bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote temporal wavepacket narrowing
Authors: Sedziak-Kacprowicz Karolina , Lasota Mikołaj , Kolenderski Piotr
Published: February 2019

Quantum communication protocols can be significantly enhanced by careful preparation of the wavepackets of the utilized photons. Following the theoretical proposal published recently by our group, we experimentally demonstrate the effect of remote temporal wavepacket narrowing of a heralded single photon produced via spontaneous parametric down-conversion. This is done by utilizing a time-resolved measurement on the heralding photon which is frequency-entangled with the heralded photon. We then investigate optimal photon pair source characteristics to minimize heralded wavepacket width.
Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels shape electrical firing in mouse Lamina II neurons
Authors: Candelas Miriam , Reynders Ana , Arango-Lievano Margarita , Neumayer Christoph , Fruquière Antoine , Demes Elsa , Hamid Jawed , Lemmers Céline , Bernat Claire , Monteil Arnaud , Compan Vincent , Laffray Sophie , Inquimbert Perrine , Le Feuvre Yves , Zamponi Gerald W. , Moqrich Aziz , Bourinet Emmanuel , Méry Pierre-François
Published: February 2019

The T-type calcium channel, Cav3.2, is necessary for acute pain perception, as well as mechanical and cold allodynia in mice. Being found throughout sensory pathways, from excitatory primary afferent neurons up to pain matrix structures, it is a promising target for analgesics. In our study, Cav3.2 was detected in ~60% of the lamina II (LII) neurons of the spinal cord, a site for integration of sensory processing. It was co-expressed with Tlx3 and Pax2, markers of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons, as well as nNOS, calretinin, calbindin, PKCγ and not parvalbumin. Non-selective T-type channel blockers slowed the inhibitory but not the excitatory transmission in LII neurons. Furthermore, T-type channel blockers modified the intrinsic properties of LII neurons, abolishing low-threshold activated currents, rebound depolarizations, and blunting excitability. The recording of Cav3.2-positive LII neurons, after intraspinal injection of AAV-DJ-Cav3.2-mcherry, showed that their intrinsic properties resembled those of the global population. However, Cav3.2 ablation in the dorsal horn of Cav3.2GFP-Flox KI mice after intraspinal injection of AAV-DJ-Cav3.2-Cre-IRES-mcherry, had drastic effects. Indeed, it (1) blunted the likelihood of transient firing patterns; (2) blunted the likelihood and the amplitude of rebound depolarizations, (3) eliminated action potential pairing, and (4) remodeled the kinetics of the action potentials. In contrast, the properties of Cav3.2-positive neurons were only marginally modified in Cav3.1 knockout mice. Overall, in addition to their previously established roles in the superficial spinal cord and in primary afferent neurons, Cav3.2 channel appear to be necessary for specific, significant and multiple controls of LII neuron excitability.
Growth Hormone Improves Nerve Regeneration, Muscle Re-innervation, and Functional Outcomes After Chronic Denervation Injury
Authors: Lopez Joseph , Quan Amy , Budihardjo Joshua , Xiang Sinan , Wang Howard , Kiron Koshy  , Cashman Christopher , Lee W. P. Andrew , Hoke Ahmet , Tuffaha Sami , Brandacher Gerald
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the efficacy of systemic growth hormone (GH) therapy in ameliorating the deleterious effects of chronic denervation (CD) injury on nerve regeneration and resulting motor function. Using a forelimb CD model, 4 groups of Lewis rats were examined (n = 8 per group): Group-1 (negative control) 8 weeks of median nerve CD followed by ulnar-to-median nerve transfer; Group-2 (experimental) 8 weeks of median nerve CD followed by ulnar-to-median nerve transfer and highly purified lyophilized pituitary porcine GH treatment (0.6 mg/day); Group-3 (positive control) immediate ulnar-to-median nerve transfer without CD; Group-4 (baseline) naïve controls. All animals underwent weekly grip strength testing and were sacrificed 14 weeks following nerve transfer for histomorphometric analysis of median nerve regeneration, flexor digitorum superficialis atrophy, and neuromuscular junction reinnervation. In comparison to untreated controls, GH-treated animals demonstrated enhanced median nerve regeneration as measured by axon density (p < 0.005), axon diameter (p < 0.0001), and myelin thickness (p < 0.0001); improved muscle re-innervation (27.9% vs 38.0% NMJs re-innervated; p < 0.02); reduced muscle atrophy (1146 ± 93.19 µm2 vs 865.2 ± 48.33 µm2; p < 0.02); and greater recovery of motor function (grip strength: p < 0.001). These findings support the hypothesis that GH-therapy enhances axonal regeneration and maintains chronically-denervated muscle to thereby promote motor re-innervation and functional recovery.
High-throughput Evaluation of Protein Migration and Localization after Laser Micro-Irradiation
Authors: Oeck Sebastian , Malewicz Nathalie M. , Krysztofiak Adam , Turchick Audrey , Jendrossek Verena , Glazer Peter M.
Published: February 2019

