bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sunspot activity and influenza pandemics: a statistical assessment of the purported association
Authors: TOWERS S.
Published: August 2017

Since 1978, a series of papers in the literature have claimed to find a significant association between sunspot activity and the timing of influenza pandemics. This paper examines these analyses, and attempts to recreate the three most recent statistical analyses by Ertel (1994), Tappinget al.(2001), and Yeung (2006), which all have purported to find a significant relationship between sunspot numbers and pandemic influenza. As will be discussed, each analysis had errors in the data. In addition, in each analysis arbitrary selections or assumptions were also made, and the authors did not assess the robustness of their analyses to changes in those arbitrary assumptions. Varying the arbitrary assumptions to other, equally valid, assumptions negates the claims of significance. Indeed, an arbitrary selection made in one of the analyses appears to have resulted in almost maximal apparent significance; changing it only slightly yields a null result. This analysis applies statistically rigorous methodology to examine the purported sunspot/pandemic link, using more statistically powerful un-binned analysis methods, rather than relying on arbitrarily binned data. The analyses are repeated using both the Wolf and Group sunspot numbers. In all cases, no statistically significant evidence of any association was found. However, while the focus in this particular analysis was on the purported relationship of influenza pandemics to sunspot activity, the faults found in the past analyses are common pitfalls; inattention to analysis reproducibility and robustness assessment are common problems in the sciences, that are unfortunately not noted often enough in review.
Consequences of organ choice in describing bacterial pathogen assemblages in a rodent population
Authors: VILLETTE P. , AFONSO E. , COUVAL G. , LEVRET A. , GALAN M. , TATARD C. , COSSON J.F. , GIRAUDOUX P.
Published: August 2017

High-throughput sequencing technologies now allow for rapid cost-effective surveys of multiple pathogens in many host species including rodents, but it is currently unclear if the organ chosen for screening influences the number and identity of bacteria detected. We used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify bacterial pathogens in the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and spleen of 13 water voles (Arvicola terrestris) collected in Franche-Comté, France. We asked if bacterial pathogen assemblages within organs are similar and if all five organs are necessary to detect all of the bacteria present in an individual animal. We identified 24 bacteria representing 17 genera; average bacterial richness for each organ ranged from 1·5 ± 0·4 (mean ± standard error) to 2·5 ± 0·4 bacteria/organ and did not differ significantly between organs. The average bacterial richness when organ assemblages were pooled within animals was 4·7 ± 0·6 bacteria/animal; Operational Taxonomic Unit accumulation analysis indicates that all five organs are required to obtain this. Organ type influences bacterial assemblage composition in a systematic way (PERMANOVA, 999 permutations, pseudo-F4,51 = 1·37, P = 0·001). Our results demonstrate that the number of organs sampled influences the ability to detect bacterial pathogens, which can inform sampling decisions in public health and wildlife ecology.
Punch-out lesion following regression of a large left ventricular outflow rhabdomyoma
Authors: Abu Zahira Ibrahim A. , Nir Amiram
Published: August 2017

Abstracts

We report the case of a patient with rhabdomyoma of the left ventricular outflow tract, causing severe obstruction at birth. The tumour regressed completely by 6 years of age, leaving a punch-out lesion. The potential for spontaneous regression of these tumours and the formation of a myocardial lesion following rhabdomyoma regression are discussed.
Characterisation of three-dimensional mapping in Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome with septal aneurysmal dyskinesis
Authors: Okada Seigo , Muneuchi Jun , Origuchi Hideki
Published: August 2017

A 21-year-old man with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome and aneurysmal septal dyskinesis underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of the accessory pathways. Before radiofrequency catheter ablation, the activation wavefront arose from the aneurysmal septum, whereas the propagation of the left ventricle was normalised after radiofrequency catheter ablation. These findings demonstrate the importance of the electro-mechanical interaction in patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome and ventricular dysfunction.
Feasibility of a healthcare system-based tetralogy of Fallot patient registry
Authors: Khoury Audrey L. , Jernigan Eric G. , Chowdhury Muntasir H. , Loehr Laura R. , Nelson Jennifer S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Patient-reported outcomes and epidemiological studies in adults with tetralogy of Fallot are lacking. Recruitment and longitudinal follow-up investigation across institutions is particularly challenging. Objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of recruiting adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot for a patient-reported outcomes study, describe challenges for recruitment, and create an interactive, online tetralogy of Fallot registry.

Methods

Adult patients living with tetralogy of Fallot, aged 18–58 years, at the University of North Carolina were identified using diagnosis code query. A survey was designed to collect demographics, symptoms, history, and birth mother information. Recruitment was attempted by phone (Part I, n=20) or by email (Part II, n=20). Data analysis included thematic grouping of recruitment challenges and descriptive statistics. Feasibility threshold was 75% for recruitment and for data fields completed per patient.

Results

In Part I, 60% (12/20) were successfully contacted and eight (40%) were enrolled. Demographics and birth mother information were obtained for all enrolled patients. In Part II, 70% (14/20) were successfully contacted; 30% (6/20) enrolled and completed all data fields linked to REDCap database; the median time for survey completion was 8 minutes. Half of the patients had cardiac operations/procedures performed at more than one hospital. Automatic electronic data entry from the online survey was uncomplicated.

