bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil protist communities form a dynamic hub in the soil microbiome
Authors: Xiong Wu , Jousset Alexandre , Guo Sai , Karlsson Ida , Zhao Qingyun , Wu Huasong , Kowalchuk George A , Shen Qirong , Li Rong , Geisen Stefan
Published: October 2017

Soil microbes are essential for soil fertility. However, most studies focus on bacterial and/or fungal communities, while the top-down drivers of this microbiome composition, protists, remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how soil amendments affect protist communities and inferred potential interactions with bacteria and fungi. Specific fertilization treatments impacted both the structure and function of protist communities. Organic fertilizer amendment strongly reduced the relative abundance of plant pathogenic protists and increased bacterivorous and omnivorous protists. The addition of individual biocontrol bacteria and fungi further altered the soil protist community composition, and eventually function. Network analysis integrating protist, bacterial and fungal community data, placed protists as a central hub in the soil microbiome, linking diverse bacterial and fungal populations. Given their dynamic response to soil management practices and key position in linking soil microbial networks, protists may provide the leverage between soil management and the enhancement of bacterial and fungal microbiota at the service of improved soil health.
Arginase Structure and Inhibition: Catalytic Site Plasticity Reveals New Modulation Possibilities
Authors: Mortier Jérémie , Prévost Julien R. C. , Sydow Dominique , Teuchert Sabine , Omieczynski Christian , Bermudez Marcel , Frédérick Raphaël , Wolber Gerhard
Published: October 2017

Metalloenzyme arginase is a therapeutically relevant target associated with tumor growth. To fight cancer immunosuppression, arginase activity can be modulated by small chemical inhibitors binding to its catalytic center. To better understand molecular mechanisms of arginase inhibition, a careful computer-aided mechanistic structural investigation of this enzyme was conducted. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the microsecond range, key regions of the protein active site were identified and their flexibility was evaluated and compared. A cavity opening phenomenon was observed, involving three loops directly interacting with all known ligands, while metal coordinating regions remained motionless. A novel dynamic 3D pharmacophore analysis method termed dynophores has been developed that allows for the construction of a single 3D-model comprising all ligand-enzyme interactions occurring throughout a complete MD trajectory. This new technique for the in silico study of intermolecular interactions allows for loop flexibility analysis coupled with movements and conformational changes of bound ligands. Presented MD studies highlight the plasticity of the size of the arginase active site, leading to the hypothesis that larger ligands can enter the cavity of arginase. Experimental testing of a targeted fragment library substituted by different aliphatic groups validates this hypothesis, paving the way for the design of arginase inhibitors with novel binding patterns.
Induced seismicity closed-form traffic light system for actuarial decision-making during deep fluid injections
Authors: Mignan A. , Broccardo M. , Wiemer S. , Giardini D.
Published: October 2017

The rise in the frequency of anthropogenic earthquakes due to deep fluid injections is posing serious economic, societal, and legal challenges to many geo-energy and waste-disposal projects. Existing tools to assess such problems are still inherently heuristic and mostly based on expert elicitation (so-called clinical judgment). We propose, as a complementary approach, an adaptive traffic light system (ATLS) that is function of a statistical model of induced seismicity. It offers an actuarial judgement of the risk, which is based on a mapping between earthquake magnitude and risk. Using data from six underground reservoir stimulation experiments, mostly from Enhanced Geothermal Systems, we illustrate how such a data-driven adaptive forecasting system could guarantee a risk-based safety target. The proposed model, which includes a linear relationship between seismicity rate and flow rate, as well as a normal diffusion process for post-injection, is first confirmed to be representative of the data. Being integrable, the model yields a closed-form ATLS solution that is both transparent and robust. Although simulations verify that the safety target is consistently ensured when the ATLS is applied, the model from which simulations are generated is validated on a limited dataset, hence still requiring further tests in additional fluid injection environments.
Prediction of Treatment Response for Combined Chemo- and Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Using a Bio-Mathematical Model
Authors: Geng Changran , Paganetti Harald , Grassberger Clemens
Published: October 2017

The goal of this work was to develop a mathematical model to predict Kaplan–Meier survival curves for chemotherapy combined with radiation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients for use in clinical trial design. The Gompertz model was used to describe tumor growth, radiation effect was simulated by the linear-quadratic model with an α/β-ratio of 10, and chemotherapy effect was based on the log-cell kill model. To account for repopulation during treatment, we considered two independent methods: 1) kickoff-repopulation using exponential growth with a decreased volume doubling time, or 2) Gompertz-repopulation using the gradually accelerating growth rate with tumor shrinkage. The input parameters were independently estimated by fitting to the SEER database for untreated tumors, RTOG-8808 for radiation only, and RTOG-9410 for sequential chemo-radiation. Applying the model, the benefit from concurrent chemo-radiation comparing to sequential for stage III patients was predicted to be a 6.6% and 6.2% improvement in overall survival for 3 and 5-years respectively, comparing well to the 5.3% and 4.5% observed in RTOG-9410. In summary, a mathematical model was developed to model tumor growth over extended periods of time, and can be used for the optimization of combined chemo-radiation scheduling and sequencing.
Motifs in the tau protein that control binding to microtubules and aggregation determine pathological effects
Authors: Lathuilière Aurélien , Valdés Pamela , Papin Stéphanie , Cacquevel Matthias , Maclachlan Catherine , Knott Graham W. , Muhs Andreas , Paganetti Paolo , Schneider Bernard L.
Published: October 2017

