bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontal Electroencephalogram Variables Are Associated With the Outcome and Stage of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Stewart Juhani , Särkelä Mika , Koivusalo Anna-Maria , Wennervirta Johanna , Salmi Tapani , Isoniemi Helena , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Viertiö-Oja Hanna , Lapinlampi Petteri , Lindgren Leena , Salminen Ulla-Stina , Vakkuri Anne
Published: June 2014

Acute liver failure (ALF) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can lead to an elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and death within days. The impaired liver function increases the risks of invasive ICP monitoring, whereas noninvasive methods remain inadequate. The purpose of our study was to explore reliable noninvasive methods of neuromonitoring for patients with ALF in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting; more specifically, we wanted to track changes in HE and predict the outcomes of ALF patients treated with albumin dialysis. The study included 20 patients with severe ALF at admission who had been referred to the ICU of the liver transplantation (LT) center for albumin dialysis treatment and evaluation for transplantation. Data were collected from all study patients in the form of continuous frontal electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurements of cerebral blood flow. Among the studied EEG variables, the 50% spectral edge frequency decreased and the delta power increased as the HE stage increased. Both variables were predictive of the stage of HE [prediction probability (P

K
) of 50% spectral edge frequency = 0.23, standard error (SE) = 0.03; P

K
of delta power = 0.76, SE = 0.03]. The total wavelet subband entropy, a novel variable that we used for tracking abnormal EEG activity, predicted the outcome of ALF patients treated with albumin dialysis (P

K
= 0.88, SE = 0.09). With a threshold value of 1.6, the TCD pulsatility index had an odds ratio of 1.1 (95% confidence interval = 0.1-9.3) for a poor outcome (LT or death). In conclusion, EEG variables are useful for the monitoring of HE and can be used to predict outcomes of ALF. TCD measurements do not predict patient outcomes. Liver Transpl 20:1256–1265, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Coordinated reset neuromodulation for Parkinson's disease: Proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Adamchic Ilya , Hauptmann Christian , Barnikol Utako Brigit , Pawelczyk Norbert , Popovych Oleksandr , Barnikol Thomas Theo , Silchenko Alexander , Volkmann Jens , Deuschl Günter , Meissner Wassilios G , Maarouf Mohammad , Sturm Volker , Freund Hans‐Joachim , Tass Peter Alexander
Published: June 2014

Background

The discovery of abnormal synchronization of neuronal activity in the basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease (PD) has prompted the development of novel neuromodulation paradigms. Coordinated reset neuromodulation intends to specifically counteract excessive synchronization and to induce cumulative unlearning of pathological synaptic connectivity and neuronal synchrony.

Methods

In this prospective case series, six PD patients were evaluated before and after coordinated reset neuromodulation according to a standardized protocol that included both electrophysiological recordings and clinical assessments.

Results

Coordinated reset neuromodulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) applied to six PD patients in an externalized setting during three stimulation days induced a significant and cumulative reduction of beta band activity that correlated with a significant improvement of motor function.

Conclusions

These results highlight the potential effects of coordinated reset neuromodulation of the STN in PD patients and encourage further development of this approach as an alternative to conventional high‐frequency deep brain stimulation in PD. © 2014 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Evaluation of the separation performance of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a virtual stationary phase for chromatographic NMR
Authors: Huang Shaohua , Wu Rui , Bai Zhengwu , Yang Ying , Li Suying , Dou Xiaowei
Published: June 2014

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as a virtual stationary phase to separate p‐xylene, benzyl alcohol, and p‐methylphenol by the chromatographic NMR technique. The effects of concentration and weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) of PVP, solvent viscosity, solvent polarity, and sample temperature on the resolution of these components were investigated. It was found that both higher PVP concentration and higher PVP Mw caused the increase of diffusion resolution for the three components. Moreover, the diffusion resolution did not change at viscosity‐higher solvents. Moreover, the three components showed different resolution at different solvents. As temperature increased, the diffusion resolution between p‐xylene and benzyl alcohol gradually increased, and the one between p‐xylene and p‐methylphenol slightly increased from 278 to 298 K and then decreased above 298 K. It was also found that the polarity of the analytes played an important role for the separation by affecting the diffusion coefficient. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryotomy in the 19th Century of Central Italy
Authors: Capasso L. , Sciubba M. , Hua Q. , Levchenko V. A. , Viciano J. , D'Anastasio R. , Bertuch F.
Published: June 2014

An enormous earthquake in L'Aquila in 2009 brought to light human bodies buried in the underground rooms of the medieval St. John the Evangelist church (Casentino, Central Italy). Among the remains, we discovered a human fetus, whose post‐cranial bones were wrapped in bandages and cranial bones were reallocated inside a sort of hood. Anthropometrical investigation revealed an age at death of 29 ± 2 weeks of pregnancy for the little mummy. Radiograph analysis of the fetus showed that the skull was dissected and disconnected from the vertebral column, and the post‐cranial bones were completely disarticulated from the axial skeleton. The body was reassembled in a way of anatomic connection at a later stage. This mummified fetus dated to ad 1840 showed paleopathological evidence of a possible embryotomy and could be a rare and unquestionable case of embryotomy in archaeological context. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid state polymerization of bisphenol A polycarbonate: Effect of the crystallization method and polymerization conditions
Authors: Colonna Martino , Fiorini Maurizio
Published: July 2014