Conclusions

Although recruitment (54%) fell below our feasibility threshold, enrolled individuals were willing to complete phone or online surveys. Incorrect contact information, privacy concerns, and patient-reported time constraints were challenges for recruitment. Creating an online survey and linked database is technically feasible and efficient for patient-reported outcomes research.
Subject and adjacency effects in the Old Northumbrian gloss to theLindisfarne Gospels
Authors: COLE MARCELLE
Published: August 2017

The subject and adjacency effects found to condition the distribution of present verbal morphology in northern Middle English, and commonly referred to as the Northern Subject Rule (NSR), are generally regarded to be an Early Middle English development that did not condition the distribution of verbal morphology in northern varieties of Old English (Isaac 2003; Pietsch 2005; de Haas 2008; de Haas & van Kemenade 2015). Using data taken from the tenth-century interlinear gloss to theLindisfarne Gospels, this study considers variation between the present-tense markers -ðand -sin Late Old Northumbrian and discusses evidence which indicates that the subject and adjacency effects at the crux of the NSR were already operative in Old Northumbrian with different morphological material. The findings also debunk the traditional conviction that -sspread first to second-person plural contexts and only subsequently to the third-person plural and singular (Holmqvist 1922; Blakeley 1949/50; Stein 1986).
Right-dislocated pronouns in British English: the form and functions of ProTag constructions
Authors: MYCOCK LOUISE
Published: August 2017

Tags are widely acknowledged as being an important feature of colloquial British English. In this article, I examine a type of tag that has to date received little attention in the literature beyond sociolinguistic research into its interpersonal functions: right-dislocated lone pronouns, or ProTags. Biber et al. (1999) acknowledge that the demonstrative pronoun that can be used as a right-dislocated tag in conversational British English, but corpus data reveal that other pronouns can also be used as ProTags.

Based on a range of examples, primarily taken from large-scale corpora, I examine the form of the ProTag construction and its functions, comparing it with other tags used in British English, particularly question tags. In common with other tags, ProTags are a classic case of language conveying more than straightforward propositional content. I consider to what extent proposed analyses of the functions of tag questions carry over to ProTags, and briefly whether this construction has been a feature of British English for longer than might at first be assumed.
INSTABILITY OF SUNSPOT EQUILIBRIA IN REAL BUSINESS CYCLE MODELS UNDER INFINITE HORIZON LEARNING
Authors: Ji Yangyang , Xiao Wei
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the stability of sunspot equilibria in one-sector RBC models under infinite horizon learning. We present general conditions under which the reduced-form model can possess E-stable sunspot equilibria and apply these conditions to three prominent one-sector RBC models. We find that the rational expectations sunspot equilibria are generally unstable under learning.
Use of some plant extracts for management of red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Acarina: Tetranychidae) in tea plantations
Authors: Handique Gautam , Roy Somnath , Rahman Azizur , Bora Foridur Rahman , Barua Archita
Published: August 2017

Laboratory and field studies were undertaken to establish the efficacy of some selected botanicals in the control of the tea red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner, a major pest of tea. Bioassays were performed to evaluate the dose-mortality response of adults and eggs of O. coffeae to aqueous plant extracts. The order of adulticidal toxicity based on LC50 and slope values was Sapindus mukorossi L. > Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. > Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis Nees. The order of ovicidal activity was reversed and was P. thyrsiformis > N. arbor-tristis > S. mukorossi. In addition, different concentrations of the aqueous extract of these plants exhibited repellent properties against adult mites and also significantly decreased the deposition of eggs by the mites on treated tea leaf surfaces. In field conditions, the extracts significantly reduced O. coffeae populations compared to propargite, a synthetic acaricide. There was no phytotoxic effect and the quality of tea was not adversely affected by the treatments. Further, the plant extracts caused no mortality or decrease in the predation efficacy of the adults and fourth instar larvae of Stethorus aptus Kapur, a natural predator of O. coffeae. Using the procedure adopted in this study, tea growers can easily formulate these low-cost eco-friendly botanicals for O. coffeae management in tea plantations.
What Controls the Shape of Steep Mountain Streams?
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: August 2017

The shape of steep river streams changes systematically with channel slope, but field data and theoretical analysis reveal that slope is not the sole factor in setting a channel’s form.
Identification of HSP90 inhibitors as a novel class of senolytics
Authors: Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg Heike , Ling Yuan Yuan , Zhao Jing , McGowan Sara J. , Zhu Yi , Brooks Robert W. , Grassi Diego , Gregg Siobhan Q. , Stripay Jennifer L. , Dorronsoro Akaitz , Corbo Lana , Tang Priscilla , Bukata Christina , Ring Nadja , Giacca Mauro , Li Xuesen , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Robbins Paul D.
Published: August 2017

Aging is the main risk factor for many chronic degenerative diseases and cancer. Increased senescent cell burden in various tissues is a major contributor to aging and age-related diseases. Recently, a new class of drugs termed senolytics were demonstrated to extending healthspan, reducing frailty and improving stem cell function in multiple murine models of aging. To identify novel and more optimal senotherapeutic drugs and combinations, we established a senescence associated β-galactosidase assay as a screening platform to rapidly identify drugs that specifically affect senescent cells. We used primary Ercc1−/− murine embryonic fibroblasts with reduced DNA repair capacity, which senesce rapidly if grown at atmospheric oxygen. This platform was used to screen a small library of compounds that regulate autophagy, identifying two inhibitors of the HSP90 chaperone family as having significant senolytic activity in mouse and human cells. Treatment of Ercc1−/∆ mice, a mouse model of a human progeroid syndrome, with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG extended healthspan, delayed the onset of several age-related symptoms and reduced p16INK4a expression. These results demonstrate the utility of our screening platform to identify senotherapeutic agents as well as identified HSP90 inhibitors as a promising new class of senolytic drugs.
Orbital bistatic radar observations of asteroid Vesta by the Dawn mission
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth M. , Heggy Essam , Kofman Wlodek
Published: August 2017