DNA- and histone-related research frequently comprises the quantitative analysis of protein modifications, such as histone phosphorylation. Analysis of accumulation and disappearance of protein foci are used to monitor DNA damage and repair kinetics. If the protein of interest doesn’t accumulate in foci, laser micro-irradiation of single nuclei provides an alternative method to monitor DNA repair proteins and histone dynamics at the DNA damage site. We have developed an automated evaluation tool for standardized, high-throughput analysis of micro-irradiated cells featuring single cell background subtraction and detection across multiple fluorescence channels, allowing for robust statistics.
Metabolic and lipidomic investigation of the antiproliferative effects of coronatine against human melanoma cells
Authors: Kim Hye-Youn , Jin Hanyong , Bae Jeehyeon , Choi Hyung-Kyoon
Published: February 2019

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, with metastatic melanoma being refractory to currently available conventional therapies. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of coronatine (COR) on the proliferation of metastatic melanoma cells. COR inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells but negligibly affected the proliferation of normal melanocytes. Comparative metabolic and lipidomic profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and direct infusion-mass spectrometry was performed to investigate COR-induced metabolic changes. These analyses identified 33 metabolites and 82 lipids. Of these, the levels of lactic acid and glutamic acid, which are involved in energy metabolism, significantly decreased in COR-treated melanoma cells. Lipidomic profiling indicated that ceramide levels increased in COR-treated melanoma cells, suggesting that ceramides could function as a suppressor of cancer cell proliferation. In contrast, the levels of phosphatidylinositol (PI) species, including PI 16:0/18:0, 16:0/18:1, 18:0/18:0, and 18:0/18:1, which were found to be potential biomarkers of melanoma metastasis in our previous study, were lower in the COR-treated cells than in control cells. The findings of metabolomic and lipidomic profiling performed in the present study provide new insights on the anticancer mechanisms of COR and can be used to apply COR in cancer treatment.
Maternal age alters offspring lifespan, fitness, and lifespan extension under caloric restriction
Authors: Bock Martha J. , Jarvis George C. , Corey Emily L. , Stone Emily E. , Gribble Kristin E.
Published: February 2019

Maternal age has a negative effect on offspring lifespan in a range of taxa and is hypothesized to influence the evolution of aging. However, the mechanisms of maternal age effects are unknown, and it remains unclear if maternal age alters offspring response to therapeutic interventions to aging. Here, we evaluate maternal age effects on offspring lifespan, reproduction, and the response to caloric restriction, and investigate maternal investment as a source of maternal age effects using the rotifer, Brachionus manjavacas, an aquatic invertebrate. We found that offspring lifespan and fecundity decline with increasing maternal age. Caloric restriction increases lifespan in all offspring, but the magnitude of lifespan extension is greater in the offspring from older mothers. The trade-off between reproduction and lifespan extension under low food conditions expected by life history theory is observed in young-mother offspring, but not in old-mother offspring. Age-related changes in maternal resource allocation to reproduction do not drive changes in offspring fitness or plasticity under caloric restriction in B. manjavacas. Our results suggest that the declines in reproduction in old-mother offspring negate the evolutionary fitness benefits of lifespan extension under caloric restriction.
Probing and driving of spin and charge states in double quantum dot under the quench
Authors: Maslova N. S. , Arseyev P. I. , Mantsevich V. N.
Published: February 2019

We have analyzed theoretically quenched dynamics of correlated double quantum dot (DQD) due to the switching “on” and “off” coupling to reservoirs. The possibility for controllable manipulation of charge and spin states in the double quantum dot was revealed and discussed. The proposed experimental scheme allows to prepare in DQD maximally entangled pure triplet state and to drive it to another entangled singlet state by tuning both applied bias and gate voltage. It was also demonstrated that the symmetry properties of the total system (double quantum dot coupled to electron reservoirs) allow to resolve the initially prepared two-electron states by detecting non-stationary spin-polarized currents flowing in both reservoirs and controlling the residual charge.
Intra- and interrater reliabilities and a method comparison of 2D and 3D techniques in cadavers to determine sacroiliac screw loosening
Authors: Pieroh Philipp , Lenk Maximilian , Hohmann Tim , Grunert Ronny , Wagner Daniel , Josten Christoph , Höch Andreas , Böhme Jörg
Published: February 2019

Sacroiliac (SI) screw loosening may indicate persistent instability, non-union and contribute to pain. Yet, there is no reliable objective measurement technique to detect and monitor SI screw loosening. In 9 cadaveric pelvises one of two SI screw was turned back approximately 20 mm and subsequently assessed by optical measurement, fluoroscopy and a 3D scan using an image intensifier. CTs were segmented and a contour-based registration of the 3D models and the fluoroscopies was performed to measure SI backing out (X-ray module). Three independent observers performed measurements with three repetitions. Deviation of the measurement techniques to the 3D scan, intra- and interrater reliabilities and method equivalence to the 3D scan were assessed. The X-ray module and two fluoroscopic measurement techniques yielded a difference less than 5 mm compared to the 3D scan and equivalence to the 3D scan. Intrarater reliability was for two observers and almost all techniques very good. Three fluoroscopic measurement techniques and optical measurements displayed a very good interrater reliability. The 3D scan and X-ray module yielded the most precise values for SI screw loosening but only the fluoroscopic measurement of the inlet lateral loosening displayed a good reliability and equivalence to the 3D scan.
Affiliative zygomatic synchrony in co-present strangers
Authors: Golland Yulia , Mevorach Dana , Levit-Binnun Nava
Published: February 2019

