bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia to aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a whole-exome analysis of abnormalities leading to transformation
Authors: Jiménez C , Alonso-Álvarez S , Alcoceba M , Ordóñez G R , García-Álvarez M , Prieto-Conde M I , Chillón M C , Balanzategui A , Corral R , Marín L A , Gutiérrez N C , Puig N , Sarasquete M E , González M , García-Sanz R
Published: August 2017

Transformation of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurs in up to 10% of patients and is associated with an adverse outcome. Here we performed the first whole-exome sequencing study of WM patients who evolved to DLBCL and report the genetic alterations that may drive this process. Our results demonstrate that transformation depends on the frequency and specificity of acquired variants, rather than on the duration of its evolution. We did not find a common pattern of mutations at diagnosis or transformation; however, there were certain abnormalities that were present in a high proportion of clonal tumor cells and conserved during this transition, suggesting that they have a key role as early drivers. In addition, recurrent mutations gained in some genes at transformation (for example, PIM1, FRYL and HNF1B) represent cooperating events in the selection of the clones responsible for disease progression. Detailed comparison reveals the gene abnormalities at diagnosis and transformation to be consistent with a branching model of evolution. Finally, the frequent mutation observed in the CD79B gene in this specific subset of patients implies that it is a potential biomarker predicting transformation in WM.
Overexpression of SOX4 correlates with poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia and is leukemogenic in zebrafish
Authors: Lu J-W , Hsieh M-S , Hou H-A , Chen C-Y , Tien H-F , Lin L-I
Published: August 2017

The SOX4 transcription factor is a key regulator of embryonic development, cell-fate decision, cellular differentiation and oncogenesis. Abnormal expression of SOX4 is related to malignant tumor transformation and cancer metastasis. However, no reports are available regarding the clinical significance of SOX4 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the role of SOX4 in leukemogenesis. In the current study, we found that AML patients with low bone marrow (BM) SOX4 expression had higher remission rates and longer overall survival than those with high SOX4 expression, regardless of age, white blood cell count at diagnosis, karyotype profile and NPM1/FLT3-ITD status. To elucidate the role of SOX4 in leukemogenesis, we generated a transgenic zebrafish model that overexpressed human SOX4 in the myeloid lineage Tg(spi1-SOX4-EGFP). These transgenic zebrafish showed, at 5 months of age, increased myelopoiesis with dedifferentiation in kidney marrow. At 9 months of age, their kidney structure was significantly effaced and distorted by increased infiltration of myeloid progenitor cells. These results suggest that SOX4 is not only an independent prognostic factor of AML, but also an important molecular factor in leukemogenesis.
FMISO-PET-derived brain oxygen tension maps: application to glioblastoma and less aggressive gliomas
Authors: Chakhoyan Ararat , Guillamo Jean-Sebastien , Collet Solène , Kauffmann François , Delcroix Nicolas , Lechapt-Zalcman Emmanuèle , Constans Jean-Marc , Petit Edwige , MacKenzie Eric T. , Barré Louisa , Bernaudin Myriam , Touzani Omar , Valable Samuel
Published: August 2017

Quantitative imaging modalities for the analysis of hypoxia in brain tumors are lacking. The objective of this study was to generate absolute maps of tissue ptO2 from [18F]-FMISO images in glioblastoma and less aggressive glioma patients in order to quantitatively assess tumor hypoxia. An ancillary objective was to compare estimated ptO2 values to other biomarkers: perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) and tumor metabolism obtained from 1H-MR mono-voxel spectroscopy (MRS). Ten patients with glioblastoma (GBM) and three patients with less aggressive glioma (nGBM) were enrolled. All patients had [18F]-FMISO and multiparametric MRI (anatomic, PWI, MRS) scans. A non-linear regression was performed to generate ptO2 maps based on normal appearing gray (NAGM) and white matter (NAWM) for each patient. As expected, a marked [18F]-FMISO uptake was observed in GBM patients. The ptO2 based on patient specific calculations was notably low in this group (4.8 ± 1.9 mmHg, p < 0.001) compared to all other groups (nGBM, NAGM and NAWM). The rCBV was increased in GBM (1.4 ± 0.2 when compared to nGBM tumors 0.8 ± 0.4). Lactate (and lipid) concentration increased in GBM (27.8 ± 13.8%) relative to nGBM (p < 0.01). Linear, nonlinear and ROC curve analyses between ptO2 maps, PWI-derived rCBV maps and MRS-derived lipid and lactate concentration strengthens the robustness of our approaches.
The stem cell regulator PEDF is dispensable for maintenance and function of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Rörby Emma , Billing Matilda , Dahl Maria , Warsi Sarah , Andradottir Silja , Miharada Kenichi , Siva Kavitha , Jönsson Jan-Ingvar , Blank Ulrika , Karlsson Göran , Karlsson Stefan
Published: August 2017

Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), a ubiquitously expressed 50 kDa secreted glycoprotein, was recently discovered to regulate self-renewal of neural stem cells and have a supportive effect on human embryonic stem cell growth. Here, we analyzed expression of PEDF in the murine hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartments and found that PEDF is highly expressed in primary long-term HSCs. Therefore, we characterized the hematopoietic system in a knockout mouse model for PEDF and using this model we surprisingly found that PEDF is dispensable for HSC regulation. PEDF knockout mice exhibit normal hematopoiesis in steady state conditions and the absence of PEDF lead to normal regeneration capacity in a serial competitive transplantation setting. Additionally, PEDF-deficient cells exhibit unaltered lineage distribution upon serial transplantations. When human cord blood stem and progenitor cells were cultured in media supplemented with recombinant PEDF they did not show changes in growth potential. Taken together, we report that PEDF is not a critical regulatory factor for HSC function during regeneration in vivo or growth of human stem/progenitor cells in vitro.
Fin whale song variability in southern California and the Gulf of California
Authors: Širović Ana , Oleson Erin M. , Buccowich Jasmine , Rice Ally , Bayless Alexandra R.
Published: August 2017

Songs are distinct, patterned sounds produced by a variety of animals including baleen whales. Fin whale songs, which consist of short pulses repeated at regular interpulse intervals (IPIs), have been suggested as a tool to distinguish populations. Fin whale songs were analyzed from data collected from 2000–2012 in Southern California and from 2004–2010 in the Gulf of California using autonomous acoustic recorders. IPIs were measured for each identifiable song sequence during two random days of each month with recordings. Four distinct song types were identified: long doublet, short doublet, long triplet, and short triplet. Long and short doublets were the dominant songs in Southern California, while long and short triplets were dominant in the Gulf of California. An abrupt change in song type occurred in both areas during the monitoring period. We argue that each song type is unique to a population and these changes represent a shift in the primary population in the monitoring area. Occasional temporal and spatial song overlap indicated some exchange or visitation among populations. Fin whales appear to synchronize and gradually modify song rhythm over long time scales. A better understanding of the evolutionary and ecological importance of songs to fin whale populations is needed.
Spatial complexity of carcass location influences vertebrate scavenger efficiency and species composition
Authors: Smith Joshua B. , Laatsch Lauren J. , Beasley James C.
Published: August 2017

Scavenging plays an important role in shaping communities through inter- and intra-specific interactions. Although vertebrate scavenger efficiency and species composition is likely influenced by the spatial complexity of environments, heterogeneity in carrion distribution has largely been disregarded in scavenging studies. We tested this hypothesis by experimentally placing juvenile bird carcasses on the ground and in nests in trees to simulate scenarios of nestling bird carrion availability. We used cameras to record scavengers removing carcasses and elapsed time to removal. Carrion placed on the ground was scavenged by a greater diversity of vertebrates and at > 2 times the rate of arboreal carcasses, suggesting arboreal carrion may represent an important resource to invertebrate scavengers, particularly in landscapes with efficient vertebrate scavenging communities. Nonetheless, six vertebrate species scavenged arboreal carcasses. Rat snakes (Elaphe obsolete), which exclusively scavenged from trees, and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) were the primary scavengers of arboreal carrion, suggesting such resources are potentially an important pathway of nutrient acquisition for some volant and scansorial vertebrates. Our results highlight the intricacy of carrion-derived food web linkages, and how consideration of spatial complexity in carcass distribution (i.e., arboreal) may reveal important pathways of nutrient acquisition by invertebrate and vertebrate scavenging guilds.
Valley filter and valve effect by strong electrostatic potentials in graphene
Authors: Wang Juan Juan , Liu Su , Wang Jun , Liu Jun-Feng
Published: August 2017

We report a theoretical study on the valley-filter and valley-valve effects in the monolayer graphene system by using electrostatic potentials, which are assumed to be electrically controllable. Based on a lattice model, we find that a single extremely strong electrostatic-potential barrier, with its strength exceeding the hopping energy of electrons, will significantly block one valley but allow the opposite valley flowing in the system, and this is dependent on the sign of the potential barrier as well as the flowing direction of electrons. In a valley-valve device composed of two independent potential barriers, the valley-valve efficiency can even amount to 100% that the electronic current is entirely prohibited or allowed by reversing the sign of one of potential barriers. The physics origin is attributed to the valley mixing effect in the strong potential barrier region. Our findings provide a simple electric way of controlling the valley transport in the monolayer graphene system.
Effect of curcumin on glycerol-induced acute kidney injury in rats
Authors: Wu Jindao , Pan Xiongxiong , Fu Heling , Zheng Yuan , Dai Youjin , Yin Yuan , Chen Qin , Hao Qingting , Bao Dan , Hou Daorong
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role and underlying mechanisms of curcumin on glycerol-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. Glycerol (10 ml/kg BW, 50% v/v in sterile saline, i.m.) was used to induce AKI, followed by curcumin (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) administration for 3 days. To confirm renal damage and the effects of curcumin on AKI, serum BUN, Scr, and CK as well as renal SOD, MDA, GSH-Px were measured. Additionally, morphological changes were identified by H&E staining and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of several factors including chemotactic factor MCP-1, proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the kidney injury markers, as Kim-1 and Lipocalin-2 were also assessed using q-PCR. Finally, cell apoptosis in renal tissue was detected using in situ TUNEL apoptosis fluorescence staining and expression of proteins associated with apoptotic, oxidative stress and lipid oxidative related signaling pathways were detected using immunohistochemical staining and western blot. The results showed that curcumin exerts renoprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress in rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI through regulation of the AMPK and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways, and also ameliorated RM-associated renal injury and cell apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Polymer-immobilized, hybrid multi-catalyst architecture for enhanced electrochemical oxidation of glycerol
Authors: Macazo Florika C. , Hickey David P. , Abdellaoui Sofiene , Sigman Matthew S. , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: August 2017