A study on the effect of the crystallization method on the solid state polymerization (SSP) process of bisphenol A polycarbonate has been performed. Prepolymer samples were crystallized via four different techniques (solvent induced, shear induced, organic salt induced, and thermal crystallization) and SSP progress was checked by measuring the molecular weight increase. The fastest polymerization rate was obtained with prepolymers crystallized with acetone. The reaction rates were correlated with the crystallinity and plasticization of solvents, which both affected the chain mobility. The experiments conducted using different sweep gas flow rates and different particle sizes showed that, for the acetone‐crystallized prepolymers, the reaction rate was limited by the by‐product diffusion inside the polymer particles and from the surface of the particles into the sweep gas. 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance analysis proved that polymers prepared through a solid state process had a consistently lower content of Fries rearrangement by‐products with respect to commercial samples obtained by standard melt polycondensation methods. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1024–1029, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
What have we really learned? Twenty five years after Piper Alpha
Authors: Broadribb Michael P.
Published: June 2014

Twenty five years ago, a major disaster in the North Sea took the lives of 165 persons on board the Piper Alpha oil production platform as well as 2 people from the rescue crew. To this day, the incident represents the worst offshore oil industry disaster ever and has become an industry‐changing watershed event. The subsequent Public Inquiry report made a number of recommendations that were related to inherently safer design (ISD), including the mandatory use of a systematic fire and explosion analysis, analysis of smoke and gas ingress to living quarters, and the requirement for a temporary (safe) refuge area capable of surviving the initial fire/explosion. Other recommendations addressed analysis of the vulnerability of safety critical equipment/elements, and evacuation, escape, and rescue in the event of major incidents. Implementation of the above recommendations aimed to reduce the residual risk of the design through the use of an ISD approach. The residual risk then had to be managed by a safety management system (SMS), which is another inquiry recommendation that comprises many of the elements of process safety. Finally, the inquiry recommended developing a Safety Case to describe and justify the design, the inherent hazards and residual risk, and the SMS. This Safety Case is now the basis for periodic audits. Over the past 25 years this author has had the opportunity to visit offshore production platforms and drilling rigs and to review new offshore projects in many regions of the world. This article addresses both the strengths and weaknesses observed, and a number of common themes involving management systems, human factors, process safety and integrity management at such facilities. Comparisons will be drawn to the evidence aimed at preventing future major incidents that the author and others presented at the Piper Alpha Inquiry, and to the Inquiry recommendations. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 16–23, 2015
Laboratory and field assessment of cyantraniliprole relative to existing fly baits
Authors: Murillo Amy C , Gerry Alec C , Gallagher Nicola T , Peterson Nyles G , Mullens Bradley A
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Toxic fly baits are commonly used for fly control in California animal operations. However, resistance development has been a problem. Comprehensive laboratory and field studies were conducted to test commercial baits (imidacloprid, methomyl, dinotefuran, spinosad) and one novel cyantraniliprole bait. A susceptible Musca domestica strain was compared with wild‐type M. domestica and Fannia canicularis strains in the laboratory using choice/no‐choice tests. Field visitation to baits and both short‐ and longer‐term mortality were documented.

RESULTS

Susceptible Musca suffered high mortality with all baits after 3 days of choice and no‐choice tests. Wild‐type Musca mortality was more variable and higher in no‐choice relative to choice tests. Fannia were most susceptible to spinosad > dinotefuran = cyantraniliprole > methomyl = imidacloprid. Field Musca were most attracted to spinosad > cyantraniliprole > dinotefuran > sugar > methomyl > imidacloprid. Delayed mortality from bait‐fed field flies (captured and held with untreated food and water for 3 days) was ranked spinosad = cyantraniliprole > dinotefuran = methomyl > imidacloprid > sugar.

CONCLUSION

Behavioral resistance of M. domestica to imidacloprid and methomyl persists. Spinosad and cyantraniliprole baits (delayed mortality) performed best. Speed of action may be a factor in use and misuse of baits. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐Modal Sensor Calibration Using a Gradient Orientation Measure
Authors: Taylor Zachary , Nieto Juan , Johnson David
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a new metric for automated registration of multi‐modal sensor data. The metric is based on the alignment of the orientation of gradients formed from the two candidate sensors. Data registration is performed by estimating the sensors' extrinsic parameters that minimises the misalignment of the gradients. The metric can operate in a large range of applications working on both 2D and 3D sensor outputs and is suitable for both (i) single scan data registration and (ii) multi‐sensor platform calibration using multiple scans. Unlike traditional calibration methods, it does not require markers or other registration aids to be placed in the scene. The effectiveness of the new method is demonstrated with experimental results on a variety of camera‐lidar and camera‐camera calibration problems. The novel metric is validated through comparisons with state of the art methods. Our approach is shown to give high quality registrations under all tested conditions.
Fetal aortic valvuloplasty: investigating institutional bias in surgical decision‐making
Authors: Kovacevic A. , Roughton M. , Mellander M. , Öhman A. , Tulzer G. , Dangel J. , Magee A. G. , Mair R. , Ghez O. , Schmidt K. G. , Gardiner H. M.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty may prevent the progression of aortic stenosis to hypoplastic left heart syndrome and allow biventricular rather than univentricular postnatal treatment. This study aimed to investigate whether blinded simulation of a multidisciplinary team approach aids interpretation of multicenter data to uncover institutional bias in postnatal decision‐making following fetal cardiac intervention for aortic stenosis.