In social contexts individuals frequently act as social chameleons, synchronizing their responses with those of others. Such synchrony is believed to play an important role, promoting mutual emotional and social states. However, synchrony in facial signals, which serve as the main communicative channel between people, has not been systematically studied. To address this gap, we investigated the social spread of smiling dynamics in a naturalistic social setting and assessed its affiliative function. We also studied whether smiling synchrony between people is linked with convergence in their autonomic and emotional responses. To that aim we measured moment-by-moment changes in zygomatic electromyography and cardiovascular activity in dyads of previously unacquainted participants, who co-viewed and subsequently rated emotional movies. We found a robust, dyad-specific zygomatic synchrony in co-viewing participants. During the positive movie, such zygomatic synchrony co-varied with cardiovascular synchrony and with convergence in positive feelings. No such links were found for the negative movie. Centrally, zygomatic synchrony in both emotional contexts predicted the subsequently reported affiliative feelings of dyad members. These results demonstrate that a naturally unfolding smiling behavior is highly contagious. They further suggest that zygomatic synchrony functions as a social facilitator, eliciting affiliation towards previously unknown others.
Alternative splicing of the Izumo1 gene ensures triggering gamete fusion in mice
Authors: Saito Takako , Wada Ikuo , Inoue Naokazu
Published: February 2019

IZUMO1 is a sperm acrosomal membrane protein that is essential for mammalian fertilization through recognition of JUNO on the oocyte surface and accompanying IZUMO1-JUNO complex formation. Here, we report a new Izumo1 gene splicing variant (IZUMO1_v2) with a unique 52-amino-acid-long signal sequence transcribed from Exon 1b. Although the mRNA amount of Izumo1_v2 is 76 times lower than that of the original Izumo1 (IZUMO1_v1) in the testis, the cell-oocyte assay indicates that IZUMO1_v2-expressing COS-7 cells have the ability to attach to the oocyte equivalent of IZUMO1_v1. To clarify the physiological function of IZUMO1_v2, we produced an IZUMO1_v1-specific knockout mouse line with a nine-base deletion adjacent to the initial methionine codon of IZUMO1_v1 by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The IZUMO1_v1 knockout male mice carry 0.19-fold lower level of IZUMO1 protein in the spermatozoon; however, reduction in fertility was only minimally affected compared to the wild-type mice, suggesting that only a small fraction of IZUMO1 is sufficient for triggering sperm-egg fusion. We propose that the alternative splicing generating IZUMO1_v2 might function as a fail-safe in mouse for when splicing is disturbed.
Isothermal double-cycle catalytic system using DNAzyme and RNase H for the highly selective one-pot detection of oligonucleotides
Authors: An Ran , Kawai Hayato , Asanuma Hiroyuki , Komiyama Makoto , Liang Xingguo
Published: February 2019

With the use of a double-cycle system involving two catalytic reactions by RNase H and DNAzyme, the signal of oligoDNAs has been specifically amplified in an isothermal mode.
Solvation of Zn2+ ion in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics and X-ray absorption study
Authors: Busato Matteo , D’Angelo Paola , Melchior Andrea
Published: February 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were employed to study Zn2+ ions in [Cnmim][Tf2N] (n = 2, 4).
Flexible fiber-based optoelectronics for neural interfaces
Authors: Park Seongjun , Loke Gabriel , Fink Yoel , Anikeeva Polina
Published: February 2019

Thermally drawn multimaterial fibers were leveraged as multifunctional optoelectronic probes of neural activity and development.
Fluorinated multi-walled carbon nanotubes as cathode materials of lithium and sodium primary batteries: effect of graphitization of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Yanyan , Wu Xiaozhong , Liu Chao , Wang Shuo , Zhou Pengfei , Zhou Tong , Miao Zhichao , Xing Wei , Zhuo Shuping , Zhou Jin
Published: February 2019

Fluorinated multi-walled carbon nanotubes are prepared and used as cathode materials for fabricating lithium and sodium primary batteries.
Reversible morphological tuning of DNA–perylenebisdiimide assemblies through host–guest interaction
Authors: Du Ting , Yuan Wei , Zhao Zhiyong , Liu Simin
Published: February 2019

A new supramolecular host–guest strategy is developed to reversibly control the morphology of DNA–perylenebisdiimide assemblies in aqueous solution.
Spin density transfer from guest to host in endohedral heterofullerene dimers
Authors: Vinit Vinit , Ramachandran C. N.
Published: February 2019

The endohedral heterofullerenes (B@C59B)2, (B@C59N)2, (N@C59B)2 and (B@C59N–N@C59B) are investigated using dispersion corrected density functional theory.
Gas-phase synthesis of morphology-controlled Pt nanoparticles and their impact on cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation
Authors: Kato Sosuke , Ohyama Junya , Machida Masato , Satsuma Atsushi
Published: February 2019