Tau pathology is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, and missense tau mutations cause frontotemporal dementia. Hyperphosphorylation and misfolding of tau are considered critical steps leading to tauopathies. Here, we determine how motifs controlling conformational changes in the microtubule-binding domain determine tau pathology in vivo. Human tau was overexpressed in the adult mouse forebrain to compare variants carrying residues that modulate tau propensity to acquire a β-sheet conformation. The P301S mutation linked to frontotemporal dementia causes tau aggregation and rapidly progressing motor deficits. By comparison, wild-type tau becomes heavily hyperphosphorylated, and induces behavioral impairments that do not progress over time. However, the behavioral defects caused by wild-type tau can be suppressed when β-sheet breaking proline residues are introduced in the microtubule-binding domain of tau. This modification facilitates tau interaction with microtubules, as shown by lower levels of phosphorylation, and by the enhanced protective effects of mutated tau against the severing of the cytoskeleton in neurons exposed to vinblastine. Altogether, motifs that are critical for tau conformation determine interaction with microtubules and subsequent pathological modifications, including phosphorylation and aggregation.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for work disability: multicohort study
Authors: Airaksinen Jaakko , Jokela Markus , Virtanen Marianna , Oksanen Tuula , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Koskenvuo Markku , Kawachi Ichiro , Batty G. David , Kivimäki Mika
Published: October 2017

Work disability affects quality of life, earnings, and opportunities to contribute to society. Work characteristics, lifestyle and sociodemographic factors have been associated with the risk of work disability, but few multifactorial algorithms exist to identify individuals at risk of future work disability. We developed and validated a parsimonious multifactorial score for the prediction of work disability using individual-level data from 65,775 public-sector employees (development cohort) and 13,527 employed adults from a general population sample (validation cohort), both linked to records of work disability. Candidate predictors for work disability included sociodemographic (3 items), health status and lifestyle (38 items), and work-related (43 items) variables. A parsimonious model, explaining > 99% of the variance of the full model, comprised 8 predictors: age, self-rated health, number of sickness absences in previous year, socioeconomic position, chronic illnesses, sleep problems, body mass index, and smoking. Discriminative ability of a score including these predictors was high: C-index 0.84 in the development and 0.83 in the validation cohort. The corresponding C-indices for a score constructed from work-related predictors (age, sex, socioeconomic position, job strain) were 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. It is possible to identify reliably individuals at high risk of work disability by using a rapidly-administered prediction score.
Network analysis of EMT and MET micro-RNA regulation in breast cancer
Authors: Drago-García Diana , Espinal-Enríquez Jesús , Hernández-Lemus Enrique
Published: October 2017

Over the last years, microRNAs (miRs) have shown to be crucial for breast tumour establishment and progression. To understand the influence that miRs have over transcriptional regulation in breast cancer, we constructed mutual information networks from 86 TCGA matched breast invasive carcinoma and control tissue RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq sequencing data. We show that miRs are determinant for tumour and control data network structure. In tumour data network, miR-200, miR-199 and neighbour miRs seem to cooperate on the regulation of the acquisition of epithelial and mesenchymal traits by the biological processes: Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition (MET). Despite structural differences between tumour and control networks, we found a conserved set of associations between miR-200 family members and genes such as VIM, ZEB-1/2 and TWIST-1/2. Further, a large number of miRs observed in tumour network mapped to a specific chromosomal location in DLK1-DIO3 (Chr14q32); some of those miRs have also been associated with EMT and MET regulation. Pathways related to EMT and TGF-beta reinforce the relevance of miR-200, miR-199 and DLK1-DIO3 cluster in breast cancer. With this approach, we stress that miR inclusion in gene regulatory network construction improves our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying breast cancer biology.
Comparative sphingolipidomics of disease-causing trypanosomatids reveal unique lifecycle- and taxonomy-specific lipid chemistries
Authors: Guan Xue Li , Mäser Pascal
Published: October 2017

Trypanosomatids are parasitic protozoa which cause a spectrum of diseases, including trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis, affecting millions of humans and animals worldwide. The surface of most protozoan parasites is heavily decorated with lipids and lipid-anchored molecules, forming protective barriers and acting as virulence factors during infection. Sphingolipids (SP) are major components of eukaryotic biomembranes, which play important roles in structural integrity, energy homeostasis and signaling. However, the precise chemical composition of SP in pathogens as well as their biochemical pathways and functions remain poorly characterized. Here, we present the first system-scale analyses of SP found in a panel of 7 trypanosomatids, including Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi. We characterized the structure of aminoethylphosphonate-containing ceramides, which are found exclusively in stercorarian Trypanosoma. Employing the sensitive and semi-quantitative sphingolipidomics approach that we developed, we report the detection of over 300 molecular species of SP, and identified unique metabolic signatures which serve as discriminants of the pathogens based on their taxonomy and lifecycle stages. The deep sphingolipidome presented here is an important biochemical and technological resource for future works to dissect SP metabolism and functions in these medically and agriculturally relevant systems.
Time-controllable Nkcc1 knockdown replicates reversible hearing loss in postnatal mice
Authors: Watabe Takahisa , Xu Ming , Watanabe Miho , Nabekura Junichi , Higuchi Taiga , Hori Karin , Sato Mitsuo P. , Nin Fumiaki , Hibino Hiroshi , Ogawa Kaoru , Masuda Masatsugu , Tanaka Kenji F.
Published: October 2017