Methods

The study included 109 cases of prenatally diagnosed aortic stenosis from 13 European countries, of which 32 had undergone fetal cardiac intervention. The multidisciplinary team, blinded to fetal cardiac intervention, institutional location and postnatal treatment, retrospectively assigned a surgical pathway (biventricular or univentricular) based on a review of recorded postnatal imaging and clinical characteristics. The team's decisions were the numerical consensus of silent voting, with case review when a decision was split. Funnel plots showing concordance between the multidisciplinary team and the local team's surgical choice (first pathway) and with outcome (final pathway) were created.

Results

In 105 cases the multidisciplinary team reached a consensus decision regarding the surgical pathway, with no decision in four cases because the available imaging records were inadequate. Blinded multidisciplinary team consensus for the first pathway matched the decision of the surgical center in 93/105 (89%) cases, with no difference in agreement between those that had undergone successful fetal cardiac intervention (n = 32) and no (n = 74) or unsuccessful (n = 3) valvuloplasty (no fetal cardiac intervention) (κ = 0.73 (95% CI, 0.38–1.00) vs 0.74 (95% CI, 0.51–0.96)). However, funnel plots comparing multidisciplinary team individual decisions with those of the local teams displayed more discordance (meaning biventricular–univentricular conversion) for the final surgical pathway following fetal cardiac intervention than they did for cases without such intervention (36/74 vs 34/130; P = 0.002), and identified one outlying center.

Conclusions

The use of a blinded multidisciplinary team to simulate decision‐making and presentation of data in funnel plots may assist in the interpretation of data submitted to multicenter studies and permit the identification of outliers for further investigation. In the case of aortic stenosis, a high level of agreement was observed between the multidisciplinary team and the surgical centers, but one outlying center was identified. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Optimization cultures
Authors: Gilli Manfred , Schumann Enrico
Published: June 2014

Computational optimization methods can be broadly classified into two groups: classical methods—which require and exploit specific functional forms of objective function and constraints—and heuristics. Those latter methods impose few, if any, restrictions on models, at the price of being more computationally demanding. But because of the growth of computing capacity over the last decades, those methods are now perfectly practical tools for everyday use. Yet, instead of realizing the advantages of heuristics, users still cling to classical methods. We discuss the reasons for this nonacceptance of heuristics, and argue that the choice of numerical‐optimization techniques is as much driven by the culture of the user—field of work and educational background—as by the quality of the method. In particular, we argue that many of the alleged shortcomings of heuristics could be overcome if researchers stopped treating optimization as a mathematical, exact discipline; instead, they should consider it a practical, computational tool. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:352–358. doi: 10.1002/wics.1312

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Stochastic Optimization
The costs of late detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Woodacre Timothy , Dhadwal A. , Ball T. , Edwards C. , Cox P. J. A.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

Debate currently exists regarding the economic viability for screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

Methods

A prospective study of infant hip dysplasia over the period of 1998–2008 (36,960 live births) was performed to determine treatment complexity and associated costs of disease detection and hospital treatment, related to the age at presentation and treatment modality. The involved screening programme utilised universal clinical screening of all infants and selective ultrasound screening of at-risk infants.

Results

One hundred and seventy-nine infants (4.8/1,000) presented with hip dysplasia. Thirty-four infants presented late (> 3 months of age) and required closed or open reduction. One hundred and forty-five infants presented at < 3 months of age, 14 of whom failed early Pavlik harness treatment. A detailed cost analysis revealed: 131 early presenters with successful management in a Pavlik harness at a cost of £601/child; 34 late presenters who required surgery (36 hips, 19 closed/17 open reductions, one revision procedure) at a cost of £4,352/child; and 14 early presenters with failed management in a Pavlik harness requiring more protracted surgery (18 hips, four closed/14 open reductions, seven revision procedures) at a cost of £7,052/child.

Conclusions

Late detection causes increased treatment complexity and a sevenfold increase in the short-term costs of treatment, compared to early detection and successful management in a Pavlik harness.