Pt nanoparticles of which morphology is controlled by gas-phase synthesis using carbon monoxide as a protective agent show high catalytic activity and selectivity for cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation.
Er3+-Activated NaLaMgWO6 double perovskite phosphors and their bifunctional application in solid-state lighting and non-contact optical thermometry
Authors: Ran Weiguang , Noh Hyeon Mi , Park Sung Heum , Lee Bo Ram , Kim Jung Hwan , Jeong Jung Hyun , Shi Jinsheng
Published: February 2019

High intensity and high sensitivity properties indicate that NaLaMgWO6:Er3+ phosphors have great potential for use in solid-state lighting and optical temperature sensors.
Synthesis of nanostructured catalysts by surfactant-templating of large-pore zeolites
Authors: Al-Ani Aqeel , Haslam Josiah J. C. , Mordvinova Natalie E. , Lebedev Oleg I. , Vicente Aurélie , Fernandez Christian , Zholobenko Vladimir
Published: February 2019

Zeolites and related crystalline molecular sieves are utilised in a wide range of reactions and processes due to their regular microporous structure, strong acidity, shape selectivity and ion-exchange properties.
Few layer covalent organic frameworks with graphene sheets as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Zhaolei , Li Yongjun , Liu Pengju , Qi Qiaoyan , Zhang Fang , Lu Guolin , Zhao Xin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2019

Few layer COFs was incorporated with rGO to provide composite cathode materials with improved energy storage capability.
Sn2B7O12F with a 2∞[B14O24]6− layer constructed from the unprecedented [B7O16]11− fundamental building block
Authors: Lu Zixiu , Zhang Fangfang , Tudi Abudukadi , Zhang Zhizhong , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: February 2019

A new tin borate fluoride Sn2B7O12F features a complicated 3D network composed of the unique [B7O16]11− FBBs and [Sn4O12F2]18− clusters.
Dehydrogenation of formic acid using molecular Rh and Ir catalysts immobilized on bipyridine-based covalent triazine frameworks
Authors: Gunasekar Gunniya Hariyanandam , Kim Honggon , Yoon Sungho
Published: February 2019

The catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid into H2/CO2 has been demonstrated using heterogenized CTF-based Rh and Ir catalysts.
Non-dependence of dodecamer structures on alkyl chain length in Platonic micelles
Authors: Araki Masataka , Fujii Shota , Lee Ji Ha , Takahashi Rintaro , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: February 2019

The monodisperse micellar aggregation number remains constant at 12 when increasing the alkyl chain length from C4 to C6, which is unique behaviour of Platonic micelles.
Prussian blue analog-derived 2D ultrathin CoFe2O4 nanosheets as high-activity electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline and neutral media
Authors: Fang Hengyi , Huang Taizhong , Liang Dong , Qiu Ming , Sun Yue , Yao Shuo , Yu Jiemei , Dinesh M. Mayilvel , Guo Zhongqin , Xia Ying , Mao Shun
Published: February 2019

Oxygen vacancies on CoFe2O4 NSs and lattice oxygens that participate in the reaction deliver a high current density and low overpotential for the OER.
Achieving 14.11% efficiency of ternary polymer solar cells by simultaneously optimizing photon harvesting and exciton distribution
Authors: Ma Xiaoling , Luo Mei , Gao Wei , Yuan Jun , An Qiaoshi , Zhang Miao , Hu Zhenghao , Gao Jinhua , Wang Jianxiao , Zou Yingping , Yang Chuluo , Zhang Fujun
Published: February 2019

The exciton distribution can be optimized by employing ternary strategy, which well supports the performance improvement of ternary PSCs.
Ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets meet upconverting nanoparticles: in situ near-infrared triggered molecular switching
Authors: Wang Jia-Ying , Chen Chen , He Chang , Zheng Zi-Yue , Wang Cong , Hong Dan-Li , He Xiao-Tong , Luo Yang-Hui , Sun Bai-Wang
Published: February 2019

The synergistic effects between ultrathin 2D nanosheets and lanthanide-doped UCNPs result in reversible molecular-switching triggered by altering NIR and thermal stimuli.
The Sequential Unfolding of First Phase Syntax: Tutorial and Applications to Development
Authors: Rispoli Matthew
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This tutorial is an introduction to first phase syntax (FPS;Ramchand, 2008). FPS provides a new, cross-linguistically motivated perspective on clause internal structure. A new sequence of syntactic development is proposed based on FPS with 4 levels of complexity: (0) verb particles and adjectives in the 1-word stage, (1) semantic relations of entity + location/attribution, (2) intransitive structures encoding change of location/state, and (3) transitive sentences with an internal argument that changes state/location and an external, causer argument. A novel prediction of this framework is that a Level 2 structure emerges earlier than a Level 3 structure.

Method

Archival longitudinal data of 15 children (8 boys) were selected to test the proposed developmental sequence. The 15 children's data were drawn from the DeKalb corpora (Rispoli, Hadley, & Holt, 2008,2009) and Champaign corpora (Hadley, Rispoli, Holt, Fitzgerald, & Bahnsen, 2014), selected because their mean lengths of utterance did not exceed 2.54 at age 2;6 (years;months). One-hour language samples taken every 3 months from 1;9 to 2;6 were searched for Level 1–3 structures. The diversity of the internal argument was tracked across levels.

