bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milling overrides cultivar, leavening agent and baking mode on chemical and rheological traits and sensory perception of durum wheat breads
Authors: Ficco Donatella Bianca Maria , Saia Sergio , Beleggia Romina , Fragasso Mariagiovanna , Giovanniello Valentina , De Vita Pasquale
Published: October 2017

Smell and aroma are important determinants of consumer acceptance, so gaining deeper insight into bread smell and aroma perception is a research goal. Sixteen combinations of four variables were investigated, to evaluate the contributions of bread chemical and rheological properties and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) towards sensory acceptability of breads: genotypes (landrace vs. modern); types of flour (wholemeal vs. semolina); leavening agents (brewing yeast vs. sourdough starter); and baking modes (gas-fired vs. wood-fired). Milling had the greatest impact over the other treatments for the rheological and chemical properties, including for VOCs, with great impact on the sensory traits of the flours and breads. The processing phases had great impact on smell and aroma, as defined through formation of alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, and other compounds (e.g., ethylbenzene, 2-pentylfuran, methoxyphenyl oxime). Leavening agent had great impact on sensory perception, although breads from the sourdough starter were perceived as with lower taste and colour than the brewing yeast. Baking mode had no relevant role on sensory perception. These data strongly undermine the belief of a ‘better product’ that is frequently attributed to old genotypes versus modern cultivars, and indicate that the milling and the bread-making processes determine the quality of the end product.
Radiation-induced resistance oscillations in 2D electron systems with strong Rashba coupling
Authors: Iñarrea Jesús
Published: October 2017

We present a theoretical study on the effect of radiation on the mangetoresistance of two-dimensional electron systems with strong Rashba spint-orbit coupling. We want to study the interplay between two well-known effects in these electron systems: the radiation-induced resistance oscillations and the typical beating pattern of systems with intense Rashba interaction. We analytically derive an exact solution for the electron wave function corresponding to a total Hamiltonian with Rashba and radiation terms. We consider a perturbation treatment for elastic scattering due to charged impurities to finally obtain the magnetoresistance of the system. Without radiation we recover a beating pattern in the amplitude of the Shubnikov de Hass oscillations: a set of nodes and antinodes in the magnetoresistance. In the presence of radiation this beating pattern is strongly modified following the profile of radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations. We study their dependence on intensity and frequency of radiation, including the teraherzt regime. The obtained results could be of interest for magnetotransport of nonideal Dirac fermions in 3D topological insulators subjected to radiation.
Antimicrobial peptide-loaded gold nanoparticle-DNA aptamer conjugates as highly effective antibacterial therapeutics against Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Lee Boeun , Park Jonggwan , Ryu Minkyung , Kim Soochan , Joo Minju , Yeom Ji-Hyun , Kim Suk , Park Yoonkyung , Lee Kangseok , Bae Jeehyeon
Published: October 2017

Vibrio vulnificus causes fatal infections in humans, and antibiotics are commonly used in treatment regimens against V. vulnificus infection. However, the therapeutic effects of antibiotics are limited by multidrug resistance. In this study, we demonstrated that an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), HPA3PHis, loaded onto a gold nanoparticle-DNA aptamer (AuNP-Apt) conjugate (AuNP-Apt-HPA3PHis) is an effective therapeutic tool against V. vulnificus infection in vivo in mice. HPA3PHis induced bacterial cell death through the disruption of membrane integrity of V. vulnificus. The introduction of AuNP-Apt-HPA3PHis into V. vulnificus-infected HeLa cells dramatically reduced intracellular V. vulnificus by 90%, leading to an increase in the viability of the infected cells. Moreover, when V. vulnificus-infected mice were intravenously injected with AuNP-Apt-HPA3PHis, a complete inhibition of V. vulnificus colonization was observed in the mouse organs, leading to a 100% survival rate among the treated mice, whereas all the control mice died within 40 hours of being infected. Therefore, this study demonstrated the potential of an AMP delivered by AuNP-Apt as an effective and rapid treatment option against infection caused by a major pathogen in humans and aquatic animals.
Changes in land use alter soil quality and aggregate stability in the highlands of northern Ethiopia
Authors: Delelegn Yoseph T. , Purahong Witoon , Blazevic Amila , Yitaferu Birru , Wubet Tesfaye , Göransson Hans , Godbold Douglas L.
Published: October 2017

Land use change alters biodiversity and soil quality and thus affects ecosystem functions. This study investigated the effects of changes in land use on major soil quality indicators. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0–10 cm (top soil) under four major land uses (cropland, grassland, area exclosure, eucalyptus plantation) with similar land use change histories for analysis, and soil from a nearby natural forest was used as a reference. Land use change from natural forest to cropland and grassland significantly decreased major soil quality indicators such as soil organic C (SOC), total soil N (TSN), molybdate-reactive bicarbonate-extractable P, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spore density, but compared to the cropland, change to area exclosure and eucalyptus plantation significantly improved SOC, TSN and soil aggregate stability (SAS). In addition, we assessed the correlation among indicators and found that SOC, TSN and SAS significantly correlate with many other soil quality indicators. The study highlights that the conversion of natural forest to cropland results in decline of soil quality and aggregate stability. However, compared to cropland, application of area exclosure and afforestation on degraded lands restores soil quality and aggregate stability.
Association between corneal endothelial cell densities and elevated cytokine levels in the aqueous humor
Authors: Yagi-Yaguchi Yukari , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Higa Kazunari , Suzuki Terumasa , Aketa Naohiko , Dogru Murat , Satake Yoshiyuki , Shimazaki Jun
Published: October 2017