We present orbital bistatic radar observations of a small-body, acquired during occultation by the Dawn spacecraft at asteroid Vesta. The radar forward-scattering properties of different reflection sites are used to assess the textural properties of Vesta’s surface at centimeter-to-decimeter scales and are compared to subsurface hydrogen concentrations observed by Dawnʼs Gamma Ray and Neutron Detector to assess potential volatile occurrence in the surface and shallow subsurface. We observe significant differences in surface radar reflectivity, implying substantial spatial variations in centimeter-to-decimeter-scale surface roughness. Our results suggest that unlike the Moon, Vesta’s surface roughness variations cannot be explained by cratering processes only. In particular, the occurrence of heightened hydrogen concentrations within large smoother terrains (over hundreds of square kilometers) suggests that potential ground-ice presence may have contributed to the formation of Vesta’s current surface texture. Our observations are consistent with geomorphological evidence of transient water flow from Dawn Framing Camera images.
Demonstration of sub-luminal propagation of single-cycle terahertz pulses for particle acceleration
Authors: Walsh D. A. , Lake D. S. , Snedden E. W. , Cliffe M. J. , Graham D. M. , Jamison S. P.
Published: August 2017

The sub-luminal phase velocity of electromagnetic waves in free space is generally unobtainable, being closely linked to forbidden faster than light group velocities. The requirement of sub-luminal phase-velocity in laser-driven particle acceleration schemes imposes a limit on the total acceleration achievable in free space, and necessitates the use of dispersive structures or waveguides for extending the field-particle interaction. We demonstrate a travelling source approach that overcomes the sub-luminal propagation limits. The approach exploits ultrafast optical sources with slow group velocity propagation, and a group-to-phase front conversion through nonlinear optical interaction. The concept is demonstrated with two terahertz generation processes, nonlinear optical rectification and current-surge rectification. We report measurements of longitudinally polarised single-cycle electric fields with phase and group velocity between 0.77c and 1.75c. The ability to scale to multi-megavolt-per-metre field strengths is demonstrated. Our approach paves the way towards the realisation of cheap and compact particle accelerators with femtosecond scale control of particles.
Ethnic differences in smoking intensity and COPD risk: an observational study in primary care
Authors: Gilkes Alexander , Hull Sally , Durbaba Stevo , Schofield Peter , Ashworth Mark , Mathur Rohini , White Patrick
Published: August 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk is lower in black and south Asian people than white people, when adjusting for age, sex, deprivation and smoking status. The role of smoking intensity was assessed for its contribution to ethnic differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk, a relationship not previously investigated. This cross-sectional study included routinely collected primary care data from four multi-ethnic London boroughs. Smoking intensity (estimated by cigarettes per day) was compared between ethnic groups. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk was compared between ethnic groups using multiple logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, deprivation, asthma and both smoking status and smoking intensity, examined independently. In all, 1,000,388 adults were included. Smoking prevalence and intensity were significantly higher in the white British/Irish groups than other ethnic groups. Higher smoking intensity was associated with higher chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk was significantly lower in all ethnic groups compared with white British/Irish after adjustment for either smoking status or smoking intensity, with lowest risk in black Africans (odds ratio 0.33; confidence interval 0.28–0.38). Ethnic differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk were not explained in this study by ethnic differences in smoking prevalence or smoking intensity. Other causes of ethnic differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk should be sought, including ethnic differences in smoking behaviour, environmental factors, repeated respiratory infections, immigrant status, metabolism and addictiveness of nicotine and differential susceptibility to the noxious effects of cigarette smoke.
Schizophrenia genetics in the genome-wide era: a review of Japanese studies
Authors: Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Bousman Chad A. , Liu Chenxing , Everall Ian P.
Published: August 2017

The introduction of the genome-wide association study transformed schizophrenia genetics research and has promoted a genome-wide mindset that has stimulated the development of genomic technology, enabling departures from the traditional candidate gene approach. As result, we have witnessed a decade of major discoveries in schizophrenia genetics and the development of genome-wide approaches to the study of copy number variants. These genomic technologies have primarily been applied in populations of European descent. However, more recently both genome-wide association study and copy number variant studies in Asian populations have begun to emerge. In this invited review, we provide concise summaries of the schizophrenia genome-wide association study and copy number variant literature with specific focus on studies conducted in the Japanese population. When applicable, we compare findings observed in the Japanese population with those found in other populations. We conclude with recommendations for future research in schizophrenia genetics, relevant to Japan and beyond.
Conjoint and dissociated structural and functional abnormalities in first-episode drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder: a multimodal meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Weina , Zhao Youjin , Hu Xinyu , Huang Xiaoqi , Kuang Weihong , Lui Su , Kemp Graham J. , Gong Qiyong
Published: August 2017

