subsequent generations not directly exposed to the initial suboptimal intrauterine environment. A maternal low-protein diet during pregnancy and postnatal catch-up growth (‘recuperated’) alters insulin signaling and inflammation in rat offspring (F1-generation). We aimed to establish if this phenotype is also present in F2-generation females. Insulin-receptor-substrate-1 protein expression was decreased in para-ovarian adipose tissue at 3 months in offspring exposed to a grand-maternal low-protein diet (F2-recuperated), vs. F2-control animals (p < 0.05). There was no effect of grand-maternal diet upon Insulin-receptor-substrate-1 mRNA. Protein-kinase C-zeta protein levels were increased at 3 and 6 months in F2-recuperated animals (p < 0.01 at both ages). Phosphorylated-Aktser473 levels were decreased in F2-recuperated animals (p < 0.001). Interleukin-1β protein levels were increased at 3 (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.001) 6 months in F2-recuperated animals. Vastus-lateralis insulin-receptor-β protein expression (p < 0.001) and pAktser473 (p < 0.01) were increased at 3 months in F2-recuperated animals compared to controls. At 6 months, PAktser473 was lower in F2-recuperated animals (p < 0.001). Aspects of insulin signalling dysregulation and inflammation present in offspring of low-protein fed dams can be transmitted to subsequent generations without further exposure to a suboptimal maternal diet. These findings contribute to our understanding of insulin-resistance in grandchildren of sub-optimally nourished individuals during pregnancy.
Effect of human very low-density lipoproteins on cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) activity
Authors: Pasquin Sarah , Chehboun Salma , Dejda Agnieszka , Meliani Yasmine , Savin Virginia , Warner Gregory J. , Bosse Roger , Tormo Aurélie , Mayer Gaétan , Sharma Mukut , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Martel Catherine , Gauchat Jean-François
Published: February 2018

The cytokines CLCF1 and CNTF are ligands for the CNTF receptor and the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) receptor sortilin. Both share structural similarities with the N-terminal domain of ApoE, known to bind CNTF. We therefore evaluated whether ApoE or ApoE-containing lipoproteins interact with CLCF1 and regulate its activity. We observed that CLCF1 forms complexes with the three major isoforms of ApoE in co-immunoprecipitation and proximity assays. FPLC analysis of mouse and human sera mixed with CLCF1 revealed that CLCF1 co-purifies with plasma lipoproteins. Studies with sera from ApoE−/−mice indicate that ApoE is not required for CLCF1-lipoprotein interactions. VLDL- and LDL-CLCF1 binding was confirmed using proximity and ligand blots assays. CLCF1-induced STAT3 phosphorylation was significantly reduced when the cytokine was complexed with VLDL. Physiological relevance of our findings was asserted in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, where the beneficial anti-angiogenic properties of CLCF1 were abrogated when co-administrated with VLDL, indicating, that CLCF1 binds purified lipoproteins or lipoproteins in physiological fluids such as serum and behave as a “lipocytokine”. Albeit it is clear that lipoproteins modulate CLCF1 activity, it remains to be determined whether lipoprotein binding directly contributes to its neurotrophic function and its roles in metabolic regulation.
Cathelicidin promotes inflammation by enabling binding of self-RNA to cell surface scavenger receptors
Authors: Takahashi Toshiya , Kulkarni Nikhil Nitin , Lee Ernest Y , Zhang Ling-juan , Wong Gerard C. L. , Gallo Richard L.
Published: February 2018

Under homeostatic conditions the release of self-RNA from dying cells does not promote inflammation. However, following injury or inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and rosacea, expression of the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL37 breaks tolerance to self-nucleic acids and triggers inflammation. Here we report that LL37 enables keratinocytes and macrophages to recognize self-non-coding U1 RNA by facilitating binding to cell surface scavenger receptors that enable recognition by nucleic acid pattern recognition receptors within the cell. The interaction of LL37 with scavenger receptors was confirmed in human psoriatic skin, and the ability of LL37 to stimulate expression of interleukin-6 and interferon-β1 was dependent on a 3-way binding interaction with scavenger receptors and subsequent clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These results demonstrate that the inflammatory activity of LL37 is mediated by a cell-surface-dependent interaction and provides important new insight into mechanisms that drive auto-inflammatory responses in the skin.
Three dimensional-stacked complementary thin-film transistors using n-type Al:ZnO and p-type NiO thin-film transistors
Authors: Lee Ching-Ting , Chen Chia-Chi , Lee Hsin-Ying
Published: February 2018