Discussion

Improved strategies are needed for the 10 % of early presenting infants who fail Pavlik harness treatment and require the most complex and costly interventions.
Commensal microbial regulation of natural killer T cells at the frontiers of the mucosal immune system
Authors: Zeissig Sebastian , Blumberg Richard S.
Published: June 2014

The commensal microbiota co‐exists in a mutualistic relationship with its human host. Commensal microbes play critical roles in the regulation of host metabolism and immunity, while microbial colonization, conversely, is under control of host immunity and metabolic pathways. These interactions are of central importance to the maintenance of homeostasis at mucosal surfaces and their perturbation can provide the basis for atopic and chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recent evidence has revealed that natural killer T (NKT) cells, a subgroup of T cells which recognizes self and microbial lipid antigens presented by CD1d, are key mediators of host‐microbial interactions. Mucosal and systemic NKT cell development is under control of the commensal microbiota, while CD1d regulates microbial colonization and influences the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Here, we outline the mechanisms of bidirectional cross‐talk between the microbiota and CD1d‐restricted NKT cells and discuss how a perturbation of these processes can contribute to the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated disorders at mucosal surfaces.
Characterization of the interaction between lysyl‐tRNA synthetase and laminin receptor by NMR
Authors: Cho Hye Young , Ul Mushtaq Ameeq , Lee Jin Young , Kim Dae Gyu , Seok Min Sook , Jang Minseok , Han Byung-Woo , Kim Sunghoon , Jeon Young Ho
Published: June 2014

Lysyl‐tRNA synthetase (KRS) interacts with the laminin receptor (LR/RPSA) and enhances laminin‐induced cell migration in cancer metastasis. In this nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based study, we show that the anticodon‐binding domain of KRS binds directly to the C‐terminal region of 37LRP, and the previously found inhibitors BC‐K‐01 and BC‐K‐YH16899 interfere with KRS–37LRP binding. In addition, the anticodon‐binding domain of KRS binds to laminin, observed by NMR and SPR. These results provide crucial insights into the structural characteristics of the KRS–LR interaction on the cell surface.
Effects of PRE and POST therapy drug‐pressure selected mutations on HIV‐1 protease conformational sampling
Authors: Carter Jeffrey D. , Gonzales Estrella G. , Huang Xi , Smith Adam N. , de Vera Ian Mitchelle S. , D'Amore Peter W. , Rocca James R. , Goodenow Maureen M. , Dunn Ben M. , Fanucci Gail E.
Published: June 2014

Conformational sampling of pre‐ and post‐therapy subtype B HIV‐1 protease sequences derived from a pediatric subject infected via maternal transmission with HIV‐1 were characterized by double electron–electron resonance spectroscopy. The conformational ensemble of the PRE construct resembles native‐like inhibitor bound states. In contrast, the POST construct, which contains accumulated drug‐pressure selected mutations, has a predominantly semi‐open conformational ensemble, with increased populations of open‐like states. The single point mutant L63P, which is contained in PRE and POST, has decreased dynamics, particularly in the flap region, and also displays a closed‐like conformation of inhibitor‐bound states. These findings support our hypothesis that secondary mutations accumulate in HIV‐1 protease to shift conformational sampling to stabilize open‐like conformations, while maintaining the predominant semi‐open conformation for activity.
Inhibition of FoxO1 acetylation by INHAT subunit SET/TAF‐Iβ induces p21 transcription
Authors: Chae Yun-Cheol , Kim Kee-Beom , Kang Joo-Young , Kim Se-Ryeon , Jung Hyeon-Soo , Seo Sang-Beom
Published: June 2014

Post‐translational modification of forkhead family transcription factor, FoxO1, is an important regulatory mode for its diverse activities. FoxO1 is acetylated by HAT coactivators and its transcriptional activity is decreased via reduced DNA binding affinity. Here, we report that SET/TAF‐Iβ inhibited p300‐mediated FoxO1 acetylation in an INHAT domain‐dependent manner. SET/TAF‐Iβ interacted with FoxO1 and activated transcription of FoxO1 target gene, p21. Moreover, SET/TAF‐Iβ inhibited acetylation of FoxO1 and increased p21 transcription induced by oxidative stress. Our results suggest that SET/TAF‐Iβ inhibits FoxO1 acetylation and activates its transcriptional activity toward p21.
Serum Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study
Authors: Zhang Qing‐biao , Jiang Liang‐fu , kong Ling‐Yu , Lu Yuan‐Jun
Published: June 2014

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of BDNF in Chinese children with ASD. Sixty patients (48 male, 12 female) diagnosed with ASD and 60 healthy sex and age control subjects were assessed for serum BDNF content at admission. BDNF were assayed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay methods, and severity of ASD was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) Score. The results indicated that the median serum BDNF levels were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in children with ASD as compared to normal cases [17.6(IQR: 13.7–21.4) ng/ml and 11.5(9.6–13.8) ng/ml, respectively]. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut‐off value of serum BDNF levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of autism was projected to be 15.0 ng/ml. Further, we found that an increased risk of ASD was associated with BDNF levels >15.0 ng/ml (adjusted OR 10.4, 95% CI: 4.39–29.32) after adjusting for above possible confounders. Our study demonstrated that serum BDNF levels were associated with ASD, and higher levels could be considered as an independent risk factor of ASD.
Robustness of automated hippocampal volumetry across magnetic resonance field strengths and repeat images
Authors: Wolz Robin , Schwarz Adam J. , Yu Peng , Cole Patricia E. , Rueckert Daniel , Jack Clifford R. , Raunig David , Hill Derek ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2014

Background

Low HCV has recently been qualified by the European Medicines Agency as a biomarker for enrichment of clinical trials in predementia stages of Alzheimer's disease. For automated methods to meet the necessary regulatory requirements, it is essential they be standardized and their performance be well characterized.