Results

Average argument diversity shifted across levels over the period of 1;9–2;6. At 2;0, argument diversity was highest for Level 1; at 2;3, diversity was highest for Level 2; and at 2;6, it was highest for Level 3. Paired-samplesttest revealed that, at 2;3, argument diversity in Level 2 was significantly higher than that in Level 3.

Conclusion

This developmental application of FPS provides a theoretical framework for a developmentally ordered sequence of syntactic goals and treatment targets for children struggling with the acquisition of syntax.
Implementation of the pulse rhythmic rate for the efficient diagnosing of the heartbeat
Authors: Kumar Visvam Devadoss Ambeth , Subramanian Malathi , Gopalakrishnan Gokul , Vengatesan Krishnasamy , Elangovan Durai , Chitra Balakrishnan
Published: February 2019

The mortality rate has risen due to the increase in number of cardiac patients in recent times due to the lack of unawareness of the symptoms. This work mainly aims to detect the anomalies of the rhythmic conditions of the pulse derived from the electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern based on correlation and the method of mapping. As this device is a programmable one and a real‐time application wearable system on the wrist which is physically connected to the veins, it continuously monitors the photoplethysmography (PPG) pattern based on certain parameters and rhythmic conditions, it ensures whether the patient is under the safe condition or not. The salient features of PPG waveform are extracted with respect to various abnormal categories of ECG beats subdivided into various time durations of one, two and three. The PPG pattern using various feature extraction and the correlation transforms with the signal processing application. The extracted features help to find the skipped beat with irregularities of the rhythm will activate the emergency condition protocol in the device. The location of the patient with a critical condition is sent to the nearest health centre. This innovation is a portable one and a user‐friendly application which can save many lives in the society.
Two‐stage BFGS‐based hybrid precoding for mmWave multiuser MIMO systems
Authors: Dong Fuwang , Wang Wei , Qi Biqing , Wang Ben
Published: February 2019

Millimetre wave (mmWave) communications are the most promising candidate for the future fifth‐generation mobile broadband networks, which offer greater available spectrum than current cellular. However, the huge path loss and rain attenuation due to the characteristic of the mmWave channel make it difficult to realise. Thanks to the small wavelength of mmWave signals, massive multi‐input‐multi‐output (MIMO) systems can be leveraged to overcome the path loss. Unfortunately, in contrast to conventional MIMO systems, high‐power consumption and hardware cost make fully digital precoding impractical. In this study, the authors study the hybrid precoding structure for multiuser mmWave systems, which compromises the cost and performance. First, an extension algorithm from single user systems, which directly decomposes the optimal fully digital precoder into a baseband precoder and an analogue radio‐frequency (RF) precoder, is introduced according to the recent work. Then, the drawback of this kind of algorithm is analysed at high signal‐to‐noise ratios. Subsequently, a two‐stage hybrid precoding algorithm, which is based on the minimum mean‐squared error criterion is proposed, where the modified Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) algorithm is presented to reduce the reconstruction error of computing the analogue RF precoder. Simulation results show that the proposed precoding algorithm can significantly improve the performance of the system sum‐rate.
Synthesis of hexagonal‐like ZnO/Ag composite with excellent photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Ming Hua , Cai Hong Lan , Guo Zhen Liang , Qiao Qing An , Ren Shu Hua , Zhu Dong Dong , Xue Zhong Xin
Published: February 2019

Hexagonal‐like zinc oxide (ZnO)/silver (Ag) composite was successfully synthesised by a flux/solvothermal route, and Ag nanoparticles are loaded on ZnO. Compared with pure ZnO, the attachment of Ag on ZnO can significantly increase visible‐light absorption and reduce photoluminescence emission intensity. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO/Ag composite was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B solution under ultraviolet (UV) light and visible light irradiation. The degradation rate of ZnO/Ag composite is obviously improved compared with pure ZnO and the commercial TiO2 (P25) and is more than 2.5 and 2.9 times faster than that of pure ZnO under the UV and visible light irradiation, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO/Ag composite under UV irradiation was ascribed to the formation of Schottky barriers between Ag particles and ZnO. However, the superior photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation could be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance of Ag particles.
Revisiting long-standing puzzles of the Milky Way: the Sun and its vicinity as typical outer disk chemical evolution
Authors: Haywood M. , Snaith O. , Lehnert M. D. , Di Matteo P. , Khoperskov S.
Published: February 2019