Annual reduction rate of corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) varies among etiologies, however, the cause of chronic endothelial cell loss is still unknown. We recently reported the elevation of inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor (AqH) in eyes with bullous keratopathy and low ECD. To evaluate the association between ECD and aqueous cytokine levels, we collected a total of 157 AqH samples prospectively. The AqH levels of cytokines were measured and multivariate analyses were conducted to find the correlation between ECD, aqueous cytokine levels and clinical factors, such as number of previous intraocular surgeries and protein concentration in AqH. As a result, ECD was negatively correlated with specific cytokine levels, including IL-1α, IL-4, IL-13, MIP-1β, TNF-α and E-selectin (all P < 0.05). The aqueous cytokine levels showed different correlations with these clinical factors; the number of previous intraocular surgeries was associated with all cytokines except MIP-1α. The AqH protein concentration and the status of intraocular lens showed similar patterns of elevation of IL-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, MIP-1β, MCP-1, E-selectin, P-selectin and sICAM-1. In conclusion, elevation of AqH cytokine levels was associated with reduced ECDs. AqH cytokine levels showed significant correlations with clinical factors associated with low ECDs.
DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation analyses of the active LINE-1 subfamilies in mice
Authors: Murata Yui , Bundo Miki , Ueda Junko , Kubota-Sakashita Mie , Kasai Kiyoto , Kato Tadafumi , Iwamoto Kazuya
Published: October 2017

Retrotransposon long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) occupies a large proportion of the mammalian genome, comprising approximately 100,000 genomic copies in mice. Epigenetic status of the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) of LINE-1 is critical for its promoter activity. DNA methylation levels in the 5′-UTR of human active LINE-1 subfamily can be measured by well-established methods, such as a pyrosequencing-based assay. However, because of the considerable sequence and structural diversity in LINE-1 among species, methods for such assays should be adapted for the species of interest. Here we developed pyrosequencing-based assays to examine methylcytosine (mC) and hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC) levels of the three active LINE-1 subfamilies in mice (TfI, A, and GfII). Using these assays, we quantified mC and hmC levels in four brain regions and four nonbrain tissues including tail, heart, testis, and ovary. We observed tissue- and subfamily-specific mC and hmC differences. We also found that mC levels were strongly correlated among different brain regions, but mC levels of the testis showed a poor correlation with those of other tissues. Interestingly, mC levels in the A and GfII subfamilies were highly correlated, possibly reflecting their close evolutionary relationship. Our assays will be useful for exploring the epigenetic regulation of the active LINE-1 subfamilies in mice.
Zirconium arene triple-decker sandwich complexes: synthesis, electronic structure and bonding
Authors: Kilpatrick A. F. R. , Green J. C. , Turner Z. R. , Buffet J.-C. , O’Hare D.
Published: October 2017

Reduction of a permethylpentalene zirconium(iv) chloride complex [η8-Pn*Zr(μ-Cl)3/2]2(μ-Cl)2Li·THFxwith KC8in benzene results in activation of the aromatic solvent to yield an “inverted sandwich” complex, [η8-Pn*Zr]2(μ-η6:η6-C6H6) (1).
Structure and characterization of charge transfer complexes of benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b′:5,6-b′′]trithiophene [C3h-BTT]
Authors: Qin Qian , Mague Joel T. , Moses Khadija Z. , Carnicom Elizabeth M. , Cava Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Four charge-transfer complexes of C3h-BTT (2) with the organic acceptors TCNQ, F4TCNQ, chloranil, and fluoranil were prepared and crystallographically characterized.
Growth and characterization of all-inorganic lead halide perovskite semiconductor CsPbBr3 single crystals
Authors: Zhang Mingzhi , Zheng Zhiping , Fu Qiuyun , Chen Zheng , He Jianle , Zhang Sen , Yan Liang , Hu Yunxiang , Luo Wei
Published: October 2017

The crystal structure transforms from orthorhombic to tetragonal at 88 °C and then to cubic at 130 °C.
Many ways towards ‘solar fuel’: quantitative analysis of the most promising strategies and the main challenges during scale-up
Authors: Lips D. , Schuurmans J. M. , Branco dos Santos F. , Hellingwerf K. J.
Published: October 2017

Multiple pathways towards ‘solar-fuel’ exist. Quantitative analysis suggests that scale-up costs will decide selection of the most economically attractive option.
Chemically and physically robust, commercially-viable iron-based composite oxygen carriers sustainable over 3000 redox cycles at high temperatures for chemical looping applications
Authors: Chung Cheng , Qin Lang , Shah Vedant , Fan Liang-Shih
Published: October 2017