Polymer-immobilized MWCNT/TEMPO-LPEI/OxDc hybrid tri-catalytic motif enables a synergistic enhancement in the complete oxidation of glycerol.
Frontiers of solvent-free functional molecular liquids
Authors: Ghosh Avijit , Nakanishi Takashi
Published: August 2017

The breakthrough of functional molecular liquids (FMLs) in cutting-edge research and their fundamental liquid features on the basis of molecular architectures are highlighted in this Feature Article.
Unique structural micro-adjustments in a new benzothiadiazole-derived Zn(ii) metal organic framework via simple photochemical decarboxylation
Authors: Han Xiao , Cheng Qing , Meng Xiangru , Shao Zhichao , Ma Ke , Wei Donghui , Ding Jie , Hou Hongwei
Published: August 2017

Herein, we report the first exploration of structural micro-adjustments via simple photochemical decarboxylation in a new Zn(ii) benzothiadiazole-derived MOF, Zn-BTDC-M1.
Directly constructing Pt-, Pd-, or Au-based high-index skins on Ag nanocubic templates from a general surface-confined anisotropic etching strategy
Authors: Wang Hui-Ze , Chen Bo , Hao Deng-Yuan , Miao Xin-Peng , Zhao Dan , Zhang Ning
Published: August 2017

High [Cl−] added was crucial to kinetically confine the surface etching of Ag templates with MClxy−(M = Pt, Pd, Au) for obtaining applicable high-index-skin nanostructures.
Four coordination polymers based on dinuclear and trinuclear units with a new multifunctional pyridyl-dicarboxylate ligand: luminescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Liu Feng , Gao Wei , Zhang Xiu-Mei , Liu Jie-Ping , Gao En-Qing
Published: August 2017

Four coordination polymers with a new pyridyl-dicarboxylate ligand were synthesized under solvothermal conditions and studied by means of X-ray crystallography, topological analyses, luminescence and magnetic analyses.
Structural studies of a Li2O·4B2O3 melt by high-temperature Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Zheng Guimei , Yao Yanan , Zhang Shujie , Wan Songming , You Jinglin
Published: August 2017

High-temperature Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory have been employed to study the Li2O·4B2O3 melt structure; B3O4Ø2 and B3O3Ø3 six-membered rings were found to be the main anion groups present in the melt.
Stabilising Ni catalysts for the dehydration–decarboxylation–hydrogenation of citric acid to methylsuccinic acid
Authors: Verduyckt Jasper , Geers Anton , Claes Birgit , Eyley Samuel , Van Goethem Cédric , Stassen Ivo , Smolders Simon , Ameloot Rob , Vankelecom Ivo , Thielemans Wim , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: August 2017

Ni nanoparticles could be stabilised to enable the Ni catalyzed dehydration–decarboxylation–hydrogenation of citric acid to methylsuccinic acid.
Synthesis and C–H activation reactions of cyclometalated copper(i) complexes with NCN pincer and 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane derivatives: in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Tabrizi Leila , Chiniforoshan Hossein
Published: August 2017

A series of novel cyclometalated copper(i) complexes with NCN pincer and N-aryl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane ligands have been synthesized by C–H activation and studied for in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity.
Ternary PtNi/PtxPb/Pt core/multishell nanowires as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for fuel cell reactions
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhu Yiming , Shao Qi , Zhu Xing , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: August 2017

Platinum (Pt) is the best catalyst component towards fuel cell reactions, while its scarcity and high cost largely restrict its practical applications.
Intrajudge and Interjudge Reliability of the Stuttering Severity Instrument–Fourth Edition
Authors: Davidow Jason H. , Scott Kathleen A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI) is a tool used to measure the severity of stuttering. Previous versions of the instrument have known limitations (e.g., Lewis, 1995). The present study examined the intra- and interjudge reliability of the newest version, the Stuttering Severity Instrument–Fourth Edition (SSI-4) (Riley, 2009).

Method

Twelve judges who were trained on the SSI-4 protocol participated. Judges collected SSI-4 data while viewing 4 videos of adults who stutter at Time 1 and 4 weeks later at Time 2. Data were analyzed for intra- and interjudge reliability of the SSI-4 subscores (for Frequency, Duration, and Physical Concomitants), total score, and final severity rating.

Results

Intra- and interjudge reliability across the subscores and total score concurred with the manual's reported reliability when reliability was calculated using the methods described in the manual. New calculations of judge agreement produced different values from those in the manual—for the 3 subscores, total score, and final severity rating—and provided data absent from the manual.