We present a scenario of the chemical enrichment of the solar neighborhood that solves the G-dwarf problem by taking into account constraints on a larger scale. We argue that the Milky Way disk within 10 kpc has been enriched to solar metallicity by a massive stellar population: the thick disk, which itself formed from a massive turbulent gaseous disk. While the inner disk, R ≲ 6 kpc, continued this enrichment after a quenching phase (7−10 Gyr), at larger distances radial flows of gas diluted the metals left by the thick disk formation at a time we estimate to be 7−8 Gyr ago, thus partitioning the disk into an inner and outer region characterized by different chemical evolutions. The key new consideration is that the pre-enrichment provided by the thick disk is not related to the mass fraction of this stellar population at the solar radius, as is classically assumed in inside-out scenarios, but is actually related to the formation of the entire massive thick disk, due to the vigorous gas phase mixing that occurred during its formation. Hence, the fact that this population represents only 15−25% of the local stellar surface density today, or 5−10% of the local volume density, is irrelevant for “solving” the G-dwarf problem. The only condition for this scenario to work is that the thick disk was formed from a turbulent gaseous disk that permitted a homogeneous – not radially dependent – distribution of metals, allowing the solar ring to be enriched to solar metallicity. At the solar radius, the gas flowing from the outer disk combined with the solar metallicity gas left over from thick disk formation, providing the fuel necessary to form the thin disk at the correct metallicity to solve the G-dwarf problem. Chemical evolution at R >  6 kpc, and in particular beyond the solar radius, can be reproduced with the same scheme. We suggest that the dilution, occurring at the fringe of the thick disk, was possibly triggered by the formation of the bar and the establishment of the outer Lindblad resonance (OLR), enabling the inflow of metal poorer gas from the outer disk to R ∼ 6 kpc, presumably the position of the OLR at this epoch, and at the same time isolating the inner disk from external influence. These results imply that the local metallicity distribution is not connected to the gas accretion history of the Milky Way. Finally, we argue that the Sun is the result of the evolution typical of stars in the disk beyond ∼6 kpc (i.e., also undergoing dilution), and has none of the characteristics of inner disk stars.
Efficacy and feasibility of G-POEM in management of patients with refractory gastroparesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aghaie Meybodi Mohamad , Qumseya Bashar , Shakoor Delaram , Lobner Katie , Vosoughi Kia , Ichkhanian Yervant , Khashab Mouen
Published: February 2019

Background and aim Clinical management of patients with gastroparesis is challenging. Prior pyloric targeted procedures are either invasive or have questionable long-term efficacy. Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) has been recently introduced as a minimally invasive approach. In this review, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this technique in the management of patients with refractory gastroparesis.

Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant studies published through May 2018. Weighted pool rates (WPR) of the clinical resolution were calculated. Pooled values of Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) before and after the procedure were compared. Pooled difference in means comparing gastric emptying before and after the procedure was calculated. Fixed or random effect model was used according to the level of heterogeneity.

Results Seven studies with 196 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The mean value of procedure duration was 69.7 (95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]: 39 – 99 minutes) and average estimate of hospital stay was 1.96 (95 % CI: 1.22 – 2.95) days. The WPR for clinical success was 82 % (95 % CI: 74 % – 87 %, I2 = 0). Compared with pre-procedure GCSI values, mean values of GCSI were reduced significantly at 5 days (–1.57 (95 % CI:–2.2,-0.9), I2 = 80 %) (P < 0.001). Mean values of gastric emptying were significantly decreased 2 – 3 months after the procedure (–22.3 (95 %CI: –32.9, – 11.6), I2 = 67 %) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Due to the high rate of clinical success and low rate of adverse events, G-POEM should be considered in management of refractory gastroparesis.
Implementation of an ERAS Pathway in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Bordeianou Liliana , Cavallaro Paul
Published: February 2019

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been demonstrated to improve hospital length of stay and outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. This article presents the specific components of an ERAS protocol implemented at the authors' institution. In particular, details of both surgical and anesthetic ERAS pathways are provided with explanation of all aspects of preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care. Evidence supporting inclusion of various aspects within the ERAS protocol is briefly reviewed. The ERAS protocol described has significantly benefitted postoperative outcomes in colorectal patients and can be employed at other institutions wishing to develop an ERAS pathway for colorectal patients. A checklist is provided for clinicians to easily reference and facilitate implementation of a standardized protocol.
Perioperative Fluid Management in the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Pathway
Authors: Zhu Alyssa , Bao Xiaodong , Agarwala Aalok
Published: February 2019

Fluid management is an essential component of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathway. Optimal management begins in the preoperative period and continues through the intraoperative and postoperative phases. In this review, we outline current evidence-based practices for fluid management through each phase of the perioperative period. Preoperatively, patients should be encouraged to hydrate until 2 hours prior to the induction of anesthesia with a carbohydrate-containing clear liquid. When mechanical bowel preparation is necessary, with modern isoosmotic solutions, fluid repletion is not necessary. Intraoperatively, fluid therapy should aim to maintain euvolemia with an individualized approach. While some patients may benefit from goal-directed fluid therapy, a restrictive, zero-balance approach to intraoperative fluid management may be reasonable. Postoperatively, early initiation of oral intake and cessation of intravenous therapy are recommended.
Retrosigmoid Craniotomy for Cerebellopontine Epidermoid Cyst
Authors: Höhne Julius , Brawanski Alexander , Schebesch Karl-Michael
Published: February 2019

Epidermoid cysts are benign lesions. The goal of this surgery is complete removal while preserving cranial nerves. Here, we illustrate the case of a 31-year-old male who presented with persistent headache following a short period of impaired consciousness. Imaging revealed a mass at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) which at surgery proved to be an epidermoid cyst. In this video, we present the key steps of surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was symptom-free at the 3 months of follow-up.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/0xwpkKwQoLI.
Staged Approach for Petroclival Meningioma Resection
Authors: Klironomos Georgios , Chiluwal Amrit , Dehdashti Amir Reza
Published: February 2019

Introduction Petroclival meningiomas represent very uncommon and challenging tumors. Surgical morbidity is high due to the difficult and complex approaches to this area. In the present video presentation, we demonstrate a staged-approach surgical resection for petroclival meningioma.