Identification of the causal effects of specific proteins on recurrent and partially reversible hearing loss has been difficult because of the lack of an animal model that provides reversible gene knockdown. We have developed the transgenic mouse line Actin-tTS::Nkcc1tetO/tetO for manipulatable expression of the cochlear K+ circulation protein, NKCC1. Nkcc1 transcription was blocked by the binding of a tetracycline-dependent transcriptional silencer to the tetracycline operator sequences inserted upstream of the Nkcc1 translation initiation site. Administration of the tetracycline derivative doxycycline reversibly regulated Nkcc1 knockdown. Progeny from pregnant/lactating mothers fed doxycycline-free chow from embryonic day 0 showed strong suppression of Nkcc1 expression (~90% downregulation) and Nkcc1 null phenotypes at postnatal day 35 (P35). P35 transgenic mice from mothers fed doxycycline-free chow starting at P0 (delivery) showed weaker suppression of Nkcc1 expression (~70% downregulation) and less hearing loss with mild cochlear structural changes. Treatment of these mice at P35 with doxycycline for 2 weeks reactivated Nkcc1 transcription to control levels and improved hearing level at high frequency; i.e., these doxycycline-treated mice exhibited partially reversible hearing loss. Thus, development of the Actin-tTS::Nkcc1tetO/tetO transgenic mouse line provides a mouse model for the study of variable hearing loss through reversible knockdown of Nkcc1.
Electrochemical Magnetization Switching and Energy Storage in Manganese Oxide filled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ottmann Alexander , Scholz Maik , Haft Marcel , Thauer Elisa , Schneider Philip , Gellesch Markus , Nowka Christian , Wurmehl Sabine , Hampel Silke , Klingeler Rüdiger
Published: October 2017

The ferrimagnetic and high-capacity electrode material Mn3O4 is encapsulated inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT). We show that the rigid hollow cavities of the CNT enforce size-controlled nanoparticles which are electrochemically active inside the CNT. The ferrimagnetic Mn3O4 filling is switched by electrochemical conversion reaction to antiferromagnetic MnO. The conversion reaction is further exploited for electrochemical energy storage. Our studies confirm that the theoretical reversible capacity of the Mn3O4 filling is fully accessible. Upon reversible cycling, the Mn3O4@CNT nanocomposite reaches a maximum discharge capacity of 461 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 with a capacity retention of 90% after 50 cycles. We attribute the good cycling stability to the hybrid nature of the nanocomposite: (1) Carbon encasements ensure electrical contact to the active material by forming a stable conductive network which is unaffected by potential cracks of the encapsulate. (2) The CNT shells resist strong volume changes of the encapsulate in response to electrochemical cycling, which in conventional (i.e., non-nanocomposite) Mn3O4 hinders the application in energy storage devices. Our results demonstrate that Mn3O4 nanostructures can be successfully grown inside CNT and the resulting nanocomposite can be reversibly converted and exploited for lithium-ion batteries.
Altered behavioral and amygdala habituation in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder: an fMRI study
Authors: Tam Friederike I. , King Joseph A. , Geisler Daniel , Korb Franziska M. , Sareng Juliane , Ritschel Franziska , Steding Julius , Albertowski Katja U. , Roessner Veit , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: October 2017

Habituation to repeatedly presented stimuli is an important adaptive property of the nervous system. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with reduced neural habituation, for example in the amygdala, which may be related to social impairments. The main focus of this study was to investigate habituation effects on the level of behavioral responses as well as amygdala responses in adults with ASD during a working memory task flanked by task-irrelevant face stimuli. Twenty-two patients with high-functioning autism and 24 healthy controls (HC) were included in this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. We employed an established habituation index to investigate habituation effects. Suggestive of altered habituation, the habituation index showed a decrement of reaction time over the course of the experiment in the HC but not in the ASD group. Similarly, an expected pattern of habituation was evident in amygdala activation in HC but absent in ASD participants. These results provide evidence that habituation may be altered not only on a neural, but also on a behavioral level in ASD. While more research is needed to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, the current findings support the possibility that deficient habituation may be a biomarker of ASD.
Using quartz sand to enhance the removal efficiency of M. aeruginosa by inorganic coagulant and achieve satisfactory settling efficiency
Authors: Pei Haiyan , Jin Yan , Xu Hangzhou , Ma Chunxia , Sun Jiongming , Li Hongmin
Published: October 2017