Conclusions

Clinicians and researchers who use the SSI-4 should carefully consider the limitations of the instrument. Investigation into the multitasking demands of the instrument may provide information on whether separating the collection of data for specific variables will improve intra- and interjudge reliability of those variables.
Synthesis of Stereoselectively Functionalized Silacyclopentanes
Authors: Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Kuroo Akihiro , Yoshihiro Daisuke , Yamanaka Yuki
Published: August 2017

An efficient approach to a variety of chiral silacyclopentanes having silicon stereogenic center based on the stereospecific transformations of C4 carbon stereogenic center of silacyclopentenols by ­Mitsunobu reaction or Tsuji–Trost reaction has been developed. The thus obtained substitution products can be converted into novel silacyclopentane triols, amines, and carboxylic acids in stereospecific manner.
Myocutaneous Gracilis Free Flaps in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review Comparing Variations of the Upper Gracilis Flap
Authors: Kang Vicky , Robinson Emilie , Barker Eric , Antony Anuja
Published: August 2017

Background The transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap has gained increasing acceptance as a reliable option for breast reconstruction, specifically in patients without adequate abdominal tissue. Three major flap designs of the upper gracilis flap have been proposed to balance volume needs with flap vascularity. A systematic review was performed to identify outcomes of the major gracilis flaps: TUG, vertical-transverse upper gracilis (V-TUG), and longitudinal gracilis myocutaneous (LGM) flaps. This study is the first and only systematic review to date reviewing the variations of the upper gracilis flap in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed database from 1966 through 2015. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Outcomes assessed included total flap volumes, additional breast procedures to achieve intended breast volume, and complication rates.

Results A total of 485 gracilis-type flaps were performed in 335 patients. V-TUG flaps provided the largest mean flap weights and did not require additional lipofilling or implant placement, whereas the majority of TUG flaps (50.6%) required additional fat grafting or implant placements. All flap types demonstrated a low incidence of donor-site morbidity. Overall flap loss rate was low; TUG flaps reported 2.3% total and 2.0% partial flap losses, while V-TUG and LGM flaps reported no flap losses.

Conclusion This review found V-TUG yielded highest mean flap weights and did not require additional breast augmentation procedures as compared with the TUG. Also, the V-TUG was a safer donor-site option with fewer flap and donor-site morbidities.
Hohes Hypertonierisiko und zu selten eine Behandlung
Authors: Dengler Dorothee
Published: August 2017

Seeleute weisen ein erhöhtes Risiko auf, an einer Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankung zu leiden und zu sterben. Die vorliegende Untersuchung befasst sich mit der Prävalenz des Bluthochdrucks als einem der Hauptrisikofaktoren, der Behandlungshäufigkeit und weiteren möglichen Ursachen in maritimen Berufsgruppen.
„18+“ – wirklich schon erwachsen?
Authors: Schlüter Sandra
Published: August 2017

Im Allgemeinen gelingt es einem großen Teil der Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen mit Diabetes mellitus – trotz der mit dem Eintritt in das Jugendalter verbundenen Veränderungen – ihren Weg in das Leben als Erwachsene erfolgreich zu gestalten und gleichzeitig die anspruchsvolle antidiabetische Therapie zuverlässig umzusetzen. Möglich wird dies unter anderem auch durch eine vertrauensvolle Begleitung der jungen Menschen mit Diabetes in dieser Lebensphase. Die Diabetesschwerpunktpraxis dient in dieser Lebensphase als „Kompass“ durch den Diabetesalltag – es gilt, nicht nur medizinische Fragen zu beantworten, sondern auch psychosoziale und rechtliche Probleme zu besprechen. Denn neben der Therapie der Erkrankung treten plötzlich auch organisatorische Dinge des Lebens in den Fokus, zusätzlich wird in der Regel die Familienplanung in der 3. Lebensdekade ein zentrales Thema. Medizinisch ist es in dieser Phase immer wieder wichtig zu betonen, die Stabilität im Alltag zu bewahren, diese auf den Diabetes zu übertragen und die Blutzucker- oder Gewebezuckerselbstkontrollen nicht zu vernachlässigen.
Die Vorbereitung des Weltraumexperiments TRIPLE LUX A
Authors: Ullrich Oliver , Hock Bertold , Thiel Cora
Published: August 2017

Am Ende sah es wie Routine aus: Am 14. April 2015 um 20:10:41 UTC startete vom Cape Canaveral Launch Complex SLC-40 eine Space X Falcon 9 Rakete mit dem Dragon-Raumschiff (Abb. 1) zur sechsten „Cargo Resupply Mission“ (Space X CRS-6) zur Internationalen Raumstation ISS. Mit an Bord: Die komplette Experimenthardware, tiefgefrorene Zellen und Reagenzien des DLR-Experiments TRIPLE LUX A. Im Experiment sollte der Einfluss von Gravitationskräften zwischen 1 und 0 g auf die Oxidative-Burst-Reaktion von Makrophagenzellen untersucht werden, erstmals durch Echtzeit- und On-orbit-Messungen auf der ISS im BIOLAB des europäischen COLUMBUS-Moduls 1.
Aucubin Protects against TGFβ1-Induced Cardiac Fibroblasts Activation by Mediating the AMPKα/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xiao Yang , Chang Wei , Wu Qing-Qing , Jiang Xiao-Han , Duan Ming-Xia , Jin Ya-Ge , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: August 2017