The three dimensional inverters were fabricated using novel complementary structure of stacked bottom n-type aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO) thin-film transistor and top p-type nickel oxide (NiO) thin-film transistor. When the inverter operated at the direct voltage (VDD) of 10 V and the input voltage from 0 V to 10 V, the obtained high performances included the output swing of 9.9 V, the high noise margin of 2.7 V, and the low noise margin of 2.2 V. Furthermore, the high performances of unskenwed inverter were demonstrated by using the novel complementary structure of the stacked n-type Al:ZnO thin-film transistor and p-type nickel oxide (NiO) thin-film transistor.
Mechanical complications and outcomes following invasive emergency procedures in severely injured trauma patients
Authors: Struck Manuel F. , Fakler Johannes K. M. , Bernhard Michael , Busch Thilo , Stumpp Patrick , Hempel Gunther , Beilicke André , Stehr Sebastian N. , Josten Christoph , Wrigge Hermann
Published: February 2018

This study aimes to determine the complication rates, possible risk factors and outcomes of emergency procedures performed during resuscitation of severely injured patients. The medical records of patients with an injury severity score (ISS) >15 admitted to the University Hospital Leipzig from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Within the first 24 hours of treatment, 526 patients had an overall mechanical complication rate of 26.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed out-of-hospital airway management (OR 3.140; 95% CI 1.963–5.023; p < 0.001) and ISS (per ISS point: OR 1.024; 95% CI 1.003–1.045; p = 0.027) as independent predictors of any mechanical complications. Airway management complications (13.2%) and central venous catheter complications (11.4%) were associated with ISS >32.5 (p < 0.001) and ISS >33.5 (p = 0.005), respectively. Chest tube complications (15.8%) were associated with out-of-hospital insertion (p = 0.002) and out-of-hospital tracheal intubation (p = 0.033). Arterial line complications (9.4%) were associated with admission serum lactate >4.95 mmol/L (p = 0.001) and base excess <−4.05 mmol/L (p = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, complications were associated with an increased length of stay in the intensive care unit (p = 0.019) but not with 24 hour mortality (p = 0.930). Increasing injury severity may contribute to higher complexity of the individual emergency treatment and is thus associated with higher mechanical complication rates providing potential for further harm.
Datasets2Tools, repository and search engine for bioinformatics datasets, tools and canned analyses
Authors: Torre Denis , Krawczuk Patrycja , Jagodnik Kathleen M. , Lachmann Alexander , Wang Zichen , Wang Lily , Kuleshov Maxim V. , Ma’ayan Avi
Published: February 2018

Biomedical data repositories such as the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) enable the search and discovery of relevant biomedical digital data objects. Similarly, resources such as OMICtools, index bioinformatics tools that can extract knowledge from these digital data objects. However, systematic access to pre-generated ‘canned’ analyses applied by bioinformatics tools to biomedical digital data objects is currently not available. Datasets2Tools is a repository indexing 31,473 canned bioinformatics analyses applied to 6,431 datasets. The Datasets2Tools repository also contains the indexing of 4,901 published bioinformatics software tools, and all the analyzed datasets. Datasets2Tools enables users to rapidly find datasets, tools, and canned analyses through an intuitive web interface, a Google Chrome extension, and an API. Furthermore, Datasets2Tools provides a platform for contributing canned analyses, datasets, and tools, as well as evaluating these digital objects according to their compliance with the findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) principles. By incorporating community engagement, Datasets2Tools promotes sharing of digital resources to stimulate the extraction of knowledge from biomedical research data. Datasets2Tools is freely available from: http://amp.pharm.mssm.edu/datasets2tools.