A low-cost oxygen carrier material realized through an Al-based skeleton encapsulating iron–titanium oxides with long-term chemical reactivity and mechanical stability for commercial chemical looping applications.
The effect of cognitive demand on performance of an executive function task following wild blueberry supplementation in 7 to 10 years old children
Authors: Whyte A. R. , Schafer G. , Williams C. M.
Published: October 2017

Previously, cognitive benefits of acute flavonoid interventions with children have primarily been found in memory function. The findings here indicate that flavonoid benefits can be extended to executive function. This is particularly evident where the task is more cognitively demanding.
The synthesis, biological evaluation and structure–activity relationship of 2-phenylaminomethylene-cyclohexane-1,3-diones as specific anti-tuberculosis agents
Authors: Rather Muzafar Ahmad , Lone Ali Mohd , Teli Bisma , Bhat Zubair Shanib , Singh Paramjeet , Maqbool Mubashir , Shairgojray Bashir Ahmad , Dar Mohd Jamal , Amin Shajrul , Yousuf Syed Khalid , Bhat Bilal A. , Ahmad Zahoor
Published: October 2017

Synthetic interventions on previously identified hits; structure39was identified as the best lead againstMycobacterium tuberculosisH37Rv and was evaluated further.
Heterogeneous and self-organizing mineralization of bone matrix promoted by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
Authors: Campi G. , Cristofaro F. , Pani G. , Fratini M. , Pascucci B. , Corsetto P. A. , Weinhausen B. , Cedola A. , Rizzo A. M. , Visai L. , Rea G.
Published: October 2017

The mineralization process is crucial to the load-bearing characteristics of the bone extracellular matrix.
Nanofabrication of mechano-bactericidal surfaces
Authors: Linklater Denver P. , Juodkazis Saulius , Ivanova Elena P.
Published: October 2017

The search for alternatives to standard methods of preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic surfaces alike has led to the use of biomimetics to reinvent, through nanofabrication methods, surfaces whereby the nanostructured topography is directly responsible for bacterial inactivation through physico-mechanical means.
Enzymatic approach for the synthesis of biobased aromatic–aliphatic oligo-/polyesters
Authors: Fodor Csaba , Golkaram Milad , Woortman Albert J. J. , van Dijken Jur , Loos Katja
Published: October 2017

Aromatic moieties containing oligoesters and polyesters synthesized by enzymatic and conventional polymerizations of AB-type alkylenehydroxybenzoates.
Boosting the ultrastable Li storage performance in electron-sponge-like polyoxovanadates by constructing inorganic 3D structures
Authors: Lu Shanshan , Lv Yang , Ma Wenqing , Lei Xiaofeng , Zhang Ruie , Liu Hong , Liu Xizheng
Published: October 2017

Mg2(NH4)2V10O28·nH2O with a 3D extended structure tuned by counter cations has been prepared as an active electrode material for a Li ion battery.
2-SeCD treatment extends lifespan, improves healthspan and enhances resistance to stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhou Lin , Fu Xueqi , Luo Yi , Du Fangzhou , Wang Hua , Xing Shu , Li Wannan , Ma Junfeng
Published: October 2017

Aging is primarily caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Characteristics of an oxide/metal/oxide transparent conducting electrode fabricated with an intermediate Cu–Mo metal composite layer for application in efficient CIGS solar cell
Authors: Kang San , Nandi R. , Sim Jae-Kwan , Jo Jun-Yong , Chatterjee Uddipta , Lee Cheul-Ro
Published: October 2017

CIGS solar cells fabricated with different types of AZO/metal/AZO (AZO/Cu/AZO, AZO/Mo/AZO and AZO/Cu–Mo/AZO) transparent conducting electrodes.
Selective detection of glufosinate using CuInS2 quantum dots as a fluorescence probe
Authors: Zhu Fengyuan , Zhu Jing , Zhang Zhengzhu
Published: October 2017

This work designed a fluorescence “turn-off-on” probe to detect glufosinate.
Ultra-deep oxidative desulfurization of fuel with H2O2catalyzed by molybdenum oxide supported on alumina modified by Ca2+
Authors: Jin Wei , Tian Yongsheng , Wang Guanghui , Zeng Danlin , Xu Qian , Cui Jiawei
Published: October 2017

A highly active catalyst of molybdenum oxide supported on mesoporous alumina modified by Ca2+was synthesized by anin situmethod and applied in the catalytic oxidative desulfurization (CODS) system.
Study of hydrate formation in gas-emulsion multiphase flow systems
Authors: Ruan Chaoyu , Ding Lin , Shi Bohui , Huang Qiyu , Gong Jing
Published: October 2017

Hydrate crystallization and formation in a gas and WO emulsion multiphase flow system.
Synthesis of a hemoglobin-conjugated triblock copolymer for oxygen carrying and specific recognition of cancer cells
Authors: Bu Huixuan , Xu Xin , Chen Jiaming , Cui Yuecheng , Wang Li-Qun
Published: October 2017

Considering that hypoxia causes resistance to anti-cancer therapeutics, we synthesized a hemoglobin-based nanocarrier for oxygen carrying and recognition of cancer cells.
Comparison of the photocatalytic efficiencies of continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and batch systems using a dispersed micron sized photocatalyst
Authors: Colombo Enrico , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: October 2017