Fibrosis is a key feature of various cardiovascular diseases and compromises cardiac systolic and diastolic performance. The lack of effective anti-fibrosis drugs is a major contributor to the increasing prevalence of heart failure. The present study was performed to investigate whether the iridoid aucubin alleviates cardiac fibroblast activation and its underlying mechanisms. Neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were incubated with aucubin (1, 10, 20, 50 µM) followed by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1, 10 ng/mL) stimulation for 24 h. Fibrosis proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay. The differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts was determined by measuring the expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Then, the expressions levels of cardiac fibrosis-related proteins in myofibroblasts were analyzed by western blot and real-time PCR to confirm the anti-fibrosis effect of aucubin. As a result, aucubin suppressed TGFβ1-induced proliferation in fibroblasts and inhibited the TGFβ1-induced activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. In addition, aucubin further attenuated fibrosis-related protein expression in myofibroblasts. Furthermore, this protective effect was related to increased adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, which was confirmed by an mTOR inhibitor (rapamycin), an AMPK agonist (AICAR) and an AMPKα inhibitor compound C. Collectively, our findings suggest that aucubin protects against TGFβ1-induced fibroblast proliferation, activation and function by regulating the AMPKα/mTOR signal axis.
Electrostatic tuning of magnetism at the conducting (111) (La0.3Sr0.7)(Al0.65Ta0.35)/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Bal V. V. , Huang Z. , Han K. , Ariando  , Venkatesan T. , Chandrasekhar V.
Published: August 2017

We present measurements of the low temperature electrical transport properties of the two dimensional carrier gas that forms at the interface of (111) (La0.3Sr0.7)(Al0.65Ta0.35)/SrTiO3 as a function of applied back gate voltage, Vg. As is found in (111) LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces, the low-field Hall coefficient is electron-like but shows a sharp reduction in magnitude below V g ∼ 20 V, indicating the presence of hole-like carriers in the system. This same value of Vg correlates approximately with the gate voltage below which the magnetoresistance evolves from nonhysteretic to hysteretic behavior at millikelvin temperatures, signaling the onset of magnetic order in the system. We believe our results can provide insight into the mechanism of magnetism in SrTiO3 based systems.
Spatially and temporally resolved measurements of a dense copper plasma heated by intense relativistic electrons
Authors: Coleman J. E. , Colgan J.
Published: August 2017

A 100-μm-thick Cu foil is isochorically heated by a ∼100-ns-long electron bunch with an energy of 19.8 MeV and current of 1.7 kA to Te > 1 eV. After 100 ns of heating and 20 ns of expansion, the plasma exhibits a stable, quiescent temperature and density distribution for >200 ns. Several intense Cu-I emission lines are observed after ∼20 J of electron beam energy is deposited. These lines have well known Stark widths providing a direct measurement of ne. The Los Alamos ATOMIC code [Magee et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 2004, 168–179 and Hakel et al., J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer 99, 265 (2006)] was run in local-thermodynamic-equilibrium mode to estimate Te and ne. Spatially and temporally resolved measurements are presented in both the vertical and horizontal directions adjacent to the foil indicating temperatures >1 eV and densities ranging from 1–3 × 1017 cm−3 after expansion and cooling.
Electronic band structures and excitonic properties of delafossites: A GW-BSE study
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Meng Weiwei , Yan Yanfa
Published: August 2017

We report the band structures and excitonic properties of delafossites CuMO2 (M=Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y, Cr) calculated using the state-of-the-art GW-BSE approach. We evaluate different levels of self-consistency of the GW approximations, namely G0W0, GW0, GW, and QSGW, on the band structures and find that GW0, in general, predicts the band gaps in better agreement with experiments considering the electron-hole effect. For CuCrO2, the HSE wave function is used as the starting point for the perturbative GW0 calculations, since it corrects the band orders wrongly predicted by PBE. The discrepancy about the valence band characters of CuCrO2 is classified based on both HSE and QSGW calculations. The PBE wave functions, already good, are used for other delafossites. All the delafossites are shown to be indirect band gap semiconductors with large exciton binding energies, varying from 0.24 to 0.44 eV, in consistent with experimental findings. The excitation mechanisms are explained by examining the exciton amplitude projections on the band structures. Discrepancies compared with experiments are also addressed. The lowest and strongest exciton, mainly contributed from either Cu 3d → Cu 3p (Al, Ga, In) or Cu 3d → M 3d (M = Sc, Y, Cr) transitions, is always located at the L point of the rhombohedral Brillouin zone.
The impact of adsorption on the localization of spins in graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, observed with electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Kempiński Mateusz , Florczak Patryk , Jurga Stefan , Śliwińska-Bartkowiak Małgorzata , Kempiński Wojciech
Published: August 2017

We report the observations of electronic properties of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, performed with electron paramagnetic resonance technique in a broad temperature range. Both materials were examined in pure form and saturated with air, helium, and heavy water molecules. We show that spin localization strongly depends on the type and amount of molecules adsorbed at the graphene layer edges (and possible in-plane defects). Physical and chemical states of edges play crucial role in electrical transport within graphene-based materials, with hopping as the leading mechanism of charge carrier transport. Presented results are a good basis to understand the electronic properties of other carbon structures made of graphene-like building blocks. Most active carbons show some degree of functionalization and are known of having good adsorptive properties; thus, controlling both phenomena is important for many applications. Sample treatment with temperature, vacuum, and various adsorbents allowed for the observation of a possible metal-insulator transition and sorption pumping effects. The influence of adsorption on the localization phenomena in graphene would be very important if to consider the graphene-based material as possible candidates for the future spintronics that works in ambient conditions.
Enhanced room temperature ferromagnetism in Ni doped SnO2 nanoparticles: A comprehensive study
Authors: Ahmed Ateeq , Ali T. , Naseem Siddique M. , Ahmad Abid , Tripathi P.
Published: August 2017