Methods

The within‐image and between‐field strength reproducibility of automated hippocampal volumetry using the Learning Embeddings for Atlas Propagation (or LEAP) algorithm was assessed on 153 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative subjects.

Results

Tests/retests at 1.5 T and 3 T, and a comparison between 1.5 T and 3 T, yielded average unsigned variabilities in HCVs of 1.51%, 1.52%, and 2.68%. A small bias between field strengths (mean signed difference, 1.17%; standard deviation, 3.07%) was observed.

Conclusions

The measured reproducibility characteristics confirm the suitability of using automated magnetic resonance imaging analyses to assess HCVs quantitatively and to represent a fundamental characterization that is critical to meet the regulatory requirements for using hippocampal volumetry in clinical trials and health care.
Die Schlüssellochtechnik zur Dekompression von Nervenkompressions-Syndromen der oberen Extremität
Authors: Bignion Dietmar , Leclère Franck Marie P. , Vögelin Esther
Published: June 2014

Von den häufigsten Nervenkompressions-Syndromen wie dem Karpaltunnel- und Kubitaltunnel-Syndrom abgesehen, bestehen weitere Engstellen von peripheren Nerven an der oberen Extremität. Mit der Technik der endoskopisch assistierten Dekompression können Kompressionen anderer Nerven dargestellt und behandelt werden. Die Technik der endoskopischen Dekompression der Stammnerven der oberen Extremität wird an 6 verschiedenen Beispielen erläutert. Entsprechend der Klassifikation nach Roles and Maudsley konnten in fünf von sechs Fällen exzellente Ergebnisse erzielt werden. Auch patientenseitig wurde in fünf Fällen das Ergebnis als exzellent bewertet, mit Ausnahme eines Patienten, der ein CRPS Typ 2 (neurogenes Schmerzsyndrom) im Anschluss an den Eingriff entwickelte und jegliche weitere therapeutische Maßnahmen ablehnte. Die endoskopisch assistierte Dekompression peripherer Nervenkompressions-Syndrome ist auch bei ihrer Anwendung an seltenen und proximalen Lokalisationen eine sichere Technik mit der sich exzellente funktionelle Ergebnisse erzielen lassen.
Distinct spatial distribution of microglia and macrophages following mesenchymal stem cell implantation in mouse brain
Authors: Le Blon Debbie , Hoornaert Chloé , Daans Jasmijn , Santermans Eva , Hens Niel , Goossens Herman , Berneman Zwi , Ponsaerts Peter
Published: July 2014

Although implantation of cellular material in the central nervous system (CNS) is a key direction in CNS regenerative medicine, this approach is currently limited by the occurrence of strong endogenous immune cell responses. In a model of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) grafting in the CNS of immune‐competent mice, we previously described that MSC grafts become highly surrounded and invaded by Iba1+ myeloid cells (microglia and/or macrophages). Here, following grafting of blue fluorescent protein (BFP)‐expressing MSC in the CNS of CX3CR1+/− and CX3CR1−/− mice, our results indicate: (1) that the observed inflammatory response is independent of the fractalkine signalling axis, and (2) that a significant spatial distribution of Iba1+ inflammatory cells occurs, in which Iba1+ CX3CR1+ myeloid cells mainly surround the MSC graft and Iba1+ CX3CR1− myeloid cells mainly invade the graft at 10 days post transplantation. Although Iba1+ CX3CR1+ myeloid cells are considered to be of resident microglial origin, Iba1+ CX3CR1− myeloid cells are most likely of peripheral monocyte/macrophage origin. In order to confirm the latter, we performed MSC‐BFP grafting experiments in the CNS of eGFP+ bone marrow chimeric C57BL/6 mice. Analysis of MSC‐BFP grafts in the CNS of these mice confirmed our observation that peripheral monocytes/macrophages invade the MSC graft and that resident microglia surround the MSC graft site. Furthermore, analysis of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) expression revealed that mainly macrophages, but not microglia, express this M1 pro‐inflammatory marker in the context of MSC grafting in the CNS. These results again highlight the complexity of cell implantation immunology in the CNS.
Chromium(iii) oxidation by biogenic manganese oxides with varying structural ripening
Authors: Tang Yuanzhi , Webb Samuel M. , Estes Emily R. , Hansel Colleen M.
Published: June 2014

Manganese (Mn) oxides, which are generally considered biogenic in origin within natural systems, are the only oxidants of Cr(iii) under typical environmental conditions.
Vitreous proteomic analysis of idiopathic epiretinal membranes
Authors: Yu Jing , Feng Le , Wu Yan , Wang Hao , Ba Jun , Zhu Wei , Xie Chunlei
Published: June 2014

To understand the molecular mechanisms of idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs), the vitreous proteomes of patients with iERMs were investigated.
Bioinspired silica as drug delivery systems and their biocompatibility
Authors: Steven Christopher R. , Busby Grahame A. , Mather Craig , Tariq Balal , Briuglia Maria Lucia , Lamprou Dimitrios A. , Urquhart Andrew J. , Grant M. Helen , Patwardhan Siddharth V.
Published: June 2014