A dispersed photocatalyst system was combined with CSTR in order to develop an efficient photocatalytic reactor for continuous operation.
A novel strategy to immobilize enzymes on microporous membranes via dicarboxylic acid halides
Authors: Liu Cuijing , Saeki Daisuke , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: October 2017

A simple and efficient enzyme immobilization strategy on microporous membrane surfaces using dicarboxylic acid halides as a spacer offers a tool to design membranes used in enzymatic membrane reactors.
Piezotronic-effect-enhanced Ag2S/ZnO photocatalyst for organic dye degradation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Caihong , Zhu Gaolong , Huang Xin , Liu Wei , Hu Weiguo , Song Ming , He Weidong , Liu Juan , Zhai Junyi
Published: October 2017

A promising strategy for enhancing the photocatalytic performance of Ag2S@ZnO composite on common carbon fiber cloth using strain-induced piezopotentials/piezocharges.
Progressions in reasoning about structure–property relationships
Authors: Talanquer Vicente
Published: October 2017

In this essay, findings from research in science and chemistry education are used to describe and discuss progression in students' structure–property reasoning through schooling. This work provides insights into the challenges that students face to master this important component of chemical thinking. The analysis reveals that student reasoning is often guided by nonnormative implicit schemas that are little affected by traditional instruction. These schemas prioritize chemical composition over molecular structure, and centralized causality over emergence in the explanation and prediction of the properties of substances. The types of components that students invoke to make sense of properties and phenomena may change with schooling, but the underlying reasoning persists. In general, learners assume that observed properties and behaviors are directly related to the types of atoms present in a system and determined by these individual atoms' inherent characteristics.
Cancer-mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy with supramolecular assembly of HA and a water soluble NIR cyanine dye
Authors: Thomas Ajesh P. , Palanikumar L. , Jeena M. T. , Kim Kibeom , Ryu Ja-Hyoung
Published: October 2017

Herein, we introduce an indocyanine derivative (IR-Pyr) that is highly water soluble, exhibiting higher mitochondrial targetability and better photostability than IR-780.
Supramolecular catalyst functions in catalytic amount: cucurbit[8]uril accelerates the photodimerization of Brooker’s merocyanine
Authors: Kang Yuetong , Tang Xiaoyan , Yu Hongde , Cai Zhengguo , Huang Zehuan , Wang Dong , Xu Jiang-Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: October 2017

As low as 1% content of a supramolecular catalyst, cucurbit[8]uril, is sufficient to accomplish the photodimerization of Brooker’s merocyanine within 10 minutes.
A study of defect-rich carbon spheres as a metal-free electrocatalyst for an efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Xiang Qin , Yin Wei , Liu Yuping , Yu Danmei , Wang Xiaoli , Li Sha , Chen Changguo
Published: October 2017

The pure carbon spheres without dopants or residual metal are prepared by solvothermal carbonization of ethanol, which can greatly benefit to ORR electrocatalysis.
Engineering of carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites with enhanced sensitivity for wearable motion sensors
Authors: Li Qi , Li Jin , Tran Danhquang , Luo Chengqiang , Gao Yang , Yu Cunjiang , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: October 2017

Strain sensors based on a porous CNT/PDMS nanocomposite can detect a collection of human body motions and actuation of soft robotics.
A latent pigment strategy for robust active layers in solution-processed, complementary organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Maqueira-Albo Isis , Ernesto Bonacchini Giorgio , Dell'Erba Giorgio , Pace Giuseppina , Sassi Mauro , Rooney Myles , Resel Roland , Beverina Luca , Caironi Mario
Published: October 2017

A latent pigment approach enables solution-processing of small molecule films that are insoluble in aggressive solvents upon thermal cleavage of solubilizing groups.
Recognition of hyperacetylated N-terminus of H2AZ by TbBDF2 from Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wu Xuelei , Zhang Jiahai , Zhang Xuecheng , Xu Chao , Liao Shanhui , Tu Xiaoming
Published: October 2017

Histone modification plays an important role in various biological processes, including gene expression regulation. Bromodomain, as one of histone readers, recognizes specifically the ε-N-lysine acetylation (KAc) of histone. Although the bromodomains and histone acetylation sites of Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei), a lethal parasite responsible for sleeping sickness in human and nagana in cattle, have been identified, how acetylated histones are recognized by bromodomains is still unknown. Here, the bromodomain factor 2 (TbBDF2) from T. brucei was identified to be located in the nucleolus and bind to the hyperacetylated N-terminus of H2AZ which dimerizes with H2BV. The bromodomain of TbBDF2 (TbBDF2-BD) displays a conserved fold that comprises a left-handed bundle of four α-helices (αZ, αA, αB, αC), linked by loop regions of variable length (ZA and BC loops), which form the KAc-binding pocket. NMR chemical shift perturbation further revealed that TbBDF2-BD binds to the hyperacetylated N-terminus of H2AZ through its KAc-binding pocket. By structure-based virtual screening combining with the ITC experiment, a small molecule compound, GSK2801, was shown to have high affinity to TbBDF2-BD. GSK2801 and the hyperacetylated N-terminus of H2AZ have similar binding sites on TbBDF2-BD. In addition, GSK2801 competitively inhibits the hyperacetylated N-terminus of H2AZ binding to TbBDF2-BD. After treatment of GSK2801, cell growth was inhibited and localization of TbBDF2 was disrupted. Our results report a novel bromodomain-histone recognition by TbBDF2-BD and imply that TbBDF2 may serve as a potential chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of trypanosomiasis.
Oxidative stress regulates cellular bioenergetics in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Lan Linhua , Niu Lili , Lu Juping , Li Changxi , Guo Miaomiao , Mo Shouyong , Lu Jing , Liu Yongzhang , Lu Bin
Published: October 2017