We emphasized on a detailed investigation of the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of pure and Ni-doped SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by a sol-gel process. An extensive structural study has been carried out using various characterization techniques. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra show the formation of the single phase tetragonal structure of pure and Ni-doped SnO2 NPs without any noticeable impurity phase such as NiO. XRD results indicate that the crystallite size of SnO2 is found to be decreased with Ni doping, which has also been confirmed by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy study. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements displayed a clear sign for Ni2+ ions occupying the lattice sites of Sn4+ in the SnO2 host which also gives clear evidence for the formation of single phase Sn1-xNixO2 NPs. The optical analysis shows a significant decrease in the energy gap of SnO2, i.e., (from 3.71 eV to 3.28 eV) as Ni concentration increases which may be correlated with the core level valence band XPS analysis. Photoluminescence studies show that Ni doping creates oxygen vacancies due to dissimilar ionic radii of Ni2+ and Sn4+. Superconducting quantum interference device measurements revealed that the Ni doped SnO2 NPs exhibit strong ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature and this analysis has been well fitted with a simple relationship to find out magnetic parameters proposed by Stearns and Cheng et al. Hence, our results demonstrate that Ni-doping has strong impact on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties.
Localization and stationary phase approximation on supermanifolds
Authors: Zakharevich Valentin
Published: August 2017

Given an odd vector field Q on a supermanifold M and a Q-invariant density μ on M, under certain compactness conditions on Q, the value of the integral ∫Mμ is determined by the value of μ on any neighborhood of the vanishing locus N of Q. We present a formula for the integral in the case where N is a subsupermanifold which is appropriately non-degenerate with respect to Q. In the process, we discuss the linear algebra necessary to express our result in a coordinate independent way. We also extend the stationary phase approximation and the Morse-Bott lemma to supermanifolds.
Observation of extremely strong shock waves in solids launched by petawatt laser heating
Authors: Lancaster K. L. , Robinson A. P. L. , Pasley J. , Hakel P. , Ma T. , Highbarger K. , Beg F. N. , Chen S. N. , Daskalova R. L. , Freeman R. R. , Green J. S. , Habara H. , Jaanimagi P. , Key M. H. , King J. , Kodama R. , Krushelnick K. , Nakamura H. , Nakatsutsumi M. , MacKinnon A. J. , MacPhee A. G. , Stephens R. B. , Van Woerkom L. , Norreys P. A.
Published: August 2017

Understanding hydrodynamic phenomena driven by fast electron heating is important for a range of applications including fast electron collimation schemes for fast ignition and the production and study of hot, dense matter. In this work, detailed numerical simulations modelling the heating, hydrodynamic evolution, and extreme ultra-violet (XUV) emission in combination with experimental XUV images indicate shock waves of exceptional strength (200 Mbar) launched due to rapid heating of materials via a petawatt laser. We discuss in detail the production of synthetic XUV images and how they assist us in interpreting experimental XUV images captured at 256 eV using a multi-layer spherical mirror.
Photo-assisted Kelvin probe force microscopy investigation of three dimensional GaN structures with various crystal facets, doping types, and wavelengths of illumination
Authors: Ali Deeb Manal , Ledig Johannes , Wei Jiandong , Wang Xue , Wehmann Hergo-Heinrich , Waag Andreas
Published: August 2017

Three dimensional GaN structures with different crystal facets and doping types have been investigated employing the surface photo-voltage (SPV) method to monitor illumination-induced surface charge behavior using Kelvin probe force microscopy. Various photon energies near and below the GaN bandgap were used to modify the generation of electron–hole pairs and their motion under the influence of the electric field near the GaN surface. Fast and slow processes for Ga-polar c-planes on both Si-doped n-type as well as Mg-doped p-type GaN truncated pyramid micro-structures were found and their origin is discussed. The immediate positive (for n-type) and negative (for p-type) SPV response dominates at band-to-band and near-bandgap excitation, while only the slow process is present at sub-bandgap excitation. The SPV behavior for the semi-polar facets of the p-type GaN truncated pyramids has a similar characteristic to that on its c-plane, which indicates that it has a comparable band bending and no strong influence of the polarity-induced charges is detectable. The SPV behavior of the non-polar m-facets of the Si-doped n-type part of a transferred GaN column is similar to that of a clean c-plane GaN surface during illumination. However, the SPV is smaller in magnitude, which is attributed to intrinsic surface states of m-plane surfaces and their influence on the band bending. The SPV behavior of the non-polar m-facet of the slightly Mg-doped part of this GaN column is found to behave differently. Compared to c- and r-facets of p-type surfaces of GaN-light–emitting diode micro-structures, the m-plane is more chemically stable.
Direct detection of fibrinogen in human plasma using electric-double-layer gated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Regmi Abiral , Sarangadharan Indu , Chen Yen-Wen , Hsu Chen-Pin , Lee Geng-Yen , Chyi Jen-Inn , Shiesh Shu-Chu , Lee Gwo-Bin , Wang Yu-Lin
Published: August 2017