In this study, low-cost and non-polluting quartz sand was respectively mixed with AlCl3, FeCl3 and PAFC to synergistically remove Microcystis aeruginosa. Results showed that quartz sand could markedly increase the algae removal efficiency and decrease the coagulant doses. The increase of removal efficiency with AlCl3 and FeCl3 was only due to the enhancement of floc density by the quartz sand. However, the removal efficiency with PAFC was increased not only by the enhanced floc density, but also by the enlarged floc size. Flocs from 50 mg/L sand addition were larger than that with other sand doses, which was on account of the appropriate enhancement of collision efficiency at this dose. After coagulation, the extracellular organic matter (EOM) and microcystins (MCs) in system with quartz sand was remarkably reduced. That’s because quartz sand can enhance the coagulation so as to improve capping the EOM and MCs in flocs during coagulation process. Owing to 200 mg/L quartz sand could damage the cell’s membrane during coagulation proces, algal cells in the system lysed two days earlier than with 50 mg/L sand during flocs storage. In addition, cells with PAFC incurred relatively moderate cellular oxidative damage and could remain intact for longer time.
Localization of TFPI-2 in the nucleus modulates MMP-2 gene expression in breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Guangli , Zeng Yao , Chen Shaoying , Li Deling , Li Wei , Zhou Yanchun , Singer Robert H. , Gu Wei
Published: October 2017

TFPI-2 has recently been recognized as a tumor suppressor, which not only plays a fundamental role in modulation of ECM integrity, but also involves the regulation of many oncogenes. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanism of TFPI-2 in the suppression of breast cancer growth and invasion. We showed that, with either over-expression of TFPI-2 or after treatment with exogenous rTFPI-2, breast cancer cells exhibited reduced proliferation and invasion. We demonstrated that in addition to being secreted, TFPI-2 was also distributed throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus. Nuclear localization of TFPI-2 contributed to inhibition of MMP-2 mRNA expression, which could be reversed after the nuclear localization signal was deleted. In the nucleus, interaction of TFPI-2 with Ap-2α attenuated the binding of AP-2α to the MMP-2 promoter, therefore reducing the transcriptional activity of the gene. Our results suggest that one of the mechanisms by which TFPI-2 inhibits breast cancer cell invasion could be via the regulation of MMP-2 gene transcription.
Switching enzyme specificity from phosphate to resveratrol glucosylation
Authors: Kraus Michael , Grimm Clemens , Seibel Jürgen
Published: October 2017

Here we present a point mutation-triggered domain shift which switches the acceptor preference of a sucrose phosphorylase from phosphate to a variety of large polyphenolic compounds including resveratrol and quercetin, enabling their efficient glucosylation.
A nanostructured Fc(COCH3)2film prepared using silica monolayer colloidal crystal templates and its electrochromic properties
Authors: Hua Chunxia , Dou Shuliang , Xu Hongbo , Hou Shuai , Zhang Hangchuan , Zhang Panpan , Gan Yang , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: October 2017

Since oxidation and reduction reactions mainly take place on surfaces, enlarging the specific surface of redox materials is the key to achieving excellent electrochemical performance.
Additive engineering for high-performance room-temperature-processed perovskite absorbers with micron-size grains and microsecond-range carrier lifetimes
Authors: Han Qiwei , Bai Yusong , Liu Jie , Du Ke-zhao , Li Tianyang , Ji Dong , Zhou Yihao , Cao Changyong , Shin Donghyeop , Ding Jie , Franklin Aaron D. , Glass Jeffrey T. , Hu Jinsong , Therien Michael J. , Liu Jie , Mitzi David B.
Published: October 2017

CH3NH3PbI3 films with micrometer grains and microsecond carrier lifetimes are prepared through additive engineering.
In situ hydrogenation and decarboxylation of oleic acid into heptadecane over a Cu–Ni alloy catalyst using methanol as a hydrogen carrier
Authors: Zhang Zihao , Yang Qiwei , Chen Hao , Chen Kequan , Lu Xiuyang , Ouyang Pingkai , Fu Jie , Chen Jingguang G.
Published: October 2017

In this work, supported Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts were synthesized and evaluated for the in situ hydrogenation and decarboxylation of oleic acid using methanol as a hydrogen donor.
The porogen effect on the complexation step of trinitrotoluene–methacrylic acid: towards efficient imprinted polymer sensors
Authors: Bird Luke , Herdes Carmelo
Published: October 2017

An optimal porogen for a better complex and an enhanced TNT sensor.
Graphene oxide-templated growth of MOFs with enhanced lithium-storage properties
Authors: He Shuhua , Li Zhangpeng , Ma Limin , Wang Jinqing , Yang Shengrong
Published: October 2017

Terephthalic acid non-covalent functionalized graphene oxide (GO) sheet-templated growth of Mn-MOF with enhanced lithium-storage properties.
A new synthesis of C-β-d-glycopyranosylmethyl sulfides by metal-free coupling of anhydro-aldose tosylhydrazones with thiols
Authors: Kaszás Tímea , Tóth Marietta , Somsák László
Published: October 2017