The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of oxidative stress induced by CoCl2 and H2O2 on the regulation of bioenergetics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell line TE-1 and analyze its underlying mechanism. Western blot results showed that CoCl2 and H2O2 treatment of TE-1 cells led to significant reduction in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex subunits expression and increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We further found that TE-1 cells treated with CoCl2, a hypoxia-mimicking reagent, dramatically reduced the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and increased the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). However, H2O2 treatment decreased both the mitochondrial respiration and aerobic glycolysis significantly. Moreover, we found that H2O2 induces apoptosis in TE-1 cells through the activation of PARP, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9. Therefore, our findings indicate that CoCl2 and H2O2 could cause mitochondrial dysfunction by up-regulation of ROS and regulating the cellular bioenergy metabolism, thus affecting the survival of tumor cells.
Potential contribution of alveolar epithelial type I cells to pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kasper Michael , Barth Kathrin
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the interstitium and destruction of alveolar histoarchitecture ultimately leading to a fatal impairment of lung function. Different concepts describe either a dominant role of inflammatory pathways or a disturbed remodeling of resident cells of the lung parenchyma during fibrogenesis. Further, a combination of both the mechanisms has been postulated. The present review emphasizes the particular involvement of alveolar epithelial type I cells in all these processes, their contribution to innate immune/inflammatory functions and maintenance of proper alveolar barrier functions. Amongst the different inflammatory and repair events the purinergic receptor P2X7, an ATP-gated cationic channel that regulates not only apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and NLPR3 inflammosome activation, but also the turnover of diverse tight junction (TJ) and water channel proteins, seems to be essential for the stability of alveolar barrier integrity and for the interaction with protective factors during lung injury.
Risk of bias reporting in the recent animal focal cerebral ischaemia literature
Authors: Bahor Zsanett , Liao Jing , Macleod Malcolm R. , Bannach-Brown Alexandra , McCann Sarah K. , Wever Kimberley E. , Thomas James , Ottavi Thomas , Howells David W. , Rice Andrew , Ananiadou Sophia , Sena Emily
Published: October 2017

Background: Findings from in vivo research may be less reliable where studies do not report measures to reduce risks of bias. The experimental stroke community has been at the forefront of implementing changes to improve reporting, but it is not known whether these efforts are associated with continuous improvements. Our aims here were firstly to validate an automated tool to assess risks of bias in published works, and secondly to assess the reporting of measures taken to reduce the risk of bias within recent literature for two experimental models of stroke.

Methods: We developed and used text analytic approaches to automatically ascertain reporting of measures to reduce risk of bias from full-text articles describing animal experiments inducing middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or modelling lacunar stroke.

Results: Compared with previous assessments, there were improvements in the reporting of measures taken to reduce risks of bias in the MCAO literature but not in the lacunar stroke literature. Accuracy of automated annotation of risk of bias in the MCAO literature was 86% (randomization), 94% (blinding) and 100% (sample size calculation); and in the lacunar stroke literature accuracy was 67% (randomization), 91% (blinding) and 96% (sample size calculation).

Discussion: There remains substantial opportunity for improvement in the reporting of animal research modelling stroke, particularly in the lacunar stroke literature. Further, automated tools perform sufficiently well to identify whether studies report blinded assessment of outcome, but improvements are required in the tools to ascertain whether randomization and a sample size calculation were reported.
Real‐time condition monitoring of substation equipment using thermal cameras
Authors: Pal Diptak , Meyur Rounak , Menon Santhosh , Reddy Maddikara Jaya Bharata , Mohanta Dusmanta Kumar
Published: October 2017

The recent trend of decreasing reliability of the existing power grid due to various kinds of equipment failures at the transmission and distribution level, has led the researchers to develop advanced protection techniques. In distribution systems, the conventional substations are getting transformed to digital substations in the light of upcoming advanced technologies. The key component of such a digital substation is substation monitoring control center (SMCC). This study proposes a novel algorithm for the real‐time condition monitoring of substation equipment using thermal images obtained from thermal cameras. The processing of these is done at the remote terminal unit by extracting the speeded‐up robust features and passing the same through trained adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The information based on the output at the SVM/ANFIS classifier is sent to the SMCC where appropriate actions are taken by the substation engineer. This novel real‐time monitoring of substation equipment overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional methodology of manual inspection done at a periodic interval thereby preventing the electrical assets from failure before any catastrophe would happen. Also, a comparative study establishes the superiority of SVM over ANFIS in identifying the critical fault conditions using thermal imaging.
Entropy‐based method to quantify limb length discrepancy using inertial sensors
Authors: Karunarathne Maddumage Sajeewani , Li Saiyi , Pathirana Pubudu , Williams Gareth
Published: October 2017