Fibrinogen found in blood plasma is an important protein biomarker for potentially fatal diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. This study focuses on the development of an assay to detect plasmatic fibrinogen using electrical double layer gated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor biosensors without complex sample pre-treatment methods used in the traditional assays. The test results in buffer solution and clinical plasma samples show high sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic range. The sensor exhibits an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5 g/l and a detection range of 0.5–4.5 g/l in 1× PBS with 1% BSA. The concentration dependent sensor signal in human serum samples demonstrates the specificity to fibrinogen in a highly dense matrix of background proteins. The sensor does not require complicated automation, and quantitative results are obtained in 5 min with <5 μl sample volume. This sensing technique is ideal for speedy blood based diagnostics such as POC (point of care) tests, homecare tests, or personalized healthcare.
Piezoelectricity in two dimensions: Graphene vs. molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Song Xiaoxue , Hui Fei , Knobloch Theresia , Wang Bingru , Fan Zhongchao , Grasser Tibor , Jing Xu , Shi Yuanyuan , Lanza Mario
Published: August 2017

The synthesis of piezoelectric two-dimensional (2D) materials is very attractive for implementing advanced energy harvesters and transducers, as these materials provide enormously large areas for the exploitation of the piezoelectric effect. Among all 2D materials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has shown the largest piezoelectric activity. However, all research papers in this field studied just a single material, and this may raise concerns because different setups could provide different values depending on experimental parameters (e.g., probes used and areas analyzed). By using conductive atomic force microscopy, here we in situ demonstrate that the piezoelectric currents generated in MoS2 are gigantic (65 mA/cm2), while the same experiments in graphene just showed noise currents. These results provide the most reliable comparison yet reported on the piezoelectric effect in graphene and MoS2.
Cultural evolutionary theory: How culture evolves and why it matters
Authors: Creanza Nicole , Kolodny Oren , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: August 2017

Human cultural traits—behaviors, ideas, and technologies that can be learned from other individuals—can exhibit complex patterns of transmission and evolution, and researchers have developed theoretical models, both verbal and mathematical, to facilitate our understanding of these patterns. Many of the first quantitative models of cultural evolution were modified from existing concepts in theoretical population genetics because cultural evolution has many parallels with, as well as clear differences from, genetic evolution. Furthermore, cultural and genetic evolution can interact with one another and influence both transmission and selection. This interaction requires theoretical treatments of gene–culture coevolution and dual inheritance, in addition to purely cultural evolution. In addition, cultural evolutionary theory is a natural component of studies in demography, human ecology, and many other disciplines. Here, we review the core concepts in cultural evolutionary theory as they pertain to the extension of biology through culture, focusing on cultural evolutionary applications in population genetics, ecology, and demography. For each of these disciplines, we review the theoretical literature and highlight relevant empirical studies. We also discuss the societal implications of the study of cultural evolution and of the interactions of humans with one another and with their environment.
Social network fragmentation and community health
Authors: Chami Goylette F. , Ahnert Sebastian E. , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Tukahebwa Edridah M.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Fragmentation of social networks is needed in large-scale treatment campaigns. Direct vaccination of key individuals or the strategic provision of health education can prevent, respectively, the spread of viruses or misinformation. We present an easily implementable and generalizable network-based strategy for targeting households to induce fragmentation in social networks of low-income countries. Complete friendship and health advice networks were collected from 17 rural villages in Uganda. We discovered that acquaintance algorithms outperformed conventional field-based approaches for inducing social network fragmentation. Acquaintance algorithms targeted the neighbors of randomly selected nodes, whereas the latter method concerns targeting well-established community roles such as lay health workers, village government leaders, and schoolteachers. This algorithm also was effective in offsetting potential noncompliance to deworming treatments.
Top Questions in ID: Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV
Authors: Krakower Douglas S , Cohen Stephanie E , Mayer Kenneth H
Published: August 2017

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious at preventing HIV acquisition. This review discusses ways to identify candidates for PrEP, recommended PrEP regimens, baseline and follow-up evaluations, applications of PrEP for HIV-serodiscordant couples, resources to address financial barriers, investigational strategies for PrEP, and educational resources for clinicians and patients.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Treated With CMX001 in a Non–Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patient After Rituximab Therapy for Lymphoma
Authors: El Chakhtoura Nadim G. , Ghamrawi Riane , Cowan Ronald , Richards Sindhu , Silver Shawn A. , Tsigrelis Constantine
Published: August 2017

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is an opportunistic infection well described in non–human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients receiving rituximab in whom it is associated with high mortality. Although immune reconstitution contributes the most to recovery in HIV-positive patients, no viable treatment option exists for non-HIV patients. We describe a case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient who received rituximab, treated with the investigational agent CMX001.
Durable Biventricular Support Using Right Atrial Placement of the HeartWare HVAD
Authors: Tran Hao A. , Pollema Travis L. , Silva Enciso Jorge , Greenberg Barry H. , Barnard Denise D. , Adler Eric D. , Pretorius Victor G.
Published: August 2017