Green nanosilicas offer improved biocompatibility and are excellent alternatives for drug delivery systems as they provide tailorability and eliminate many of the potential biomedical issues associated with mesoporous silicas.
Photo annealing effect on p-doped inverted organic solar cell
Authors: Lafalce Evan , Toglia Patrick , Lewis Jason E. , Jiang Xiaomei
Published: June 2014

We report the transient positive photo annealing effect in which over 600% boost of power conversion efficiency was observed in inverted organic photovoltaic devices (OPV) made from P3HT/PCBM by spray method, after 2 hrs of constant solar AM 1.5 irradiation at low temperature. This is opposite to usual photodegradation of OPV, and cannot be explained by thermal activation alone since the mere temperature effect could only account for 30% of the enhancement. We have investigated the temperature dependence, cell geometry, oxygen influence, and conclude that, for p-doped active layer at room temperature, the predominant mechanism is photo-desorption of O2, which eliminates electron traps and reduces space charge screening. As temperature decreases, thermal activation and deep trap-state filling start to show noticeable effect on the enhancement of photocurrent at intermediate low temperature (T = 125 K). At very low temperature, the dominant mechanism for photo annealing is trap-filling, which significantly reduces recombination between free and trapped carriers. At all temperature, photo annealing effect depends on illumination direction from cathode or anode. We also explained the large fluctuation of photocurrent by the capture/reemit of trapped electrons from shallow electron traps of O2- generated by photo-doping. Our study has demonstrated the dynamic process of photo-doping and photo-desorption, and shown that photo annealing in vacuum can be an efficient method to improve OPV device efficiency.
Detecting chaos in particle accelerators through the frequency map analysis method
Authors: Papaphilippou Yannis
Published: July 2014

The motion of beams in particle accelerators is dominated by a plethora of non-linear effects, which can enhance chaotic motion and limit their performance. The application of advanced non-linear dynamics methods for detecting and correcting these effects and thereby increasing the region of beam stability plays an essential role during the accelerator design phase but also their operation. After describing the nature of non-linear effects and their impact on performance parameters of different particle accelerator categories, the theory of non-linear particle motion is outlined. The recent developments on the methods employed for the analysis of chaotic beam motion are detailed. In particular, the ability of the frequency map analysis method to detect chaotic motion and guide the correction of non-linear effects is demonstrated in particle tracking simulations but also experimental data.
Frequency feature based quantification of defect depth and thickness
Authors: Tian Shulin , Chen Kai , Bai Libing , Cheng Yuhua , Tian Lulu , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2014

This study develops a frequency feature based pulsed eddy current method. A frequency feature, termed frequency to zero, is proposed for subsurface defects and metal loss quantification in metallic specimens. A curve fitting method is also employed to generate extra frequency components and improve the accuracy of the proposed method. Experimental validation is carried out. Conclusions and further work are derived on the basis of the studies.
Mechanics of carbon nanotube scission under sonication
Authors: Stegen J.
Published: June 2014

As-produced carbon nanotubes come in bundles that must be exfoliated for practical applications in nanocomposites. Sonication not only causes the exfoliation of nanotube bundles but also unwanted scission. An understanding of how precisely sonication induces the scission and exfoliation of nanotubes will help maximising the degree of exfoliation while minimising scission. We present a theoretical study of the mechanics of carbon nanotube scission under sonicaton, based on the accepted view that it is caused by strong gradients in the fluid velocity near a transiently collapsing bubble. We calculate the length-dependent scission rate by taking the actual movement of the nanotube during the collapse of a bubble into account, allowing for the prediction of the temporal evolution of the length distribution of the nanotubes. We show that the dependence of the scission rate on the sonication settings and the nanotube properties results in non-universal, experiment-dependent scission kinetics potentially explaining the variety in experimentally observed scission kinetics. The non-universality arises from the dependence of the maximum strain rate of the fluid experienced by a nanotube on its length. The maximum strain rate that a nanotube experiences increases with decreasing distance to the bubble. As short nanotubes are dragged along more easily by the fluid flow they experience a higher maximum strain rate than longer nanotubes. This dependence of the maximum strain rate on nanotube length affects the scaling of tensile strength with terminal length. We find that the terminal length scales with tensile strength to the power of 1/1.16 instead of with an exponent of 1/2 as found when nanotube motion is neglected. Finally, we show that the mechanism we propose responsible for scission can also explain the exfoliation of carbon nanotube bundles.
A novel time varying signal processing method for Coriolis mass flowmeter
Authors: Shen Ting-Ao , Tu Ya-Qing , Zhang Hai-Tao
Published: June 2014

The precision of frequency tracking method and phase difference calculation method affects the measurement precision of Coriolis Mass Flowmeter directly. To improve the accuracy of the mass flowrate, a novel signal processing method for Coriolis Mass Flowmeter is proposed for this time varying signal, which is comprised of a modified adaptive lattice notch filter and a revised sliding recursive discrete-time Fourier transform algorithm. The method cannot only track the change of frequency continuously, but also ensure the calculation accuracy when measuring phase difference. The computational load of the proposed method is small with higher accuracy. Simulation and experiment results show that the proposed method is effective.
Variational nature of the frozen density energy in density-based energy decomposition analysis and its application to torsional potentials
Authors: Wu Qin
Published: June 2014