Published MRI evidence of structural and resting-state functional brain abnormalities in MDD has been inconsistent. To eliminate interference by repeated disease episodes and antidepressant treatment, we conducted the first multimodal voxel-wise meta-analysis of studies of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in first-episode drug-naive MDD patients, using the Seed-based d Mapping method (SDM). Fifteen VBM data sets and 11 ALFF data sets were included. SDM-based multimodal meta-analysis was used to highlight brain regions with both structural and functional abnormalities. This identified conjoint structural and functional abnormalities in left lateral orbitofrontal cortex and right supplementary motor area, and also dissociated abnormalities of structure (decreased grey matter in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right inferior temporal gyrus; increased grey matter in right insula, right putamen, left temporal pole, and bilateral thalamus) and function (increased brain activity in left supplementary motor area, left parahippocampal gyrus, and hippocampus; decreased brain activity in right lateral orbitofrontal cortex). This study reveals a complex pattern of conjoint and dissociated structural and functional abnormalities, supporting the involvement of basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits, representing emotional, cognitive and psychomotor abnormalities, in the pathophysiology of early-stage MDD. Specifically, this study adds to Psychoradiology, an emerging subspecialty of radiology, which seems primed to play a major clinical role in guiding diagnostic and treatment planning decisions in patients with mental disorder.
Chemotherapy-Response Monitoring of Breast Cancer Patients Using Quantitative Ultrasound-Based Intra-Tumour Heterogeneities
Authors: Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Sannachi Lakshmanan , Tadayyon Hadi , Tran William T. , Slodkowska Elzbieta , Trudeau Maureen , Gandhi Sonal , Pritchard Kathleen , Kolios Michael C. , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: August 2017

Anti-cancer therapies including chemotherapy aim to induce tumour cell death. Cell death introduces alterations in cell morphology and tissue micro-structures that cause measurable changes in tissue echogenicity. This study investigated the effectiveness of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parametric imaging to characterize intra-tumour heterogeneity and monitor the pathological response of breast cancer to chemotherapy in a large cohort of patients (n = 100). Results demonstrated that QUS imaging can non-invasively monitor pathological response and outcome of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy early following treatment initiation. Specifically, QUS biomarkers quantifying spatial heterogeneities in size, concentration and spacing of acoustic scatterers could predict treatment responses of patients with cross-validated accuracies of 82 ± 0.7%, 86 ± 0.7% and 85 ± 0.9% and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.75 ± 0.1, 0.80 ± 0.1 and 0.89 ± 0.1 at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the start of treatment, respectively. The patients classified as responders and non-responders using QUS biomarkers demonstrated significantly different survivals, in good agreement with clinical and pathological endpoints. The results form a basis for using early predictive information on survival-linked patient response to facilitate adapting standard anti-cancer treatments on an individual patient basis.
Miltefosine Resistant Field Isolate From Indian Kala-Azar Patient Shows Similar Phenotype in Experimental Infection
Authors: Khanra Supriya , Sarraf Nibedeeta R. , Das Anjan K. , Roy Syamal , Manna Madhumita
Published: August 2017

Emergence of resistance to drugs used to treat the Indian Kala-azar patients makes control strategy shattered. In this bleak situation, Miltefosine (MIL) was introduced to treat mainly antimonial unresponsive cases. Within years, resistance to MIL has been reported. While checking the MIL sensitivity of the recent KA clinical isolates (n = 26), we came across one isolate which showed four times more EC50 for MIL than that of MIL-Sensitive (MIL-S) isolates and considered as putative MIL-Resistant (MIL-R). The expressions of LdMT and LdRos3 genes of this isolate were found down regulated. Th1/Th2 cytokines, ROS and NO, FACS dot plots and mitochondrial trans membrane potential measurement were performed. In vivo hamster model with this MIL-R isolate showed much lesser reduction in liver weight (17.5%) compared to average reduction in liver weight (40.2%) of the animals infected with MIL-S isolates. The splenic and hepatic stamps smears of MIL-R infected hamsters revealed the retention of parasite load of about 51.45%. The splenocytes of these animals failed to proliferate anti leishmanial T-cells and lack of cell mediated immunity hampered recovery. Thus, these phenotypic expressions of experimental model may be considered similar to that of the MIL unresponsive patients. This is first such kind of report.
Effect of Correlations in Swarms on Collective Response
Authors: Mateo David , Kuan Yoke Kong , Bouffanais Roland
Published: August 2017

Social interaction increases significantly the performance of a wide range of cooperative systems. However, evidence that natural swarms limit the number of interactions suggests potentially detrimental consequences of excessive interaction. Using a canonical model of collective motion, we find that the collective response to a dynamic localized perturbation–emulating a predator attack–is hindered when the number of interacting neighbors exceeds a certain threshold. Specifically, the effectiveness in avoiding the predator is enhanced by large integrated correlations, which are known to peak at a given level of interagent interaction. From the network-theoretic perspective, we uncover the same interplay between number of connections and effectiveness in group-level response for two distinct decision-making models of distributed consensus operating over a range of static networks. The effect of the number of connections on the collective response critically depends on the dynamics of the perturbation. While adding more connections improves the response to slow perturbations, the opposite is true for fast ones. These results have far-reaching implications for the design of artificial swarms or interaction networks.
Zoonotic intestinal helminths interact with the canine immune system by modulating T cell responses and preventing dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Junginger Johannes , Raue Katharina , Wolf Karola , Janecek Elisabeth , Stein Veronika M. , Tipold Andrea , Günzel-Apel Anne-Rose , Strube Christina , Hewicker-Trautwein Marion
Published: August 2017