Patient and Methods A 47-year- old female was incidentally diagnosed with right sizable petroclival meningioma (Fig. 1). The decision to proceed with a staged approach was made based on size and extension of the tumor to both the middle and posterior fossa. At the first stage we performed a right anterior petrosectomy with the patient in the supine position and the head turned 45 degrees to the left. Residual tumor was left behind along its inferior pole. At the second stage, 2 weeks after the 1st surgery, a right retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed with the patient placed on left park-bench position and the residual tumor was removed. The patient tolerated both stages very well without significant neurological deficits except a transient diplopia after the first stge. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed gross total resection of the tumor.

Conclusion Staged approach for petroclival meningiomas represents a safe and effective surgical management, tolerable for the patient and more comfortable for the neurosurgeon.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/QJJchjAwD5c.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Neonatal Outcomes when a Nuchal Cord Is Present at Delivery
Authors: Carter Ebony B. , Chu Cheryl S. , Thompson Zach , Tuuli Methodius G. , Macones George A. , Cahill Alison G.
Published: February 2019

Objective This study aimed to determine the association between nuchal cord, electronic fetal monitoring parameters, and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Study Design This was a prospective cohort study of 8,580 singleton pregnancies. Electronic fetal monitoring was interpreted, and patients with a nuchal cord at delivery were compared with those without. The primary outcome was a composite neonatal morbidity index. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders.

Result Of 8,580 patients, 2,071 (24.14%) had a nuchal cord. There was no difference in the risk of neonatal composite morbidity in patients with or without a nuchal cord (8.69 vs. 8.86%; p = 0.81). Nuchal cord was associated with category II fetal heart tracing and operative vaginal delivery (OVD) (6.4 vs. 4.3%; p < 0.01).

Conclusion Nuchal cord is associated with category II electronic fetal monitoring parameters, which may drive increased rates of OVD. However, there is no significant association with neonatal morbidity.
A steady-state thermoreflectance method to measure thermal conductivity
Authors: Braun Jeffrey L. , Olson David H. , Gaskins John T. , Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate a steady-state thermoreflectance-based optical pump-probe technique to measure the thermal conductivity of materials using a continuous wave laser heat source. The technique works in principle by inducing a steady-state temperature rise in a material via long enough exposure to heating from a pump laser. A probe beam is then used to detect the resulting change in reflectance, which is proportional to the change in temperature at the sample surface. Increasing the power of the pump beam to induce larger temperature rises, Fourier’s law is used to determine the thermal conductivity. We show that this technique is capable of measuring the thermal conductivity of a wide array of materials having thermal conductivities ranging from 1 to >2000 W m−1 K−1, in excellent agreement with literature values.
Impact of thermal transport parameters on the operating temperature of organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Krikun G. , Zojer K.
Published: February 2019

Excess heat in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) that is produced during their operation may accelerate their degradation and may cause an inhomogeneous brightness distribution, in particular in large area OLEDs. Assessing the quantitative impact of heat excess is difficult, because all decisive processes related to charge transport and emission via charge recombination are thermally activated. For example, electric currents that are elevated due to larger temperatures cause additional Joule heating and, hence, increase the device temperature even further. Here, we establish how parameters responsible for heat transport, i.e., the thermal conductivity of the organic layers and the heat transfer coefficient between the device surface and the environment, govern the temperature inside the OLED. Relying on three-dimensional drift-diffusion simulations that self-consistently couple thermally-activated charge transport and heat transport, we establish that the thermal conductivity of organic layers is not a bottleneck for heat transport, because the encountered layer thicknesses in realistic device geometries prevent heat accumulation. The heat transfer to the ambient environment is the key parameter to dissipate excess heat from the device. Intentionally elevated operating temperatures, which may improve the OLEDs’ electric performance, are not necessarily beneficial, as any increase in operating temperature reduces the device stability. The thermal effects, being decisive for the OLED temperature, occur in device layers beyond the electrically active region. We propose analytical expressions that relate the temperature in the device for a given point of operation to the heat transfer to the environment and the substrate.
Pressure response of the THz spectrum of bulk liquid water revealed by intermolecular instantaneous normal mode analysis
Authors: Imoto Sho , Marx Dominik
Published: February 2019