The density-based energy decomposition analysis (DEDA) is the first of its kind to calculate the frozen density energy variationally. Defined with the constrained search formulation of density functional theory, the frozen density energy is optimized in practice using the Wu-Yang (WY) method for constrained minimizations. This variational nature of the frozen density energy, a possible reason behind some novel findings of DEDA, will be fully investigated in this work. In particular, we systematically study the dual basis set dependence in WY: the potential basis set used to expand the Lagrangian multiplier function and the regular orbital basis set. We explain how the convergence progresses differently on these basis sets and how an apparent basis-set independence is achieved. We then explore a new development of DEDA in frozen energy calculations of the ethane molecule, focusing on the internal rotation around the carbon-carbon bond and the energy differences between staggered and eclipsed conformations. We argue that the frozen density energy change at fixed bond lengths and bond angles is purely steric effects. Our results show that the frozen density energy profile follows closely that of the total energy when the dihedral angle is the only varying geometry parameter. We can further analyze the contributions from electrostatics and Pauli repulsions. These results lead to a meaningful DEDA of the torsional potential in ethane.
Crossover between two-dimensional surface state and three-dimensional bulk phase in Fe-doped Bi2Te3
Authors: Jo Na Hyun , Lee Kyujoon , Kim Jinsu , Jang Jungwon , Kim Jinhee , Jung Myung-Hwa
Published: June 2014

In Fe-doped Bi2Te3, we have observed higher mobility, larger linear magnetoresistance, and anomalous quantum oscillations. The angle dependence of Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations gives two different periodicities depending on the angle from the c-axis. The low-angle SdH period is identified with a surface origin, while the high-angle period is against the surface origin. The high-angle SdH period well agrees with the de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) period with a bulk origin. The physical parameters obtained from the quantum oscillations support the crossover between two-dimensional surface state and three-dimensional bulk phase by Fe doping in Bi2Te3.
Perpendicular diffusion of a dilute beam of charged dust particles in a strongly coupled dusty plasma
Authors: Liu Bin , Goree J.
Published: June 2014

The diffusion of projectiles drifting through a target of strongly coupled dusty plasma is investigated in a simulation. A projectile's drift is driven by a constant force F. We characterize the random walk of the projectiles in the direction perpendicular to their drift. The perpendicular diffusion coefficient Dp⊥ is obtained from the simulation data. The force dependence of Dp⊥ is found to be a power law in a high force regime, but a constant at low forces. A mean kinetic energy Wp for perpendicular motion is also obtained. The diffusion coefficient is found to increase with Wp with a linear trend at higher energies, but an exponential trend at lower energies.
Electrically small particles combining even- and odd-mode currents for microwave energy harvesting
Authors: AlShareef Mohammed R. , Ramahi Omar M.
Published: June 2014

We present a structure composed of an ensemble of electrically small resonators for harvesting microwave energy. A flower-like structure composed of four electrically small split-ring resonators (SRRs) arranged in a cruciate pattern, each with a maximum dimension of less than λo/10, is shown to achieve more than 43% microwave-to-alternating current conversion efficiency at 5.67 GHz. Even- and odd-mode currents are realized in the proposed harvester to improve the efficiency and concurrently reduce the dielectric loss in the substrate. An experimental validation is conducted to prove the harvesting capability.
Vibrio
metoecus sp. nov., a close relative of Vibrio cholerae isolated from coastal brackish ponds and clinical specimens
Authors: Kirchberger Paul C. , Turnsek Maryann , Hunt Dana E. , Haley Bradd J. , Colwell Rita R. , Polz Martin F. , Tarr Cheryl L. , Boucher Yan
Published: June 2014

A Gram-staining-negative, curved-rod-shaped bacterium with close resemblance to

Vibrio cholerae

, the aetiological agent of cholera, was isolated over the course of several years from coastal brackish water (17 strains) and from clinical cases (two strains) in the United States. 16S rRNA gene identity with

V. cholerae

exceeded 98 % yet an average nucleotide identity based on genome data of around 86 % and multi locus sequence analysis of six housekeeping genes (mdh, adk, gyrB, recA, pgi and rpoB) clearly delineated these isolates as a distinct genotypic cluster within the

V. cholerae

–

V. mimicus

clade. Most standard identification techniques do not differentiate this cluster of isolates from

V. cholerae

. Only amplification of the ompW gene using

V. cholerae

-specific primers and a negative Voges–Proskauer test showed a difference between the two clusters. Additionally, all isolated strains differed phenotypically from

V. cholerae

in their ability to utilize N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and d-glucuronic acid as sole carbon sources. Furthermore, they were generally unable to infect the slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, a widespread ability in

V. cholerae

. Based on these clear phenotypic differences that are not necessarily apparent in standard tests as well as average nucleotide identity and phylogeny of protein-coding genes, we propose the existence of a novel species, Vibrio metoecus sp. nov. with the type strain OP3HT ( = LMG 27764T = CIP 110643T). Due to its close resemblance to