Cross-coupling of anhydro-aldose tosylhydrazones with thiols provided a new access to C-glycopyranosylmethyl sulfides.
Facile access to functionalized indenes and fused quinolines by regioselective 5-enolexo-dig Michael addition and cyclization reactions
Authors: Chaudhari Tohasib Yusub , Ginotra Sandeep K. , Tandon Vibha
Published: October 2017

Herein we report a facile approach to synthesise multi-substituted indenes and cyclopenta[b]quinolines under mild conditions.
Architecture design of nitrogen-doped 3D bubble-like porous graphene for high performance sodium ion batteries
Authors: Qiao Yun , Cheng Xiaoguang , Liu Yang , Han Ruimin , Ma Mengyue , Li Qingling , Dong Hongyu , Li Xiangnan , Yang Shuting
Published: October 2017

The nitrogen-doped 3D bubble-like porous graphene (N-3DPG) is a promising candidate for apllication in sodium ion batteries for large-scale electrochemical energy storage.
Alloying effects of Ag on grain boundaries and alumina interfaces in copper: a first principles prediction
Authors: Teng F. , Lan G. Q. , Jiang Y. , Song M. , Liu S. J. , Wu C. P. , Yi D. Q.
Published: October 2017

The mechanical properties of oxide dispersion-strengthened copper are largely dictated by its internal interfaces, i.e. the oxide interfaces and the grain boundaries (GBs).
Development of low temperature stoichiometric solution combustion derived transparent conductive ternary zinc tin co-doped indium oxide electrodes
Authors: Pujar Pavan , Gandla Srinivas , Singh Mukesh , Gupta Bikesh , Tarafder Kartick , Gupta Dipti , Noh Yong-Young , Mandal Saumen
Published: October 2017

Here, the development of transparent conductive zinc tin co-doped indium oxide (IZTO: In1.4Sn0.3Zn0.3O3) ternary electrodes is addressed through low temperature solution combustion processing.
Activation of a particulate Ta3N5 water-oxidation photoanode with a GaN hole-blocking layer
Authors: Asakura Yusuke , Higashi Tomohiro , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Shibata Naoya , Minegishi Tsutomu , Hisatomi Takashi , Katayama Masao , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: October 2017

The introduction of GaN as a hole-blocking layer for a particulate Ta3N5 photoelectrode led to the enhancement of photoelectrochemical water oxidation.
Milk fat components with potential anticancer activity—a review
Authors: Rodríguez-Alcalá Luis M. , Castro-Gómez M. Pilar , Pimentel Lígia L. , Fontecha Javier
Published: October 2017

During many years, the milk fat has been unfairly undervalued due to its association with higher levels of cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidaemia or obesity, among others. However, currently, this relationship is being re-evaluated because some of the dairy lipid components have been attributed potential health benefits. Due to this, and based on the increasing incidence of cancer in our society, this review work aims to discuss the state of the art concerning scientific evidence of milk lipid components and reported anticancer properties. Results from the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that specific fatty acids (FA) (as butyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), among others), phospholipids and sphingolipids from milk globule membrane are potential anticarcinogenic agents. However, their mechanism of action remains still unclear due to limited and inconsistent findings in human studies.
Guided filter‐based images fusion algorithm for CT and MRI medical images
Authors: Na Yan , Zhao Li , Yang Yingxue , Ren Mengqiao
Published: October 2017

A novel fusion algorithm based on guided filter (GF) for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) medical images is proposed. In this algorithm: approximation coefficient and three wavelet coefficients of CT and MRI are obtained by the wavelet transform, respectively. Two weight maps are obtained by comparison of the pixel values of the two approximation coefficients. A GF is designed with the weight maps serving as the input image and the corresponding approximation coefficient serving as the guided image; the GF is used to smooth the weight images and refined weight maps are obtained. The approximation and wavelet coefficients of CT and MRI images are fused by the weighted fusion algorithm with refined weight maps. A fused image of CT and MRI is obtained by the inverse wavelet transform. Comparisons of this algorithm with two fusion algorithms available show that the fused image based on this algorithm contains a greater amount of information, more details and clearer edges than the other two algorithms. Therefore, this algorithm is better at locating the position and shape of the target volume. In the course of treatment, this algorithm can better avoid the surrounding health organs by radiation, protect the health of patients.
Radio synchrotron spectra of star-forming galaxies
Authors: Klein U. , Lisenfeld U. , Verley S.
Published: October 2017