The radial distribution functions of liquid water are known to change significantly their shape upon hydrostatic compression from ambient conditions deep into the kbar pressure regime. It has been shown that despite their eye-catching changes, the fundamental locally tetrahedral fourfold H-bonding pattern that characterizes ambient water is preserved up to about 10 kbar (1 GPa), which is the stability limit of liquid water at 300 K. The observed increase in coordination number comes from pushing water molecules into the first coordination sphere without establishing an H-bond, resulting in roughly two such additional interstitial molecules at 10 kbar. THz spectroscopy has been firmly established as a powerful experimental technique to analyze H-bonding in aqueous solutions given that it directly probes the far-infrared lineshape and thus the prominent H-bond network mode around 180 cm−1. We, therefore, set out to assess pressure effects on the THz response of liquid water at 10 kbar in comparison to the 1 bar (0.1 MPa) reference, both at 300 K, with the aim to trace back the related lineshape changes to the structural level. To this end, we employ the instantaneous normal mode approximation to rigorously separate the H-bonding peak from the large background arising from the pronounced librational tail. By exactly decomposing the total molecular dynamics into hindered translations, hindered rotations, and intramolecular vibrations, we find that the H-bonding peak arises from translation–translation and translation–rotation correlations, which are successively decomposed down to the level of distinct local H-bond environments. Our utmost detailed analysis based on molecular pair classifications unveils that H-bonded double-donor water pairs contribute most to the THz response around 180 cm−1, whereas interstitial waters are negligible. Moreover, short double-donor H-bonds have their peak maximum significantly shifted toward higher frequencies with respect to such long H-bonds. In conjunction with an increasing relative population of these short H-bonds versus the long ones (while the population of other water pair classes is essentially pressure insensitive), this explains not only the blue-shift of the H-bonding peak by about 20–30 cm−1 in total from 1 bar to 10 kbar but also the filling of the shallow local minimum of the THz lineshape located in between the network peak and the red-wing of the librational band at 1 bar. Based on the changing populations as a function of pressure, we are also able to roughly estimate the pressure-dependence of the H-bond network mode and find that its pressure response and thus the blue-shifting are most pronounced at low kbar pressures.
Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in archaeal phylum Verstraetearchaeota reveals the shared ancestry of all methanogens
Authors: Berghuis Bojk A. , Yu Feiqiao Brian , Schulz Frederik , Blainey Paul C. , Woyke Tanja , Quake Stephen R.
Published: February 2019

Methanogenic archaea are major contributors to the global carbon cycle and were long thought to belong exclusively to the euryarchaeal phylum. Discovery of the methanogenesis gene cluster methyl-coenzyme M reductase (Mcr) in the Bathyarchaeota, and thereafter the Verstraetearchaeota, led to a paradigm shift, pushing back the evolutionary origin of methanogenesis to predate that of the Euryarchaeota. The methylotrophic methanogenesis found in the non-Euryarchaota distinguished itself from the predominantly hydrogenotrophic methanogens found in euryarchaeal orders as the former do not couple methanogenesis to carbon fixation through the reductive acetyl-CoA [Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP)], which was interpreted as evidence for independent evolution of the two methanogenesis pathways. Here, we report the discovery of a complete and divergent hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis pathway in a thermophilic order of the Verstraetearchaeota, which we have named Candidatus Methanohydrogenales, as well as the presence of the WLP in the crenarchaeal order Desulfurococcales. Our findings support the ancient origin of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, suggest that methylotrophic methanogenesis might be a later adaptation of specific orders, and provide insight into how the transition from hydrogenotrophic to methylotrophic methanogenesis might have occurred.
Crossing over
Authors: Hernández Anita , Bonscher Sylvia , Recio Patricia , Esquivel Johanna , Hererra Melissa
Published: February 2019

This study analyzes a professional development intervention for preservice teachers that integrates language-acquisition strategies and academic content. The intervention is based on the Guided Language Acquisition Design (Project GLAD) and an elementary school’s science curriculum (FOSS), which included elements of effective professional development: active learning, models of effective practice, a focus on content, job-embeddedness, and reflection.

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Bilingual Education-certified preservice teachers found that scaffolding context-reduced and cognitively-demanding lessons were foundational for content and language learning. Helping to plan lessons, creating lesson materials, and implementing them with third-grade dual-language students were key to the preservice teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge of integrating language and content. This study illustrates how situated learning experiences are beneficial for preservice teachers to orchestrate effective integration of language and content instruction for students in dual-language classrooms.
Temporal connectives and verbal tenses as processing instructions
Authors: Grisot Cristina , Blochowiak Joanna
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we aim to enhance our understanding about the processing of implicit and explicit temporal chronological relations by investigating the roles of temporal connectives and verbal tenses, separately and in interaction. In particular, we investigate how two temporal connectives (ensuiteandpuis, both meaning ‘then’) and two verbal tenses expressing past time (the simple and compound past) act as processing instructions for chronological relations in French. Theoretical studies have suggested that the simple past encodes the instruction to relate events sequentially, unlike the more flexible compound past, which does not. Using an online experiment with a self-paced reading task, we show that these temporal connectives facilitate the processing of chronological relations when they are expressed with both verbal tenses, and that no significant difference is found between the two verbal tenses, nor between the two connectives. By means of an offline experiment with an evaluation task, we find, contrary to previous studies, that comprehenders prefer chronological relations to be overtly marked rather than implicitly expressed, and prefer to use the connectivepuisin particular. Furthermore, comprehenders prefer it when these relations are expressed using the compound past, rather than the simple past. Instead of using thecontinuityhypothesis (Segal et al. 1991,Murray 1997) to explain the processing of temporal relations, we conclude that a more accurate explanation considers a cluster of factors including linguistic knowledge (connectives, tenses, grammatical and lexical aspect) and world knowledge.