Parasite co-evolution alongside the mammalian immune system gave rise to several modulatory strategies by which they prevent exaggerated pathology and facilitate a longer worm survival. As little is known about the immunoregulatory potential of the zoonotic canine parasites Ancylostoma caninum and Toxocara canis in the natural host, the present study aimed to investigate whether their larval excretory-secretory (ES) products can modulate the canine immune system. We demonstrated TcES to increase the frequency of CD4+ Foxp3high T cells, while both AcES and TcES were associated with elevated Helios expression in Foxp3high lymphocytes. ES products were further capable of inducing IL-10 production by lymphocytes, which was mainly attributed to CD8+ T cells. ES treatment of PBMCs prior to mitogen stimulation inhibited polyclonal proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, monocyte-derived ES-pulsed dendritic cells reduced upregulation of MHC-II and CD80 in response to lipopolysaccharide. The data showed that regulation of the canine immune system by A. caninum and T. canis larvae comprises the modification of antigen-specific and polyclonal T cell responses and dendritic cell maturation.
Cell Division Cycle 42 plays a Cell type-Specific role in Lung Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zheng Chao , Wang Yuetong , Yang Liu , Zhou Shuhua , Gao Yijun , Li Fuming , Feng Yan , Wang Zuoyun , Zhan Lixing , Yan Qin , Zhu Xueliang , Wong Kwok-Kin , Chen Zhengjun , Ji Hongbin
Published: August 2017

Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) plays important roles in polarity establishment and maintenance as well as cell cycle progression and cell division. Although disruption of cell polarity is a prerequisite in epithelial tumor initiation, the roles of CDC42 in tumorigenesis are still poorly understood. Here we find that Cdc42 deficiency inhibits the Kras
G12D
-induced lung alveoli tumor formation, while conversely promotes bronchiole tumor formation in mice. Bronchial Cdc42 loss destroys contact inhibition potentially through cell polarity disruption, and results in increased tumor formation. In contrast, deletion of Cdc42 in alveoli cells prevents Kras
G12D
-induced cell proliferation, which leads to reduced tumor formation. Further analyses of clinical specimens uncover a significant positive correlation between CDC42 and type II alveolar epithelial cells marker SP-A, indicating the potential importance of CDC42 in this specific subset of lung cancer. Collectively, we identify the lineage-specific function of CDC42 in lung tumorigenesis potentially through the regulation of cell polarity integrity.
Digital holographic high-speed 3D imaging for the vibrometry of fast-occurring phenomena
Authors: Kakue Takashi , Endo Yutaka , Nishitsuji Takashi , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Masuda Nobuyuki , Ito Tomoyoshi
Published: August 2017

Digital holography allows production of high-speed three-dimensional images at rates over 100,000 frames per second; however, simultaneously obtaining suitable performance and levels of accuracy using digital holography is difficult. This problem prevents high-speed three-dimensional imaging from being used for vibrometry. In this paper, we propose and test a digital holography method that can produce vibration measurements. The method is based on single-shot phase-shifting interferometry. Herein, we imaged the surface of a loudspeaker diaphragm and measured its displacement due to the vibrations produced by a frequency sweep signal. We then analyzed the frequency of the experimental data and confirmed that the frequency spectra inferred from the reconstructed images agreed well with the spectra produced by the sound recorded by a microphone. This method can be used for measuring vibrations with three-dimensional imaging for loudspeakers, microelectromechanical systems, surface acoustic wave filters, and biological tissues and organs.
A novel inducible mutagenesis screen enables to isolate and clone both embryonic and adult zebrafish mutants
Authors: Ma Zhipeng , Zhu Peipei , Pang Meijun , Guo Liwei , Chang Nannan , Zheng Jiyuan , Zhu Xiaojun , Gao Ce , Huang Honghui , Cui Zongbin , Xiong Jing-Wei , Peng Jinrong , Chen Jun
Published: August 2017

Conventional genetic screens for recessive mutants are inadequate for studying biological processes in the adult vertebrate due to embryonic lethality. Here, we report that a novel inducible mutagenesis system enables to study gene function in both embryonic and adult zebrafish. This system yields genetic mutants with conditional ectopic over- or under-expression of genes in F1 heterozygotes by utilizing inducible Tet-On transcriptional activation of sense or anti-sense transcripts from entrapped genes by Tol2 transposase-meditated transgenesis. Pilot screens identified 37 phenotypic mutants displaying embryonic defects (34 lines), adult fin regeneration defects (7 lines), or defects at both stages (4 lines). Combination of various techniques (such as: generating a new mutant allele, injecting gene specific morpholino or mRNA etc) confirms that Dox-induced embryonic abnormalities in 10 mutants are due to dysfunction of entrapped genes; and that Dox-induced under-expression of 6 genes causes abnormal adult fin regeneration. Together, this work presents a powerful mutagenesis system for genetic analysis from zebrafish embryos to adults in particular and other model organisms in general.
A novel mathematical model of protein-bound uremic toxin kinetics during hemodialysis
Authors: Maheshwari Vaibhav , Thijssen Stephan , Tao Xia , Fuertinger Doris , Kappel Franz , Kotanko Peter
Published: August 2017

Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) are difficult to remove by conventional hemodialysis; a high degree of protein binding reduces the free fraction of toxins and decreases their diffusion across dialyzer membranes. Mechanistic understanding of PBUT kinetics can open new avenues to improve their dialytic removal. We developed a comprehensive model of PBUT kinetics that comprises: (1) a three-compartment patient model, (2) a dialyzer model. The model accounts for dynamic equilibrium between protein, toxin, and the protein-toxin complex. Calibrated and validated using clinical and experimental data from the literature, the model predicts key aspects of PBUT kinetics, including the free and bound concentration profiles for PBUTs and the effects of dialysate flow rate and dialyzer size on PBUT removal. Model simulations suggest that an increase in dialysate flow rate improves the reduction ratio (and removal) of strongly protein-bound toxins, namely, indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate, while for weakly bound toxins, namely, indole-3-acetic acid and p-cresyl glucuronide, an increase in blood flow rate is advantageous. With improved dialyzer performance, removal of strongly bound PBUTs improves gradually, but marginally. The proposed model can be used for optimizing the dialysis regimen and for in silico testing of novel approaches to enhance removal of PBUTs.
Capturing PM2.5 Emissions from 3D Printing via Nanofiber-based Air Filter
Authors: Rao Chengchen , Gu Fu , Zhao Peng , Sharmin Nusrat , Gu Haibing , Fu Jianzhong
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the feasibility of using polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber-based air filters to capture PM2.5 particles emitted from fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. Generation and aggregation of emitted particles were investigated under different testing environments. The results show that: (1) the PCL nanofiber membranes are capable of capturing particle emissions from 3D printing, (2) relative humidity plays a signification role in aggregation of the captured particles, (3) generation and aggregation of particles from 3D printing can be divided into four stages: the PM2.5 concentration and particles size increase slowly (first stage), small particles are continuously generated and their concentration increases rapidly (second stage), small particles aggregate into more large particles and the growth of concentration slows down (third stage), the PM2.5 concentration and particle aggregation sizes increase rapidly (fourth stage), and (4) the ultrafine particles denoted as “building unit” act as the fundamentals of the aggregated particles. This work has tremendous implications in providing measures for controlling the particle emissions from 3D printing, which would facilitate the extensive application of 3D printing. In addition, this study provides a potential application scenario for nanofiber-based air filters other than laboratory theoretical investigation.
Synergistic Effect of BDNF and FGF2 in Efficient Generation of Functional Dopaminergic Neurons from human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Singh Manisha , Kakkar Anupama , Sharma Rinkey , Kharbanda O. P. , Monga Nitika , Kumar Manish , Chowdhary Shantanu , Airan Balram , Mohanty Sujata
Published: August 2017

To understand the process of neurogenesis, generation of functional dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is important. BDNF has been reported to be responsible for inducing neuronal maturation and functionality. Previously, we have reported the efficient generation of neurons from human bone marrow derived MSCs using FGF2 alone. We hypothesize that hMSCs from various tissues [(bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AD) and dental pulp (DP)], if treated with BDNF on 9th day of induction, alongwith FGF2 will generate functional DAergic neurons. Hence, cells were characterized at morphometric, transcription and translational levels for various markers like MAP2, TH, NGN2, PITX3, DAT, synaptophysin, Kv4.2 and SCN5A. Functionality of in vitro generated neurons was studied by calcium ion imaging. Result analysis depicted that BDNF has effect on expression of dopaminergic neuronal markers at gene and protein levels and functionality of neurons. Among these hMSCs, DP-MSC showed significantly better neuronal characteristics in terms of morphology, expression of neuronal markers and foremost, functionality of neurons. From the present study, therefore, we concluded that i) BDNF has additive effect on neuronal characteristics and functionality ii) DP-MSC are better MSC candidate to study DAergic neurogenesis and perform future studies.
Erratum: Functional conservation and coherence of HIV-1 subtype A Vpu alleles
Authors: Romani Bizhan , Kavyanifard Amirarsalan , Allahbakhshi Elham
Published: August 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 44894; published online: 20 March 2017; updated: 29 August 2017. This article was published twice in error during a change in production systems. The publisher apologizes to the authors and readers for the error. When citing this work, please refer to the original version.
Differential DNA methylation at birth associated with mental disorder in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Starnawska A , Hansen C S , Sparsø T , Mazin W , Olsen L , Bertalan M , Buil A , Bybjerg-Grauholm J , Bækvad-Hansen M , Hougaard D M , Mortensen P B , Pedersen C B , Nyegaard M , Werge T , Weinsheimer S
Published: August 2017

Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) have an increased risk of comorbid mental disorders including schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, as well as intellectual disability. Although most 22q11.2 deletion carriers have the long 3-Mb form of the hemizygous deletion, there remains a large variation in the development and progression of psychiatric disorders, which suggests that alternative factors contribute to the pathogenesis. In this study we investigated whether neonatal DNA methylation signatures in individuals with the 22q11.2 deletion associate with mental disorder later in life. DNA methylation was measured genome-wide from neonatal dried blood spots in a cohort of 164 individuals with 22q11.2DS, including 48 individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Among several CpG sites withP-value<10−6, we identified cg23546855 (P-value=2.15 × 10−7) mapping toSTK32Cto be associated with a later psychiatric diagnosis. Pathway analysis of the top findings resulted in the identification of several Gene Ontology pathways to be significantly enriched (P-value<0.05 after Benjamini–Hochberg correction); among them are the following: neurogenesis, neuron development, neuron projection development, astrocyte development, axonogenesis and axon guidance. In addition, we identified differentially methylated CpG sites inLRP2BP(P-value=5.37 × 10−8) to be associated with intellectual disability (F70–79), inTOP1(P-value=1.86 × 10−7) with behavioral disorders (F90–98), inNOSIP(P-value=5.12 × 10−8) with disorders of psychological development (F80–89) and inSEMA4B(P-value=4.02 × 10−7) with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (F20–29). In conclusion, our study suggests an association of DNA methylation differences at birth with development of mental disorder later in life in 22q11.2DS individuals.
Renewable high-density spiro-fuels from lignocellulose-derived cyclic ketones
Authors: Xie Junjian , Zhang Xiangwen , Pan Lun , Nie Genkuo , E Xiu-Tian-Feng , Liu Qing , Wang Peng , Li Yafei , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: August 2017

Renewable high-density spiro-fuels are synthesized from lignocellulose-derived cyclic ketones for the first time, which show high density, low freezing point and represent a new type of renewable high-density fuel attractive for practical applications.
RhIII-Catalyzed site-selective amidation with nitrone as a traceless directing group: an approach to functionalized arylaldehydes
Authors: Deng Hong , Li Hongji , Zhang Wenge , Wang Lei
Published: August 2017

A unique RhIII-catalyzed C–H amidation of nitrones with 1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones has been developed, providing a new approach to functionalized arylaldehydes.
Cyclohexa-1,3-diene-based dihydrogen and hydrosilane surrogates in B(C6F5)3-catalysed transfer processes
Authors: Yuan Weiming , Orecchia Patrizio , Oestreich Martin
Published: August 2017

Transition-metal-free transfer hydrogenation and transfer hydrosilylation of alkenes are achieved with cyclohexa-1,3-diene-based surrogates.
Acid- and hydrogen-bonding-induced switching between 22-π and 18-π electron conjugations in 2-aminothiazolo[4,5-c]porphycenes
Authors: Planas Oriol , Fernández-Llaneza Daniel , Nieves Ingrid , Ruiz-Gonzalez Rubén , Lemp Else , Zanocco Antonio L. , Nonell Santi
Published: August 2017

2-Aminothiazolo[4,5-c]porphycenes undergo a 22-π to 18-π electron conjugation switch in the presence of acids and strong H-bonding solvents.
Surface alteration of calcite: interpreting macroscopic observations by means of AFM
Authors: Al Mahri Mariam Ali , Alshehhi Mashael , Olukan Tuza , Vargas Mijael Rodrigo , Molini Annalisa , Alhassan Saeed , Chiesa Matteo
Published: August 2017

Wettability has been recognized to play a fundamental role in the efficacy of water flooding processes of carbonate oil and gas reservoirs.
Transport features of nano-hydroxylapatite (n-HA) embedded silicone rubber (SR) systems: influence of SR/n-HA interaction, degree of reinforcement and morphology
Authors: M. Bindu , G. Unnikrishnan
Published: August 2017

We report the transport characteristics of silicone rubber/nano-hydroxylapatite (SR/n-HA) systems at room temperature with reference to the effects of n-HA loading, morphology and penetrant nature.
A first-principles study on zigzag phosphorene nanoribbons passivated by iron-group atoms
Authors: Chen Na , Wang Yingping , Mu Yuewen , Fan Yingfang , Li Si-Dian
Published: August 2017

We performed a first-principles study on Fe-, Co-, and Ni-terminated zigzag phosphorene nanoribbons (ZPNRs) with different widths.
Protonation/reduction dynamics at the [4Fe–4S] cluster of the hydrogen-forming cofactor in [FeFe]-hydrogenases
Authors: Senger Moritz , Mebs Stefan , Duan Jifu , Shulenina Olga , Laun Konstantin , Kertess Leonie , Wittkamp Florian , Apfel Ulf-Peter , Happe Thomas , Winkler Martin , Haumann Michael , Stripp Sven T.
Published: August 2017

FTIR spectroscopy and DFT calculations were used to identify a protonation at the catalytic cofactor of [FeFe]-hydrogenases.
Correction: The methylsulfinyl radical CH3SO examined
Authors: Estep Marissa L. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: August 2017

Correction for ‘The methylsulfinyl radical CH3SO examined’ by Marissa L. Estep et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 22293–22299.
Facile activation of alkynes with a boraguanidinato-stabilized germylene: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Böserle Jiří , Zhigulin Grigory , Štěpnička Petr , Horký Filip , Erben Milan , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Ketkov Sergey , Dostál Libor
Published: August 2017

A comprehensive study of the activation of various alkynes by boraguanidinato-stabilized germylene is presented.
Cold sprayed WO3and TiO2electrodes for photoelectrochemical water and methanol oxidation in renewable energy applications
Authors: Haisch Christoph , Schneider Jenny , Fleisch Manuel , Gutzmann Henning , Klassen Thomas , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: August 2017