We investigated the radio continuum spectra of 14 star-forming galaxies by fitting nonthermal (synchrotron) and thermal (free-free) radiation laws. The underlying radio continuum measurements cover a frequency range of ~325 MHz to 24.5 GHz (32 GHz in case of M 82). It turns out that most of these synchrotron spectra are not simple power-laws, but are best represented by a low-frequency spectrum with a mean slope αnth = 0.59 ± 0.20 (Sν ∝ ν−α), and by a break or an exponential decline in the frequency range of 1–12 GHz. Simple power-laws or mildly curved synchrotron spectra lead to unrealistically low thermal flux densities, and/or to strong deviations from the expected optically thin free-free spectra with slope αth = 0.10 in the fits. The break or cutoff energies are in the range of 1.5–7 GeV. We briefly discuss the possible origin of such a cutoff or break. If the low-frequency spectra obtained here reflect the injection spectrum of cosmic-ray electrons, they comply with the mean spectral index of Galactic supernova remnants. A comparison of the fitted thermal flux densities with the (foreground-corrected) Hα fluxes yields the extinction, which increases with metallicity. The fraction of thermal emission is higher than believed hitherto, especially at high frequencies, and is highest in the dwarf galaxies of our sample, which we interpret in terms of a lack of containment in these low-mass systems, or a time effect caused by a very young starburst.
Magnetic field topology and chemical spot distributions of the Ap star HD 119419
Authors: Rusomarov N. , Kochukhov O. , Lundin A.
Published: October 2017

Context.Analysis of high-resolution spectropolarimetric time-series observations of early-type magnetic stars is currently the most advanced method of obtaining detailed information on their surface magnetic field topologies and horizontal spot distributions.

Aims.In this study we analyse a new set of high-quality full Stokes vector observations of the magnetic Ap star HD 119419 – a member of the 14 Myr old Lower Cen-Cru association – for the purpose of studying the surface field topology and mapping the chemical abundance spots.

Methods.We made use of the circular and linear polarisation data collected for HD 119419 with the HARPSpol instrument at the ESO 3.6-m telescope. These observations were analysed with a multi-line magnetic diagnostic technique and modelled in detail with a Magnetic Doppler imaging (MDI) code.

Results.We present a new set of high-precision mean longitudinal magnetic field measurements and derive a revised stellar rotational period by comparing our measurements with the literature data. We also redetermine the basic stellar atmospheric parameters. Our four Stokes parameter magnetic inversions reveal a moderately complex surface field topology with a mean field strength of 18 kG and a maximum local strength of 24 kG. A poloidal dipolar component dominates the magnetic energy spectrum of the surface field in HD 119419. However, significant contributions of the higher-order spherical harmonic components are also present. We show that the dipole plus quadrupole part of the reconstructed field geometry is incapable of reproducing the observed amplitudes and shapes of the StokesQandUprofiles. The chemical abundance distributions of Fe, Cr, Ti, and Nd, derived self-consistently with the magnetic field geometry, are characterised by large abundance gradients and a lack of clear correlation with the magnetic field structure.

Conclusions.This full Stokes vector analysis of HD 119419 extends the modern hot-star magnetic mapping investigations to an open cluster Ap star with a well-determined age. Further, MDI studies of cluster members will allow us to study the field topologies and chemical abundance spots as a function of stellar age.
The genesis of the Schaeffler diagram in the history of stainless steel
Authors: Guiraldenq Pierre , Hardouin Duparc Olivier
Published: October 2017

The Schaeffler diagram is regarded through a historical perspective in order to review Anton Schaeffler's life (1919–2001) and to analyze the genesis of the famous structural abacus that made him known throughout the world and still serves as a reference today. The equivalence coefficients of addition elements complementary to chromium and nickel, either alpha formers or gamma formers, were at the heart of the subject. The crystallographic structures of many standard steels, and hence several of their mechanical properties, can be partly predicted before manufacturing on the sole basis of their chemical compositions. A chronological review helps to understand the creative work that was done during this initial research.
Posttraumatic Hydrocephalus: Risk Factors, Treatment Modalities, and Prognosis
Authors: Yerramneni Vamsi , Kotha Vamsi
Published: October 2017

Background Posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a rare clinicopathological entity seen as a sequel of head injury (HI). The described incidence in literature is 7 to 29%.

Aims and Objectives To study the incidence, risk factors, treatment options, and prognosis.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed our HI database from our institution and identified patients with PTH. The data were obtained from the case files, radiologic records, telephonic interviews, and letters.

Results PTH was diagnosed in 32 patients with mean age being 33.7 ± 16.0 years. Severe HI was present in 22(68.75%) patients, and all of them underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). Remaining patients had either cranial base repair for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or conservative management. Average duration for development of PTH after the HI was 11.05 ± 0.58 months in DC group and 17.0 ± 1.25 months in the non-DC group. Patients were treated by CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal [VP] or thecoperitoneal shunt) and lumbar subarachnoid drainage in the perioperative period of cranioplasty. Average interval between DC and cranioplasty was 6.21 ± 14.0 months. Mean follow-up was 72.23 ± 0.67 months and observed mortality was 32%. Statistical analysis showed correlation between severity of HI, DC, and development of PTH. DC also had correlation with early development of PTH.

Conclusion The incidence of PTH is low and the etiology is multifactorial. Severe HI, DC, and delayed cranioplasty (>6 months) are associated with higher chances of PTH development. Though VP shunt placement is the established treatment modality, temporary lumbar subarachnoid drain placement in perioperative period of cranioplasty in selected cases is an option.
Step-Ladder Expansive Cranioplasty: A Study on a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Sengupta Sudip , Tandon Sanjeev , Sahi Indra
Published: October 2017

Notwithstanding the ongoing debates on the necessity, indication, extent, and technique of achieving decompressive hemicraniectomy (DC), any procedure that can deliver the envisaged advantages of a DC, without having to take up the patient for a second surgery in the form of cranioplasty, can be of a great advantage in situations in which DC is being used.