Limb length is a useful parameter in the assessment of common musculoskeletal disorders such as limb length discrepancy. The measurement variation among rates adversely affects the quantitative aspect of assessments and introduces a greater subjectivity in the course of treatment. Common practise for measuring limb length is based on radiographic imaging techniques which are inconvenient, costly and require clinical knowledge. Direct instruments are difficult to use with patients due to susceptibility to human error in determining the position of the rotational joint. In this study, the determination of limb length is automated using a contemporary algorithm which applies curvature to the measurements from a low‐cost and miniaturised inertial sensor, primarily used in the bio‐kinematic research. The motion artefacts contribute to the ultimate estimations and, in this approach, a least noise threshold model is employed to address the robustness. The proposed estimation technique was validated with real‐data observed from 14 healthy subjects comparing with radiographic and direct measurements. The experimental results indicate greater accuracy compared with manual measurements with low root mean squared error percentages with values ranging from 5.34 to 5.84%. Additionally, the mean limb length difference between our estimator and both radiographic measurements and direct measurement was <1.6 cm.
A 2D Computational Model of Lymphedema and of its Management with Compression Device
Authors: Eymard N. , Volpert V. , Quere I. , Lajoinie A. , Nony P. , Cornu C.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to model a lymphedema following a mastectomy and its management (compression therapy). During surgery for breast cancer, an axillary node dissection can be done and cause damages to the lymphatic system leading to a secondary lymphedema located in upper limb. Limb lymphedema is an incurable disease associated with chronic and progressive limb swelling condition. The main clinical consequence of lymphedema is the limb edema, clinically resulting in pain, discomfort, strength reduction and musculoskeletal complications due to limb excessive heaviness. Some devices for lymphedema (e.g. bandaging and garments) could be more personalized, taking into account both characteristics of compressions and patients. Before the evaluation of these therapeutic strategies in humans, an ``in silico'' approach could be used to investigate the interest of gradual or intermittent compression testing in virtual patients. For that purpose, we developed a simplified model of the lymph flow through the lymphatic system in a whole upper limb including the corresponding interstitial fluid exchanges.
Making 3D movies of Northern Lights
Authors: Hivon Eric , Mouette Jean , Legault Thierry
Published: October 2017

We describe the steps necessary to create three-dimensional (3D) movies of Northern Lights or Aurorae Borealis out of real-time images taken with two distant high-resolution fish-eye cameras. Astrometric reconstruction of the visible stars is used to model the optical mapping of each camera and correct for it in order to properly align the two sets of images. Examples of the resulting movies can be seen at http://www.iap.fr/aurora3d.
A Study Assessing Surgical Management of Traumatic Orbital Fractures with Delayed Presentation at Tertiary Care Institutions: An Experience of 1 Year
Authors: Dixit Sourabh , Banga Manpreet , Saha Suniti , Roy Kaushik , Ghosh Partha , B.V Sandeep
Published: October 2017

Background Orbital and periorbital injuries are significant contributors to traumatic facial injuries. Orbital fractures can occur either alone or in conjugation with other facial bone fractures and cranial and maxillofacial injuries. Objectives The study aims to find out the incidence of various types of fractures occurring in patients, mode of trauma, clinical presentation, and results of delayed surgical repair in cases of orbital fractures.

Materials and Methods This is a “prospective observational study” including 12 patients. Surgical repair of orbital fractures was considered for suspected muscle entrapment in fractures, restricted ocular motility, symptomatic diplopia not improving for over 2-week period, or if enophthalmos greater than 2 mm was present.

Results Regarding age incidence, the maximum number of cases, that is 41.66%, were aged between 21and 30 years. The main modes of trauma in most cases, that is, 50%, were due to road traffic accidents followed by fall from height, that is, 25%. The majority of cases presented to us with complex fractures involved one or more orbital bones, that is 33.33%. Postsurgery outcomes were good and fair in 75% and 25% patients, respectively.

Conclusion Proper orbital fracture stabilization is crucial to bring out good cosmetic as well as ocular outcome.
Result of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Hydrocephalus Caused by Cerebral Aqueductal Stenosis in Infant Patients
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad , Haque Mohammod , Kawsar Khandkar , Sarker Mainul , Haque Abdul Fazal Mohammod
Published: October 2017

Background Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is one of the important management options for hydrocephalus, especially obstructive hydrocephalus. The result of ETV in different age and etiology is quite variable according to the different authors. The study was carried out to assess the success rate of ETV as a treatment for this type of hydrocephalus in infant age group.

Material and Methods The study was done prospectively on infants (age ≤ 12 months) admitted in the period from January 2009 to June 2013 suffering from obstructive hydrocephalus due to cerebral aqueductal stenosis (CAS). After making the diagnosis, we counseled the patient party about the probability of high failure rate of ETV in this age group and probable necessity of a second operation. With the informed consent, we performed ETV in these cases and followed up regularly in postoperative period. Control neuroimaging studies were done whenever needed (suspected failure of ETV and suspected stomal block).