Films prepared by cold spray have potential applications as photoanodes in electrochemical water splitting and waste water purification.
A dinuclear copper(i) thiodiacetate complex as an efficient and reusable ‘click’ catalyst for the synthesis of glycoconjugates
Authors: Sareen Neha , Singh Anoop S. , Tiwari Vinod K. , Kant Rajni , Bhattacharya Subrato
Published: August 2017

A novel Cu(i) complex as an efficient and reusable homogeneous “click” catalyst.
Mono-BHT heteroleptic magnesium complexes: synthesis, molecular structure and catalytic behavior in the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: Nifant'ev I. E. , Shlyakhtin A. V. , Bagrov V. V. , Minyaev M. E. , Churakov A. V. , Karchevsky S. G. , Birin K. P. , Ivchenko P. V.
Published: August 2017

Dimeric BHT-alkoxy magnesium complexes are able to catalyze ROP of lactones and lactides by the binuclear mechanism.
Improved monitoring of aqueous samples by the preconcentration of active pharmaceutical ingredients using ionic-liquid-based systems
Authors: Almeida Hugo F. D. , Freire Mara G. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: August 2017

The concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredients up to mg L−1 using ionic-liquid-based strategies allows their more accurate monitoring and an evaluation of their persistence in environmentally related aqueous samples.
Copper-catalysed difluoroalkylation of aromatic aldehydes via a decarboxylation/aldol reaction
Authors: Yuan Jin-Wei , Liu Shuai-Nan , Mai Wen-Peng
Published: August 2017

A copper-catalysed tandem decarboxylation/aldol reaction of simple aromatic aldehydes with 2,2-difluoro-3-oxo-3-arylpropanoic acid under mild conditions.
A one-pot multicomponent approach to a new series of morphine derivatives and their biological evaluation
Authors: Shao Jiaan , Houghten Richard A. , Dooley Colette T. , Cazares Margret , McLaughlin Jay P. , Eans Shainnel O. , Ganno Michelle L. , Hoot Michelle R. , Giulianotti Marc A. , Yu Yongping
Published: August 2017

Morphine derivatives displaying a mixed MOR/DOR biological characteristic were synthesized through a one-pot multicomponent approach.
A water-soluble phosphorescent conjugated polymer brush for tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Wang Gaina , Hou Huanzhi , Yuan Pengcheng , Deng Weixing , Wang Chao , Lu Xiaomei , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: August 2017

A glycopolymer modified water-soluble conjugated polymer brush was developed for Hep G2 tumor targeted photodynamic therapy.
Tunable regiodivergent phosphine-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynones and trifluoroacetyl phenylamides
Authors: Sun Yao-Liang , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: August 2017

The regiodivergent phosphine-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)phenylamides and alkynones have been achieved through adjusting the acidities of substrates, changing reaction temperature and addition of protic additive H2O. The detailed mechanism was systematically studied.
Microencapsulation of 1-hexadecanol as a phase change material with reversible thermochromic properties
Authors: Wu Bozhen , Shi Liming , Zhang Qi , Wang Wen-Jun
Published: August 2017

Novel microencapsulated reversible thermochromic phase change materials prepared through complex coacervation with two-step crosslinking reactions possessing good thermal and color stability.
All-solution-processed fluorene/dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide blue co-oligomer light-emitting diodes with an electron transporting PEI/ultrafine-ZnO-nanoparticle bilayer
Authors: Huang Chun-Yuan , Cheng Chiao-Yang , Shih Yu-Shan
Published: August 2017

An all solution-processed blue organic light-emitting diode comprising the emissive fluorene/dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide co-oligomer and a poly-ethyleneimine/ultrafine-ZnO-nanoparticle bilayer is proposed for the first time.
Conversion of glycals into vicinal-1,2-diazides and 1,2-(or 2,1)-azidoacetates using hypervalent iodine reagents and Me3SiN3. Application in the synthesis of N-glycopeptides, pseudo-trisaccharides and an iminosugar
Authors: Chennaiah Ande , Bhowmick Srijita , Vankar Yashwant D.
Published: August 2017

Glycals react with PIFA (or PIDA)–TMSN3in presence of TMSOTf to form sugar derived 1,2-diazides and vicinal azidoacetates. Synthesis of 2-azido-N-glycopeptides, pseudotrisaccharides, and a piperidine triol derivative is reported.
An ultrastable zinc(ii)–organic framework as a recyclable multi-responsive luminescent sensor for Cr(iii), Cr(vi) and 4-nitrophenol in the aqueous phase with high selectivity and sensitivity
Authors: Guo Xiao-Yu , Zhao Fei , Liu Jing-Juan , Liu Zhi-Liang , Wang Yan-Qin
Published: August 2017

An ultrastable Zn-MOF shows recyclable and multi-responsive sensing for Cr(iii), Cr(vi) and 4-nitrophenol in an aqueous system with high selectivity and sensitivity.
High-absorption recyclable photothermal membranes used in a bionic system for high-efficiency solar desalination via enhanced localized heating
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Yang Zhenjie , Huang Xichong , Xuan Chaoyan , Xie Jiahui , Fu Huide , Wu Qixing , Zhang Junmin , Zhou Xuechang , Liu Yizhen
Published: August 2017

Imitation of the water circulation mechanism of plants for realizing high-efficiency solar evaporation and desalination.