Step-ladder expansive cranioplasty has been proposed as an effective single-step alternative to DC and cranioplasty at a later date, resulting in a fixed but assured volume augmentation. Recently, a case report has emerged documenting a successfully managed case of acute subdural hematoma (SDH) using this technique. In the present in vitro study, an attempt has been made to evaluate different variants of step-ladder expansive cranioplasty constructs using cadaver and clay models.

The findings suggest that the cranial volume expansion in step-ladder expansive cranioplasty is not dependent solely on the patient's skull bone thickness. If the clinical trials prove the procedure to be safe, it can be used at one end, as an alternative to preserving the bone flap at another site prior to cranioplasty, and as a complete one-stage alternative to DC and cranioplasty at a later date, on the other.
Anterior Encephalocele and Its Association with MTHFR Polymorphisms: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Dutta Hemonta , Borbora Debasish , Baruah Mauchumi , Narain Kanwar
Published: October 2017

Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are thought to be associated with genetic defects and environmental factors. This study aims to determine the association of MTHFR gene polymorphisms and maternal body mass index (BMI) with anterior encephalocele (AE).

Methods Blood samples of 20 patients (out of 41 children) were available for genetic analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples using Wizard genomic DNA purification kit. The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms genotyping protocols were adapted from Cicek et al. Eighty-two age- (1–14 years) and sex-matched apparently healthy children were taken as controls. We assessed the nutritional status of all the volunteers by measuring their BMI and then classified according to WHO BMI cutoff points.

Results Nasofrontal AE was seen mostly among the female cases while among males, nasoethmoidal AE was predominant. We observed a weak association between MTHFR 677CT genotype and AE. In the case of MTHFR A1298C, both the 1298AC and 1298CC genotypes increased the risk of acquiring AE by several folds. Multivariate analysis revealed that both 1298AC and 1298CC genotypes increased the risk of acquiring AE. However, only 1298AC was significantly associated with the risk of AE. The study also showed significantly low BMI among the children and their mothers.

Conclusion There is a strong association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and the risk of anterior encephalocele in this community. The C677T polymorphism, however, did not constitute a genetic risk factor in this study. Children with AE also had significantly low BMI.
Dystopia as Liberation: Disturbing Femininities in Contemporary Thailand
Authors: Harrison Rachel V.
Published: October 2017

Despite the stereotypical, outsider view of Thailand as a thriving hub of international sex tourism, traditional and local constructions of Thainess instead privilege the position of the ‘good’ Thai woman—a model of sexual propriety, demure physicality and aesthetic perfection. This is the image of femininity that is heralded by Thailand's Tourist Authority and by government agencies alike as a marketable symbol of cultural refinement and national pride. But this disturbing ‘utopian’ construction of femininity might for some be considered a dystopia shaped by forms of power centred on elite urban rule. In mainstream definitions of Thainess, the monstrous and grotesque inverses of ‘good’ womanhood are located in the ‘dystopian’ visions of rural-based folk traditions that abound with malevolent female spirits and demons, and in the contemporary Thai horror films that draw on these tropes. Adopted by Thai feminists and by street protestors in Bangkok at times of recent political unrest, portrayals of a ‘monstrous-feminine’ have been adopted as central to a carnivalesque strategy of response and resistance to elite discourses of control. Such forces serve to symbolically disturb and destabilise middle-class constructions of a Utopian vision of Thainess with Bangkok as its cultural core. This paper examines instances of how and why the counter-strategy of primitivism and monstrosity has developed, and the extent to which it translates ‘dystopian’ expressions of female sexuality in new imaginaries of ‘dystopia’ as a space of liberation from stultifying cultural and political norms.
Magnetic characterization of the stator core of a high-speed motor made of an ultrathin electrical steel sheet using the magnetic property evaluation system
Authors: Oka Mohachiro , Enokizono Masato , Mori Yuji , Yamazaki Kazumasa
Published: October 2017

Recently, the application areas for electric motors have been expanding. For instance, electric motors are used in new technologies such as rovers, drones, cars, and robots. The motor used in such machinery should be small, high-powered, highly-efficient, and high-speed. In such motors, loss at high-speed rotation must be especially minimal. Eddy-current loss in the stator core is known to increase greatly during loss at high-speed rotation of the motor. To produce an efficient high-speed motor, we are developing a stator core for a motor using an ultrathin electrical steel sheet with only a small amount of eddy-current loss. Furthermore, the magnetic property evaluation for efficient, high-speed motor stator cores that use conventional commercial frequency is insufficient. Thus, we made a new high-speed magnetic property evaluation system to evaluate the magnetic properties of the efficient high-speed motor stator core. This system was composed of high-speed A/D converters, D/A converters, and a high-speed power amplifier. In experiments, the ultrathin electrical steel sheet dramatically suppressed iron loss and, in particular, eddy-current loss. In addition, a new high-speed magnetic property evaluation system accurately evaluated the magnetic properties of the efficient high-speed motor stator core.
Effect of lanthanum substitution on structural and magnetic properties of nickel zinc ferrites
Authors: Šoka Martin , Ušáková Mariana , Dosoudil Rastislav , Ušák Elemír , Lokaj Ján
Published: October 2017