Results Total 17 infants were studied. Average follow-up was 18.7 months. Twelve infants were between the age group of six and under six months while five were above six months to one year old. Fourteen (82.35%) out of 17 patients showed overall clinical improvement. Clinical improvement was seen in two (66.6%) infants aged 2 months or younger, three (75%) aged 2+ to 3 months, five (100%) aged 3+ to 6 months, and four (80%) aged 6+ months to 1 year. Two patients had bleeding during surgery. Three developed CSF leak through the burr hole. In one case (the patient's age was 2 months), the stoma was found blocked, and hydrocephalus returned 9 weeks after ETV. In two patients, in whom VP shunt was needed, “failed ETV” was obvious in early postoperative period. In this series, average ETV success score (ETVSS) was 52.35 (range: 40–70) and overall success rate was 82.35%. This indicates that ETVSS does not correlate with the outcome of ETV in infants with CAS.

Conclusion Outcome of ETV for hydrocephalus from CAS in infant is quite good and ETVSS does not correlate with the outcome.
The Contemporary Postfeminist Dystopia: Disruptions and Hopeful Gestures in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games
Authors: Ruthven Andrea
Published: October 2017

Through an analysis of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy (2008, 2009, 2010), this text will consider the ways in which contemporary postfeminism can be read as a dystopic narrative. The protagonist of the novel (and the rest of the trilogy) is Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who through an ethics of care, disruption of the heteronormative script, and a critical posthuman embodiment offers an alternative to the dystopic present offered by postfeminism. In Katniss’ dystopian world, Collins constructs a narrative that highlights the continued need for a feminist politics of engagement and activism that works against claims for neo-liberal individualism.
Paradise, Built in Hell: Decolonising Feminist Utopias in Top of the Lake (2013)
Authors: Mayer Sophie
Published: October 2017

Jane Campion and Gerard Lee's miniseries Top of the Lake (2013) marked New Zealand-born but Australian resident Campion's return to New Zealand for the first time since The Piano (1993). The show's central subject of child sexual abuse by state officials echoes the different yet resonating political situations in twenty-first century Australia and New Zealand, a state of emergency that allows for the emergence of what Rebecca Solnit (2009) calls a ‘disaster community’. Implicitly addressing critiques of her colonialist gaze in the earlier film, the miniseries both decolonises the idea of the Utopian no-place and offers an alternate, emplaced vision of relational, anti-colonial provisional Utopia through the main, mirroring female characters, Detective Robin Griffin and her half-sister Tui Mitcham. In contrast to contemporaneous police procedurals focussed on lone female officers, Top of the Lake rejects the authority of the police state and offers a resolution aslant that critiques generic expectations of individual heroism and resolution within a legal framework. Looking specifically at how the show knows its place—Lake Wakatipu on South Island, New Zealand—the article offers a close reading of Top of the Lake's formal critique of the male colonial gaze and its adoption of a feminist soundscape in relation to Campion's oeuvre; and considers its politics through indigenous media theory, to argue that it marks an initial step towards a decolonisation of viewing practices in relation to feminist conceptions of Utopia.
Dystopia, Gerontology and the Writing of Margaret Atwood
Authors: Snaith Helen
Published: October 2017

Old age and visions of the future are inherently bound with one another, and the realms of dystopian fiction provide scope for a gerontological focus within contemporary literature. A theme that is now being revisited in speculative fiction, this paper aims to assess the role of the elderly within Margaret Atwood's dystopian tales, specifically looking at the role of gerontology in her collection of short stories Stone Mattress: Nine Wicked Tales (2014). I argue that Atwood utilises the dystopian narrative in order to address broader social issues that stem from immobility and declining virility. Focussing on Atwood's feminist politics and representations of the elderly woman in the dystopian narrative, this paper proposes that older women in Atwood's fiction seek to move beyond the asexual, immobile and matronly gerontological stereotype that is often portrayed in literature. Instead, the elderly, and in particular elder women, adapt to their environment, often becoming figures of their community. They are aware of sexual desires and look to move within and beyond societal constraints, utilising the realms of cyberspace in order to forge their own identity. The role of the elderly in a distinctly dystopian narrative allows for a new Utopian strategy to be constructed.
Speculating Latina Radicalism: Labour and Motherhood in Lunar Braceros 2125-2148
Authors: Ulibarri Kristy L.
Published: October 2017

This essay unpacks the Utopian impulse in Rosaura Sánchez and Beatrice Pita's novella Lunar Braceros 2125–2148 (2009). As speculative fiction that has strong, explicit critiques on labour and globalisation, Lunar Braceros crafts a future-historical and future-present world where racialised forms of labour exploitation are the norm. The novella offers the radical response of worker revolution that can only ever be a potential and desire. The novella does this by presenting an ambivalent labour politics that results in the dismantling of the family as a heteronormative unit and that depend on the figure of the lost radical mother. The intervention this essay makes into Latina/o studies and feminist studies is to rearticulate the figure of motherhood through a specific lens of radicalism that is both queer and proletarian. By thinking about Latina radicalism through the intersections of labour, gender and non-normative sexuality in the novella, we see that the lost mother figure disrupts capitalist patriarchy by offering radical potentiality.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles in biocompatible organic environment
Authors: Aivazoglou E. , Metaxa E. , Hristoforou E.
Published: October 2017