Patients with Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) levels 1–2 who either have or are at risk for right ventricular failure face significant morbidity and mortality after continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. Currently, the options for biventricular support are limited the Total Artificial Heart (TAH; CardioWest, Syncardia, Tuscon, AZ) or biventricular assist device (BiVAD), which uses bulky extracorporeal or implantable displacement pumps. We describe a successful series based on an innovative approach for biventricular support in consecutive INTERMACS levels 1–2 patients utilizing a HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD; HeartWare, Framingham, MA) in a left ventricular (LV-HVAD) and a right atrial (RA-HVAD) configuration. From June 2014 through May 2016, 11 consecutive INTERMACS levels 1–2 patients with evidence of biventricular failure underwent implantation of a CF LVAD (10 LV-HVAD and 1 HeartMate II LVAD, Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA) and RA-HVAD pumps. A total of 4,314 BiVAD support days were accumulated in our case series. Seven patients have undergone orthotopic heart transplant, whereas 3 are ambulatory and are either waiting transplant or reconsideration for transplantation. There is one mortality in this case series, which was due to an intracranial bleed from supratherapeutic anticoagulation. Two other patients experienced hemorrhagic strokes, but without neurologic sequelae, whereas no patients have experienced ischemic strokes. There were two episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. This is the largest series to date involving this approach with outcomes superior to those previously described in patients receiving biventricular support. We conclude this novel therapy is a viable alternative to current practices in the management of biventricular failure.
Sugar metabolism of the first thermophilic planctomycete Thermogutta terrifontis: comparative genomic and transcriptomic approaches
Authors: Elcheninov A.G. , Menzel P. , Gudbergsdottir S.R. , Slesarev A. , Kadnikov V. , Krogh A. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya E.A. , Peng X. , Kublanov I.V.
Published: August 2017

Xanthan gum, a complex polysaccharide comprising glucose, mannose and glucuronic acid residues, is involved in numerous biotechnological applications in cosmetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food and petroleum industries. Additionally, its oligosaccharides were shown to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant and few other properties. Yet, despite its extensive usage, little is known about xanthan gum degradation pathways and mechanisms.

Thermogutta terrifontisR1 was described as the first thermophilic representative of thePlanctomycetesphylum. As other cultivated planctomycetes, it grows well on various carbohydrates including oligo- and polysaccharides, however, its capability of anaerobic growth with or without electron acceptors was a novel finding among the representatives of this phylum.

The aim of this work is to examineT. terrifontiscatabolic pathways with a special focus on the xanthan gum degradation pathway using genomic and transriptomic sequencing. Genomic analysis revealed more than a hundred glycosidases, polysaccharide lyases and other CAZymes, involved in oligo- and polysaccharide degradation byT. terrifontis, proteins of central carbohydrate metabolism and aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Furthermore, the combination of genomic and transcriptomic approaches revealed a putative novel xanthan gum degradation pathway involving unusual catalytic steps and enzymes: novel glycosidase(s) of DUF1080 family, hydrolyzing xanthan gum beta-glucosidic backbone linkages and beta-mannosidases instead of xanthan lyases for degradation of terminal beta-mannosidic linkages. Surprisingly, the genes coding DUF1080 proteins were found in high number inT. terrifontisand in many otherPlanctomycetesgenomes, which, together with our observation that xanthan gum being a selective substrate for many planctomycetes, supports the important role of DUF1080 in xanthan gum degradation. Our findings shed light on the metabolism of the first thermophilic planctomycete, capable to degrade a number of polysaccharides, either aerobically or anaerobically, including the biotechnologically important bacterial polysaccharide xanthan gum. The results serve as good foundation for future exploration ofT. terrifontisand its enzymes in biotechnological applications.
Prey range and genome evolution ofHalobacteriovorax marinuspredatory bacteria from an estuary
Authors: Enos Brett G. , Anthony Molly K. , DeGiorgis Joseph A. , Williams Laura E.
Published: August 2017

Background

Halobacteriovoraxare saltwater-adapted predatory bacteria that attack Gram-negative bacteria and therefore may play an important role in shaping microbial communities. To understand the impact ofHalobacteriovoraxon ecosystems and develop them as biocontrol agents, it is important to characterize variation in predation phenotypes such as prey range and investigate the forces impactingHalobacteriovoraxgenome evolution across different phylogenetic distances.

Results

We isolatedH. marinusBE01 from an estuary in Rhode Island usingVibriofrom the same site as prey. Small, fast-moving attack phase BE01 cells attach to and invade prey cells, consistent with the intraperiplasmic predation strategy ofH. marinustype strain SJ. BE01 is a prey generalist, forming plaques onVibriostrains from the estuary as well asPseudomonasfrom soil andE. coli. Genome analysis revealed that BE01 is very closely related to SJ, with extremely high conservation of gene order and amino acid sequences. Despite this similarity, we identified two regions of gene content difference that likely resulted from horizontal gene transfer. Analysis of modal codon usage frequencies supports the hypothesis that these regions were acquired from bacteria with different codon usage biases compared toHalobacteriovorax. In BE01, one of these regions includes genes associated with mobile genetic elements, such as a transposase not found in SJ and degraded remnants of an integrase occurring as a full-length gene in SJ. The corresponding region in SJ included unique mobile genetic element genes, such as a site-specific recombinase and bacteriophage-related genes not found in BE01. Acquired functions in BE01 include thedndoperon, which encodes a pathway for DNA modification that may protect DNA from nucleases, and a suite of genes involved in membrane synthesis and regulation of gene expression that was likely acquired from anotherHalobacteriovoraxlineage.

Conclusions

Our results support previous observations thatHalobacteriovoraxprey on a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria. Genome analysis suggests strong selective pressure to maintain the genome in theH. marinuslineage represented by BE01 and SJ, although our results also provide further evidence that horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in genome evolution in predatory bacteria.