The purpose of the presented research is to investigate the effect of La3+ ions substitution for Fe3+ ions in Ni0.42Zn0.58LaxFe2-xO4 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) ferrite compositions prepared by the innovated glycine-nitrate process based on auto-combustion method. Structural and magnetic properties of examined samples were estimated by the analysis of X-ray spectra, EDAX spectrum, SEM micrographs, thermomagnetic characteristics, magnetic hysteresis loops and complex permeability spectra.
Dependence of magnetic permeability on residual stresses in alloyed steels
Authors: Hristoforou E. , Ktena A. , Vourna P. , Argiris K.
Published: October 2017

A method for the monitoring of residual stress distribution in steels has been developed based on non-destructive surface magnetic permeability measurements. In order to investigate the potential utilization of the magnetic method in evaluating residual stresses, the magnetic calibration curves of various ferromagnetic alloyed steels’ grade (AISI 4140, TRIP and Duplex) were examined. X-Ray diffraction technique was used for determining surface residual stress values. The overall measurement results have shown that the residual stress determined by the magnetic method was in good agreement with the diffraction results. Further experimental investigations are required to validate the preliminary results and to verify the presence of a unique normalized magnetic stress calibration curve.
Enhanced nickelidation rate in silicon nanowires with interfacial lattice disorder
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichiro , Yokogawa Ryo , Oba Shunsuke , Asada Shuhei , Xu Taiyu , Tomita Motohiro , Ogura Atsushi , Matsukawa Takashi , Masahara Meishoku , Watanabe Takanobu
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate that the nickelidation (nickel silicidation) reaction rate of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) surrounded by a thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2) film is enhanced by post-oxidation annealing (POA). The SiNWs are fabricated by electron beam lithography, and some of the SiNWs are subjected to the POA process. The nickelidation reaction rate of the SiNWs is enhanced in the samples subjected to the POA treatment. Ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that POA enhances compressive strain and lattice disorder in the SiNWs. By considering these experimental results in conjunction with our molecular dynamics simulation analysis, we conclude that the oxide-induced lattice disorder is the dominant origin of the increase in the nickelidation rate in smaller width SiNWs. This study sheds light on the pivotal role of lattice disorders in controlling metallic contact formation in SiNW devices.
Optical and other physical properties of hydrophobic ZnO thin films prepared by dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature
Authors: Malik Gaurav , Jaiswal Jyoti , Mourya Satyendra , Chandra Ramesh
Published: October 2017

Highly ordered and hydrophobic zinc oxide thin films have been synthesized by dc magnetron sputtering on the glass substrates at room temperature (RT). We have determined the influence of deposition parameters on the optical and other physical properties of the films, and the correlation between their microstructural and optical properties. Films have preferred (002) orientation, an average crystallite size ≤26 nm, and rms surface roughness ≤14 nm. The water contact angle of 120° exceeds previous measurements by over 10°–20°. Dispersion of the refractive index is analyzed in terms of the Wemple-DiDomenical single-oscillator model, and the third-order nonlinear optical parameters are calculated using the Tichy and Ticha relation. Refractive indices of 1.9686 at 540 nm are near the bulk value of 2.0041. Produced at RT, these highly ordered films may be promising candidates for compact optoelectronic devices.
Optical estimation of the expression of surface molecules
Authors: Cockbill Louisa
Published: October 2017

Researchers analyze position-dependent capture of particles flowed through a microfluidic chamber to calculate the number of surface molecules of interest.
DNA methylation of the TAA1 gene regulates formation of the pollen wall in chemically induced male sterility in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Li Guiping , Ba Qingsong , Zhang Gaisheng , Zhang Lanlan , Chen Chu , Fu Zhaolin
Published: October 2017

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that may contribute to environmentally induced phenotypic variations by regulating gene expression. Chemically induced male sterility (CIMS) lines in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can transform from sterile to fertile, induced by a chemical hybridising agent during anther development. So far, little is known about the DNA methylation variation of CIMS in wheat. TAA1 regulates pollen wall development, probably through converting fatty acids to fatty alcohol in wheat. We investigated the DNA methylation pattern of the TAA1 gene in the core promoter region by using the bisulfite genomic sequencing method, and higher methylation was observed in CIMS. The expression levels of the TAA1 gene were also evaluated by real time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis, which revealed that the expression levels of the TAA1 gene were downregulated in CIMS. The aliphatic composition of the anther underwent accumulation in line 1376-CIMS, revealed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, including increments of tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that anther and pollen wall formation was significantly altered in 1376-CIMS.These results suggested that DNA methylation of the TAA1 gene may be involved in the sterility–fertility transition of CIMS.