The development of magnetite and maghemite particles in uniform nanometer size has triggered the interest of the research community due to their many interesting properties leading to a wide range of applications, such as catalysis, nanomedicine-nanobiology and other engineering applications. In this study, a simple, time-saving and low energy-consuming, microwave-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles, is presented. The nanoparticles were prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/water solutions of chloride salts of iron in the presence of ammonia solution. The prepared nano-powders were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transition Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Thermal analysis (TG/DSC). The produced nanoparticles are crystallized mostly in the magnetite and maghemite lattice exhibiting very similar shape and size, with indications of partial PEG coating. Heating time, microwave power and presence of PEG, are the key factors shaping the size properties of nanoparticles. The average size of particles ranges from 10.3 to 19.2 nm. The nanoparticles exhibit a faceted morphology, with zero contamination levels. The magnetic measurements indicate that the powders are soft magnetic materials with negligible coercivity and remanence, illustrating super-paramagnetic behavior.
Surface plasmon excitation using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer: Live cell and bacteria sensing
Authors: Lirtsman Vladislav , Golosovsky Michael , Davidov Dan
Published: October 2017

We report an accessory for beam collimation to be used as a plug-in for a conventional Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The beam collimator makes use of the built-in focusing mirror of the FTIR spectrometer which focuses the infrared beam onto the pinhole mounted in the place usually reserved for the sample. The beam is collimated by a small parabolic mirror and is redirected to the sample by a pair of plane mirrors. The reflected beam is conveyed by another pair of plane mirrors to the built-in detector of the FTIR spectrometer. This accessory is most useful for the surface plasmon excitation. We demonstrate how it can be employed for label-free and real-time sensing of dynamic processes in bacterial and live cell layers. In particular, by measuring the intensity of the CO2 absorption peak one can assess the cell layer metabolism, while by measuring the position of the surface plasmon resonance one assesses the cell layer morphology.
A quantum chemical analysis of Zn and Sb doping and co-doping in SnO2
Authors: Villamagua Luis , Rivera Richard , Castillo Darwin , Carini Manuela
Published: October 2017

This work presents a quantum chemical study of Zn and Sb doping and co-doping in SnO2 carried out by a DFT+U method. The analysis has been developed by introducing three different modifications in the otherwise pure SnO2 system. In the first place, an oxygen vacancy was introduced within the crystal. Following, such a system was doped (separately) by Zn or Sb impurities. Finally, the best energetic positions for both Zn and Sb atoms were simultaneously introduced within the lattice. Results of the simulations show that the confined charge that appeared due to the introduction of the oxygen vacancy interacts with the dopants atoms, being this interaction mostly responsible of the observed effects, i.e., EG shrinkage, F-centers formations, and magnetic momentum rise.
Phosphorus ionization in silicon doped by self-assembled macromolecular monolayers
Authors: Wu Haigang , Li Ke , Gao Xuejiao , Dan Yaping
Published: October 2017

Individual dopant atoms can be potentially controlled at large scale by the self-assembly of macromolecular dopant carriers. However, low concentration phosphorus dopants often suffer from a low ionization rate due to defects and impurities introduced by the carrier molecules. In this work, we demonstrated a nitrogen-free macromolecule doping technique and investigated the phosphorus ionization process by low temperature Hall effect measurements. It was found that the phosphorus dopants diffused into the silicon bulk are in nearly full ionization. However, the electrons ionized from the phosphorus dopants are mostly trapped by deep level defects that are likely carbon interstitials.
Unexplored territory in the AFM force curve contains nanomechanics information
Authors: Eppell Steven J. , Li Li , Zypman Fredy R.
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate the existence of a previously unknown damped oscillating signal just after the point when an atomic force microscope tip hits a sample surface. This oscillating signal is below the noise in a single force-displacement measurement. Autocorrelating 20 measurements using the snap to contact feature as the reference mark allows the oscillation to be clearly visible above the noise. We show that the amplitude of the signal’s oscillation is largely insensitive to the speed with which the sample is brought toward the tip proving that the impulse that generates the signal comes primarily from the snap-to-contact event. This speed-independence sets a lower limit on how softly a sample may be interrogated when measuring mechanical properties in the surface region. Collection and analysis of this damped oscillating signal eliminates the need for standard low bandwidth lock-in based techniques to determine time dependent surface mechanical properties. This allows conventional atomic force microscopes to make a single pass of force collection over a surface and, after post-processing, yield the full time dependent mechanical behavior of the surface. To demonstrate a practical use of the oscillations, we produce images of a polystyrene/polyethylene sample where the contrast mechanisms are stiffness and viscosity.
Researchers demonstrate how social networks and opinions interlink and evolve
Authors: Blaustein Rich
Published: October 2017

Researchers combine opinion network focuses within an enhanced theory and simulation to better explain opinion networks.