V. cholerae

and the increasing number of strains isolated over the past several years, we suggest that V. metoecus sp. nov. is a relatively common species of the genus

Vibrio

, isolates of which have been identified as atypical isolates of

V. cholerae

in the past. Its isolation from clinical samples also indicates that strains of this species, like

V. cholerae

, are opportunistic pathogens.
Alternaria alternata transcription factor CmrA controls melanization and spore development
Authors: Fetzner Ramona , Seither Kristin , Wenderoth Maximilian , Herr Andreas , Fischer Reinhard
Published: June 2014

Melanin is a black pigment widely distributed across the kingdoms, from bacterial to human. The filamentous fungus Alternaria alternata is a typical ‘black fungus’, which produces melanin in its hyphal and especially its asexual spore cell walls. Its biosynthesis follows the dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) pathway with 1,8-DHN as an intermediate. Two genes, encoding a polyketide synthase (pksA) and a 1,3,8-trihydroxynaphthalene (THN) reductase (brm2), along with a putative transcription factor, CmrA, comprise a small gene cluster. Here we show that CmrA controls the expression of pksA and brm2, but that it also controls the expression of a scytalone dehydratase encoding gene (brm1) located elsewhere in the genome. The regulatory function of CmrA was shown in a reporter assay system. Al. alternata CmrA was expressed in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans where it was able to induce the expression of a reporter construct under the control of the putative pksA promoter. This suggests direct binding of CmrA to the promoter of pksA in the heterologous system. Likewise, silencing of cmrA in Al. alternata led to white colonies due to the lack of melanin. In addition, hyphal diameter and spore morphology were changed in the mutant and the number of spores reduced. Silencing of brm2 and inhibition of melanin biosynthesis by tricyclazole largely phenocopied the effects of cmrA silencing, suggesting a novel regulatory function of melanin in morphogenetic pathways.
Genetic and pathogenic characteristics of H1 avian and swine influenza A viruses
Authors: Kang Hyun-Mi , Lee Eun-Kyoung , Song Byung-Min , Jeong Jipseol , Kim Hye-Ryoung , Choi Eun-Jin , Shin Yeun-Kyung , Lee Hee-Soo , Lee Youn-Jeong
Published: June 2014

This study examined the potential for cross-species transmission of influenza viruses by comparing the genetic and pathogenic characteristics of H1 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) with different host origins in Korea. Antigenic and phylogenetic analyses of H1 AIVs circulating in Korea provided evidence of genetic similarity between viruses that infect domestic ducks and those that infect wild birds, although there was no relationship between avian and swine viruses. However, there were some relationships between swine and human viral genes. The replication and pathogenicity of the H1 viruses was assessed in chickens, domestic ducks and mice. Viral shedding in chickens was relatively high. Virus was recovered from both oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs up to 5–10 days post-inoculation. The titres of domestic duck viruses in chickens were much higher than those of wild-bird viruses. Both domestic duck and wild-bird viruses replicated poorly in domestic ducks. None of the swine viruses replicated in chickens or domestic ducks; however, six viruses showed relatively high titres in mice, regardless of host origin, and induced clinical signs such as ruffled fur, squatting and weight loss. Thus, although the phylogenetic and antigenic analyses showed no evidence of interspecies transmission between birds and swine, the results suggest that Korean H1 viruses have the potential to cause disease in mammals. Therefore, we should intensify continuous monitoring of avian H1 viruses in mammals and seek to prevent interspecies transmission.
The Phragmoplast-Orienting Kinesin-12 Class Proteins Translate the Positional Information of the Preprophase Band to Establish the Cortical Division Zone inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lipka Elisabeth , Gadeyne Astrid , Stöckle Dorothee , Zimmermann Steffi , De Jaeger Geert , Ehrhardt David W. , Kirik Viktor , Van Damme Daniel , Müller Sabine
Published: June 2014

The preprophase band (PPB) is a faithful but transient predictor of the division plane in somatic cell divisions. Throughout mitosis the PPBs positional information is preserved by factors that continuously mark the division plane at the cell cortex, the cortical division zone, by their distinct spatio-temporal localization patterns. However, the mechanism maintaining these identity factors at the plasma membrane after PPB disassembly remains obscure. The pair of kinesin-12 class proteins PHRAGMOPLAST ORIENTING KINESIN1 (POK1) and POK2 are key players in division plane maintenance. Here, we show that POK1 is continuously present at the cell cortex, providing a spatial reference for the site formerly occupied by the PPB. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis combined with microtubule destabilization revealed dynamic microtubule-dependent recruitment of POK1 to the PPB during prophase, while POK1 retention at the cortical division zone in the absence of cortical microtubules appeared static. POK function is strictly required to maintain the division plane identity factor TANGLED (TAN) after PPB disassembly, although POK1 and TAN recruitment to the PPB occur independently during prophase. Together, our data suggest that POKs represent fundamental early anchoring components of the cortical division zone, translating and preserving the positional information of the PPB by maintaining downstream identity markers.